Tag: fragrance

Roses… Are All That

Happy First Day of Spring! While I may have a little spring in my step and fresh tulips on my counter, I always turned my nose up at anything rose. While I maybe have warmed to a select few fragrances with rose notes, I never really fell for anything “rose” by name. Leave it to the beauty department at Neiman Marcus to change my tune.

First, AERIN Beauty Rose de Grasse Parfum – something I certainly didn’t expect to fall for. I never am drawn to ultra-feminine and floral scents. But all that has changed because, first, the roses themselves are special – Rose Centifolia are hand-picked in Grasse, France. Second, the rose is layered with one of my most favorite notes, a warm amber. Lastly, there is a aqua clarity that lends to a cleaner and less cloying rose. Who knew I’d discover a rose-based fragrance as my spring scent?

Filed under “not surprising at all”: I love face oils. My skin loves face oils. But I have never been drawn to one with rose. Chantecaille Rose de Mai Face Oil changed my perspective. Packed with hydration like other face oils, this version is unusually lightweight but still nourishing. I love it under makeup for an added glow. My skin stays supple and dewy for the full day. And the best news is that long-term use will strengthen skin and boost metabolism to fight wrinkles.

Also something really fabulous is going on at Neiman Marcus this month and you don’t want to miss it:

Six remarkable women will become the Faces of Beauty featured in Neiman Marcus’s Fall 2015 Beauty Event campaign

Neiman Marcus is hosting a Facebook contest to find the Fall season’s Faces of Beauty. To enter, state why the nominee is beautiful from the inside out and how she is making some noise in her world, and upload a photo on the online form here.

THE PRIZE
· Round-trip airfare to Dallas, Texas
· Luxury hotel accommodations
· A celebratory dinner with Neiman Marcus Executives
· Hair styling, makeup application, and a private fitting with a Neiman Marcus stylist
· A photo and video shoot at one of the Neiman Marcus stores
· A luncheon at a Neiman Marcus restaurants
· $1,500 in cosmetics and fragrances to take home

Hurry! Nominations close on March 24, 2015 at 11:59 p.m. CST.

image here

Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program. I consult for Neiman Marcus which is affiliated with the Neiman Marcus Group, but as always, opinions are my own.

New Luxe Winter Fragrances

I’d say my signature fragrance over the past couple years has solidly been NEST Midnight Fleur – and I still continue to love it. But two new fragrances crossed my desk recently that might just move into the prime spot this winter. Those two are Bottega Veneta Knot Eau de Parfum and Estee Lauder Modern Muse Chic Eau de Parfum.

I have always lusted over Bottega Veneta handbags (especially their iconic “knot” clutch), clothes and shoes so it isn’t a surprise that their fragrance is right up my alley. I read recently that the makers noted “fresh linens” and the Italian coastline as notes, and I knew I’d be sold.

Other layers include mandarin, neroli, lavendar, cedarwood, tonka bean and musk. While there are some heavier, masculine notes in the fragrance, this skews on me more fresh and clean. I’m guessing this will lend perfectly to the warmer months.

A close second is surprisingly Estee Lauder Modern Muse Chic Eau de Parfum. I have never fallen hard for Estee Lauder scents, but this one matches their signature florals with “ebony woods” which you might know is a major selling point for me. Even though I’d say this fragrance is largely jasmine, tuberose and lilies, I am still drawn to its sophisticated femininity.

Have you tried either of these? Let me know in the comments! Both available at Neiman Marcus.

Robin McGraw Georgia Eau de Parfum

I have to admit, I didn’t really know who Robin McGraw was (I googled it – Dr. Phil’s wife). But I did know one thing – I really liked this fragrance. Appears I am not alone, because it is currently sold out on HSN. I meant to tell you about the launch earlier this week, but my blog break threw me off (sorry about that).

Robin appears frequently on Dr. Phil’s show. And has written tons of books. So needless to say, she has charisma. Her first fragrance is inspired by her mother and womanliness. Her classic notes include bergamot, freesia and water lotus. Orchid, rose and tea come out next. And my favorite: amber, patchouli and musk round out the wildly appealing scent.

Like other fragrances, this one has the most staying power with layering. I don’t get a ton of scent out of the body wash. But I love the creamy body lotion. And the hand lotion is super hydrating without an overpowering scent – love that for the office.

Get on the wait-list here so when Georgia does come back in stock, you can be the first on snag one.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

Byredo Gypsy Water

Looking for a fall fragrance that is sophisticated and subtle but still cozy and romantic? Don’t miss Byredo Gypsy Water. I have been swooning over the brand since first discovering Byredo here and still cherish the travel size. But this newest addition to my collection is not only full-sized but earthy and sultry – perfect without being over the top.

This Swedish fragrance-maker was inspired by the myths surrounding the Romany lifestyle – something I myself have always been a little fascinated by. Fresh soil, forests and campfires will come to mind. And while I am not a champion outdoors-man, I do love the connotation of crisp fall weather in my scents this time of year.

Top notes include bergamot, lemon, pepper and juniper berries but the last thing I find is anything terribly floral. At first sniff, I get quite a bit of lemon which is delightful first thing in the AM. The incense and pine needles come through next on me. And the finish dries down to the gourmand I love with vanilla and amber.

Some fall and winter scents can be cloying and heavy. This one is light and confident but still cozy and warm. Byredo once again delivers the ultimate in luxury.

Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy Gold Couture Eau de Parfum and GIVEAWAY

As always, I am going to be perfectly honest. Before checking out the newest fragrance from Juicy Couture, I couldn’t help but cringe at the memories of my velour track suits circa 1999. Oh but how things have changed. I tested out this scent at a big event at the beginning of September and was flooded with compliments. Our little Juicy is all grown up.

Viva la Juicy Gold Couture is surprisingly sophisticated but still has that gourmand vanilla and caramel that I love. I don’t think I’ll ever get away from loving those cozy and warm scents. Naturally, I have my favorite amber in there too. It is all balanced with honeysuckle and berries. So take a trip back to your college days with me and go Juicy – trust me… the throwback is all worth it.

Want to roll the dice? Your chance to win a full-size bottle is right here. Just enter using the widget below to win your own bottle of Viva la Juicy Gold Couture Fragrance for yourself. Good luck! (US Only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A little fashion note: Probably my top online shopping destination, Shopbop, has a fabulous brother site if you haven’t checked it out. East Dane is celebrating their 1 year anniversary tomorrow. So pop on over and pick up some goodies for your man (or yourself – I’ve been known to pick up a shirt or two from there). They are also hosting a 1-Year Anniversary Sweepstakes on their Instagram page – just look for the #1BigYear hashtag.

Strange Invisible Perfumes

I’m having a moment. I get them every now and then. Thanks to my eight years living in California, occasionally the West Coast just calls my name. Unfortunately, I can’t jet away right this moment – or anytime soon. So my new favorite brand from Venice, CA is whisking me away in the beauty department.

Strange Invisible Perfumes was founded in 2000 by botanical perfumer Alexandra Balahoutis with a passion for authentic, organic, biodynamic and hydro-distilled essences. These hand-blended scents are made in limited batches and distilled in esprit de Cognac and aged for a minimum of six months. That translates into “fancy” in Californian.

But not only luxurious, these fragrances are unique and sexy. The twelve scents are:

AQUARIAN ROSE: Hydro-distilled rose brightens a warm sea of marjoram and sandalwood.
ATLANTIC: A warm, layered composition of bay rum, frankincense and amber with a civilized note of English peppermint.
BLACK ROSETTE: The dark side of roses. Hydro-distilled essences of rose and Moroccan spearmint cling to the menacing aroma of leather.
DIMANCHE: Iris root, hydro-distilled rose, honey and amber recollect leisurely Sunday lunches in Paris.
EPIC GARDENIA: The humid, velvety scent of live gardenias.
FAIR VERONA: Jasmine blooms sparkle with hydro-distillates of bergamot, grapefruit, sandalwood and mimosa absolute.
L’INVISIBLE: Hydro-distilled essences of lemon, bergamot and mandarin enliven a warm heart of vanilla, rose, ylang ylang, jasmine and oakmoss.
MAGAZINE STREET: An opulent perfume inspired by New Orleans. Vanilla, vetiver, magnolia and botanical musk conjure lush gardens wild with history and balconies of black iron lace.
MUSC BOTANIQUE: Organic, hydro-distilled geranium and frankincense enhance crystalline notes of white amber and botanical musk.
PELOPONNESIAN: Notes of mountain sage honey, Aegean sea air, hydro-distilled lime, orange and cypress evoke the ancient aromas of the Peloponnesos in southern Greece.
PRIMA BALLERINA: A satiny bouquet of hydro-distilled rose, white sage, lime and botanical musk.

Even though it is fairly masculine, I have fallen hard for Atlantic. I love it for sporty summer days and it will work perfectly on cozy winter weather. Don’t miss their body products as well. I have been totally hooked on the lavender & vetiver to unwind during and after my evening shower. And they just came out with their first 15ml travel size. So if you are lucky enough to jet away (I’ll live vicariously through you) and pick one of these up!

Available at SIperfumes.com.