Tag: fragrance

Current Sniffs: Favorite Fragrances Right Now

Just in time for that little holiday on Thursday, I thought I’d round up some favorite fragrances that have crossed my desk lately.

Tom Ford Black Orchid: One of Tom Ford’s classic scents, this dark and sensual fragrance is just spicy enough. There is a layer of deliciousness with Black Currant, Black Truffle and fruit. Lotus Wood, Patchouli, Incense and Vetiver play prominently. And I love the creamy vanilla as it dries down.

Ivanka Trump Eau de Parfum: I was surprised to fall for this one. But lately, celebrity-created fragrances have been capturing my heart more than I expected. Inspired by grace and beauty, Ivanka developed a very wearable scent that features both sophisticated and playful notes. Italian Bergamot, Apple, Pineapple and Pink Peppercorn set up a playful top note experience. But Rose, Amber, Vanilla and Patchouli round out with a seductive, warm and sophisticated end.

Valentino Valentina Assoluto Eau de Parfum: Already hooked on the original Valentina, no surprise I love the newer, more intense iteration. Absoluto has the freshness with bergamot and peach, but with the fervor of Italian floral Chypre. Jasmine and tuberose are calmed with vanilla. This is such a great spring-time scent with the giddiness of fruit but sweetness of white florals and vanilla.

Nest Midnight Fleur Eau De Parfum

First, I was bitten by the Passiflora bug. Check out the review here. But I just couldn’t resist trying out another NEST Fine Fragrance and word on the street was Midnight Fleur was right up my alley.

Exotic woods, patchouli, black amber and night-blooming jasmine couldn’t be more my kind of scent. While I recognize and love these notes, the fragrance blends into something very unique. It is warm, sensual and slightly masculine. But it isn’t heavy or herbal. I love the dichotomy of Passiflora and Midnight Fleur – both unique but one very green and one very amber. Amazon Lily is also a winner with notes of Amazon Lilies, tangerine, lime, driftwood, and white musk. I have only sampled it, but it seems very feminine and fresh.

The body cream is hydrating and works great for layering the fragrance. I’ve found that this scent lasts through the day, but performs even better when layered over body cream. I love the way the two products look together displayed on the vanity. The bottles are a treat on their own with artwork inspired by 18th Century artist Mrs. Delany. And the artwork even inspired the scent: the company worked with master perfumers to compose complex and exquisite fine fragrances that best represent Mrs. Delany’s unique and meticulous artwork. And the matte black bottle looks so sleek, it deserves to be displayed.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE WAS 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.

Burberry Body

For the past week, I have been test-driving Burberry Body. After playing around with unconventional grassy and herbal scents, I wanted to try something uber-feminine. Burberry body is incredibly sensual and exotic. Luxe notes include green absinthe, illuminating peach and delicate freesia. Those are warmed up with rose absolute, iris and warm sandalwood. And, of course, I am drawn to the cozy base notes of woody cashmeran, creamy vanilla, amber and musk.

The feel of the fragrance, even with those exotic notes, is classic just like the Burberry brand. I started reaching for my 10 year old Burberry shearling coat just to celebrate my perfume over the past couple evenings. The chilly weather and cozy base notes only make my fur coverlet more appealing. And the luxurious scent is complemented by only the most treasured pieces in my makeup collection.

I love the addition of Body Milk to the collection. The consistency is easily absorbed and almost like a dry oil in feel. This spray on moisturizer adds depth and staying power to your scent. And my skin definitely can’t hurt from the added hydration this time of year.

Burberry Body is available at Macy’s (here).

Nest Passiflora Eau De Parfum

You guys might already know that NEST Fragrances is my preferred home fragrance brand. I currently have their holiday candle burning away. So, I was on the edge of my seat to try their first foray into personal scent. If it goes half as well as their personal care collection, it is a winner.

I’ve been (happily) testing the Passiflora version for the past couple of days. My first reaction was: “how unusual! It is unlike anything I have ever worn.” On me, the lush green notes dominate. It is a fresh, clean, organic kind of smell. There are notes of passion flower, water hyacinth and lily of the valley that peek through.

The second reaction was to the stunning bottle. But, NEST Fragrances has always been a packaging master. The artwork is inspired by 18th Century artist Mrs. Delany. And the artwork even inspired the scent: the company worked with master perfumers to compose complex and exquisite fine fragrances that best represent Mrs. Delany’s unique and meticulous artwork. And the matte black bottle looks so sleek, it deserves to be displayed.

It could be said that this is more of a spring scent, but it is on the heavier side. And I think the green notes work great with holiday cheer. Now I’m dying to try Midnight Fleur now because we all know I am an amber freak! Hear that, Santa?

mark All Lit Up Lemon Sugar Scented Candle

This mark Lemon Sugar candle is burning up a storm at chez Belle Belle. You probably know from this post that I am a huge lemon fan (lemon sugar is the perfect balance between sweet and fresh). I love the change of pace from all the cinnamon, alpine and fir business of holiday candles. Pick up some lemon sugar for yourself here.

Victoria’s Secret Seduction Dark Orchid GIVEAWAY

Victoria’s Secret beauty isn’t the “frothy confection” it used to be (Revenge fans, see what I did there?). Back in the day, VS Beauty was a collection of sweet, pink and glitter. But today, they offer sophisticated fragrance and some real winners in the makeup department. I already have raved about their body oil (see post here). And now I am swooning over Victoria’s Secret Seduction Dark Orchid.

I’ve been using Dark Orchid perfume, body spray and lotion for a week. The chilly weather was a perfect excuse to test drive a sultry, richer fragrance. Dark Orchid is a blend of Midnight Orchid, Crushed Plum and Oud Wood – making it a kind of provocative, darker scent. Details on the fragrance notes:

Top notes: Crème de cassis, blood orange, crushed plum, pineapple blossom, bergamot, yuzu zest
Middle notes: Jasmine, red ginger orchid, dark red calla lilies, midnight orchid, muguet petals
Dry-down notes: Smooth warm amber, oud wood, tonka beans, amber crystals, cashmere woods, creamy musk

Because of the high drama, I love the option of the fragrance mist (aka body spray). It has a less intense feel. The lotion is hydrating and absorbs quickly, leaving behind just a hint of Dark Orchid. And the Eau de Parfume, in a beautiful square bottle, is intense but not heady. You better bet I will be hunting down the candle.

I’m so happy to share this collection with my readers. Three lucky winners will receive the entire fragrance set. Open to residents in US, Canada and London. Enter using the widget below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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