Fragrance Of The Month December 2014

The holiday season is now well underway. It is a time of year that Team TME loves as it begins with Thanksgiving at the end of November, moves to Chanukah, then Christmas and Kwanzaa with the crescendo of New Year. From twinkling Christmas lights to the lighting of the menorah and the festive Mkeka displays, the world is celebrating and no other time of year seems to be quite as magical.

With the magical inspiration of the season, we chose an exquisite and upscale parfum for Fragrance Of The MonthDecember 2014 -- Clive Christian No. 1 for women and for men! Each fragrance is spectacular, and combined with the bottling that received the UK FIFI award for special packaging in 2006, No. 1 is the representation of dreams. The bottles for both scents are painted in gold! 

In 1999 Clive Christian acquired the Crown Perfumery, a celebrated British perfume house established in 1872. The house acquired its name after being granted the use of the royal crown by Queen Victoria as a mark of quality and excellence, the design of which is used as the topper for each scent.

Clive Christian No. 1 for Women (50 ml - $865) opens with a warm masterful blend of fruits that envelope the seductive notes of jasmine and ylang-ylang. Evolving into a touch of sweetness with drydown seamlessly marrying precious notes and leaving one surrounded in cashmere-like comfort. Clive Christian No. 1 for Women Perfume is serene, sophisticated and undeniably feminine. The scent classification is Oriental Floral. Season: Cooler Months; Sillage: 3-Moderate; Longevity: 4-Long Lasting; Bottling-5.

Clive Christian No 1 for Women Notes~

• Top Notes: Pineapple, Plum, Mirabelle, White Peach
• Mid Notes: Rose, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Orris, Carnation
• Base Notes: Vanilla, Benjoin Balm, Tonka Beans, Cedarwood

Clive Christian No. 1 for Men (50 ml - $865) is similar in essence to No. 1 for Women in that it is an Oriental theme (Oriental Wood to be exact), but this fragrance is very much a gentleman’s scent. Opening with a crisp blend of warm fruits, No. 1 for Men quickly gives way to its mid notes with a predominance of jasmine and ylang ylang with dry down settling softly into a masculine woodsy essence. Season: Cooler Months; Sillage: 4-Heavy; Longevity: 4-Long Lasting; Bottling-5.

Clive Christian No 1 for Men Notes~

• Top Notes: Bergamot, Lime, Sicilian Mandarin, Cardamom, Nutmeg, Thyme
• Mid Notes: Lily-of-the-Valley, Rose, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Heliotrope
• Base Notes: Virginia Cedar, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Vanilla, Amber

Clive Christian fragrances are available at Saks and Nordstrom stateside and to find a global retalier, visit Clive Christian. Now, if you’re seeking a less expensive or different themed fragrance visit The Makeup Examiner’s Fragrance section to find one that’s right for you! 

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Aura de Parfum Unisex Fragrance Collection by Raymond Matts

With nearly three decades in the fragrance industry, creating fragrances for the likes of Elizabeth Arden, Estée Lauder, Elizabeth Taylor, and Karl Lagerfeld, Raymond Matts has finally launched his own signature collection -- Raymond Matts Aura de Parfum Fragrance Collection. And within this non-traditional, seven-piece collection, Matts alters the way in which we think of fragrance with an unchartered approach to the artistic design of perfume. Do not seek the tradition of themes and notes, because these are not structural components within this distinctive unisex collection.

Team TME has a special passion for fragrance. There isn’t a member here who hasn’t taken the time to educate herself, on some level, beyond the spritz of a lovely scent. Fragrance is so deeply tied to emotions and memories. For one staffer, fragrance is a reminder of her father who always brought her parfum from his travels and for another; it is reliving the whirlwind global romance that led her to her partner. And because of our passion for fragrance, we become slightly obsessed with finding out about the perfumery and person behind the fragrance. The question is always, “Who is behind the scent”?

We were fascinated to learn that Raymond Matts began his career behind the counter at Aramis in New York City. Apparently as fascinated with fragrance as we are, Matts joined the internationally renowned fragrance houses of Firmenich and later IFF. He also holds a B.A. in Cosmetics/Fragrance Marketing from New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology. From counter to creator makes us slightly envious of this esteemed perfumier.

Perfumier Raymond Matts

In a statement, Matts shared the inspiration behind his unconventional fragrance construction. “Through my decades of work in the fragrance industry, I have continuously heard from both men and women around the world about their desire for a new kind of fragrance. I believe they are looking for something emotionally provocative that is not found on perfumery shelves today,” Raymond explains. “For the past 10 years I have worked passionately to create an alternative that would offer just that.”

What sets The Raymond Matts Aura de Parfum Fragrance Collection apart is Matts’ avant-garde approach to fragrance design. He doesn’t design for the past or present … he puts a new twist on fragrance development by blending the fragrances within the collection to reflect futuristic abstract scents. His design approach to this collection was to place an emphasis on building the scent with textured and harmonious blends of essences that suggest particular notes and moods. The Raymond Matts Aura de Parfum Fragrance Collection truly is art!

The Raymond Matts Aura de Parfum Fragrance Collection:

• Maiaday (My*a*day) - This abstract floral is inspired by linden trees in bloom on a soft summer day; a tactile bouquet of airy floralcy. At first bloom there is a luminous brightness from a blend of citrus and watery green tones, combined with the fresh qualities of muguet and lilac. The velvety depth of a flower petal is achieved through. many green floral notes, all softened with a hint of saffron, vanilla, and soft woods. 
• Sunah (Soo*na) - A hand traces the sinuous line of beauty… sheets infused with the softness of her scent. Never a distant memory! The tactile beauty of a flower is created from dew-laden muguet mingling with the green of mimosa and accents of apple to create the aroma of a wafting flower. The mysterious warmth of saffron combined with soft woods reveals a signature of sensual softness. 
• Pashay (Pa*shay) - A fragrance of contrasts, Pashay was inspired by sultry days; a sun-kissed Mediterranean shoulder passing by on a Fifth Avenue bus. An edgy opening with a golden hue of freshness from a citrus blend balanced with the green watery nuance of William Pear. Marine notes of seaweed extract and kalamata olives enhance the beauty of Narcissus absolute, creating a daffodil impression. The sensuous depth is warmed with sandalwood and smoky traces of guaiac wood.
• Tsiling (Tis*ling) - Changing the traditions of perfumery and inspired by pop art, a plastic flower with nature’s scent is born… unexpected warmth will playfully appear. A spray of crisp Asian pear introduces a natural wet green aura, while orris and the freshness of honeysuckle create a plastic floral impression. A cozy creamy sensation saunters forward as milk, rice, and a pinch of patchouli bring a hint of comfort.
• Tulile (Too*leel) - A refreshing softer side to masculinity with an unexpected playfulness and sensual warmth. Deceptive with a pleasing alluring nuzzling quality. The initial predictability is soon replaced with intrigue; a watery-green impression is married to frosty crisp notes with a citrus twist. The sensation of dew laden muguet petals creates the illusion of a lingering citrus freshness. Polywood and ambrox provide an understated deep softness and intrigue.
• Kaiwe (Ky*way) - Inspired by the lingering scent of a shower aftermath to walking on a rainforest trail of green adventures. The freshness of aldehydes married with an ozonic citrus blend meets a cooling eucalyptus and a hint of mint. An undefined floral heart is brightened with resinous green notes: juniper, a touch of rum, warmed with milk and ambrox. A relaxing casual blend distinctively his.
• Jarro (Yar*row) - Humid vapors rise up inside a private villa on an exclusive tropical island. A daring unusual blend of sisal and the masculine spice of lilies emanates in the air. Sun-kissed citrus notes play within a green melon accord, which intermingle with the fresh volatile notes of labdanum and a watery green nuance of un-ripened hazelnuts. Orris provides richness, softening the masculine spice of lilies and humid texture of hemp. An enigmatic depth of exotic woods, wrapped with touches of tobacco, warm this fragrance.

In conjunction with a departure from traditional perfumery, Matts’ purposefully created a scent “wardrobe,” versus one signature scent, allowing a man or a woman to choose the fragrance they connect with depending on the day, occasion or mood. Capturing the rhythm of each scent, each fragrance smells the way it sounds, therefore each Aura de Parfum name is all its own. Each name defines the corresponding fragrance, resonating with an alluring quality. From dreamy and elegant to sultry and adventurous, each fragrance evokes a particular emotion, which is what fragrance should do for the wearer.

The Raymond Matts Aura de Parfum Fragrance Collection ($200 each) is available online at Raymond Matts and select Nordstrom locations.

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Fragrance Of The Month November 2014

As we go into the holiday shopping season, it seems only fitting that we suggest parfum and cologne with exquisite gifting options. Therefore this month, we are including the gifting options for TME’s Fragrance Of The Month picks. For Fragrance Of The Month November 2014 -- We present two stunning scents from Atelier Cologne Maison de Parfum - Collection Métal. Scents from the Collection Métal are bottled in genuine precious metals, which is an industry first.

Both scents chosen for this month are releases from 2014. For the ladies we present the recently launched Blanche Immortelle and for the gents, it’s the recently launched Santal Carmin! Of note, Atelier Cologne Maison de Parfum is the perfumery that conceived the creation of Cologne Absolue. Cologne Absolues are packaged in bottles of French glass with hand-made leather stoppers.

Atelier Cologne creates a written vision for each of its scents with Blanche Immortelle (100 ml - $215) reading: “Her limitless generosity defined her, but she preferred to stay hidden. With fire and passion, she secretly devoted every moment of freedom to the cause that could make an everlasting difference. Her actions would irreversibly alter the established order.” The description for Blanche Immortelle paints a vision of passion and rebellion, and perfectly describes this classically sensual scent.

Blanche Immortelle Notes~

• Top Notes: Bergamot from Calabria, Mandarin from Italy, Mimosa from Grasse
• Mid Notes: Immortelle Absolue from Corsica, Jasmine Sambac from India, Turkish Rose Absolue
• Base Notes: Patchouli from Indonesia, Vetiver from Haiti, Sandalwood from Australia

Blanche Immortelle opens with a seductive blending of bergamot, mandarin, and mimosa. While a very traditional opening, immortelle arrives to place a twist upon tradition. Drydown brings in influences of vetiver, patchouli, and sandalwood and one is left with a womanly fragrance the leaves the wearer feeling beautiful. The scent classification is Oriental Floral. Perfumer: Perfumer Jerome Epinette of Robertet; Season: All; Sillage: 3-Moderate; Longevity: 4-Long Lasting; Bottle is covered in genuine precious rose gold - Bottling-5.

Gifting: Blanche Immortelle - Ecrin Absolu ($315) includes Venetian blue gift box with a 200 ml Blanche Immortelle Cologne Absolue, a 30 ml Blanche Immortelle Travel spray with a leather case that has complimentary engraving. Yes loves, this is what she wants for the holidays!

For our gentlemen, we present Santal Carmin (100 ml - $195.00), with a bottle covered in genuine precious real gold and Atelier Cologne reading: “He had a spark from an early age, with a sharp intuition and limitless curiosity. One day they would call him a revolutionary. The moment had come to fight for his dreams and bring his ideas to the world. Possibly a new era would begin.” The description for Santal Carmin is the embodiment of this rugged scent of a man. While we’ve seen this scent described as unisex, we feel that Santal Carmin is better suited for a man.

Santal Carmin Notes~

• Top Notes: Bergamot from Calabria, Limette from Mexico, Saffron from India
• Middle Notes: Sandalwood from New Caledonia, Gaiac Wood from India, White Musk
• Base Notes: Papyrus from India, Cedarwood from Texas, Vanilla from Madagascar

Santal Carmin opens with light notes of bergamot and limette, which quickly entwine with deeper woody notes. Drydown leaves the wearer with a sweet balanced blend of white musk and vanilla that perfectly accentuate the deeper woody notes. Santal Carmin is an ideal blending of sweetness and strength that is reflective of today’s modern gentleman. The scent classification is Oriental Woody. Perfumer: Perfumer Jerome Epinette of Robertet; Season: All; Sillage: 3-Moderate; Longevity: 4-Long Lasting; Bottling-5.

Gifting: Santal Carmin - Ecrin Absolu ($295) includes Venetian blue gift box with a 200 ml Santal Carmin Cologne Absolue, a 30 ml Santal Carmin Travel spray with a leather case that has complimentary engraving. It is our opinion that he will love this for this holiday and you will love him wearing it.

Blanche Immortelle and Santal Carmin are available online at Atelier Cologne and select retail locations across the globe.

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Fragrance Of The Month October 2014

Hello again Beautynistas and Suavies! We hope that you enjoyed last month’s launch of The Makeup Examiner’s Fragrance Of The Monthfeature, as well as our choices. Embarking upon a new season seems to bring with it a beg for change. That, of course, is not to say that Summer 2014 wasn’t amazing -- it was indeed -- but now it’s time to embrace the cooler weather and all the brand new offerings from beauty houses around the globe!

For Fragrance Of The Month October 2014, we present two gorgeous fragrances from a perfumery we’ve previously reviewed … Bond No. 9! For the ladies we present the newly launched Queens and for the gents, it’s The Scent of Peace for Him. So, without further ado let’s get the scents.

Launched on September 18, Queens by Bond No. 9 (100 ml - $270) is inspired by the borough’s complete diversity. The borough of Queens takes the crown as the world’s most ethnically diverse urban area … and that is most definitely reflected in the scent’s exquisitely blended notes. Bond No. 9 creative director, Laurice Rahmé stated, “It’s a message for peace” that is further presented by the iconic 1964 World’s Fair Unisphere, which is rendered in gold on the front fragrance’s royal purple flacon. The back of the Queens flacon is a simple long-tailed “Q,” placing the bottling at a 5.

Queens by Bond No. 9 Notes~

• Top Notes: Bergamot, Cardamom, Blackberries
• Mid Notes: Tuberose, Champaca Flower, Osmanthus
• Base Notes: Sandalwood, Benzoin, Musk, Amber

Queens by Bond No. 9 opens with a sweet, spicy aroma that gives way to the dominant and exotic tuberose, which seems to remain at drydown. The scent classification is Oriental Floral and although Queens is gendered unisex, it is our opinion that this fragrance is a classic for women. Perfumer: Laurent Le Guernec; Season: A/W; Sillage: 3-Moderate; Longevity: 4-Long Lasting; Bottling-5

For our gentlemen, we present The Scent of Peace for Him (100ml - $250). Launched in October 2013, The Scent of Peace for Him was inspired by Rahmé’s passion to further a message of tolerance, comfort and, of course, peace. The flacon is classic Bond No. 9 style accented by a black bow tie around the neck and is completely reflective of the scent, which is reminiscent of the quintessential gentleman.

The Scent of Peace for Him Notes~

• Top Notes: Bergamot, Pineapple, Juniper berry
• Middle Notes: Blackcurrant, Cedarwood, Vetiver
• Base Notes: Patchouli, Amber, Musk, Moss

The Scent of Peace for Him scent classification is Woody and opens with delicious juicy top notes of pineapple, juniper berry and bergamot. It’s fresh and evokes feelings of ease and relaxation. This fragrance moves gently into its mid-notes black current, vetiver and cedarwood with drydown leaving a lasting scent of a masterfully blended fragrance. The Scent of Peace for Him is calming, sexy, sophisticated and oh so manly! Perfumer: Michel Almairac of the Robertet Fragrance House; Season: All Seasons; Sillage: 3-Moderate; Longevity: 4-Long Lasting; Bottling-5

Queens and The Scent of Peace for Him by Bond No. 9 are available at Bond No. 9 boutiques are select retail locations such as Nordstrom.

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Fragrance Of The Month September 2014

Welcome Beautynistas and Suavies to our first “Fragrance Of The Month” feature! Each month, TME will introduce readers to fragrances that we’ve chosen to help you express yourselves through one of the most pleasurable and personal experiences … scent. Fragrance Of The Month offers a scent introduction, for both the gentlemen and the ladies, in hopes that you’ll find your true olfaction personality.

We can hardly believe that it’s the unofficial end of summer and that the fall season will begin in just a few short weeks -- September 22 to be exact. Although, today’s weather hardly reflects any sign of the cooler temperatures soon to come. And that, dear readers, means you’ve still got plenty of warm weather ahead. So without further ado, we give you Fragrance Of The Month September 2014!

For the ladies, we present Beso Del Mar by Spadaro Luxury Fragrances. Beso Del Mar (100 ml - $95) the newest offering from Spadaro having launched in February, is a Woody Citrus that is fresh and clean with a hint of seduction.

Beso Del Mar Notes ~

• Top Notes: Agave and Lime
• Mid Notes: Sand Accord and Hibiscus
• Base Notes: Driftwood and Musk

Upon application is a refreshing snap of citrus that lingers for a time before giving way to a seductive note of Agave, and then introducing a sexy blend of mid notes before finally resting into drydown that leaves a lasting essence driftwood with a hint of citrus. Yes the base note is musk, yet Beso Del Mar leaves your body scented with the essence of the sunset in the Caribbean. The bottle offers a clean and elegant design that is perfectly reflective of this perfume. Created by: Kim Spadaro; Season: All Seasons; Sillage: 3-Moderate; Longevity: 4-Long Lasting; Bottling-5

Beso Del Mar is available online at Spadaro Luxury Fragrances and select retail locations.

For the gentlemen, we present Artisan by John Varvatos. Artisan (124 ml - $84), which was launched in 2009 and is quite the classic men’s fragrance -- classic as in the way that we want our men to smell. The fragrance is a Woody Citrus/Spice blend that is clean and masculine like a freshly pressed button-down.

Artisan by John Varvatos Notes ~

• Top Notes: Sicilian Clementine, Tangelo, Mandarin, Wild Thyme, Marjoram, Lavandin
• Mid Notes: Orange Tree Blossoms, Murraya, Essence of Orange Jasmine Tree, Ginger extracts
• Base Notes: Kephalis, Georgywood, Amber, Musk

We’ve found that all too many men’s fragrances are overbearing and leave us begging for the wearer to simply stand elsewhere. However, that is not the case with this scent. The fragrance opens with a gorgeous citrus and spice blend and follows with a lasting woody impression. Artisan by John Varvatos is, as we’ve stated, masculine and clean and sexy. Artisan’s flacon was designed by Jon Cisler, with the bottle encased in hand-woven rattan. There isn’t anything that we didn’t enjoy about this men’s fragrance and we just may be asking our SO to make it part of their permanent stock. Created by: Rodrigo Flores-Roux of Givaudan; Season: All Seasons; Sillage: 3-Moderate; Longevity: 3–Moderate; Bottling-5

Artisan by John Varvatos is available online at John Vargasand Nordstrom.

We hoped that you’ve enjoyed our first Fragrance Of The Month and that you’ll stop back for more suggestions. Fragrance Of The Month October isn't going to be what one might expect! 

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VS Supermodel Lily Aldridge Celebrates The Reveal Of The 2014 ‘What Is Sexy? List’

Victoria's Secret Supermodel Lily Aldridge celebrated the reveal of the highly anticipated “What Is Sexy? List” yesterday, July 30, at the Powell Street store in San Francisco. This year, sexy is all about LESS IS MORE.

The 2014 “What Is Sexy?” List honors the hottest and most inspiring women in Hollywood who embody a simple, casually confident lifestyle. From Sexiest Street Style to Sexiest Natural Beauty, the women who made the list are all about maximum impact with minimal effort and no filter needed:

• Sexiest Actress: Margot Robbie
• Sexiest Legs: Amber Heard
• Sexiest Bikini Body: Jenna Dewan Tatum
• Sexiest Hair: Lily Collins 
• Sexiest Smile: Taylor Swift
• Sexiest Lips: Emilia Clarke
• Sexiest Sense of Humor: Zooey Deschanel
• Sexiest Mom: Jessica Simpson
• Sexiest Songstress: Ellie Goulding
• Sexiest International Import: Lily James
• Sexiest Summer Glow: Blake Lively
• Sexiest Street Style: Alexa Chung
• Sexiest TV Cast: The Vampire Diaries
• Sexiest Short Hair, Don't Care: Jennifer Lawrence
• Sexiest Sporty Style: Jessica Biel
• Sexiest Natural Beauty: Nina Dobrev
• Sexiest Eyes: Emma Stone
• Sexiest Up-and-Comer: Jhene Aiko
• Sexiest Curves: Gabrielle Union

Plus, the two winners for the Fan Voted categories are:

• Sexiest Selfie: Gigi Hadid 
• Sexiest Social Star: Shay Mitchell

Inspired by the What Is Sexy? List, Victoria's Secret also celebrated the launch of the new, simple and sexy collections of bras, including the Incredible, Fabulous, T-Shirt Bra and Unlined styles. Incredible by Victoria's Secret is the most comfortable collection of bras with smooth cups and fully adjustable straps. The Fabulous Bra comes in multiple silhouettes with lightweight padding. The T-Shirt Bra collection has a softer touch with a bit of lift for a natural shape, while the Unlined styles are made with sheer, mesh lining for a more fashion forward, and sexy look. The new bra collections range in sizes from A-DDD and come in an array of fall colors including black, olive, navy, rich grape and more.

Victoria's Secret also introduces a sexy and simple fragrance, Eau So Sexy. The new fragrance is a fresh scent that makes it ideal for everyday and the perfect match for the new, simple and sexy bras. The new bra and fragrance collections are available exclusively at Victoria's Secret stores, in the catalogue and online at Victoria’s Secret.  Want to know more? Victoria's Secret invites you to see more at: VS All Access online at Victoria’s Secret, Facebook, @VictoriasSecret on Twitter and Instagram with #WhatIsSexy and #LessIsMore!

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Au Pays de la Fleur Les 2014 Inédits and Néroli Blanc Perfume Collections Review

A garden to walk in and immensity to dream in -- what more could he ask? A few flowers at his feet and above him the stars” ~ Victor Hugo. It’s a lovely thought and evokes pleasant memories for me. The Makeup Examiner has a deep passion for scent, as so many of my happy memories are called back by the hint of a particular men’s cologne or the smell of my mother cooking a favorite dish.

These scents are part of my history and my present, and I understand that the memories are part of what make me who I am. I believe this is why I am so fascinated by the story behind the perfume and why I always try to find it and share it with readers. For anyone who is passionate about perfume, it is understood that the history of the scent is just as important as the scent itself.

Au Pays de la Fleur D’Oranger is a unique fragrance house routed in over 100 years of Roux family history. Virginie and Antoine Roux, the founders of Au Pays de la Fleur D’Oranger, pay homage to flowers from the famous region of Provence: Rose, Jasmine, Lavender, Fig, Iris, Tuberose and of course the flower that shaped their family’s destiny since 1903 … the Orange Blossom. The Roux’s continue to hold a passion for the blooms in the fields of the Bitter Orange and Centifolia trees that grew in La Colle sur Loup, near Grasse. The Roux’s history is what lays behind the inspiration of Au Pays de la Fleur D’Oranger latest offerings. Scents composed by Perfumer Jean Claude Gigodot are offered in two distinctive collections: Les Inédits and Néroli Blanc.

Néroli Blanc Eau de Parfum Intense Notes~

Top Notes: Orange Blossom, Néroli, Mandarin

Mid Notes: Jasmine, Candied Fruits, White Flowers, Orange Blossom

Base Notes: Vanilla, Balsams, Benzoin, Plum

Néroli Blanc Eau de Parfum Intense ($67), from the Néroli Blanc collection, is a luscious scent from first spritz. Offering a rapture of masterfully blended orange blossom, Néroli and mandarin that deliver olfaction into mid notes with sensual care. Drydown offers an exquisite blend of floral and fruit with neither being the dominant. Yes, this scent is seductive and classically French. Néroli Blanc Eau de Parfum Intense can, and should, be worn all year round. It is the scent that you will wear when you want to exude pure feminine confidence. To gentlemen readers -- Néroli Blanc Eau de Parfum Intense arrives in a linen satchel and the bottle is sophisticated, so if you’re looking for the perfect gift for her, this is it. Sillage: 3 - Longevity: 4 - Bottling: 5

Lavande Ombrée Notes~

Top Notes: Lavender, Bergamot

Mid Notes: Cinnamon, Rose, Cedar

Base Notes: Amber, Patchouli, Leather, Musk

Lavande Ombrée ($125), from the Les Inédits collection, offers an immediate pop of bergamot that quickly transitions to cedar with dry down leaving a lasting essence of patchouli. Lavande Ombrée is a Woodsy Oriental and a bit of a disappointment for those seeking a Floral, as the floral notes simply aren’t evident. That aside Lavande Ombrée is lovely and makes for a perfect perfume to wear during the cooler months. Sillage: 4 - Longevity: 4 - Bottling: 3

Au Pays de la Fleur D’Oranger perfumes are available directly from Au Pays de la Fleur D’Oranger (France) and various locations worldwide, Lavande Ombrée and Néroli Blanc Eau de Parfum Intense are available stateside at Indigo Perfumery.

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Atelier Cologne Grand Néroli Review

Atelier Cologne Grand Néroli, launched in 2010, is a stunning scent. Backtracking for a moment, it’s important to call attention to Atelier Cologne itself. The perfumery conceived the idea of creating cologne absolues, which are fragrances based on traditional and classic citrus, but blended with a kick.

The specific scent of Grand Néroli ($170 – 200ml) is unisex and quite frankly, sexy. Atelier Cologne creates a written vision for each of its scent with Grand Néroli reading: “The windows were thrown open to let in the afternoon sun, along with a breeze of orange blossoms. She secured fresh flowers into her hair and her eyes sparkled with excitement and anticipation. She had been a whirl of precise motion in her final preparation and took pause to dream about the moment to come.” I love the vision and it is a perfect description of the whimsical essence of Grand Néroli.

Grand Néroli Fragrance Notes~

• Top Notes: Moroccan Neroli, Chilled Lemon, Sicilian Bergamot, Petitgrain
• Mid Notes: Galbanum, Oakmoss, Birch leaf
• Base Notes: Musk, Cedarwood, Vanilla

Upon application is an immediate opening of citrus that gently transitions to sexy mid notes with dry down leaving a lasting essence of masterfully blended floral, wood and musk. Reading the notes, one would expect to raise an eyebrow and run -- but Grand Néroli captures the essences of whimsy, strength and romance. I can’t describe the theme of this fragrance other than to state that Grand Néroli is Mediterranean and have seen it referenced as a summer scent. As for being just a scent for summer, while perfect for the season, this is one that should be worn year round.

Created by: Cecile Krakower

Sillage: 2-Soft

Longevity: 3 - Moderate; 6 hours or less

Grand Néroli is available online at Atelier Cologne and select retail locations.

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Bond No. 9 Shelter Island Summer 2014 | Review

Launched on May 26, Shelter Island by Bond No. 9 completes the olfaction of the East End. With some 87 scents in its fragrance base, all inspired by the city of New York, Bond No. 9is a rather interesting perfumery. To love a city so deeply, as to pay homage by immortalizing its iconic landmarks and geography through scent, is truly inspired.

Shelter Island is Bond No. 9’s offering for Summer 2014 and has a “beach-centric” theme. The bottle, as with all Bond No. 9 bottles, is aesthetically pleasing and modern with one side displaying deep blue and white strips, and the other a crisp white. 

Backtracking for a moment, Bond No. 9 released The Hamptons (2005), Montauk (2010) and Sag Harbor (2012) under creative director Laurice Rahmé and again the entire concept is inspired. You don’t have to be familiar with the geography of these areas to appreciate the intent of feeling for which Rahmé wishes to evoke in the perfume wearer. As for Shelter Island, it’s all about summer … the carefree days spent beachside.

Notes~

Top Notes: Citrus Zest, Black Pepper

Mid Notes: White Lilies, Algae Extract

Base Notes: Sandalwood, Amber Myrrh, Musk, Oud

Upon application is an immediate snap of citrus and pepper that gives way to calmer mid notes of white lily with dry down leaving a lasting essence of oud. Shelter Island masterfully weaves these beautiful notes taking the wearer on an olfaction journey. There is a very unique scent of balmy, beachside summer days and Shelter Island ($260-100ml, $195-50ml) exquisitely captures this fragrance. Sillage: 3-Moderate Longevity: 4 - Long-Lasting; 8 hours or less. Bond No. 9 Shelter Island is available online at Bond No.9 and select retail locations.

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Aqua Hipnotes No. 2 Summer 2014 | Review

Launched in May 2014, Aqua Hipnotes No. 2 is the second offering in the Hipnotes Collection. The Collection itself is definitely intriguing, as each Hipnote perfume is a seasonal collaboration between Tru Fragrance and the most talented perfumers in the world. Each “note” is inspired by current trends in fashion, beauty and fragrance, and although The Makeup Examiner has only experienced Aqua Hipnotes No. 2 she’s anxious to check out Hipnotes No. 1 Spring 2014 … despite that summer is a just few weeks away.

As a relatively serious (albeit novice) perfume enthusiast, TME embraces the entire aesthetic of a perfume. And the experience of Aqua Hipnotes No. 2 begins with its packaging. For this edition of the collection, summer is captured at first glance with the perfume housed in an elegant black box and sleek sleeve. It immediately gets you excited for summer … and all the passion that summer brings.

Of course there is the scent itself, which is most likely why you’ve stopped by to read this post. When I’d read that Tru Fragrance had collaborated with Richard Herpin of Firmenich for Aqua Hipnotes No. 2, my heart started racing with excitement before first sniff.

Notes ~

• Top Notes: Sea Salt Accord, Rosemary, Cucumber
• Mid Notes: Calone, Hedione, Freesia
• Base Notes: Seaweed, Sandalwood, Cedarwood

Upon application is an immediate embrace of uplifting summertime essences, instantly evoking great memories of amazing times spent seaside. Think days at the beach and warm, breezy evenings sitting at a seaside café. Aqua Hipnotes No. 2 moves into a quiet release of Calone, Hedione, Freesia and drydown leaves your skin scented with a light mix of Seaweed, Sandalwood, and Cedarwood. Aqua Hipnotes No. 2 is sophisticated but uncomplicated. It’s a perfect summer scent and I would recommend keeping this one on hand all-year-round, as it would make an amazing mood enhancer in the midst of the next polar vortex.

Aqua Hipnotes No. 2 ($25 - .5oz), is available online at Tru Fragrance. Keep up with Hipnotes on Facebook and Twitter.

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Rock Revival Rose Limited Edition Perfume Review

Buckle introduced their Limited Edition Rock Revival Rose Eau de Parfum in February and it’s the second in a series of Limited Edition Rock Revival perfumes from the brand. With an obvious objective to appeal to the rocker chic that lives inside all of us, the packaging hits the mark.

Rock Revival Rose ($49.95 - 3.4oz) comes packaged in an embossed and embellished rose gold box that matches the perfume bottle, which shimmers gold and has a metallic rose gold cap that’s studded with rhinestones. Aesthetically the bottle is fun, edgy and a little kick-ass. The bottle in and of itself peeks interest … but … The Makeup Examiner is not an easy woman to please and her interest fades fast.

Notes ~

Top Notes: Apple, Passionfruit, Quince, Nectarine

Mid Notes: Peach, Jasmine, Lush Rose, Magnolia

Base Notes: Sugared Musk, Tonka Bean, Vanilla, Amber, Sandalwood

First spritz brings a nice apple and fruit scent, which quickly dissipates into a twirl of, well, The Makeup Examiner isn’t quite sure how to describe what the perfume smells like from mid note to drydown other then to say it’s olfaction overload. Drydown is straight up musk that had TME running for a cotton ball and witch hazel. Rock Revival Rose is a heavy scent that I, personally, didn’t care for.

With that said, we know that perfume is unique to the wearer and TME readers know that I’m going to ask (wrangle) one or more friends to test out products. This time, TME chose Bryne as her tester. Bryne’s experience was slightly different then mine, and although she had stated that drydown also left a heavy scent of the base notes, she enjoyed the fragrance and recommended it for a cooler weather scent.

Bottom line, Rock Revival Rose is a heavy fragrance. It isn’t one that TME would choose for herself, but it isn’t noxious or cheap smelling either. Limited Edition Rock Revival Rose Eau de Parfum is available online at Buckle and Buckle Stores nationwide. Check out more from Buckle on Facebook and Twitter.

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Bond No. 9 To Offer Free Full Size Perfume Refills

Who doesn’t love a good secret? Well Bond No. 9 apparently loves to keep secrets like the formulas for their award-winning eau de parfum and perhaps customer secrets … But, the brand has recently disclosed a major secret about a very special refill program.

Quietly in operation since 2007, Bond No. 9 has held a semiannual free refill program. The program is whispered about among the most passionately committed of the brand’s loyal cognoscenti and connoisseurs. So popular is this semiannual event that many Bond No. 9 aficionados use the opportunity to stock up on as-yet untried scents. 7 years is a very long time to keep this delectable transaction a secret.

So for spring 2014 Bond No. 9 has let the cat out of the bag or in this case … let the scent in the bottle. Here’s how it works: From Thursday, May 29 through Wednesday, June 11, you bring your empty scent containers -- regardless of brand -- to any Bond No. 9 counter. By way of thanks, the brand will reward you with a large-size (100ml) bottle of your choice. Just one caveat: You must purchase any two Bond No. 9 items, excluding pocket sprays. The upshot? You’ll be in possession of three new bottles of perfume.

To find a store near you, visit Bond No. 9.

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