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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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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Tru Blooms Fountain of Roses Perfume Review

Tru Blooms Fountain of Roses, launched in September 2013, is the second offering of the Tru Blooms collection from Tru Fragrance and is a rather interesting concept in scent. This unique perfume is the first of its kind to be created from flowers that were planted, grown and harvested in the urban gardens of Chicago. So right from the start, Tru Blooms Fountain of Roses piqued The Makeup Examiner’s interest.

Aesthetically pleasing packaging includes a lovely water colored printed carton with the Tru Blooms Fountain of Roses Eau de Parfum encased in a light pink rose print bottle with a wooden topper wrapped in light pink rose water color paper. Of note, is the inspiration which is derived from the pink hues found in the Chicago rose gardens. Although the inspiration is a node to the Chi-Town citizens, who took this fragrance from seed to scent, the perfume evokes thoughts of walking through any magical rose garden … wherever you may hail from.

Notes ~

• Top Notes: Sparkling Citrus
• Mid Notes: Rose Geranium, Lily of the Valley, Pink Rose Petals
• Base Notes: Blond Woods, Patchouli, Warm Musk

Upon application, immediately evident is sparkling citrus, which quickly gives way to rose geranium, lily of the valley and pink rose petals. At this stage, Tru Blooms Fountain of Roses is a relaxing blend of summery olfaction pleasures. The scent moves into a release of curious blond woods, patchouli and warm musk and drydown leaves your skin scented with a sultry floral, ultra feminine fragrance. Tru Blooms Fountain of Roses is definitively an all-seasons perfume and one to reach for when feminine sensuality is what you wish to evoke!

Regarding the production of Tru Blooms Fountain of Roses, the perfume is part of The Tru Blooms initiative that trained over 150 Chicago residents in the skills required for urban farming. Flowers were planted in 22 gardens, both beautifying the cityscape and cutting taxpayers dollars. Through this project Tru Fragrance created partnerships with over two dozen organizations that were able to further their missions by participating in the creation of this perfume.

Tru Blooms Fountain of Roses ($42 - 1.7oz) is available online at Tru Fragrance and select retail locations. You can learn more about the initiative at Tru Blooms Chicago and checkout more from the brand on Facebook and Twitter.

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Boston Proper Rose Gold Room Spray Review

As The Makeup Examiner has previously written, scent sets the ambiance for any experience. What would life be without the scent of pumpkin spice in the fall or florals on a warm summer night? Scents entice and invite us to join in or relax and sooth a tired mind. So, as much as I adore perfumes, I too adore luxurious scent everywhere I wander.

Just as all perfumes are not made alike, we find this will room sprays. Admittedly I more apt to light candles than to reach for a room spray, but there’s something quote lovely about Boston Proper Rose Gold Room Spray ($49-6.0oz), which just launched May 1. To start Rose Gold Room Spray is highly scented, with only a spritz needed to create a scent-filled room and the bottle, with a rose blush liquid trimmed with a frosted Boston Proper label, is chic enough to be displayed. 

At first spritz, citrus and cinnamon are immediately evident and gently open into rose and jasmine with a final scent of soft musk and amber. Despite a top note of cinnamon and base notes of musk and amber, that I usually place in the cooler weather scent category, Boston Proper Rose Gold Room Spray is a room scent for all seasons that would be just as inviting in the winter as it would be during summer. 

Notes~

• Top Notes: Citrus, Cinnamon
• Mid Notes: Nutmeg, Rose, Jasmine
• Base Notes: Musk, Amber

Yes, The Makeup Examiner is hooked!Boston Proper Rose Gold Room Spray is available online at Boston Proper and at all Boston Proper locations. Check out more about Boston Proper on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

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Arts & Scents Perfume The Scent of Elements Collection Review

Located in the city of Fürth, Bavaria, Germany, the Arts & Scents Perfumery immediately pulled at The Makeup Examiner’s heartstrings -- as TME’s ancestors hail from Bavaria. But, commonality of location and whimsy over one of my ancestral homelands is certainty not enough to win me over. However, a young brand that masterfully creates a symbiosis between artistic elements and fragrance will always get my heart pumping.

Arts & Scents perfumers offer numerous collections, containing perfumes reflective of each collection, and today we’re going to take a look at The Scent of Elements Collection. Skillfully curated, The Scent of Elements Collection contains six unique perfumes that reflect the natural elements surrounding us. Beyond what one will find inside each scent is an artistically crafted label that intrigues and engages the senses even further.

The Scent of Elements Collection, by perfumer ManuelaPfannes-Völkel, consists of the following six Eau de Parfums ($95 - 60 ml bottle) -- Fantastic Green Bird, Cuero de Mexico, A Day in Grasse, Light of Ormuz, Dream of India, and Green Sea Coral. 

Fantastic Green Bird (launched 2014) is a fantasy-like perfume that aims to tempt those around the wearer. Masterfully marrying fragrances of opposing seasonal scents, Fantastic Green Bird is an all-seasons perfume.

• Top Notes: Tequila, Agave, Aloe, Verbena
• Middle Notes: Hyacinth, Honeysuckle, Jasmine
• Base Notes: Artemisia, Amber, Sandalwood

Cuero de Mexico (launched 2010) is as intoxicating as a hot night in Mexico evoking thoughts of adventure and romance. This unique fragrance combination offers sweet purple jacaranda blossoms that merge effortlessly with myrrh and leather. Cuero de Mexico would be lovely for many occasions and is also an all-seasons perfume.

• Top Notes: Neroli
• Middle Notes: Tuberose, Jacaranda, Orange
• Base Notes: Leather, Myrrh

A Day in Grasse (launched in 2010) with a blend of citrus, rose and red clover this classic Chypre perfume is definitely the perfect warmer weather fragrance. A Day in Grasse is a romantic and whimsical perfume.

• Top Notes: Citruses, Green Leaves
• Middle Notes: Pink roses, Oriental Spices
• Base Notes: Red Clover, Vetiver

Light of Ormuz (launched in 2013) is a very fresh, clean scent and my favorite. Mint is the immediate evident scent, which brings about the feeling of reenergization and gives way to a light cedar fragrance. Light of Ormuz is the perfect scent to clear your mind and keep focused. Although Light of Ormuz leans toward a warmer weather fragrance, I could easily wear this scent year-round.

• Top Notes: Mint Leaves, clear Water Notes, Citruses
• Middle Notes: Spicy and Herbal Notes
• Base Notes: Vetiver, Cedar, Tonka Bean

Dream of India (launched in 2013) encompasses the exotic scents that one would image of India. Spices, exotic flair, scented flowers, colors, spiritual enchantment, joy of living and sensuality are all presented in this perfume. Dream of India is the perfume to reach for when seduction and adventure are on your mind. Dream of India is a good scent for the warmer months, but is very fragrant so a light touch is all that’s needed.

• Top Notes: Rosewater, Orange fruit
• Middle Notes: Green Coriander, Curry tree, Masala Chai
• Base Notes: Champaca, Patchouli, Amber

Green Sea Coral (launched in 2009) is an energizing cocktail for the senses. Aptly named, Green Sea Coral truly embodies the aroma of days (and nights) spent beachside. The unique fragrance note of sea grass and water flowers comes together with energetic grapefruit drops to create an invigorating olfactory experience. Hands-down, Green Sea Coral is the perfect summer fragrance and a must-have for the winter months when one needs a pickup from the frigid elements. 

• Top Notes: Grapefruit, Peppermint
• Middle Notes: Corals, Sea grass, Water flowers
• Base Notes: Water Notes

It is highly unusual for The Makeup Examiner to enjoy such a wide variety of perfumes. I tried to find something to dislike, but each perfume is so masterfully blended that there isn’t one in the collection that I wouldn’t wear. As I mentioned in opening, Arts & Scents perfumes go beyond what’s inside each bottle with packing that is handmade from a Russian artist. The brands name truly states what this perfumer embodies … the beautiful marriage between perfumery and art and the effect that these elements have in our lives. Arts & Scents perfumes can be found online at Arts & Scents.

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Urban Outfitters Petal Perfume Oil Review

Spring has finally … truly … arrived and to kick-off the celebration of true spring, The Makeup Examiner brings beautynistas a review of Urban Outfitters Petal Perfume Oil. Admittedly, I am a perfume snob. Not snobbish as in “label” snob, but I know what a good fragrance should smell like. It also isn’t necessarily an issue of my personal scent preferences. I simply know what cheap, poorly crafted perfume smells like and want no parts of it.

Fortunately, Urban Outfitters Petal Perfume Oil, at a mere $18-.93 oz, is so far from a cheaply made perfume. Beginning with the beautiful and chic rollerball bottle, one can see real rosebuds suspended in natural apricot and sweet almond oils. It’s an elegantly, yet fun, packaged perfume that looks pretty.

Notes ~
Top Notes: Rose Petals, Bergamot, Freesia

Mid Notes: Bulgarian Rose, Rose of May Absolut, Peony

Base Notes: White Musk, Blond Woods

Immediately evident are rose and freesia that evoke thoughts of a breezy spring evening. The scent moves into a release of peony, white musk and blond woods that are seriously sexy and drydown leaves your skin scented with this addictive infusion of the perfect spring/summer fragrance. The Makeup Examiner was actually shocked that a perfume with such a low price point smells so utterly delicious and is relatively long lasting. Yep, it’s a must-try fragrance and I’m guessing that once tried will become a must-have scent for the season … it’s going in TME’s Vault!

Petal Perfume Oil is available online at Urban Outfittersand Urban Outfitters Stores across the US, Canada, and Europe. Check out more about Urban Outfitters on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  

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Perfume 101: The Makeup Examiner’s Crash Course on Scent

The Makeup Examiner’s brief crash course about perfume is my kick-off for an ongoing series of perfume and scent reviews. Since age 13, when my father gave me my first “grown up” bottle of perfume, I’ve been fascinated with the healing properties of scent. That has led me on my own personal journey to figure out the what, why and how of fragrance. Scent has transformative power and has a direct effect on our mood. For you, the reader, TME is going to share a simple rundown about fragrance. But, I hope that you visit often and join me on this scent-filled journey.

History of Perfume: The Ancient Egyptians are the most noted group of people to use perfume and use of perfume in their culture can be traced back to 1000 BC. Egyptians utilized fragrances as part of their religious ceremonials, believing that they could communicate with the gods with scented smoke, which is actually where the word perfume comes from -- per fumum -- Latin for by means of smoke. Incense was used for religious purposes, while balms and ointments were used for cosmetic and medicinal purposes. Myrrh, frankincense, peppermint and rose were common ingredients in early perfumes.

The Persians perfected the art of preserving scents; while the Greeks categorized perfumes according to the part of the plant they came from and kept records of their compositions. Alexander the Great brought perfume to Greece after invading Egypt, and the Romans took on the Greek's perfume culture when they invaded Greece. Meanwhile, Islamic, Chinese and Indian cultures had been using perfume as part of their religious and social rituals as well. The first commercially marketed perfume, Bouquet a la Marichal, was introduced in 1675 and the rest as the as they say … is history.

Storing Perfume:

• Perfume should be stored at room temperature out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.

Applying Perfume:

• Scent hugs best to moist skin, so apply perfume directly after you shower.
• Apply perfume to your pulse points -- inner wrists, inner elbows, behind ears, between breasts, back of knees and ankles.  
• Never rub perfume because that crushes the molecules of the fragrance and ruins the scent.
• As we age our sense of smell does diminish, so stick to the less is more rule. This can also occur is you’ve been wearing a particular scent for along time! 

Different Concentration Levels: The concentration of fragrances is measured by the amount of oil in a scent.

• Perfume Extract: 20-50 percent
• Eau de Parfum: 10-30 percent
• Eau de Toilette: 5-20 percent
• Eau de Cologne: 2-5 percent

Fragrance Notes. Scent has three notes that blend like music and reveal in stages. That’s why, upon first spritz of a perfume you may love it and then find that it isn’t one you like.

• Top notes: The scents that are perceived immediately upon application of a perfume. Also referred to as head notes they usually last about five minutes. 
• Middle notes: This is the scent of a perfume that emerges after the top notes dissipate. The middle note, also referred to as heart notes, last about 10 minutes to one hour. 
• Base notes: Middle and Base notes are the main theme of a perfume, with the Base notes being the “anchor”. You’ll notice the scent of the Base Notes after approximately 30 minutes during what is referred to as the drydown. The drydown occurs as a fragrance’s Top and Middle notes begin to dissipate.

Due to factors such as body chemistry, every perfume will smell different on each individual wearer. Therefore, when selecting a new scent it’s important to take time to allow for the entire process to occur. Thank you for stopping by, my fellow beautynistas, and I hope that this Perfume 101 Crash Course is helpful to you! ~xo Yvonne

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Midnight Promise by Bellegance Perfumes Review

Reading the press release for Midnight Promise, The Makeup Examiner was really excited to review this first-time offering by perfumer Sarah Horowitz and Karen Dubin of Sniffapalooza. Karen Dublin is not only the creator of Sniffapalooza, she’s the recipient of the 2013 CEW Great Idea Awardfor Fragrance Innovation … impressive résumé right?

With a tagline of “The Magical Hour When Anything is Possible … the Promise of Midnight,” and touted as a perfume for “A woman who knows who she is and what she wants out of life,” TME felt confident that this scent would be nothing less then spectacular. Unfortunately, the $95 fragrance could not be further from what it promises to be. 

Top Notes: Red Mandarin and Cinnamon

Heart Notes: Moroccan Red Rose

Base Notes: Amber, Incense, Oak Moss, Soft Patchouli, Fresh Vetiver, Vanilla Musk, and Sandalwood

While cinnamon is immediately obvious, so too are incense and sandalwood, which can be equated to an olfaction smack in the face. Midnight Promise is beyond overwhelming and most certainly not a scent for the warmer months. After the initial shock, drydown brings thoughts of cheap cologne. Expanding upon cheap, the topper is “gold matte” in the shape of two inverted B’s forming a butterfly shape, which is “meant to signify the chrysalis of a woman”. The topper is reminiscent of costume jewelry that one would procure from a gumball machine. The only element of “Midnight Promise” that is of any interest is the amethyst hued Italian glass bottle.

“Midnight Promise” actually leaves The Makeup Examiner pissed off. If ever there were a case of throwing around CEW in order to generate interest, this would be it! The Makeup Examiner can’t print the press release for readers, but she can share this … CEW is referenced in relation to Karen Dublin’s award and to clarify the award was not for this perfume. Further reference of CEW was given regarding that the perfume was previewed at CEW’s Awards Luncheon. For anyone who’s unfamiliar with CEW, it is our industry’s equivalent of AMPAS.

I was genuinely excited to review this scent and so wanted to be able to share a magical experience with readers. There was no magical experience to be had. Of course I am but one and if you venture to sample this perfume, you can find it online at Bellegance Perfumes and select retail locations.

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Estée Lauder ‘Bronze Goddess’ For Summer

Courtesy of ELC

This summer, Estée Lauder is out to captivate the senses with an alluring fragrance experience in the Bronze Goddess Summer 2014 Fragrance Collection and a sultry limited edition color look in the Bronze Goddess Summer 2014 Color Collection.

The Bronze Goddess Fragrance Collection is a multi-sensorial, multi-textural body collection creating a lasting, sultry summer impression and features the captivating, cult-favorite Bronze Goddess Eau Fraiche scent, along with a bright, sparkling Body Splash, luxuriant Whipped Body Crème and Shimmering Body Oil for the ultimate feeling of sensual, sun-drenched warmth.

At the heart of the collection, the alluring and sexy Limited Edition Bronze Goddess Eau Fraiche SkinScent is comprised of luxurious and intoxicating ingredients. Reminiscent of a sun-drenched beach, the exotic scent has a creamy heart of golden Amber that emanates pure summer, while Coconut Milk, Sandalwood and Vanilla unwinds with silky warmth. The exotic combination of Vetiver and Myrrh deepens the sexiness with its embrace.

• Limited Edition Bronze Goddess Eau Fraiche Skinscent 100 ml $62.00
• Limited Edition Bronze Goddess Body Splash 240ml $78.00
• Limited Edition Bronze Goddess Shimmering Body Oil Spray 50ml $40.00
• Limited Edition Bronze Goddess Whipped Body Creme 200ml $40.00

The Bronze Goddess Summer 2014 Color Collection is a sensual makeup look is inspired by a symphony of color born from the enchantment of long stretched beaches of white sand that turn golden as night falls. A truly divine experience, the Bronze Goddess Summer 2014 Color Collection features a spectrum of subtly nude hues accented by exquisitely rich colors from soft corals to deep blackberries and lavishly gilded metallics. Eyes glisten with nudes and metallic sparkle. Lips are glossed and brightened with luscious color. Cheeks glow as if kissed by the sun.

Eyes:

• Limited Edition Bronze Goddess The Nudes Eyeshadow Palette $60.00
• Sumptuous Waterproof Mascara in Black $24.00
• Sumptuous Extreme Mascara in Extreme Black $26.00
• Sumptuous Extreme Waterproof Mascara in Extreme Black $26.00

Cheeks:

• Limited Edition Bronze Goddess Cheek Glow $28.00

Lips:

• Limited Edition Pure Color LipShine in Mandarine $24.00
• Limited Edition Pure Color LipShine in Luscious Plum $24.00

Nails:

• Limited Edition Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Bare $21.00
• Limited Edition Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Burnished Nude $21.00
• Limited Edition Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Lust $21.00

Face:

• Limited Edition Bronze Goddess Luminous Liquid Bronzer $28.50
• Bronze Goddess Powder in Light $36.00
• Bronze Goddess Powder in Medium $36.00
• Bronze Goddess Powder in Medium Deep $36.00
• Bronze Goddess Powder in Deep $36.00

Estée Lauder’s Bronze Goddess Summer 2014 Fragrance Collection is available now and the Bronze Goddess Color Collection will be available April 1 at Estée Lauder and Estée Lauder counters Nationwide.

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