Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Enticed by Yankee Candle fall scents

Leaves are turning, days are crisp, jackets and scarves are making their appearance, and, of course, festive fall scents abound! Like in years past (make sure to check out 2011 and 2012) Yankee Candle has launched a whole array of new scents for the season. Since we're already halfway through fall and there's not much time left before the holidays, below are three of the most interesting 2013 autumnal launches from Yankee Candle.

1. The most comforting
Cozy Sweater is indeed the coziest of the scents in Yankee's fall offerings. That said, it's not the coziest because it is the warm floral-musk-patchouli scent that Yankee claims it to be, but because its scent is floral and powdery with the tiniest bit of patchouli for warmth. It's like a big hug from grandma. The cold throw of this candle is amazing. It is pleasant and strong, but not overbearing (kind of like grandma). It's a mix of soft florals, though mostly rose, and powder. The hot throw produces a much gentler scent which is mostly powder and rose, with a little bit of waxy-base emerging. Despite this flaw, the rose and powder notes prevail and the candle manages to conjure memories of kind words, comforting hugs, and being surrounded by grandma's love and warmth.

2. The most delectable
Fall is full of tasty treats and Yankee's Salted Caramel candle is one of them! While the cold throw is not the strongest, it is still buttery, caramel-y, and toffee-like: just one deep smell and you can virtually feel the caramel getting stuck in your teeth. Delish! What's more, the hot throw does not disappoint. The soft, sweet gourmand scent fills the evaluation room with its delectable notes and though it's more of a maple syrup-y scent in use (no caramel or salt here), it's tasty all the same!

3. The most peculiar
The third most interesting fall scent from Yankee Candle is Pumpkin Wreath, mainly for being the most unusual of the six new scents in Yankee's fall line up. The cold throw is strong, but confusing: pastry-popcorn gourmand mixed with hot cinnamon (imagine a candy (or whisky) fire ball), spicy clove, woody-dryness. It's all over the place, but in fact, this is what it's supposed to be. Here is the fragrance description on the Yankee Candle website: oakwood, cinnamon bark, and clove! The hot throw experience isn't as confusing. The mixture of gourmand-spice-wood comes through warm, if a little waxy, and unfortunately (or fortunately?!) very weak. While it may not be one you'd want to scent your home with, for once it's a candle which matches its description!

There you have it! Three new scents for your fall wardrobe and in the nick of time - I've just received Yankee's holiday catalog! Guess I'd better get smelling before Christmas is upon us!

If you've enjoyed any of these three scents, or any other new candle launches this fall, make sure to leave a comment below!

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

3 natural perfumes pour le monde

I know this is a crazy question to ever ask any perfumista, but I'm going to put it out there - have you ever asked yourself "should I go au naturel?"

I can hear your sharp intake of breath and see you drawing back, repulsed at the mere thought, but one perfume lover had to do just that! Thankfully, she refused to except a non-fragranced life and took action - the result of which is our focus today.




Pour Le Monde is the brain child of Wendi S. Berger, a fragrance lover from childhood who found herself going au naturel when she was pregnant due to concern about chemicals in perfume and the potential effects on her unborn child. She looked for natural fragrance alternatives, but never found anything could matched the experience of a fine perfume. Encouraged by a friend, she eventually created Pour Le Monde - 100% natural fragrances that also give back. That's right, each fragrance is associated with a global charity and 10% of the net sale of each fragrance purchased is donated. Here are her first three natural fragrance creations:

1. Empower: "Fresh and spirited. Playful and energizing."
    Opens with citral, yet warm notes. It's an intriguing mixture of lemon, lemongrass and a tiny bit of lemon drop sweetness. As the fragrance warms into the heart the lemon drop sweetness continues to emerge, turning it into a full bodied lemon scent, though as it quietens down into the base a little smoky-woodiness appears to (slightly) temper the citrus. An interesting scent which could definitely be called 'fresh and spirited'!
     Sales from this scent benefit Guiding Eyes for the Blind.

2. Envision: "Daring and exotic. Irresistibly sensual."
    Opens as a calm, citral scent which seems to be muted by an extremely soft aromatic cover. As it warms, it keeps its bright citrus top notes while soft smoldering, peppery, yet woody tones emerge in the heart. As the fragrance settles into the base, these warm, peppery, woody notes continue to blend smoothly with the citrus. This is the softest of the three fragrances - not quite daring, exotic or sensual, but certainly fascinating.
     Sales from this scent benefit National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

3. Together: "Elegant and graceful. Flirtatious yet delicate."
     Opens with an amber, caramel warmth with dry cedarwood notes that are entwined with patchouli tones. As it dries the patchouli moves out of the shadows to take center stage while the dry cedarwood notes remain prevalent. Finally, at the base, the caramel, vanilla amber notes emerge once more to bring a light gourmand dynamic to the warmth of this overall woody formula. True to its marketing, this fragrance is both elegant and graceful.
     Sales from this scent benefit Cancer Support Community.

Have you tried these Pour Le Monde scents?  Do you love them, do you hate them?  Make sure to leave a comment below!