Latest and greatest from Bath & Body Works - Amber Blush

Stop press - I've got it - the best Christmas present ever for a girl aged 10-15! It's the latest launch from Bath & Body Works (BBW), Amber Blush. But wait, there's more! Along with this, and the many other launches for the holiday season, BBW is promoting their ‘All New Daily Trio’.

If you haven't had a chance to check out the Daily Trio, never fear! It is a simple concept which, at the core, is your basic fragrance layering story meant to extend the longevity of the scent. Start with the shower gel, then the body lotion, finish with the spritz – et voila - longer lasting fragrance! This means Amber Blush was launched in each of these formats (see, perfect present, right?!), but does each format live up to its ‘crystallized amber kissed with bubbly raspberry champagne’ description? Let’s see how each performed…

As with any fragrance layering experience it’s necessary to commence with the shower gel. Its scent is sweet and intense! It is a cavity-causing cotton candy-berry-sugar with creamy vanilla and an ever so slight hint of coconut hiding in the mix. There aren't any amber notes, but rather the BBW vanilla-musk base that seems to be appearing in more and more of their fragrances.

Next up is the body lotion. I expected to have the same delightful experience - sweet and creamy. Sadly, this just wasn't the case, which must have to do with their new body lotion formula. BBW claims to have increased the shea by three times the amount in the old formula, which completely explains why the dominant note is shea butter… and base, with the tiniest bit of sweetness sneaking its surgary notes between the shea and base. To tell the truth, I'm not quite sure how this product made it to the shelves of BBW, but perhaps this is why they now encourage layering their products – they can’t get the fragrance strong enough in the formula now that it's got so much shea moisturizing power!

The final step in the scent layering experience is the spritz, or fragrance mist as BBW calls it. The mist does what the body lotion doesn’t: it’s all sugar-sweetness, like being drenched not just in cotton candy, but a blue raspberry icee that has the slightest dash of sweet-creamy-vanilla.

So, if you’re looking for that perfect gift the shower gel is the clear winner. But, should you want to give all three for the ultimate layering experience, this trio will leave your daughter, niece, babysitter, or whomever you gift it to, walking around in a bubble of sweet-vanilla-cream-blue raspberry icee. Though it’s not quite the ‘crystallized amber kissed with bubbly raspberry champagne’ BBW purports it to be, they will surely love it all the same!

Have you tried this scent? Do you love it, do you hate it? Make sure to leave a comment below!

#thisisbrit: (another) British Invasion

British fashion label Burberry has taken a fresh marketing approach for their latest Burberry Brit flanker, Brit Rhythm. To attract their trendy-hipster demographic throughout the world, Burberry took the now popular '360 degree approach', which means attacking the consumer from all angles - print, digital, physical, you name it!

One of the main aspects of their 360 approach was to align the fragrance with music. In fact, the fragrance's tag line is 'inspired by the energy of live music'. Next, to draw in this young, trend-setting group, Burberry promoted Rhythm's launch with concerts by British indie-rock bands this past October with White Lies playing gigs in London and Singapore while Peace played in NYC. Burberry also supported Rhythm's launch with #thisisbrit on social media.

The bands are edgy and the marketing is stylish and very 21st century, but aren't we missing the most important part? What about the juice?! With a quick look at Burberry's website, I found the fragrance description:

ELECTRIC TOP NOTES: Basil verveina with cardamom and a shot of juniper berries

ADRENALISED HEART NOTES: Black leather, heady patchouli and styrax resin

SENSUAL BASE NOTES: Cedarwood vibrates with incense and sweet tonka bean

The adjectives used to describe Brit Rhythm definitely entice and get the blood flowing with excitement, but boil down to the notes - basil verveina, cardamom, juniper berries, leather, patchouli, resin, cedarwood, incense, tonka bean- and you're left with a soft spicy-woody scent. Once the marketing is erased, this fragrance doesn't sound so enigmatically energetic, but rather more typical of a men's cologne. What's more, does it even smell of spices and woods? Let's find out.

It opens with fresh, light and bright tones of mint. Yes, mint. I think Burberry must still be riding the 1 Million wave here with this top note. Aspects of citrus and aromatics are also distinguishable in the cool and refreshing top, which then moves into a heart of soapy-clean freshness with a bit of wet marine thrown in for good measure (hmm, not very leather-patchouli-resin like). Finally, its true nature (or rather, the fragrance description that Burberry gives it) comes through in the base: it is soft with aspects of spice and woods resting calmly alongside tonka bean that makes it just the tiniest bit sweet and musky.

By all marketing accounts, this should be a vibrant spicy-woody fragrance, and indeed, with its fresh top and middle, then soft and warm dry down, …it is.

It's not the most unique of fragrances, but at least it does what it says on the tin!

Have you tried this scent? Do you love it, do you hate it? Make sure to leave a comment below!

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!

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!

Nevermind the chocolates this Valentine's Day, here's something better

I'm  not sure if you've noticed, but I've definitely spotted that candy hearts, boxes of chocolates, discounts on flowers and hearts are everywhere at the moment. And of course we can't forget the new fragrance launches gracing the counters! Yes, Valentine's Day is upon us and I've picked up one of the newest love themed launches - the latest scent from Coach.

Now, I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical about this perfume because Coach is not my most favorite affordable luxury, but I put my biases aside, picked up a sample of Coach Love, and breathed deeply.

Spice. That is what you instantly experience. This latest launch from Coach opens with the floral spiciness of carnation and green aspects of violet and immediately catches your attention. It warms into a sophisticated scent layered with patchouli, light musk and caramel-y amber. Finally, the dry down adds one more dulcet tone - soft wisps of powder.

Gentlemen, if your lady's cultured, refined, and possibly even a tad enigmatic ... skip the chocolates and flowers, you've just found the perfect gift! 

Yankee Candle's new spring scents

It's the middle of January and spring is in the air! Well, it isn't really, but it is in my house and has been since December. That's when I picked up Yankee Candle's new spring fragrances!

Unfortunately I was only able to buy four out of the five new launches, Waikiki Melon, Paradise Spice, Golden Sands, and Black Coconut, but, nonetheless, don't their names sound like they'll carry you away to some fantastic faraway place?? I've got high hopes for these scents, especially the exotic Black Coconut!

Since Yankee tends to have such great cold throw, I'll start with this aspect of each candle first.

Paradise Spice's aroma is a gentle, sweet coconut, a pina colada type fragrance, that has layers of soft vanilla intertwined with it. There is an undertone to the fragrance which is hard to discern, and mostly makes the candle smell a bit odd. Possibly this is the 'spice' of the aforementioned candle, though it isn't cinnamon or clove like the Yankee website claims it to be, but possibly a bit aromatic in nature.

Next in line is Waikiki Melon. It has a soft, sweet, and water-y cold throw which pleasantly greets the nose. It's almost as if they combined a watermelon flavored jolly rancher with a perfectly ripe and juicy cantaloupe. It is a fresh, yet mellow and comforting, scent that is pleasing overall.

Onto Golden Sands. It has a more sophisticated cold throw than the others, yet is still a gentle scent. It is a clean, light floral with woody warmth. Despite it's serene tones, I wonder how this would smell in use.

Finally! The mysterious Black Coconut. It's cold throw is intense from first whiff - almost like the bartender on the beach has handed me a drink that's been made too strong! It's warm, creamy, coconut-y, and, oddly, whiskey like. Think Bailey's with a coconut accent (if that's at all possible!). This one should definitely have an interesting aroma in use!

And now, with these tropical scents in mind, we'll move onto their hot throws.

But unfortunately there isn't much to say about the hot throw ... for any of these scents. I tested and re-tested, but each time I nearly burned my nose off trying to experience their fragrance as they failed to scent the evaluation room. What a disappointment! No Black Coconut to indulge in! No Waikiki Melon to delight in!

Truly, it's lovely to have an island theme in my house in the dead of winter, but I have to admit that Yankee's scents did not succeed in whisking me away to any tropical escape. Oh, Yankee Candle, what's happened to your product?? I know the economy is still slow, but does the fragrance dosage or quality of ingredients in your candles need to suffer for it?

Ho-hum, how depressing!

Though, what about you? Have you tried any of these scents? Do you love them, do you hate them? Is your space being filled with a fabulously fragrant tropical bouquet? Make sure to leave a comment below!

Get lost in an Enchanted Forest

Hello 2013! I'm sure you've made all kinds of resolutions (I know I've got a whole list to get through!) and I thought perhaps, like me, one of your resolutions is to do a bit of traveling. I say, why not start now with Enchanted Forest, the new scent from The Vagabond Prince, and our debut fragrance review of 2013.

Enchanted Forest transports you to a deep, dark European forest where the floor of this treed maze is engulfed with blackcurrants: the two aspects of this fragrance that embrace you from the start.

As the scent warms green and woody aspects, which mingle with the sweetness of the black currant, emerge. Though, the enjoyment of these notes is interrupted by animalic castoreum tones. Unfortunately these notes become all too evident for my liking. (Though, to be fair, I'm smelling this on a smelling strip - perhaps on the skin the castoreum wouldn't be so prevalent).

Suddenly the phone rings and I'm pulled away from this black currant heaven; by the time I return to the smelling strip, the dry down greets me. There are pine needles a plenty whose notes tingle the nose, the sweet black currant tones still cling on at the back, and yet there is also a soft undertone of cedar which intermingles with the rest and brings a distinct woodiness to the fragrance.

An Enchanted Forest it is indeed, which the perfumer Bertrand Duchaufour has done well to capture.

Intrigued? You can find out more about The Vagabond Prince Perfume House and their debut fragrance at Fragrantica.

Are you one of the lucky winners of a sample from Fragrantica? Do you love it, do you hate it? Make sure to leave a comment below!

bliss lemon+sage body butter

Today we're going to check out a product which, though not exactly new, is from up and coming brand, Bliss. Bliss Spa was the creation of Marcia Kilgore, and while success didn't happen over night, it did come very quickly for this talented entrepreneur.

In the late '80s while studying at Columbia University, Kilgore started out giving facials to friends out of her apartment. As her skill grew, so did her clientele and in 1991 she opened up a one room office. Two years later she opened a three-roomed spa, and by 1996, with demand exceeding her space, she opened the first Bliss Spa in SoHo, New York.

With an emphasis on high quality skin care and services, and offering a pretentious-free environment, Bliss Spa was a hit. In 1999 it was acquired by LVMH, expanded internationally, and then acquired by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. Now with spas in ten US states and around the globe, Bliss Spa is truly a success!

But, what about its products? The products that were given out on JetBlue overnight flights and that are also amenities in Starwood Hotels? Well, I got my hot little hands on Bliss Lemon+Sage Body Butter (purchased at my local Sephora, and also available at Ulta), and it's scent is fantastic...it's just not lemon-y what-so-ever!

Bliss Lemon+Sage Body Butter (paraben free) is a gorgeously vibrant lime scent which has added depth from its herbaceously-green sage dynamics. It's a compelling fragrance that is both light and fresh; warm and earthy, and while the lotion itself is moisturizing, the scent is dry.

It's very interesting indeed, and makes me intrigued by their other scents! Which one is your favorite?

Have you tried this scent? Do you love it, do you hate it? Make sure to leave a comment below!

Couture fantasy to fragrance: Marchesa Parfum d'Extase

Marchesa designer fashion label was launched in 2004 by Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig. Their oft whimsical and romantic designs are inspired by the life ambition of Luisa Casati, an eccentric early-twentieth century Italian heiress, who aspired to be a living work of art. Upon its launch Marchesa met with immediate success, finding fans in celebrities and critics.

Luckily this exquisite label hasn't kept their fantasy from us every day bods who can't afford red carpet wardrobes! 2012 saw Marchesa pen a deal with J.C. Penny and partner with Target and Neiman Marcus - the results of which should be in shops by the end of this year. But if you can't wait until then to get your own bit of whimsy, head to Sephora now! Just this month Marchesa launched their first fragrance (exclusive to Sephora), Parfum d'Extase.

A light, yet intense floral fragrance, Parfum d'Extase is the exact embodiment of Marchesa's whimsical, romantic, and artistic label. From first whiff of the fragrance you are transported to the most fabulous floral shop you could ever imagine. You're surrounded by a gorgeous symphony of scents that, each in turn, have their own solo. Rose and jasmine meet powdery violet and sweet green iris and meld with the (synthetic) velvety, creamy, yet delicate and elegent base notes of Ambrox and Muscenone.

I don't tend to like foral fragrances, but Marchesa Parfum d'Extase is a light, airy, romantic and powdery-dry floral fantasy. It is everything the Marchesa brand is: fanciful, exquisite, artistic, and while I may never wear it, I can definitely appreciate its harmonious beauty.

Have you tried this scent? Do you love it, do you hate it? Make sure to leave a comment below!

Wrapped in BBW's Cashmere Glow

This past weekend saw the promotion of Bath and Body Works new Signature Collection scent, Cashmere Glow. Did you partake in the promo via Facebook and get your free 2oz sample? I did, and I can't tell you how great it was to walk in the shop, go straight to the cashier and receive my freebie! If you didn't participate, don't worry! It's currently on sale for $1, so if you want to pick one up it won't break the bank! Fabulous!

Cashmere Glow with vitamin e, jojoba, and shea butter is a familiarly pleasant and comforting scent. And, honestly, BBW should be proud (and possibly give a raise to their marketing team!) because for once I have to agree with their marketing! It actually does make me feel as if I'm wrapped in a cashmere blanket, warm and cozy on my couch in front of a fire on a cool autumn night. How did they manage to transport me to such a fantastic place? Why through the fragrance, of course! The scent is a delicate mix of sweet fruit, white floral, vanilla, and musk. The combined effect of these aromas makes a wearable, yet luxurious, scent, perfect for the coming cooler months.

I'm not often a BBW fan as their scents are usually overwhelmingly sweet, but not Cashmere Glow. It's warmingly subtle aroma will have you feeling comfortably confident, and others wondering what that wonderful scent you're wearing is!

Have you tried this scent? Do you love it, do you hate it? Make sure to leave a comment below!

The cutest thing ever!

I was recently wandering through the beauty aisles of Target (or Target Boutique, as I like to call it. Target being pronounced with a French accent, of course:/tɑrˈʒeɪ/!), when I stumbled upon the cutest little thing in the whole wide world! You'll never guess what it is either. Go on, go ahead and try!

Huh-uh, that's not it, and I'm so excited I can't wait, so let me just tell you: Vaseline's Lip Therapy. And no, I'm not talking about the regular lip therapy that has a lipstick shape, but the little, mini-me Vaseline bottle. Check it out:

Can you even see it in there?? Is that not the cutest thing?! I just had to buy it, and luckily it was a new variant in the range, too. Double bonus!

Aside from its cuteness, Vaseline Lip Therapy Cocoa Butter has a great subtle fragrance. Its aroma expresses a creamy-vanilla-with-tiny-hints-of-chocolate bouquet, and there's no sugary sweetness to its cocoa butter balm! 

Vaseline's Cocoa Butter variant definitely gets the thumbs up from me - I'm a sucker for its packaging and the scent is fab!

Have you tried this scent? Do you love it, do you hate it? Make sure to leave a comment below!

A Hawaiian paradise in your home

Shhh. C'mere! I've got a secret to tell you! OK, maybe it isn't that big of a secret, but I thought it was time to tell you the truth. You ready? 'Cause here it is: I am a Costco addict. Food, furniture, electronics, eye glasses, pots, pans, hangers.  You name it, I buy it. Which is why you can't be surprised when I was taking my daily peruse of my favorite warehouse and I got something for you! Well, maybe it was a little for me, too.

Photo from
paradisecandlesofhawaii.com

On my way to the vegetable area to get my 5lb bag of fresh spinach, I was distracted by a simple, unassuming display of candles. Never one to pass up a chance to check out new products, I scuttled over and began smelling the enchanting scents of Paradise Candles of Hawaii.  Made in the USA, these tropical scented soy candles had fantastic cold throws and attractive natural wood containers. Not yet a millionaire, there was no way I could buy a sample of each variant, so after a long debate between Coco-Mango, Gardenia of the Gods, Fruit Stand Wipeout, and Kona Coffee, I opted for Green Tea and Ginger. It's subtle sweet-apricot-ginger-freshness kept me coming back, and was what won its place in my shopping cart.

So, now I have to be honest with you (again). I haven't properly had a chance to evaluate this candle because I used it. I used it and it's all gone. That's how wonderful this candle was - I loved it so much I didn't even get the chance to share it with you. Please forgive me!

What I can tell you is the hot throw of Green Tea and Ginger was just as magnificent as the cold throw. In use, its slightly-sweet-apricot-ginger-freshness filled the space of my large open floor plan (with vaulted ceilings!), and when unlit its fragrance gently filled the air that surrounded it. The website states the candles are scented with 'premium quality oils and fragrances' and there is absolutely no doubting this!

I hope you can forgive me for indulging so shamelessly in this wonderful candle, but if you got your hands on one I'm sure you'd do the same!

Have you tried this scent? Do you love it, do you hate it? Make sure to leave a comment below!

The Naked Bee

A gift!  A gift!  I've been given a gift!  A friend was wandering around a shop checking out their inventory when she came across something she thought I'd love.  The next time I saw her she excitedly presented me with it:  The Naked Bee Orange Blossom Honey Moisturizing Hand & Body Lotion.

I looked quizzically at the spartan packaging of the brown pump bottle as she enthusiastically jumped around.  "You have to use it right now and tell me what you think it smells like," she encouraged.  I shrugged my shoulders, took a small amount of the 70% certified organic product, massaged it into my hands, and indulged in its scent.

She insisted on immediately knowing what I thought.  "Smarties!" I replied, suddenly craving the childhood candy.  But she disagreed, pulling out something from her cupboard.  "It is completely PEZ," the mother of two PEZ-loving kids argued, handing me a full dispenser.  As I munched away I agreed with her that it definitely had PEZ aromatics, but I still favored the overall smell to be Smarties-esque.

As the debate continued, I kept reapplying the lotion because those sweet, loud, nostalgic top notes quickly quietened (though did not completely disappear) to reveal a warmth in the heart.  It mellowed the candy top notes and enriched them to reveal a bouquet of citrus, soft floral, and honey.  It's a clean and comforting scent, as well as The Naked Bee's best selling variant!

The debate still continues, PEZ or Smarties, but it doesn't really matter because it's a fabulous fragrance (in a great lotion)!

Have you tried this scent?  Do you love it, do you hate it?  Make sure to leave a comment below!

Purbliss: Killer Kandles

This week we're experiencing pure bliss!  Wait a second, I spelled that wrong!  We're experiencing PurBliss, all natural soy wax candles.  Purbliss is a family run business out of California.  Their candles are sustainable and eco friendly, which is great news for the environment!  I've been lucky enough to receive some samples of two of their ranges and today we're focusing on PurBliss's Killer Kandle range because, as I've just learned, it's being phased out!  So, since they'll only be around a short while longer, let's get started.

First up we've got Cherry Bomb, which smells exactly how you'd expect!  Taking the lid off of the candle tin I'm met with a sweet explosion of cherry candy.  Delish!  The scent is strong and I have to fight to keep myself from tasting it since it smells so yummy.  In use, the scent is delicate and soft, but still sweet cherry candy.  It is a flavorsome aroma, but, truthfully, the hot throw could be stronger!

Next we've got Desert Passion.  It's got a great cold throw strength of dry cedarwood and warm, yet fresh, aromatic pine, which is lifted by lemon top notes.  This guy's got a lot going on in its earthy aromas!  In use, the fragrance calms into a light citrus scent, gently warmed by its aromatic-woody dimensions.  It is a sophisticated fragrance with a great cold throw, but could definitely be a bit more robust in use.

Finally, Killer Kandle number three: Lemon Drop Pop.  The strength of this candle's cold throw is, yet again, fantastic!  It fills the nose with lemon drop (go figure!) sweetness, pledge cleanliness and herbal warmth.  It isn't as tasty smelling as Cherry Bomb, but I'm not bothered by that as the scent is much more dynamic overall.  In use, the bouquet is very linear and fills the room with a pleasant and gentle citral aroma.  Like with the others, its hot throw could also benefit from a tad more strength!

All in all these candles have great scents with fabulous cold throws that draw you in, yet (as noted) the hot throw could offer a little bit more to keep you coming back!

Have you tried these scents?  Love them, hate them?  Make sure to leave a comment below!

Flanker Alert! Dior Addict Eau (not so) Sensuelle

I'm just going to jump right in and say it: this fragrance is a complete deviation from Dior Addict.  There are no hints of the luscious vanilla or the heady jasmine that so enraptured me in the original juice.  I'm not sure why Dior (other than for pure marketing reasons) attached this scent to the Addict line.  It truly is its own fragrance.  But, enough of my ranting.  Let's get on to the evaluating...

Dior Addict Eau Sensuelle is an extremely soapy-clean fragrance.  It opens with light rose aromas that subtly warm into fresh, light, and clean lilac notes.  They blend together flawlessly with the clean dry down of white musk which defines this scent and gives it a powdery-soapy-clean depth.  It triggers memory cues of Ivory soap... Did I mention this fragrance was clean?

If you read Scents n Scentsibility's post on Dior Addict Eau Fraiche, you'll know there's some confusion regarding these flankers.  Reviewers on Fragrantica overwhelming think Eau Sensuelle is only Addict to Life rebottled.*  Or if it's not Addict to Life they are comparing it to then they say it's a reincarnation of Forever and Ever Dior, which they prefer.

As for me, I'm wondering if this is Dior's take on Estee Lauder's groundbreaking 1996 pure and soapy-clean Pleasures.  And now that just leaves you - what do you think?

Have you tried this scent?  Do you love it, do you hate it?  Make sure to leave a comment below!

*I've never smelled Addict to Life, but the olfactive triangle tells me it is a Floral-Musky-Spicy scent (much different to what I've just smelled in Eau Sensuelle)

A year on, Givenchy Dahlia Noir still not so noir

The advert for Givenchy's Dahlia Noir is intoxicating.  Did you watch it?  If not, take a second and enjoy...

Scents n Scentsibility looked at this fragrance last year at its launch; a year on I thought it would be good to revisit it.  Instead of merely testing the fragrance in store, I was able to snag myself a sample so I could properly evaluate this scent at home.  With the ability to analyze over time and re-test, do I still find the fragrance a 'Flower Soixante Plus' - a fragrance for the over 60s?

Hmmm.  I believe it could best be described as "a delicate powdery note as subtle and sensual as the velvety texture of a newly opened flower blossom."  Which, unfortunately for Dahlia Noir, is the product description for Glade's (yes, Glade the air freshener) Soft Petals variant (available in the UK).  It is a heavy powdery-floral-vanilla-musk scent that immediately triggered scent memory cues of grandmothers and old skool aerosol air fresheners à la Soft Petals.  So, to answer the earlier question, yes, I still find the fragrance one for the older generations.

But, that's not to say that you will!  I decided to research Dahlia Noir reviews to see if others had the same opinion.  Some did, but there were many positive comments as well.  For example at Fragrantica, reviewers found the fragrance sophisticated, soft and feminine, and also romantic.

After reading these reviews I decided to give the juice another chance.  I sprayed it afresh and while evaluating the fragrance I watched the advert to get the full impact of the scent.

Doing this definitely altered my experience; it allowed me to ignore my memory cues and appreciate the depth of the fragrance.  The powder, the tiny hints of citrus in the top notes, the soft floral notes in the heart of the fragrance, the warmth of the dry down.

For forty-five seconds I was able to understand how it could be defined as sophisticated, feminine, romantic.  And then the advert ended and it was all grandmothers and air fresheners.  Completely unappealing and absolutely disappointing!

Oh well, at least I tried!

Have you tried this scent?  Do you love it, do you hate it?  Make sure to leave a comment below.

Flanker Alert! Dior Addict Eau (so) Fraiche

Dior Addict is a sensual floriental which was originally launched in 2002 to great success.  Since then flanker after flanker* has been rolled out and this summer is no exception!  The Dior Addict range has expanded by two, the first of which we'll be looking at today.

Dior Addict Eau Fraiche opens with a delightfully bright bergamot hit entwined with juicy mandarin hints.  It quickly warms and as the fragrance progresses to the heart a vibrant musk and quiet rose character emerge.

The fragrance is quite linear once the citrus dimensions settle.  What remains is the heart, which is a refreshingly luminous (dare I say, fraiche!) citrus-floral-musk aroma.

In truth, I wasn't expecting much from this fragrance, but it's not the first time I've been proven wrong.  Dior Addict Eau Fraiche is simply a great fragrance!

Have you tried this scent?  Do you love it, do you hate it?  Make sure to leave a comment below!

*After doing some research, it's clear that the range of Dior Addict flankers is actually getting quite confusing!  Dior launched an Addict Eau Fraiche in 2004, but, looking at the 2012 Eau Fraiche olfactive triangle, it is a completely different fragrance.  That said, if you compare this review to the 2004's olfactive triangle it appears that the fragrances are quite closely related to one another, if not in fact one and the same!

Also, one comment on NST noted that a salesperson at the Dior counter informed that past fragrances, Addict to Life and Addict 2, have been reconceptualized (new bottle, name, marketing, but same fragrance) and are now Addict Sensuelle and Eau Fraiche.

Do you have clarity on this confusing situation?  Make sure to leave a comment below!

DKNY London Olympics - Oops! Be Delicious

Today begins the quest for gold medals as the first of the Olympic competitions kicked off in the United Kingdom.  Yes, Friday is the official opening ceremony in London, but because the soccer competition takes so long to complete the first women's soccer matches were played today in Wales.  If you're wondering, GB beat NZ 1-0, and the US beat France 4-2.  Not a bad start, I'd say.  Well, that is depending on who you're supporting!

But, does it really matter who you're rooting for?  I'm not sure it does for DKNY's latest flankers in the Be Delicious range - aptly called DKNY Hearts The World.

The DKNY Be Delicious range first came into being with the launch of Be Delicious in 2004.  Since then the apple shaped bottle has graced fragrance shelves in a multitude of variations - Be Delicious Men, Golden Delicious, Delicious Night, Delicious Candy Apples, Red Delicious, Red Delicious Men... The list is long and has not stopped growing; the newest fragrances in the DKNY Hearts The World range all 'heart' a major city: NYC, Paris, Rio, and, of course, London.

So, what does DKNY think London's scent should smell like?  Sweat in honor of the athletes participating in the Olympics?  Rose in honor of England's national flower? Let's find out.

DKNY Be Delicious Heart London opens with a bright sweet citrus scent tinged with the tiniest hint of bubble gum.  It quickly warms to a gentle aroma of white floral and (yep!) rose.  The dry down remains rose-y and settles on the skin well due to its creamy amber and soft musk undertones.

It is an uncomplicated fragrance that is fresh, pretty and a perfect accessory for a sunny summer day... or a rainy one if you're in London!

Have you tried this scent? Do you love it, do you hate it?  Make sure to leave a comment below!

Yankee Candle Fall 2012: Harvest Welcome

Spicy Chicken Vindaloo
http://www.currytastic.com/category/vindaloo/ 

You know what I love?  I absolutely love an Indian curry.  My taste buds delight in the exotic cardamom, cumin, and chili pepper flavors.  I think it is one of my favorite foods, if not my most favorite food of all time.  Hmmm, I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!

But unfortunately this love has a draw back.  After a delectable curry the cardamom, cumin and chili pepper aromas suddenly aren't so pleasingly exotic, but are desperately, overwhelmingly strong and, yes, even malodorous.  Shirts, pants, jackets are all in need of either a good Febreze dousing or heavy duty washing!

Now, you must be asking yourself, why the heck is Scents n Scentsibility carrying on about Indian curry?  Aren't we were here to learn about the new fall scents from Yankee Candle?!

Right you are!  And Yankee Candle's new fall scent Harvest Welcome smells of ... can you guess?  Indian curry!!  I have no idea how this one got past the evaluation team unless YC marketing truly wanted a fragrance ripe with cumin, cardamom seed, and curry powder.  And this is no over-exaggeration!

Upon first indulging in the aroma you're greeted with a punch in the face of Big Red cinnamon, spicy cardamom, and also, disturbingly, a dirty note in the undertones reminiscent of vomit.  A person dear to my heart described it very elaborately as "gross".

Interested to see what the fragrance would progress to in use, I lit it and anxiously waited to see what would happen.

And what happened is my evaluation room smelled like curry!  It is strong - the scent seeping through the cracks in the door and infiltrating the outside space.  It is pure cumin, curry and cardamom seed and I immediately snuffed the candle out!

The only time I want my house smelling of curry is when I am cooking it, and even then, after the delicious meal, I do malodor control and open windows and spray air fresheners and light candles.

Wow, Yankee Candle.  I have no idea what you were thinking when you ok'd this fragrance for production!  'Farm fresh pumpkins spiced with just the right amount of brisk autumn air' it is not - Indian curry it definitely is!

Have you tried this scent?  Do you love it, do you hate it?  Make sure to leave a comment below!

Yankee Candle Fall 2012: Whoopie Pie

Find the recipe here: epicurious
(photo by: Mary Ellen Bartley)

whoopie pie (n):   a confection of two small and flat chocolate cakes with cream frosting in the middle; also called whoopee pie, black-and-white.

This delicious goodness originates from the New England area of the United States.  Although, interestingly, there is controversy as to which state this scrumptious treat hails from.  Is Maine its home, or is it Pennsylvania?  Or possibly New Hampshire or even Massachusetts?

Unbelievably, this is such a heated debate that Maine proposed legislature in 2011 to make the Whoopie Pie its official state pie, and thus staking claim to it!

I don't know the answer to its origins, but it is unsurprising, knowing Yankee Candle's New England roots, that they have a Whoopie Pie variant in their Fall 2012 candle range!  And my! What a heavenly Whoopie Pie they have created!

The first experience of the candle is intoxicating!  Its scent is rich with dry cocoa notes which blend seamlessly with soft mint tones and creamy marshmallow hints.  It is chocolate cake batter in a candle.  Delish!

In use a pleasant mouth-watering chocolate scent fills the room.  Infused within these chocolatey notes is the creamy marshmallow aroma which was present in the cold throw.  The mint notes disappear when the candle is burned, but it doesn't lessen the loveliness of the fragrance, just makes it less mint-chocolate-y.

As a chocolate lover myself, I can see only one problem with this scent - in use it isn't very strong!  What a pity - warm chocolate cake is one thing I don't mind my house smelling of!

Have you tried this scent?  Do you love it, do you hate it?  Make sure to leave a comment below!