fragrance

Fragrance Review: StellaNude by Stella McCartney

by PJ on Monday, January 4, 2010

(image from www.stellamccartney.com)

In one of my earliest blog posts, I talked about my three favorite fragrances. Stella by Stella McCartney is among them, and it is still one of my favorite scents. Late last year, Stella McCartney released StellaNude, which joins the Stella family. It is also a continuation of the Stella McCartney Lingerie Collection.

(StellaNude UK TV ad, via YouTube)

Top notes: Moroccan rose, grapefruit
Middle notes: white peony, pink pepper
Base notes: Ugandan vanilla, grey amber

For me, the easiest way to talk about StellaNude is to compare it with Stella. While both are sensuous scents which feature the beautiful rose note, one element that really differs StellaNude from Stella is the pink pepper. It makes StellaNude sharper, spicier, and more bouncy. (Interestingly, this is not the way I expected StellaNude to be when I was looking at how the scent was visually marketed.) On the other hand, Stella is relatively more sedate, rounded and grounded.

StellaNude has a strong opening and a subtle drydown, and the punchy pepper note gives StellaNude a youthful and playful edge. Stella is softer and carries a feminine elegance, and its intensity is released more steadily.

Stella is an eau de parfum and StellaNude is an eau de toilette, and I do think that Stella lasts longer.

(image from www.stellamccartney.com)

The bottle has the same shape as that of Stella but it features facets in pale blush pink (instead of deep plum).

Overall, I prefer Stella. But what I like about StellaNude is that, while it is certainly instantly recognizable as part of the Stella family, it is different enough from all the other members to warrant its own identity. I think it is another successful modern interpretation of a rose fragrance. Compared with Stella, it will probably appeal to slightly younger consumers.

StellaNude is currently available in Eau de Toilette (30ml, 50ml, and 100ml) and Linen Scented Mist (125ml).

(The product featured in this article is provided by Stella McCartney.)

Stella McCartney Sheer Stella 2009

Bulgari Eau Parfumée au Thé Vert

A Splash of Color – Sensuous Plum

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Fragrance Review: Very Hollywood Michael Kors

by PJ on Tuesday, September 29, 2009

in -Michael Kors, fragrance

(image from www.veryhollywood.com)

Very Hollywood is Michael Kors’ latest fragrance. The scent, the packaging, and the advertising campaign aim to capture the sights and sounds of one of the world’s most glamorous destinations.

Top notes: mandarin, bergamot
Middle notes: jasmine, ylang ylang, raspberry, gardenia
Base notes: Italian orris, amber, white moss, vetiver

Very Hollywood is essentially a fruity floral scent. The invigorating and richly citrusy mandarin and bergamot open the scent, and the juicy raspberry soon shines through. It is a fresh opening with a hint of sweetness.

However, one note that characterizes the whole scent is gardenia. As the fruitiness recedes, gardenia soon takes over. The gentle base (with no heavy woodiness) allows gardenia to linger on for a considerable amount of time until the end. If you like fragrances with gardenia as the core, Very Hollywood is definitely worth trying.

Overall this is a wearable scent that does have a glamorous feel. Its sparkling and vivacious flair makes it a nice going-out scent, which can be quite suitable for the upcoming party season. (It is certainly not for a calm and quiet occasion.)

Currently exclusive to Harrods and Brown Thomas in the UK, Very Hollywood Michael Kors will be available nationwide from October 14th. The lineup includes Eau de Parfum Spray (30ml, 50ml, and 100ml), Luxe Perfume Spray (30ml), Fabulotion and Gem Solid Perfume Ring. (Luxe Perfume Spray and Gem Solid Perfume Ring are exclusive to Harrods and Brown Thomas.)

Always Alfred Sung

Escada Moon Sparkle

The Lovely Collection by Sarah Jessica Parker

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Bodycare Review: Bobbi Brown Beach Body Lotion

by PJ on Friday, September 18, 2009

in -Bobbi Brown, bodycare, fragrance

(image from Bobbi Brown)

Beach is one of the fragrance ranges from Bobbi Brown. It includes Shower Gel, Body Oil and Sunscreen Body Spray SPF 15. Today I am reviewing the Body Lotion from the range.

Bobbi Brown Beach Body Lotion is a relatively lightweight body moisturizer. It has a lightly creamy consistency and it is easy to spread. It moisturizes the skin well and doesn’t leave the skin greasy. It keeps the skin soft and the moisture is relatively long-lasting.

Some of its main moisturizing ingredients include aloe leaf juice, jojoba seed oil, sunflower seed oil, olive fruit oil and glycerine. The product also contains green tea leaf extract and vitamin E.

It features the scent from the Beach fragrance, which includes notes of jasmine and mandarin. Even though it is not too heavily scented, for me personally, the scent surprisingly took a bit of getting used to (considering the fact that I do like jasmine and mandarin notes). Perhaps this is because I usually shower in the evening and I find the scent to be slightly too zingy and invigorating for the evening. But it is certainly a fresh and summery scent.

The product is free of alcohol and parabens.

If you like the Beach fragrance, the Beach Body Lotion should be an appealing body moisturizer for spring, summer and fall. It should suit all skin types except very dry skin.

Anna Sui Summer 2009 Hair & Body Collection

Elemis Pro-Collagen Body Serum

Jergens Extra Softening Body Moisturiser

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Ayura Night Harmonition

by PJ on Monday, September 14, 2009

in -Ayura, 2009 Fall, all about Japanese cosmetics, fragrance, fragrance - room fragrance

(images/info from www.joseishi.net/voce)

Last October, Ayura released Night Meditation, a version of the classic Ayura fragrance, Spirit of Ayura. On October 23rd this year, Ayura will release Night Harmonition Natural Spray (Cologne, 20ml). It features notes of milk, orange, and bodhi tree.

There will also be two limited-edition sets:

– Night Harmonition Room Collection (Natural Spray 20ml, Aroma Oil 5ml, Aroma Pot; released on October 23rd)

– Night Scented Collection (Natural Spray 20ml, Aroma Oil 5ml, Meditation Body Cream 50ml, Mini Chimney; released on November 20th)

Ayura Fall 2009 Makeup Collection

Ayura Spring 2009 Makeup Collection

Loving Japanese Brands – Ayura

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Fragrance Review: Bond No. 9 Andy Warhol Success Is a Job in New York

by PJ on Sunday, September 13, 2009

in -Bond No. 9, fragrance

(image from Bond No. 9)

For Bond No. 9‘s fourth creation in the Andy Warhol series, Success Is a Job in New York, success and money are chosen as the theme. The creation is partly inspired by Warhol’s Dollar Sign in 1981.

Top notes: bergamot, cardamon seed, mandarin, coriander, nutmeg
Middle notes: pimento, tuberose, Rose de Mai, jasmine, plum, iris
Base notes: vanilla, patchouli, amber

Bond No. 9 describes Success as a warm and spicy gourmand. Gourmand it certainly is, while for me the scent is more warm than spicy. The top notes are very soft and have a transient existence. The main body of the scent is warm and gently floral.

Vanilla seems to characterize the whole composition, and it gives forth a warm, smooth, and rounded feel. Far from sweet and girlie, the scent is calm and sophisticated with a distinguished quality. Overall it conveys an aura of mature old-school glamour, and I think it should be a suitable scent for fall and winter.

Whenever I think about fragrances that explore abstract subject matters, I often think of Bond No. 9’s The Scent of Peace. The serene and comforting scent is a very successful attempt in interpreting the subject, and it happens to be one of my favorite Bond No. 9 scents. Success might not be such a firm personal favorite, but I think it has done just as well in tackling the elusive subject.

Success Is a Job in New York Eau de Parfum will be launched on October 1st in the US in Bond No. 9 stores in New York and branches of Saks Fifth Avenue.

Bond No. 9 Andy Warhol’s Silver Factory, Union Square and Lexington Avenue

Bond No. 9 Astor Place

Stella McCartney Sheer Stella 2009

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Fragrance Review: Tiempe Passate by Antonia’s Flowers

by PJ on Sunday, July 26, 2009

in fragrance

(image from www.spacenk.co.uk)

Tiempe Passate was created in 1999 by Antonia Bellanca, who once said of the fragrance, “That’s the scent I love the most – fragrance after you’ve had it on for hours – and that’s the quality Tiempe Passate has just minutes after you apply it – a truly lived in, skin fragrance.” I find the description of this smoky and woody scent quite accurate.

There is one thing that makes Tiempe Passate stand out and reflects Antonia’s description of it. With many fragrances, there is the initial waft of alcohol, but Tiempe Passate has very little of it and the start of the scent is surprisingly mellow. It doesn’t have sharp top notes and the development of the scent is gentle and subtle. It is almost as if the drydown were sprayed straight onto the skin.

Tiempe Passate is essentially a warm, smoky and woody scent which is not overly masculine. Even though it is never overpowering, it is a little too smoky and woody for my personally liking. But I do applaud Antonia’s success in creating something that is classy and memorable.

Tiempe Passate contains notes of bergamot, montauk rose, clementine, sage, ambrette seeds, vetiver, and cedarwood. The bottle comes with a stopper and a pump. In the UK, it is available at Fenwick New Bond Street, Liberty and Space NK Apothecaries.

Bond No. 9 Brooklyn

Calvin Klein Secret Obsession

Sheer Stella 2009 from Stella McCartney

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Kanebo Milano Collection 2010

by PJ on Tuesday, June 2, 2009

in -Kanebo, -Kanebo Milano Collection, 2009 Holiday, all about Japanese cosmetics, fragrance, makeup, makeup - base makeup

(images/info from www.nikkei.co.jp)

The 2010 edition of Kanebo’s Face Up Powder Milano Collection 2010 will be out in Japan on December 16th. This is a pre-order-only item, and the pre-order period will be between mid-June and September 17th.

The powder (24g, SPF 14 PA++) retails for 12600 JPY. Like the 2009 edition, it includes a powder puff with silk produced in Kyoto.

(motif on the powder case)

Since 1991, Kanebo has been releasing the Milano Collection each year (except 1994 and 1995). You can see all the different case designs below. You can also check out the page on the Kanebo website to see larger photos of the cases.

Updated on June 15th 2009:

The collection will also include a 30ml eau de parfum. It will be available from November 16 and the pre-order period ends on August 20th.

(image/info from www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/milano-collection)

Raycious Foundation Case Galore

My Anna Sui Foundation Cases

Foundation Face-Off: Lunasol vs. Coffret D’Or

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Fragrance Review: Always Alfred Sung

by PJ on Sunday, May 24, 2009

in fragrance

(image from Elizabeth Arden)

Known for his bridal wear, Alfred Sung was inspired to create Always by Grace Kelly’s biography and its depiction of her iconic wedding. The creation aims to capture the love, joy and passion of a beautiful wedding day as well as to radiate a timeless sophistication.

The fragrance was created in collaboration with perfumer Clement Gavarry, who is, along with Laurent Le Guernec, behind the popular and critically acclaimed Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker.

Top notes: waterlily, kumquat, neroli
Middle notes: pink peony, honeysuckle petals, orris
Base notes: sandalwood, patchouli, ambrette seeds

The scent opens with a floral and citrusy effervescence, which feels light, fresh and bright. Then it takes on a warm, smooth and almost milky dimension, but the warmth is never overpowering and the scent manages to remain lilting and uplifting.

To me, this is a very pleasant floral scent with subtle and welcoming warmth and a touch of sweetness, and it successfully captures the imageries of a joyous and romantic wedding. Feminine, elegant and graceful, it is tactfully crafted to suit both daytime and nighttime as well as various seasons (which seems to somewhat echo the name of the fragrance). It is a very wearable scent but it is by no means generic.

Always Alfred Sung is available in 50ml and 100ml Eau de Parfum Sprays and a 7ml Eau de Parfum Rollerball. The range also includes a 200ml Luminous Body Lotion.

The Lovely Collection by Sarah Jessica Parker
(Twilight, one of the three scents in the collection, was also created by Clement Gavarry and Laurent Le Guernec.)

Bond No. 9 Astor Place

Sheer Stella 2009 by Stella McCartney

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Jill Stuart 2009 Summer Collection Update & Future Release

by PJ on Friday, May 15, 2009

in -Jill Stuart, 2009 Summer, all about Japanese cosmetics, fragrance, makeup

(image from www.jillstuart-beauty.com)

Jill Stuart has updated its website to feature the summer 2009 makeup collection (out in Japan on June 5th). The main eye makeup item for the seasonal ad image (below) is Jelly Eye Color N in 08 Crystal Sky (pictured above). It seems to be a very pretty medium purple shade and I am seriously considering getting it.

(image from www.jillstuart-beauty.com)

Also, on July 3rd in Japan, Jill Stuart will release Jill by Jill Stuart Perfumed Body Powder (7g). It is an addition to the Jill by Jill Stuart Eau de Toilette range.

(image from www.joseishi.net/voce)

(Jill by Jill Stuart EDT)
(image from www.jillstuart-beauty.com)

Jill Stuart New Bodycare Items

Jill Stuart Mix Blush Compact in 01 Baby Blush

Loving Japanese Brands – Jill Stuart

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Fragrance Review: Bond No. 9 Astor Place

by PJ on Friday, May 8, 2009

in -Bond No. 9, fragrance

(images from Bond No.9)

Astor Place is housed in one of the most colorful Bond No. 9 bottles to date, as the design echoes Tony Rosenthal’s Alamo at Astor Place. However, to me, if this latest creation from Bond No. 9 were a color, it would be a fresh soft green.

Top notes: violet leaf, mandarin zest
Middle notes: freesia, red poppy buds, orris
Base notes: teakwood, musk, amber

It opens with fresh green and citrus notes, and it feels vibrant but not too dry or zesty. The scent is soon enriched and intensified by freesia, and, on the whole, there is a pleasant balance among green, citrus, and floral notes. It is a gentle and refreshing scent.

The scent also seems to possess a sense of movement and energy within itself, which echoes birth and growth after the stagnant winter. It is a great fragrance to be worn and enjoyed on a relaxing warm spring day.

Astor Place was launched in April with a limited-edition Swarovski-decorated bottle for Mother’s Day.

In addition, released in May just in time for Mother’s Day is the Swarovski Stars collection, featuring Nuits de Noho (left), Chelsea Flowers (middle), and The Scent of Peace (right). These 50ml flacons will continue to be available after Mother’s Day.