Lanvin Eclat D' Arpege Eau De Parfum Review

I had a most goofy day yesterday. I did a load of laundry only to discover when the load was done that I had forgotten to add detergent. So I had to rewash it. Then I made orange chicken (my favorite) and forgot I had already added chili paste to it, so I also added red pepper flakes and made extra spicy orange chicken. It was good..just kinda shocking how hot it was. Luckily that was mostly the end. I think I just need to catch up on sleep. Anyway...today I have a perfume review. I bought this one while I was in the states and brought it back with me. I always try to bring one back with me- not that I couldn't have ordered it here. 

Lanvin claims: 

Eclat d’Arpège by Lanvin is a Floral Fruity fragrance for women. Eclat d’Arpège was launched in 2002. The nose behind this fragrance is Karine Dubreuil-Sereni. The fragrance features Green Lilac, Tea Leaf, Peony, Peach Blossom, Musk, Wisteria, Petitgrain, Chinese Osmanthus, Cedar and Amber.

Eclat d’Arpège is classified as fruity-floral. Lanvin revives the musical theme of his legendary Arpege perfume. The composition is delicate, fragile and angelic. Eclat d’Arpège’s first accords are green lilac and Sicilian lemon leaves which transports us to the first day of spring. Summer’s near , flowers are in full bloom, the scent is more intense, it’s a wisteria blossom that blooms at perfume’s heart, accentuated by lush peach blossom and sensual red peony. Airy green tea leaves are refreshing. The base’s white cedar of Lebanon, gentle musk and precious amber are like an enveloping caress. The nose behind Eclat d’Arpège is Karine Dubreuill who created this perfume in 2002.

I don't know too much about the brand- except that it's been around for quite awhile- 1889. 

I paid a lot more for it than I should have- I just noticed that on the website I usually buy from they have the bottle for just shy of 50 euro while I paid upwards of 100. It pays to shop around which I wish now I would have done. Because I think the 50 price range is about all it's really worth. 

This has been around a bit longer than I expected. Came out in 2002. For some reason I thought it was newer. According the notes- it's a floral. Kinda reminds me of Marc Jacobs Daisy. It's a floral but it doesn't immediately scream floral when I got to put it on. Maybe because it's a very fresh floral. Not a category I feel I come across a lot. 

When I first got it, I really liked it. But as I kept wearing it, it really kinda fades into the background and just becomes...there. I think it's very inoffensive though and very easy to wear everyday.. Ifyou like a light fresh floral scent maybe this could be worth a try. Just don't pay as much as I did. 

It has a lot of notes to it that I am sure I have never come across before....like Green Lilac, and Wisteria. Other notes I am sure I have seen before. 

I'm not sure if it has lasting  power or if I just go nose blind to it. But usually around the 3-4 hour mark I don't really smell it anymore but it's very much a "skin" scent and doesn't really project.  It can be a little generic and forgettable but also the safe choice for everyday. It's not headache including whatsoever. 

The most unique about it is the packaging. I was surprised when I saw it...almost everything I have bought so far comes in a box. And while I like the packaging, it's very unique...it's probably a waste of plastic so I would still prefer a box that I can chuck in the recycle. I will probably keep this along with the bottle because I don't want to throw it out quite yet. 

Overall, I do still want to get my hands on the original Arpege. That's the one I was supposed to try---I do still plan on trying it eventually but I wouldn't buy this again. It's just not really the kind of perfume I go for.

Samples Review: Maison Louis Marie No. 15 Vanille Infinite Parfum and Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk

 

 

Vanilla Perfumes have been pretty popular for a little while now. There was a time years ago that I was a little obsessed with Vanilla everything too- but then I moved on and forgot. I think it was mostly when I was using stuff from The Body Shop. This reminds me of the scent of one of one the body butters from them actually and a candle I had from Granado not too long ago. I wouldn't say this is my favorite vanilla scent- I don't love the top notes. I had to look it up and I guess they are Citron and Jasmine. There is also supposed Heliotrope, Tonka Bean, Sugared Amber,  Cashmere Oud,  Vanilla Flower, and Cloud Musk. I don't know exactly what I don't love about it but the vanilla part I do love. It's just not my blend. But I was really glad to have this sample. It comes in a hair and body mist, travel size, perfume oil, and candle so if you do love it, you have options. 

I think the Armani Foundation is one that is stocked in a lot of makeup-artist kits. At least probably celebrity red carpet artist. It's probably an amazing foundation- but I don't have any plans to purchase it myself anytime soon. The smell and texture really remind me of a foundation I had years and years ago from L'oreal. The HIP line in particular. I loved that foundation. It was amazing. Probably too red in undertone for me- but I liked adding red tones to my skin. I got this as a free sample from Macy's. My last package from them was very generous. I got a full sized eye cream completely free too. 

But back to the foundation. It's a darker shade- but I would still need a deeper shade to match my skin. I tried to wear it one day and I'm pretty sure I looked extra ashy and grey. Since then I mixed most of it into a pot with my current foundation and somehow ended up with the perfect shade for me.  So I'm not reviewing the foundation as is. I like the finish- I think what I mix it with makes it a bit shiny at the end of the day.  But this seems to have a very natural finish. I also like the coverage and how thin it feels/goes on. I'm sure it's an excellent foundation- maybe one day I will try it. But for now I have a few bottles and other things I want to try before I would purchase this. So far- not mad at the sample. I have it in Shade 9- I'll definitely be getting a deeper shade but not quite sure which would be my perfect match. I just know this isn't it- although it was really great to mix in with my current foundation that is a little too deep for me. 

Chanel Chance Eau De Parfum Review

    I told myself I was going to do this post today- so here we are. Before we dive in, let me tell you about the craziest thing that happened to me this summer. I had a really bad allergic reaction that lasted DAYS. My face blew up, my lips (top) lip was about three times the size it normally is. My whole face except my eyes were unrecognizable for around three days. And then the hives. I had hives for about six days- not normal hives- painful swollen hives that made my hands/feet swell and felt like welts under my skin. I could barely walk for about three days. Luckily my throat never closed up or else I would have gone to the ER. From looking it up, I think it was angiodema. I just don't know what caused it. Maybe I'm jut allergic to the state of NC, because the last time I had a much more mild case of hives that only seemed to appear when I was exposed to air/water. I should probably go and get an allergy test but I really don't have allergies. The fun thing is I got to find out what I would look like with bad lip fillers- which I would never get. But anywho- back to perfume reviewing.

Chanel claims:

Chance Eau de Parfum by Chanel is a Chypre Floral fragrance for women. Chance Eau de Parfum was launched in 2005. The nose behind this fragrance is Jacques Polge. Top note is Pink Pepper; middle notes are Jasmine and Iris; base notes are Patchouli, Musk and Vanilla. The fragrance features Patchouli, White Musk and Vanilla.

I've been a minute since I've had a perfume from Chanel. I was cleaning off my perfume shelf and figured it would be time to give it another go. I knew I wanted something fresh for the summer which led to this pick. Most of the perfumes by the brand have been a bit too heavy and old fashioned to me so I was happy to try something more modern.

This came out in 2005. So it has some years on it- but not old enough that I would consider outdated. I think this one hits on timeless. It's a nice everyday fragrance. It smells related to other Chanel perfumes like Coco Mademoiselle.it just smells related to that fragrance.

I'm not sure exactly how to describe it-- just that it's an easy everyday type of scent. A little bit floral. And very classy. It never smell overpowering. I would say I definitely get the Jasmine--but it's a more tame and subtle version of Jasmine. It does claim to have notes of Vanilla/Musk and patchouli and to my nose they are so well blended they are just about undetectable. 

The lasting power is great- and I think it has medium projection. 

I will say on initial scent it does remind me of a cologne type scent but once it dries down those initial notes disappear. 

I like the bottle. I read somewhere the Chanel bottle are supposed to be handblown. It's not the most exciting design but it's definitely quality. For some strange reason, I really like the lid. It's heavy and stay put when you put it on without being hard to remove. 

A always like to look up celebs that wear a perfume when I try something new and turns out this is supposedly a favorite of Anne Hathaway. Speaking of Anne- I recently watched the Devil Wears Prada and was so disappointed. I don't remember the first one- I just know it is iconic and I should rewatch but I was definitely expecting more. It was aimless and tried to be a bit to preachy.

I really like it. I think it's the perfect, everyday, floral feminine clean type of scent. I'm not sure it would be a repurchase for me, but I will enjoy what's left of the bottle and likely try the remixes. 

Estee Lauder Youth Dew Eau De Parfum Review

 Got an oldie to review today. Although most of the older perfumes aren't my thing, I do enjoy trying them out. Youth Dew is an oriental perfume that launched in 1953. So it has definitely been around. I had never heard of it...but it does feel familiar. I think mainly because a lot the oldies really start to smell similar after awhile. 

Youth Dew claims: 

Youth-Dew by Estée Lauder is a Oriental Spicy fragrance for women. Youth-Dew was launched in 1953. The nose behind this fragrance is Josephine Catapano. Top notes are Spices, Aldehydes, Narcissus, Lavender, Coca-Cola, Orange, Peach and Bergamot; middle notes are Spicy Notes, Cloves, Cinnamon, Rose, Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang, Lily-of-the-Valley, Cassia and Orchid; base notes are Incense, Tolu Balsam, Oakmoss, Peru Balsam, Patchouli, Amber, Vetiver, Vanilla and Musk.

Absolutely captivating, with opulent flowers, rich spices, precious woods. 

It has been called one of the sexiest fragrances ever created, and more than 50 years after it was launched it continues to entice with its sensual, yet timeless appeal.

THE INSPIRATION

"Women still like to feel beautiful, pampered and loved, And that is what Youth-Dew is all about."

-Estée Lauder, Founder

Estée Lauder wondered why women relied on the men in their lives to buy them perfume. And why they reserved fragrance only for special occasions. To change women's minds-and forever change the world of fragrance-Mrs. Lauder created Youth-Dew Bath Oil in 1953.

Captivating, rich and exceptionally lasting, women bought it for the bath, but, as Mrs. Lauder predicted, soon began wearing Youth-Dew as their fragrance as well. Because it was sold as a bath oil, not perfume, women felt free to enjoy and wear it every day. Instead of using Youth-Dew by the drop, women used it by the bottle. Men loved it too, saying it was "simply the sexiest fragrance ever."

Made in USA

It has all of the notes that I like- it has bergamot, spice, Vanilla, Patchouli, Amber. I think those are the notes that I pick up and really like...but there's also something to it that I really don't like. It has a similar scent to Tabu, Hermes Caleche, and Guerlain Shalimar. But there's something there that I don't like- especially when wearing it. Maybe it's a floral note of something? I'm not sure but it just makes it smell like an older perfume and I can't help but think it definitely smells like something that was popular a few decades ago. It also kinda reminds me of this old Tinkerbell perfume I picked up in the mid 90's from JC Penny. That was my first perfume and the scent of that is burned into my brain. 

I think of all the old perfumes I have tried that have a similar DNA to this  Guerlain Shalimar is my favorite.- it doesn't smell quite as "old". So of all the oldies with a similar DNA- Shalimar is my favorite. 

One interesting note I kept reading about is a Coca Cola note. If I'm thinking about it, I get it. But it's not the first thing that cross my mind and not something I really pick up when I smell it. 

It is a very heavy, intoxicating scent. I don't think this is one for everyone (not one I can wear). It can also be a little headache inducing if I wear it. 

I mostly smell that odd note when I tried to wear it. I have found the best way for me to enjoy is as a room spray. I get more of the powderiness to it that I love but none of the old floral notes. So that's probably how I'll use up the rest of the bottle. 

Speaking of the bottle- I love it! I think there are two different bottles. I saw the glass one in store and was going to get it until I saw this. I have never seen a bottle quite like this. I think it's Tiffany Blue? It look s vintage and I love that! Keeping the bottle forever...

One thing I usually like to do when I try out an old fragrance is look up celebs that supposedly wore it. According to the Googles- Madonna, Joan Crawford (This seems like a JC scent!), Gloria Swanson, and Janet Leigh

It's had many ads. I always love looking through them: 

Overall, I'm glad I gave it a try- but it isn't for me. It's not something I would ever wear out the house...but it does suit as a room spray and I'm happy to add the bottle to my collection. I also added the lotion to my collection when I thought it would be a hassle to get my hands on the perfume- review of that should be coming in the next few months.

Marc Jacobs Perfect Eau De Parfum Review

I planned on doing a lot of running around today but it's chillier than I expected (although I didn't check the weather) and so now I plan to do a whole lot of nothing for the rest of the day. Maybe curl up with a good book or something. And get this review that I've been planning to do for a few days now out the way. 

I think I ended up with this perfume because I wanted something modern. And I hadn't had anything from the Marc Jacobs brand in a while. Also I really liked the bottle. I have tried one other Marc perfume- Daisy and I loved that bottle design. I plan to keep that bottle in my collection for forever alongside this one.

Marc Jacobs claim:

Perfect by Marc Jacobs is a Oriental Floral fragrance for women. Perfect was launched in 2020. The nose behind this fragrance is Domitille Michalon Bertier. Top notes are Rhubarb and Narcissus; middle note is Almond Milk; base notes are Cashmeran and Cedar.

So let's talk the bottle- it looks like chaos. You have a banana, a random shoe, a cat, stars, dice, bows etc. I love how playful it looks. The lid also kinda describes the way I feel about the perfume. 

It really feels like a hodge hodge of scents just thrown together. I get floral sometimes. Other times a very amber scent. It's a very warm scent overall though and I think best for the cooler weather of winter/fall. Looking at some of the claimed notes- I'm not sure I would say this is a very "green" scent.  I do get fruity notes. I don't get almond. I feel like sometimes there are really strong rose notes, especially in the top notes. It's a pretty sweet scent and I don't get powdery, musky, or or powdery.

It really smells like someone really tried to throw everything all into one scent. And then call it perfect. I would disagree. It's not a bad scent. There's just nothing special about it except how chaotic I think it smells. 

It does wear very well. I can still smell it at the end of a long day and I think it has good throw too. 

Overall, I think it's an easy everyday type of scent for cooler weather and into Spring. Nothing really stands out about it to make it special. I think I like the bottle more than i like the actual fragrance. 

Glossier You Eau De Parfum Review

 

One more review and then I am done for the day. The way I usually decide the next perfume I'm going to use is just googling and finding the most iconic fragrances. This popped up on some list- before then I had never heard of it. So I went ahead and ordered it from Sephora. I wish I didn't. Or I wish I had ordered the smaller size or something because this was not worth it.

Glossier claims:

Glossier You is a soft, warm and familiar skin-scent enhancing fragrance. Sparkling Pink Pepper opens into earthy Iris, settling into a strong, slightly-sweet base of Ambrette and Ambrox that wears close to skin–so it smells a little different on everyone!

Musky, Iris, Amber, Powdery, Soft Spicy, Violet, Floral, Earthy

Made in the USA

I think maybe I have a problem with "Ambrette/Ambroxan" type of scents. I don't think I have tried one that I have found to be very good. It's mainly the initial spray and the fact that it doesn't develop into anything good either.

It smells "cheap" to me. Something about the top notes reminds me of cheapie Glade sprays. I can't pick out any of the other notes- I wouldn't say it gives floral, fresh, oriental, woody- or any of the other categories. Maybe slightly powdery?  Just cheap and meh. If I didn't know how much I paid for the bottle I would have thought it was $30 or less. I feel $20 would be a fair price for it. But of course it was much more than that. 

Even the packaging gives cheap. I had been carrying the bottle around in my bag and you can see wear on it. Some of the packaging has worn off and the top has chipped. 

I really wish I had seen the smaller size because that is what I would have gone with. I didn't see that option- unlucky for me. 

I did read that it was reformulated about two years ago- so it's entirely possible that it was much better before. 

Overall, I really dislike it. I might try to use up the rest of it as a room/bathroom spray. I can't see myself wearing through the rest of the bottle. Waste of money for me. 

Tom Ford Black Orchid Eau De Parfum Review

 

I was excited for this. My very first Tom Ford. I've heard really great things about the fragrance for the most part. Or at least I think I have. I remember when the makeup hit the scene and a lot of people were had nothing but great things to say. So I was excited when this came up on a list of most iconic fragrances so I could finally give it a go. 

Tom Form claims:

Black Orchid by Tom Ford is a Oriental Floral fragrance for women. Black Orchid was launched in 2006. Black Orchid was created by David Apel and Pierre Negrin. Top notes are Truffle, Gardenia, Black Currant, Ylang-Ylang, Jasmine, Bergamot, Mandarin Orange and Amalfi Lemon; middle notes are Orchid, Spices, Gardenia, Fruity Notes, Ylang-Ylang, Jasmine and Lotus; base notes are Mexican chocolate, Patchouli, Vanille, Incense, Amber, Sandalwood, Vetiver and White Musk.

Made in Switzerland

I just knew I would love this scent so I sprang for the larger bottle. And I really wish I hadn't. I would say lesson learned but I will probably do the same thing again in a few months. And I had access to smell the fragrance first but I was too lazy to make the drive. 

I have the 1.7 ounce size. And I think I'm almost through it. Hard to tell because the bottle is so dark. At first I wasn't so sure about the bottle design- but the more I look the more I like. It's very unique. A nice dark black glass with a gold engraving of the name? I think that's how you describe it. I'm glad to be able to add this bottle to the collection since I do collect them. The only negative is you never know how much is left...it's all a guessing game. 

The first spritz of this was disappointing. Mostly it reminds me of a mens cologne scent. Maybe something my brother had when I was younger. It's very heavy and it does seem surpassingly masculine. I don't think the scent is "me" at all. Some perfumes you put on and they just smell amazing- this gives very much I have a very strong fragrance on. At least in my opinion. But it does wear very well and I can smell it on me at the end of the day. So it lasts forever and projects well. 

When I first got it- before I got used to it, it was very headache inducing. Now after more wear I am immune to it and it no longer induces headaches...lucky me. 

It has a lot of notes- I honestly can't really pick any of them out though Maybe I do get chocolate but those notes don't come out when I wear it. There also seems to be every floral known to man in this as well.

Overall, it is not for me. I think I prefer something lighter and fresher. I'm glad I finally got to try the brand though.  

Update: Now that the bottle is gone- I think this ha officially grown on me. Instead of sniffing it after I sprayed I gave it a good sniff after the dry down....hours later and why does it smell absolutely amazing? Warm and sweet and inviting? I think I need another bottle....

Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne Review

One day closer to Christmas. And I need to get started with gift shopping. I think I am going to try and do at least one order a day until I am done. First order is the easiest. Tomorrow I will have to put on my thinking cap. I also need to think of what I am gonna make for Christmas. I'm seeing people try the new Grinch meal from McDonald's. Maybe I'll do a Grinch theme? That could be fun. But what could I make? 

 In the meantime, I have a quick cologne review. The last in the discovery set I bought that had five minis. I think it was part of their best sellers. I saved the best for last? Or did I.

Jo Malone claims:

Breathe in the bracing air of the British coast. The windswept shore alive with sea salt and the mineral scent of rugged cliffs. Immersed in wild waters, the sound of breaking waves heightening the senses. The natural beauty of the British Isles inspires a fresh woody scent.

Top - Ambrette Seeds

Its textural quality wraps the top notes with an aura of sophistication.

Heart - Sea Salt

The crunchy nature of sea salt brings both texture and a sense of freshness and purity to the heart of the fragrance.

Base - Sage

Woody with earthy, aromatic tones that bring a natural depth to the base, grounding the sea salt accord.

 I was eyeing this in candle form but I really wasn't sure it would be a scent for me. It was the Wood Sage that had be unsure. I tend to love Sea Salt scents. I think. I'm basing it on that being my favorite cleaning spray scent (Method Lime and Sea Salt). 

That being said, I really enjoy the scent. Or at least I did in the beginning. I don't think it smells like what it says. It just smells fresh. A little citrusy. It's just immediately pleasing to the nose. It's supposed to smell like the British coast. I've been on the British coast. I don't remember it smelling this nice. I'm also a little surprised because it is a woody fragrance and usually those can go either way. But I do like this one.

This is one that I do agree is unisex. So many fragrances these days fall into that category....but they don't really seem uni. I think it's just trendy. But this one I could see anyone wearing. 

It is a newer scent- came out in 2014. I'm always glad to try newer scents because the oldie scents although fun to try mostly don't seem to stand the test of time. 

The main problem is that it doesn't last. It's nice for as long as you can smell it- then it disappears. And it disappears fast. You can really try to layer it on and it will not stick around for more than 30 minutes to an hour. 

It's also a simple scent- it's not a journey. It doesn't develop. You don't get interesting top, middle, or base notes. It's very linear. 

For the price I'm not sure I think it's worth it. It's nice. Non- offensive. Easy to wear and I'm glad I gave it a try. But I wouldn't pay asking price. I think it should be cheaper. Not cheap- but just more affordable. I wouldn't buy it in cologne form again- but I do want the candle. Maybe the next time I am in the market for a candle- I'll pick it up. 

Samples Review: Kayali Vanilla 28 and Prada Infusion De Figue Parfum

 It's been a minute since I've had any samples to review. Now I have quite a few. Mostly skincare. But I do have these two perfume samples so figured I would give them a go instead of keeping them sitting around and collecting dust.

Kayali Vanilla 28- This came in my latest Sephora order. I have seen this brand everywhere- they seem to have really great reviews. Normally I would think Vanilla is a little boring but I love the top notes of this. I  think it's probably the best vanilla scent I've come across. It's been a minute since I've used straight up vanilla. There is also quite a bit of patchouli in it that I really picked up on in the latter half of the wear. I used the entire sampler and it seems to last forever. I could even smell it the next day when I woke up. I'm not typically a fan of gourmands but this is nice. I actually want a full size bottle. 

Next up Prada Infusion De Figure. I've never experienced a full sized Prada perfume. Only a few samples here and there. I've had a few fig candles and sampled a few fig perfumes. This is quite a different scent to any other fig scent. Really unique in general. It definitely smells of summer. It's nice enough...I thought it was OK. It didn't compare to the Kayali perfume which I enjoyed much more in comparison. I think I would have liked this one more on a hot summer day...it's just not the right season for it. I don't see myself buying it anytime soon...but it was nice to try something so unique. 

And that's all for now....

Jo Malone Peony and Blushed Suede Review

It's super cold out and nothing to do but stay warm. Or try to. And in between I need to knock out a few posts. Today...we have a Jo Malone review. I'm almost through the discovery set I bought and then I'll give something else a whirl.  I used the candle of this not too long ago- it was my intro into Jo Malone. Mostly because I found the candle at a really great price. I wish I had picked up a couple of them- they would have made amazing gifts.

Jo Malone claims: 

Peony & Blush Suede by Jo Malone London is a Floral fragrance for women. Peony & Blush Suede was launched in 2013. The nose behind this fragrance is Christine Nagel. Top note is Red Apple; middle notes are Peony, Rose, Jasmine and Carnation; base note is Suede.

Peonies in voluptuous bloom flourishing in an English garden. Flirtatious with the juicy bite of red apple and the opulence of jasmine and rose. Mingling with soft, blush suede.

This is a newer fragrance- it only came out in 2013. I only recently discovered that the brand had been around longer than I thought but this came out around when I thought it would. It smells in the style of most florals that have come out in the last 10 years. I wouldn't say it smells the same- but it just smells really familiar in a way.

It's a very pretty and unmistakeable floral. I really like the scent in candle form. I think I prefer it in candle form over the actual perfume because the scent is just not really me. I enjoy wearing it and catching whiffs of the pretty scent through the day though. I just think it would suit someone else better. 

I definitely get the apple it is a top note for sure- I still have no idea what a peony smells like. I think I can detect the rose, jasmine. and suede.  Suede is an interesting note and choice here. It's one I have to think about..and if I think about it in terms of other scents I've had that had a leather type scent- I get it. But it's only something I realize is there when I read it and really focus on what notes I am picking up. The florals are the ones that really stand out and smack you in the face when you spray and throughout the wear.

It has great sillage and lasts pretty well as long as you spray it in layers. It is still gone at the end of the workday but it's so easy to top up. 

It's not terribly complex. It won't  change and develop throughout the day but I notice most of the other colognes from Jo are like that. They are just very linear scent. 

Overall, a very pretty scent. But not one I would buy again in cologne form. It's just not my type of scent. I'm looking for something different or something that smells more like me.  I would still try out the soap or room spray and whatever else form this comes in.

Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom & Honey Cologne Review

 I'm reviewing this in the wrong season. This is definitely a summer scent. And here we are in fall. I have a little bit left and I don't feel like saving it until next summer so I'm just going to continue using it out of season. I bought this in a mini set- which as soon as I saw I bought it. Jo Malone colognes are not cheap...especially for a cologne and getting a few in the mini size as right up my alley. I think after this one is gone I only have two left.

Jo Malone claims: 

A succulent peach plucked from a market stall in the early morning sun. Energise the spirit with a playful and fruity scent.

Top - Cassis
Intensely juicy and ripe, it gives a crisp edge to the fragrance.

Heart - Acacia Honey
This deliciously honeyed note suffuses the scent with its smooth, sweet accents of beeswax and blossoms.

Base - Peach
A lusciously, juicy note, succulent with textural velvety softness.

Nectarine Blossom & Honey by Jo Malone London is a Floral Fruity Gourmand fragrance for women and men. Nectarine Blossom & Honey was launched in 2005. The nose behind this fragrance is Jo Malone. Top notes are Green Notes, Black Currant and Petitgrain; middle notes are Nectarine and Black locust; base notes are Peach, Plum and Vetiver. 

This really captures nectarine perfectly. It has all the fruity notes. All of the sour you get when you bite into a fresh nectarine. Necatarine is the star of the show. It does say it has notes of honey but...I don't pick up on it.

I wore this on vacation and at one point went on a hike outside in the heat with it one. I kept getting whiffs of this and was enthralled with the scent. It smelled really nice in the heat. 

Smelling the scent on my skin rather than just wafts of scent is a totally different experience. I don't like sniffing it directly off my skin. It smells odd that way but luckily I didn't even notice until just now that I am writing the review.  I tend to use these more as a body spray on clothing rather than directly on my skin.

It's not a complex scent..and it doesn't develop throughout the day. It's just a simple and fruity scent that works really well in hot weather. I don't find Jo Malone scents to have great longevity but they are all colognes which has a lower concentration of oils anyway.

This scent came out in 2005-which is kinda surprising to me. I always think of Jo as a newer company and am so shocked to see some of the scents have been around quite awhile. 

I liked it. I enjoyed my time with it and would probably buy other things in the scent collection but I'm not sure I would repurchase this. It does come in quite a few forms such as candles, body cream, shower gel, hand cream etc. I wouldn't be mad though if I bought it in another set, I just don't think I would specifically seek the cologne variety out again.

Jo Malone Mimosa and Cardamom Cologne Review

 I want to finish up the cologne sampler set I bought by the end of the year and the way I go through colognes and perfumes I'm on track. I'm almost through this sampler- maybe one more wear and it's gone.

Jo Malone claims:

Mimosa & Cardamom by Jo Malone London is a Oriental Floral fragrance for women and men. Mimosa & Cardamom was launched in 2015. The nose behind this fragrance is Marie Salamagne. Top note is Cardamom; middle note is Mimosa; base note is Tonka Bean.

This cologne has confused me. At first I really didn't like it. I think it was the Cardamom that made it smell a bit more masculine than I normally like even though I love the smell of cardamom. Every time I would wear this in the beginning I would focus in on the spice and just dislike it. 

As I've continued to wear it- it's made me pause and think. .....maybe it's not so bad? 

Now I like it a lot more. But I'm still a little confused by the hint of spice. Other than that hit of spice it's a very gentle scent. Reminds me of a scent you might find in a baby product-  but not baby product powdery. It kinda reminds me of a detangling spray my mom used in my hair as a kid. I wonder if that is the Mimosa? I'm not too familiar with the scent of Mimosa flowers. I wish I could find some of the fresh flowers to smell. 

It's not something I immediately think of as floral though. I think that's the part of the scent that is really growing on me. Also..it's very unique. I have never smelled anything quite similar although I wouldn't call it a complex scent. It seems more on the simpler side.

One thing to note- I don't think it has great lasting power and I don't necessarily love what's left of the scent after wearing it on my skin for a while. I think I enjoy spraying it more on my clothes (it lasts longer that way) and doesn't change as much. 

It took awhile but it has really grown on me. I don't think I would buy a full bottle of it....but maybe I would purchase a smaller one again sometime in the far future. Or maybe just buy other things in the same scent family. 

Moschino Toy 2 Perfume Review

 I've been spending time watching vids about the new Apple phone drop. I want to put off buying a new phone. I just got a new battery in mine which is really extending it's life.  I want to use it as long as I can before replacing. But then I saw they dropped a phone in Orange. My favorite color. And I want it. I'm gonna resist though and try to wait until at least next year.

In the meantime, I have a perfume review from a new to me brand. 

Moschino claims:

Toy 2 by Moschino is a Floral Woody Musk fragrance for women. Toy 2 was launched in 2018. Toy 2 was created by Alberto Morillas and Fabrice Pellegrin. Top notes are Apple, Mandarin Orange and Magnolia; middle notes are White Currant, Peony and Jasmine; base notes are Musk, Sandalwood and Amberwood.

I picked up the bottle because of the big teddy bear. It's a little juvenile but still so cute and I thought it would be a good addition to my perfume collection. I like to collect unique bottles and this fits the bill. 

I also liked it enough to buy it. I thought it would make a good alternative to the other perfume I was wearing at the time...and I liked that it would be a better summer pick when I wanted something light. 

I really like the scent. It's very floral,  a little fruity, light, fresh, and not too sweet. Kinda unique (in the way I can't think of anything similar enough to it) ...but not really. It doesn't smell terribly complicated. It doesn't smell more expensive than it is. It just smells nice. A great everyday scent that I never got tired of. I really have been enjoying my bottle. It's nothing I need to buy again but I am enjoying it to the last drop. 

I can't really pick out specific notes. Maybe I get the apple, jasmine, currant? And a hit of florals. It really just smells like what I want my hair to smell like...anyone know of a shampoo that will make my hair smell like this? 

I did want to briefly talk about the brand- I know the brand because a couple of months ago I got caught up researching the outfits from the Nanny. I love, love, love that show. Especially love the fashion. Fran Fine was that girl. She was always fly! 

I don't know much about designers but I do know that I loved these designs! And there are so many more because she wore a lot of Moschino. I do wonder if she would also like this scent....but I don't think this is a Fran scent. It is very modern smelling given that it came out in 2018.

Overall, I like it. I'm glad I got to spend a summer wearing it. I probably wouldn't repurchase though, not while there are so many scents out there to discover but it served it's purpose.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Review

 I decided to majorly treat myself to the priciest perfume I have purchased for myself to date. What helped me take the plunge was I finally cashed out some money from blogging. I really haven't made much of anything from it- but I do it as a hobby anyway. Even with cashing out, I definitely paid well over $100. But I wanted to try this much hyped perfume. I ordered it because I'm not sure any stores near me carry it and I didn't feel like searching in person. So here with are. 

MFK claims:

Baccarat Rouge 540 was created from the meeting between Maison Francis Kurkdjian and the crystal factory Baccarat to celebrate its 250th anniversary. An eau de parfum that reminds both of the transparency and the density of crystal. With this unique woody-flowery-amber creation around three scents, Francis Kurkdjian wanted to express the poetic alchemy of crystal production.

In the top note, the airy facets of jasmine flowers and the explosive power of saffron symbolize the breath of air. They combine with a chord reminiscent of gray amber, as well as with dry woody notes that embody the mineral touch. And finally, the addictive sensuality of ethylmaltol, a fragrance with delicious accents, expresses the breath of fire. The radiant, racy Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum lays on the skin like an enveloping and at the same time airy-light veil - like a woody-amber touch of flowers. An inimitable fragrance signature, graphically and concentrated to the extreme, with long-lasting sillage.

Complement your care ritual with the other Baccarat Rouge 540 beauty gestures to pamper yourself and extend the sillage of your perfume: the foam gel for hands and body, the body milk, the hair perfume and the solid soap.

Made in France

I ended up with the 70 ml bottle which seemed to be better bang for my money. I wish I had seen the option to personalize it. I've bought a few perfumes that had that option and for some reason have never done it. And it's free....

This is my most complimented perfume. Most recent compliment- it smells expensive. That made me feel better (slightly) about the price. Because at least it smells unique and who doesn't want to smell expensive. It is truly a crowd pleaser...if you want a scent that others love, love, LOVE- get this one. 

As for me...it's OK. It tends to be on the sweeter side but it's not overwhelmingly sweet. Just more so than I was expecting it to be. I think I am under the impression that the more you pay the less sweet a scent is. It's not bad though. But it's mainly what I get. It's not really very floral to me. But I think it is woody. It is supposed to smell of Saffron which I have no real idea what that smells like. I should soon because I bought some from a spice group I am in and they always get the very best quality stuff. 

I really don't know how else to describe it except to state it doesn't smell very complex like I was expecting. I don't see how it is inimitable but I can also admit I haven't tried any dupes or smelled anything very similar. I have heard a certain celebrity fragrance is a dupe but I don't buy celeb scents often. I mostly try to avoid them. 

It's only been around since 2015 and has exploded in popularity. 

The packaging is very pretty though. Comes in a really pretty fancy feeling box. Does it feel as fancy as the price? Well...no. But it doesn't give cheapie either. I might save the box for a little while.

The perfume bottle itself is heavy feeling. It has a magnetic lid. It's a nice feeling/looking bottle. I'll probably keep it forever...especially since I collect perfume bottles. 

For me- it was overhyped and I'm not in love with it. I can easily wear it as an everyday fragrance...I don't think it offends anyone. I do love the compliments. But there is nothing really exciting to me about wearing it. So..I would say probably not worth the money for me. And I wouldn't buy it again. I would still try other scents from the brand. In a couple years. Might be best to see if I can get a sampler set for my wallets sake. 

Samples Review: Caudalie Premier Cru The Eye Cream, Viktor and Rolf FlowerBomb Tiger Lily, YSL Black Opium Glitter

I'm not an eye cream person- unless I have a sample to try. They are just way too pricey..so whatever I use on my face generally goes around my eye area.  This was a very generous sample so I feel like I used it for a few weeks. Usually an eye cream sample is about 1-2 uses. This is nice though. Goes on smoothly and hydrates without making the area appear greasy. And no reaction from my skin either...I tend to get small bumps and lots of texture with certain products.  Nor did I have issues with my eyes. Maybe through the weeks it helped with dark circles....and a slight reduction in fine lines. It was OK. I can't see myself actually putting down $85 on it. It's Made In France. The actual product has a metal applicator which I'm sure is nice and cooling and further helps to de-puff. It's fine.

Viktor and Rolf Flowerbomb Tigerlily

I love little perfume samples and with my latest order, I got two samples to give a whirl. They are always newer scents so that's fun too. I did buy a bottle of the OG FlowerBomb a couple years back but I wasn't a fan. On me it was a Patchouli bomb and I like Patchouli...but something about it just didn't wear well on me. This doesn't smell anything like the original. In fact, it's so unrelated I don't know why it's a part of the Flowerbomb line. It's very tropical. If you like a tropical vibe, this would be nice. Then there is something that's a bit floral. I like that bit. I just don't think based on the sample the tropical vibe fits for me. Not on my radar to purchase- but you never know! 

YSL Black Opium Glitter 

They went from Opium to Black Opium...and now Black Opium has a "spinoff" in Glitter. I'm a fan of the original Black Opium. It reminds me of my vacation to Las Vegas because it's all I wore there. This smells like the original but with a more floral feel. I don't know what flower. But just floral. And slightly soapy. I like it...but not more than the original which you also get a sample of. I just used the sample of the original and something about it smells a bit off. So I think this type of sample might not capture the fragrance as it's supposed to. It's something I may purchase though...just to experience the full bottle.