Perfume
Chaps Weekend Perfume: Product Review
What: Angela gets spritzed with Chaps Weekend Perfume.
The Lowdown: Chaps is not a brand name that inspires a great deal of confidence regarding women’s fragrances. Sold at Kohl’s, it strikes me as very conservative and quite the opposite of high end. The packaging for the new Chaps Woman Weekend Perfume doesn’t help—the box is printed all around with a bland pink cable knit, with the Chaps logo (which always makes me think of lassos and cowboy boots) front and center. The bottle is a bit better, though, and I know, I know ... never judge a book and all that ...
As it turns out, in this case, that’s an adage that definitely holds true. Because despite my reservations (and inherently cynical nature), the fragrance itself? Nice. Really nice. With topnotes of green lotus, sparkling neroli and pink tulips supplemented by middle and bottom notes including magnolia blossom, beechwood, and patchouli leaf, the scent is an unfussy mix of floral and woody, without being overpowering. The florals come out strong at first—and if you’ve read previous fragrance reviews, We’re not floral fans—but soften once on the skin for a bit, for a nice subtle balance that has staying power.
The Verdict: Yea. The perfect fragrance, really, for making the transition from those bright summer scents into something more sultry for fall. Nice.
Buy It: Only at Kohl’s, $32.50 for 1 oz. or $42.50 for 3.4 oz.
Beyonce - Not So Fierce?
What: VMA show stealer Beyonce Knowles had planned to launch a fragrance called Fierce in 2010. However, Abercrombie & Fitch is trying to steal her thunder. The retailer’s suing the pop star because it already has a “signature scent” called Fierce.
What They Say:
In a federal lawsuit filed on Tuesday in Columbus, Ohio, Abercrombie claims a fragrance under the singer’s “Sasha Fierce” label “poses a likelihood of confusion” with the retailer’s own “Fierce” brand.
What We Say: We think this is probably just a way for A&F to bring attention to its $40 per oz perfume. Probably gonna be good advertising all around. But in the end - we really couldn’t care less if another celebrity is able to launch a fragrance or not.
Thoughts?
Fragrances are Irritating Sometimes - Literally
What: Apparently, 74% of women will experience an allergic reaction to a fragrance in their lifetime. Since perfumes don’t list out every single little ingredient - so as to not give away secret formulas and whatnot - there’s a lot that can slip under the radar. If you’re afraid of irritation, it’s natural to want to go more natural and invest in organic scents. However, it’s not always that easy, as many organic fragrances really aren’t all that organic.
What They Say:
Because the organic beauty industry isn’t subject to the same legislation as the food industry, there is still a lot of “greenwashing” out there,’ says Josephine Fairley, co-author of The Green Beauty Bible: The Ultimate Guide To Being Naturally Gorgeous.
What We Say: If you’ve got sensitive skin, we’d love to hear about what you wear - assuming they don’t give you an allergic reaction. What are some of your favorite perfumes that are easy on the skin?
Photo by Holly Clark
American Beauty “Beloved” Perfume: Product Review
What: Angela attempts to get romantic with American Beauty’s “Beloved” perfume spray.
The Lowdown: “Beloved”—apparently the winner of the Fragrance Foundation’s 2009 “Fragrance of the Year” award—is one of those quintessential girly scents: floral, floral, floral, specifically featuring tuberose along with orange flower, stephanotis, and calla lilies. It’s a scent which their marketing team has determined “embodies the exhilaration of being in love.” Good to know they’re not into overstatement.
I’m just going to say it—I’m very picky about perfume, and florals are not my favorite, unless they’re on the very very light side. Unfortunately, “Beloved” is not. It’s actually quite heavy, and while it’s endorsed by the always-lovely and youthful-looking Ashley Judd, the scent itself? Kinda makes me think of lace doilies and hurricane lamps—in other words, leaning towards the senior citizen. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but I’m not quite there. As for staying power, should you want it to stick around? No better than average—though I will say, after a little time has passed, the scent is definitely less overwhelming.
The Verdict: Overall, and for the price (about $40 for 1.7 oz.), a nay. If you are a die-hard floral lover, you might want to sample it at the beauty counter, but we think there are much more interesting and modern scents out there, for the same price or less.
Free Beauty Gift with Purchase at NORDSTROM
What: Get a free beauty gift with purchase during Nordstrom
Anniversary Sale.
What We Say: Most of the time, we shop at NORDSTROM Rack because the prices at the department store are a bit too steep. But with their Anniversary Sale, we can purchase high-end beauty products and get free make-up, skincare, and perfume. In pouches, which we can use to store make-up. The brands offering gifts with purchase vary from the high end to very high end: Lancome, Clarins, Bliss, Christian Dior, and more. We like the Lancome and Estee Lauder offers the most: several free samples, in a pouch, with a purchase of $29.50.
News Alert: Mariah Carey’s Fragrance
What: Mariah Carey, fresh from her new album and shotgun marriage, has created a new perfume that reflects her rollercoaster life, according to WWD. It’s called Luscious Pink and it’s released by Elizabeth Arden, the same company who released her first perfume, M. The scent is floral, and according to the diva herself, it’s “feminine, flirtatious, and fun.” Luscious Pink will be released in August in major department stores, so watch out for it.
What We Say: We hope the scent is like the bottle—sweet, delicate and pretty. Carey’s signature butterfly adorns the top, and like a butterfly, perfumes shouldn’t be heavy and cloying. Luscious Pink is a good option for a light, affordable perfume from a well-known and trusted company like Elizabeth Arden. The largest bottle will be sold for $65.
New Celebrity Fragrance: Queen Latifah
The News: Queen Latifah is the most recent star to jump on the celebrity perfume bandwagon. She has recently signed a deal with Parlux Fragrances—the same company that distributes perfumes from Jessica Simpson, GUESS?, Maria Sharapova and others—and will release her creation in Fall of 2009.
What We Say: Wherever you look, there’s a celebrity coming out with a new fragrance. Britney Spears, Sarah Jessica Parker, Hilary Duff, Beyonce—even Antonio Banderas—have all released scents. We’re a big fan of the Queen’s style—she’s not afraid to show off her curves and exude class and elegance even though the media dictates that her dress size isn’t beautiful. We bet that “eau de Latifah” is going to be a warm, strong fall scent for empowered women like her. This will be her first fragrance, and hopefully there will be many to follow.
What do you think of the latest addition to the celebrity perfume trend? Any guesses on what the fragrance will be called?
Photo from queenlatifah.com
Christian Lacroix Rouge Eau de Parfum: Product Review
What: Robin tries ROUGE, $32, a spicy and sensual scent created by designer Christian Lacroix for Avon.
The Lowdown: Avon is so not your mother’s Avon anymore. Just the design of ROUGE’s ornate red glass bottle alone makes me want to display it on my bathroom counter for all to see, and since it’s emblazoned with the name of one of the most renowned designers in the world, it definitely looks expensive. It smells pricy, too—the scent is described as follows: “A burst of citrus and spices unveils a floral heart wrapped in the most sensual cashmere woods.” In short, there’s nothing light about this perfume. As far as citrus, I’m certainly no nose, but I can’t seem to find that note anywhere—overall, it’s bold, heavy and mature. It smells like a special night out, but definitely not something you’d wear everyday to the office.
Yea or Nay: If you’re into heavier scents that linger long after you’ve exited a room, then yea. If you’re more of the clean, invigorating perfume persuasion, then nay.
Buy It: @ Avon.com
Diesel Fuel for Life eau de parfum, $49.50
What: Angela tests Diesel’s much-hyped new perfume, Fuel for Life, $49.50 for 50 ml.
The Lowdown: First, the name - there’s a por homme version, and “Fuel for Life” suits the guys much better. Second, the bottle is fussy - so fussy, in fact, that it’s dressed in a “revealing stylish gown” (their words, not mine). This so-called stylish gown is a crocheted, off-white stretchy sleeve. Strike two.
But what about the fragrance? I’d love to say it overcame the packaging, but only partially so. Boasting black current, patchouli, and jasmine, Fuel for Life starts out a bit overwhelming (fruity and sweet), easing up to a reasonably pleasant but wholly unremarkable but feminine scent.
Yea or Nay: It’s a slightly-bored nay - it’s not terrible, but there are better ways, my fashionable friends, to spend 50 bucks.
Product Review: So…? Sinful Eau de Toilette Spray by So Cosmetics
What: So…? Sinful Eau de Toilette Spray by So Cosmetics
Price:20 ml ($8.50) and 50 ml ($16.95) Eau de Toilette
My Opinion: Okay, when I first received this toilette spray I totally wanted to hate it because the name- “So…? Sinful”, reminded me of those Elizabeth Taylor commercials from the eighties, in which she peddled her own brand of perfume. However, when I actually opened the bottle and squirted a bit on my wrist, I was pleasantly surprised- the scent was so light and airy, it made me want to throw on a sun hat and frolic in the park. The scent is marketed to teens and is a bit sweet, although not sickening, so those of you who like a muskier scent will not like this spray.
Yea or Nay: Yea, because it’s the perfect summer scent- light and airy with a hint of vanilla and strawberries. The Yea would be more enthusiastic if they would change the name.
Buy it:At CVS or Kohls.
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