Modern Muse EDP by Estee Lauder

Modern Muse is the newest fragrance from Estee Lauder since it's last offering Beyond Paradise, launched a decade ago in 2003 which I adore and currently own two bottles of.

Modern Muse is Estee Lauder's most grown up floral fragrance - it embodies independence, confidence and with a firm feminine touch from the jasmine and woody accords, a exemplification of the modern women and the multi-roles she plays in today's society.

Sleek and tall, the bottle's curved edge and clean and clear straight lines houses a light grapefruit pink juice, complemented by the rectangular geometric gold and black top to gives it a bold and strong presence, representative of a strong  feminine woman standing tall and holding her own.

Upon first spray, the highlights of fresh citrus makes a brief appearance before waltzing off to give way to the belle of the ball - the sambac jasmine accord which have been cleverly enhanced by mandarin and the light sweetness of honeysuckle. The woody aspects don't really project strongly in this Modern Muse. Here it plays more of a supporting role - gently wrapping around the white floral scent to enhance it with notes of amber wood, soft musk over a vanilla back drop. Modern Muse also features patchouli but I can't say its very discernible to my nose.

Modern Muse may be floral and feminine, but it is no wall flower. Being able to come off as very clean, fresh and cool, I see myself putting Modern Muse on during a spring or mild summer day, as it it imparts to its wearer the confidence to get through whatever challenges she may face on her given day.

RRP A$85/ A$115/ A$155 for 30ml/ 50ml/ 100ml
Modern Muse  EDP is available now at Estee Lauder counters and online.

Marc Jacobs Honey EDP

Marc Jacob's latest fragrance offering launched just in time for the Southern hemisphere Spring this year and has an equally cheerful personality.

Fruity and floral, the energetic juice is held in a light honey tinted round bottle, covered with white dots and adorned with black and gold embellishments reminiscent of bumble bees on the bottle an another on its topper. 

This cute packaging accurately captures the fun loving nature of the scent with crisp pear and citrus notes of mandarin orange balanced with the sweetness of honeysuckle and delicate orange blossom. This blend remind me of a light honeydew scent which is further enhanced by a light touch of honey in a warm woodsy vanilla base, creating a light but well bodied scent.

On me, Honey has with a fairly soft sillage (that's perfume speak for how far away you are before you detect the scent on someone, a scent's projection or trail if you will) which is perfect for daytime wear when you just want hint of warm fruity sweetness surrounding you as you go about your day. 

It doesn't last too long though, so keep that in mind if you want something that is more lasting. Highly recommended for those lunch dates or casual weekend outings when you want a dose of fruity cheerfulness.

Marc Jacobs Honey EDP 30ml/50ml/100ml for A$75/A$120/A$160 available at Myer and David Jones now.

Floriental Luxe with Tom Ford Sahara Noir EDP

I’m recently finding myself drawn to the world of aromatic scents.

Previously I’ve always found them to be too strong and overpowering. But the perfume houses have refined their interpretations of Orientals notes over the years and as my familiarity with Oriental fragrances grows, I’m being won over.

The latest I managed to try out is none other than the Sahara Noir by Tom Ford

Tom Ford Sahara Noir EDP

I cannot help but love Tom Ford for his signature perfume design. And although Sahara Noir is encapsulated in the same signature fragrance bottle as his other scents, he adds a special touch by dipping the entire bottle in a pool of gold and the golden bow accent on the neck of the bottle lends the right delicateness to the otherwise bold design.

The opening notes of Sahara Noir reminds me of a dimly meditation room, located somewhere in tranquil surrounds - the air thick in burning incense, evoking a deep warmth of frankincense and rich citrus notes. I’m curious as I approach this alluring and mysterious scent, for it exudes a strong presence. I gain more confidence as I become captured by its notes, I can feel notes of jasmine and Levantine Cypress peek through. As I discover the scent more, I uncover powdery vanilla and a light sweetness of amber notes.

Within the hour it settles down to a balmy, and mellow incarnation – woody Agarwood and Cedar complemented by cinnamon and rose absolute now permeates through as it gentles envelops the skin for the rest of the day.

Mature and refined, Sahara Noir hits all the right notes from the warm Floriental family. I can definitely bask myself in this for many hours without feeling like I'm overwhelmed by its initial intensity. Potent and exotic, a little goes a long way so spray with light fingers and possibly from a further distance than you normally would with other scents until you master this exotic scent.

Tom Ford Sahara Noir EDP 50ml - RRP A$230 at David Jones city stores only.

Calvin Klein Dark Obsession for Men

Today I have a review of Calvin Klein's latest mens' fragrance to share with you. To get an impartial view from the stronger sex, I've enlisted the help of a male friend to give me his view of this latest juice offering.

Calvin Klein Dark Obsession for Men

Official marketing description and packaging
Branded as a bold, modern oriental fragrance that is powerfully masculine and intensely sensual. Its sleek and matte black bottle with silver writing gives it an edgy feel and helps to portray the essence of bold, powerful and sexy.

He says:
At first, there is a slight fruitiness and sweetness smell I can't quite put my finger to. Actually, the overall scent is fairly light with a bit of spiciness and musky intonation that remind me of some sort of fresh potpourri.

I'd say this is not a winter scent as it's very light - more like a spring or autum scent that wears well for a 3 to 4 hours on the skin before becoming a light nice soapy smell.

The name Dark Obsession seems to be a misnomer because this fragrance is not dark - it's a light vibrant scent that is that too sweet to be dark.  And even though I'm not obsessed with the scent, if my girl digs it, and she gave it to me, I'd wear it to keep her obsession with me going.

She says:

The first scent that comes through are woody and green pines notes with just the just right level of aromatics zing that is refreshing to the nose. It seems to also be infused with a warm vanilla undertone that softens the sharpness and suggest a complexity and sophistication and softer side of this fragrance.

Normally, I'm not a fan of aromatic scents but the light sweetness here have made me changed my mind on aromatics. Once the intensity comes off,  Dark Obsession transform into a smooth blend of sensual smoky warm notes over a light sweet base that comes together harmoniously.

Dark Obsession promises exhibits a fine balance of masculinity and gentleness. Contrary to its name, it isn't a dark perfume as it is not heady or overpowering. The boldness and power isn't strong here but it is definitely sexy  with its smoky aromatics and I can see myself becoming obsessed with its wearer.

The official notes:
Top: brazilian green mandarin, guarana, absinthe
Mid: : french clary sage, fir balsam, white vetiver
Base:  madagascar vanilla bean, labdanum, suede
Family: aromatics oriental

Calvin Klein Dark Obsession for Men EDT - 75ml | 125ml  for  A$69 | A$99 at Myer, David Jones and selected pharmacies.

This featured product was provided for editorial consideration.

Mother's Day Gifting Guide 2013 Edition

Can you believe it’s already May? This means mother’s day is around the corner.

I know lots of people say it’s become such a commercial thing with mother’s day, but you know, if it takes a commercial focus to get us thinking and getting around to thanking and appreciating our mothers’ tireless efforts, then I’m more than happy to follow this particular commercialised event.

Some may already know what they need to get their mothers, but for the rest of us stuck on ideas, my one advice is think gifts that are PAMPERING! Don’t rush out to get her more kitchen gadgets or boring appliances (unless she specifically asks for it) to help around the home. Think indulgence and pampering because mothers often don’t get or take the time out to indulge or pamper themselves.

Being a beauty aficionado, I’m going to be biased and suggest a few amazing beauty products – all geared towards making mum feel special and pampered.  And as always, there’s gift ideas to cater for all budgets.

For the Scent-sational Mum
MOR Deluxe Soy Candle 284g -  RRP A$49.95* 

Let mum enter the world of sweet jasmine and vanilla musk with this deluxe Marshmallow soy candle that also has notes of roses and cotton candy sweetness. With over 60 hours of burn time, she will get many evenings of enjoying this exquisite candle housed in an ornate ceramic candle holder that can be re-used to store bits-and-bobs afterwards.Presented in a beautiful bowed tied box - how can she resist? Available in Myer, David Jones and MOR online.

 Balenciaga L'Eau Rose EDP 50ml - RRP A$125 

For the mum who likes a sophisticated twist, the sparkling notes of violets is infused with delicate roses and sweetness of blackberries. But the watch out for the lingering spicy green notes of patchouli, cypress and cedar that creates a sophisticated blend of pretty perfection. Available in David Jones, Myer and selected pharmacies.

 Estee Lauder Beautiful Romantics Set - RRP A$145

If your mum loves her classic, then you can’t go wrong with giving her the Beautiful set – with a burst of roses mandarin and lily scents, she will feel feminine whilst being enveloped by mid notes of Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang and orange flowers that lingers and with a sandalwood velvetier base. A great value when the 75ml comes with a perfumed body lotion and Bath and shower Gelee (also 75ml each) to make the scent lasts even longer and is valued at over $179. Available in Myer, David Jones and Estee Lauder online.

Oscar De La Renta Oriental Lace EDP 100ml - RRP A$165

For mums with more exotic preferences– this heady juice starts up with an inviting blend of hoya carnosa flower, laced with the sweetness of honey and almonds but shows a warm dark cacao and sensual heart of patchouli that is sure to please all discerning tastes. Available exclusively at David Jones stores.


For the Spa-licious Mum
Skin Physics Derma Sonic Cleansing Brush - RRP A$119

This latest gadget from looks like it could be a clone for the much pricier Clarisonic Plus facial brush with the same benefits of sonic technology and providing 6x the efficiency of manual cleansing. Not only that, just in time for Mothers day, you will get a Cellugen skincare pack valued at over $265 that you can gift to mum or keep yourself - what an amazing bonus!

Skin Physics available at Myer stores.

Natio Orange Blossom Home Spa Range*

Natio’s Orange Blossom Home Spa range Get a whiff of orange blossom in full bloom with Natio’s latest body care Spa range in Orange Blossom. From body wash to lotions to hand creams, the tangy citrus floral and fresh neroli scent is sure to be a hit to mums with prices ranging from 8.95 for the hand wash to $18.95 for the sea salt scrub. My pick – try the hand cream ($9.95) and body butter ($16.95). Available in Myer, David Jones and selected pharmacies from 6th May 2013.

MUK Spa Argan Oil Shampoo & Conditioner - RRP A$26.95 each*

By far my favourite hair care product this year, this shampoo and conditioner set will give soft luscious silky manes to the most unruly hair, not only that, it is effective yet gentle, it's also free from parabens and sulphates. Mum will feel like she just stepped out of the hair dressers every time with its use with her transformed into shiny locks full of volume and body without the frizz. Available at MUK salons. Call 1300 768 264 for stocklists.

For the Skin-Savy Mum
Sisley Phyto Blanc Intensive Lightening Serum 30g - RRP A$390* 

Give mum bright luminous skin with this indulgent whitening serum. She will love the lavender scented light fluid that contains vitamin-c, AA2-G, extracts of mulberry, scutellaria and lemon to lighten pigmentation and give supple skin the is full of clarity and radiance. Available at Sisley counters in David Jones

Prevage Intense Moisturiser serum 30ml - RRP A$270* 

if mums been through stress lately, and showing the signs she’s appreciate this intensive serum with concentrated dose of idebenone, atrazine and thoitaine to protect against free radical damage and give skin improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and whilst boosting skin firmess and skin lumiousity. Available at Elizabeth Arden counters.

 SK-II Stempower Gift Set -  RRP A$159

Infused with SK-II's piteria essence, this set contains a full size 50g Stempower cream that promises to increase firmness and improve texture in 10 days. The set also contains travel size of its famous Facial Treatment Gentle Cleanser 20g, Facial Treatment Essence 75ml, and a Facial Treatment Mask and is valued at $280. Available at all SK-II counters and Adorebeauty online.

Shiseido Cherry Blossom skincare set  - RRP A$75

The Hydration Cherry Blossom collection is the perfect pack to help regulates and maintains optimal levels of moisture for a healthy-looking, luminous complexion , valued at $120, contains: Night Moisture Recharge 75mL Extra Gentle Cleansing Foam 30mL Hydro Nourishing Softener 30mL Refining Makeup Primer 10mL. Available at Shiseido counters in Myer


For the Glam-loving Mum
Estee Lauder Mother's Day Makeup Collection - RRP A$90 

Let your mum master the art of glam with this limited edition makeup set  containing superb products with incredible value containing Shimmering palette of 9 eyeshadows, bronzer, 3 Glosses, the Sumptuous Extreme Mascara and 2 Pure Color Intense Eyeliners in a deluxe makeup bag with tip cards that help her create looks that shimmer day and night.Available at Estee Lauder Counters or online.

Clinique High Impact Favourites – RRP A$38 

The essential to creating glamourous statement eyes. Includes quickliner for eyes, mascara both in intense black, Take off the Day makeup remover in a cute little mesh beauty bag. Available at Clinique counters.


Tom Ford Private Blend Lip Color - RRP A$65

Opulent and luxuriously creamy, which mum doesn’t want a Tom ford lippy to add to their collection? The pigments and shades deliver unparallel wear and colour sophistication – there’s bound to be a beautiful shade that would suit mums everywhere. Available in City David Jones stores.


Revitanail French Manicure Set - RRP A$25.00

For the classic manicured nails, mum will love this pretty and budget friend manicure set. Available at Priceline and selected pharmacies.

I hope this selection has inspired you. If not, take a look at all the catalogs that have already started flying into your inboxes - there's bound to be something that will tickle your mum's fancy. As long as you remember to give her something that pampering in mind, she'll love it because it came from you!

Product marked * were provided for editorial consideration.

Chloé - A Perfect Neutral Floral

You would know by now when it comes to fragrance, I’m mostly a floral kind of girl because they are so versatile and pair well with other notes to create warm and cool scents.

Warm and Cool scents I hear you say? Yes – just like colours, the olfactory world can also be structured into warm, cool and neutral categories.

Warmer scents have bases of spices, leather or wood notes to bring that earthy warm sensation to the nose whilst cool scents tend to invoke a refreshing air, akin to the welcoming evening Summer breeze that cools down the heat with features of citrus, green chrype, aquatic and ozone.

Then there are those fragrance that fall into neither territory – they have been carefully blended to exhibit both warm and cool, yet remain neutral and balanced to the nose.

Today we’ll explore what I think is a beautiful neutral floral with a hint of coolness that has me nostalgic for my young formative years.

Chloé by Chloé

Chloé is a classic scent and she sure looks the part. Eighty-eight grams of pure white sand has been transformed to make the glass that houses her juice. She has a soft feminine art-deco feel with her rectangular ribbed surface, collared by a silver plated neck complete with a pale pink bow tie which is topped off with a clear, wide oval cap.

Only 4 years old, Chloé is the brainchild of perfumers Amandine Marie and Michel Almairac. Her youth is immediately felt with the burst of sweet lychee and peony shining through the minute you spritz this onto your skin. This freshness then mingles with sensual roses blended with the magnolia and Lily of the valley that slowly blooms when the scent settles and I can’t help but feel I’m experiencing the coming of age a beautiful young girl, witnessing her blossom and grow into that cool and confident woman.

And when Chloé completes her transformation, you have a hint of fresh cedar delicately balanced with the soft sweetness and warmth of amber to complete the perfect neutral scent.

Chloé may be young and delicate but she will quietly embrace you all day like a best friend would if you need her to. She will happily accompany you out on a beautiful Spring day but don’t let that stop you from taking her along whenever you are nostalgic and looking to escape to those innocent and free-spirited times.

Chloé by Chloé EDP 30ml|50ml|100ml for RRP A$90| A$130| A$170. Available online and instores in Myer, David Jones and The Perfume Connection in Australia.  

This featured product was provided for consideration.

Balenciaga Paris vs Balenciaga L'Essence

It’s no secret that my favourite scent for some time is Christobel Balenciaga’s Balenciaga Paris. I’ve been yearning for it since the first spritz in David Jones last year (when it was a store exclusive) and it has been on my wish list since.

The fragrance fairy god-mother must have seen my list and decided to grant me a bottle a few months ago. Not only that, I was also lucky enough to land the latest edition Balenciaga  L’Essence last month.

You can imagine my delight to be in the possession of these two beautifully designed bottles of magical elixirs and today I try to describe to you why I love the original so much and the subtle difference between the first and second chapter of Balenciaga fragrances.

Although born of the same design, there is no doubt here that Balenciaga L’Essence is winner in the looks department. Both bottles are heavy, with a pentagonal bottom, rising to an arch at the top to give it sleek angles, corners and curves – a beautiful and sensual amalgamation.

Whilst Paris is a clear bottle, L’Essence in depicting its greener heart, is tinted a gradated cool blue tone. Both have a dome cap sitting atop a wide ring neck. In Paris, the neck is yellow marblised ring bearing the engraving of its name with white with black crackle effect ball cap.

The colour goes well with its clear bottle and is undoubtedly feminine. However, I find the golf ball like cap sits awkwardly against the beautiful body. L’Essence has learned from this mistake and has instead a metallic silver neck ring that with scratch markings all around set along its engraved name and a slightly smaller black steel cap. This gives it a more sophisticated and masculine look. 

Both Paris and L’Essence are created by Olivier Polge and is described as a green Chrype, which really means it belongs in the fresh green family and is a scent that invokes images of strolling down a forest path in the morning along a running stream and inhaling the sharp mossy leaves crushed under your feet mix with the fresh coolness of surrounding green air.

To me, Paris opens up with potent sparkling qualities and is bursting with a big bouquet of violet and carnation notes. I’m a fan of violets and it’s the very reason why I fell in love with it originally (which is why I also love Tom Ford’s Violet Blonde).

Paris is a not soft floral but one that mixed with the green notes, gives it an airy quality that is both refreshing and livening to the senses.  There is also a hint of lemony citrus that helps to sharpen the scent, giving it that modern edge. It then settles to a creamy powdery base layered between earthy vetiver and mossy green patchouli that continues to captivate me.

L’Essence is a greener and fresher version of Paris. It is said to be more intense than Paris and has more metallic and masculine qualities. Personally, I think L’Essence isn’t that strong and instead, just opens up differently – not as vibrant as Paris as the floral notes is missing the carnation so you only get a pure dose violet leaves.

This is tempered by notes of pepper and pimento berries that heighten its greenness before a brief sweetness of something I can’t put my nose on enters the equation. I didn’t detect the metallic quality but there is a leathery note that does make it more masculine. It then dries down to an airy green of cedar and vetiver.

Both scents are beautiful day scents that can easily carry you into the evenings. L’Essence is a pleasant unisex scent, more so than Paris, which is saying something as unisex scents are hard to design and often end up not appealing to either parties.

Balenciaga first and second incarnation are aloof scents that leaves people wondering what you have on with its complex, airy, green mystery surrounding you. 

The problem for me with L’Essence is that it fades faster on my skin than Paris does. What I love most about Paris is the scent holds well and doesn’t transform much after the dry down. It continues be the powdery and musky green for many hours afterwards and only fades in intensity rather than change into something else.

RRP A$95 30ml | A$145 50ml | $175 75ml at David Jones, and select Myer stores only. L'Essence is a David Jones store exclusive as it was launched last month.

Products featured were provided for consideration.

Illamasqua Freak: An Unrequited Love

Dear Freak,

When Monsieur Kynaston from Illamasqua announced that you would be making a debut appearance on our counters this month, I was utterly excited. 

He has never failed to deliver for me exquisite colours and beautiful textures but he has never indulged my senses before. So I waited with breathless anticipation for your arrival while I sneaked around looking to find out more about you. 

I saw your profile online recently and found out that you’re the creation of Azzi Glasser and already thought you were pretty special when I saw you had little cute silver snail trailing up the tilted side of that broody and smokey looking glass of yours. With your name, I imagined you to have quite a radical personality – one that would either assault me with your heady beauty or shock me with your intense display of your alter ego. 

But you did neither. Instead you just bewitched me. At first I couldn't understand what is it about you that had such an effect on me because you are such a rare and complex beauty. It was only afterwards that I realise it was your warmth and tenderness that had me intoxicated in your headiness. 

During our first encounter, you displayed your seductive powers through a sweet heady blend of dark davana but hinted of your darker side with and deadly nightshade (belladonna) and opium flowers and exotic frankincense. 

After that, your complex side with the datura flower and mysterious Queen of the Night Blossom surfaces. You then cast this aside after half an hour in exchange for a softer and slower tempo by showing your true floral heart interwined with woody oud and light powdery myrrh. 

I am now addicted to you, but your visits are always fleeting. You give me great pleasure for 2 hours and leave me with a faint memory of lingering powdery sweetness and have me hungering for more. 

Please visit me often any time you want for you are delectable day or night. I am truly suffering terrible withdrawal symptoms whenever you're not around.

Your unrequited love,
lilpil.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
75ml RRP A$149. Get your own intoxicating fix of Freak now at Illamasqua counters in selected Myer stores in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney.

A sampler of this featured product was provided for consideration.

Violet Blonde by Tom Ford

The first of 3 new Signature collection fragrances to be released by Tom Ford this year, Violet Blonde is a fronted by a beautiful ad campaign of a blonde bombshell lying on a bed of violets in full bloom.

This image evokes an air of mysterious feminity and sophistication and had me keen on getting a whiff of the juice behind the story.

Packaged in the hallmark Tom Ford slim-profiled ribbed glass bottle, tall gold domed ribbed cap with a golden plaque bearing the Tom Ford logo and Violet Blonde name etched into the bottle's body, it adds a definitive class of elegance to any vanity it graces.

Upon spraying, you get the rather cool top notes of violets infused with violet leaf absolute and the powdery orris tempers and rounds up the complexity of the scent. The added sophistication comes from the mixture of sharpness via the pink peppers, greenness of vetiver, sweetness of jasmine sambac, smoothness of suede and musk hitting the senses at various different points to punctuate the lingering powdery undertones. 

This latest TF offering is in essence a floral scent no doubt, but its ingenuity is in how the notes come together to produce a sophisticated elixir. In fact, when dried down, Violet Blonde bears a striking resemblance to the equally chic and sophisticated Balenciaga Paris (my all time favourite scent) but is with more violet and powdery than the latter - really, they're almost like a family singing the same notes on different octaves. 

Floral scents are too often thought of as being too wispy and delicate but don’t let the name of this latest offering deceive you into thinking that this scent will leave you a shrinking violet. Not by a long shot!

Violet Blonde is feminine, sophisticated and quintessentially old European glamour. It doesn't overpower but you will feel the quiet air of confidence linger and surround you when you wear this. Mark my words, because you've heard it first here, this will become an all time classic glamour scent. 

What type scents to you like to wear to feel glamourous? Mine is Lancome’s Trésor In Love and now Tom Ford’s Violet Blonde.

RRP A$100 30ml | A$155 50ml exclusively at Tom Ford counters in David Jones city stores and David Jones Chadstone Australia. 

This product was provided for consideration. 

InStyle's 2011 Fragrance Awards

Fragrance lovers - think you've got a keen sense of smell and can whiff out a winner?

If you think yes, then check if you're right by comparing to what the experts have listed as their top 10 fragrances this year. 

In its 3rd year, the judging panel included think tanks and industry experts like InStyle think tanks Director Victoria Meppem and Editor Kerrie McCallum, founder Jan Logan, Fragrance designer John Lambeth, Ten news presenter Natasha Belling and EDIT Boutique Owner Sharyn Storrier Lyneham.

They've come up with the following winners this year: -

BEST CELEBRITY: Reb’l Fleur by Rihanna

BEST NEW CLASSIC: Chanel No. 19 Poudre

BEST DESIGN: Halston Woman Amber

BEST DAYTIME: Miss Dior Cherie Blooming Bouquet

BEST DESIGNER: Prada Infusion De Rose

BEST HOLIDAY: Tom Ford Neroli Portofino

BEST EVENING: Very Irresistible Givenchy L’Intense

BEST INNOVATIVE: Jo Malone Limited Edition Tea Fragrance blends

LIMITED EDITION: Marc Jacobs Splash Cocktail Collection

BEST MEN’S: Guerlain Arsene Lupin Dandy

Reading down the list, I've tried Neroli Portofino, and Miss Dior Cherie Blooming Blossom, and Prada Milano but I'm very much inclined to dash to the nearest fragrance counters to get a whiff of the other winning scents. 

If you want to find out more on the list of the 50 finalists, grab a copy of the October issue of Instyle magazine with Blake Lively on the cover now.

Are there any on the list that are your favourites? Which would you nominate as this year's best fragrance. 

Make Your Own Solid Perfume

If you love to carry around with you your favourite perfume to respray during the day but hate the fact that it's a glass bottle and prone to breakages, then have I got a treat for you! 

You can easily turn any of your favourite scents into a solid form by making your own solid perfumes with this simple DIY project! Seriously, if you can make 2-minute noodles, you can make this. 

Solid perfume Benefits 

• portability - a small solid perfume jar is easier to take around that full sized perfume bottles
• no need to decant your perfume into purse size sprays to use it on the go
• no leaks, spills or potential breakages of glass!

how cute is this jar for solid perfume?

Tools/Ingredients required:

• 1 tablespoon Beeswax or vaseline (vaseline will give lighter and softer setting solid perfumes)
• 1 tablespoon Almond Oil (or Jojoba Oil)
• 8 - 15 drops Essential Oils or 5-10 spritz from your favourite perfume
• Lip balm jars to hold your finished products- clean out old ones or buy new ones from craft shops  but any container with a tight fitting lid would work. You can even try the cute designed ones. 
• Microwave-safe container (eg. glass bowl)
•  stirrer - toothpicks, or paddle pop sticks

1. Melt together the wax or petroleum jelly with the jojoba or sweet almond oil. You can either microwave the ingredients for a few seconds in a microwave-safe container to soften the mixture or heat it up over a double boiler - I am lazy and prefer the use of the microwave. Microwave for 5 seconds each time and mix the mixture to ensure even melting of the ingredients. 
2. Once mixture has liquefied, add the essential oils if you're using that. If you are using perfume, spritz enough into the melted product until it reaches the desired strength of fragrance. 
3. Use the stirrer to mixing the fragrance and melted mixture. You can use anything as the stirrer but expect your perfume to coat it, so either use something disposable or else something you can wash (so don't using your wooden spoon, unless you want it to smell pretty forever).
4. Pour the liquid into your final container and give it a few hours to set.

Viola - your solid perfume is done and you can start to use it to any part of your skin and best of all, pop it into your hand bag so you can take it with you everywhere you go!

Easy and rewarding to make - you can even get creative by mixing different scents to create your very own customised ones - what scents would you make? Mine would be Rose and Vanilla. 

Kim Kardashian's Voluptuous new Fragrance

Like so many celebrities before her, Kim Kardashian has followed the celebrity fragrance bandwagon with the recent release of her namesake fragrance - the only surprising thing for me is that she took so long to get one out.

When I think of Kim, sexy, sultry and sensual femininity comes to mind. And that is exactly what Kim Kardashian signature scent is – a mixure of classic florals with modern style, blended to represent the influential socialite.

Created in consultation with Lighthouse Beauty and master perfumer Claude Dir , the first thing one will notice is its command for attention with this mighty voluptuous scent. Powerful top notes of Jasmine and gardenia jump out at you on first spritz and can come across as over bearing to those who are not accustomed to strong scents. It then slowly transforms to a mellow and lush bouquet of white flowers that harmonises with the sweet tonka beans with hints of tuberrorse before finally settling down with a sensuous base of warm sandal wood and earthy jacarnada wood.

Kim Kardashian has torn me up because Jasmine and Gardenias are amongst my most loved scents but both flowers are strong scents and here it seems to compete too much for attention in the opening which can be headache inducing. In fact, with fragrances like Kim Kardashian, I spray the tiniest amount into the air and walk into it to allow the scent to evenly disperse around me.

Don’t get me wrong, Kim Kardashian is a beautiful scent, especially in the very end – the tonka beans and sensual warm bases are the balancing features and ensures a lasting fragrance that lingers and have me wanting my next hit of it again soon. It interestingly reminds me of a amplified version of Bvlgari’s Mon Jasmin Noir which has similar notes and that gentler scent sits very well with my nose.

If you love power scents and love it combined with voluptuous florals, then this is my top recommendation for you. My sister has already laid claim to my bottle and she is already making plans to pick up another bottle to take back to the UK with her when she leaves next week.

Kim Kardashian EDP RRP A$49/$69/$89 for 30/50/100ml
EDP rollerball A$22.95 for 10ml.
(note different bottle designs for the 30ml and 100ml sizes, the smaller size is the more rectangular pink bottle).

Available now at the Perfume Connection, Myer, Priceline and leading pharmacies.
This product was provided for consideration.

Review: Vivienne Westwood - Naughty Alice

When it comes to fragrance, I tend to lean towards florals and fresh scents.

My favourites to date are Marc Jacob's Daisy, Lancome’s Tresor In Love, Estee Lauder's Beyond Paradise, Balenciaga Paris and Lancome's Miracle. Now I can add another to the list.

Vivienne Westwood - Naughty Alice 

I must admit, when I first saw the marketing photos for it, it was the bottle design and the pretty blue heart charm gold bracelet caressing the neck of the bottle that caught my eyes. 

And pretty it is too – detachable, the charm bracelet can be worn as a jewellery around your wrist or hung on your bag. I prefer to keep it on the bottle neck as without it , that sensual yet elegant glass bottle loses its magical charm and Naughty Alice just becomes Plain Alice. 

This latest celebrity fragrance is developed by Bruno Jovanovic to celebrate the sophisticated feminine yet sexy and cheeky that is so Vivienne Westwood style. 

It is described as a floriental fragrance, which to my surprise hit a sweet spot with my senses when I’m not normally an oriental fan. I guess the florals of the violet, black rose and ylang ylang really does balance out the warmth and spice of hot pink pepper in the opening notes.  

Moreover, the sensual spiciness only lingers briefly before a bouquet of roses and warm ylang ylang comes through. It then settles onto skin with a soft warm violet musk that is more Nice Alice than naughty Alice. 

Naughty Alice is a fragrance that epitomises the sensual modern women with a bit of playfulness. If you're like me who need a gentle introduction to Orientals, you can’t go past this one.

I’m grinning like a Cheshire cat as I have am wearing this right now. And why not when it smells so good? It almost transports me to a wonderland of my own.

What fragrances are you currently wearing?

RRP A$65 for 30ml to $125 for 75ml at fragrance counters now. This is £37 for 30ml at Selfridges online.

This product was sent for review.