Saturday 21 March 2015

Review: Theirry Mugler - Angel (1992)

Review: Thierry Mugler - Angel (1992) - My latest obsession:
https://igcdn-photos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t51.2885-15/11055840_718608951592442_1399828476_n.jpg
My two bottles of Angel
 About two weeks ago I was hunting for bargains on used fragrances and stumbled across Angel by Thierry Mugler. Of course seeing that this is such a well known classic and it was such a great deal I quickly placed my bid hoping that I would win when I wake up in the morning (I did win by the way). I had never been a fan of Angel throughout my fragrance journey so I placed my bet hoping to have it just for reference sake. Earlier this week my parcel containing Angel arrived and of course I was pleased to finally be a proud owner the gorgeous star shaped bottle. I wasn't expecting to like the scent because the last time that I had tested it about a year ago I just thought to my self , "ewww what is this nasty sweet stuff, it makes me feel so sticky!"...

https://bygonebuttons.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/angel-thierry-mugler-advertisement02.jpg
Futuristic Advertisement for Angel
It's so interesting to notice how my taste in fragrance had evolved and diversified over the years, through the exploration of different notes and hoses. So I picked up the glamorous bottle and sprayed it onto my wrist, and this time my reaction was the complete opposite of how I reacted the first time I tested it. I immediately fell in love with it and instantaneously understand why so many love it.

A bit about the scent it self ... Angel is an oriental gourmand fragrance, one of the first in this category,  launched in 1992 (the year I was born!) by Olivier Cresp and Yves de Chirin. Angel was the first of many perfumes from the house of Thierry Mugler, one of my favorite designers, and was aimed to evoke the emotion of tender childhood memories together with a sense of "dreamlike infinity" - see the advert *hint*.

The Scent:

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/9b/4e/86/9b4e86f2e6b431e8e29e43d4bdca6a0c.jpg
Kid in a candy store
One thing that had not change from the first time I tested Angel till now would be the fact that it is definitely sweet. Which was the one thing that turned me away from loving it at first. Immediately upon spraying the fragrance on myself I can detect prominent notes of chocolate, patchouli along with a fainter aura of caramel, honey and vanilla. These sweet-gourmand notes does indeed evoke my "tender childhood memories", like a kid being in a candy store and the warmth of the scent reflects back to the time when were all kids and not having to worry about a thing in the world at all (at least for most of us).


On my skin Angel stays pretty linear and within about 45 minutes on my skin I can detect the patchouli becoming stronger and the sweetness of the opening toning down. The scent stays pretty much that way until the end. Angel is very long lasting with excellent silage, it lasted for around 8-10 hours on my skin with strong silage in the first 2-3 hours, then moderate silage after that. Angel is fast becoming a classic in perfumery and is still as popular as ever, it also received the FiFi Award Hall of Fame in 2007. I would recommend any fragrance lover to try this one out and to also test it over a period of time if you are not a fan at first sniff (just like my self), over time as your taste in fragrance change you may fall in love with Angel just like I did.

Saturday 3 January 2015

Perfumes that I bought in 2014 and my ranking for them.

2014 Purchased Perfumes + Scores:

It is that time of the year when I look back and see how much my collection had grown in 2014 and to appreciate the collection that I had work so hard for heading into the new year of 2015. Hopefully I will continue to enjoy this hobby and my collection will be even better by the start of 2016, who knows?

I will be listing what I've purchased and then giving each of then a score out of 10 based on the following categories. Please remember that this is only my personal ranking/scoring, you may or may not agree with some of them which is perfectly fine.

- Scent = meaning how much I actually enjoy and love this scent, yay or nay.
- Usage = how often I use or want to use the scent
- Price = is it good value?

I will also be mentioning the factors that attracted me into purchasing what I've purchased. Empty bottles and vintages that is not used will not be included. Full reviews of some of these perfumes will be written in the future.

Idole By Lubin:

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlT4bGzHNq1s34Toexf-R_vfi2BvSYy3UKOYfLzCaS9s0IBww0m6-Mwr0gZ9cx9g3cAy_4Qcj-kTj2WDzdRfzlZKTd0HBLkQawW596Jx8HB1lbNbyDBI_DtFTNjXZFdE75Glh6dUtOZCy-/s1600/Idole_flacon.jpgScent: 7/10 Love the boozy wood combo

Usage: 0/10 I haven't opened my box since I bought it, I felt guilty about spending so much..Perhaps this winter coming up I will finally open it.

Price: 2/10 I was stupid enough to buy retail because of the news that the EDT bottle with the African mask cap would be discontinued and that people in the US were struggling to find it...So I hurried out and bought it. I went back later this year and still see the same type of bottle available.

Total:: 9/30

Cuir De Lancome By Lancome :

http://parfumblog.hu/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/cuir-de-lancome.jpgScent: 6/10 A beautiful scent but sometimes I find it lacking in character.

Usage: 4/10 I used it a bit during winter after I recently purchased it but then I haven't used much since then, I do get some cravings to use it during winter but not often.

Price: 9/10 I managed to purchase this one brand new for just a bit over $50 AUD, which is a great deal for an exclusive collection by Lancome and it's not available in retailers in Australia. I was really into "Floral Leathers" at the time and wanted to try this one due to all the positive reviews.

Total: 19/30

Midnight In Paris By Van Cleef & Arpels:

http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/60/0a/600a7a894cb2401cde27bccf69a0a2a1.jpg?itok=hyrUjjAvScent: 8/10 Just love the tonka bean note in this one, its not too spicy and is delicious. Sometimes this scent can be too much during hot days so I try to be careful when I use it.

Usage: 6/10 I've been grabbing it a bit during spring but then on hotter spring days or in summer I cannot wear this without getting nauseaous.

Price: 9/10 Very good price for this one , brand new and boxed for only about $40 AUD. Fantastic quality juice and an avant-garde presentation. The price was the factor that made me go ahead and purchase this scent plus the rumors going around on fragrance forums that the scent was going to be discontinued.

Total: 23/10

Cuir Styrax By Prada:

http://www.punmiris.com/himg/o.12302.jpgScent: 4/10 Something that cost as much as this one and is "Parfum" in concentration should last longer than an hour on the skin! The scent it self is a nice leather and styrax combination, not too unique but is a pleasant one.

Usage: 0/10 I felt bad again for spending a lot of money so I have not open this one yet and might try to sell it on the internet soon.

Price: 3/10 It costs a lot less than the "Exclusive Blends/Collections" of other houses but for the quality of the scent that you are getting... the price is a bit ridiculous. I bought this because I had an urge to splurge for some reason that day and I like the fact that is it quite hard to find around the world and that I had the opportunity to go ahead and own it, so I bought it. Kinda regretting it a bit tho!

Total: 7/10

Lust By Lush:

http://fimgs.net/images/perfume/nd.10806.jpgScent: 10/10 What can I say, this is one of the highest quality jasmine bomb that you can get out there and the cheap price just makes it so much more worth it.

Usage: 6/10 Not for every occasion as it is so potent, however I am craving it so frequently and even on hot humid summer days I am tempted to wear it. I had a head ache before from this scent, so spray wisely.

Price: 9/10 For the quality that you are getting and the uniqueness of this bold scent, you cannot go wrong with $40. I was going through a jasmine phase and wanted to test out various jasmine perfumes so I went ahead and tried Lust...I loved it!

Total: 25/30

Arpege By Lanvin:

http://images.getprice.com.au/products/BimgLanvin%20Arpege%20100ml%20EDP_01.jpgScent: 7/10 An Aldehydic beauty with great longevity and a heavenly dry down. Sometimes the opening can be a little overwhelming.

Usage: 7/10 I've been using it before bed quite frequently especially on cooler nights..Leaves my bed sheets smelling amazing.

Price: 7/10 Fantastic quality, this classic perfume is very affordable. I was exploring aldehyde at the time and this perfume is a well know aldehyde.

Total: 21/30

Pure Poison By Christian Dior:

http://s.productreview.com.au/products/images/95422_christian_dior_pure_poison.jpgScent: 7/10 I just love the jasmine note in this one..the negative is however the fact that some people think you smell like fabric softener and laundry detergent...NO! I am wearing a hundred dollars a bottle Dior!

Usage: 5/10 I use this occasionally, sometimes I get a bit sick of the laundry detergent compliment tho, which really puts me off.

Price: 7/10 I bought this one used and about 90% full, so it was a nice deal for me, I paid less than half of the retail price. Again another purchase I made while discovering Jasmine perfumes.

Total: 19/30

O De Lancome By Lancome:

http://images.bloomingdales.com/is/image/BLM/products/4/optimized/1191514_fpx.tif?wid=1200&qlt=90,0&layer=comp&op_sharpen=0&resMode=sharp2&op_usm=0.7,1.0,0.5,0&fmt=jpegScent: 5/10 A green, bitter, airy chypre perfume, quite unisex and reminds me of my grandmother...I think I will keep this bottle for her. Personally I don't think this is for me.

Usage: 3/10 I use it sometimes on hot days since this is one of the freshest perfumes I have at the moment.

Price: 8/10 I paid less than half price for a brand new bottle at my local discount chemist. I just thought it smelt so good at the shop when I tested it and it was cheap so I bought it.

Total: 16/30

Vanderbilt By Gloria Vanderbilt:

http://100mililitros.com/store/images/T/vandervilt%20for%20women%203.4.jpgScent: 6/10 A nice quality scent with a mature feel to it. If this was sold in an exclusively presented bottle by some niche brand for $250 a bottle, I think this scent could certainly pass. I feel that the fact that it's cheap and wildly available makes me perceive it as cheap sometimes. Does that make me a bit of a perfume snob?

Usage: 3/10 I don't it that often, sometimes I use a few sprays to scent my bed and my room.

Price: 10/10 Good quality and I bought mine for $6 ! 100ml of EDP brand new and Made in Paris for only $6 . . That's the reason that I blind bought this straight for the chemist.

Total: 19/10

Blue Jeans By Versace:

http://fimgs.net/images/perfume/nd.637.jpgScent: 6/10 An aromatic fresh scent with lots of lavender, vanilla and citrus. Quite a strong opening and do last a while too. The scent can be a bit viscous tho, it's a classic style scent. Reminds me of the 90's.

Usage: 3/10 I don't really use this one that much

Price: 10/10 only $20 for this discontinued gem, the presentation it self is worth it plus Versace is my favorite design house.

Total: 19/30

No.19 Poudre By Chanel:

http://cdn.pursuitist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Chanels-No.-19-Poudre.pngScent: 8/10 A fantastic Iris scent, great quality juice.

Usage: 8/10 I use this one quite often, it is quite versatile for many occasions

Price: 6/10 I bought it as a used tester online. I have always been a fan of No.19 and saw a good deal so I bought it. Great decision.

Total: 22/30

Cristalle by Chanel:

http://www.perfumisimo.com/images/CristalleChanelw.jpgScent: 8/10 An amazing mossy perfume, my mother's signature perfume.

Usage: 4/10 I love it but this is my mum's signature scent so I feel strange wearing it sometimes.

Price: 8/10 I have always loved oak moss and Chanel created a fabulous one with Cristalle.

Total: 20/30


Opium By Yves Saint Laurent (vintage):


http://fimgs.net/images/perfume/nd.93.jpgScent: 5/10 A classic in perfumery, I just got to own it.

Usage: 2/10 I rarely wear this, I keep it more so as a reference

Price: 9/10 Got a vintage tester bottle for a super affordable price.

Total: 16/30





J'adore EDP Absolue By Christian Dior:


http://fimgs.net/images/secundar/o.4551.jpgScent: 8/10 A luxurious white floral perfume without the creaminess or cloudy quality usually associated.

Usage: 7/10 I just love how long it lasts and have been using it quite a bit lately.

Price: 7/10 I bought a partial bottle from a perfumery sale and scored a pretty good deal.

Total: 22/30


De Profundis By Serge Lutens:

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=l&tid=41121970Scent: 6/10 I just love the green chrysanthemum note and the story behind it's creation. Doesn't last too long not project too well tho. I normally like my scent potent.

Usage: 1/10 I don't really use this perfume, I keep it as a reference.

Price: 4/10 It's a bell jar exclusive but I still paid quite a bit for it even though it was a used bottle.

Total: 11/30

Let It Rock By Vivienne Westwood:


http://fimgs.net/images/perfume/nd.1534.jpg
Scent: 7/10 Really great quality perfume with delicious notes of liquorice, patchouli and vanilla.

Usage: 8/10 I wore this one very often in winter.

Price: 10/10 $20 for 50ml of great quality long lasting EDP. Originally I gave this to my sister for her birthday but she hated it so she gave it back to me. Score!

Total: 25/30

Eau De Pamplemousse Rose By Hermes:


http://media.hermes.com/media/wysiwyg/Prehome/Fragrances/pamplemousse-rose.jpg
Scent: 4/10 A nice grapefruit opening that doesn't really last at all.

Usage: 2/10  I hardly wear this, it doesn't last.

Price: 8/10 Retail price I would never buy this, however I got my 100ml bottle for a fraction of the retail price.

Total: 14/30


Valentino By Valentino (vintage):


http://fimgs.net/images/perfume/nd.2583.jpg
Scent: 8/10 A non sweet classic styled floral.

Usage: 1/10 I hardly ever touch this one, it is rare and vintage I always want to keep it as a reference.

Price: 6/10 I manage to find this for a price cheaper than the cheapest one on eBay..So I consider it a deal even tho it was $80.

Total: 15/30


Balenciaga Pour Homme By Balenciaga (vintage):

http://www.lesflaconsdeparfum.com/images/b/bal/Balenciaga-pour-Homme.jpg
Scent: 4/10 A fresh spicy male cologne type of scent not really my style.

Usage: 2/10 I only wear this on my chest sometimes when I crave the scent.

Price: 9/10 I paid so little for this rare vintage it was such a great deal.

Total: 15/30




http://www.trendus.com/images/news/orjinal/thierry-mugler-miroir-des-majest%C3%A9s-_02032012121503.jpgMiroir Des Majestes By Theirry Mugler:
Scent: 8/10 A rich amber, jasmine and oud combo, very rich, very viscous and Arabic.

Usage: 5/10 I wear this from time to time...It is so cloying that I can only wear it on very cold days.

Price: 6/10 Found this on an online retailer for an affordable price, for a perfume of such quality and exclusivity. I have been wanting to purchase my first Mugler perfume for a while and then I saw this great deal so I went and blind bought it.

Total: 19/30

Classique Intense By Jean Paul Gautier:


http://www.mimifroufrou.com/scentedsalamander/images/Gaultier_classique_Intense.jpg Scent: 8/10 One of the only fruity scent that I own..as I am not a fan of them. It's a great tropical white floral combo.

Usage: 7/10 I've been craving and wearing it quite a lot even in summer.

Price: 5/10 Wasn't as cheap as I wanted but it was a new release and discounted already. I was expecting a white floral bomb like the original classique since this was a blind buy, but got something else which is just as pleasant.

Total: 20/30

Truth or Dare by Madonna:

http://www.perfumery.com.au/media/catalog/product/m/a/madonna-tuth-or-dare-perfume_1.jpg Scent: 9/10 This is such a delicious blend of creamy white flowers, such a shame that it got discontinued.

Usage: 9/10 I've been grabbing it and craving it so often lately.

Price: 9/10 I bought mine for $30, the quality of the scent and the uniqueness is certainly worth more than that this is probably one of my favorite celebrity perfumes.

Total: 27/10

Shalimar Parfum Initial L'Eau Si Sensuelle By Guerlain:

http://fimgs.net/images/secundar/o.21487.jpg
Scent: 9/10 What a long name...the scent is beautiful and smells like pure class.

Usage: 8/10 I've been craving this perfume  a lot however I cannot use it as much as I wanted because it's discontinued and I want my bottle to last.

Price: 7/10 Scored a great deal on this used bottle that I now proudly own.

Total: 24/30


Diorissimo By Christian Dior:

http://ak1.ostkcdn.com/images/products/5145403/56/742/Christian-Dior-Diorissimo-Womens-3.4-ounce-Eau-De-Toilette-Spray-L12989728.jpgScent: 9/10 I just love this scent, the true scent of spring in my opinion.

Usage: 6/10 I cannot pull this one off that often as it smells so flowery so I only wear it at home for my own enjoyment.

Price: 7/10 I paid less than half the retail price for my bottle. I have always been a big fan of this scent and have been on the constant lookout for a good deal to come by.

Total: 22/30

John Galliano By John Galliano:

http://fimgs.net/images/perfume/nd.4056.jpg
Scent: 8/10 If you love powdery scents then this one is definitely for you, it is a Moulin Rouge sort of scent with powdery roses.

Usage: 6/10 I wear this one in winter but I have not touched it since.

Price: 7/10 This is affordable too bad it's been discontinued, so grab your bottle online while it lasts.

Total: 21/30


Karleidoscope By Karl Lagerfeld: 

http://fimgs.net/images/secundar/o.15698.jpg
Scent: 6/10 A soft sensual powdery violet, musk and angelica based scent. Very innocent and tame.

Usage: 5/10 I've been using this occasionally before bed.

Price: 10/10 I managed to grab a bargain, 30mls for only $10.

Total: 21/30


Wednesday 5 November 2014

Review: Christian Dior - Diorissimo (1956)

Review: Christian Dior - Diorissimo (1956):

http://photos-d.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xaf1/10611006_328718993976003_1446973759_n.jpg
My baccarat bottle of Diorissimo from the 1950's laying on a bed of fresh and budding freesias moistened by drops of early morning spring rain.
No other fragrance truly represents Spring better than Diorissimo does, in my opinion. Such a green and refreshing floral scent with emphasis the Lily of the Valley also known as Muguet in French. The lily of the valley is an uplifting and bring floral with is native to the cooler parts of Asia and Europe, it typically blooms in Spring and has a unique scent that smells similar to jasmine but without the creaminess or headiness associated with it. According to Dior the lily of the valley was his favourite "lucky/fortune" flower and that Diorissimo is the perfume of his spirit "the scented expression of his soul". He also believed that the lily of the valley represented "hope, happiness, and joy".
http://www.cafleurebon.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/MichelMuguet1b.jpg
Edmond Roudnitska & lily of the valley (muguet)
Diorissimo was created by Edmond Roudnitska in 1956, with his main goal of wanting to create a scent that was less conventional and sweet at the time, something more simplified and transparent. His inspiration for Diorissimo came from the scent of the Lily of the valley in his garden which he could recall enveloping his senses as he relaxed in his garden. 

Presentations:

http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/236x/7e/21/44/7e2144aede736ff3e0560bd909d6336f.jpg
Simplified Amphora/urn presentation
http://www.cafleurebon.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/cafleurebon-beltane-diorissimo-vintageedc.jpg
1980's screw bottle
Diorissimo was available represented in many different packaging and bottles.

Initially in the 1950's Diorissimo came in an amphora shaped baccarat bottle with gold flowers at the top, as pictured on the main image above. Then in the 1960's it was presented in a more simplified and less heavy urn shaped bottle by baccarat.

http://u.jimdo.com/www51/o/s9c04ba60fbc5f46f/img/i3910bca11728a2db/1398536816/orig/image.jpg
1990's flask bottle
http://fimgs.net/images/perfume/nd.7368.jpg
Current Presentation
By the end of the 1960's and throughout the beginning of the 1980's the squarish-oval bottle with a circular screwed on cap became the main presentation for Diorissimo.

 In the 1990's the bottle became even more simple with a flask-like shape bottle with a simple semi-circular cap,the bottle remained similar looking till present day. For more information and details on Diorissimo bottles and dating methods please visit this article on Perfumed Shrine.

The Scent:

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3V9d_VqkEETU2MFVvS3B4ht8UckOjG6FDfpTrXZed9tWjcDA_czlxNjCsjgcXg5xpPAtGT0f70UIi8tmnHFsld2l7-j7NHPNd9Ij4GCwCgs6sg9mxbrNLNw8vYoGMFopkGHCO-YeyBNUk/s320/BELL_06.jpg
Lily of the Valley
This is without a doubt one of my favourite fragrances of all time, so simple, so representative of spring, yet so effortlessly timeless. Much like Chanel No.5 and Guerlain Shalimar not many fragrances can withstand the test of time and still be in continuous production present days.

http://www.canvaz.com/m/Morgan-Frederick/Picking%20Wild%20Flowers.jpg
Painting by F.Morgan
Diorissimo is quite a linear soliflore, meaning that it is a fragrance that focuses on a single flower as the main star. Soliflores doesn't necessary have to contain just one floral note, in fact most contain more than a few notes in it's composition. I don't have much to say about this fragrance due to the fact that it is very linear and revolves around the lily of the valley.

Spring shower
Diorissimo is like a damp and dewy early spring morning, where dew drops glistened against the luscious, fresh and green buddings of freesias and narcissus. The sun has not yet made it's appearance and the skies are still grey, gloomy and misty from the spring shower which had just recently passed. A gentle breeze blew pass as you take a deep breath, an invisible veil of one of spring's signature flower, the lily of the valley, tingled your nostrils as you became enveloped in it's gentle yet distinctive aroma. Just like an innocent, fresh faced young lady strolling amongst a meadow of flowers. Diorissimo is a youthful floral in my opinion it is definitely light, breezy, and never cloying, it is a great fragrance for those wanting to explore the floral world to start with and also for those who just wants to experience and appreciate one of Christian Dior's masterpieces.

Thursday 11 September 2014

Spring Fragrance Review: Chanel - No.19 Poudre (2011)

Spring Fragrance Review: Chanel - No.19 Poudre (2011):
http://photos-c.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xaf1/10326381_1440148622904234_271506723_n.jpg
Photo of No.19 Poudre by me

A fragrance that's perfect for early spring, composed in 2011 by Jacques Polge, No.19 Poudre is a modern and more youthful interpretation of the classic No.19, which was Coco Chanel's signature scent. The original scent was named after mademoiselle Chanel's birthday - 19th of August 1883.

This fragrance retains the luscious, crisp, and green opening of the original No.19, however the bitter emerald green oakmoss note, a signature of the original, is replaced with a bombardment of powdery Iris (hence the name poudre) and musk.

The Scent:

http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/10/af/5d/10af5d57e0ce8946546aa760020c3077.jpg
Photo by Rowie Piert
No.19 Poudre is quite a sensual, soft, and vulnerable scent that makes me imagine the creases and folds of a woman's gown as flurries of spring breeze playfully flirts with it. It opens quite similar to the original No.19 due to Galbanum which gives the scent it's signature crisp and green opening, perfect for spring .....however the bitter yet so addictive green note of the oakmoss no longer exists here. The green opening does not stay long at all, lasting only about 20 minutes before perishing and wilting away to hide in the background.
http://www.dorisjoa.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/blue-iris.jpg
Iris - D.Joa

The scent becomes dominated by a duo of powdery musk and iris, plus occasional spikes of earthy-sweet vetiver as time passes. It's almost as if this lady with her long flowing victorian gown has so much make-up on, that whenever a breeze flutters by teasing and caressing her skin before saying goodbye, it picks up the scent of her lip stick, foundation and shimmering facial powder, carrying microscopic remnants of it into foreign territory. The scents stays quite linear and Iris is the dominant note along with vetiver, musk, and galbanum imprisoned and muffled in the background. I think No.19 Poudre has a potential to be good reference iris scent.

http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/236x/0a/e3/08/0ae3084479b38df54f8597d901297b4f.jpg
Windflower - J.Waterhouse
When you come to think of it, comparing No.19 and No.19 Poudre is just like comparing the popular type of perfumes from the time periods. In the 1970's and 80's, bold and daring, non-sweet perfumes with the prominent ingredient being bitter oak moss was a popular choice for women. This can be seen reflected by the scents created during that period such as Jacomo - Silences (1978) & Niki de Saint Phalle (1982). Presently in the 2010's, if that's what you call it, female fragrances tend to be tooth-achingly sweet and anything that isn't sweet would most-likely get the dreadful "old lady" label . . . . Like many perfumes No.19 Poudre is another re-imagining of a classic in order to keep up with the time period where sweetness is amplified, the same can be said about Coco Mademoiselle - a sweeter, more powdery and sensual version of the original Coco.

No.19 Poudre is not a bad fragrance at all when compared to other designer fragrances currently available on the market, considering the fact that it was released in 2011, it still can certainly pass as a perfume from a different time period. Soft and sensual notes makes up the majority of this perfume, however the notes do really last a long time without being invasive or offensive to people near by. I get around 7 hours of moderate projection on my skin and hair. If you are not originally a fan of powdery fragrances but you are looking to add one to collection or to explore it, this scent is a great one to start with.

Thursday 21 August 2014

5 Fragrances for Winter 2014

5 Fragrances for Winter 2014:

http://melbournestreet.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/20120720091454_7399832056_cf984202ce_b2.jpg
Melbourne by William Watt
It is currently getting close towards the end of winter down here in Melbourne, so I thought I better do a post while the season lasts ! Winter is my least favourite season ... I will even go as far as saying that I hate it, I'm more of a shorts and T-shirt kind of guy. However when it comes to the world of fragrances and the choices available I think winter is one of the best seasons, you have more options and variety for perfumes compared to summer.

During those cooler months of winter where we are restricted to being mostly indoors and surrounded by endless hours of grey skies, it's always fun to research fragrances and ordering samples to try them which is exactly what I did this winter. I will be posting here a recap of the top 5 fragrances I've been wearing for winter this year hopefully it might give you some ideas of new fragrances or fragrance line that you can discover + purchase this winter. Especially with a lot of my readers from the US and Europe where winter will soon be approaching, consider this post for specially written for you.

http://www.markvans.info/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/winter-fire-e1317159655775.jpg
In winter you have access to a larger variety of perfumes as opposed to summer where the only ones that seems to be wearable without causing a headache are the lighter citrus-aquatic types. Personally I am not a fan of most citrus and aquatic perfumes as I find them to lack individuality and often resembles another scent, however there are always a few exceptions. During winter one can wear gourmands, heavy florals, oud, floral leathers, aromatics, spicy, woods, chypres etc without having to worry about offending those around nor giving them self a nausea, the choices are so much more diverse. Another reason why denser, heavier scents are popular in winter is because your body heat doesn't radiate as much as in summer therefore in order for a perfume to be detectable and last with limited body heat, it will need to be more concentrated.

What I've been wearing:
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1) Tom Ford - Tobacco Vanille :
Ultra rich, opulent and intoxicating combination of gourmand creamy-vanilla and sweet-spicy tobacco. This one will definitely warm you up in winter and leave you smelling irresistibly delicious. It is part of Tom Ford's Private Blend line and can be found in Melbourne at Harrolds on Collins Street or at David Jones in Chadstone & Bourke Street. Lasts over 12 hours with strong silage throughout.
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2) Vivienne Westwood - Let it Rock :
A caramel-like, oriental-gourmand cheapie that smells like 200 bucks. Another comfort fragrance that makes the wearer feel cozy and at home. Smells unique, very high quality with strong projection and longevity, comes in a beautiful elongated bottle which would cost you under $30 for a 50ml EDP. Nothing can go wrong! Be aware if you do not like patchouli, stay from this one as it contains a heavy patchouli note.
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3) Chanel - Egoiste :
Classy and mature, a scent for a true gentleman. A luxurious sandalwood-tobacco fragrance, just enough woods and leather to keep the scent from being too cloying or feminine while the sweetness of this scent and it's floral heart remains noticeable without being too flamboyant. One of the classics of perfumery, definitely a gem to add to any man's collection. Excellent longevity with moderate silage, released in 1990 and still continues to be a strong seller.
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4) Christian Dior - Addict (original) :
A rich, creamy and opaque concoction of vanilla, tonka bean, and white flowers. For some reason this scent just makes me think of Indian rich pudding......sweet and fragrant with a hint of spices. This scent has great performance in winter you can feel your self being wrapped in it's cashmere-like veil with each spray. Lasts throughout the day and projects excellently.

http://images.selfridges.com/is/image/selfridges/496-3001182-99001_M?$PDP_M$5) Robert Piguet - Fracas :
If you love heavy doses of white flowers then you'll definitely love Fracas... The most successful fragrance from Robert Piguet, Fracas is luxury inducing and is unmistakably potent. Fracas is a cauldron of  white flowers, notably sacchariferous tuberose, viscous jasmine and creamy gardenia
I highly recommend Fracas for anyone who loves strong white flowers, it's a great reference white floral.

Saturday 2 August 2014

Review: Jean Paul Gautier - Fragile (1999)

Jean Paul Gautier - Fragile (1999):
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My new arrival "Jean Paul Gautier - Fragile"

The feeling of "Christmas comes early", that sudden boost of joy and excitement....That is the feeling I get every time the courier man turns into my drive way with his white van. This morning I received  a package containing a used bottle of Jean Paul Gautier's Fragile, which I have bought for a very cheap price on eBay. I have always wanted to add this fragrance to my collection for a very long time mainly due to it's breathtakingly stunning and exquisitely presented bottle.
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My first memory of this scent goes way back to when it was first released in 1999, my aunt used to wear this fragrance on a regular basis and it did annoy a few people around her due to it's potent silage. She would wear this all year, even on scorching summer days, that is how much she loved this scent. Anyway, I love the way it smelt on her and the trail that it would leave as she walked pass different areas of the house. My aunt is a fragrance collector as well, as mentioned on my earlier post about my first perfume, and probably one of the main reason why I have so many fond memories in relation to perfumes, which eventually inspired me to become a collector my self.

http://www.napaman.com/.a/6a00d8353b464e69e2014e8c3f63eb970d-320wihttps://witchsweb.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/569437-bigthumbnail1.jpgBefore I moved to Australia my grandmother had a gigantic house with a ridiculous amount of rooms, around 40 if not more, intended for all her children and grand children to stay together as a big giant family. I used to take regular visits to my aunt's bed room located on the 5th floor of the mansion, I remembered that climbing up those dark wooden stairs alone was a long and terrifying journey it self. Along the way to my destination I would have to confront series of elaborately carved hanging wall statues which my grandmother loved but they used to send shivers down my spine, especially at night. Finally once I have finally arrived at my aunt's room, she would let me sit and admire her magnificent and grand collection of perfumes ....... out of the 100's of bottles laid out along her perfume shelf, "Fragile" would always be the bottle which I seem to have noticed and remembered vividly for all these years.


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Francis Kurkdjian
The fragrance was composed by the very famous, Francis Kurkdjian, and was released in 1999. The word "Fragile" can be seen printed on the box in a playful style, a signature of Gautier. The bottle it self is a work of art, and a very creative concept, a "Showgirl-esque" type of lady seductively dressed is centered inside a snow globe styled bottle filled with sparkling glitter entrapped and suspended by the golden liquid that is the perfume. A genius concept, with the glitters signifying a sort of celebration, applause, and spot light which focuses it's attention to the bewitching figure in black. Sort of suggests to the wearer that if you wear this perfume, all those attention could be on you, you will sure be noticed.

The Scent:

Jessica Rabbit by chronicbetchface
of Deviantart.com
Starts off very delicious and floral, intoxicating concoction of jasmine, rose , tuberose, neroli and citrus opens the show while the other notes are putting finishing touches to their costumes before they are due to perform. A sweet, floral, and delicious combination,very seductive and potent.

This perfume wears on to be less sharply citrus and floral as the gourmand base kicks in and take over the show, vanilla, star aniseed, cinnamon, became prominent while the presence of the floral opening still lingers on, as they refuse to be easily forgotten by it's audiences. For the finale, spotlights are on the Iris, Cedar wood, and musk, this trio adds a touch of sensual powderiness towards the overall feel of "Fragile".


Overall this perfume is gorgeous, feminine, and voluptuous. I am very disappointed that it got discontinued. Just the bottle alone is worth paying for and owning, it is just so stunningly beautiful. Lasts around 7 hours on my skin, with heavy silage for the first 3 hours and moderate from then onwards. A distinctively feminine perfume, I don't see any man being able to pull this off at all, unless you are very flamboyant and have an unorthodox style. Think of John Galliano, this would be something he could pull off. Highly recommended, a master piece from the house of Jean Paul Gautier.