Showing posts with label Perfume. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Perfume. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

How to Choose the Right Scent For You

Hi there.  Today I want to share with you a guest post written by Grace Nolan on behalf of Essential Fragrances, specialists in both men and women's fragrances.  I learned a thing or two from her tips and I hope you will enjoy them as well.  (This is not a sponsor post)




There are many people who choose a fragrance by having a quick smell of it whilst in they’re in a shop and then purchase it straight away. But it’s not as simple as this. If you want a perfume which is perfect for you, here’s some advice:

Start with a blank canvas
Before you go shopping for a new perfume, avoid using any other fragranced product. This will clash with the scent of any fragrances that you try on and make them smell different from what they actually smell like.

The Terms:
Perfume - Perfume is often available in small bottles but is very expensive because it is created from perfume oil and alcohol. It has a very strong scent and is most likely to last throughout the day.

Eau de Cologne - This type of fragrance is made from a mixture of perfume oil, alcohol and water. Eau de Cologne is usually light and very refreshing as it usually contains citrus oil. Perfect for wearing during the day.

Eau de Parfum - Eau de Parfum is usually a heavy fragrance as it has high amounts of oil mixed with alcohol. It is always lighter than perfume meaning it’s less expensive but still just as refreshing.

Eau de Toilette - This type of fragrance is also made from perfume oil and alcohol, to give it a strong scent to make it last throughout the day.

Seasons
As the year goes on, the weather changes meaning your perfume will change. Each fragrance, which has been designed and created by top end designers and celebrities, most probably has a certain time of year when it should be worn. Scents last alot longer during warmer months because your skin is hydrated and the moisture helps hold the fragrance on your skin. We advise you wear lighter fragrances during spring and summer and heavier scents during autumn and winter.

Notes and scents
Most fragrances have a range of notes running through them which are released throughout the day. Some fragrances could smell spicy one hour and sweet the next. If you’re unsure about what types of scents you’re
interested in, here are some terms which can help:

Floral Scents - Floral scents are created by using sweetly smelling flowers such as lavender, rose, carnation, orange blossom, violets and many more.

Fresh Scents - Fresh scents include orange, lemon, lime, fresh grass and apples as well as many others. These ingredients are clean and crisp making them perfect for a fragrance.

Oriental Scents - These types of scents are warm and spicy, including, incense resins, amber, vanilla and musk. They make a perfume inviting and sexy.

Woody Scents - Woody scents add depth to a fragrance and give it an earthy scent. These include oakmoss, bergamot, labdanum and patchouli.

Top Tips
Some of the things you need to remember are:

1) Let all scents linger before you smell them. Some scents need time to settle before their top notes emerge. And always spray it on your skin and not on paper as it smells different on different surfaces.

2) To keep the scent around for the day, lightly spray some on your hair and the back of your neck. You could also spray some on your coat and clothes giving the fragrance something to grip onto.

3) Don’t buy the same perfume as your best friend just because you like the smell of it. Every person is different and suits different scents.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Mother's Day Gift Ideas





Mother's Day is just around the corner.  Have you pick out a gift yet?  Do you need some ideas?  Well, if you do, I hope this will inspire you.


1.  Chloe gift set from Sephora, $120.  This is one of my all time favorite perfume, I always get ask and compliment whenever I wear it.  It is a very fresh floral scent that is not overwhelming.  This set has a matching scent body lotion as well.  Read my full  Chloe Eau De Toilette Review.

2.  Personalize necklace.  Nothing is more sentimental than a piece of personalize piece of jewelry.   Small pendants of initial, birthstone, and symbols are just so adorable, delicate, and well...personal.  The pictured necklace is from JCGemsJewelry on Etsy or Stella & Dot also make them.

3.  Orchid Plant.  Orchid is beautiful, exotic, delicate, yet very resilient.  If you take good care of it (water once a week and plenty of sun), it will bloom for months unlike most flowers that wilt within days. 

4.  Laura Mercier Luxe Colour Portfolio Palette from Sephora, $78.  I am lusting over this palette.  It got eye shadows, cake liners, and blushes in one convenience booklet.  It has color for both day and night and flattering to most skin tone.

5.  Sabon Organic Dream Set from Sabon, $47.  Oh, I first discovered Sabon during my trip to NYC and I have love them ever since.  They are a body and face skincare line with stores based in NY and expanded to Chicago.  This set consists of organic hand cream, foot cream, and soap made of medicinal plants from the Swiss Alps.

Cheers to all the mom out there! 

Monday, February 21, 2011

David Yurman - The Essence Collection


Are there any David Yurman fans out there?  I love his jewelry; I just wish I can afford them.  I was pleasantly surprise when I found out that the line launched a new trio of spring fragrances - The Essence Collection by renowned jeweler David Yurman.  I LOVE the color, they are as exquisite as the color gem from his jewelry which remind me of Spring.


The Essence Collection is designed to be worn alone or paired, mixed to create an expression that is unique.


Delicate Essence (Tourmaline): Romantic and feminine, with notes of pink pepper, lotus blossom and sparkling orange.


Fresh Essence (Peridot): Crisp and playful, with notes of sparkling apple, cassis, juicy red fruits and fresh greens.


Exotic Essence (Citrine): Mysterious and sensual, with notes of sparkling mandarin, casablanca lily, rose petals and exotic woods.


The Essence Collection ($85.00) is now available at David Yurman boutiques and DavidYurman.com

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Calvin Klein Euphoria for Men Review


You are probably wondering, how is she going to rate a men product?  Well I am not.  My very supportive husband review this for me and this is what he has to say:

Calvin Klein's Euphoria is a new scent for men described as having an "aromatic oriental blend with crisp and spicy accents and a sexy, rich signature".  I can definitely attest to the crisp spicy scents when you first spray it on, with subtle hints of ginger and lemongrass.  It gets better and better as the day/night goes on.  The scent, once mixed with your body chemistry, turns into nice sweet notes of patchouli, sage, and brown sugar.


I love this as my winter fragrance. I feel like in the cold weather it smells even more crisp and fits better.  I would be comfortable wearing this for either daytime or evening.

Disclosure: This review contains sample sent for consideration. The review is base on my honest personal opinions and experiences. 

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Calvin Klein Beauty Fragrance Review


Description from Calvin Klein’s website: Sophisticated. Confident. Radiant. Calvin Klein Beauty radiates a rich luminosity. A modern lily is the essence of the fragrance blooming with a feminine strength. Absolute ambrette seeds enhance the spicy warmth. Timeless jasmine elevates the floral signature. A trail of cedarwood brings a vibrant and magnetic aura.


Price: 1oz/$50 or 3.4oz/$85


The perfume is house inside a simple, plain, but beautiful bottle. It resembles Calvin Klein Euphoria, which I reviewed earlier, in that they both have metal wrap around glass type bottle. Beauty is a non-complex warm, clean, floral scent that is without any fruity or sweetness. Its simplicity can be a like or dislike, depending on your personal preference. It is neither too soft nor strong and it is long lasting. If you are wondering what is the different between this and Euphoria, Beauty is not as floral or sweet, yet it is warmer. I see Beauty as one more for everyday wear and Euphoria for a special night out.


Disclosure: This review contains sample sent for consideration. The review is base on my honest personal opinions and experiences.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Calvin Klein Euphoria for Women Review



Description: Mysterious, provocative, exciting, the fantasy and surprise of the black orchid creates a captivating oriental fragrance that contrasts exotic fruits, seductive florals and a rich, creamy signature.

My first impression is that it comes in this unique, beautiful, very slick and sexy bottle. Unfortunately, it is hard to hold. It is too big to fit into my palm, not something I can just grab and spray. I am still not sure what is the best way to holds it.

As for the scent, it has a strong aura and last all day. The scent composes of a mixture of woods, spices, fruits and flowers. I guess it has a bit of everything, in a good way though. I personally would not recommend this for teenager and young ladies. It has a sexy and strong note that is more suitable for an adult, on a romantic date or nighttime party.

Price: 1 oz for $45 or 1.7oz for $60

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Review Harajuku Music from the Wicked Collection


If you love thing that comes in cute packaging, you will love Harajuku collections. The one I am reviewing today is scent Music from the new Wicked Collection.



Music is described as a woody floral of swirling cedar wood jasmine, and juicy apple. On my skin, I smell fresh floral and a hint of sweetness. I don’t smell any apple but I guess that is where the hint of sweetness comes from. After a few hours, the intensity subsides and you are left with a hint of calming, woody floral scent.

Price: Collectible eau de toilette, 10mL $30.00
           Collectible eau de toilette, 30mL $45.00

Did I mention I think these dolls are such cute collectible items? As cute as they are, the packaging is too bulky to be travel friendly. However, I think they are meant for display and not in your gym bag so it's okay that they are not the post practical packaging.

Disclosure: This review contains sample sent by PR for consideration. The review is base on my honest personal opinions and experiences.

Friday, December 3, 2010

Calvin Klein and IFP's 20th Annual Gotham Film Awards


Calvin Klein latest fragrance release is Euphoria which was the sponsor of the IFP’s 20th Annual Gotham Film Awards held at Cipriani Wall Street. A-list star attendees included Anne Hathaway, Leighton Meester, Natalia Portman and Mila Kunis and Oscar winning actress, Hillary Swank, received the Female Tribute, presented by euphoria Calvin Klein. By the way, I love love Natalie in this bright bold hue lips look.








Calvin Klein Euphoria


Wrap yourself in Calvin Klein’s Euphoria, a luxurious classic for all your holiday fetes. An addictive oriental fragrance that contrasts exotic fruits, seductive florals and a rich creamy signature to complement. You can also dress the man in your life to match in Euphoria Men. A pure, aromatic oriental blend with crisp and spicy accents and a sexy, rich signature for a modern masculinity.

Calvin Klein Euphoria Collection:
eau de parfum spray 3.4oz/100ml $78.00
eau de parfum spray 1.7oz/50ml $60.00
eau de parfum spray 1.0oz/30ml $45.00

Bonus: there is a box of chocolates as gift with purchase of any 3.4 oz fragrance from the Euphoria collection (while supplies lasts) and the promotion is exclusive at Macy's stores nationwide which runs from Dec. 1st- Dec. 31st.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Giveaway: Jennifer Lopez Love & Glamour

This giveaway is now closed. Congratulation to Regina.



I have really good news; there is another giveaway just in time for the holiday. Beautiful Canvas readers have been sponsor for a chance to grab a full 1.7oz bottle of JLo’s Love & Glamour (Value $50). Prize will be sent out directly by our sponsor.

Instantly recognizable, Love & Glamour reflects the elegantly extravagant and luxurious side of Jennifer Lopez. This scent, inspired by JL'os starlet persona, lingers on the skin with a sexy floral bouquet, topped off with juicy, yet musky notes. The glamorous notes include:

· Top Notes: Italian Mandarin, Guava, Nectarine Pulp

· Mid Notes: Waterlily, Coconut Orchid, Orange Flower Absolute, Jasmine Petals

· Base Notes: Sandalwood, Sensual Musk, Sleek Amber

Win this for yourself or a gift for someone special.


HOW TO ENTER:
1. If you aren’t already a member, please sign up.
AND
2. Leave a comment and tell us how wearing perfume make you feel. Please make sure you use a correct email address.

Bonus Entry:
For an extra entry, post about this giveaway on your blog or facebook page and leave a comment with a link to your post.

All entries must be entered by 11:59PM EST Wednesday, December 8th. Winner will be selected randomly through random.org. If selected winner does not response within 48 hours, we reserve the right to contact the next person in line. Contest open to US residents only!

Good luck !!!

Monday, October 11, 2010

Outspoken by Fergie


Outspoken is a new fragrance by Fergie, in collaboration with Avon. The name “Outspoken” seems like a fit with Fergie’s edgy persona. It's suppose to be a mix of floral and racy black leather.


Top Notes: Star Fruit, Iced Berry, Wild Saffron
Heart Notes: Tuberose Absolute, Midnight Jasmine, Passion Flower
Base Notes: Racy Black Leather, Raw Ebony Wood, Smokey Vetiver

Fragrance can be a difficult item to recommend because it is such a personal preference. Of course, if it does not smell good to me, I’ll definitely let you know. Personally I like it. It is different from what I already owned. It’s a mixture of both floral and woody scents with floral being the dominating scent. It is feminine in a sophisticated and sexy, not girly type of scent. I also love the design of the bottle and the price is also very nice, which are always a plus.

Outspokens retails for $28.00 (1.7oz) and is available exclusively through Avon Representatives or online at Avon.

Disclosure: This review contains sample sent by PR for consideration. The review is base on my honest personal opinions and experience.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Review Chloe Eau De Toilette



Description: The rose sparkles with simplicity and joy. The multi-faceted Chloé is feminine, bold, and natural. The rose reveals new olfactory colors in the Eau de Toilette, creating a light, luminous character. Hints of mandarin orange zest shine through in the head notes. Freesia and watermelon enhance the initial impression, and touches of sandalwood and fresh iris complete the base.

The fun thing about buying perfume is not only in getting the product itself but also the bottle that it comes in. I am a sucker for nice packaging, it just make you feel better about your purchase. Chloe Eau De Toilette comes in a simple yet classic and elegant bottle which I enjoy displaying.

As for the scent itself, it is a fresh and clean floral scent. I am not very good at detecting note but it is a very pleasant scent that you can wear anytime, anywhere. It is not fruity at all even though the description said there are mandarin and watermelon notes. I should also mention that some perfume will either fade or change its smell on me after a few hours but this one stay true the whole night. Overall, I really like this one and would recommend you give it a try. I hope I don’t need to tell you this, I received this as a sample but I am recommending it only because I truly like the product and it is something I would get for myself.

Price: $65 for 1.7oz at Sephora.com

Disclosure: This review contains sample sent for consideration. The review is base on my honest personal opinions. We do not promise review nor receive compensation for doing so.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Mother's Day Gift Guide

I can't believe Mother's Day is next Sunday, time sure fly. It's one of my favorite holiday because we all know motherhood is not easy and these women definitely deserve a little pampering. So, if you have not pick out a gift yet, here is a little guide.



Sweep her away to her version of bliss by indulging her senses with a scent bottled for her. There is a scent out there for everyone.

The Fashionista Mom
For the fashion-forward mom, breeze by the atelier and indulge in Balenciaga Paris. This delicate floral embodies French mystery, balancing style and luxury.

The Garden-Loving Mom
Instead of flowers that inevitably wilt, secure a bouquet of Chloe Eau De Fleurs, a trio of scents that pay homage to the essences of lavender, nasturtium and neroli.

The Gourmand Mom
Treat mom to a Parisian retreat with a taste of the Marc Jacobs Patisserie Splash Collection. Available in Apple, Pomegranate, and Biscotto, each limited edition scent leaves your taste buds craving more.

The Classic Mom
Show mom she's the epitome of elegance with Chloe Eau De Toilette, the timeless scent boasting notes of crisp mandarin orange zest and fresh freesia.

I also found something that will make the natural and organic enthusiast mom happy.

Origins Ginger Best Gift Set, $45 ($68 value)
Includes:
Ginger Souffle™ Whipped body cream 7.0 fl. oz./200 ml
Incredible Spreadable Scrub™ Ginger body smoother net wt. 3.4 oz./100 ml
Ginger Essence™ Intensified Fragrance Rollerball .3 fl. oz./oz. liq./9 ml
Ginger Bar™ Savory bath soap net wt. 7oz./200 g



This is a great set to introduce mom to organic makeup. It includes 100% Pure fruit pigmented tinted moisturizer, black tea mascara, and their coffee bean eye cream to combat dark circles. Retail $45.

Friday, March 12, 2010

New! Harajuku Sunshine Cuties - Lil' Angel


Packaging: Cute and girly. I can definitely see someone collecting these dolls as collectible items.

The scent I am reviewing is Harajuku Sunshine Cuties “Lil’ Angel”. It smells like a mix citrus, vanilla, and floral, definitely very fresh and summery (is that a word?). When I first wear this, I can smell the tangy from the citrus. It is not overwhelming, but I would prefer if the tangy scent was lighter and stronger notes of vanilla and floral. This is long lasting, after 7 hours and several hand washed, the scent still linger on my wrists. Actually I like it better as the day goes by because I can smell more of the vanilla and floral scent. Overall, I think this is a nice refreshing scent for the summer.

Price: $30 for .33oz (available at Sephora)

Disclosure: This review contains sample sent for consideration. The review is base on my honest personal opinions. We do not promise review nor receive compensation for doing so.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Harajuku's New Summer Scents

Personally, I am so sick of winter weather right now. Fortunately, winter is on its way out and soon we'll want to sport glowing tans and perfect pedicured toes. Harajuku welcomes the warm weather with five fresh new summer scents, Love, Lil’ Angel, Music, Baby, and G. These Sunshine Cuties are limited edition.




Here are their description:

Love: A fruity floral, Love mixes and matches a vintage inspired one piece with modern wrap around removable sunglasses. A red Hibiscus flower is the perfect accessory to keeping her ponytail in place.

Lil' Angel: A citrus vanilla, Lil’ Angel suits up in a teeny weeny navy blue bikini scattered with sweet yellow and white hearts (showing her love for the beach)! Never without her signature headband, she dresses it with a few fragrant Plumeria flowers to channel a tropical vibe.

Music: A sensuous floral, Music keeps it nautical. Her navy and white striped bikini is trimmed in bright cherry red and accented with some sweet and playful bows. A red Hibiscus hair flower makes the perfect topper. Aye Aye, it’s super kawaii!

Baby: A dewy floral, Baby is a quintessential girlie girl in a pink on pink polka dot bikini with ruched top and string bottom. A few Plumeria flowers nestled in her hair add the finishing touch to her super kawaii ensemble.

G: A creamy musky, G wears a tuxedo bandeau bikini top and for a pop of color, turquoise boy short bottoms. Her sweet headband is adorned with a mix of tropical Plumeria flowers.

The new Harajuku Girl Sunshine Cuties are $30 each and available at Sephora, Macys and Nordstrom.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Avon's New Fragrance U by Ungaro Fever for Her


Packaging: The curves of this bottle remind me of the curves of a woman’s hip. The colors remind me of sunset. Sexy woman on the beach, watching sunset? =)

Performance: Avon describe this fragrant as “Pure sophistication in a fusion of smoldering woods and ultra-feminine florals. Tempting. Floral. Addictive”. For me, this fragrant has a pleasant floral scent with a hint of woody notes. The scent is warm rather than fresh (think citrus), feminine, and sophisticate. It is neither too light nor over powering. It has very long lasting power. I apply one spray on one of my wrist and rub them together. By the end of the day, 10 hours later, the fragrant still lingers. My fiancĂ© who is very picky and scent sensitive approves so this is good news for U by Ungaro Fever!

Price: $34 for 1.7oz, available @ Avon in late February.

Disclosure: This review contains sample sent for consideration. The review is base on my honest personal opinions. We do not promise review nor receive compensation for doing so.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

2009 - Top 10 Favorites!

The year is coming to an end and I figure it would be appropriate to compile a list of my all time favorites this year. It is difficult decisions because there are so many good products out there. I tried to pick an item from different categories. Please note that they are in no particular order and that these products do not necessarily launch in 2009.


Bare Escentual Buxom Lipgloss ($18): I am hook on BE Buxom diamond edition. The gold shimmer is just oh so pretty and the tingly sensation is kinda fun. Favorite shades are Starr (raspberry) and Claire (mauve with some brown undertone).


Avon Anew Alternative Intensive Age Treatment Spf 25 ($32): This is a personal favorite of mine. I have yet found a sunscreen that feels more luxurious and though a bit shiny alone, it gives that nice healthy glow under makeup. Loving the higher spf too. Click here for my
full review.


Bobbi Brown Corrector ($22): This is my go to everyday must have item. It hides dark circles better than any concealer I have tried. Tips: make sure you hydrate your under eye areas well.
Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder ($22): Very finely mill, set concealer without caking and also brighten the under eye area. Also a jar will last you a very long time.










Maybelline Full and Soft Mascara: As the name imply, full and soft, non-flakey and sold at a reasonable price.

MAC Star by Night Eyeshadow: Part of a LE, very nice and vibrant deep medium blue that is shimmery but not frosty. A beautiful color for smokey eyes if you want something more vibrant than gray eyeshadow.






DHC Acerola 100 Serum ($22): Every time I stray from this, it shows. Skin is not as even tone and bright. During summer, it really helps keep my freckles at bay.





Shiseido Extra Gentle Cleansing Foam ($29): It cleanses well, very gentle and non-drying, and the lather just feels so luxurious. Click here for my full review.


Masaki ($60-$80): This perfume was created by a Japanese designer. It smells light, soft, and elegant, a scent that goes with every seasons. Available at Sephora.

ELF Eyeshadow Brush (White Handle): OMGosh, for $1, I did not expect much. It is dense, super soft, picks up color, and sturdy. Definitely worth buying back up.

Phew! That is a lot of information. Now, what is your favorite?

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