Tag: fragrance

HERMÈS Twilly d’Hermès

I haven’t shared a fragrance update in ages – still hooked on Le Labo Santal. But this summer, my friend gifted me Twilly d’Hermès as a thank you for being part of her wedding. I couldn’t imagine a more thoughtful gift as we share an admiration for the brand. And the scent could not be any more perfect for me.

I was a little surprised at this as I usually shy away from florals, but this blend matches tuberose with ginger and sandalwood, giving it a spicy and soft finish. It dries down sweet on my skin, which I love in the hot weather. It is worth a sniff if you are like me and need a summer update to woody, spicy winter favorites.

Gucci Bamboo Eau de Parfum

I am still faithful to my Le Labo ‘Santal 33’, but on a recent binge shop through Sephora I picked up a rollerball to keep in my purse. And I fell equally in love with Gucci Bamboo Eau de Parfum on the go for a change of pace. The fragrance is inspired by strength and elegance of bamboo. On me, the notes are feminine and clean but without being too floral – right up my alley. And perfect for freshening up mid-day.

Notes:

Italian Bergamot
Casablanca Lily
Ylang-Ylang
Comoros Sandalwood

Right now, Sephora is offering a gift with purchase with Gucci Bamboo with code VELVETGUCCI.

Le Labo ‘Santal 33’ Eau de Parfum

Our family isn’t huge on big presents, but we do like to spoil ourselves with things we normally wouldn’t buy for ourselves. And my family came through with something I’ve had my eye on for several years. I was in San Francisco back in October and visited Le Labo to confirm my lust for Santal. At happy hour that evening, my friend with fabulous taste, Lauren, confirmed that it was indeed my scent. And low and beyond, Santa delivered!

My impression of Le Labo over the years has been somewhat unusual fragrances that are honest to the soul and packaged exquisitely. Santal is inspired by a “classic image of a man and his horse in front of the fire on a great plain under tall, blue evening skies—a defining image of the spirit of the American West”. No one ever accused me of loving overly feminine fragrances. This isn’t for those girly girls. But it does have a woodsy, rich scent that smells rustic and but clean. The notes:

Top: violet accord, cardamom.
Middle: iris, papyrus, ambrox.
Base: cedarwood, leather, sandalwood.

More and more these days, I have been appreciative of brands like Le Labo in making a scent I love that is vegan, not tested on animals and made in the USA.

Purchased at Nordstrom.

Maison Margiela ’REPLICA’ Jazz Club

I admit I was drawn to this brand because of the stunning packaging. There was something classic and sophisticated about it. Plus their fragrances were described in a moody and slightly masculine way. At a display I sniffed all the offerings but was immediately drawn to Jazz Club – evoking the ambiance of a Brooklyn jazz club, being both moody and exhilarating.

The bottle, which you’d be proud to display on your vanity, is inspired by classic apothecary jar with a cotton label. The labelling also will remind you of the clothing line labeling also by Maison Margiela if you are familiar.

Copper, leather, liquor and tobacco notes are all clearly Jazz Club inspired. A more detailed summary of notes: Pink Pepper, Primofiore Lemon, Neroli Oil, Rum Absolute, Clary Sage Oil, Java Vetiver Oil, Tobacco Leaf Absolute, Vanilla Bean, Styrax Resin.

Available at Sephora and Nordstrom.

Elizabeth and James Nirvana White and Black

After having my eye on Nirvana Black since the launch, I finally pulled the trigger and ordered one of the sleek square bottles. And now I wish I had done so earlier! The scent is decidedly “me”. The notes are my familiar masculine favorites: Sandalwood and Vanilla. But the addition of Violet makes it just slightly more feminine.

At this point, I had drank the Kool-Aid that designers Ashley and Mary-Kate had developed for Elizabeth and James and had to order the ying to Nirvana Black’s yang. Nirvana White has notes that I am usually not drawn to. But I knew the blend was connected to Black’s so I had a feeling I would love it. The peony, muguet, and tender musk make for a much more feminine scent but still very sophisticated. I love it for this time of year and can envision it being perfect for sultry summer days.

And if you think I wasn’t already all in for these fragrances, I picked up the Nirvana Black Dry Shampoo too. While I love my Dry Bar Detox Dry Shampoo, it adds a significant amount of texture and I feel like a wash is mandatory the next day. Nirvana Black Dry Shampoo is a little different – I don’t get the stiffness or texture, but I do still get clean, great smelling hair with movement. Plus it gives a nice dose of volume.

Available at Sephora and Nordstrom.

KORA Organics Heart Chakra Essence

Do you have someone special on your Valentine’s Day shopping list that loves organic ingredients? I have just the ticket: KORA Organics Heart Chakra Essence. This blend uses founder Miranda Kerr’s personal blend of organic oils to channel the Heart Chakra.

According to some Indian religions, the Heart Chakra is one of the seven centers of spiritual power in the human body. It is the source of love, joy and compassion – our connection to life and all living things. When the heart chakra is open, you are loving towards others and accepting of yourself. Kindness, compassion, love and warmth bring a sense of peace around yourself. Just about perfect for celebrating a day of love.

I’ve been using this on the weekends over pulse points and behind my ears. The blend of Rose Otto, Sandalwood, Jojoba and Ylang Ylang plus the pure essential oil of Cedarwood is warm but not overly floral. I like the spicier and woodsier fragrances balanced with rose.

Just a note: as a single lady, I must add it also makes a lovely Valentine’s Day present for yourself.

99% of the Total ingredients are from Natural Origin. 98.72% of the Total ingredients are from Organic Farming. Made in Australia. Vegan. Cruelty-free.

Available at koraorganics.com.