Tag: parfume

New Luxe Winter Fragrances

New Luxe Winter Fragrances on Belle Belle Beauty

I’d say my signature fragrance over the past couple years has solidly been NEST Midnight Fleur – and I still continue to love it. But two new fragrances crossed my desk recently that might just move into the prime spot this winter. Those two are Bottega Veneta Knot Eau de Parfum and Estee Lauder Modern Muse Chic Eau de Parfum.

I have always lusted over Bottega Veneta handbags (especially their iconic “knot” clutch), clothes and shoes so it isn’t a surprise that their fragrance is right up my alley. I read recently that the makers noted “fresh linens” and the Italian coastline as notes, and I knew I’d be sold.

Other layers include mandarin, neroli, lavendar, cedarwood, tonka bean and musk. While there are some heavier, masculine notes in the fragrance, this skews on me more fresh and clean. I’m guessing this will lend perfectly to the warmer months.

A close second is surprisingly Estee Lauder Modern Muse Chic Eau de Parfum. I have never fallen hard for Estee Lauder scents, but this one matches their signature florals with “ebony woods” which you might know is a major selling point for me. Even though I’d say this fragrance is largely jasmine, tuberose and lilies, I am still drawn to its sophisticated femininity.

Have you tried either of these? Let me know in the comments! Both available at Neiman Marcus.

Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program. I consult for Neiman Marcus which is affiliated with the Neiman Marcus Group, but as always, opinions are my own.

Byredo Gypsy Water

Byredo Gypsy Water on Belle Belle Beauty

Looking for a fall fragrance that is sophisticated and subtle but still cozy and romantic? Don’t miss Byredo Gypsy Water. I have been swooning over the brand since first discovering Byredo here and still cherish the travel size. But this newest addition to my collection is not only full-sized but earthy and sultry – perfect without being over the top.

This Swedish fragrance-maker was inspired by the myths surrounding the Romany lifestyle – something I myself have always been a little fascinated by.  Fresh soil, forests and campfires will come to mind. And while I am not a champion outdoors-man, I do love the connotation of crisp fall weather in my scents this time of year.

Top notes include bergamot, lemon, pepper and juniper berries but the last thing I find is anything terribly floral. At first sniff, I get quite a bit of lemon which is delightful first thing in the AM.  The incense and pine needles come through next on me. And the finish dries down to the gourmand I love with vanilla and amber.

Some fall and winter scents can be cloying and heavy. This one is light and confident but still cozy and warm. Byredo once again delivers the ultimate in luxury.

Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program. I consult for Neiman Marcus which is affiliated with the Neiman Marcus Group, but as always, opinions are my own.

Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy Gold Couture Eau de Parfum and GIVEAWAY

Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy Gold Couture Eau de Parfum on Belle Belle Beauty

As always, I am going to be perfectly honest. Before checking out the newest fragrance from Juicy Couture, I couldn’t help but cringe at the memories of my velour track suits circa 1999. Oh but how things have changed. I tested out this scent at a big event at the beginning of September and was flooded with compliments. Our little Juicy is all grown up.

Viva la Juicy Gold Couture is surprisingly sophisticated but still has that gourmand vanilla and caramel that I love. I don’t think I’ll ever get away from loving those cozy and warm scents. Naturally, I have my favorite amber in there too. It is all balanced with honeysuckle and berries. So take a trip back to your college days with me and go Juicy – trust me… the throwback is all worth it.

Want to roll the dice? Your chance to win a full-size bottle is right here. Just enter using the widget below to win your own bottle of Viva la Juicy Gold Couture Fragrance for yourself. Good luck! (US Only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A little fashion note: Probably my top online shopping destination, Shopbop, has a fabulous brother site if you haven’t checked it out. East Dane is celebrating their 1 year anniversary tomorrow.  So pop on over and pick up some goodies for your man (or yourself – I’ve been known to pick up a shirt or two from there). They are also hosting a 1-Year Anniversary Sweepstakes on their Instagram page – just look for the #1BigYear hashtag.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

Byredo Bal D’Afrique Eau de Parfum

Byredo Bal D'Afrique Eau de Parfum on Belle Belle Beauty

There has been quite a bit of buzz about Byredo in the beauty community. I was captivated by the cool Scandinavian packaging and sexy names of all the scents. Based in Stockholm, Byredo was founded by a painter and has partnered with some iconic perfumers. All the fragrances are inspired by locations or works of art.

These fragrances are specifically crafted with simplicity. My new favorite – Bal d’Afrique – lets the vetiver shine through. And no wonder this one jumped out as a favorite for me… it is inspired by Paris (my favorite city). But it isn’t just Parisian. The scent is infused with African culture: read neroli, African marigold and cedarwood.

Byredo Nécessaire de Voyage Collection Calf Leather Travel Case on Belle Belle Beauty

To top it all off, Byredo makes the very sexy Byredo Nécessaire de Voyage Collection Calf Leather Travel Case. The leather feels like butter and there is no more fashionable way to freshen your fragrance on the go. Needless to say, their other goodies like bar soaps, body creams, lotions, and travel cases, and candles are on my wish list.

Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program, but as always, opinions are my own.

Pinrose

Pinrose on Belle Belle Beauty

Looking for a new spring scent? Swing by Pinrose, a cool fragrance online store that offers a sampling program and a scent finder. I took their quiz aka “Scent Profiler” and received three “Petals” or at-home samples to try out. I appreciated the flexibility in trying out the fragrances over the course of a week or so without all that department store pressure.

Founders Erika Shumate and Christine Luby built their fragrances experience on the pillars of high quality ingredients and a cheerful, fun experience. Each scent – there are 10 – has three level of notes that they refer to as Smile, Heart and Soul. Smile is the first impression. Heart is the middle notes. And Soul is what remains after a couple hours. In addition, each fragrance is paired with a cocktail and song that evokes the experience.

I tried Treehouse Royal, Moonlight Gypsy and Pillowtalk Poet. I was most drawn to Moonlight Gypsy with its herbal Cardamom, Orange Blossom and Sandalwood. No wonder that its cocktail is one of my favorites – Mulled Wine. Check out all the scents at Pinrose.com and take the quiz here.

Made in the USA. No phthalates and no parabens.

While we are at it… here are some other sales and deals from around the web:

Enjoy 20% off almost everything at Bliss with code 20SPRINGCLEAN through 3/31.

Today is the last day of Friends and Family at one of my favorites, Joie. Take 20% off full-priced items with code JOIEFRIENDS.

Get 20% off all Maya Brenner products at BaubleBar through 3/31. Love these delicate initial pieces!

Get a free full-size Lip Glaze set ($66 value) and free shipping with a $50 purchase at Stila Cosmetics with code LIPGLAZE through today.

Carven Le Parfum

Carven Le Parfum // Belle Belle Beauty

I may be a beauty junkie, but I also have a deep and profound love for fashion. Particularly the history of fashion. So when I found out the house of Carven, founded in 1945, was launching its only third scent, I knew I was on board to love it. I’ve been wearing it the past couple weeks and have fallen. Surprisingly though since it is quite the juxtoposition to the more masculine scents I usually love.

The founder of Carven, Carmen de Tommaso, “Madame” Carven, was short in stature, but transformed the way women looked at their wardrobe. She was free from convention but still with a great sense of style. Known for lines that lengthened the figure, she gave new meaning to the décolleté. (PS – she also invente the half-cup uplift bra in 1950.)

Her scents were “Ma Griffe” in 1946 and “Vétiver” in 1957. “Ma Griffe”, a chypré fragrance, was inspired by the grace of a light summer dress swaying in a soft breeze. The perfumer Jean Carles celebrated the launch of the fragrance by releasing thousands of samples into the skies over Paris. “Vétiver”, the father of many fragrances in its family, was born in 1957 in a salute to Philippe Mallet, Madame Carven’s first husband. “Vétiver” made an instant name for itself and continues today to enjoy great success among men.

In 2009, Guillaume Henry was asked to take over the artistic direction of the fashion House, making for a huge hit in both celebrities and buyers alike. The house now is making a splash with the launch of its third fragrance, Carven Le Parfum, made by perfumer Francis Kurkdjian. It has a simple effervesance while still being very feminine.

The main notes include:

  • Mandarin Blossom
  • White Hyacinth
  • Sweet Pea
  • Jasmine
  • Ylang Ylang
  • White Sandal Wood
  • Osmanthus
  • Indonesian Patchouli

On me, the scent dries down floral and almost powdery, soft and perfect for summer. Almost as good as the scent itself, the packaging is inspired by freshness with the classic Carvan green stripe and architectural lettering.

The scent is exclusively at Saks and hits counters on Thursday. Right now through Thursday is Saks’ Spend$Some, Get$Some event – shop and receive a gift card!

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AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.