Fragrances -Caron - Delire de Roses
zeynepd 6/19/2013 11:40:00 AM
This is how I would scent Disneys Fantasia. The concerto begins with huge, sweet and amicable fruit notes at a level of brightness fit only for a land of fantasy. After the alcohol evaporates I can sense that we owe the sweetness to sugary litchi, and the airiness to lotus. Soon, Delire de Roses becomes a sketch in water colours; a watery rose scent or really a dewy rose in a fresh garden. My only complaint is that I get something like ambrette, which adds to the airiness but makes me a bit queasy nowadays. Soon, a pink, fresh, green, almost crisp rose starts to show its face through the watery notes. It may not be your deepest rose but it is crystal clear and very very radiant. When you sense the green, it is indeed very green; when you sense the freshness, it is pure freshness. Delire de Roses is both fragile and formidable, pastel and neon, airy and strong. All these moods calm down during the drydown but Delire de Roses preserves its freshness. It's not powdery, lipstick or vintage on my skin. Just this fresh rose through and through. I think Caron's Delire de Roses may divide perfumistas. Some may criticise it for lacking Caron's signature deep, dark base while others may enjoy its bright pop or girlie attitude. Some may liken it to a thousand other roses while others may enjoy its solid bones. All in all, I think it's worth sampling this modern offering. Good sillage and lasting power of around 6 hours on my skin. 3.5
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Fragrances -Unlisted Brand - Histoires de Parfums - 1873 Colette
zeynepd 6/17/2013 11:25:00 AM
One of my favourite grapefruit fragrances, together with Sisley’s number 3, simply because it works with my body chemistry. Although I enjoy grapefruit notes in general, I don't think they perform that well on my body. Some disappear in a second, Hermes Pamplemousse Rose; some completely lack the edge of the fruit and turn sweet after a while, Kiehls; and some manage to create either a dusty impression, Kelly Caleche, or something like cat pee, Guerlains Pamplelune, on my skin. 1873 Colette doesn't do any of these and continues to fascinate me with its bitter-sweet, clear grapefruit note from the beginning to the end. The opening is almost tart but never screechy. Soon, I get vanilla that softens the edges and provides a mellow background. Although 1873 has gourmand notes such as caramel and some flowers, I do not get them. Still, I quite enjoy the linear, pleasant, solid grapefruit I get. Would I buy it? Maybe one day. But if there are other graprefruit fragrances that do not stink on you, then I would say there is not much need for 1873. I personally prefer Sisley's sheer grapefruit coupled with lovely ginger. Medium sillage and good lasting power on my skin. 3.5
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Fragrances -Dolce & Gabbana - Light Blue Dreaming in Portofino
zeynepd 6/16/2013 11:46:00 AM
Dreaming in Portofino, which was released in 2012, is a younger, fruitier sister to the original Light Blue. I have never been a fan of the original but I can surely understand why the citrusy, understated classic has devoted followers all over the world. My problem with it is mostly related with body chemistry issues - the citrus is always too crisp and I don't enjoy sensing a chemical swimming pool smell on myself whenever I spritz it. Enter Dreaming in Portofino. I can say that this is a softer, rounder, fruitier and more amicable version of the original - albeit, perhaps less elegant. There is now a sweet litchi accord that comes before the citrus notes in the opening. The heart shines with some light, fruity Osmanthus, one of my favourite notes. Perhaps it could be a bit rounder but it's pleasant nevertheless. Unfortunately, heart notes are fleeting and I quickly find myself in the drydown phase, where I get the swimming pool notes and sharp musk again. Sometimes, it smells pleasing with an accord that makes me think of shiny bergamots, hard bergamot candies or even mastic; however, most of the time, I just don't care for it. Low sillage and not long lasting on my body.
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Fragrances -Etro - Rajasthan
zeynepd 6/16/2013 3:57:00 AM
Etro Rajasthan was released in March in the most beautiful paisley bottle with orange, purple and other lively colours. As far as I understand, the fragrance itself wishes to create an air of lively exoticism with its spices and references to India. I, on the other hand, think that the vivid imagery Etro Rajasthan creates could belong to anywhere in the world; an anonymous holiday resort for well-off people in Europe, the US or wherever. Definitely quality, but not unforgettably special. The first time I sampled it, I was attracted to the strong blast of pink pepper on a soft and happy background of musk and amber, creating something like a sweet, orangey impression. My second experience, however, gave me a more balanced, rounded, softened experience - albeit not as interesting or unique. I get mostly pink pepper, musk and the basenotes (amber and musk creating a generic impression somehow). The heart is composed of amicable yellow flowers. Mimosa is my favourite floral note in perfume but here, it's rather a soft shadow of its beautiful self- at least on my skin. The fragrance has medium sillage and lasts around 4 hours on my skin. It's a casual, pleasant, semi-sweet scent, perhaps a slightly grown-up version of drugstore pleasure (I guess it's the musk giving that impression). I sometimes like matching fragrances with clothes; and when I think of Etro Rahasthan, I think of casual urban chic with jeans, a t-shirt and leather sandals. Not very unique, especiallyu for this price range. 3.5
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Fragrances -Keiko Mecheri - Mihime
zeynepd 6/12/2013 4:58:00 PM
If you like the scent of Nivea crem in the blue tin, this is it! Actually, Mihime is the second fragrance I sampled for the love of good old Nivea creme. The first was Nikos Sculpture which came very close but then turned bitter with something like oregano on my skin. Happily, this is not the case with Mihime. Actually, I want to dance around my house in my pyjamas and celebrate because Mihime smells exactly like Nivea on my skin, especially when I first spritz it. Then it turns slightly sweeter but that's OK. I think this is my ultimate creamy scent, a holy grail for me in its own category. I'm definitely getting a botlle in the autumn and can see myself buying this over and over again. A fragrance dream has come true:)
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Fragrances -Bobbi Brown - Beach
zeynepd 6/12/2013 2:11:00 PM
Wow, this is a must try if you enjoy attracting attention with your fragrance. It's a head turner and always puts a smile on people's faces not because it is the most unique summer scent but because it's the smell of fun summer holidays everyone is familiar with:) In my experience, it also surprises people because you would smell like you've just come home after a hot day at the beach. On my skin, Bobby Brown's beach does not evoke a virgin hideaway surrounded with complex scents of mother nature. Bobby's is a big, popular and perhaps well-populated beach with white plastic decker chairs, colourful beach umbrellas, and bursting with energy. Beach volleyball, rollerblades, young people and cheerful smiles. It's very amicable; it doesn't smell expensive or anything but there is nothing cheap smelling in it. The fragrance opens with a big burst of jasmines on my skin. I'm not exactly a lover of white flowers and I don't tolerate indoles well, but the jasmines here are probably the airiest and brighest I have smellt to this day. They are voluptuous and radiant at the same time. I don't get an obvious mandarin scent from Beach but there's something sweet and juicy in it. The heart reveals the good old Coppertone everyone is talking about and I prefer this to many other beach fragrances loaded with coconut. Only, it quickly transforms into something salty, warm and slightly oily on my skin. This is how my skin smells exactly when I'm holidaying in my mother's house. Long lazy days by the beach, skin soaked up in heat and still bearing some remnants of salty Mediterranean on itself. This isn't exactly nature; it's one bit of nature and one bit of summery skin products. There is also something that's very healthy smelling in it. I wouldn't buy a full bottle of it because there are so many other things I would like to try. Also, I wouldn't wear it on holiday because what's the point of trying to simulate the beach while you are actually there? Still, I wouldn't say no to a decant or a second-hand bottle to use as a surprising mood-lifter during cold days and staycations:) It has medium sillage on my skin but loses its oomph rather quickly. I recommend trying it to everyone who wants a bit of fun.
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Fragrances -Gres - Cabaret
zeynepd 6/11/2013 3:10:00 PM
Very stylish yet affordable light fragrance with fantastic leather undertones - you would guess that from the uber charismatic bottle, wouldn't you:) Cabaret is actually rose+patch combination by Michel Almairac, who also created Bond No.9's Bryant Park, again a rose and patch combo with slightly screechy, nervy raspberries sitting on top. Contrary to what rose and patch might suggest, Cabaret is pretty light, smooth and sheer on my skin with an emphasis on darkish but very wearable leather notes. This isn't a soft, suedey leather warmed and rounded with spice. Instead it makes me think of black leather gloves, expensive wallets or shoes or all those leather things that are slightly perfumey. Instead of a French cabaret, it makes me think of sleek Italian style. The rose is not heavy or powdery; it's like a dried rose. Altogether this is a rather elegant fragrance that I like wearing to work from time to time. I just wish the leather lasted a bit longer. Low sillage and lasting power, but very affordable. 3.5
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Fragrances -Bond No.9 - Coney Island
zeynepd 6/11/2013 2:48:00 PM
Coney Island is a mess on my skin. Some aspects of it are interesting, some rather bland, some downright off-putting; and actually, some many things are happening at the same time that this fragrance leaves me tired like a loud classroom of hyperactive pupils. Coney Island opens with a very very realistic margarita with tart limes and edgy tequila. I can even sense the salt. Unfortunately, a peculiar smell emerges; very similar to some men's fragrance so familiar - drydown of old Fahrenheit? During the heart, Coney Heart gets sweeter but instead of revealing nice gourmand notes some of us notice, it gives me this bland sense of runny sugar or some cheap, stale chocolate. The phase following this is my favourite bit of the experience on my skin; bright, slightly sparkly lemons on a vanilla base. Unfortunately, this too starts to be accompanied by a very familiar, musky men's scent. Usually, Bonds don't have much sillage on my skin but Coney Island is pretty strong and it has tenacious lasting power. 2.5
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Fragrances -Ormonde Jayne - Tolu
zeynepd 6/11/2013 2:23:00 PM
A chic oriental that, in my experience, likes cooler weather because that's when it reveals its airy, slightly darkish herbal nuances, happy orange blossom, light floral undertones and the smoky depths of its balsam. Unfortunately, most of the time it gets too sweet and perhaps a bit tired on my skin. Then it's likeable for aromatherapy reasons perhaps but I don't enjoy carrying it on my body. When it performs well, it's very attractive like some modern day jewellery and a chic suit; but when it's in its warm mood, I don't find it that special. 3.5
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Fragrances -Les Parfums de Rosine - Rose D'Ete
zeynepd 6/10/2013 4:15:00 PM
Rose D'ete is a very pleasant fragrance and I really like it, but it has taken me some time to get used to dabbing only a little bit at a time. The sunny promise of yellow roses was what got me into Les Parfums de Rosine some time ago. I like yellow flowers, particularly mimosa as well as fruity fragrances and I was ready to love Rose d'Ete even before I sniffed it. Still, my first experience was disappointment - mainly because I like my fragrances with a bit of sillage and when I douse myself in this one, it smells big, tired, flat and almost rotten. However, sprayed or dabbed just a little bit, this is a very very pleasing yellow rose with a lovely sweetness and brightness. I can't distinguish the apple or lotus stated in the notes but heart notes have fruity, full bodied mimosa undertones as well as some airiness. It isn't the most sophisticated or complex fragrance, but it never fails to put a satisfied smile on my face. There is a retro or vintage aspect to it, which I enjoy experiencing. The drydown is light and soapy and I quite like that phase as well. It has OK sillage even when I use just a bit but doesn't last much. I have decanted some into a vial and dab throughout the day. It's not very practical but I love catching wafts of it around myself. Guerlain's fruity mimosa Champs Elysees is one of my favourite fragrances ever and I think, if you like Champs Elysees, you may like Rose d'Ete as well.
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Fragrances -Guerlain - Mayotte
zeynepd 6/10/2013 11:27:00 AM
I love love love it. Mayotte is one of the most delicious fragrances I have ever smellt but it requires a hot climate and a tropical island to go with it:) It is a giant tropical flower in the most beautiful bright colours flashing in front of my eyes. It is a bit over the top, very fruity, even bubblegummy, the way tuberose is sometimes. Did I say it's very sweet? It makes me think of tanned skin, big floral dresses, small waves licking your bare feet. Well, I'm a petite woman who lives in the city and I would be kind of conscious of myself wearing this. However, I love it the way I love Parfum de Therese although Mayotte is not that deep or complex - especially for the price range. I wish it weren't so darn expensive. Big sillage, OK lasting power.
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Fragrances -Ralph Lauren - Ralph Rocks
zeynepd 6/10/2013 8:30:00 AM
This Ralph really rocks! That is, if you want a swirl of sweet, neon bright, almost pulpy fruit on top a thickish, coconutty and milky base. Like Kysona below says, it's not a sophisticated smell but great holiay fun. It makes me think of summer holiday resorts, a bit of swimming pool, a bit of beach volley and summer disco music, all those fun things that you can do because you are on holiday. Not very romantic, creative or particularly feminine. Still, good quality in its own category. Medium sillage and lasting power on my skin. Unfortunately, it is darn expensive in my country so I won't be buying a bottle.
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Fragrances -By Kilian - Pure Oud
zeynepd 6/2/2013 3:41:00 AM
I haven't smellt many oud fragrances so I cannot comment on how Pure Oud compares to other ouds in the market. On me, it is a low-sillage, sheer and an inky fragrance that is more medicinal than animalic. A reviewer below says it smells like mosquito repellent on her skin and I can see where she is coming from - though I sometimes like medicinal smells. I don't get much leather but something like a rusty metal - I don't know why, but it makes me think of rusty iron for some reason. It is definitely an interesting olfactory experience and it could smell very attractive on some of us. Just not me, nowadays.
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Fragrances -Unlisted Brand - David Yurman Limited Edition
zeynepd 6/2/2013 3:26:00 AM
This review is about the crimson coloured bottle that was released in 2011 and is also known - I think- as David Yurman Oud. As my SA boasted (as if he concocted it himself), it is not an EDP but Parfum. Despite all the effort that went into creating exotic Middle Eastern "luxury", I perceive this fragrance as an amicable oriental with a delicious, plump raspberry note. In this sense, it reminds me of an older beauty, Van Cleef, but this time the the raspberry+oriental combination is jazzed up with more indescript woods and a slightly medicinal oud in the beginning. I'm not an oud fan and cannot comment how much it has added to the character of this fragrance because I mostly get fruit, voluptuous - though not very classy- fruit and vanilla around me. Despite the gap between what it aims to be and its performance on me, I actually liked Limited Edition because I like fruity stuff like this. However, as time went, it started to smell more like gas - jasmin does that to me sometimes and I don't like it here. It has OK sillage and good lasting power but is not as impressive as I would expect from a "parfum". Notes per NST:coriander, geranium, saffron, raspberry, violet, night-blooming jasmine, suede, vanilla, musk and sandalwood.
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Fragrances -Tom Ford - Sahara Noir
zeynepd 6/2/2013 3:00:00 AM
I wish the first review was written by someone who had a more positive experience with Sahara Noir. On my skin, it unfortunately smells very much like a particular Serge Lutens that has gone wrong on my skin - Muscs Koublai Khan. It's dry and spicy with lots of sour patch (like that of Gucci) and an animalic accord that I associate with dirty sweat. However, this is probably a bias/perception or a chemistry issue because I know that some stuff that stinks on me is absolutaley tremendous on others. I like Tom Ford's fragrances in general and regularly wear White Patchouli but I don't think Sahara Noir is an original or unique interpretation of the dessert. Somehow, I expected something more different from Tom Ford. I hope other MUAers enjoy it more than I did. Very good sillage and tenacious lasting power.
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