New fragrance...

As it happens I'm in need of a little advice myself. I'd really love to hear some suggestions for a new fragrance for myself - I'd be looking for something upmarket and expensive though obviously. I was wondering about Giorgio Armani's 'Armani/Privé' collection, as I quite like this fragrance collection idea, as you may have noticed in my Tom Ford Private Blend reviews. Let me know x

An update...

I have to apologize for my recent lack of reviews. As much as anything, this is due to the amount of work and revision I have been having to put in for college - never fear, I haven't forgotten about the blog, and I'm already planning my next review. Hang in there, Urban Musk and Neroli Portofino coming soon... x

Tom Ford: Private Blend - Arabian Wood

As stated in an earlier post (or so I believe), I am a HUGE Tom Ford fan, so much so as to my personal fragrance collection now consists solely of his perfumes. It is then with great displeasure I must announce: I do not like this scent. At all. And do you know what? I really wanted to! 'Mystical. Eternal. Urbane.' - or so it is described in the Private Blend 'catalogue', if you will. I have a different three words: 'Chanel Pour Monsieur', which is to me, exactly what it smells like, the latter being significantly cheaper. Indeed the similarities extend even to the colour of the liquid itself! Supposedly inspired by the extraordinary confluence of ancient and modern culture in Arabia, this 'Timeless Chypre' boats notes such as aromatic lavender, galbanum and countless unspecified 'exotic woods and spices'. The result for me is an extremely herbaceous even bitter scent which reminds me of the miniature cologne selections my Grandfather would wear. This leads to the classification of Arabian Wood as an 'old man's' fragrance in my eyes. The floral notes seem lost entirely on my wearing, which is rather disappointing. My main disappointment however was the lack of an authentic woodsy smell which featured so fabulously in Oud Wood and Bois Marocain. Perhaps I should be fair here and say that it may well suit some people (although I would like to point out that this is one of the 'unisex' Private Blends that is perhaps not suited to women). For me, it is possible for a scent to be 'too manly', and by that I refer to the ubiquitous yet undefinable heavy spice smell in male fragrances, which I do not like, but as have mentioned, others might. The longevity and sillage are also quite poor, but perhaps that isn't entirely a bad thing with a fragrance as heavy as this. For me, of all the Private Blend, this is one which I do not believe warrants it's luxury price tag (which, for those interested, is 50ml £118, 100ml £165 and 250ml [decanter] £265 - yes, recited off by heart).

Prada - Infusion D'Iris (Eau de Parfum)

I've had some difficulties in purchasing this in my local area recently which leads me to the conclusion that it my in fact be being discontinued or that it is instead rather unpopular 'up North'. Why this should be the case I am not entirely sure, as I am a great lover of this beautifully light and simple fragrance. Indeed, I was extremely upset with Prada last year at their discontinuing (or rather, the fact it was limited edition) of Infusion D'Fleur d'Oranger, and so the thought of losing this too is equally troubling - perhaps I should invest in one of the obscenely large 750ml decanters available over Amazon*? But please don't take my worries as anything to serious, as this has not been confirmed to my knowledge and may in fact just be an issue with availability. Now, to the scent itself. Although describe as an 'Oriental-Woody' [1], this is, for me, one of the ultimate 'clean' fragrances. Light, soft and slightly powdery, Infusion D'Iris is a modern perfume suitable for everyday wear, consisting (supposedly) of notes such as: mandarin, galbanum, and orange blossom (top notes); iris, cedar and vetiver (heart notes); incense and benzoin (base notes). As you may have noticed with my use of the word 'supposedly', I myself do not deem the composition to be quite so intricate. Not that this should be seen as a bad thing, in fact the thing I enjoy most about this fragrance is it's simplicity. And yes, as some other reviews have pointed out, I do believe there is a slight soapiness to the perfume, which leads me to my 'clean' conclusion. I think this fragrance is suitable for anyone (women and men) who want to smell fresh and casual without having a heavy sillage or to strong an aroma.

* http://www.amazon.co.uk/Prada-Infusion-DIris-Perfume-Splash/dp/B003N1LMT6/ref=sr_1_13?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1297883054&sr=1-13

[1] - Fragrantica description

Posts Update

New posts coming soon:
Jean Paul Gaultier - Classique
Prada - Infusion D'Iris
Juicy Couture - Couture Couture
Jo Malone - Nectarine Blossom and Honey

Chanel - Cuir de Russie

Part of 'Les Exclusifs', Cuir de Russie is only available from Selfridges (UK) and the Chanel boutiques - I can't comment on US availability. I was given a sample by my friend Gisèle Scanlon (author of both The Goddess Guide and The Goddess Experience) around late November, and so it proved the perfect accompaniment for Winter nights. Created in 1927 by the Legendary Ernest Beaux Cuir de Russie (Russian Leather) is one of those delightful fragrances that to the untrained nose is referred to as 'granny like', but to perfume connoisseurs is known as 'classic'. Instantly recognisable as a Chanel fragrance, Cuir de Russie is both powdery and smoky, underlined with the trademark florals and aldehydes. But that brief summary doesn't do justice to it's intricate composition; it's elegant presence. The Chanel website provided a beautiful description which I believe needs no further annotation: "Constructed on a base of Albanian Birchwood, its pure heart of Jasmine, Oriental Rose and Ylang-Ylang peaks in a mélange of mingling notes - Tunisian Orange Blossom, Calabrian Bergamot and Sicilian Mandarin." There is also word of notes of blonde tobacco and frankincense, providing a dark and musky twist. It was supposedly inspired by Coco Chanel's love of all things Russian (as shown in quite a few of her collections) after meeting Grand Duke Dimitri, cousin of Tsar Nicholas II. Perhaps what is most noticeable to me however is the heavy smokey note (presumably provided by the said blonde tobacco consistent throughout - not an unpleasant one, quite the contrary. The only let down, should I have to try and find one, is that the leather here is not quite as obvious as say Tom Ford's 'Tuscan Leather'. But don't let that detract from what is a truly captivating fragrance. It is more suited to the colder months of the year, working best in glamorous locations and parties, when one wishes to make an entrance.The first time I wore it was to a show at the theatre, and I'll never forget the experience of Baroque opulence, red velvet, warm lighting and Cuir de Russie. Magnifique!

Jo Malone: French Lime Blossom

One of the first things that attracted me to Jo Malone products was their clean and classic aesthetic. All the colognes (the only concentration available here) are presented in the same clear glass bottles (coming in 30ml and 100ml sizes, £34.00 and £68.00), and are arranged in the shop into their respective fragrance families. Indeed, even the shop itself (my local one being in the Victoria Quarter, Leeds) is bright and contemporary, without being intimidating. After much deliberation (and taking account the upcoming season), I decided to purchase the French Lime Blossom. Enticed by promises of 'a perfumed portrait of the Champs-Élysées in Spring', I purchased the large 100ml bottle. I thought I'd go for a change, seeing as most of my fragrances are more heavier, oriental style perfumes. I don't want to linger too much on the packaging, but all I'm saying is: cream box, tissue paper, black ribbon - wow. Now, first of all, I must confess I have never smelt true lime blossom, and so to comment on the authenticity of this fragrance would be unfair. However, at first spray, it is a clean, almost soapy white flower I encounter. Then, a minute in, I am greeted with a very green, almost - and I mean this in a pleasant way - hedgerow/grass smell with an underlying creamy, blossom note. The middle notes of this scent are very herby, again in the way one might say a park is around midday in April/May. Also, there claims to hints of bergamot, although if it's in there it is not distinguishable. Being such a light cologne, if there are any base notes they are hardly detectable, which brings me to my one issue with French Lime Blossom; I wish it lasted slightly longer. After just 3 hours it became barely noticeable on my skin. It's something you would wear to smell fresh and clean rather than something to get you noticed. I appreciate the delicateness of this composition though and would recommend anyone giving it ago, particularly if you are not normally a perfume lover.

The Finished Product

After some tweaking here and there, I'm glad to say I've got the blog exactly how I want it. Please feel free to request a perfume's testing - as long as I can find it my local department stores I'll be more than happy to give my thoughts on a scent.

Tom Ford: Private Blend - Tobacco Vanille

This is one of the best fragrances in the entire world. Fact. I am actually in love with this perfume, like, real 'I spray it and get all happy and emotional' kind of love. I love the chic box, the stylish bottle, even just seeing everything labelled 'Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille' makes me excited.
I saved and saved to buy a bottle of this, and felt so proud walking away from the Tom Ford counter with my beautiful Tobacco Vanille in an equally beautiful black Tom Ford bag. I even love the fact it's so expensive, because it makes wearing it feel such a luxury, that no matter where you are or what you're doing, you're wearing a small bit of expensive luxury. The price also stops the fragrance becoming commercial and prevents 'just anyone' from owning it - the person who owns a Private Blend is a true perfume connoisseur!
Now, I suppose if I'm going to post a review, I actually ought to talk about the fragrance! Well, let me start by saying - you will never smell anything like this with any other fragrance. From the first spritz, Tobacco Vanille is at once sweet, warm and spicy. It smells, as you might say, expensive. This, although it claims to make an appearance later, is where I smell the cocoa - and not a sickly sort of chocolate smell, but a true, refined cocoa: rich and sumptuous. Of course, it wouldn't be Tobacco Vanille without tobacco and vanilla! These both make themselves present in an outstanding manner, both decorated with spicy, and as some have said, Christmas notes, not dissimilar to festive treats such as nutmeg and cinnamon. The tobacco is in perfect ratio to all the other essences - not too herby/smoky, but instead just at the right level of providing a mesmerising intricacy, reminiscent of winter nights and gentlemen's clubs (as was Tom Ford's intent). I can assume the rich, velvet accord is provided throughout by the tonka bean - again, in perfect synchronisation with all other aspects of the fragrance. Tobacco Vanille is consistent throughout, or as some others may say, one dimensional, but to that I would say 'If perfection is achieved within the first spray, why attempt to create anything further for the sake of the mass?' - after all, as Mr. Ford said in an interview, the Private Blend is not meant to be a universal fragrance, it is a niche, it appeals to a certain sort of person; you will either fall in love with it for what it is, or you won't.
As I said at the start of this miniature essay (my élan a testament to my adoration), everything about this fragrance for me is perfect. Yes, it's expensive, but if you can afford it, and if you love it, go for it - you won't regret it!

Tom Ford: White Musk Collection - Jasmine Musk

This is so much more than a jasmine perfume. This is class, sophistication and glamour encapsulated in a chic flaçon, a symphony in white and gold. This is the royal white flower at it's best. Tom Ford is renowned for his luxurious products, and this is of course no exception. From the it's glittering reveal as you open the embossed white box, Jasmine Musk dazzles in all it's floral grandeur. It's exclusive price tag is easily justified - this is not something you'll smell on anyone else (unless of course you have wealthy friends who are equally perfume-obsessed) - it's unique, unparalleled in quality and style. The fragrance at once captures the imagination with it's tantalising opening of sweet vanilla, labdanum and ylang ylang, eventually warming to that exotic, nectar-like jasmine. The jasmine here is unlike any other I have had the pleasure to smell - pure, heady and reminiscent of warm summer nights in the Mediterranean. Of course, as the scent dries down on the skin, the musk begins to become noticeable - fresh, sophisticated and classy. A number of people seem to question this scents sillage and longevity. For me, both are perfect - it's noticeable enough for people to compliment you on what you are wearing, without clearing the room, and it may announce your presence to the room, without people thinking they've mistakenly walked into a department store fragrance boutique. I was initially unsure as to whether to purchase this or the White Suede (also from Tom Ford's Private Blend White Musk Collection), but finally settled on this one after the sales assistant complimented my wearing of it, saying the way it smelt on me was the best she'd ever smelt it. I left with a fabulous new fragrance and feeling rather pleased with my amazing skin chemistry. I think that is above all one of the most important things with all of Tom Ford's fragrances - don't just test them on a card, try them on the skin, see how they smell on yourself. I think I can honestly say, if you are a jasmine lover, you need this in your life. If you aren't; you just might be after you've tried this!

C'est moi....

I first decided to create this blog after a number of my reviews on perfume forums had been particularly well received. I thought 'why not?', after all, in today's modern society, how can one even be sure of their existence with their own blog? As perfume is such an obsession pour moi, writing about it with élan is something that comes naturally. Posting everyday is probably not likely, but I shall aim for around every two-to-three instead. As to my personal preferences regards perfume, it may become apparent after a few posts that I have HUGE love for Mr. Tom Ford and his wonderful work - expensive, exclusive and (most of all) beautiful; what's not to love. I don't profess to having any degrees in journalism or writing (with the exception of an English Language GCSE and an English Literature GCSE - both grade A), but I will always attempt to write eloquently and descriptively to give a true feeling of the fragrance I am reviewing. Hopefully I will inform, but maybe even just give people something to read should they end up bored, aimlessly browsing the Internet. Anyway, this post is beginning to ramble slightly, so for now, c'est moi, enjoy...