Product Review: Chloé l’Eau de Chloé

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: Chloé
Name: l’Eau de Chloé – Eau de Toilette
Size: 3.4 fl. oz. / 100 mL
Price: n/a

What it says on their website:
"…The work of the same perfumer, l’Eau de Chloé contains an exceptional concentration of distilled rose water, which lends it a rare refreshing feeling. Light as dew, this chypre rose seems suffused with pure oxygen. A delicate citrus harmony recalls summer’s luscious ice-cool lemonades. At once spirited and elegant, airy and ethereal, the rose leaves a subtle presence on the skin…"

To Purr About:
- gorgeous scent
- light and summery citrus smell
- comes in a lovely bottle
- scent lasts very long

Claws Out:
- none really

Final Comments:
I’m definitely not a perfume expert – I actually find a lot of scents trigger my migraines, so I almost never wear them. I did however fall in love with Chloé’s Eau de Parfum and was super happy to find out it didn’t bother me. Needless to say I was uber excited to try their new l’Eau de Chloé (Eau de Toilette).

I didn’t know too much about this product, so I was surprised to see it was a pale green when I opened the box. It comes in the same iconic bottle as the Eau de Parfum, which is nice.

The scent is definitely different from the pink hued Eau de Parfum. Where I find the Eau de Parfum to be a luxurious and romantic rose inspired scent, this product invokes summer with its citrusy, light, playful scent. It is actually a great scent for those casual spring and summer days. In addition, only a couple of spritz last the whole day.

I’m pleased that I found l’Eau de Chloé – although I prefer the Eau de Parfum, l’Eau is a perfect day scent to contrast the Eau de Parfum which is more of a night scent.

Rating (out of 5):





Disclosure: A free sample of this product was received by Cinnamon Kitten

Product News: Marc Jacobs Tropical Splash

Brand: Marc Jacobs
Name: Tropical Splash
Price: $49.00 CAD each

Where to buy: The Bay, Holt Renfrew, Sephora and Mural

This collection is available March 2012 for a limited time only.

Rain, 100 ml
Back by popular demand, Rain is a watery floral that's a splash from the past.
Top notes: wet cut grass, wild strawberry, clementine zest
Middle notes: tropical rain accord, passion flower, white orchid
Finishing notes: beech amber, tree moss, musks

Kumquat, 100 ml
A zesty citrus floral, Kumquat is a fizzy and refreshing sensation.
Top notes: tangerine pulp, bergamot, orange zest
Middle notes: kumquat, jasmine petals, tiger orchids
Finishing notes: sun-drenched woods, blond cedarwood

Hibiscus, 100 ml
A sultry, floral that rounds out the tropical trio with lush petals of exotic blooms.
Top notes: raspberry, mandarin, pink peony
Middle notes: hibiscus flower, tiare, pink freesia
Finishing notes: musks, exotic woods, vetiver

image:press release

Product News: Calvin Klein Sheer Beauty

Brand: Calvin Klein
Name: Sheer Beauty
Price:
- Eau de Toilette Spray, 50 ml, $78.00 CAD
- Eau de Toilette Spray, 100 ml, $102CAD

Where to buy: The Bay, Sears, Shoppers Drug Marg, Pharmaprix, London Drugs, Jean Coutu, Sephora and Murale stores across Canada, www.calvinkleinfragrances.com

What it says in the release:
Calvin Klein Sheer Beauty is sparkling and carefree with a pure, sexy confidence.

Top notes: peach bellini accord, red berry extract, bergamot
Middle notes: pink lily accord, jasmine, peony
Finishing notes: musks, sandalwood, vanilla blossom

image:press release

2011 Holiday Gift Ideas - Volume 1 - Scents for Her

I've already started to plan my holiday shopping and while I'm browsing for gifts, I'm coming across some great gift ideas for the holidays. So there's going to be lots of gift guides coming out in the next several weeks as I share some really cool products that may make great presents for your family and friends.

So my first Gift Guide of the season shows off some hot new scents - always one of my favourite gift ideas!

NOTES:
- all prices are approximate, retailers may sell for a different price
- images are based on press releases and/or web sites and may be slightly different in different countries and dependent on the product size you are buying


Kenzo Flower TAG
- scent: fruity notes: rhubarb, blackcurrant, mandarin; floral notes: peony, lily of the valley, jasmine; sensual notes: tea note, vanilla, musk
- where to buy: The Bay
- Eau de Toilette: 50 ml for $79 CAD, 100 ml for $99 CAD


Calvin Klein forbidden euphoria
- scent: top notes: sparkling mandarin, peach blossom, iced raspberry; mid notes: pink peony, tiger orchid, jasmine; bottom notes: cashmere woods, patchouli, skin musk
- where to buy: The Bay
- Eau de Parfum: 50 ml for $78 CAD, 100 ml for $102 CAD
- Body Cream: 200 ml for $58 CAD


Vera Wang Lovestruck
- scent: top notes: pink guava, angelica flower; mid notes: tuberose; dry down: woods
- where to buy: The Bay, Sears, Ogilvy, Mills, Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs, Jean Coutu, Sephora and Murale stores
- Eau de Parfum: 50 ml for $79 CAD, 100 ml for $105 CAD
- Body Lotion: 150 ml for $49 CAD
- Shower Gel: 150 ml for $42 CAD


ck one shock for her
- scent: top notes: passion flower, pink peony, jeweled poppy flower; mid notes: liquid chocolate accord, blackberry, narcisse, hypnotic jasmine; dry down: magnetic ambers, vanillin, patchouli, second skin musk
- where to buy: Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix
- Eau de Toilette: 50 ml for $45 CAD, 100 ml for $65 CAD


Heidi Klum Shine
- scent: top notes: mandarin, pear Williams, pink peppercorn; mid notes: Mimosa Absolute, muguet (lily-of-the-valley), sunflower; dry down: vanilla, Tonka Bean Venezuela, musk Cosmone
- where to buy: select drug and mass retailers
- Eau de Toilette: 30 ml for $35

SELF's Fragrance Awards 2011

As the year starts to wind down, a lot of beauty awards are being handed out. I love looking at these lists for a few reasons:

- I love seeing if my favourites made the list
- it's a great way to build a shopping list of things that I'd like to try
- with the holidays coming up, it's easy to pick up some great gift ideas

So, here's the first of several posts outlining some of these "best of" lists!

(All prices are approximate and in USD.)

Award Name: SELF's Fragrance Awards 2011


The Selection Process:

SELF sorted 248 bottles into 26 scent categories and set up a blind sniff test. Their panel tried every scent launched in the past year and picked the top 20.

Best Mood Lifter: Eau de Nous - Citrus Charm, $35
Best Nature-Inspired Scent: Emilio Pucci Vivaro Variazioni Verde 072, $59
Best Fresh Scent: Clean Skin, $69
Best Sexy-Without-Even-Trying Scent: Reveal by Halle Berry, $35
Best Make-a-Statement Scent: Tocca Colette, $68
Miss Congeniality: Mariah Carey's Lollipop Splash The Remix - Never Forget You, $35
Most Playful Scent: Reb'l Fleur by Rihanna, $59
Most Boldly Seductive Scent: Kim Kardashian Gold, $65
Best Unisex Scent: Bond No. 9 I Love New York for All, $105
Best Wear-It-Anywhere Scent: Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Promise Me, $59
Best Planet-Friendly Scent: Liv Grn - Natural, $60
Flirtiest Scent: Someday by Justin Bieber, $45
Most Romantic Daytime-Date Scent: Hanae Mori No. 4, $95
Best Smells-Like Vacation Scent: Laugh Often by Reese Witherspoon, $23
Best I'm Such-a-Girly-Girl Scent: Laughter Jour, $60
Youth in a Bottle: S by Shakira Eau Florale, $28
Most Like a Field-of-Flowers Scent: Gucci Flora Eau Fraiche, $80
Best Girl-Next-Door Scent: Peace, Love & Juicy Couture, $52
Best Edgy Scent: Creed Royal-Oud, $300
Best A-List-Celebrity Scent: Beyonce Pulse, $49

You can read all about each scent and get more details in SELF's November issue.

Product News: Beyoncé Pulse

Brand: Beyonce
Name: Pulse

Where to buy (Canada): Sears, Shoppers Drug Mart, PJC and Pharmaprix

I must admit, I'm not a huge fragrance girl. Mainly because my allergies are so sensitive that sometimes I will react to a fragrance even if I've worn it for months previously without a sneeze. So generally, I go without, although I do have a few scents that I love and stick to.

But one that always tempts me about fragrances are the amazingly creative bottles. They are so unique and beautiful that sometimes I want to start a fragrance collection just to display the bottles (I must get this from my mom who has a stunning collection of mini fragrance bottles).

Here's another example of a beautiful bottle.

The newest addition to the Beyoncé Parfums portfolio is Beyoncé Pulse, which will debut this October 2011.

Reflective of Beyoncé’s incredible energy and femininity, the fresh notes in Beyoncé Pulse intermingle to create a citrus, floral gourmand, anchored by Beyoncé’s favorite flower, the orchid.

At the heart of Beyoncé Pulse is the enticing Bluebird Orchid, renowned for its curvaceous shape, distinctive blue-indigo color and enchanting scent.

Top notes: Pear Blossom, Blue Curacao and frosted Bergamot
Middle notes: Bluebird Orchid, Peony and Midnight Blooming Jasmine
Base notes: Madagascar Vanilla, Musk and Woods

Packaged in an inverted chrome bottle, Pulse makes a visual statement. “I’m very proud of the Pulse packaging,” says Beyoncé. “I wanted to do something completely out of the box and modern, so we created the upside down, faceted bottle that highlights the blue juice inside. The chrome cap is inspired by my stage costumes, which I love because it incorporates fashion into the overall design…and I love fashion!”

image: press release

Product News: Lise Watier Bora Bora Collection

Brand: Lise Watier
Name: Bora Bora 2011 Collection

"Inspired by Bora Bora's timeless beauty, the Lise Watier Bora Bora 2011 Collection evokes intense light and the warm and sensual assortment of vibrant colours and soft, exotic fragrances.

With tropical hues ranging from papaya green to purest violet to deepest ocean blue and bold textures and ultra-shimmering effects, this collection evokes a new freedom to explore."


Palette Bora Bora, $38 CAD
This eyeshadow palette is a perfect infusion of tropical energy and has 5 tropical hues that evoke a tropical paradise, all in an attractive compact. Includes shades of pearl white, golden sand, green papaya, jungle green and violet. Limited edition.


Duo Shadow and Glitter, $25 CAD
Vibrant and colourful cream eyeshadows with a coordinated glitter powder.
- Blue Ray: hints of beauty and freshness of the sea
- Golden Wasabi: evokes lush rain forests
- Wild Orchid: pays tribute to the panopoly of tropical blooms


Glitter Eyeshadow Brush, $15 CAD
Lise Watier's newest brush has a silicon tip especially designed for precision application of loose glitter over eyshadow.


Lip Kiss Crayon Gloss, $18 CAD
Moisturizes and nourishes lips. The crayon format means it glides on easily and with precision, with a light-weight, satiny core, never sticky.
- Pink Jelly: a bright yet tender pink
- Mango Punch: as appetizing as the exotic fruit. Limited edition.


Rouge Plumpissimo, $20 CAD
A lipstick with impressive plumping and volumizing abilities.
- Melon d'eau
- Orange Tango


Nail Lacquer, $12 CAD
Limited edition.
- Ile Deserte
- ˆFun in the Sun


Bora Bora Eau de Toilette Spray, 50 ml, $50 CAD
Entice the senses with sensual and feminine notes of passion flower, jasmine and rose blended with the warmth of an exotic fruit cocktail, all on a soft base of warm amber and vanilla, and of wood and musk notes.

image: press release

Product Review: Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh Eau de Toilette Spray

Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: Marc Jacobs
Name: : Daisy Eau So Fresh Eau de Toilette Spray
Size: 75 ml / 2.5 fl. oz.
Price: approx. $85 CAD / $70 USD

This fresh, spring update to the Daisy scent by Marc Jacobs was too pretty in pink for me to resist trying.

For more information about the scent and other available sizes, check out my original post on the Daisy Eau So Fresh line.

To Purr About:
- only need a small amount for a strong scent
- really fun, pretty bottle
- very sweet, floral scent

Claws Out:
- a little too sweet and clingy for my taste

Final Comments:
I love the look of this bottle and it's a sweet, floral scent that's perfect for spring. You get quite a large bottle for the price, and a little goes a long way.

The scent is pretty strong and lingers for quite a while, which means you only need a little big.

Personally, I prefer a less floral scent, so this isn't really to my taste, but when I wore it, I got a lot of compliments and I know several of my friends who really like flowery scents and this is right up their aisle.

Rating (out of 5):



Disclosure: A free sample of this product was received by Cinnamon Kitten

image: sephora.com

Product News: Reveal by Halle Berry

Brand: Halle Berry
Name: Reveal
Size & Price:
- Eau de Toilette 30 ml: $35 CAD
- Eau de Toilette 50 ml: $49 CAD

I'm not a fan of celebrity-inspired fragrances. I mean, I get the premise and the allure for both sides - for the celebrity, they put their name on something - make some money. For fans, they get to purchase something with their idol's name on it. I understand that in every aspect of retail, but fragrances always irk me because it's always "BY" the celebrity, as if they slaved away in the lab, creating the perfect scent to express themselves. Plus, there are, like, a million fragrances "by" celebrities on the market. It seems to be the latest fad to have a scent with your name on it.

So, I'm trying to look past the celebrity endorsements and more at the product and the packaging (I know you should never judge a book by its cover, but I personally know at least 3-4 gals that collect perfumes just for their bottles).

Halle Berry's latest fragrance, Reveal, comes in a vintage-style bottle shaped like a four-sided teardrop with ridges. The clear glass lets the golden fragrance show through and the bottle is topped off with a jewel-like cut cap.

Top notes: mimosa flower, juicy peach, honeydew melon, red berries
Middle notes: iris blossom, plumeria flower, neroli petals
Base notes: vetiver, cashmere woods, skin musk

image: press release

Product News: Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh

Brand: March Jacobs Daisy
Name: Eau So Fresh
Size & Price:
- Eau de Toilette Spray 75 ml / 2.5 oz: $85 CAD
- Eau de Toilette Spray 125 ml / 4.2 oz: $110 CAD
- Body Lotion 150 ml / 5 oz: $45 CAD

One of my favourite things about the Marc Jacobs Daisy fragrance is the bottle and packaging. Yes, there are many beautiful perfume designs out there, but this one always makes me think of spring. And with a long Canadian winter hopefully drawing to a close, I welcome anything that brings in the fresh spring feeling!

The Daisy Eau So Fresh is "a bright, floral, fruity fragrance. It radiates with a sunny and sparkling beauty."

The bottle is a take on the original Daisy bottle, but a little taller and slimmer and topped off with a bouquet of daisies on the gold cap.

Top notes: ruby red grapefruit, raspberry, green leaves, pear
Middle notes: violet, wild rose, apple blossom, lychee, jasmine petals
Base notes: musks, plum, cedarwood

image: press release

Product Review: Marc Jacobs Daisy Solid Perfume

Reviewer: Suziesaurus

Brand: Marc Jacobs
Name: : Daisy Solid Perfume
Size: 0.02 oz. / 0.75 g
Price: approx. $40 USD

From the website: “Daisy ring is a playful and sophisticated must-have accessory. Daisy ring twists to discover the Daisy Marc Jacobs solid perfume. Fresh and feminine, Daisy is a playful bright and alluring scent. Daisy captivates with the luscious freshness of wild strawberry, then blooms with the modern vintage edge of velvety violet petals and finishes with a luminous blend of gardenia and jasmine. The white accords of birch and cedarwood add a bit of intensity.”

This product is a limited edition item. Ring is size 6.

To Purr About:
- sweet and fruity smelling with lots of depth
- convenient to bring with you making perfume touch-ups easy and fast
- comes in an adorable ring
- comes with a cute velvet carrying pouch and a short ball chain
- not too overpowering and therefore doesn’t make my allergies go nuts

Claws Out:
- ring size 6 might not fit everyone

Final Comments:
I love the concept of solid perfumes. My sister first introduced me to the concept when she started collecting some very beautiful solid perfumes compacts that were quite intricate and were awesome collector items.

I love this idea even more – pairing the solid perfume compact idea with accessories I can actually wear. Unfortunately due to the weight, size and flashiness (I actually prefer the previous design of the Daisy solid perfume ring that Marc Jacobs released) of this daisy ring I might not actually wear it out, so luckily it comes with a short ball chain so I can hook it onto my bag/purse for quick perfume touch-ups.

On top of that I am really liking the scent of Daisy. It’s crisp, sweet and a bit fruity all at the same time. I find the scent has a lot of depth, and best of all it’s not too overpowering. It’s a very young and playful scent and although I don’t find it very distinctive I enjoy it nonetheless.

Rating (out of 5):




Disclosure: A free sample of this product was received by Cinnamon Kitten

image: marcjacobs.com

Product News: Playboy Fragrances

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Playboy is launching 3 new fragrances for women. I love fun bottles of these new scents (complete with the iconic bunny ears) and recently got a sample in the mail, so watch for a product review soon!


Playboy Play It Lovely, $17 USD, 1 fl. oz
Play It Lovely evokes a sweet and playful innocence that is guaranteed to enchant.
Top notes: citrus, juicy pear, blackberry
Middle notes: bell de nuit, tuberose, cherry baby orchid
Base notes: amber, patchouli, tonka bean


Playboy Play It Sexy, $17 USD, 1 fl. oz
Play It Sexy is a darker, more sultry scent and is ideal for the evening.
Top notes: pink grapefruit, mandarin blende, pink pepper
Middle notes: jasmine teas, osmanthus, liquorice
Base notes: vanilla, patchouli, sandalwood, tonka bean


Playboy Play It Spicy, $17 USD, 1 fl. oz
Play It Spicy is the sexiest and edgiest of the 3 fragrances, full of excitement and allure.
Top notes: pomegranate, bellini cocktail, pink berries
Middle notes: tiger lily, passionflower, heliotrope
Base notes: amber, sandalwood, vanilla essence

image: press release

NEW Product: Frederick's of Hollywood Signature Scent

Brand: Frederick's of Hollywood
Name: Signature Scent
Size: n/a
Price: $35 USD

Frederick's of Hollywood has brought back their popular Signature Scent. The bottle is simple, but elegant.

Top notes: Egyptian Jasmine, mandarin
Middle notes: Patchouli, Oriental spice
Base notes: sandalwood, suede, cashmere musk

image: press release

Gift Idea Guide: Making Scents of the Holidays for Women

To follow up on the "Making Scents of the Holidays for Men" post, today I'm featuring just a small sampling of the plethora of womens' fragrances available this holiday season. Besides having aisles and aisles of choices, there are a lot of pretty perfume solids out there as well.

This is going to be an even longer post than the Men's, and I'm just scratching the tip of the iceberg here. I've also included some celebrity-created/inspired scents as those are usually popular gift ideas as well. Again, to get to what you need to know, I'm taking away all the fluff and filler, leaving you with the important things: an image of the bottle, name, size, price and the fragrance breakdown.

Enjoy and happy shopping!

NOTES:
- all prices are approximate, retailers may sell for a different price
- images are based on press releases and may be slightly different in market and dependent on product you are buying


Guess Seductive
- scent: top notes: bergamot, blackcurrant, crispy pear; middle notes: orange flower, jasmine, orris; base notes: vanilla, olibanum, cashmere wood
- Eau de Toilette: 50 ml for $69 CAD, 75 ml for $85 CAD
- Body Cream: 200 ml for $35 CAD
- Shower Cream: 200 ml for $35 CAD


Givenchy Play for Her - Eau de parfum
- scent: top notes: pink peppercorns, white peach, bergamot, sweet pea; middle notes: tiare flower, magnolia flower and leaf, amyris wood; base notes: sandalwood, musks
- Eau de Parfum: 50 ml for $79 CAD, 75 ml for $95 CAD

Givenchy Play for Her - Eau de parfum Intense
- scent: top notes: pink peppercorns, orange blossom; middle notes: tiare flower, orchid, amyris wood; base notes: sandalwood, patchouli, tonka bean and benzoin
- Eau de Parfum: 50 ml for $85 CAD, 75 ml for $102 CAD


Mariah Carey Lollipop Bling Gumball Machine Gift Set
- A gumball machine gift set that includes all 3 flavors of Mariah Carey’s Lollipop Bling Collection. This gumball machine is refillable, making it the perfect keepsake!
- Comes with 1 fl. oz of each scent
- $70 USD

Ribbon
- scent: inspired by the flavor of the blue raspberry Ring Pop and combined with a beautiful floral bouquet

Mine Again
- scent: a combination of chocolate raspberry and magnolia

Honey
- scent: a touch of honey and pineapple

Daisy Marc Jacobs Solid Perfume Ring
A New Daisy solid perfume dome ring - an over-sized ring with a scattering of white daisies across a black lacquer dome. The ring comes in a black velvet pouch.
- scent: strawberry, violet leaves, ruby red grapefruit, gardenia, violet petals, jasmine petals, musk, vanilla, white woods
- Daisy Solid Perfume Ring: $42 CAD


Calvin Klein Beauty
- scent: top notes: ambrette seeds; middle notes: jasmine; base notes: cedarwood
- Eau de Parfum spray: 50 ml for $89 CAD; 100 ml for $115 CAD
- Bath & Shower Creme: 200 ml for $48 CAD
- Skin Lotion: 200 ml for $60 CAD

Calvin Klein Beauty Solid Perfume Compact
A limited edition solid perfume purse charm with a metallic, chrome finish.
- scent: top notes: ambrette seeds; middle notes: jasmine; base notes: cedarwood
- Solid Perfume Purse Charm: 1.2 g for $50 CAD


Beyonce Heat Ultimate Elixir
- scent: red vanilla orchid, osmanthus petals, cedarwood, amber, vanilla, tonka bean
- Elixir: 50 ml for $75 CAD


Harajuku Lovers Wicked Style
Gwen Stefani and her Harajuku girls are back, this time sporting some "wicked style"

love - "Sweet Lolita" - a fruity floral
- scent: top notes: nectarine, mangosteen, juicy pear; middle notes: orange flower, lotus, violet, osmanthus; base notes: blonde woods, musk, sandalwood, hint of patchouli, dash of praline

lil angel - "Gothic Lolita" - a sparkling floral
- scent: top notes: succulent plum, champagne, bergamont, pomelo; middle notes: blooming lotus, fresh queen rose leaf, waterlillies; base notes: satin wood, rich amber, skin musks

music - "Visual Kei" - a woody floral
- scent: top notes: juicy apple, watery fruit, bergamont; middle notes: jasmine, gardenia, fuschia, peony; base notes: swirling cedarwood, iridescent musks, cyrstallized amber

baby - "Kawaii/Decora" - a vanilla floral
- scent: top notes: white peach, Red Delicious apple, pink freesia; middle notes: pink plumeria, lush orchid, jasmine petals; base notes: glowing amber; sensual musk, creamy sandalwood

g - "Omotesando Girl" - a fruity floral
- scent: top notes: Granny Smith apple, peach pineapple; middle notes: watermelon, butterfly blush, peony; base notes: raspberry, musk, water aqeous



Love and Glamour by Jennifer Lopez
- scent: top notes: guava, nectarine; middle notes: orchid, waterlilly; base notes: sandalwood, musk
- Eau de Parfum: 1.7 oz for $49.50 USD, 2.5 oz for $58 USD
- Body Lotion: 6.7 oz for $25 USD


Halle Pure Orchid by Halle Berry
- scent: top notes: amalfi lemon, papaya and cactus; middle notes: star anise, orchid and blackberry; base notes: patchouli, tonka bean and sequoia
- Eau de Parfum: 15 ml for $16 USD, 30 ml for $28 USD


Purr by Katy Perry
- scent: top notes: peach nectar, apple; middle notes: jasmine blossom, Bulgarian rose, vanilla orchid; base notes: creamy sandalwood, musk
- Eau de Parfum: 1.7 oz for $45 USD, 3.4 oz for $65 USD


Juicy Couture Couture Couture Solid Perfume Ring
- ring size 7
- scent: top notes: pink grape accord, orange flower, mandarin, middle notes: blushed plum, honeysuckle, star jasmine, base notes: creamy sandalwood, moist amber, vanilla
- Solid perfume: 0.023 oz for $42 USD


DKNY Be Delicious Eau de Toilette
- scent: American apple, cucumber, grapefruit, candid magnolia, tuberose, white muguet, rose, violet, sandalwood, tender skin accord, blonde woods, white amber
- Eau de Toilette Spray: 1 oz for $36 USD, 1.7 oz for $52 USD

Gift Idea Guide: Making Scents of the Holidays for Men

During the holidays, lots of brands offer their scents in beautiful packaging, extra goodies with purchase, limited edition versions, etc. There have been so many in the past couple of weeks that my head has been spinning with all the new releases.

With the holidays just around the corner, I figured now is a good time to show off some of the season's newer scents and some holiday editions, in case you're still looking for a last minute gift idea or something new to wear to all those holiday parties you've been invited to!

Like I said, there's quite a bit out there, so this is going to be quite a long post (a post focusing on Women's will follow). To get to what you need to know, I'm taking away all the fluff and filler, leaving you with the important things: an image of the bottle, name, size, price and the fragrance breakdown.

Enjoy and happy shopping!

NOTES:
- all prices are approximate, retailers may sell for a different price
- images are based on press releases and may be slightly different in market and dependent on product you are buying


Marc Jacobs BANG
Bang is Marc Jacob's first masculine scent in almost a decade.
- scent: peppery, woody and spicy; elemi resinoid, aromatic benzoin, vetyver, white moss and patchouli
- Eau de Toilette spray: 50 ml for $69 CAD, 100 ml for $95 CAD
- After Shave Balm: 150 ml for $67 CAD
- Deodorant Stick: 75 g for $32 CAD


Pure Nautica
- scent: top notes: sea spray accord, mandarin, bergamot; middle notes: ambergris, saffron, lotus flower; dry down: driftwood, suede, patchouli
- Eau de Toilette: 50 ml for $57 CAD, 100 ml for $75 CAD


Davidoff Champion
- scent: top notes: bergamot, lemon; middle notes: galbanum essence, clary sage; dry down: cedarwood, oak moss
- Eau de Toilette: 50 ml for $65 CAD, 90 ml for 82 CAD


Dolce & Gabbana The One Gentleman
- scent: top notes: pepper, grapefruit, middle notes: lavender, patchouli; dry down: cedarwood, fennel, cardamom
- Eau de Toilette Spray: 1 oz for $42 USD, 1.6 oz for $57 USD, 3.3 oz for $73 USD


Ralph Lauren Polo Black Deluxe
A special deluxe-size of Polo Black.
- scent: iced mango, silver armoise, patchouli noir
- Eau de Toilette Spray: 6.7 oz for $82 USD


Burberry Brit Limited Edition For Men
- scent: bergamot, green mandarin, ginger accord, cardamom, cedarwood, wild rose, nutmeg, tonka beans, oriental woods accords, greay musk
- Eau de Toilette Spray: 3.3 oz for $72 USD

Gift Idea & NEW Product: Lise Watier Frisson Neiges

Brand: Lise Watier
Name: Frisson Neiges
Prices:
- Eau de toilette, 30 ml: $39 CAD
- Eau de toilette, 50 ml: $57 CAD

Recently launched last month, Lise Watier has introduced a new addition to their Nieges scent collection.

A modern, youthful and joyous interpretation of the original Neiges fragrance, Frisson Neiges unfurls a delicate, feminine, and contemporary chord, a refreshing composition that blends floral and fruity notes.

Opening notes: fresh, savoury notes of ripe papaya and lush passion fruit
Middle notes: in its heart is a combination of honeysuckle, tuberose nectar, and jasmine absolute
Closing notes: a background of warm Cashmeran and sandalwood, finally melting in a whisper of musk

Frisson Neiges comes packaged in the fragrance’s signature bottle, with its curving yet minimalist lines. The back is stamped with the familiar Neiges snowflakes, making it a perfect holiday gift. The Frisson Neiges bottle has its own personality with an iridescent, pink-tinged and sparkling appearance.

image: press release

NEW Product: La Senza Hello Sugar!

Brand: La Senza
Name: Hello Sugar!
Price: $18.50 CAD

From the press release: "Take your senses on an aromatic journey with La Senza’s latest sweet-smelling eau de toilette, Hello Sugar! The scent starts off delectably playful, with sugary hints of berries and vanilla, and leaves a warm, musky lasting tone. It’s a deliciously sweet indulgence that is sure to get you noticed! Available at participating La Senza retailers.

Top Notes - Fruity: Bergamot, Raspberry and Strawberry
Middle Notes - Whimsical: Cotton Candy, Black Licorice and Liquid Caramel
Base Notes - Warm: Vanilla, Sandalwood and Musk

image: press release

NEW Product: Estee Lauder pleasures bloom

Brand: Estee Lauder
Name: pleasures bloom
Size & Price:
- 1.7 oz / 50 ml spray, $65.00 CAD
- 3.4 oz / 100 ml spray, $86.00 CAD

Estee Lauder has launched a new "more playful, contemporary expression" of pleasures - the new pleasures bloom.

From the press release: "Reinterpreted for the contemporary consumer, pleasures bloom is a fruity floral fragrance, which embodies the vibrancy and playfulness of modern life with a blend of luscious fruits and colourful florals. The fragrance opens with a fresh and playful, fruity blend."

Opening: a burst of grapefruit and raspberry while lychee adds a modern feel to the delicate charm of violet flower
Middle: florals of pink peony, rose, jasmine and green lily
Closing: a musk blended with a touch of patchouli and vanilla

Available beginning August 2010.

image: press release

NEW Product Line: Lise Watier Neon Love

(From the press release) "For Summer 2010, the Lise Watier Neon Love collection lets loose and dives into a fantastic world of vivid colour, a place that blurs the lines between dream and reality.

This summer, go bold with neons – and not just on your fingernails! Dare to create a punchy, potent look with exuberant hues. Shades of the 80s, but brighter, fresher, freer: intense acid pastels like shimmering lime, bubblegum pink, and icy aqua, teamed with more neutral, sometimes darker tones that balance the palette’s brilliance."

Quator Neon Love Eyeshadow Quartet, $35 CAD
Two wildly seductive incarnations, each with 4 eyeshadows that work in perfect
harmony. The season’s palettes are imbued with rich tones and shimmering finishes. As always, Lise Watier shadows are satiny-textured and easy to apply, gently formulated and paraben-free. Limited edition. Available from May to July inclusively.
- Shine: a foursome of shadows with super-saturated pigments. Brighten the
lids with iridescent lime-green, frosted pinkish-white, shocking pink and incandescent taupe
- Bronze: features a gold-tinged sun yellow, a soft coral, a warm brown that’s both muted and shimmery, and an amber tangerine

SOLO Eyeshadows, $17.00 CAD
The SOLO eyeshadow family by Lise Watier adds 3new shades to the regular line-up: a trio of delectable sorbet flavours that share a sublime affinity with the Neon Love trend.
- Blanc Neige: snowy white with frosted accents
- Orange Crush: an electric fruity hue
- Bleu Curacao: an icy aqua

Eye Shine, $16.00 CAD
These timeless favourites are renewed in 3 brilliant shades, making a fleeting appearance for the season. Eyeliners with an ultra-metallic finish and creamy texture that glide on for a perfectly contoured eye. Limited edition. Available from May to July inclusively.
- White: the misty snow-white makes summer’s wild fluorescents really pop. The unique formula brightens the eye area (always remember the inside corner!) and is a great alternative to traditional, pale highlighting shadows.
- Lime: a metallic lime shade, as vivid and tonic as freshly squeezed citrus.
- Orange Cuivre: a 100% metallic orangey hue that's reminiscent of a blazing sunset, a color inspired by the fiery sun rays disappearing below the horizon.

Neon Lash & Line Glitter Duo, $19.00 CAD
Our beloved glitter liners have a new look and innovative new tube! The formula’s the same: water-based, non-streaking, long-wearing and, of course, 100% glitter! The difference is in the fabulous new applicator. Both a liner and a mascara, Neon Lash & Line Glitter Duo features an applicator to precisely line the lids and a high-definition brush to brighten the tips of the lashes with shimmery accents. This summer, rediscover 4 classic shades, available, just for this season, in a new tube that complies with your every whim. Limited edition. Available from May to July inclusively.
- Sunshine (satin): a honeyed base shade with the glimmer of precious stones, gold, and bronze
- Opale (satin): a delicate pinkish-white base, at the heart of a glittering pastel rainbow
- Peacock: glitter particles in notes of
turquoise, blue, and tourmaline
- Fuchsia: loaded with vibrant fuchsia sparkles, with the subtlest hint of violet shimmer
- Lime: an effervescent formula of acid lime glitter

Duo Havana Bronze Evolution, $35.00 CAD
With the much-anticipated arrival of summer, this bronzing powder is the
indispensable tool for brightening the complexion, getting a sunless tan and an instant glow. Its innovative formula presents 3 options of shades that will evolve with you over time and adapt to the intensity of your tan. A lighter shade
to dive right into summer, a darker shade to enjoy the last days of summer or a combination of both shades to create a brand new shade halfway between the summer solstice and the fall equinox. The soft, silky texture of this loose powder blends easily into the skin and provides a natural, sun-kissed glow. Its mineral formula suits all skin types. Limited edition. Available from May to July inclusively.

Havana Duo Kiss & Glow, $35.00 CAD
The innovative packaging offers 2 products in 1 bottle: a shimmering body gel at the bottom, a creamy lip gloss at the top. The light, non-sticky and non-greasy texture of the shimmering gel blends into the skin to enhance your sun-kissed glow. Its precious golden glitters leaves skin bathed in shimmering highlights. The gel goes on effortlessly, sparkles all day long and washes off instantly with soap and water. Its delicate aroma is reminiscent of warm summer days with subtle notes of sweet coconut. Use alone for a total luminous look, or blend with moisturizer for a more understated effect. The spatula-applicator is perfect for an easy, mess-free application. The creamy-textured gloss dresses the lips in a warm, shiny hue – a bronze shade that makes for the perfect, natural, sunkissed look. Limited edition. Available from May to July inclusively.

Plumpissimo Le Gloss, $20.00 CAD
Plumpissimo Le Gloss hydrates and pampers lips with ultra-plumping softening agents. - Iridescent: a clear base infused with pearly rose and gold tints

Lip Kiss Crayon Gloss, $18.00 CAD
To celebrate the arrival of summer, Lise Watier decided to expand her collection with the introduction of Lip Kiss Crayon Gloss: super-shiny gloss, lightweight and non-sticky, in pencils that you can sharpen like a pencil! Rich in plant extracts, this product hydrates and nourishes lips while keeping them feeling comfortable all day. The shimmering, creamy texture and pencil format make for easy, precise application.
- Passion Fuchsia: deep and sensual fuchsia
- Bronze Romance: an amber hue, natural, shimmery
- Coral Desire: a soft coral, slightly translucent
- Tender Pink: a dusty rose

Neon Love Desirable, 50 ml $45.00 CAD
Fall under the spell of Neon Love Desirable, a new incarnation of the original fragrance for the summer season. Get whisked away in a sweet, flowering oasis, a sunny paradise. With delicious notes of lime, pineapple and coconut, this eau de toilette spray is like a true slice of summer. Its exotic floral heart unfurls on sandalwood and musk undertones. A luminous, elegant treat for the senses. A vibrant, sophisticated explosion of sunny notes. Limited edition. Available from May to July inclusively.

images: press release