Giorgio Armani Beauty Acqua di Gioia and Tim Quinn's Coming to Town!

I went to Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase, Maryland, after work to visit with Loyd Cassler and see what's new. I did not intend to purchase Acqua di Gioia Eau de Tiolette (three sizes from $39.50 to $80), despite how much Loyd loves it. I'm weak, though. One spray, and I was hooked.

Acqua di Gioia is light, a breath of fresh air. Inspired by Armani's summer holidays spent on the islands of Pantelleria and Antigua, Acqua di Gioia is a "hymn to nature in all its forms." It is a clean, incredibly fresh, aquatic scent that is ultra-approachable, yet memorable. It's a nice daytime scent - one that will leave you in good graces with your coworkers.

The top notes begin with a mojito-inspired sensual blend of crushed mint leaves, warmed by brown sugar and mixed with the zest of Italian limone. At its heart, feminine floral notes emerge with acquatic jasmine, peony dew, and subtle traces of pink pepper. The base notes leave a signature Mediterranean trail, rooted by hearts of cedar wood and labdanum.

The brown sugar gives it sweetness, but it's not cloying. There's no "bakery" connection. There is a synthetic water note (Acqua di Gioia translates as "water of joy") that simulates water that's been elevated to the height of clouds or beyond - fresh and free of the earth-bound pollutants that scent our air and water. I have no idea how they created that, but it sounds good! Even the bottle evokes water, transparency, and the fluidity of nature. It's gorgeous. Mr. Armani's creations have a visual elegance that's distinctive and undeniable.

As much as I adore Giorgio Armani Beauty makeup and skin care (I count myself among the line's most ardent fans), I have never liked the fragrances. The exception is Rose Alexandrie, which I like very much (it's the only Armani fragrance I owned before today), but to my nose, the rest of them stink. Most are filled with patchouli, a note that turns me off quicker than sewer gas. Maybe they are sophisticated to some; to me, they're dreck. Yes, I realize that's a pretty strong statement, but that's how I feel about the majority of the Armani fragrances. Finally, there's a heavily promoted Armani fragrance I love! What's interesting is that my opinion is the polar opposite of what some fragrance experts think. They have written that Acqua di Gioia is common and commercial. They can have the patchouli-laden fragrances; I'll take this one!

Acqua di Gioia reminds me of Hermes Un Jardin sur le Nil. If you like that, you will also like Acqua di Gioia. Take a look at your local Armani counter, order online, or try to nab a sample. Skip down to find out how you can get a sample and free shipping if you act quickly.

DC-area gals will be blessed next week with a three-day Tim Quinn appearance at Saks in Chevy Chase! These events are always hopping, and Saks is taking appointments now. If you've met Tim, Giorgio Armani Beauty's Celebrity Face Designer, you know that he's talented and charming (dashing and darling too, with a wicked sense of humor). If you haven't met Tim, it's about time! Tim's appearance coincides with Beauty Week at Saks (which started today and ends October 9), and there's a fabulous python print tote with samples inside that can be yours with any $100 purchase. The Armani counter has a great gift with purchase too.

Tim will be available by appointment during the following hours.

• Thursday, October 7, from 11:00 to 6:30
• Friday, October 8, from 3:00 to 6:30
• Saturday, October 9, from 10:00 to 6:00

We aren't often lucky enough to snag Tim for three days, so you have lots of opportunities to go meet an extraordinary artist - the man who prepares celebrities for the red carpet. What a privilege it is to have his advice on your own look! He might tend to your whole face, or he might consult with one of the other artists to select colors for you. That will depend on how busy it is when you go. I recommend Thursday during the day - as early as possible. Don't wait until the last moment on Saturday. Just go if you can. I guarantee you will love him! You'll love the Saks team too. Make sure to give Loyd a hug. He's been so good to Best Things in Beauty readers.

To make an appointment, call the Armani counter in Chevy Chase, Maryland at (240) 497-5206. Or you can ring through the switchboard by calling (301) 657-9000 and ask for Armani Cosmetics. Tell my friends at Armani Best Things in Beauty sent you.

Want to purchase Acqua di Gioia? Or any Giorgio Armani Beauty items online? Ending tonight, with any $50 purchase and the code 09FSHIPPING, you will receive a sample of Acqua di Gioia and free shipping. Otherwise, I hope you'll sample it at your favorite Armani counter - or wait to sample at Saks during Tim's visit if you live near DC. Let me know what you think!

Photos courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty