Jo Malone London Basil & Neroli Collection

Jo Malone London has introduced a divine new fragrance: Basil & Neroli (100 ml is $130). The moment I smelled a sample, I asked Sydelle St. Jules to make sure she put aside a bottle of cologne for me the moment it arrived. Basil & Neroli Cologne appeals to both women and men. We were all wearing it at Neiman Marcus last weekend, and we were all continuously sniffing our arms where we had sprayed our samples. It is addictive.

This is the first cologne characterized by basil that has been introduced by Jo Malone since its ever-popular Lime Basil & Mandarin (1999). You might think the new fragrance would be similar, but it's quite different in composition.

The fragrance promises the sophisticated British vibe of London in this modern, youthful, and fun edition. The fresh, playful, and floral unisex composition is created by perfumer Anne Flipo, who described it as "a fresh, sophisticated, sensual floral with green facets—stunning in its simplicity." (Fragrantica) It develops with green top notes of basil, which transform into a fresh floral heart of neroli, with a base of white musk and vetiver for the popular earthy tones.

In addition to two types of basil, including basil grande verte, the top notes include cedar needles, which add a peppery edge, an unexpected twist to the vibrant citrus-like notes. The middle notes include neroli and bitter orange. The hand-picked blossoms of the bitter orange tree, neroli is a green floral note, wonderfully clean and fresh.It infuses the fragrance with the elegant scent of orange flower. The base notes are white musk, mastic (a bushy evergreen Mediterranean tree of the cashew family that yields mastic and has aromatic leaves and fruit, closely related to the pistachio), and vetiver. They give the fragrance a clean, powdery trail of the scent, adding a softness that endures.

Anne Flipo called it, " A fresh, sophisticated, sensual floral with green facets - stunning in its simplicity." It's a perfect description. I adore it, and I'm sure I will be wearing it frequently. Right now, I'm being frugal with my sample.

The collection consists of a 30 and 100 ml bottle of Cologne, a 250 ml Body & Hand Wash, a 175 ml Body Crème, and a 200 gr Home Candle.You can surround yourself in this fabulous new scent.

I suspect Neiman Marcus and the other store counters received it this week. The collection is available now from Jo Malone's Web site. Make sure to sample this beauty!

Photo courtesy of Jo Malone of London

Chanel N°5 L'Eau Eau de Toilette Spray

Not more than a week ago, I received an e-mail from Chanel.com telling me that the new N°5 L'Eau Spray ($132) was available early to its special customers. I ordered it immediately. I had sprayed some of my account executive's lab sample on my wrist last weekend, and I swooned.

It will be available to all (in limited quantities) on Chanel's Web site on July 15. Once those limited quantities are sold, customers who want to purchase it will have to wait for its September launch (in the U.S.).

Here is what Chanel has to say about this new fragrance...
Timeless and audacious, instant and infinite. A modern, fresh and vibrant embodiment of the now and forever scent, N°5 L’Eau is the N°5 of today. [I've read that it was developed for today's young women who want lighter scents than the original N°5.]

Composed by Chanel perfumer Olivier Polge, crisp, dynamic top notes of lemon, mandarin, and orange reveal lightheartedness and transparency. The heart of the bouquet unfolds with may rose, oxygenated jasmine, and a new fraction of ylang ylang, more modern than ever. Behind this floral whirlwind lies an unprecedented sense of liveliness: the echo of vetiver and cedar, accompanied by soft and cottony musk notes. The Eau de Toilette allows for more generous use, with easy application on skin or clothing.

The classic bottle features a new continuous misting spray, while the beveled glass appears crystal clear like pure water - an expression of simplicity and elegance.

How can I improve upon this description? It describes almost perfectly the essence of L'Eau - except for one thing. The aura of N°5 remains. To my nose, it's the base of this beautiful fragrance, a reminder why N°5 is a classic and has been enormously popular since its introduction the 1920's. L'Eau isn't characterized by aldehydes, which young people call powdery and attribute to their mother's perfume. It is light, fresh, and lively, a "flanker" designed to appeal to the modern woman. I love it. It's a perfect fragrance for summer.

You can order it at Chanel's Web site now or wait until September when it launches officially.

Photo courtesy of Chanel

BOY CHANEL Les Exclusifs de Chanel Eau de Parfum

This may sound corny, but my first thought when I sprayed BOY CHANEL ($325 for 6.8 oz) was "Boy, oh boy, this is fabulous!" Boy is the newest of Chanel's Les Exclusifs. It arrived at counters in early June. I had gone to Saks in Chevy Chase in May, specifically to try and buy, but it had not arrived at that point. So I waited. I finally ordered it blind, something I hadn't planned to do, but I needed a lift.

About a week ago, I ordered it from Chanel online. I wasn't up for a car ride to Chevy Chase in weekend traffic, and I love the way Chanel's online site sends my purchases (beautifully packaged in a heavy reusable Chanel box, with samples - always sent overnight).

Gabrielle Chanel considered Arthur "Boy" Capel as more than her soul mate; he was her double and her alter ego. Inspired by their love, BOY CHANEL is a vibrant, perfectly balanced scent that challenges tradition and definitely transcends gender. Boy was developed by house perfumer Olivier Polge, who, interestingly, called it masculine, but said he wanted to show how it could be worn by a woman.

Chanel describes Boy as an exceptional fresh aromatic fragrance infused with the timeless elegance of lavender and Grasse rose geranium, lemon, grapefruit, rose, orange blossom, and a warm, woody base of sandalwood mingled with notes of heliotrope, vanilla, and musk. I think it's more than the sum of its notes.

I find it to be unisex - definitely neither totally masculine nor feminine - and very green and fresh. My nose doesn't pick out the lavender, which I love, and it doesn't smell any of the other notes as standing out above the others. The blend is unique and gorgeous. The notes mingle, yielding a fragrance unlike any I own - and I'm something of a fragrance hoarder. I can often classify my favorites as floral or by note. Not this one! It is as elegant and distinctive as Gabrielle Chanel herself.

The top notes are masculine. Not knock-me-out masculine, but definitely not feminine. The middle notes yield a fragrance that either a man or woman would be equally delighted wearing. The base notes do lean masculine, but not to an overwhelming extent. Boy is a chameleon, changing its presentation over its life on the skin like chameleons change their skin coloration. Nicely, also, it has great longevity, sticking with me all day at work.

I know that many of you have expressed a desire to try BOY CHANEL before you buy. If you like unisex fragrances that are so distinctive (and fresh) they are hard to characterize, you will be delighted if you blind-buy. I am. If you don't want to make the leap to $325, there is a 2.5 ounce size for $185.

Photo courtesy of Chanel

Annick Goutal Rose Pompon Eau de Toilette

We have had a month of rain in the DC area. Even as the roses in my garden started to bloom, it rained. It was relentless. I needed something to brighten my spirits. Annick Goutal's new Rose Pompon Eau de Toilette ($149, 100 ml) was the perfect antidote to dreary weather. I've been wearing it to work nearly every day since I received it from Annick Goutal.

Introduced this year, Rose Pompon is a fresh, lively, rose fragrance in a pretty pink bottle. It makes me think spring, even when it doesn't feel like it outdoors. For those who might dismiss the idea of a rose-themed fragrance, keep reading. Rose Pompon is not your grandmother's rose. I've read many reviews of this fragrance, but I'll start by telling you what Annick Goutal has to say about it.

A mischievous glance, charming smile, burst of laughter...the Rose Pompon woman exudes joie de vivre. A fresh and playful olfactory creation, Rose Pompon is a bold composition inspired by new horizons… Sparkling notes of blackcurrant and raspberry mingle with pink pepper and a hint of peony to reveal the trio of rose extracts, including the fruity tones of rose centifolia (an old rose, often called Provence rose or cabbage rose or Rose de Mai); Bulgarian rose, and Taïf rose. The composition and balance of the ingredients is gorgeous.

Rose Pompon is the story of a young Parisian woman. She seduces everyone with her irresistible elegance. Her perfume, a fresh and sparkling rose, conveys her charm and happiness. Her addictive trail makes everyone want to smile, laugh, and enjoy life. An addictive freshness with a bold and modern twist.

I'll bet you know the house of Annick Goutal. Haven't we all worn at least one of the iconic fragrances in the past? My favorites include Un Matin d'Orange, Petite Chérie, and Eau d'Hadrien. These fragrances have been in my collection for more years than I can count. The Annick Goutal house of perfume is known for the quality of its ingredients, using the rarest and noblest essences, almost all of natural origin, such as Sicilian lemon, Damascus rose, Italian iris, and tuberose from Grasse. Their raw materials are chosen with the greatest care and extreme precision, to achieve, note after note, the perfect harmony.

Not only that, the house's bottles and packaging are made exclusively in France by expert craftsmen, resulting in an exceptional finesse in its detail. The finishing decorative touches are almost all done by hand, each one conveying a memory in the creator's life. As Annick Goutal liked to point out "luxury is in the details." When you hold and use an Annick Goutal fragrance, the quality and elegance lift your spirits and make you feel special.

Rose Pompon was developed by Camille Goutal and Philippine Courtière. I'll give you the creator's description because they said it better than I ever could.

Passionate perfumer, Camille Goutal keeps searching for new inspirations and raw materials. Camille appreciated the work of Philippine Courtière for awhile, and she wanted to collaborate with her for the creation of the new Annick Goutal perfume. Both their parents introduced them to the universe of perfumery during their childhood. They share the values of a family tradition, with a destiny of perfumers, although they began their careers as a photographer for Camille and a lawyer for Philippine. The purpose of their collaboration was to compose a fresh and playful rose, a unique scent inspired by new horizons. Named Rose Pompom, this creation is an olfactory ode to the two perfumers’ joie de vivre.

Rose Pompon reflects Annick Goutal's olfactory creations, with a bold and modern twist. It is the joyful interpretation of a new and luminous rose where the spicy notes of Pink Pepper mingle with the bright and green sparkle of blackcurrant before opening out with the velvety notes of raspberry. Its heart notes carry a duo of rose extracts composing the Rose Pompon (Centifolia), a garden rose with a thousand petals, delicate and precious. First, the Bulgarian Rose essence, chosen for its luminous and green facets evokes the freshness of a rose at dawn. Then, the Taïf Rose, a rare flower with a suave and sensual scent offered by its fruity facets. Finally, a hint of peony envelops the notes with an ethereal sensuality. A playful and addictive composition warmed with woody cedar and powdery patchouli, followed by an exquisite note of white musks.

Rose Pompon has worked its magic on the iconic ribbed bottle, adorned here with shades of pink lacquering. The packaging reflects the work but also the bold and creative universe of the great photographers Camille admires. The Annick Goutal House has imagined a new woman, charming and mischievous, the Rose Pompon woman who attracts attention and makes everyone smile, hiding behind her extravagant flower. A sketch combining strokes of black pencil and the exuberance of a dazzling rose, embodying the woman for whom Camille and Philippine created this made-to-measure fragrance."

Imagine, then, the joy they shared with us when they created Rose Pompon. A fruit-laden floral, it is fresh and lively. When I apply it, I feel like I've stuck my nose into one of my David Austin roses, bred for fragrance. Plus, I get the extra-added benefit of juicy fruits, lingering as long as the rose does. What I don't smell is patchouli. I was shocked when I found it in the list of notes. Most of you know that my nose can sniff out patchouli in just about any fragrance. To me, it smells like cheap, acrid perfume. There isn't even the slightest hint that patchouli is in Rose Pompon. I believe that speaks to the quality of the ingredients used by Annick Goutal. There's patchouli, and there's patchouli. Rose Pompon probably contains very little of the very best on the market.

I think Rose Pompon lasts on me for about four hours. Often we trade longevity for the sparkling freshness of just-picked fruits and fragrances. That's a trade-off I'm always willing to make. I bought some little spray decant bottles that I can keep in my handbag and refresh my fragrance at lunchtime. That way, I - or those close to me - can enjoy this beautiful fragrance all day.

If you like fruity florals that sparkle, you should cheek out Rose Pompon. You can find it at Annick Goutal's Web site easily. It's also available at Luckyscent (but backordered in the 50 ml size - probably owing to its popularity) and some Neiman Marcus stores.

Photos courtesy of Annick Goutal

Chanel N°5 The Body Oil

My limited-edition Chanel N°5 The Body Oil ($85) arrived, and it's everything I imagined and more. If you order from Chanel's Web site, your new body oil will be presented in a heavy black and white box with Chanel printed prominently on the top. The box alone is a keepsake. Then, your first impression as you remove the box containing the bottle from the shredded, environmentally safe and recyclable white paper will be, "Wow, this bottle is heavy - luxurious!"

The 6.8 fluid ounces of body oil are packaged in a glass bottle with a sprayer under the pop-off black top; hence the weight. N°5 is such an iconic fragrance, Chanel doesn't have to promote it heavily. If you love N°5, you will love this body oil - and I do.

The now and forever fragrance in a body oil spray. This luxurious emollient easily absorbs into the skin, leaving a soft, silky finish.

That's it. Chanel, confident in its iconic fragrance, needs to say no more to tempt those who love N°5 or body oils in general.

The scent, spray for spray, is a little softer than the perfume, and that's a great thing for those of us who must work in an office. I want to smell pretty to those in close proximity, but I certainly do not want to leave a trail of sillage as I roam the aisles. It is extremely hydrating, making my skin feel soft and moisturized - and not oily. Even better, the oil has excellent longevity. I can still smell it on my arm after a full day of work.

N°5 was created by Gabrielle (Coco) Chanel to be the ultimate in femininity. The scent is imbued with jasmine, rose, sandalwood, and vanilla, with a heavy dose of aldehyde. N°5 has cast a spell on millions of people around the world. Inimitably luxurious and infinitely seductive, its legend lives, each year adding to its mystery, depth, and desirability. Although some fragrance snobs might call it old fashioned, I think it's ageless. If it weren't $2100, I would buy a bottle of the perfume for myself. That price is way beyond what I can afford (unless I win the lottery - then it will be high on my list). Actually, it has been written recently that Chanel may be tinkering with the N°5 formula to "modernize" it. If they are, I hope that they leave the original alone and release a flanker, like Eau Première.

If you are interested in the origins of this 90-year-old fragrance, you can read an excellent history of N°5 at this link. If you already know and love N°5, you can order The Body Oil at Chanel's Web site.  They will not charge shipping, and you can select two free samples with an order.

Photo courtesy of Chanel

April Aromatics Face Serum and Natural Fragrances

Last year, Tanja Bochnig, natural perfumer and artisan - founder of April Aromatics - sent me a sample of her Face Serum, a little treasure. With ingredients of infused organic calendula oil, organic rosa mosqueta seed oil, organic avocado oil, organic jojoba oil, castor oil, rose otto essential oil, organic lavender oil, sandalwood oil and other natural essences, the Face Serum has a botanical fragrance that made me sure I was doing good things for my face. I took the photo above shortly after it arrived. Now, it's an empty spray bottle, a reminder of beautiful things past.

The serum reminds me of pricey brands that are loaded with natural botanical extracts, like Sisley. It is a medium-weight serum (you know you've applied it) that absorbs rapidly and leaves my skin feeling hydrated and healthy. I love it and want more.

Last week, I asked Tanja if it is available. Her response was that the Face Serum was one of the first products in her collection, created years ago. She continues to make it for herself and friends, but has devoted almost all her time to perfumery. She also moved to Europe, where every cosmetic product has to be meticulously registered and lab-proven. So she put her cosmetic line on hold. Nevertheless, the Face Serum is available, but you won't find it on her April Aromatics Web site. She said that if anyone wants to purchase it, just send her a message, either through her Web site or on Facebook. In the near future, she plans to bring out an organic cosmetics collection. It's already in the works, and I'm excited to see it. You could be one of the first to experience it! If you love botanical products, you will love Tanja's Face Serum. Just contact her to acquire it.

Want to give one of her fragrances a try? I can recommend many of them. In 2012, I selected Unter den Linden as one of the best fragrance introductions of the year. It left me in a trance then, and it still does. Lindenblossom CO₂ extract from Bulgaria and linden blossom absolute extract from France mixed with magnolia blossoms and a citrus note create this delicate fragrance with a beautiful, light, powdery, sweetly floral scent of honey. It smells like linden trees in full bloom.

I stopped writing "fragrances of the year" features because I just can't afford to purchase enough of them to select the definitive "best." If I had continued, I am confident April Aromatics' fragrances would have been among them.

Jasmina Eau de Parfum ($225) is another favorite of mine. It's absolutely seductive (no exaggeration), an aphrodisiac par excellence. The jasmine flowers for this scent are obtained from the southern part of India and are distilled through a variety of processes. The flower‘s calming, soothing qualities help to relax the body, lift the spirit, and quiet the nerves. Jasmina brings a heightened spiritual awareness and encourages sleep and dreaming. It is a very sensual scent and a truly pitch-perfect soliflore. The notes are jasmine, ylang-ylang, and grapefruit. If you like your jasmine with a touch of citrus, you'll love it.

We used to have to order April Aromatics fragrances from Europe. Now, though, Luckyscent offers them, making them readily available to us in the United States. April Aromatics has a large number of April Aromatics fragrances available. I'll bet there's at least one for each of you.

Photo at top by Best Things in Beauty; other photo courtesy of April Aromatics

Fashion and Fragrance - The Elegance of Armani Privé

Cate Blanchett has never looked more beautiful - and she always looks fabulous - than she did at the Academy Awards Sunday night. Dressed in a seafoam Giorgio Armani Privé gown that complimented her pale complexion beautifully, she was stunning. That Tiffany starfish bracelet was the icing on the cake. Every time Mr. Armani dresses a superstar for the Academy Awards, he leaves us talking.

I find it hard to believe that fashionistas are arguing over this dress and whether it was worthy of its coronation as one of the best of the night. It was perfectly created to showcase her beautiful body, without revealing too much skin. The effect on television was one of pure Hollywood royalty. 

This past weekend I tested Privé Vert Malachite ($310), a new Armani fragrance that was introduced this year. A sweet friend at Neiman Marcus in Las Vegas sent me a sample.

One of two in a unisex collection called Les Terres Precieuses, Vert Malachite is a tribute to the countries and cultures that have inspired Mr. Armani. Vert Malachite is a celebration of Russian culture. It's full of light, extremely delicate yet resistant. White lily accord, at the heart of this enchanting creation, is infused with luscious sambac jasmine and ylang ylang essence, offering a sensual and unique signature.

Fragrantica says the nose behind this fragrance is Fabrice Pellegrin. The top notes are bitter orange and petitgrain. The middle notes are ylang-ylang, jasmine sambac, and pink pepper. The base notes are lily, benzoin, and vanilla.

The moment I sprayed Vert Malachite on my arm, I was struck by the dry, sweet composition of some of my favorite notes. At first, this fragrance makes its presence known, so one spray should be enough. As it dries down, it cuddles closer to the skin. The reward? Twelve hours of wear!

I have to have a bottle of Vert Malachite. It's expensive, but I'll wear it for a very long time. My friend also sent me a sample of its partner in the collection, Rouge Malachite, which I haven't tested yet. That's a project for later in the week. I like to spread out my rewards.

Photos courtesy of Vogue and Giorgio Armani Fragrances

Mémoire Liquide Amour Liquide Reserve Edition Eau de Parfum

Recently, Mémoire Liquide sent me a full-sized bottle of Amour Liquide Reserve Edition Eau de Parfum ($95) for review, and they included in the box a lovely sample of Amour Liquide Reserve Edition Crème de la Crème ($24) to match. This was the perfect fragrance to tide me over a polar vortex and snow storm.

The scent can best be described by its notes...
The memory of exhilarating, romantic love, at once soul soothing and breathtaking Pure Madagascar Vanilla, Tonka Bean, and Incense. Top Note: Black Orchid, Middle Note: Tonka Bean, Madagascar Vanilla. A base of Incense.

When I spray Amour Liquide on my skin, I smell the vanilla and tonka bean immediately. It's a warm, gourmand fragrance, and it stays that way throughout its long life on my skin. Fairly quickly, I detect a modest incense - one I love. Incense and I have a difficult history. I associate it with priests burning incense in their liturgical vessels, thuribles, and swinging them toward the congregation. That holy ritual was always followed by me, gagging and coughing. For a long time, I wouldn't touch fragrances with incense.

Then, Giorgio Armani showed me the way, with a gorgeous and relaxing incense in one of my favorite fragrances of his. After that, I began to open up to incense, but never blind-bought. I had to give it a sniff test first. Fortunately, with no prior sniff test, I love the incense in Amour Liquide. It has the most relaxing effect on me. I like to wear it to bed. There's something about it that helps me unwind and drift off to sleep, smelling comfortable vanilla and tonka. Perhaps the Angels are visiting me.

The Crème de la Crème, which you can sometimes find in a boxed set, is just as divine, but not as strong as the EdP. It has the same effect on me when I wear it: cozy, comfy, and relaxed.

My friend Gaia of The Non-Blonde and I are almost fragrance opposites. If I like a fragrance, she is unlikely to love it - and vice versa. She reviewed Amour Liquide and found it pleasant, but not as complex as I know she prefers her perfumes. While she envisioned the addition of zesty notes, I'm very pleased with the way Amour Liquide runs its course on my skin, and I'm thrilled to have it.

You can find Mémoire Liquide Amour Liquide Reserve EdP at Mémoire Liquide's Web site, Nordstrom, and Amazon, among other sources. If you order from the company's Web site and use the code Blog2016, you will receive a 20% discount.

Photos courtesy of Mémoire Liquide

Orris & Sandalwood Cologne Intense by Jo Malone of London

Presented in the black bottle Jo Malone of London reserves for its Cologne Intense scents, Orris and Sandalwood ($170 for 100 ml) is a captivating fragrance. If you think of most Jo Malone fragrances, you often think floral or fruity. This one is unique - and stunningly beautiful. I purchased mine the moment I smelled it at Neiman Marcus.

The copy on the Jo Malone Web site describes Orris and Sandalwood as, "The surprising duality of orris. Woody and floral. Powdery and deep. The scent of Tuscan hillsides with irises in bloom. Orris’ woody intensity wrapped in creamy sandalwood and sensual amber. Steeped in sunshine."

That's all true, but it doesn't completely describe it. Orris root (rhizoma iridis) is a term used for the roots of Iris germanica and Iris pallida. These are the irises that most of you visualize when thinking iris. Clumps of irises often grow around older homes. They are glorious in the spring. Fabienne Pavia, in her book L'univers des Parfums (1995, ed. Solar), states that in the manufacturing of perfumes using orris, the scent of the iris root differs from that of the flower. After preparation, the scent is reminiscent of the smell of violets. Hence the duality of irises and violets that grace this fragrance.

Sandalwood is the name of a class of woods from trees in the genus Santalum. The woods are heavy, yellow, and fine-grained, and unlike many other aromatic woods, they retain their fragrance for decades. You will find sandalwood in many perfumes - old and new. It's a wonderful dry base note.

It was our wish to create a fragrance with orris, because that is one of the most desirable raw materials in the world of perfumes. It was cultivated by monks for centuries, and even today each orris is dried during a period of three years, so that its scent can radiate with two unique nuances: woody-floral and intense-powdery. - a description from perfumer of the new Jo Malone edition, Pierre Negrin.

When you first spray on Orris & Sandalwood, you will smell a dry floral, without a hint of sweetness. Then, as the fragrance matures on the skin, it develops a dry, powdery, luscious scent that lasts on my skin for about seven hours. When I spray some on my arm, my nose seeks it out continuously.

I'm excited about this fragrance. If it intrigues you, you can find it anywhere Jo Malone of London is sold, for example, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and the Jo Malone Web site linked above.

Photos courtesy of Jo Malone, words4it.com, and homescentscandlecompany.com

Join Me in Paradise (Eau de Parfum) Courtesy of NEST Fragrances

The moment NEST Fragrances' Paradise Eau de Parfum ($65) was launched, I purchased a bottle. Then, NEST sent me a rollerball ($25). I was already in Paradise from this divine fragrance, but having a convenient way to take it along with me made me a very happy - and fabulously scented - gal. You wouldn't believe the compliments.

Paradise perfectly captures a luscious burst of fresh, Mediterranean blood orange. The vibrant character of the fragrance is balanced with watery nuances, a hint of white ginger, and a lingering base of cedarwood. Inspired by the works of Eighteenth Century British artist Mrs. Mary Delany, Laura Slatkin collaborated with master perfumers to translate these works of art into luxurious fragrances that capture the essence of each of the botanicals that adorn the products' striking packaging.

Spray on Paradise, and you will think you were peeling a juicy orange. I'm a huge fan of seriously juicy citrus fragrances (think Orange Sanguine, although Paradise is much more sophisticated and nuanced). It is so satisfying. If you concentrate - hard to do when you are reveling in citrus - you will detect the other notes, particularly at dry-down, when the aquatic notes come into their own.

NEST calls Paradise vibrant, sparkling, and luminous. Check. I'd add addictive. How can you keep your nose away when you apply some to your arm? I can't.

I've written several times this summer about fragrances that transport me. I'll bet some of you have noticed my infatuation. Perhaps I need to be transported to the tropics. For now, NEST Paradise is a perfect substitute for the travel.

Did I tell you the bottle is beautiful? You can find it at NEST and Sephora.

Photos courtesy of NEST Fragrances and eWeb4.com

Musc Monoï Eau de Toilette by PARFUMS DE NICOLAÏ

Patricia de Nicolaï, who is celebrating the 25^th anniversary of her company this year, has introduced a new fragrance, Musc Monoï Eau de Toilette ($50 or $120). It has been available since June. I was happy to receive a sample - the Nicolaï line is one of my favorites - and I promptly fell in love with it. The sweet people at Nicolaï sent a 30 ml bottle to my mother to celebrate her birthday!

In order to celebrate the oncoming summer, Patricia de Nicolaï is launching Musc Monoï, her new Eau de Toilette, which invites you to holidays. "For many years I have been in love with the famous Ambre Solaire oil," explains Patricia. She said she had always wanted to create a fragrance using this wonderful smell, a reminder of sunny beaches. She continued, "A fragrance with a powerful sensuality that smells on your skin like a hot summer day was my main obsession!"

For Musc Monoï, the amber note of ambre solaire has been softened for a more modern musk facet. Combined with the benzyl salicylate molecule associated with the ylang flower, Musc Monoï is strengthened by jasmine, magnolia, and neroli. The fresh and heavy marine scent of the calone, the sensuality of the coconut, and the velvety trail of sandalwood blend for a perfect, captivating fragrance.

Nicolaï herself was the nose behind this marvel. The top notes are neroli, lemon, and petitgrain. The  middle notes are ylang-ylang, jasmine, coconut, calone, and magnolia, The base notes are ylang ylang, sandalwood, and musk.

I hate to make comparisons between fragrances, but despite the fact that it has a completely different character from Guerlain's Teracotta Le Parfum Eau de Toilette, it reminds me of it. It's a summer fragrance that summons the beach. It could be a winter fragrance that satisfies your longing for a summer day. Musc Monoï adds a hint of the sea to the beckoning summer scents of warm skin, suntan oil, and umbrella drinks. It definitely takes you to the sea, preferably a tropical island, but it also leaves a sensual note to the skin - not animalic, but warm and comfortable.

Musc Monoï is available on the PARFUMS DE NICOLAÏ Web site, LuckyScent, Beautyhabit, and Twisted Lily. Try it and see if you aren't transported to the tropics.

Photo courtesy of PARFUMS DE NICOLAÏ

Coming Soon: CREED Acqua Originale Collection

One of my favorite fragrance companies, CREED, has created a new line of fragrances called the Acqua Originale Collection. Five new fragrances are being released at one time - in mid-July. Is this a first?

The Acqua Originale Collection is Master Perfumer Olivier Creed’s living fragrance journal of countless globetrotting journeys with the fine art of perfumery as the narrative.

Asian Green Tea
Born from Olivier’s appreciation of Japanese art and culture of the Far East, Asian Green Tea opens with green, golden notes evoking the landscape of Malaysia, one of Olivier's favorite Eastern destinations. The fragrance bows with sparkling bergamot, mandarin, and essential oil of lemon petitgrain, then uncovers a fragrant floral bouquet of violet, heliotrope, rose, and sweet cassie blended with the region’s ritual: green tea. The finish is a warm melange of amber, sandalwood and musk.

Cedre Blanc
An ode to the intense green accords of the American forests, Cedre Blanc captures the woodsy floral scents found in the untouched beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia adored by Olivier. Beginning with fragrant laurel, spicy cardamom and bitter galbanum, the scent reveals transparent floral notes of geranium, water lily, and jasmine leaving a base of Virginian cedar, vetiver, and sandalwood.

Iris Tubéreuse
A shimmering white floral that combines the romance of Tuscany and the exotic allure of India, bringing together two of Olivier’s favorite places in one luxurious juice. Delicate iris - one of the most expensive raw materials gathered from the root - fresh galbanum, tender green violet leaf, and orange open the scent. Indian tuberose, the finest in the world collected by moonlight, follows with ylang ylang and lily of the valley to create an unforgettable bouquet of scent. Sicilian orange blossom, musk, and Mexican vanilla orchid create the sensual dry down of Iris Tubéreuse.

Abardeen Lavander [is this misspelled?]
Aberdeen Lavander is a tribute to Creed’s early client and endearing patron, Her Majesty Queen Victoria, whose heart lay always in the Highlands of Scotland. Olivier created this oriental fougére as a historical nod to the Creed archives and the Queen’s beloved picturesque northern retreat. Mysterious anise-flavored absinthe, rosemary, bergamot and lemon give way to a bouquet of annual lavender - flowering in the same year in which it is sown, sumptuous tuberose, iris, and full rose. Dark, dry patchouli, smoky leather, and vetiver complete the unique dry down.

Vetiver Geranium
The Island of Java, Olivier’s favorite destination east of Bali and just south of the equator, served as inspiration for Vetiver Geranium. The accord brings to life Indonesian vetiver that adorns the mountainous rolling hills of its native landscape and pairs the sensual, soothing essence of geranium to create a vibrant juice. Handpicked crisp granny smith apple, bergamot, and lemon make a luminous debut, while warm cinnamon and rose lead to hearty patchouli, cedar, and relaxing amber.

Each of these new fragrances will be priced at $300. You can pre-order them from the CREED Boutique.

Update: I hear the testers have arrived at Neiman Marcus.

Photo courtesy of CREED

Thierry Mugler ALIEN Eau Extraordinaire Eau de Toilette

Many fragrance aficionados rotate their fragrances with the season. Earlier today, I responded to a discussion on a Facebook fragrance forum where we shared with other members the lighter fragrances we'd be wearing this summer. One I'll be wearing is Thierry Mugler's new ALIEN Eau Extraordinaire ($89). Sent to me by my lovely friends at Clarins, ALIEN Eau Extraordinaire reveals a luminous, floral scent that will make you feel like a golden, summer goddess. On top of that, the golden bottle is gorgeous.

The notes coalesce to convey the ALIEN tradition. Perhaps you recognize tiare. Tiare flower is a symbol of love and happiness from the Pacific Islands where it grows; this flower adds a subtle honey-toned accent to the new ALIEN. Tunisian neroli is an essence described as liquid gold by perfumers because of its olfactory richness with hints of orange blossom (a narcotic to me). Italian bergamot tea is simply a combination of the essential oils of bergamot and tea - and the result of their combination comes to life in this fragrance.

White amber, the emblematic signature of ALIEN, brings a feeling of well-being. Notes of heliotrope are the perfect addition for soft comfort.

Do you know cashmeran? It's a synthetic not found in nature and often called blonde wood.  According to Fragrantica, it's actually a musk component with a yellow, trickly texture. Its scent profile takes over the vast sea between woods and ambers, making it abstract and indefinable. It was used - tremendously successfully - in Thierry Mugler's original ALIEN where, combined with jasmine, it enhanced the floral note in the blend. You will also find it in niche fragrances (and very pricey fragrances) like Xerjoff's Al Khatt and Mona di Orio's Les Nombres d'Or Tubereuse. Once you start looking for it, you will find it's widely used for its warmth the longevity it adds to a fragrance.

Mugler's ALIEN Collection of fragrances has been a commercial success. Why? Each smells so darn good! Nice fragrances usually lead to compliments, and who doesn't love a compliment? This latest edition of the collection was designed to be a fragrant expression of summer in a bottle. The top notes will make you think citrus; think Europe; and think irresistible. The dry down will summon an incandescent woodiness that's soft and comfortable. Eau Extraordinaire is like a magnet to the nose, bringing with it a feeling of tranquility and happiness - the tranquility that comes to mind as I envision the cool breeze of the beach at dawn, the earliest moments of a day filled by glittering sunshine. This beautiful fragrance was created by Dominique Ropion and Veronique Nyberg - both perfumers at IFF.

Mugler is active in environmental causes, so he designed the beautiful ALIEN bottle to be refillable. As a result, he keeps 1,505 tons of bottle waste from landfills each year. Refills of Mugler’s favorite scents, ANGEL Eau de Parfum and ALIEN Eau de Parfum happen every seven seconds worldwide! In addition to saving the environment, this feature has an impact on our wallets as well, with savings of up to 40% with refillable perfumes. Never worry about running out and buying back-ups. That gets my seal of approval.

You can find ALIEN Eau Extraordinaire at Thierry Mugler counters nationwide and at Thierry Mugler's Web site, where you will find free shipping, special offers, and free samples.

Photo at top courtesy of Thierry Mugler; beach photo courtesy of pixels.com

Jo Malone London Tuberose Angelica Cologne Intense

Exclusive to Neiman Marcus for 90 days, Jo Malone's Tuberose Angelica ($145) could be that perfect Camp Gorgeous purchase. It took me all of a nanosecond to smell and purchase it. I am a tuberose addict. I find rich, sultry, indolic white flowers to be heavenly - transporting.

Rich with precious ingredients. Inspired by ritual. Deeply sensual scents. Experience Tuberose Angelica. The queen of white florals. Sensual. Touched with the green spiciness of angelica. Intoxicating and desirable.

Tuberose Angelica Cologne Intense, which explores white floral motifs, enriched with aromatic herbs and resinous woody undertones, is the latest addition to Jo Malone's Cologne Intense Collection. Most of the fragrances in the collection are too spicy for my tastes, but this one suits me well.

The composition of Tuberose Angelica opens with green and spicy angelica notes, creating a sparkling opening that surrounds a heart heavy with tuberose flowers and jasmine, which dries down to a warm amber-wood base. As usual, Jo Malone has not specified the top, heart, and base notes, preferring that we form our impressions from the fragrance, rather than our imaginations.

The nose behind this fragrance is Marie Salamagne, who has been with the Firmenich since 2001. She works in Paris.

Naturally, Jo Malone is recommending layering of a harmonizing fragrance, in this case mixing Tuberose Angelica with English Pear & Freesia. I have to admit that I'm not much of a blender. If the fragrance isn't perfect to my nose on first spray, why bother changing it? I like to keep it simple. Spray and go.

Tuberose Angelica is available in a dark 100 ml bottle only. It made the scene this month in Europe, the Middle East, and South and North America. Neiman Marcus has an exclusive on it for 90 days, after which it will be available at all Jo Malone counters. If you  need help ordering it, give Sydelle a call at the Jo counter at (202) 966-9700 at Mazza Gallerie.

Photo courtesy of Jo Malone

Ramon Monegal Very Private Eau de Parfum, a Bergdorf Goodman Exclusive

I like many Ramon Monegal fragrances, so when I heard that he had created Very Private Eau de Parfum ($270) exclusively for Bergdorf Goodman, I read the notes than called to order it.

Very Private captures the perfumer's hypnotic and magical impression of Bergdorf Goodman and Central Park in springtime. Sophisticated and refined, this elegant, long-lasting eau de parfum opens with sparkling citrus and fruity notes, coupled with a tender floral bouquet of tea rose, violet, lilac, and orange blossom, and dries down to a unique blend of oak moss, licorice, vanilla, and musk. The blend is beautiful. It lived up to my expectations for a special perfume worthy of the Bergdorf Goodman name.

I received mine about a week ago. It is already on back order! If I were you, I'd call the fragrance department at (212) 872-2733 and get on their waiting list. If you like florals with a subtle earthy twist, you will love Very Private.

Photo courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman

YSL Oriental Collection

Yves Saint Laurent said, "The greatest perfumes are those that take you on the most beautiful journeys." The YSL Oriental Collection offers an invitation to an extraordinary journey through oriental splendor, embodied in a collection of four fragrances with "noble and sophisticated ingredients."

Step inside the secrets of an oriental palace. A place of mystery and intrigue, an expression of the most extreme passions.  Behind the doors of the palace, in the obscure clarity diffused by the moucharabiehs, lies the theater for unbridled passions, a stage for the conquest of bodies and minds. Each of the four new fragrances opens into the finest rooms of this palace, staging women and men unveiling conflicting sentiments.

Majestic Rose Eau de Parfum, a woody floral, reveals the magnetic mystery of a rose. It captures depth with a smoky, woody accord. The perfumer was Alberto Morillas. The top notes that vibrate freshness release an animalic leathery touch of papyrus essence illuminated by the freshness of bergamot and raspberry accords. The heart notes of may rose absolute are warmed by spicy saffron accord. Tobacco facets of the guaiac wood enhance the floral texture. Base notes of intense woods are created by oud wood accord blended with the smoked guaiac wood essence, enveloped by vanilla for its warm and captivating tones.

Noble Leather Eau de Parfum offers an encounter between raw sensuality of leather accord and the softness of tobacco and dried fruits. The perfumer was Julie Massé. Aromatic freshness characterizes the top notes of fuzzy mandarin essence combined with violet leaves and saffron accords. The notes create a warm leathery effect. The intense leather heart notes are softened by an addictive tobacco-dried fruits accord. The base notes are comprised of an ambery woody accord mingled with patchouli (the kiss of death for me) and vanilla absolute for a deeply oriental signature.

Supreme Bouquet Eau de Parfum is a floral amber - one I should love because it's a white flower fragrance soothed by amber woods. The perfumer was Dominique Ropion. The top notes offer luminous freshness with an opening of sparking fruit zests of bergamot essence, with a spicy touch of pink pepper and tangy pear accord. The opulent floral heart notes unfold with the richness of white flowers, a tribute to tuberose, Sambac jasmine, and ylang essence. The woody base notes include amber and patchouli. I am dead sure that if it weren't for the patch, I would purchase Supreme Bouquet.

Splendid Wood Eau de Parfum is a woody, spicy fragrance with the depth of oriental wood lit up by cardamon and incense. The perfumers were Marie Salamagne and Amandine Marie. The spicy, fresh top notes offer cardemon highlighted by saffron and incense. The heart notes provide a floral caress of Sambac jasmine contrasted by the green and fresh character of rose buds and artemesia notes. Mysterious wood base notes build a magnetic intensity around the resinous - almost animalic - facets of oud and the dry and soft character of cedarwood. Cypriol, with its leathery, smoky signature, provides a final touch to this fascinating perfume, which I have noted smells amazing on men.

These are unusual fragrances, not for the faint of heart. They are traditional orientals, created to perpetuate the mystery of oriental scents with the use of today's popular ingredients, such as oud and spices. Each is $250 and currently available from YSL and Saks Fifth Avenue. I would be purchasing Supreme Bouquet if the perfumer had not included my most despised base note, patchouli. Don't let my peculiarities stop you. If you are an oriental fragrance guy or gal, you will find these new fragrances must-tries.

Photo courtesy of YSL

Guerlain Terracotta Le Parfum Eau de Toilette

Terracotta takes me away! Each time I wear it, I teleport to the beach - somewhere in Barbados. I'm resting on a lounge chair, under an umbrella to protect my skin, and I'm eating freshly sliced coconut and drinking a refreshing umbrella drink.

If you like beachy fragrances, with subtle reminders of sun, sand, and suntan lotion, you will adore the limited-edition Terracotta Le Parfum Eau de Toilette ($73, a steal). I was on the waiting list at the Guerlain Boutique, so mine shipped the moment the shipment arrived in Las Vegas. I was exuberant when I sprayed it on my arm for the first time.

Terracotta was developed to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Terracotta bronzing collection. This is the third fragrance of this collection, following predecessors Voile d’Été (1999) and Eau Sous le Vent (2009). I've read that there was a third predecessor, but I am only aware of two. Guerlain's perfumer Thierry Wasser describes the new scent as "the allure of the sun in a bottle." I could not agree more. It's swoon-worthy, in my opinion.

Terracotta was created using "solar floral notes." It opens with accords of bergamot, coconut, and the tropical tiare flower. Its heart notes include white florals, such as jasmine, ylang-ylang, and orange blossom - three of my favorites. The base notes are musk and vanilla, giving Terracotta a sultry dry down. The fragrance has great longevity for a summer scent, lasting 5-6 hours on me.

It's always hard to describe a fragrance in words - at least for me. I can tell you that the 100-ml bottle will never last long enough. I'm wearing it too often. I have already called Jonathan at Guerlain to order a second bottle. Since it's a limited edition, I don't want to wait too long to re-order.

Here is the part I don't understand. All the advance publicity says Terracotta was being released in a 50-ml bottle. My box and bottle say they are 100 ml. Go figure. You should be able to find it at Guerlain counters by May, or you could order now from the Guerlain Boutique. Ask for Jonathan at (702) 732-7008 in Las Vegas.

Photos courtesy of Guerlain and vacationidea.com

Guerlain Muguet 2014

Today, it is dark, cold, windy, and raining. What is keeping up my spirits? The knowledge that the 2014 Guerlain Muguet ($550) will be arriving at my doorstep in April. I have a hobby - perhaps a habit - of buying each year's Muguet release around this time of year. I'm on the waiting list at the Las Vegas Guerlain Boutique to be one of the first to receive the 2014 edition. I can't describe how excited I am. Would it be hyperbole to say it makes working worthwhile?

Each year since 1998 (with a few lapses), Guerlain has introduced a collectable edition of Muguet on the first of May. May Day’s tradition dates back to May 1, 1561 when King Charles IX of France received a lily of the valley as a lucky charm. He decided to offer the flower to the ladies of his court each year. It is now customary to give a lily of the valley on May 1. In truth, Muguet arrives at the Guerlain Boutiques in early April - and it may be sold out by the first of May because the release is limited to 1,872 numbered, 125 ml bottles.

The fragrance is not the same as Jacques Guerlain's original 1908 creation (oh, how I would love to smell that!), but the new Muguet is popular because the lily of the valley fragrance is divine and the bottle changes from year to year, making it collectable. For the first time this year, Guerlain has used its famous bee bottle for Muguet, perhaps as a follow-up to the recent bee bottle anniversary.

The presentation for 2014 includes a handmade white porcelain holder decorated with lily of the valley motifs. It was conceived by Parisian ceramic artist Brigitte de Bazelaire, who is associated with Porcelaines de la Fabrique - the company that has manufactured Limoges china since 1825. With the porcelain container serving as a superior holder for the bee bottle, it's the most exquisite presentation I've seen - and most of them have been first class.

Adorned with a white bow, the white porcelain container requires a double baking at more than 1,000 degrees Centigrade. Nestled inside the idyllic creation, the bee bottle is filled with a pale green precious liquid. After the bottle is empty, the porcelain can be repurposed and serve as a reminder to get on the waiting list for the next year's release. I plan to use mine to hold flowers. It looks much like a small Wedgwood container I have. When not in use, it will go in a display cabinet with antique silver. I think it will look at home there.

Even though the Muguet fragrance smells like an effervescent lily of the valley soliflore, it is a blend. The fragrance opens with a top note of bergamot. The middle notes are lily of the valley, jasmine, rose, and "green notes." The base note is a pure and lighthearted musk - one I can barely smell. I've read it contains a touch of lilac, but have no way to verify that.

This floral masterpiece is the most accomplished lily of the valley blend I have ever worn, and I wear it a lot. Need a pick me up on a day like this? Turn to Muguet. Need to dream of spring when the ground is covered by a foot of snow? Wear Muguet. Greet spring with class? Reach for Muguet. I get compliments every time I wear it.

I call the boutique every few days to see if Muguet has arrived. Jonathan knows I'm a fanatic, so he humors me. Actually, I think he's as excited about its arrival as I am. If you would like to reserve a bottle, give him a call at (702) 732-7008. He will take great care of you. Make sure to ask for Jonathan. He usually works late, so I often call around 7:30 pm ET (remember, there is a time difference). The 2014 Muguet will be available at the Guerlain Boutiques and, I'm told, a limited selection of Guerlain retailers.

Photos courtesy of Guerlain and elle.fr and a nod of thanks to monsieurguerlain.com

Greg Lauren Eau de Parfum, a Barneys New York Exclusive

How did I find Greg Lauren Eau de Parfum ($195)? I was looking for another Barneys exclusive, which I bought. I was lured to Greg Lauren by its description. It certainly wasn't the bottle.

Greg Lauren is a completely unique fragrance designed and handcrafted by Greg Lauren himself in collaboration with master perfumer Ralf Schwieger. The combination of tonka beans, vanilla, and marine notes delivers irresistible sensual facets - a very special fragrance both artistic and elegant.

Artistic? The fragrance is, but the bottle is hobo chic at best. I was surprised when it arrived. The slightly peeling label is topped with masking tape - seriously, masking tape, with Greg Lauren written with what I assume was a permanent marker. I looked at it with wonder after I unpacked it. "Barneys exclusive" didn't resemble the handcrafted, distressed bottle I saw.

The notes in the fragrance description appealed to me, though, and that is how I came to blind-buy Greg Lauren. The first time I sprayed it on my skin, I was hooked.

Greg Lauren is an American actor and painter who happens to be gorgeous. He looks much better than the bottle above. Check him out on Wikipedia. Yes, he's related to Ralph Lauren: a nephew.

I am impressed with his bloodlines, but I'm in love with his fragrance. Ralf Schwieger is a renowned perfumer, so Lauren selected his namesake's creator well. The fragrance is a vanilla-centric fragrance, but the other notes keep it from the vanilla trap that often claims vanilla fragrances and swallows them up into the vanilla rubric. Bath and Body Works, anyone?

The vanilla opens with the tonka bean making its presence known, like a fine liquor, and it quickly turns soft and - dare I say - feminine. The marine notes, whatever they are, remind me of the sea air, driftwood, seashells, and natural dune grass characteristic of Kiawah Island. The fragrance is salty, without the parching quality that often equates to "salty."

I found this fragrance to be beautifully balanced. It's unique, harmoniously blended, sweet, and salty, but light and fragile. Wear it, and you will be reminded of the sea, but you won't smell like seaweed. Instead, you will smell intriguingly welcoming (that has to be the vanilla) and sensual. Greg Lauren, although marketed as unisex, is, in my opinion, a perfume that will sing to women and the men who love them.

See what you think. It's the perfect time to try Greg Lauren. Barneys is having its Beauty Bag event. Spend $250 on cosmetics and fragrances, and you will receive a bag truly worth the effort. I wish I had waited to order.

Photo courtesy of Barneys New York

Jo Malone London Rain Collection

Jo Malone London's newest limited-edition scent collection is here - at counters. The collection is inspired by the London rainy weather and is aptly named “London Rain.” The early morning dew is captured in the sparkle of Rain & Angelica, with notes of angelica, lime, and vetiver. Gentle morning showers are wistfully evoked in Wisteria & Violet with notes of water lily, wisteria, and patchouli. The scent of White Jasmine & Mint was inspired by an afternoon cloudburst and includes notes of lily, orange flower, rose, and wild mint. As the afternoon gives way to the late evening, we are introduced to Black Cedarwood & Juniper, with aromas of cumin, juniper, chili leaves, cedar, and moss.

I plan to check out all four colognes in the collection this weekend. I know I can rule out Wisteria & Violet, even though the name is luscious. It contains patchouli. Which one will I select? Stay tuned.

There are no body or home products available - just in case you were thinking of them. With the Neiman Marcus Beauty Event starting on February 19, it might be a good time to check out this collection. Need help? Give Sydelle a call at the Jo counter at (202) 966-9700.

Update 2:15: I got to try all four today. Not surprisingly, my favorite top notes were in Wisteria & Violet. Knowing the patch was in it, I didn't get too excited. I knew the lovely floral would give way to a patch dry-down on my skin. Rain & Angelica is very nice. So - to my amazement - is Black Cedarwood & Juniper. It is heavier than the others and very sexy. I still haven't decided which one to buy. All scents are the large size: 3.4 ounces.

Photo courtesy of Jo Malone London