Tag Archives: cologne

What I Am Loving Right Now—Sassy’s Top Five

11 Sep

A fabulous artist in the makeup industry recently made an observation that the retail market for cosmetics in the United States has slowed down considerably. There is a decrease in revenue, and there is thought that the boom may have reached—and passed—its peak. This isn’t slowing down big-names and companies from releasing their latest launches however. In fact, I personally have noticed that EVERYONE is having a launch. Of something! Honestly? It’s getting a little dull and repetitive. How many new lippies do I really need? How many palettes with duplicate colors need to be in my bag? As a writer, it is becoming borderline insane to keep up with all of the items coming onto the scene. The cosmetic industry needs to just calm down. An overload in the market doesn’t generate revenue, it creates confusion. And that’s not good.

With that being said? I am still finding items, thanks to my subscription boxes, that have been great additions to my skincare and makeup. What are my latest faves? Let me show you!

1) LA Girl HD Pro Conceal in Light Yellow & Lavender – I have been to The Makeup Show enough times to say I have learned my share about color theory. I know what needs to go where to correct the tone issues that I have. Some days the dark area under my eyes is worse than others. When regular concealer won’t do the job good enough, I don’t need more concealer… I need to color “correct” the problem! Dark circles come from blood vessels showing under the thin layer of skin under the eye. Although blood is red, the reflective light bouncing off the skin makes the circles appear a dirty brick or purple color depending on how fair you are. I am super fair, and my circles are a blurred purple tone… so to correct that, I use yellow concealer on rough days. If that problem isn’t enough, there are days when my entire face has a yellow undertone. (Thank you strange health condition!) On those days, I put a thin layer of the lavender concealer under my foundation to balance out my sallow skin. It’s nice that these great coverage products aren’t steep in price so I can have the colors I need for minor tone adjustments. (Available at LA Girl’s website or at Ulta.com)

2) essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara – There are a lot of makeup companies out there that claim that they have the mascara that will end everyone’s search for the best one ever. And we believe them. We don’t have to worry about throwing out our mascara every three months because we keep finding a “better” one. Or so we think. I follow a lot of chats and websites that talk about makeup and, of course, that includes mascara. I’ve noticed that one brand’s name comes up more often than not. I decided to research that one a bit more, but when I saw that the price of all of their formulas were less than $5, I thought that must be a mistake. No good mascara could cost under five dollars, so I continued to buy other expensive ones, and went on my merry way. After an epic fail with a high end waterproof mascara, I finally gave in and decided to try it. I got the essence False Lash Effect and waited to say “Ha!” but I couldn’t. It was everything I wanted in a mascara and more. The formula doesn’t budge, the brush combs and fluffs the lashes, and I especially love that the tip of the wand is thin enough to get the bottom lashes without clumping. I can honestly say that this great mascara isn’t “cheap”… it’s just inexpensive and I’m now a fan. (Available online at the essence cosmetics website or at Ulta.com

3) Victoria’s Secret “Crush” Rollerball – Perfume used to be a staple in my beauty routine. I had countless sprays, spritzers, rollerballs and body lotions in all kinds of fragrances. Now that I am involved in industries where I am working very closely with different people each day, I don’t wear fragrances as much. I don’t want to overpower people that may be sensitive to certain smells. I did, however, smell a really nice perfume while I was out shopping one day and knew instantly that I loved it. I asked the person wearing it and she said it was Victoria’s Secret’s “Crush”. I wanted to order a few things in that scent, so I waited to get a good coupon code before I placed an order. I was able to get two rollerballs, a body mist and a body lotion for less than $20. I wear it to work a few times a week, and always moisturize after bath time. I love the fresh notes of peony and peppercorn, and is a perfect pick-me up for a light day-to-day scent. (Available at the Victoria’s Secret website.)

4) TwinMedix Pro:Refine Moisturizer – I will always stand strong when I say that TwinMedix saved my skin. Their original Pro:Essentials line helped to nourish my skin back to health after years of struggling with sensitive skin and various retail brands. I was super excited to see the introduction of the Pro:Refine line for some added TLC to the face as well as target areas. The Pro:Refine Moisturizer is now my one-and-only go-to daytime moisturizer. Not only does it give your face the rich hydration it needs, but it is also full of B5 and Hyaluronic Acid to smooth and plump your skin. You actually feel the increased smoothness as you apply it. My face and makeup stay fresh all day and my skin continues to say “thank you” with TwinMedix’s pharmaceutical-grade formulas. *Note* – This is a reformulated version of the previous moisturizer that I had reviewed in March. The packaging is different and the ingredients & vitamins are even more beneficial to the skin! (Order TwinMedix products by clicking here… Send Sassy a message for a super secret promo code! ❤️)

5) Eau Thermale Avene Thermal Spring Water – Probably out of ALL the items that I have gotten a sample of in the past 10 years, this is the one thing that I thought I would never buy a full size of. Who the hell buys water… in a can… to spray on their face? Well I guess the answer is me. I do my entire skin care routine, then apply my primer. Next, I spray my face with a layer of the Thermal Spring Water, then apply my foundation with my brush. It glides on with no streaks and helps hold moisture in my skin. Even on hot and humid days, that light layer of hydration keeps my skin balanced. I will say this step is not for everyone, but I have come to like it very much.

So those are my newest faves on my vanity. With subscription boxes giving me all kinds of new things to try, it’s nice to see what is out there that I normally wouldn’t even look at. Some things, however, will always be staples that I won’t give up. Let’s see what fall has to bring to the table with changes in skin condition and the colors of the season. But for now? Let’s ride out the summer for another few weeks and enjoy great products while we continue to look and feel amazingly sassy!

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Smell Sexy… On The “Cheap”

3 Dec

Perfume clipart‘Tis the season to shop for all kids kinds of presents for guys and girls alike. And it is a known fact that fragrances are one of the go-to gifts for men to give women during the holidays. But sometimes the price of some of the high-end scents can cost more than a trip to the market…or a payment on the car that took you there! It’s a sweet gesture, but maybe there is a way to find a great scent at a not-so-steep price. Or, even better, how about getting a nice scent that costs about the same as a stocking stuffer? That frees up a whole lot of coin for those over-the-knee boots, a new handbag, or maybe some bling at the jewelry counter.

So what are a few of my favorite inexpensive fragrances that you can ask for yourself, give as a stocking stuffer or just pamper yourself with a new fragrance to lift your spirits during this crazy time? Check out some of my inexpensive favorites:

etc!Rue 21’s “etc!”: This light, bright, fruit-essenced fragrance is a perfect pick me up scent for any time of the day or any season. Barbados grapefruit, juicy apple & raspberry cordial blend together for a refreshing aroma that will brighten your senses and bring a smile to you face… anytime, anywhere. Oh, and the bottle is kind of cute too. So chic! (Rue 21 stores or rue21.com, $9.99)

Paris AmourBath & Body Works “Paris Amour”: I love this scent when I need a little deeper, more serious fragrance. With a variety of notes including sparkling mandarin, strawberry, sparkling pink champagne, apple blossoms, peach, tulip, French vanilla, coconut milk & creamy musk, it has a more forward and enticing aura. It may sound a bit busy, but they actually blend perfectly together. As romantic as the city of Paris is, this fragrance will bring that feeling of romance with you wherever you wear it. (Bath & Body Works stores and bathandbodyworks.com, $6.00 for travel-sized fine fragrance mist. Other products in the same scent available with many holiday sale priced)

PlayboyPlayboy “Play It Lovely”: Over the years, the Playboy name has given off mixed messages. When it comes to their fragrances this year, however, they have come up with a direct hit. My favorite, “Play It Lovely”, is a sweet yet sensual scent. With top notes of citrus, blackberry and juicy pear, rounded out with seductive notes of amber and patchouli, this perfume lets everyone know you are a flirt with a shy, yet playful side. Yup, that’s me and this scent is perfect to let everyone know that. (Walmart stores, $15.98)

Love ExpressExpress “Love Express” Rollerball: There is no doubt that Express makes some fun, fab clothing that is current and chic. What’s even cooler, that many don’t know, is that they make some awesome fragrances too. I stumbled upon this one in a clearance rack at one of my favorite stores, and went back two days later to buy the rest! It’s such a fun fragrance and not many others are like it. Because it’s different than many others, I always get complimented on it. That’s cool! It’s not “busy” with a lot of different fragrances. It’s simple, sexy and fun. With notes of just blackberry, Lily of the Valley, Tiare Blossoms and sheer vanilla, this somewhat basic scent has an enticing appeal… to me and the guys who notice it! (express.com, $7.95)

Britney FantasyBritney Spears “Fantasy” Solid Perfume Pencil: So I grabbed this little goodie while at the pharmacy today. There was a neat arrangement of various “pop” perfumes in solid sticks, placed in a little holiday display while people waited in line for their purchase. Yup, the glamour sucker that I am, I had to pick up each one, test the scratch ‘n sniff patch on the back, and judge for myself. Out of the four on display, three scents were already someplace in my house, in some perfume form. This one by Brittney, however, I hadn’t sniffed before. I liked the sample patch on the back of the card. I liked it a lot actually. So for the price?… I thought why not. I was even more impressed when I took it out. It has a slightly oily/wax base and it doesn’t fade away like many spray perfumes do. The fragrance has enticing yet unusual notes within it: lychee, quince & kiwi, with a bit of cupcake, jasmine, white chocolate orchid and sensual woods. I guess even pop superstars can know a thing or two about fragrance… or at least their managers do! I got the fragrance stick, put it on in the car and will keep it in my purse. A perfect little gift, especially for a younger girl! (Walmart stores and walmart.com, $9.88)

So you see, smelling fun, sexy and alluring doesn’t have to cost you or your gift giver an arm and a leg! Trust me…some of my all-time favorite perfumes would be a pretty hefty purchase if I put them on the top of my list. But there is absolutely nothing wrong with changing up the play and wearing something a little out of the ordinary for yourself or to give as a gift. You never know whose bells could be jingling with a sassy new scent for you or them!

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Must Haves In May

5 Jun

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I hate May.

How is that for an opening remark? I really don’t think any month tears me up more than May. I have lost several close relatives in the month of May, the weather is so unpredictable, allergies are brutal and… oh, let’s not forget the best of the best… my birthday is in May. Getting another year older always puts a smile on my face….NOT! I hate getting old and will fight ANY signs of it as much as possible–mind, body & soul. Which is probably why most of my fab finds this month will help me stay 29…again!

So what are my new favorite makeup and skin care items I found this month? Read on and find out:

image1. Lancôme Visionnaire – A few of the tell-tale signs of your real age is what begins happening to the skin on your face and neck. Fine lines appear, pores look larger, face takes on an uneven skin tone. Everything that screams old. Since cosmetic procedures are not an option to me (don’t know if I would even if I could), I always read about the latest products to fight the signs of aging. My friend Lisa who is a manager at the local Macy’s said I HAD to try this product for a couple of weeks and gave me a few samples of the Visionnaire serum. My current night cream was getting low so I thought it would be a good time to try it out. I had been using a night gel so this Lancôme Serum felt really nice to put on. It absorbed quickly with no tight or sticky feeling. I already notice my skin tone is evening out, and my pores and fine lines seem less noticeable. Boo-Yah! Just what I am looking for. The only down side it’s pretty expensive, but a little goes a long way and I believe the bottle I got will last at least six months to a year. That’s a good investment in younger looking skin. I top it with my favorite moisturizing night cream and let nature do the rest! ($89 [1oz], Macy’s stores & online)

image2. L’Oreal RevitaLift® Miracle Blur – Okay, true story: I was asked to be a product tester for this product early in the month. I read all the info, used it as directed, but I personally didn’t think I saw the results I was supposed to get, so I tossed it aside after a week. Blur is not a moisturizer, Blur is not a foundation, and it is supposed to do more than just a primer does. But it just didn’t seem to give me what i wanted. Then, like only NY can do, the weather did a complete 180, turning not just warmer but flat out HOT! I realized I needed something to keep away the makeup melt-aways and nasty shine. A product that did that PLUS help me with a broad spectrum SPF would be really great. Hmmmm. Funny–those are things that the new product Blur promised. Okay, lets try this again. Now, the directions say you should apply Blur after your moisturizer and before your foundation. When I did that, I didn’t really get the look I wanted. But when I used a little less and applied it OVER my foundation, I got the look I loved with lasting results I wanted. Sometimes I even blend a bit of my mineral foundation into it in the palm of my hand with the Blur which gives me a nice, all-day matte look. Sometimes things just need another chance and a little adjusting. We hope our serums will work fast, but if they don’t do the job 100%, this will hide that little percentage it missed! ($24.99, most drug stores)

image3. Yes to Grapefruit Brightening Facial Towelettes – Obviously I have an OCD issue with the evenness and tone of my skin. I don’t want blotchy-ness and I don’t want scars from my teen years. If I could get my skin to brighten and even-out where I would need minimal to no foundation, I’d be thrilled. These towelettes take off all my makeup with a gentle textured no-rinse wipe. I was worried my sensitive skin might find it contained a bit too much acid from the grapefruit, but my skin tolerated the wipes just fine. I do feel some tingling after using them, but nothing that irritates or breaks out my face, more like a clean feeling. Oh and I love the scent! These are awesome for those “I’m too tired to take my face off” nights. Just leave a pack in the bed stand for just that! Congrats to Yes To for another fabulous line of products!!($5.99, most retail stores)

image4. Jimmy Choo’s “Flash” Parfum – Okay, so a new scent may not make you look younger, but it can definitely make you feel younger. And isn’t that what counts? This second fragrance from shoe expert, Jimmy Choo, has a pop to it that just takes the wearer’s charisma to a whole new level. The perfume caught my attention on a scratch & sniff page in one of my favorite magazines. (“Samples sell!!”) I INSTANTLY fell in love with it and the search was on. I was able to snag a mini bottle on EBay till I could get a regular sized bottle. This is truly one of those WOW! scents. Notes of pink pepper, strawberry and tangerine open you senses to a rush of power, allure and sexiness that you can even see within the person wearing it. It is very new, so watch for it. I think you hear more about it in the months to follow. ($55.00 [1.3 oz], Nordstrom’s and Nordstrom’s online)

image5. benefit’s They’re Real! Mascara – I am embarrassed to say how many mascaras I have featured on my blog as the greatest, best, advanced, favorite new product I’ve ever tried. Especially since I’m going to do it again. Ok, Sassinistas…. what do I always say about samples? (Look above, silly!). The sample of this mascara was actually the birthday gift to Sephora Insiders, so I picked mine up when I stopped in the store a few weeks ago. Okay, nice, a cute mascara, I’ll try it someday. Well, that day came while my husband was out of town recently and I had nothing to do with my free time except try makeup looks out of my glam mags. I grabbed a few of my fave products from the bathroom including “little” items that were easy to carry. I grabbed this mascara since the mini tube was easy to handle. I knew as soon as I put the mascara on a few of my lashes that is was really different. The “brush” coated each lash more like a comb, separating and plumping each lash. Seriously, they chose a great name for the product because it makes your lashes so lush, they almost look fake. As full as they were, removal wasn’t that difficult at bedtime either. I cringe to think about adding another mascara to my beauty drawer, but dang! I have GOT to get this one!! ($23.00, Sephora stores and online)

And there we have it! It may not be my favorite month of the year but trying new products kept my mind and writing hand busy. Phew, no doubt…. May was BUSY!! Soon, I’ll be talking about hot summer items that you’ll want to have on hand (and feet), so keep reading to learn about “summer must have’s” in your closet, beach bag, makeup drawer and on your bathroom counter. Is there anything YOU want to know about: Hot nail colors? Must-have hair products? Stylish shorts? Summer accessories? Skin tamers? Ask me! I’d love to do a blog post where I can help my readers with their fashion & glamour questions. Don’t wait… send them in!!!!

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New Season…New Scent!

26 Feb

SassyPerfume

It’s about that time of year. The calendar is showing that spring is getting closer even if the weather isn’t. Fall and winter merchandise is on clearance, but seeing shorts and swimsuits in the store gives me goose bumps. This is a “mixed emotions” time of year. You know that better days are coming but it seems like it takes every last ounce of energy to get through the ones that are here. Ugh.

I think one of the best things to do when the winter funk gets me down is to get myself a new perfume. It lifts my mood, brings a smile to my face, and helps remind me that spring days will soon be here. Even when it is snowing or sleeting outside, or there is a winter weather advisory scrolling along the bottom of my TV screen (like right this very second), smelling a new, uplifting, fresh fragrance can give me that little bit of “oomph” to get through the day and daydream about better days to come.

Yesterday I set out–clear nose and coffee beans in pocket—to my local high-end department store to search out a new fragrance. I have to say, the scratch n sniff samples that have come in my magazines lately just haven’t jazzed me. I’m pretty particular. I don’t like overly mature scents. I’m not huge into heavy florals. And I certainly do not like musky perfumes since they smell like a locker room when I wear them. I like fruity scents with a light touch of bright florals and with a lingering scent, like vanilla, that sticks around for a while.

After several samples on cards, sniffing, whiffing, fanning and running through different spritzes in the air at the store (looking like a total goofball I’m sure”, I narrowed down my choices to my four favorite scents right now. Here is what I liked:

GuessGUESS – I am a huge Guess brand fan. I have it all: shoes, boots, jeans, tops, handbags, jewelry, you name it. When I saw the stunning, feminine bottle of the Guess perfume, a part of me gasped just a bit since it just seemed like a natural choice for me. I have to say, it didn’t disappoint me. It screams everything I like when I wear a scent: exciting, bold, sexy, and playful. It makes an entrance with notes of raspberry nectar, melon and bergamot, followed up by tinges of orchid, acacia flower and lily. All that gets wrapped up with sandalwood and bourbon vanilla for a scent that stays. This scent leaves a bit of a “heavy” impression which doesn’t always translates well on me, but it is still one that I’d love to have in my collection.

DOTDOT by Marc Jacobs – I’m a die-hard fan of “Daisy” so I did not expect this fragrance to let me down. And it didn’t. The scent alone says bubbly, giggly, energetic and alive. Just like the name only has three letters, it can be described in three letters as well—F U N. This upbeat fragrance has top notes of red berries, dragon fruit, honeysuckle, middle notes of jasmine, coconut water and orange blossom, all tied together with the warmth of vanilla. DOT by Marc Jacobs gives you a simple, straight-forward, sophisticated scent with a balance of sheer elegance. This is without a doubt an anytime, anywhere with anything scent!

BieberGirlfriendGIRLFRIEND by Justin Bieber – Yeah, I said it… don’t hate! You don’t have to be a screaming girl with Bieber Fever to appreciate the scents that Justin puts his name on. I certainly was not disappointed with SOMEDAY and I wasn’t disappointed with GIRLFRIEND either. Top scents of mandarin, blackberry, pear and strawberry with dreams of pink freesia, star jasmine, apricot nectar and orange blossom keep this scent light and young. Hints of vanilla orchid and light musk kisses your senses to keep the scent lingering even after the scent begins to die down. Of course, its target market if the young Beetle-mania type girls who will buy anything with JB’s name on it. But I have to say, it is young, it’s flirty, it takes your breath away, and it makes you feel like a teen again (without all the heartache!)

BCBGBCBGMAXAZRIA Bon Chic – Out of all the fragrances I tested, I think this one is my fave. I liked BCBGMAXAZRIA’s original scent, so to see one with a different edge really caught my eye. It has all the notes that I love in a perfume: Asian pear, black raspberry, mango, pink peony, orange blossom and violet. These light tones are all enveloped in sandalwood, cashmere musk and vanilla to keep it forward but light. I like this refined scent with persuasive accents. It makes a huge entrance and drips with extravagant textures that keeps your senses enticed and other people’s senses allured. This is such a Sassy scent. SO me! It hits you with a sexy “Wow!”, followed by a “What a confident, enchanting, sexy woman!”. Then, as the girl passes by, her memory lingers, and you can’t help but say, “Who WAS that girl?” THAT is the impression I like to leave, and this great scent will help.

So have I tempted you? In the mood to go find yourself a new perfume to help you transition into a new season? Now is time! Simple things to remember: don’t spray them all on you—spray a tester card, then label it so you remember what it was; don’t sniff too many—it will confuse your sense of smell and if that happens, that’s when a wiff of coffee beans can help; don’t go sniffing if you have a cold or allergies—n thing will smell right or even smell at all!;, and most of all—be open minded. You might not like a name or brand, but that doesn’t mean you won’t like the fragrance. Lightly sniff the bottle without spraying, if you like it, spritz a test card, wave it to give it time to breathe, then smell it again. If you are still liking it, try it on your clean wrists next time you go into the store and see how it stays with you make sure it doesn’t react to your skin. If it’s goood, then go for it! That new scent might just be what Old Man Winter needs to get him out of town and rush in the warmer weather that’s right on the horizon!!

All products in this post are available at your local Macy’s or Macy’s online at macys.com

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Scents & Sensability….

23 Oct

This week, my November issue of Glamour magazine came in the mail. I love the fall issues of my favorite glam rags. They feature such cozy clothes like warm sweaters and cardigans, killer boots, chic outerwear, accessories that you’d never consider, and great tips on hair and skin care for the changing seasons. This month, however, I noticed one thing more than others:  they had quite the extensive array of designer perfume samples inside. You know, the little “lift and sniff” flaps to test out what is new and what is hot in scents this season? As much as I’d love to rip them open all at once and wipe the strips on my wrists, I know you really need to just smell and try one at a time to get the full effect and see if it is something I like. After scratching, sniffing and wearing all the samples in this month’s issue, I think I found some nice scents that I would consider for myself. And I also found some that just were not for me…at all. Now, I’m telling you, not every scent is for everyone, and what smells like ick on me may smell enticing on you. Everyone is different. And that is why there are thousands of perfumes on the market—you need to find the one that speaks to you!

Here are my experiences with the samples that came in Glamour’s issue this month, and my thoughts and experiences with them:

“Viva La Juicy Le Fleur” by Juicy Couture

(from juicycouture.com) ‘Uplifting, playful, dreamy. Inspired by the blushing aura of being in love.”

I am a huge… I mean HUGE… Juicy fan. Their fragrance, “Viva La Juicy” (“VLJ”), might be my #1 go-to daytime fun designer scent. “Viva La Juicy Le Fleur” has notes similar to “VLJ” but also has notes of mandarin and wild berries, combined with warm florals like honeysuckle, gardenia and soft jasmine all wrapped in vanilla, caramel and sandalwood. I love “VLJ” because it has a strong, independent, fun yet feminine allure. “VLJ La Fleur” gives you all that with a softer, warmer, more romantic approach. I really like it. I mean REALLY like it! Where I might wear “VLJ” with jeans, a jazzy tee, and leather boots, I’d probably wear “VLJ LaFleur” with all that plus a set of peals and a ruffled cardi to give me a more feminine edge. The warmer notes are perfect for fall with a touch of sheer, modern romance, but is still a recognizable fragrance from Juicy without a doubt. Delish!

Sassy Scale of 1-10:  a big 10

 

“Beautiful” by Estée Lauder

(from Macys.com) “The fragrance of a thousand flowers. A tender bouquet of lilies and roses, marigold and orange blossoms…all warmed with a touch of citrus. Romantic, tender & memorable.”

Estée Lauder’s “Beautiful” has been a popular fragrance for quite some time. In fact, for many women it is their signature scent. Even though it is a high floral scent (with strong notes of roses), it can be worn all year round, by all ages, in all situations.  Personally?  I am not a huge fan. I am not a lover of heavy floral scents—especially roses—mainly because they just don’t wear well on me. How they smell in the bottle is not how they smell on my skin, that’s for sure! This is one of those scents that changes once it is on my skin, and not for the better. It is a simple, gorgeous, and recognizable scent without a doubt. But for me?…It just comes across too heavy and too mature for my liking.

Sassy’s Scale of 1-10:  2

 

“Dehlia Noir” by Givenchy

(from Macys.com): “A fantasy flower. The first fragrance developed under the creative direction of Riccardo Tisci. Dehlia Noir embodies the mysterious singular radiance of a woman’s graceful power.”

Givenchy Parfums have been around since 1947 and were inspired by their most famous client, Audrey Hepburn. Right there you know their scents are rich, sophisticate and distinguished. The newest version of “Dehlia Noir” that was launched this year is truly feminine with gentle pink shades, built around floral-fruity notes with woody accents with noticeable tinges of mandarin, lemon and peach zest. A warm cedar base makes this a truly romantic scent, perfect for cooler temps.

The scent is very unique to me. Although it, at first, comes across to my nose as extremely strong, it actually blends well and softens the longer it lingers on the skin. It is definitely exceptional, soft and feminine. Although I could not see me wearing this often, I could see me wearing this on a special occasion or romantic late night with my hubby, paired with the classic little black dress, high heels and bold red lips. Sexy!

Sassy Scale of 1-10: 6

 

“DOT” by Marc Jacobs

(from dotmarcjacobs.com ad) “Chic and charming with a touch of the unexpected. A lush floral bouquet of beautiful jasmine & juicy red berries.”

I was thrilled when I heard Marc Jacobs was introducing a new perfume this season. I am a big fan of “Daisy” and it is probably my most worn scent in the spring & summer. The packaging of “DOT” is adorable and catches the eye with a big bright red bottle that looks like a lady bug. How cute! Just like its perky bottle, the scent is energetic and alive. It makes you smile. It is simple, straightforward and upbeat. A total mood lifter. The top notes of red berries and bold hints of dragonfruit and honeysuckle give it its playful flirtiness. Add a touch of jasmine, coconut water, orange blossoms and creamy vanilla and it gives off a warm, rounded feminine scent with a colorful, unique statement.

Marc Jacobs’ “DOT” fragrance scores big with me. It is a bit more warm and fun than “Daisy” with its sassy, bright, sensual side which goes perfectly with the cooler temperatures. For me, it is a wear-with-anything…anytime…anywhere perfume and I can’t say that with many of the ones that I own!

Sassy’s Scale of 1-10: 9

 

“Pour Femme” by Dolce & Gabbana

(from dolcegabanna.com) “From the Mediterranean, epicenter of harmonies and contrasts, the classic fragrance is reborn embodying the essence of the Dolce & Gabbana woman—passionate, sensitive and maternal.”

Dolce & Gabbana is NO stranger to the fragrance world. Starting as an Italian luxury fashion house in 1982, they launched their first perfume “Dolce & Gabbana” in 1992. Their timeless and formal style expanded into current fads as well as a long-term trends in sunglasses, eyewear, purses and watches soon after.  In 2012, D & G “fine tuned” their original fragrance to give it a more modern edge. In addition to the original notes of neroli, tangerine, jasmine, orange blossom, sandalwood and heliotrope (huh?), D & G added hints of raspberry and marshmallow to bring it to a warm, contemporary level.

A while back, I had purchased D & G’s rollerball perfume “l’eau the one”. I liked the lily of the valley scent embraced by fruits. It is modern and light with oriental levels that embodies the fragrance. It is refreshing, , slightly seductive but a “go about your day” accessory perfume that is perfect for spring. It is a nice refined scent with charm and sophistication which makes a woman stand out amongst the rest. Because I liked “l’eau the one”, I thought I’d like D & G’s “Pour Femme” as well. It has many of the same notes as the rollerball that I own, but I’m sad to say…. it just did not work for me. It comes across a little too musky for me which I am not a fan of, and is a bit too rich and heavy for my liking. I don’t like a scent that makes me feel like it is weighing me down. Although autumn colognes tend to have heavier notes of warm scents, I just don’t like ones that come across as overpowering. Which is why this one doesn’t float my boat.

Sassy’s Scale of 1-10:  3

 

Finding a new scent for the new season can be an endeavor of trial and error. I seriously suggest you test a fragrance for several days if possible (see if your local beauty department can give you an extended sample) and don’t mix them each day. See how your body embraces the scent in various situations. Also, don’t just buy a scent you’ve sniffed in the bottle at the store. Spritz a card or get a sample to try outside in your own setting. With all open scents around, you may not be getting the true smell of how it lays on your skin in the store. And whenever possible, layer your scent. This time of year, it is great to use a moisturizing body wash and lotion of your favorite scent perfume before getting dressed and putting the final spritz on. This will not only condition your skin but extend its aromas. My favorite this year is “Cashmere Glow” from Bath & Body Works. The scents of warm peach and amber are blended into this warm, soothing fragrance, and it comes in a shower gel, body lotion, rich body cream, body butter, fragrance mist, shimmer mist, sparkle glow body lotion and more. You can layer it up and stay soft while smelling subtly sexy all day long!

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And My Scent Is….

27 Jun


Man, I am a writing slug. I will write blog posts every day for a week, and then disappear for a month. Of course, life has been ruling everything lately. I’ve had birthdays, holidays, my baby girl’s high school graduation, doctor appointments, car repairs, you name it. Right now, I’m watching an episode of “America’s Next Top Model” and Mr. Sassy is napping next to me. That is actually the best time to watch shows like that because Mr. Sassy says that engaging in the viewing of senseless reality shows just eats your brain. I’m not sure if he is right or not, but it gives me writing ideas and that in turn gives me blog ideas, which helps me on my dream of being a big-time writer someday. So we’ll just call this reality college. Nice.

Today on ANTM, the contestants had to choose a fragrance with notes that represented them and their personality. And that got me to thinking: If I had to create a perfume that represented me, what would it be like? What notes would it contain? What would the bottle look like? And WHAT would I name it??

So let’s go through these questions. First, what would it smell like? Well, I probably own over 25 different perfume scents right now. I wear something different every day. Depends on my mood. But there are some things I know I don’t like in my fragrances. I don’t like heavy notes of musk, and I don’t like heavy notes of rose. I like things that smell light and fresh. With that being said, my perfume would most likely have floral notes of magnolia, peony, jasmine, apple blossom and/or gardenia. To keep it fresh, I would add hints of things like berries, pear, peach, mandarin or other citrus notes. Of course, I would want some under notes of vanilla or caramel for a bit of warmth. I’m sure if you checked, all the fragrances in my collection would have one, two or more of the aromas I like. Now even I know that all of those scents I like, mixed together, would probably smell like muck, but with the right guidance and noses, I’m sure I could blend up something that would be to my liking.

Now, the packaging. I vowed if I ever made it famous, the color pink would NOT be on anything with my name. I’m sticking to that. It’s hardly in my wardrobe, and almost never on my lips. I think I would want something that catches the light… a narrow bottle that is made from yellow glass that lightens as it tapers down. And the cap? Hmmm. I’m a fan of silver and I love disco music, so I think I would want to top to be in the shape of a mirrored disco ball. Bright fading yellow bottle with a disco ball cap. I’m liking this so far.

Oh, onto the name. I thought that would be the hardest. I could call it “814” which is my anniversary. Hubby would like that. I think. With the disco ball cap, I could go 70’s and call it “Le Chic”, “Stayin’ Alive” or “Superstition” but young kids wouldn’t have a clue to the references. I could be a wiseass and call it “Stink Pretty” showing my humorous side, but I could see me having difficulty getting stores like Saks or Macys to carry it.

Then it hit me. Duh! I’d call it “Sassy”. I mean, that IS me! It would be exactly like its name… fun, light, and sassy for daytime wear and also warm, sexy and sensual for evening. Versatile-just like me. I mean I am the girl who can wear a pair of $700 shoes with a pair of thrift store jeans and consignment shop sweater and you’d never know! I would have a fine, silver chain that hung off the bottle with a tag that said “Sassy” so you’d know the name of the perfume, and have an interactive bottle to play with. So unique. Damn I’m good.

I think I will go play around with my picture programs and design my bottle right now. Who knows, maybe someday you’ll be able to buy “Sassy” at a store near you. Until then, though, I suggest you pick up and try one of my favorite scents that I really like. Out of all the perfumes/scents that I own, these are definitely some of my faves:


  • Viva la Juicy by Juicy Couture
  • Dior J’Adore by Dior
  • Stella by Stella McCartney
  • Coach Poppy by Coach
  • Daisy by Marc Jacobs
  • Wonderstruck by Taylor Swift
  • Michael Kors by Michael Kors
  • Pink Chiffon by Bath & Body Works
  • Ibiza Sol by mark
  • Someday by Justin Bieber
  • BCBGMAXAZRIA by BCBGMAXAZRIA



So share with me….. what are your favorite scents? Do you have a “signature scent” or do you have many that you coordinate with your style of the day or the occasion of the night? Have YOU ever thought about making your own perfume? And what would you call it?

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Trial and Test….

22 Mar

How awesome is it when you get sent a freebie in the mail to try out? I sign up for everything. I get cookies, cereal, drink mixes, detergent, dryer sheets, shampoo, you name it. If it’s out there for the trying and it’s FREE? I’m on it like white on rice.

Today, I went to my mailbox to see a padded envelope from Elle Magazine. Oh, we LOVE padded envelopes. Padded envelopes = SAMPLES! Inside was a nice letter saying as a premier member of Elle’s Inner Circle Panel, I was chosen from a select few to receive a sample of Michael Kors Signature Fragrance . I actually was very excited! First, I had received a small vial in a Sephora purchase about three months ago and really liked it then. Second, I never knew Michael Kors had a scent and was happy to see one of my favorite designers was going along the fragrance route as well. And third… Shazam!…. I get to give my opinion. Who likes to talk?…. Sassy likes to talk! It was petty cool too since I had a stressful day, and “retail therapy” was on my agenda. I almost bought another perfume I’ve been eyeing for a while but I’m glad I didn’t–I got a free one instead!

The product insert card says, “We are excited to share with you Michael Kors signature fragrance. The ultimate luxury experience. Tuberose reinvented with rich, creamy florals enhanced by sensual woods.” When I smell it, what comes to mind is sophisticatedly sexy. The rich florals aren’t heavy but…. definitely alluring! I let Mr. Sassy smell it. He smiled and said, “That’s the scent worn by a dangerous woman!” I don’t think he meant James Bond 007 dangerous. I think he meant, “Holy high heels, I’ve been sexified!” dangerous. Yeah, I can see that. I can smell that.

So, tomorrow I’ll have a new scent to wear for a few weeks. I’m excited!! I like it, and I’m anxious to see if anyone notices it on me. It is quite different from the type of perfumes I usually wear, so we’ll see if I can turn some heads with this. (PS: Have YOU used it before? If so, I want to know! What do YOU think about it?)

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Perfume: The Smell or the “Scent”?

9 Aug

I received a sample of a new perfume while visiting my make-up heaven a while back. I’m very hesitant to try new perfumes because I’m very particular about what I like. I generally have a cologne rule of thumb: if it smells like ass in the bottle to my nose, then it probably is going to smell like ass on my skin. This sample, however, was right up my alley. I tend to lean towards fruity, crisp, light scents and this had a tone of fresh summer berries to me. It wasn’t like wearing a fruit cobbler, but it was sassy and summery. I wore the sample for a week and decided to invest in a small bottle.

Most women will say they have their “signature scent” and wear the same perfume every day. I think women who do this are boring. I’m not like that at all. I tend to match my perfumes to different things: weather, mood, clothes, occasion. I don’t have a ton of fragrances, but enough to change it up when I feel like it. Keep it interesting, I say. I feel the same about men’s scents too. Don’t bore me with the repetitive “in” fragrance of the year. Keep me curious. I once dated a guy who wore Polo Green, every day, by the handful, for our entire relationship. We dated for over 5 years. And yes, it was in the eighties. To this day, I cannot smell that cologne on a man without my stomach turning every time. It may be from the memories of big hair and gummy bracelets. But I’m leaning towards the Polo.

When it comes to perfume advertising, I have noticed that all of the ads in the media portray perfume to be the “missing link” to a connection with the opposite sex. Smell good? Get lucky. Rub this here? Get rubbed there. The industry even “teaches” us to put spritz cologne where our bathing suit covers! Fashionably, perfume is similar to clothing. You wear it as a reflection of your style. It’s no different than wearing your favorite jeans, your sexiest top, your designer shoes, or your Fredericks’ unmentionables. And honestly, who do you want to notice your fashion statement more than anyone? My guess is male prospective possibilities! Think about it. You’ll pour yourself into a pair of pants and know you won’t be able to sit all night just to make your butt look good for the bartender of your favorite club. You’ll jam your blistered toes into a pair of pumps that are as comfortable as wearing tomato soup cans on your feet just so you can strut for the executive who sits by the window of the coffee shop that you pass each day. You’ll do all that for someone else’s attention. But this is where perfume veers off the fashion highway. Ultimately, who is the first person who will think you are sexier because of your new scent? The guy who is numb to anything except the smell of mojitos? The java junkie whose senses are steamed and frothed? Nope.

You.

Go out and get a new perfume that you are just dying to have. Watch and see how you act after you put on your new aroma. Maybe you’ll put your lipstick on a little darker. Or you will make your eyes look a little more smoldering. Maybe you’ll smile a little more flirtatiously. Or you will have a slight swank to your step. Now you take that aura that is newly surrounding you to the streets. You’ll notice people noticing you. They glance longer at you from across a room. They do the infamous “double take” as you walk though the market. They smile at you…just because! What is it? What’s new? Is it because you smell different? Nope. It’s because you are giving off a new “scent”. A scent of self confidence. A scent of assurance. A scent of sexiness.

“Happiness is like perfume. You can’t give it away without getting a little on yourself.” – Anonymous. When it comes to feeling sexy, there is a fine line between the enticing smell your perfume gives off and the seductive “scent” you emit yourself. You owe it to yourself to cross that line. Dare to put yourself out there and own the sexiness that only you can feel with a scent you love!

(By the way? The perfume I recently ordered and almost attacked my UPS man for was Escada’s Moon Sparkle.  He had no clue what was in the box, but I guarantee you he wanted to know!!)

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