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!
Sassy Auburn's Diary Of A Glamour Junkie... 