Perfume Bloggers

Fiddling while Rome burns

Colombina (Marina) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0000

By Tom This weeks post is I am afraid going to be more rambly that usual: I'm sure that all of you know that we've been having fires here this weekend that have put people out of their homes. I hope that they can all rebuild and get on with their lives, and once again am incredulous over the bravery of the firefighters fighting these blazes. So while some of this weekend was spent in

Parfumerie Generale Drama Nuui

Patty — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 03:27:32 +0000

Rummaging in the sample draw, I was hoping to come up with the new Felanilla, but Luckyscent just sent me Drama Nuui, another new introduction from PG. I’ve not really kept up with PG recently - it all got so confusing on their website with private scents having only numbers, and it was like you had to twitch [...]

The Oldest Mistake In The Book

Gaia, The non-blonde — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 02:46:00 +0000

I was working on the opening paragraph for tomorrow's post, Most Common Makeup Mistakes when I got distracted by the photo above. See, my point was how despite the recycled periodic article on this subject most magazines tend to run when they're out of something new to say, we all know better, so some atrocities are now extinct. Like wearing a lip liner darker than your lipstick.

It looks like Jessica Simpson really wants us to notice her new collagen lips. I have no other explanation for this. At first I thought it might be a bad angle or shading, but The Superficial has a whole bunch of pictures showing more of the same. Apparently, Jess doesn't read enough beauty advice.

Maybe I should reconsider tomorrow's post. Or at least add a few immortal suggestions like avoiding the clown cheek look or a discussion about the importance of blending.

Otto Kern: Signature Women (2008) | Duftbeschreibung

duftarchiv — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:30:28 +0000

„set your sign“ - das Familienwappen auf dem Flakon signalisiert ein Faible für traditionelle Werte; das fröhliche Lachsrot Spaß und Freude am Leben: Signature Woman von Otto Kern setzt auf selbstbewusste und moderne junge Frauen mit Sexappeal für die der berufliche Erfolg eine ebenso große Rolle spielt wie der Spaß in der Liebe und im [...]

Holiday Gift Certificates

Laurie — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:25:53 +0000

I’ve had some inquires about gift certificates so thought I’d post a little update about them. You can purchase two kinds of gift certificates from Sonoma Scent Studio. These GC options are available all year, but the winter holidays are the times when I get most requests for them.

One kind can be purchased online through the shopping cart either with PayPal or with a credit card; you can specify any dollar amount and choose to print the GC on your printer and mail it to your recipient or choose to have it automatically emailed to your recipient. This type of GC is through PayPal and the recipient needs to have a PayPal account to redeem it.

The other type of GC is one that I can set up for you through my shopping cart; I can give you a code that your recipient can use anytime in 2009 for either $35 or $50 (enough to cover any half oz or one oz bottle, respectively) and the recipient does not need to have a Paypal account to redeem the GC, nor do you need Paypal to purchase the GC. I can either email the code number to you or I can print a little GC card with the code number on it to send to you or to your giftee. If you purchase a few samples to go with your GC, I’ll hang them on some sample cards with scent descriptions so the carded samples and GC together make a nice-looking gift. To purchase this type of GC, just send me an email and I’ll send you an invoice. I can send your GC plus any desired samples to you or directly to your recipient with a gift message.

Hope that helps answer questions about GC’s! I don’t have any codes set up right now other than gift card codes (that’s another frequently asked question).

Review: Beyond Innocence by Emma Holly

Keira — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:15:00 +0000

The wonderful Marcia has delighted us again with another review this week. She really is amazing. The following post and rating are hers alone. Thanks for sharing with us!

Taking place in Victorian England, Beyond Innocence is about loyalty to family versus being true to one self.

Edward Burbrooke is horrified to learn that his brother, Freddie, has been discovered, in the bedroom, with a footman, at a house party. He loves his brother and feels responsible for his ‘fall from grace’. When they were both young, their father died and Edward, now being the Earl of Greystowe, sent his sensitive younger brother to Eton, thinking it would be good for him. He assumed that Freddie could protect himself from hazing by older bullies. Marriage to a good woman would cure him and protect him from horrible scandal.

Florence Farleigh is the daughter of a recently deceased country Vicar. She is very short of funds and has come to London to seek a husband. Florence appeals to her father’s attorney, whom she has been told is very clever, to help her; unaware that Mr. Mowbry is also the earl’s attorney.

Edward decides that Florence is perfect for Freddie and, with his Aunt Hyptia’s help, strives to place them in close proximity. He does not plan to fall in love with her himself.

Emma Holly is a skillful writer treating her characters with kindness and sensitivity, but what makes this story really unique, are comic situations and erotic imagery that have a distinctly male point of view.

Rating: 3 Stars

If you would like to write a guest review for RRN, I would be happy to include you in this growing forum. It is the goal of RRN to share with readers recommendations, opinions, and reviews on romances. Your contribution would be greatly welcomed. Please see our guidelines for further information.

Lancôme, Mille et Une Roses: A Review

Abigail — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 21:36:00 +0000

According to Basenotes, Mille et Une Roses was originally called 2000 et Une Rose and was launched to celebrate the turn of the century. Lancôme re-launched the fragrance in 2006 and named it Mille et Une Roses (MeUR). First, let’s just get the color of the juice out of the way: it’s blue. Windex glass cleaner blue. I suppose this made sense aesthetically when the fragrance was initially

Figure 8

Roxana — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:19:00 +0000

“It is the city of mirrors, the city of mirages,
at once solid and liquid, at once air and stone.”
~ Erica Jong

I did some product shots of all eight liquid perfumes this morning. I find the differences in the color of each perfume capitivating...much like the essences which go into their creation. The spectrum moves from the forest green of "Q" through shades of umber and amber to the sparking orange of Vespertina.

From left to right: "Q", Vera, Sierra, Chaparral, Aurora, Lyra, Rosa and Vespertina.

Roxana Illuminated Perfume™

Don’t Throw Us in the Briar Patch!

Sheryl Karas — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:42:00 +0000

When it comes to getting out of a no-win sticky situation, sometimes the best solution is the one that appears to be the worst. Since the rabbit is a totem animal of sorts for me I thought I'd post this story as an example of what we're thinking about our current move to Arizona now. We're actually looking forward to the new opportunities this move would bring. If Paul's mother wasn't going to be out of town until Dec 1 or 2nd we'd be on our way sooner.

Brer Rabbit meets a Tar Baby
retold by
S. E. Schlosser

Well now, that rascal Brer Fox hated Brer Rabbit on account of he was always cutting capers and bossing everyone around. So Brer Fox decided to capture and kill Brer Rabbit if it was the last thing he ever did! He thought and he thought until he came up with a plan. He would make a tar baby! Brer Fox went and got some tar and he mixed it with some turpentine and he sculpted it into the figure of a cute little baby. Then he stuck a hat on the Tar Baby and sat her in the middle of the road.

Brer Fox hid himself in the bushes near the road and he waited and waited for Brer Rabbit to come along. At long last, he heard someone whistling and chuckling to himself, and he knew that Brer Rabbit was coming up over the hill. As he reached the top, Brer Rabbit spotted the cute little Tar Baby. Brer Rabbit was surprised. He stopped and stared at this strange creature. He had never seen anything like it before!

"Good Morning," said Brer Rabbit, doffing his hat. "Nice weather we're having."

The Tar Baby said nothing. Brer Fox laid low and grinned an evil grin.

Brer Rabbit tried again. "And how are you feeling this fine day?" The Tar Baby, she said nothing. Brer Fox grinned an evil grin and lay low in the bushes.

Brer Rabbit frowned. This strange creature was not very polite. It was beginning to make him mad.

"Ahem!" said Brer Rabbit loudly, wondering if the Tar Baby were deaf. "I said 'HOW ARE YOU THIS MORNING?"

The Tar Baby said nothing. Brer Fox curled up into a ball to hide his laugher. His plan was working perfectly!

"Are you deaf or just rude?" demanded Brer Rabbit, losing his temper. "I can't stand folks that are stuck up! You take off that hat and say 'Howdy-do' or I'm going to give you such a lickin'!"

The Tar Baby just sat in the middle of the road looking as cute as a button and saying nothing at all. Brer Fox rolled over and over under the bushes, fit to bust because he didn't dare laugh out loud.

"I'll learn ya!" Brer Rabbit yelled. He took a swing at the cute little Tar Baby and his paw got stuck in the tar.

"Lemme go or I'll hit you again," shouted Brer Rabbit. The Tar Baby, she said nothing.

"Fine! Be that way," said Brer Rabbit, swinging at the Tar Baby with his free paw. Now both his paws were stuck in the tar, and Brer Fox danced with glee behind the bushes.

"I'm gonna kick the stuffin' out of you," Brer Rabbit said and pounced on the Tar Baby with both feet. They sank deep into the Tar Baby. Brer Rabbit was so furious he head-butted the cute little creature until he was completely covered with tar and unable to move.

Brer Fox leapt out of the bushes and strolled over to Brer Rabbit. "Well, well, what have we here?" he asked, grinning an evil grin.

Brer Rabbit gulped. He was stuck fast. He did some fast thinking while Brer Fox rolled about on the road, laughing himself sick over Brer Rabbit's dilemma.

"I've got you this time, Brer Rabbit," said Brer Fox, jumping up and shaking off the dust. "You've sassed me for the very last time. Now I wonder what I should do with you?"

Brer Rabbit's eyes got very large. "Oh please Brer Fox, whatever you do, please don't throw me into the briar patch."

"Maybe I should roast you over a fire and eat you," mused Brer Fox. "No, that's too much trouble. Maybe I'll hang you instead."

"Roast me! Hang me! Do whatever you please," said Brer Rabbit. "Only please, Brer Fox, please don't throw me into the briar patch."

"If I'm going to hang you, I'll need some string," said Brer Fox. "And I don't have any string handy. But the stream's not far away, so maybe I'll drown you instead."

"Drown me! Roast me! Hang me! Do whatever you please," said Brer Rabbit. "Only please, Brer Fox, please don't throw me into the briar patch."

"The briar patch, eh?" said Brer Fox. "What a wonderful idea! You'll be torn into little pieces!"

Grabbing up the tar-covered rabbit, Brer Fox swung him around and around and then flung him head over heels into the briar patch. Brer Rabbit let out such a scream as he fell that all of Brer Fox's fur stood straight up. Brer Rabbit fell into the briar bushes with a crash and a mighty thump. Then there was silence.

Brer Fox cocked one ear toward the briar patch, listening for whimpers of pain. But he heard nothing. Brer Fox cocked the other ear toward the briar patch, listening for Brer Rabbit's death rattle. He heard nothing.

Then Brer Fox heard someone calling his name. He turned around and looked up the hill. Brer Rabbit was sitting on a log combing the tar out of his fur with a wood chip and looking smug.

"I was bred and born in the briar patch, Brer Fox," he called. "Born and bred in the briar patch."

And Brer Rabbit skipped away as merry as a cricket while Brer Fox ground his teeth in rage and went home.

You can read more Georgia folktales in Spooky South by S.E. Schlosser.

Citizen Queen by Juliette Has a Gun : Perfume Review

Divina — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:07:00 +0000

Founded by Romano Ricci, Nina Ricci’s grandson, it is natural that Juliette Has a Gun has large expectations to live up to. For my part I felt a little underwhelmed by the line’s first offerings, especially in the case of Miss Charming, which seemed too fruity a rose, too close in feel to department store scents targeting the late-teen market. Lady Vengeance in turn, was a beautiful

In Search of Comfort: Kenzo Amour Le Parfum, Estee Lauder Private Collection Amber Ylang Ylang, Sinfonia di Note Coeur de Noisette

Colombina (Marina) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:30:00 +0000

It is COLD, people! Yesterday morning there were snow flurries! A cup of hot tea (Takashimaya Rose!), a warm blankie, fluffy socks, a good book (it's time to revisit Agatha Christie, methinks) and a comfort scent are right now the items of absolute necessity. Here are some comfort perfumes I discovered among new releases. Kenzo Amour Le Parfum. Kenzo can do no wrong this season, from the

Hilde Soliani NYC event and Limited Extrait Murano Bottles for our Readers

perfumeshrine — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:12:00 +0000

Italian jewelry and niche fragrance designer Hilde Soliani was introduced to the English-speaking fragrance community through the pages of Perfume Shrine. Since then, a cult following has emerged, embracing her creations with the warmth they deserve. It's not difficult to understand why: every single time I wear her daredevil dry tobacco scent Bell'Antonioor the almondy fluffiness of her

Review: New Moon by Stephenie Meyer

Keira — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:13:23 +0000

The second book in the Twilight saga is entitled New Moon and if the first book was about finding true love, then this book is about losing true love. I am not particularly fond of this book. It is because it contains so little Edward. We are introduced to the other paranormal group just up the road however. We meet those that live La Push Reservation, home to the Quileute Tribe. Some we’ve been introduced to before, like Jacob Black. Others are new.

If you couldn’t wait for the library to hand you this next book in the series, you read the beginning chapter that was at the end of Twilight. A teaser that leaves you wondering what happens to Bella when she cuts herself at the Cullens house. Her blood makes them thirsty, none more so than Jasper who has the least control. Edward gets Bella to safety but the damage is done.

The next few days he becomes more and more distant to Bella. She’s desperate to break through to Edward when suddenly he starts to talk to her again. Only she wished he wouldn’t. I wished he hadn’t too. He breaks it off with her at the edge of the forest. It is better than the sewers Angel dumped Buffy in, but I was heartbroken and Bella more so. Here it is, I thought, the end of a good story (but just you wait… keep reading).

So deep is her grief over losing Edward she loses herself and becomes a walking shell. It isn’t until half a year later that she can even stick her head above the water. She does it only because Charlie is running scared and pulling ultimatums about going to Florida to live with her mother. Bella can’t do that. Doing that means leaving the magic of Forks behind and relegating Edward to a memory and not a reality. So she asks a friend to the movies… anything without romance. She couldn’t handle that. It’s after the movies that the story gains interest again. She hears Edwards voice… in her head. His voice is a beautiful hallucination warning her of the danger ahead.

What follows next is a series of stupid reckless moves as Bella fights to hear his voice. She turns to Jacob Black to help her fix motorcycles, thinking the danger in riding them would provide her with Edward’s voice. She becomes Jacob’s friend, and over the hundreds of pages left he becomes the sun to warm the desolation of her life. I don’t like Jacob. He keeps pushing the friend boundary, so certain of Bella turning to him and forgetting about Edward despite her repeated warnings that she’ll never love anyone but Edward.

But then the story changes again and it’s like sweet music playing in your mind because you just know Edward’s coming back into the picture. And like Bella, you fear you are going to miss him, lose him again. The book ends on the sweetest note imaginable and you close this sad book feeling ridiculously happy. The ending is four and a half stars.

Rating: 3 Stars

Ormonde Jayne new fragrance Zizan and Discount for our Readers

perfumeshrine — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 07:00:00 +0000

Ormonde Jayne, project haute parfumerie of nose Linda Lilkington, has spoiled us rotten with quality all around. (You can see the rationale and philosophy of the brand explained in the interview Linda Pilkington granted to Perfume Shrine). Now catering to the needs of men who had only two scents (Ormonde Man, Isfarkand) to claim as purely masculine in the line ~although several could be borrowed

Bobbi Brown Moon Rock Long-Wear Eye Palette

Gaia, The non-blonde — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:12:00 +0000

The Good:
Pretty colors, my favorite eyeliner, small enough quantities of each color so it's not likely to dry out before I got a chance to use it, portable, great texture, long lasting (over an eye primer).

The Annoying:
What's with the brush? Despite what the picture above shows, the brush that came with my palette only has one side, the thicker one. It's too big to be effective for the eyeliners, but stiff and uncomfortable for cream eye shadows. Even an old school sponge applicator worked better than the brush (and I'm not above dipping my finger in the shimmery goo and going to town).

The Verdict:
The Moon Rock palette has been serving me well over the last month. It's my current staple for an elegant and fun evening look with a subtle shimmer. Its sister palette, Night Sky is just as pretty, but cool toned and the colors looked a bit too harsh on me.

Bobbi Brown Moon Rock Long-Wear Eye Palette ($55) is available online and from their department store counters. I got mine at Saks.

flyerline

Andy — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:43:58 +0000

Flyerline delivered the 2500 flyers for the “Sample Discovery Set” in English. 2500 because this is the minimum to order. Flyerline because I order all my flyers and dingsbums there; so here is the link for folks living nearby and needing some boxes of flyers from time to time. The English version because I want to be able to make special offers in 2009 for my on-line clients and some preferred point of sales. And I want to serve the press. Well, sort of. And I wanted to test the folded flyers from Flyerline first before printing a German version that will end up in the shop in Zurich later.
For those of you new here: Sample discovery set = all my fragrances as samples in one box with a flyer on top. The flyer is ~~folder~~ folded and tells folks that they smell nice if the spritz my fragrances.

For the time being: No regular product. Except in Switzerland where folks can buy it in the shop in Zurich, in a German version.
Thus, a happy day with many sample discovery sets to follow. The first one is for one of you. I give away one sample discovery set, to one perfume lover, sent to you where ever you live. Maybe, I will pick you just make sure you comment. A simple hello is enough …
The boxes full with flyers…

The sample discovery set..

Molton Brown: Heavenly Gingerlilly | Duftbeschreibung

duftarchiv — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:30:37 +0000

Heavenly Gingerlilly von Molton Brown ist eine Aromamischung, die die Haut verwöhnt, die Sinne berauscht und mit den dazugehörenden Badeprodukten ein sinnlich-exotisches Hideaway aus dem heimischen Bad zaubert. Das zumindest versprechen die Ingredienzien: indische Tuberose, Ingwer, Kardamom und Tagetes. Außer einem intensiv feuchtigkeitsspendendem Dusch- und Badegel sorgen eine reichhaltige Body Cream sowie eine Reihe hautverwöhnender Körperpflege-Produkte [...]

Random Wednesday: Seeing Red

March — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:18:50 +0000

Blogging off topic today on lips – particularly red lips. If you like lipstick and/or working a red lip, please read on and give me advice, I have questions in here. If not – sorry! – pretend the blog is down today. Hey, I just freed up 20 minutes in your day! Waste it by [...]

Orange Aid: Bigarade Concentrée

Vetivresse — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:27:00 +0000

The chill has arrived. Commuters march like penguins down Lexington Avenue. New Yorkers actually walk closer to one another when it gets cold like this. Human nature, I suppose, even affects the most stolid of urbanites. And with the cold snap, my thoughts turn to ...

Oranges. Yes, oranges. In particular, the bitter oranges of Jean-Claude Ellena’s Bigarade Concentrée (Frederic Malle Edition de Parfums). Essentially, Bigarade Concentrée is a cousin of Ellena’s Déclaration for Cartier, but executed with more recherché ingredients. Here I contend, though, that Ellena has tried really hard to create a virtual bigarade to fly in the face of ‘citrus’-classified fragrances. Apparent here is his trademark process of adding and leaving out – adding the rose behind the orange, adding hay and cedar absolutes, but leaving out the glass-cleaner mimicry of high-toned hespiridic materials.

Concentrée indeed is the apt word. There is nothing light about this scent (despite what many of its critics identify as its too-fleeting character). Rather, it reminds me of Gozzi’s hapless Prince, immortalized in Prokofiev’s opera The Love for Three Oranges, encountering those eponymous citrus for the first time. An almost-paralyzing euphoria. This version of the scent (which Ellena originally created as Cologne Bigarade) is more complete, more human. Like the slightly inferior Déclaration, it is less a study in quenching with loads of liquid refreshment – or covering up – than in reveling in its bodily nature. It’s a citrus that is not citrus-simple, a fruit that is not fruity. It reminds me more of naked body posed with tangerine... or Susan Sarandon in Louis Malle’s Atlantic City (1980), just this once preferring oranges over lemons. I’d like to smell this close to a body, after removing all the wintertime armor ... Truly “a blaze of summer straw in winter’s nick.”

Erik´s blog

Abigail — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:17:00 +0000

Erik Kormann is a Berliner and also a perfume lover & blogger.

With a sharp nose, good taste and a hell of a sense of humor, his articles are good interesting readings.

So I featured in his blog today, and I want to thank him so much for all the information he shares with us about scents and fragrances, and for all the compliments I got.

He is listed in my blogroll.

aromatisches Blog
Parfüm und viel mehr - perfume and much more...it is like my blog´s name: +Q Perfume means much more than perfume.

He also has a lot of information about shaving - one of the most important of male rituals.

Perfume soul mates?

Küsse Erik!

Review: Charming the Prince by Teresa Medeiros

Keira — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 22:08:10 +0000

Let’s start this blog with my all time favorite romance novel, Charming the Prince by Teresa Medeiros. The surprising aspect of this story is that I like it despite the myriad of children presented. I am not a fan of them in most cases because I feel they’re not handled properly or serve a purpose to the story. It is not the case in Charming the Prince.

The novel is set in England during King Edward’s reign. They have just forged an alliance with France much to Lord Bannor the Bold’s displeasure. He loves war and fighting and does not know how to handle himself in times of peace. Plus he is terrified of his home life.

How could the Pride of England be terrified of his own castle? Well as I mentioned children before it is no surprise that it is his children that Bannor fears. And he should. He has twelve of the misbegotten creatures. His eldest son Desmond, is the most obnoxious one of all. Or is he? He has a soft side that Willow unlocks after a string of terrible pranks.

So speaking of Lady Willow of Bedlington, she is the Cinderella character to this tale. Her stepmother Lady Blanche treats her like a servant and nursemaid to the parcel of brats that she came into the marriage with and all the additions that came about afterwards. Willow is stigmatized into thinking she is ugly and unattractive because she does not fit into her step-family’s flaxen hair, plump bosom, wide hip beauty. Willow is French like her mother and reflects this in her tall, lithe, slender, dark hair beauty.

Her beauty presents the biggest problem to Lord Bannor, who only desires an ugly wife. He after all does not want to be tempted into love-making and begetting more of the terrifying beasts. All his good intentions however are thrown out the window the first moment he sets eyes on Willow.

Their tale is a humorous one as they both fall into the trap of misunderstandings. The pace and direction of the story changes when Willow declares war on her husband. And a war is just the sort of fire that will ignite all of Bannor’s passions.

Rating: 5 Stars

What would you rate Charming the Prince?


Web Polls

Happy readings!

SpitzzzPumpSpitzzzz! Breve em Português.

Abigail — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 20:09:00 +0000

I always had a problem to work out in a gym. I dislike the idea of having to share the machines with sweaty people. I know, I am picky, but nobody is perfect! Not only I feel dizzy just to think of working out near people that seems to forget what deodorants are for, but also the other way around: some people tend to come to the gym loaded with perfume. The excessive use of fragrance, in a place that the majority of people are gasping for breath, is really suffocating.

Sweat and perfume do not go together!

So I don't really know what is worst: Eau de BO or the mix of the 2 of them.

I need my daily energy combustion, so I took the decision to jog outdoors.

What a sad surprise! Seems that strong fragrances early in the morning is a Brazilian new trend.

Paris by YSL at 7:00 a.m.? Fahrenheit by Dior? Hello!!!!

Worst than that, these people run much faster than me, so they leave their scent track behind! Enauseating...

Is it possible that they are having animalistic behaviors of marking territory? Doggy style...

"Hey! This is my track, you won't jog here!"

Amy Ning's ilustration

So either I start running faster, or I will have to come out of the bed earlier.

Both options seem not possible right now, so I decided to bring a list of fresh, less suffocating fragrances to combine with sports. Hopefully they will eventually read my blog.

Eau Pure - Biotherm

1.Marc Jacobs Cucumber or Orange EDT - Unisex - fresh.

2.Sisley - Eau de Campagne EDT - Unisex - fresh.

3.Guerlain - Aqua Allegoria/ Herba Fresca EDT - Unisex

4.Loewe - Aqua de Loewe EDT - Unisex - subtle.

5.Shiseido Eau Aromatique Energizing Fragrance - Fem. - overpowering to me, but not suffocating.

6.Givenchy No Complex Eau Tonique Corps - Fem. - very nice indeed!

7.Guerlain Homme EDT - Masc. - chiq.

8.Prada Iris for men EDT - Masc. - chiq.

9.Brazilian brand La Façon - Água de Rosas EDT(Eau de Roses) - Fem. - very feminine, soft.

10.Puma Aqua Men - Masc. - young.

11.Puma Aqua Women - Fem. - young

12.Biotherm Eau Pure, Eau D'Energie or Eau Vitaminée Body MIst - Fem. - perfect!!!

13.Santa Maria Novella's Acqua di Gigli, Acqua Soave and Acqua di Erba Santa Maria - perfect!!

La Façon - Rose water and other rose scented products

Frankly, I prefer to smell the scent of fresh air early in the morning while jogging. The green accord of pine trees and cut wet grass natural scents warming up with the heat of the sun. The fragrance of frangipanis and gardenias and wet mossy soils of Brazilian spring.

But back to reality/urban life - São Paulo is a violent city, so I go to a private club, to jog safely and breathe heavy floral perfumes and cheap cool mint aftershaves...

All for the sake of low blood cholesterol levels!

Photo credits: Mark Jacobs, Biotherm sites.

La Façon kindly offered the picture exclusively to the blog, so please do not use without previous consent.

Update and Time Off

Zz — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 17:56:00 +0000

Tis the season, and we are swamped here at LZP. I will be taking some time away from blogging, so as to keep up with the demand of running two, make that three businesses. SOIVOHLE' online. Zz's Petals Boutique (our retail location) and Mr. Z's Peace Angel Farm.
I was up late last night labeling bottles and boxing some of the Moderne Perfumes. And received samples today of the bottles that I am considering for the Natural Collection. As mentioned before, I will be doing away with the round 5ml bottle and replacing it with a very nice square bottle, more like the 32ml crimp bottle. So the natural collection will be available in EDP - two sizes, and the Parfum in two sizes (same ones as now)...
To make a greater distinction, the Natural perfumes will be available in the square bottles and snap closure boxes, the Moderne Collection available in round bottles and tube boxes.
Hopefully this will be our last change for a long long time.
I have received several compliments about the new look of the website, and I know that the new more cohesive look of the packaging will be an added bonus as well.
I am on my way down to the lab to crimp the caps of the bottles that I filled this morning. And if I have time later, make some dilutions for the Vignettes (accords) Collection. When I first wrote about this I got a huge response. I am working on it a bit at a time. If you are not familiar, Vignettes are a collection of the accords and bases that I have created for our perfumes. They are not perfumes, but the building blocks and can be mixed and matched to create custom scents. Unlike other offerings elsewhere that are merely soap oils diluted in alcohol, or single essential oils diluted in alcohol, these accords and bases are crafted from essential oils, absolutes and aroma chemicals. Some of them are all natural and others are a mix of natural and synthetic.
I have been working out (on paper) a new Magnolia accord/base. And hope to get some time soon to experiment with it. So far it contains around thirty single notes. A mix of natural and synthetic materials. I will likely trim down this list as I go along, and it might take a zillion tries to get what I want. But once I do, I have an entirely new and unique accord to add to my arsenal. This is the kind of thing that the Vignettes series will be comprised of. Unique, one of a kind accords and bases....

PEACE ANGEL FARM - UPDATE, As of today......
GARLIC ALL SOLD OUT - YAY!
It was a busy season and now it is over. Mr. Z has planted several new varieties for next year, plus his standby's, which will increase the overall production. Translation: More work........

Later Folks!
Peace ZZ..............

The Linden Tree

perfumeshrine — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:51:00 +0000

Whenever I smell French Lime Blossom by Jo Malone my mind reels back to my childhood; to days sprinkled with insouciance, eyes open at the crack of dawn filled with eager anticipation on what each new moment will bring, hope for happiness and belief in all that is good in the world. And now that I look back on it with the experience of some years on my back it seems like nothing turned out the

Granatapfel

erik — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:00:08 +0000

für Simone

Wer hin und wieder in die Blogroll schaut, der wird festgestellt haben, daß einige neue Einträge hinzugekommen sind. Weit entfernt und trotzdem sehr nah, Simone aus Brasilien & ihr Blog + Q Perfume

Und weil es dort zur Zeit einen sehr schönen und reichbebilderten Artikel über den Granatapfel und sein Aroma in Parfumerie und Kosmetik geht, habe ich kurz den Otoo Warburg bemüht und eine alte Zeichnung herauskopiert. Familie Punicaeae oder Granatapfelbaumgewächse.

Otto Warburg, “Die Pflanzenwelt”, Bibliographisches Institut Leipzig, 1926, 3. Band, Neudruck, S. 23

Herzliche Grüße aus Berlin und immer der Nase nach.

Clinched, Clutched, and Cliched in Romance Covers

Keira — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:47:32 +0000

Publishers Weekly recently published an article on clinch covers. Since I’ve been running a segment on locating the next Fabio of romance novel models, I was immediately drawn to read the post. I was certain heaving bosoms, flowing hair, and orgasmic looks would be disclosed. I was pretty much right. Overall the article was pretty savvy I thought.

Two romance bloggers were quoted in it, Sarah from Smart Bitch and Kate of Romancing the Blog. Both bring up some very valid points on clinch covers. While never officially polled by readers in general, Sarah is confident based on several posts on trashing silly looking covers that readers hate clinch covers. They are “a complete and total embarrassment for the reader.” Nothing screams trashy romance novel in my opinion more than a couple embracing on the cover!

This is why paperback book covers were created - its not to protect the book, it’s to protect your ahem… virtue from the immaturity of those around you. Who here has had someone take the book they were reading and start searching for the sex sections and read them out loud? I certainly have been a victim of this. The worst instance was with purple headed warriors and womb-brooms… no joke. I was mortified even as I made fun of the passages too along side the other mockers. Who couldn’t make fun of purple headed warriors? Still, when this happens you pretty much want to curl up and hide because stuff like that just gives the genre a bad name.

However, it’s not just romance novels that are defined by a clinch style cover. Kate from Romancing the Blog says, “A clinch identifies the genre in a way that leaves no question about what you’re getting between the covers.” Can you name some clinch cliches belonging to other genres? I can - unicorns and flowery fairies with wings or sorceresses with long flowing robes make up fantasy novels. Though I am sure nobody’s picked up a fantasy and mocked the reader for it… maybe a paranormal like a later Anita Blake.

Where do you fall on clinch covers? Love? Hate? Both?

Photo Credits: 1

Review: Impossible Dreams by Patricia Rice

Keira — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 09:48:20 +0000

For the more modern readers Impossible Dreams by Patricia Rice shouldn’t be passed up. The writing is witting and captivating, sure to leave smiles whenever one closes the book. Impossible Dreams is another rare find that includes children; Constance and Matty.

Set in North Carolina, Maya Alyssum is a fun-loving hippie who runs her sister’s New Age shop in the town of Wadeville when she is not busy seeing to her private school, The Impossible Dream. Did I mention she’s got purple hair and is also very pregnant?

Local entrepreneur and Nordic god, Axell Holm is as straight laced as they come. He always wears a suit to work, drives a safe car, and eats his vegetables. Imagine his shock when he steps into this other world to warn Maya that the mayor is intending to shut down her school for a shopping center. He can’t have that, not when it is the only thing to make his daughter, Constance, smile these days.

But helping Maya retain her school brings down all sorts of problems on his head. The ABC board investigates his liquor license, his mother-in-law, Sandra intends to fight for custody, and more until the only weapon left in his possession is to marry the flighty purple-haired woman who has done the impossible and turned his life upside down.

Rating: 3.5 Stars

What would you rate Impossible Dreams?


Web Polls

Happy Readings!

Scented Candle Collection

Ayala Sender — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 09:04:00 +0000

Ok, ok, ok. I'll admit it: I'm in love. With my candles.
Really.
This is a whole new experience for me - enjoying scented candles. I burned to the bottom both Bois d'Hiver and ArbitRary and I'm struggling to not dip into the stash for retail.

Clearly, I'm not the only one who thinks they are amazing: The ArbitRary candles are completely sold out and will not be in till next week. Bois d'Hiver has only 2 candles left in stock. And the first shipment of White Potion has already several candles pre-ordered. One of them is going straight to Noam Gagnon's Pilates Studio, where it will enhance the breathing techniques of the students and guests, and of the Pilates maestro. When I decided to create a candle version for White Potion I had Noam in mind, so I’m glad he’s the first one to fall in love with it (head over heels, if I may add).

You may want to know now - how do these candles smell?
Bois d’Hiver is the first candle I wanted to create. I really enjoyed other woody and foresty candles (i.e.: the very fresh woody Noel candle from Annick Goutal, and Into the Woods by Origins - a discontinued candle; as well as the more smoky Diptyque’s Feu de Bois & Essence of John Galliano). But I wanted to create my own, all natural candle. Bois d’Hiver already smelled like how I would like a candle to smell. However it was everything but easy to translate into a candle. The first version had too much fir and was just not right in every possible way including colour, texture, and both cold and warm throw. The final version is perfect, with a beautiful balance between the fresh woody coniferous notes, festive spice notes and incensey notes. In a sense, it combines all the classic scents of Christmas: incense in Midnight Mass, spicy cookies and eggnog and fresh green Christmas tree - but without smelling like a cliche. I was surprised at how well the incense notes come out once the candle is burnt. It smells like a dream.

White Potion is creamy and soft and smooth floral. It is very gentle and sweet and such a luxurious treat to burn. It contains plenty of tuberose floral wax, which makes it, well, floral and tuberosey (floral wax is the by product of creating floral absolutes and contains whatever fragrance is left in the flower and did not want to leave the wax). It also has coconut and tonka bean, ylang ylang, grapefruit and bergamot. It really is like burning perfume in your space and makes the world seem luscious and creamy. It’s a very romantic candle, but to me could also be great as a meditation candle, as it is very soothing.

And of course - you already know about ArbitRary - an invigorating citrusy candle with juicy lime, nectar-like jasmine with basil and hay. I’ve burnt this all summer and burnt it down very fast. I’ve run through these candles faster than any other kind of candles (I still have a few from more than a year ago).

A new candle will come out in mid December, based on Roses et Chocolat parfum. The first version was divine but I want it to be even better!

Intensive Weekend

Ayala Sender — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:25:00 +0000

Monique's Perfume Creations, originally uploaded by So Misguided.

The past two weeks have been uber-busy for me, at times even sleepless. The time this blog post is published will serve as an evidence. There were many things in the making - including two new retail spots in Vancouver (Belmondo Skin Care Studio is one, and the other will be announced at a later date), various special events (i.e.: Mi Casa’s Christmas Party & Open House) and last but not least 3 full days dedicated to my perfumery students who came over from all parts of North America just to learn natural perfume at my studio!

This is the first time I’m holding a mixed-level group, something I decided to try in order to allow my correspondence students a more realistic and convenient opportunity to travel for a more in-depth instruction over the course of 3 days instead of just one. The challenge for me was to not bore the more advanced students with redundant information (at least by presenting it differently and using new examples of raw materials and perfumes), and at the same time make sure those who are starting at step 1 receive a thorough introduction that I always give new students.

As much as theory is important, there is no doubt in me that the practical parts of the weekend are the most valuable and probably were the most memorable for my students (even if at times I’m quite sure that my exercises could seem a bit odd to some). Some things you just can’t learn from a book. Making perfumes is one of them. This is the reason why they have packed their bags and traveled so far just for three days. A picture is worth a thousand words and sometimes only seeing is believing. For others, encouragement and coaxing to think out of the box and to dare experimenting without worrying about how terrible the results may smell is what it’s al about.

What I wanted to achieve in this course more than anything else is to create a stimulating and nurturing learning environment that provides hands-on guidance and experiential learning. It is important for me to teach each student what they need to learn, based on their level, interests and professional goals. While many useful techniques and efficient work habits are taught, there is always room for new ways of thinking. And even though I am officially the teacher, there is always something new I learn from my students. We all perceive scent a little differently and sharing those concepts and impressions in the classes is invaluable. My students also teach my by forcing me to reflect on how I communicate both olfactory and abstract or interpersonal ideas.

The next term begins February 1st and there is room for up to 6 correspondence students in the first level. This will include an option for participation in the intensive weekend too, which will run either in May or June (more details TBA). To register you can pay online (the correspondence course fees include the essences kit for level 1) but you must first contact me with your CV and a cover letter explaining your reasons for applying to the course and your goals. There is an Early Bird price until November 30th offering 10% off the full tuition.

eau de dingsbums

Andy — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 06:48:58 +0000

I am not sure what the proper translation for dingsbums is… “thingummybob” maybe? That’s what leo, the online-dictionary, proposed. Dingsbums means “something, that I can’t remember the name right now, something not so important”. May neighbour who teared me out of my dreams when passing by her yesterday evening on the street, could have said so. She came accross something “extrême” and wondered whether this was mine…

You would not believe how many clients ask for the “L’air pour elle” or something similiar.

And even the W.-factor and me we sometimes talk about “eau d’extrême” ;-)

Names are tricky.
I am sitting in front of a little piece of paper with eau de dingsbums on it. I showed it to Vero, too. A couple of days ago we both found it better than the original version of a while ago. The base is untouched, but the head notes miss some of the spices’ sharpness. It is more pleasing. Easier. Nicer.
And because this is so, I decided to buy the remaining stock (not too much left) of orange flower absolute from my preferred supplier (You never know!), that is nice enough to give me all the certificates for the European superpower of bureaucratic dingsbums.