Beauty Maverick

Attention Fragrance Fanatics

If you’re in the NYC area tomorrow, you must stop by the new Chanel Fragrance and Beauté counter at Saks Fifth Avenue for a beauty event unlike any other.

Between the hours of 11:00-1:00pm, 2:00-4:00pm, and 5:00-7:00pm, a Chanel artisan will be showcasing the delicate craft of Baudruchage LIVE for all to see.

If you’re not familiar with Baudruchage, it’s the art of applying the iconic ‘CC’ seal that graces each authentic bottle of Chanel parfum. But Baudruchage is also as functional as it is luxurious, helping to preserve the scent so you’re able to enjoy it at its peak.

Should you be inspired by watching this cinematic process, be sure to explore their Olfactive Bar— It’s unlike anything you’ve ever experienced within the walls of a department store. Utilizing a new, patented ceramic blotter system, this table houses the 43 fragrance concentrates that encompass the entire range of CHANEL perfumery.  Intimidated? Don’t be, there’s also an on-site fragrance expert that can help guide your interactive journey.

Hope to see you there!

Chanel Fragrance and Beauté at Saks Fifth Avenue, 12 E 49th St, New York, NY‎.
For additional information ring +1 212 940 5305.

Madame by Jean Paul Gaultier

From his unique combination of classic scents, to the iconic bustier bottles and male busts, one could arguethat Jean Paul Gaultier is known more, stateside, for his signature scents than his controversial couture.

His latest creation, Madame, stays true to the playful, provocative nature of his fragrance collection- with just a bit more edge. And who better to embody such an image than runway-gone-rocker model Agyness Deyn?

Check out the commercial for Madame, above. I think it's actually quite charming, and a nice change from the over-the-top productions we've been seeing recently...

Ralph Lauren Notorious

Fragrance commercials for women generally follow the same (v. successful) recipe: 1 part model/starlet, 1 part gorgeous male lead, 2 parts famed director, and finished with a dash of mystery. I adore this classic combination as much as the next girl, but it’s also nice to get a glimpse of the reality behind these elaborate, 30-second love stories. Ralph Lauren’s Notorious: The Making Of (above) does just that, but without spoiling the mood. Fragrance is meant to excite and entice, after all.

Annick Goutal Le Chevrefeuille

I'm not quite sure why I'm so obsessed with this particular Annick Goutal scent; It's not as though I need another EdT (my attempts at a fragrance wardrobe have resulted in a small studio), but I just can't help myself. It's irresistible. 

Le Chevrefeuille holds notes of jasmine, honeysuckle, and lemon petitgrain, but is also noticeably green. It opens with a bright burst of citrus, then settles into a more sweet (yet green) honeysuckle scent. So many fragrances allow honeysuckle to overpower their composition, but Annick Goutal has managed to balance it beautifully with the other notes.

A perfect Spring/Summer scent.

Retailer: Beauty.con
Cost: $80.00

Jo Malone White Jasmine & Mint Cologne

I've been on a mission recently to expand my fragrance wardrobe, and how better to do so than with a visit to the Jo Malone boutique? I've never left disappointed (or empty- handed!).

In fact, Jo's fragrance blends are each so complex that I sometimes find myself drawn to scents I wouldn't generally consider. I've always been one for spicy or masculine fragrances (their Vetyver Cologne is lovely), but the new Jo Malone White Jasmine & Mint Cologne is simply to die for. I love it.

Upon first sniff, notes of fresh mint, coriander, and chamomile tickle the nose and settle to reveal an essence of jasmine and orange flower. The fragrance then finishes on rich notes of vetiver, musk, and cedar wood. It's quite an intriguing combination of scents, but they all work together brilliantly.

If you're looking for a fragrance that's light enough to layer or inspiring on it's own, this scent may be a wonderful addition to your collection. It's been a welcomed one to mine.

Retailer: JoMalone.com
Cost: $50.00-$95.00

Lovely Liquid Satin Perfume Wand

I've never been the slightest bit curious to try/buy a celebrity-inspired fragrance. Until now.

Sarah Jessica Parker's Lovely Liquid Satin Perfume Wand has truly surprised me. It meets none of my criteria for a celeb scent:
i) The celeb's name branded everywhere possible on the bottle/box...
ii) An aggressive scent that could ward off any animal, person, and/or unearthly creature within a five mile radius
iii) Packaging fit for a drawer

On the contrary, this beautifully designed casing holds an enchanting floral scent (with unexpected notes of amber and musk) that leaves only a subtle fragrance to the skin. Lovely indeed.

Retailer: Nordstrom.com
Cost: $30.00

Is It Okay to 'Steal' a Scent?

Do you remember when all you wanted to do was look and act like your closest girlfriends? Whether you were a cheerleader or a fan of the alternative scene, your ability to conform was something that could make or break you.

Of course, there were all sorts of rules and regulations. You should wear this nail polish or shop at that boutique, but never sport the same signature kicks as your best friend. It seems that these unspoken rules of wear follow us into adulthood, as we all covet the same 'it' bag, but would rather be caught dead than appear at an event wearing the same bejeweled Vivier sandals as a friend. It all seems logical at first thought, but is it?

That said, scent has been a topic of much debate for me. I'm all for sharing style secrets, clothing, accessories, and beauty products, but swapping scents with a close friend feels like what it would to exchange bras. There's just something much too personal about it.

It's true that fragrance transforms as it react to a person's individual chemistry, but the lingering scent seems to remain unchanged. In this age of fragrance 'wardrobing' (as oppose to having a signature scent), does it really matter in the end? Well, if it's your scent being worn by a close friend, perhaps the answer is clear. But, what if it's your girlfriend's fragrance you're lusting after? Tricky.

FlowerbyKenzo pictured.

Acqua di Parma Lavanda Tonica

A current obsession of mine, this fragrance smells divine on both men and women.

Initially, the scent of lavender is quite strong (as the name suggests), but then bergamot and musk introduce themselves, only to finish with a subtle rose scent on your skin. It’s all terribly intriguing and quite complex. I’m in love.

Retailer: Sephora.com
Cost: $58.00- $104.00

David Lynch for Gucci

Director David Lynch (think Blue Velvet and Lost Highway) is the creative force behind this commercial for the new Gucci by Gucci fragrance.

Thoughts?

The New Face of Coco Mademoiselle

Though it was initially speculated that Lindsay Lohan was favored by Karl Lagerfeld to replace Kate Moss as the new face of Coco Mademoiselle, Chanel has chosen instead to use Keira Knightley's classic beauty (and scandal-free persona) to represent the most youthful scent in their collection.

Check out the new Coco Mademoiselle commercial featuring Keira Knightly (above). I think it's beautifully done, but unfortunately the choice of music makes it a bit cliché. I wonder what brilliant think tank came up with using yet another version of L-O-V-E ...