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Beauty

Paco Rabanne FAME Eau De Parfum 10ml – October 2022

Introducing the fragrance release with Elle Fanning as the face, the FAME eau de parfum from the popular, Paco Rabanne. As quoted in the campaign; Empowering, enchanting, sensual, playful and irresistibly Parisian. She’s an icon. She’s a star. She’s FAME. A new covetable feminine fragrance that is embodied by a true star, the young American actor Elle Fanning. The FAME woman is the very essence of Paco Rabanne’s femininity. Radiant, self-confident, and multi-faceted as the Couturier’s iconic muses. I was lucky enough to receive this gorgeous scent to my desk for a couple of reviews and I’m so glad I have now discovered how pretty this perfume is. Let’s take a closer look at this new release from Paco Rabanne.

Product, Packaging & Texture
– Paco Rabanne FAME Eau De Parfum 10ml; the new empowering, enchanting and irresistibly Parisian fragrance from Paco Rabanne. Described as; sensual, playful. She’s an icon. She’s a star. She’s FAME. A new covetable feminine eau de parfum that is embodied by a true star. The young American actress Elle Fanning serves as the face of the campaign. The FAME woman is the very essence of Paco Rabanne’s femininity. Radiant, self-confident, and multi-faceted as the couturier’s iconic muses. With the top notes being; succulent mango and bergamot, middle notes of pure jasmine and olibanum, and base notes of vanilla and sandalwood. It is also described as having woody, floral and musk accords. I would say it starts of tropical with a hint of vanilla, then settles into a white floral with creamy incense. This particular travel size I have is 10ml, however the parfum comes in a full size range of 50ml or 80ml. There is a golden hue in the liquid of the fragrance and comes in a travel size 10ml glass tube with golden font and clip on lid. The full size bottles are very extravagant, just like FAME is. The packaging has a black and gold lid, with a golden base, the bottle itself has silver circles with golden tips patterned and layered down the neck and body of the bottle, with another golden base at the bottom, it is very avant-garde. If you’d like to see it, including the campaign promotional shots, take a look below.

Worldwide Prices & Availability
– Paco Rabanne FAME Eau De Parfum 10ml, 30ml, 50ml & 80ml;
Australia: $162 (50ml) – $215 (80ml) AUD
Available: online and in-store at Myer, David Jones and Sephora.

USA: $82.80 (30ml), $104.90 (50ml) – $138 (80ml) USD
Available: online at Paco Rabanne, online & in-store at Look Fantastic.

UK: £60 (30ml), £68 (50ml) – £110 (80ml) GBP
Available: online and in-store at Paco Rabanne, Boots, John Lewis and Selfridges.

New Zealand: $143 (50ml) – $252 (80ml) NZD
Available: online & in-store at The Loop Duty Free, and online at Farmers.

Canada: $122 (50ml) – $158 (80ml) CAD
Available: online & in-store at Perfume Online, The Bay and Look Fantastic.

My Thoughts & Impressions
– Paco Rabanne FAME Eau De Parfum 10ml; recently arrived to my desk, was this gorgeous travel size fragrance from Paco Rabanne, and I’ve been using it since. I was immediately impressed because I love creamy gourmand, incense, musk accorded scents and this is right up that alley. It opens with a delicious tropical note which has a touch of vanilla (I love it), then it kind of settles with a white floral, bergamot, sandalwood and musk creamy incense. It’s a very pretty fragrance, perfectly suited to any occasion, day or night. I have thoroughly enjoyed it and have been wearing it on a continual basis in my small rotation, that has become my favourite group of fragrances. I have the 10ml and its perfect to take on-the-go with me, it fits in my handbag easily and even my smaller shoulder bag. I can take it on trips with me as well, I highly recommend this gem, there is a reason it has become so popular everywhere. Would I repurchase? it is a very definite yes! I would spend the $162 on a 50ml full size for sure! I can see it going directly into my full size collection with no second thoughts, plus the full size bottles last such a longer time. I am one of those perfume people who wear a fragrance every day.

Disclaimer: the product featured in this post was kindly sent to me for a review. This post is not paid for and not an ad-post. As always, all thoughts and opinions are honest and my own. Most of the photos in this post were taken by myself and are copyrighted, they require permission from myself for any reuse or republishing. The remaining photos are official promotional shots from the products campaign with Paco Rabanne. I have given credit to the brand for those in the images’ caption.

Beauty

Jo Malone London: Peony & Blush Suede – August 2020

Jo Malone London: Peony & Blush Suede – August 2020

Introducing one of my favourite fragrance scents from the popular Jo Malone London. This is the first fragrance that I ever tried from JML and I am hooked! It is such a stunning mixture of notes and it’s clear to see why it is one of the top sold scents from the range. If you haven’t already tested out this one and you get a chance to, I highly recommend it. In this blog post, I wished to talk about the finer details of this beauty, including the note range, inspiration behind it, all the way down to the packaging.


Let’s begin talking about the notes, starting with the top down to the base. There is a lovely floral section that is so soft and pretty, the select flowers are perfect together. There are so many things I love about this fragrance, and yes, I am already planning on a back up. My current bottle (one seen in this blog post) is now only half full, it is my go-to and I wear it everywhere.

Top; crisp red apple
Middle; jasmine, peonies in fresh bloom, carnation, gillyflower and rose
Base; luxurious blush suede

It’s that type of fragrance that has to be smelt in person to truly understand how delightful the mix of these notes are. The blend is stunning and spectacular! There is a reason this fragrance has 215 reviews for 5 stars, it is such a gorgeous one that will be forever loved I feel. Let’s start talking about the other finer details.

Product & Packaging
– Jo Malone London Peony & Blush Suede 50ml; the fragrance is housed in a clear, smooth glass 50ml bottle with a beige cream bordered labelling on the front. The font is black text clearly written with the title at the in the centre. The lid is a shiny silver round knob with an embossed edge design, it is absolutely stunning and the simplicity of this design is perfect. It is a spray spritz cologne, so the silver top has a nozzle it easily can be pressed and sprayed out of. I love the secure lid that clicks as it goes on and it’s quite perfect to take traveling with as well. I find the 50ml is a great size as it’s not too heavy or bulky, as the 100ml can be sometimes, depending on your situation. The product is made in England and ‘Jo Malone London’ the brand also originates from the UK, as you can tell in the title ‘London’.


Worldwide Prices & Availability
– Jo Malone London Peony & Blush Suede 50ml;
Australia: $106 AUD – 30ml, $145 AUD – 50ml and $212 AUD – 100ml
Available: online and in-store at Jo Malone Australia, Myer, Mecca and David Jones.

USA: $74 USD – 30ml, $144 USD – 100ml
Available: online & in-store at Jo Malone USA, Sephora USA and Nordstrom.

UK: £50 GBP – 30ml, £70 GBP – 50ml, £100 GBP – 100ml
Available: online and in-store at Jo Malone London UK, Selfridges, Look Fantastic, John Lewis and Harrods.


My Thoughts & Review
I am in love with this fragrance and I will forever buy it. It is stunning, absolute perfection, I’m the kind that enjoys floral scents as long as it’s subdued and not too strong and this is that. It blends out so perfectly but has a lovely musk after scent that lasts all day/night long. It is such a beautiful concoction of notes and it’s easily been one of Jo Malone London‘s top selling fragrances over the past few years. I am SO glad I discovered it and it’s the first scent from them I had ever tried, as I mentioned above earlier. Now there is three Jo Malone fragrances in my collection and I’ll update you in an upcoming post which other scents I have since added to my dresser. Would I repurchase? – without any doubt! I have already started planning to get a backup for when my current one runs out. It is THAT good and it’s fast become my top favourite fragrance out of all fragrances and it’s my go-to, I wear it everywhere. I hope you have found this blog review insightful and if you were ever curious about this one, I highly recommend checking it out, you might be able to get a sample from one of the David Jones or Myer counters, or even at Mecca too.

Disclaimer; all products mentioned and featured in this blog post were purchased with my own money, and all thoughts and opinions are my own, as always.

Fragrance

Michael Kors Wonderlust Sublime 100ml – October 2019

Michael Kors Wonderlust Sublime 100ml – October 2019

Introducing a new fragrance to my collection, the Michael Kors Wonderlust Sublime in 100ml. With top notes of sweet orange blossom, cardamom, mandarin, pepper and dianthus, middle notes of jasmine, carnation and tahitian tiare flower and bottom notes of sandalwood, vanilla, amber and tonka bean.. it is a summery floral affair. Warm and pretty. It is described as;

‘A sublime feeling of warmth and the soft glow of bronzed skin right before sunset. Capturing the enchantment of golden hour.’

I love wearing it for evening outings like dinners or get togethers, it really arrived at the perfect time for Spring & Summer in Australia. Encased in a gorgeous golden hue’d glass pump bottle with gold chrome detailing and font, it sparkles when the direct sun touches it! Launched for the Summer of 2019 and with model Gigi Hadid as the face of its campaign. Photography from the gorgeous ocean of Turks & Caicos, Gigi leans on and whistles over a huge vintage turntable that is playing ‘Beyond The Sea’ by Reneé Dominique’s. Check it out below;

Michael Kors Wonderlust Sublime 100ml

As you can see above, the packaging is very luxe and sleek with gold details, it’s like a lit-from-within glow. I have found it to be one of the most unique fragrances I’ve tried in a while, I absolutely love the vanilla base and the orange blossom. All the notes goes so well together, a really pretty mix! Have you tried this one before?

Availability & Pricing;
In Australia; the 100ml is available at Myer for $155 AUD and the 50ml is also available there for $125 AUD. Both the 50-100ml is also available at David Jones for between $125 AUD (50ml) – $155 AUD (100ml).

In the UK; the 100ml is available at Boots for £95 GBP. It’s also available at Debenhams for £41.65 GBP (30ml), for £59.50 GBP (50ml) and for £80.75 GBP (100ml). It is also available at John Lewis for between £39.20 (30ml) – £76.00 (100ml), the 50ml is £56.00 GBP.

In the USA; it is available at Ulta for between $70 – $115 USD. 100ml for $115 USD. The 100ml is also available at Macy’s for $118 USD.

Michael Kors Wonderlust Sublime 100ml

Would I Restock?
I most definitely would, heres why; not only is it a unique white floral fragrance with a base of blended vanilla & pepper, it has the perfect accords all mixed together. It’s stunning and suitable for the warm afternoons & evenings we’re about to experience in Australia. I love the gorgeous gold detailed packaging too!

Michael Kors Wonderlust Sublime 100ml

Disclaimer
The above Michael Kors Wanderlust Sublime fragrance was kindly sent in to me for consideration of content & review. This does not alter my honest thoughts and opinions in any way.

Fragrance

Sampling The Scents: January 2019 – Tocca, Tory Burch, Jo Malone, Estee Lauder, BLVGARI & Prada

Hello and welcome to my first blog post for 2019; introducing the January 2019 edition of my ‘Sampling The Scents’ series. If you’re new here, this post will feature six different fragrance samples where I will share my thoughts on each scent and provide my own personal star rating. Without furthermore, lets dive into the fourth instalment of ‘Sampling The Scents‘. Starting it off for January 2019. Allow me to introduce this month’s scents for the series, featuring; Tocca – Cleopatra, Jo Malone – Pomegranate Noir, Tory Burch – Just Like Heaven, Prada – Candy Sugar Pop, Estee Lauder – Modern Muse Nuit and last but not least, BLVGARI – OMNIA Pink Sapphire. These samples have been included in various beauty orders I’ve made throughout the last year, lets go through each one..

The Fragrances and Their Notes

– Tocca Cleopatra; starting off with top notes of cassis, grapefruit, green leaves and blackcurrant, with middle notes of peach, tuberose and jasmine, while ending with base notes of vanilla, musk, amber and patchouli. Released globally in May 2007, developed in collaboration by Tocca’s own world reknowned perfumer’s Ellen Molner, Sonia Constant and James Bell, ‘Cleopatra’ is inspired by the iconic Mediterranean seductress and reflects whats thought to be her personal favourite notes in sweet grapefruit, luxury Egyptian jasmine and rich Indian patchouli. The campaign for Cleopatra really began at the end of 2016 when Tocca announced briefly that they’ll be releasing a new in-house fragrance in 2007.. not long after it was announced with the title and debuted in May of 2007. Cleopatra went on to inspire further fragrances depicting from iconic women and other exotic locationsa from around the world.

– Tory Burch Just Like Heaven; it starts off with top notes of hyacinth, rhubarb and mandarin orange, with middle notes of heliotrope and ylang ylang, while rounding it up with base notes of spicy tonka bean. ‘Just Like Heaven’ marks Tory’s tenth fragrance launch and was released in April 2018 with a launch event held at Manhattan, New York’s Le Coucou restuarant, guests included actress Mindy Kaling, model Chanel Iman, Sofia Sanchez among others with canadian singer Jessie Reyez performing The Cure’s song ‘Just Like Heaven’. All guests were handed an orange burch gift bag when they left. ‘Just Like Heaven’ is inspired by thoughts of luxury and dreams with a touch of femininity and consists of a citrus mixture in notes.

– Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir; starts out with top notes of watermelon, plum, rhubarb, pomegranate and raspberry, with middle notes of clove, rose, pink pepper, jasmine, lily of the valley, frankincense, spicy woods, opoponax, guaiac wood and olibanum, rounding out with base notes of musk, amber, patchouli and virginia cedar. Released globally in December 2005 and was developed by perfumer Beverley Bayne. ‘Pomegranate Noir’ comes available in 30ml and 100ml size bottles.

– Estee Lauder Modern Muse Nuit; it starts off with top notes of citrus, mandarin orange and cassis, with middle notes of heliotrope, chamomile and Chinese jasmine, it settles with base notes of Madagascar vanilla, musk, amber, spicy tonka bean, sandalwood and patchouli. ‘Modern Muse Nuit’ was released globally in October 2016 and the face of the campaign is model Kendall Jenner. The bottle is a tall, slim golden tower with a navy blue ombre upper topping. It comes available in a 30ml, 50ml and 100ml size.

– BLVGARI OMNIA Pink Sapphire; top notes of pink pepper, pink grapefruit, and pink pomelo, with middle notes of peach, frangipani, rose and tiare flower, and is based with sandalwood, orris root, musk, vanilla and woody notes. ‘OMNIA Pink Sapphire’ was inspired by taking chances, spontaneity and sweetness reflecting festive floral hues. Developed by perfumer Alberto Morillas, it was released globally in April 2018 with a launch event held at the Goldstein Residence in Los Angeles, CA. Guests included Amanda Cerny and Gala Gonzalez. The multiple faces of the fragrances campaign were Amanda Steele, Madison Beer and Margaret Zhang. The bottle design is the iconic BLVGARI ‘B’ with hot pink edges and chrome detailing. The fragrance comes available in a 25ml, 40ml and 65ml size.

– Prada Candy Sugar Pop; top notes of bergamot leaf, citruses, red apple and bergamot, with middle notes of white peach and florals, and based with caramel and vanilla notes. ‘Candy Sugar Pop’ released globally in February 2018 and was developed by perfumer Daniela Andrier, the launch campaign was lead by model Lexi Bolling. It was inspired by original signature caramel fragrance ‘Candy’ from Prada, however this time with a fun ironic twist into youthfulness. The bottle is inspired by Prada’s own three-layered Saffiano bag with being a tall slim pastel pink with baby blue spin top lid, yellow bottom, white rim around the top and gold detailing in font and the trims. It is available in the 30ml, 50ml and 80ml sizes.

My Thoughts & Ratings
Some of these I have already bought as I loved them, others I have tested out over the last few months and have gathered my thoughts on each one, so lets head right into the ratings and break it down:

 

Tocca Cleopatra; this has easily became one of my favourite scents to date! It’s soft, light, feminine and floral.. just how I like my fragrances. I first tried this in-store at Mecca Maxima and I have loved it ever since. In Christmas 2017, I purchased a gift set from Tocca that included a rollerball size sample and then just last Christmas of 2019, I again purchased another Tocca gift set that was solely ‘Cleopatra’ and came with a rollerball sample and a mini deluxe size bottle. My mother was visiting for Christmas holidays recently and I introduced it to her, after showing her she loved it just as much so I do, so I gifted her one of the miniature bottles from the gift set. It is such a terrific scent and perfect for any occasion, even on a casual day. Rating: I will definitely give this one a 5/5 ★★★★★.

Tory Burch Just Like Heaven; …. Rating: I will give this one a 4/5 ★★★★☆.

Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir; I instantly notice the raspberry in this one, even over the pomegranate. It doesn’t necessarily open strong but it has a strength within it, there is a real sweet softness to it. Rating: I will give this one a 3/5 ★★★☆☆.

Estee Lauder Modern Muse Nuit; … Rating: I will give this one a 5/5 ★★★★★.

BLVGARI OMNIA Pink Sapphire; … Rating: I will give this one a 3/5 ★★★☆☆.

Prada Candy Sugar Pop; …. Rating: I will give this one a 3/5 ★★★☆☆.

Where To Buy & Availability
Liked the sounds of one of the fragrances you saw on this post? Want to purchase it? I’ve got you covered! Please find below all the info you need on availability, pricing, locations, etc.

Tocca Cleopatra – the 50ml for $105 AUD at Mecca and the 50ml is also available for $138.95 AUD at Cosmetics Now Australia.

Tory Burch Just Like Heaven – the 50ml for $185.95 AUD at Cosmetics Now Australia.

Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir – the 30ml is $98 AUD at Myer and the 100ml is $198 AUD at Myer. The 30ml is $98 AUD at Jo Malone Australia and the 100ml is $198 AUD at Jo Malone Australia as well.

Estee Lauder Modern Muse Nuit – the 50ml is $65 AUD at Priceline Australia, the 50ml is also available at Adore Beauty Official.

BLVGARI OMNIA Pink Sapphire – the 65ml is available for $102 AUD at Straberry.Net and the 40ml is also available for $84.50 AUD at Strawberry.Net.

Prada Candy Sugar Pop – the 50ml is available for $142 AUD at Myer and the 80ml is also available for $179 AUD at Myer as well.

Would I Purchase the Full Sizes?
With a couple of them, yes. I’ve already purchased Tocca ‘Cleopatra’ a number of times from <b>Mecca Maxima</b> and once my gift sets have ran out, I’ll purchase the full size bottle because I really LOVE it THAT much! I would also definitely purchase the full size of the Estee Lauder ‘Modern Muse Nuit’, it is a lovely fragrance. I tend to love soft floral hued scents and these two aforementioned are right up there! In terms of the Tory Burch ‘Just Like Heaven’, I feel its nice but not one I love enough to purchase a full bottle of. The same goes with BLVGARI ‘OMNIA Pink Sapphire’, it is a tad too sweet for me to want to fork out money on it, the Jo Malone ‘Pomegranate Noir’ isn’t a typical scent I would wear but I do love this one, so I think I would say yes I would purchase a bottle of that one, perhaps just a small size bottle. And lastly but not least, Prada’s ‘Candy Sugar Pop’ is another one I WOULD purchase a small size bottle of, it is a delectable scent that I cannot go past. Much like the original but a bit softer in a sense, at least for my personal taste it’s a ‘yes’. That concludes the first instalment to my ‘Sampling The Scents’ series for 2019, I hope you have enjoyed learning more about these popular fragrances. xo.

Fragrance

Sampling The Scents: May 2018 – Marc Jacobs, Tom Ford, YSL, Prada, John Varvatos & Guerlain

Sampling The Scents: May 2018 – Marc Jacobs, Tom Ford, YSL, Prada, John Varvatos & Guerlain

Welcome to the May 2018 edition of my ‘Sampling The Scents’ series. If you’re new here, this post will feature six different perfumed fragrances, where I will share my thoughts on each scent and provide my own personal star rating on. Without furthermore, lets dive into the third instalment of ‘Sampling The Scents‘, for May 2018. To start it all off, let me introduce this month’s scents..

Sampling The Scents: May 2018; featuring Marc Jacobs, Tom Ford, YSL, Prada, John Varvatos & Guerlain.

Intro
As you will see, my May 2018 ‘Sampling The Scents’ series features; Marc Jacobs, Tom Ford, YSL, Prada, John Varvatos and last but not least, Guerlain. These particular samples are from shopping orders that I’ve made and I love the fact that you can sample fragrances this way to see what you really like before buying a full size bottle! Let’s get ready to go through them all..

The Fragrances and Their Notes

– Marc Jacobs Decadence; starting off with top notes of Iris, Saffron and Plum, with middle notes of Bulgarian Rose, Jasmin Sambac and Orris, while ending with base notes of Amber, Papyrus and Vetiver. Released globally in June 2015, developed by perfumer’s Annie Buzantian and Anne Gottlieb, ‘Decadence’ is considered to be the first mature fragrance from the designer house and exudes sexy and sophistication. The campaign for Decadence was shot by Steven Meisel and starred model Adriana Lima as the face of the campaign. The bottle packaging is inspired an Emerald Green handbag with python pattern and is depicting a personal talisman of the designer by representing glamour and opulence. The bottle is a replica of the emerald green handbag with python pattern and gold chain detailing by the sides and gold font title. Decadence comes available in the sizes of 30ml, 50ml and 100ml.

– Tom Ford Black Orchid; it starts off with top notes of Ylang Ylang, Lemon, Gardenia, Patchouli, Truffle, Bergamot, Black Currant, Jasmine, Mandarin & Tuber, with middle notes of Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Orchid, Lotus, Gardenia, Fruit & Spices, while rounding it up with base notes of Vanilla, Amber, Sandalwood, Dark Chocolate Cocoa, Vetiver, White Musk & Incense. ‘Black Orchid’ was released in November 2006 at Saks Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, New York as the first fragrance under Tom Ford Beauty and was developed by perfumers David Arpel and Pierre Negrin from Givaudan. ‘Black Orchid’ is a woody, oriental scent that was designed to be classically dark. Full of spices, inspiring dark chocolate, remaining modern, timeless & opulent. The darkest Black Orchid was in mind with the creation of this popular scent. The bottle is a black sleek elongated design with rigid line grooves throughout in a pattern and a gold flat plaque title in the centre front. It typically comes available in a 50ml and 100ml size bottle but also offers a limited edition size 15ml.

– YSL Black Opium; starts out with top notes of Pear, Pink Pepper, Orange Blossom, Vanilla & Coffee Bean, with middle notes of Jasmine, Almond, Coffee Bean & Licoruce. The base notes consist of Vanilla, Patchouli, Cashmere Wood & Cedar. Released globally in September of 2014, Yves Saint Laurent went for a glam rocked up interpretation of the classic which highlights the mysterious and darker side to YSL. Developed by perfumers Marie Salamagne & Nathalie Lorson, alongside perfumers Olivier Cresp & Honorine Blanc, whom designer the compositions. British model Edie Campbell served as the face of the campaign, which was shot by Daniel Wolfe. The bottle is a dark black, elegantly detailed with shiny black sequins giving it a glam, luxe look with the title emblazoned in capital black font with a round rose gold background. ‘Black Opium’ comes available in a 30ml, 50ml and 100mk size.

– Prada Candy; it starts off with top notes of Musk, Caramel & Benzoin, with middle notes of Powdered Orris & Musk, then it settles with base notes of Vanilla, Musk & Benzoin. ‘Candy’ was released globally in August 2011 under the fashion house and was designed by perfumer Daniela Andrier to inspire a fun, bright, sensual and bold fragrance that is very feminine. The campaign starred French model/actress Lea Seydoux and was shot by Jean Paul Goude. The bottle is a tall, slim golden tower with a black push top lid. Hot pink foreground details the top of the glass bottle while the title emblazoned in gold lettering shines bright. It comes available in a 30ml, 50ml and 80ml size.

– John Varvatos John Varvatos Classic; top notes of Coriander, Leather, Lime, Plum & Sandalwood, with middle notes of Pepper, Sage, Cinnamon, Cedar & Indian Fig, and rounding off with base notes of Fig Leaf, Tamarind & Amber. ‘John Varvatos Classic’ was released globally in March 2004 as the first ever fragrance under the fashion house, titled ‘John Varvatos’ and created as a men’s cologne. It was developed in cooperation with perfumer Rodrigo Flores Roux. John Varvatos would later expand the fragrance line to women as well. ‘John Varvatos’ bottle design is a sleek black glass oval shape with a leather banding going around it with silver font emblazoned across the front saying ‘John Varvatos’, the tip spray is a silver metal push down. It exudes sleekness! It comes available in a 75ml and 125ml bottle, with also a 75ml deodorant stick, a 125ml aftershave and a 250ml bath & shampoo gel as part of a extra collection.

– Guerlain Mon; starting out with top notes of Vanilla, Bergamot, Courmarin & Lavender, with middle notes of Iris, Rose & Jasmine, and ending with base notes of Vanilla, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Benzoin, Licorice & Courmarin. ‘Guerlain Mon’ was released globally in March 2017 with well known Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie as the face of the campaign. Jacques Guerlain states that his company Guerlain, liked to create perfume for the women that it admires. Created and developed by perfumers Thierry Wasser and Delphine Jelk, Thierry was inspired to create a scent filled with notes of a woman and the choices, dreams and emotions that embody modern day feminity. The fragrance bottle is a classic glass squared dome shape with gold detailing for the rim and a clear crystal-like, rounded mushroom lid. It comes available in 30ml, 50ml and 100ml sizes.
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My Thoughts & Ratings
After a couple of months of trialling these out for different occasions, I have gathered my thoughts on each one, lets break it down:

Marc Jacob Decadence; this is something completely different than to any of the previous releases from Marc Jacobs, and yet this still oozes luxury and taste. Much like all the other MJ fragrances have done. Upon first experience of this one, I notice the a bolder, spicier, sweet plum hue and amber straight away.. then comes in the sharp rose aroma and vetiver. It’s quite a woody scent in a way & a lot darker, deeper but yet remains very feminine all the while. I like it, it’s different than any of my other fragrances, it’s actually a very unique scent that grows on you in time! Rating: I will give this one a 3/5 ★★★☆☆.

Tom Ford Black Orchid; instantly with this I can smell the white musk, then the jasmine and vetiver set in with the dark chocolate cocoa lingering at the end.. this is a strong scent, I must admit I don’t like the dark chocolate at the end, it throws it off for me. I feel as though the white musk and vanilla saves this, it’s a bit too spicy for me. I think this would be perfect for a bold statement but it’s personally not for me.Rating: I will give this one a 2/5 ★★☆☆☆.

YSL Black Opium; I instantly notice the jasmine, then the vanilla.. it opens strong and sweet. Coming in next is the coffee bean, then it sets with orange blossom lingering. I like how this one starts off strong but mellows out to the orange blossom and its very pleasant and bright, fun! I really enjoy the bubbly nature of this one, its a lot of fun but it also exudes class, luxury and femininity all rolled into one. I quite like this one, it’s nice. Perfect for a night out of a few drinks with friends or even a lunch with the girls. I definitely give this one a 3/5 ★★★☆☆.

Prada Candy; this opens with a sweet essence of vanilla, musk and caramel all rolled into one. At first you think it’s going to be strong throughout but it blends out nicely and mellows to a sweet vanilla-ry musk with a settlement of caramel lingering at the base. It stays put too, I really love this one for a fun night out! It’s exudes femininity and style.. I picture wearing a summery dress with this on! I’m a big fan. I must admit, at first I was thinking it would stay too sweet but it surprisingly mellows out and softens down. I love fragrances that can achieve this! I give this beautiful release a big 4/5 ★★★★☆.

John Varvatos John Varvatos Classic; this opens with coriander and lime, I notice the leather and cedar coming through next, and it settles with pepper and plum. It is a unique scent and for a bold one, I quite like it. I feel like this one is a unisex fragrance, it starts off strong but blends out to a nice base. I give this a 3/5 ★★★☆☆.

Guerlain Mon; opening with musk, vanilla, rose and bergamot. I am instantly a fan! Its softer than most musks, it’s subdued and a beautiful blend of aroma’s. I can see myself wearing this for any occasion; brunch, lunch, dinner, at the cinema, a festival, a fair, any event & anywhere! I love it! It’s feminine, sexy, fun and softly sweet! I definitely give this one 5/5 ★★★★★.

Sampling The Scents: May 2018; featuring Marc Jacobs, Tom Ford, YSL, Prada, John Varvatos & Guerlain.

Where To Buy & Availability
Liked the sounds of one of the fragrances you saw on this post? Want to purchase it? I’ve got you covered! Please find below all the info you need on availability, pricing, locations, etc.

Marc Jacobs Decadence – the 30ml for $90 AUD, 50ml for $135 AUD & the 100ml for $171 AUD at Myer, the 50ml for $150 AUD at Priceline, the 50ml for $89.99 AUD at Chemist Warehouse, the 100ml for $129.99 AUD at Chemist Warehouse and the 30ml for $80 AUD, the 50ml for $99 AUD & the 100ml for $157 AUD currently at Strawberrynet.

Tom Ford Black Orchid – the 50ml for $139 AUD at Priceline and the 30ml for $108 AUD, the 50ml for $167.50 AUD & the 100ml for $231.50 AUD at Strawberrynet.

YSL Black Opium – the 90ml for $119.99 AUD at Chemist Warehouse, the 50ml for $149 AUD at Priceline, the 90ml for $199 AUD at Priceline and the 30ml for $99 AUD, the 50ml for $165 AUD & the 90ml for $218 AUD at Myer.

Prada Candy – the 50ml is $99.99 AUD at Priceline, the 30ml for $85 AUD, the 50ml for $116 AUD & the 80ml for $154 AUD at Strawberrynet and currently the 50ml for $127.80 AUD & the 80ml for $161.10 AUD at Myer.

John Varvatos – the 75ml is $66 AUD & the 125ml is $84 AUD at Strawberrynet and the 75ml is currently $76.50 AUD & the 125ml is $103.50 AUD at Myer.

Guerlain Mon – the 30ml is $79.99 AUD at Chemist Warehouse, the 50ml is $99.99 AUD at Chemist Warehouse, the 30ml is $92 AUD, the 50ml is $129.50 AUD & the 100ml is $172.50 AUD at Strawberrynet and currently the 30ml is $91.80 AUD, the 50ml is $126 AUD & the 100ml is $184.50 AUD (normally $205 AUD) at Myer.

Would I Purchase the Full Sizes?
Referring to the big question, would I purchase the full size of any of the fragrances listed in this post? Let’s get through each one.. starting with Marc Jacobs Decadence; I like this as it grew on me, I will admit that at first I wasn’t that into it, but after a while I recognise its uniqueness and how mellowing out it becomes. I definitely like it, but it’s not my favourite so I think I would just use up the rest of the sample I have and that would be it. With Tom Ford Black Orchid; I was a bit disappointed. It’s true to it’s description in terms of notes, and it’s definitely different, for my personal taste though I think I will pass. I just didn’t like the dark chocolate cocoa, it threw it off for me. Anyone the same? Onto YSL Black Opium; I found this one to be bright, fun, bubbly and a nice fragrance to wear on any occasion, it is a tad strong at first but it softens down nicely and is a good perfume, so yes, I would buy a bottle of this. Going onto Prada Candy; I love it! Again like Black Opium, this one starts out a little strong but mellows out and subdues down to a nice, pretty feminine scent. I love the white musk and caramel in this a lot! I would definitely buy a bottle of this one. With John Varvatos John Varvatos Classic; I feel like this one is a unisex fragrance and although I don’t typically like woody, bold scents that much.. this one grows well on me and has become a favourite. It starts off with a lime and coriander and turns into plum and pepper. I love the vetiver in it, I think I would use the rest of this sample and I’m still on the fence whether I’d buy a bottle or not, but I did like it, so maybe? Last but not least, definitely not least.. is Guerlain Mon; the answer is a big YES!, I thoroughly love this! It’s luxury, sexy, sensual, feminine and fun! I immediately love the vanilla and musk, and the rose that rounds it out. Absolutely in love with it! I could wear this one everywhere! I’ve already added it to my ‘buy’ list. That concludes this month’s ‘Sampling The Scents’, I hope you have enjoyed reading more about these particular fragrances and I hope you look forward to next month’s instalment. Have a great week ahead! xo

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