Month: January 2012

Categories
Fragrance Reviews

Honore Des Pres – Honore’s Trip Fragrance Review


* Perfect for those with sensitive skin, Honore des Pres fragrances are 100% natural and organic.

* The fragrance starts with a burst of really fresh and ripe citrus – blood orange and tangerine.

* Although it’s an Eau de Toilette, it reminds me of an Eau de Cologne with its focus on citrus.

* The scent goes from a fresh start to a brief period of bitter citrus with a touch of musk.

* Great for the summer as a refresher, the short life span ends on a sweet note with lightly candied orange.

Summary:  Honore’s Trip falls into the trap of many natural fragrances that lack longevity, as it barely lasts two hours on my skin.  To me that makes it more of an eau de cologne or a splash rather than an eau de toilette.  While it lasts it’s a nice citrus burst.  If you’re a naturalist or have sensitive skin, this would be a good option for you.  If you can handle non-organic chemicals, you can find more reasonably priced and longer lasting citrus fragrances out there.

Honore Des Pres fragrances are available from online shops listed on the Honore Des Pres website.

Categories
Grooming

Art of Shaving Ocean Kelp Shaving Kit Review


* Ocean kelp is said to have many benefits for the skin- including restoring moisture, nourishing and revitalizing, as well as detoxification.

* For this new scent, they have switched from a pre-shave oil to a pre-shave gel.  The gel is much easier to use because it stays in your hand when you apply it rather than seeping out.

* The Ocean Kelp scent is a very light aquatic.  It feels fresh and revitalizing but is definitely not overpowering.  It will not interfere with any cologne that you put on afterwards.

*  The shaving cream produces a nice usable foam with very little frothing needed.  The foam stays in place and is very lubricating.

* The after shave product has changed from a balm to a lotion.  Comparing the unscented balm to the Ocean Kelp lotion, the lotion is nearly transparent, much lighter, and absorbs more quickly in the skin.  There is a slight cooling sensation that is a bit energetic.

Summary:  If you are a fan of Art of Shaving, the Ocean Kelp kit is definitely worth checking out.  The scent is not too strong, but there is enough aroma for a sense.  I’ve been using the unscented kit for a while and made the switch with very good results.   If you are new to wet shaving, the kit is a great way to get started.  Art of Shaving stores offer a DVD to show you how to use a brush to prepare and basic wet shaving techniques.

Art of Shaving products are available from select department stores, The Art of Shaving boutiques and from The Art of Shaving Website.

Categories
Home Fragrances

Cire Trudon Nazareth Candle Review

* The Maison de Cire Trudon is the oldest wax-producing factory in the world, founded in 1642.

* On first smell, bright citrus mixed with cinnamon is what hits you.

* The candle burns incredibly cleanly – there is no smoke whatsoever.

* As the scent develops, a light jasmine and plum tone comes into play, but it’s the citrus and cinnamon that dominate.

* A candle’s throw is a measure of strength or how much area is scented by it.  The throw of Cire Trudon candles are amazing – it fills the entire room and spreads into adjacent areas.

* Over time, a touch of vanilla and a light, ambery musk flesh out the base notes.  However, it’s the cinnamon and citrus that stay the focus.

Summary:  I discovered Cire Trudon candles when I was in Paris and was blown away.  They are truly the highest quality candles I have ever experienced.  Maybe it’s the historical and royal pedigree, but the way the scent fills the room is permeating but not overpowering.  This candle could is most likely a Christmas themed candle (hence the red glass), but I found it quite wonderful to burn throughout the intervening months.  They aren’t cheap – but these luxurious candles burn more than 80 hours.

Cire Trudon candles are available at Barneys New York, Luckyscent, Aedes de Venustas, and Min NY.

Categories
Uncategorized

Histoires De Parfums 1969 Fragrance Review


* Histoires de Parfums creates scents inspired by history. 1969 represents sexual revolution.

* The top notes are dirty fruit. That may sound odd, but these aren’t feminine-leaning sweet fruits, but peach and apricot with a sensual feel.

* I discovered the HdP line at the Jovoy boutique in Paris. I smelled the top notes and was awestruck. I bought a bottle nearly blind. It’s been the best nearly blind purchase in my collection.

* In the middle, cloves come to the forefront with a dark floral and a dark patchouli in the background. The interplay between the two is quite sexy.

* The patchouli isn’t the dirty hippie patchouli you might expect form 1969.

* The dry down is amazing. A delicious blend of cocoa and coffee with the patchouli and clove sticking around.

* This fragrance is strong and lasts a long time – definitely not one for the office but great for nighttime. It smells even better the next day after sleeping with it on.

* I did a morning gym workout after wearing 1969 the night before. The sweat reintensified the notes making them quite strong. If you were to wear this while dancing at a club, you would definitely be noticed.

Summary: Histoires de Parfums 1969 evokes the time period but doesn’t feel like old hippie. The top and middle notes are great, don’t get me wrong, but the base is pure heaven and it lasts a long time. Can you tell that I love this fragrance?

Histoires de Parfums 1969 is available from LuckyScent and the Histoires de Parfums Website.