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Sephora Fragrance For All Event

December 19, 2023

Sephora Fragrance for All Event, Save 20% off

Sephora’s Fragrance For All Event is here with 20% off full-size fragrances for Beauty Insiders! The event runs through 12/24 with code FRAGRANCE20 at checkout (one-time use). They carry a wide range of perfume brands so if there’s something you wanted to try or stock up on this is a great time to save! Some exclusions apply. If you’re not a member you can sign up for free here.

Best Winter Perfumes at Sephora

Scent is seasonal for me so I rotate depending on time of year, but here are few that I really love.

Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt is my go-to for the best year round scent. It’s the best earthy woody scent with ambrette seeds, sea salt and sage. Nothing else compares and I love that it can also be unisex.

Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt

Wearing:

Phlur Missing Person Perfume

You girls know my love for Phlur and I would say my most reached-for scents are from this line. Missing Person is the best skin-like musk scent. It’s warm, cozy, skin-like with a tiny bit of spice. It has a soothing comforting feel to me with white musk, bergamot, blonde wood, orange blossom, jasmine.

Best Phlur Perfumes: Missing Person, Somebody Wood, Vanilla Skin

Phlur Somebody Wood is another one I love for a warm cozy sandalwood amber musk mix. I like layering this with Missing Person, but it’s great on its own too.

The Phlur Skin, Hair and Body Mists are beautiful. I think Vanilla Skin is one of the best cozy vanillas ever made. It’s sweet but not too sweet. Has a soft warm feel I think I could definitely wear year round.

Viktor and Rolf’s Flowerbomb

For date-night spicy scents, I think Viktor and Rolf’s Flowerbomb and YSL Libre are the best ones. I just tried the Libre Absolu Platine which has a fresh floral vibe to it (really pretty).

YSL Libre and Libre Absolu Platine

Best Sephora Perfumes to shop during the Fragrance for All Event

The Sephora Fragrance For All Events runs now through 12/24 for Beauty Insiders. If you’re not a member yet you can sign up for free here! Use code FRAGRANCE20 at checkout for 20% off full-sized perfumes!

If you’re shopping for last minute gifts they are offering same day delivery for select areas with Free Same-Day Delivery using code GETGIFTS (for beauty insiders only, ends 12/24 at 12pm PT.)

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Sponsored by Sephora.

Fragrance Gift Guide

Holiday Gift Ideas from Guerlain

December 18, 2023

Holiday Gift Ideas from Guerlain

We have one week before Christmas and I am so excited to share a look at some exquisite last minute gift ideas from Guerlain. They sent over a few things to try, all of which I think would make an exceptionally beautiful gift whether you’re looking to treat yourself or a perfume lover. I’ve ordered several things from Guerlain in the past year, and they always come beautifully boxed and wrapped.

For last minute gifts they are offering complimentary express shipping on all orders now through 12/21 and also offering a 4-piece Abeille Royale Gift Set on orders $200+ with code HOLIDAY2023.

Holiday Gift Ideas from Guerlain

Holiday Gift Ideas from Guerlain

Skincare Sets

For the skincare lover they have quite a few Abeille Royale Skincare Sets this year. If you love the Watery Youth Oil they have it in multiple sets, some come with cute makeup bags. The Honey Care Ritual Set ($195) has a full-size oil along with a small Abeille Royale Eye Cream and KissKiss Bee Balm in 258 Rose Glow (a pretty pink). This one comes in a boxed set.

Guerlain Abeille Royale Honey Care Ritual

Perfume Discovery Sets

Guerlain L'Art & La Matiere The Perfumer's Floral Harmony Set

I love perfume discovery sets and I think they make great gifts. They’re the perfect way to try on different scents at your own pace at home.

This year they have a few different perfume discovery sets for their L’Art and La Matiere perfume line. I bought one a few years ago and I absolutely loved it. I ended up splitting the set up among friends to try and sample. Guerlain perfumes are among the best in terms of quality and lasting power with a unique mix of options.

Guerlain L'Art & La Matiere The Perfumer's Floral Harmony Set

above: Floral Harmony Perfumer’s Set

They launched their Perfumer’s Set in two variations: the Iconic Harmony and Floral Harmony ($380 each). A lot of you have been asking for recommendations on floral perfumes and the Floral Harmony Set is a beautiful option to try and find your perfect floral. The set contains Neroli Outrenoir, Musc Outreblanc, Rose Cherie, Rose Barbare, Cruel Gardenia, Angelique Noire, Herbes Troublantes, Joyeuse Tuberuse.

I’ve already found 2 that I have on my wishlist for my next splurge. I’ve tried Musc Outreblanc a few times and love it for the soft clean skin like musk scent that has long lasting power. The Neroli Outrenoir and Herbes Troublantes are also both beautiful.

Guerlain L'Art & La Matiere The Perfumer's Floral Harmony Set

If you like a more diverse range of notes the Iconic Harmony is a great option. It has their Spiritueuse Double Vanille (one of the best vanillas I’ve tried) along with some of their other classics. It also has that Musc Outreblanc I love.

Their Hive of Wonders Advent Calendar ($720) is one of the most beautiful advent calendars out there. It has a mix of perfumes, mini candles, soaps, skincare and a few other things. All boxed up in a super chic bee hive. If you’re looking for the ULTIMATE splurge gift for the beauty lover, I can’t think of anything more luxurious than one these advent calendar gifts.

Guerlain Hive of Wonders Advent Calendar 2023

Guerlain Hive of Wonders Advent Calendar 2023

Perfume and Scented Options

The L’Art and La Matiere collection is absolutely beautiful. In my years of trying fragrances, I feel like there are few perfume lines that feel as luxurious as Guerlain’s. When you smell the line you can really tell the difference in quality of ingredients and the throw/ lasting power is very VERY good.

Guerlain Les Matieres Confidentielles Eau de Coton

I’ve been really curious about the Les Matieres Confidentielles line of Eau de Toilettes and my first experience is Eau de Coton ($180). It’s a fresh powdery velvety citrus. There is a hint of soft musk. I think it’s going to make a nice layering scent. On it’s own it smells like fresh cotton with a soft and airy feel. Notes include orange blossom, almond, musk.

Guerlain Figue Azur Scented Diffuser

Guerlain also has a full line of candles and diffusers. I know buying scents blind can be tricky but the Figue Azur Scented Diffuser ($130) is the most exquisite fig scent I’ve ever smelled. It’s sweet, fresh and green in a bright way. The throw on this diffuser is very strong. This one is quite the splurge but if you’re looking for a diffuser that will fill the entire room and one that looks beautiful too, this is something I think you will really love. I have my eye on one of the candles to try, Palais D’Orangers or Figue Azur both sound beautiful. (Candles are refillable.)

Holiday Gift Ideas from Guerlain

Available at Guerlain. There is still time for last minute gifts as they are offering complimentary express shipping on all orders now through 12/21 and also offering a 4-piece Abeille Royale Gift Set on orders $200+ with code HOLIDAY2023 (while supplies last).

If you’re looking for some last minute gifts I hope you found this roundup helpful!

Guerlain items gifted for review consideration.

Beauty Favorites Fragrance

Best Scents of Summer

July 31, 2023

Best Summer Perfumes Phlur, Chanel, Diptyque, Byredo

Rounding up the best summer perfumes I’ve been loving this year. I love a good citrus perfume and often wear it year round. My go-to’s are still from Chanel and Creed, but I have some new favorites this year!

Chanel Les Eaux de Chanel Paris-Biarritz and Paris-Riviera

Chanel Les Eaux de Chanel Paris-Riviera

Chanel Les Eaux de Chanel Paris-Biarritz and Paris-Riviera Eau de Toilette Sprays ($98 to $142, Chanel.com) still remain at the top of my list for my most-worn fragrances. They’re fresh, bright and come in both full size and travel sizes (perfect for my bag).

RIVIERA NOTES: Sicilian orange, Petitgrain, Jasmine, Neroli, Sandalwood and Musk

Chanel Les Eaux de Chanel Paris-Biarritz

Biarritz pulls a little softer while Riviera has a sharper more crisp feel.

BIARRITZ NOTES: Grapefruit, Mandarin, Lily of the valley accord, Vetiver and White Musk

Celine Parade

Celine Parade Perfume

NOTES: Bergamot, Neroli, Vetiver, Musk, Oak Moss

Celine Parade Eau de Parfum ($280 to $410 at Celine) is one I discovered over Christmas and it’s my favorite of all the Celine perfumes. Full review of all the scents here. This one could definitely be considered unisex. To me it’s like a dressier more edgy variation of the Chanel Les Eaux perfumes I love.

Sample sizes are not available in this one they offer a Discovery Coffret ($385).

Celine Fragrance Collection Review

Dior Dioriviera

Dior Dioriviera Perfume Review

NOTES: Rose and Fig

I bought Dioriviera Eau de Parfum ($150 to $450 at Dior) without testing it as I do not have a Dior counter near me that carries the La Collection Privee scents. I watched a few videos on this before buying and based on their descriptions it was very difficult for me to be able to tell if I would like this or not.

Based on the name I expected a citrus sunshine kind of scent but it’s very different. It’s a lush mix of fig and rose. Sweet and bright – it smells like the scent you would smell in a very expensive five-star luxury hotel. I was very happy that I ended up loving it.

If you’re like me are unsure about this, if you order online at Dior they offer samples at checkout with orders which change often. They have Dioriviera as one of the samples right now.

Tom Ford Soleil Blanc and Eau de Soleil Blanc

Tom Ford Eau de Soleil Blanc Perfume

Tom Ford Soleil Blanc ($295 for 1.7 fl oz) and Eau de Soleil Blanc ($155 for 1.7 fl oz) are also two long-time favorites. I cannot pick a favorite between the two. They both smell really close to me for that white flower coco de mer mix. Both are available in a smaller 50 ml travel size formats if you want to try/test a smaller option before committing to a full-size bottle.

Soleil Blanc Notes: Coco de Mer, Cardamom, Ylang Ylang

Eau de Soleil Blanc Notes: Coco de Mer, Ylang Ylang from Comores Island, Bergamot Flower

Loewe Paula’s Ibiza Eclectic

Loewe Paula's Ibiza Eclectic

I currently own both of the Loewe Paula’s Ibiza perfumes and my favorite is Eclectic Eau de Toilette ($110 for the full size, $42 for the travel mini). It’s one of the most unique summery woody floral scents I own. I don’t think it will be everyone’s cup of tea as it’s very complex but I find it very different and I love it. If you like sandalwood scents I think you will like this one. I think it can also be worn in fall.

NOTES: orange flower absolute, jasmine sambac, Madagascan mandari, black pepper, incense essential oil, frankincense, coconut, vanilla, ylang ylang, musk and sandalwood

Creed Virgin Island Water

Creed Virgin Island Water

NOTES: Lime, Bergamot, Tropical Fruits, Coconut Milk, Coconut Water, Jasmine, White Flowers, Tonka Bean and White Musk

If I could only wear 1 perfume for summer Creed Virgin Island Water ($345 to $1,205) would be it. It’s a luxurious summer vacation in a bottle and to me nothing else compares. It makes you feel like you’re on a tropical cruise vacation. Has an aquatic vibe with tropical sweetness mixed in.

If you do not have a Creed counter or boutique near you they offer Customizable Sampler Sets online at Creed along with some pre-made sampler sets too.

Vacation Eau de Toilette

Vacation Inc Perfume

NOTES: Petitgrain essence, Coconut water, Coconut milk, Bergamot, Solar Musk, Banana, Pineapple, Pool Water, Swimsuit Lycra, Sea Salt

The Vacation Inc Eau de Toilette ($60, on sale at Ulta Beauty for $39 right now) has a classic pool like scent. Like pool water, sunscreen and salt mixed together. It’s light but fresh. Reminds me of childhood summers.

Diptyque L’Eau Papier

Diptyque L’Eau Papier

NOTES: White musks, Mimosa, Blonde woods accord, Rice steam accord

Diptyque L’Eau Papier Eau de Toilette ($125 – $175) was a new splurge for me and very different from most Diptyque perfumes I’ve tried. It has a natural skin like vibe, like fresh clean linen but cozy and crisp at the same time. Has a soft skin musk like feel. The scent feels really nice in the summer heat.

Byredo Loves

Byredo Bal D'Afrique and Mojave Ghost

I’m a die hard Byredo fan. My favorites are the ones I feel like can be worn year-round. You can find lots of Discovery Set Trios or Sampler Sets available if you do not have a counter near you. Bal D’Afrique is one of the most unique creamy scents. It’s lush and sweet and has very long lasting power.

NOTES: Bergamot, African marigold, Bucchu, Violet, Cyclamen, Vetiver, Moroccan cedarwood

I also really love Mojave Ghost which has a fresh summery crisp feel to it.

NOTES: Ambrette, Jamaican nesberry, Violet, Sandalwood, Magnolia, Chantilly musk, Crisp Amber, Cedarwood

Phlur

Phlur Missing Person

Phlur is my second-most worn perfume line and I feel like I’ve fallen in love with so many of their scents. They have an updated Discovery Set with 10 scents online at Phlur. You can also find the perfume line at Sephora. Missing Person is still my favorite for a nice skin-like floral musk you can wear year round.

MISSING PERSON NOTES: Skin Musk, Bergamot Nectar, Sheer Jasmine, Fresh Cyclamen, Neroli Blossom, Orange Flower, Sandalwood Australia Oil, Blonde Wood, White Musk

Phlur Solar Power Perfume

Solar Power was launched in the spring and I love it for the floral sunny vibe it has. It’s like sunshine in a bottle. I feel like this one was made for me!

SOLAR POWER NOTES: Italian Red Mandarin, Sun-Drenched Bergamot, Jasmine Absolute, Neroli, Orange Flower, Driftwood, Solar Musk, Sea Salt

Phlur Father Figure Perfume

Their latest launch was a pleasant surprise, Father Figure is a beautiful fig. It is very rare that I can wear fig scents – I almost always love them for the home, but they usually turn on my skin. I love that this one isn’t too sweet on my skin. Feels like a fresh juicy burst of fig + summer.

NOTES: Waterlily, Lush Fig, Cassis Buds, Orris Root, Iris Flower, Jasmine Dew, Skin Musks, Vanilla Madagascar, Patchouli Leaf, Sandalwood

Best Summer Perfumes Beauty Lookbook

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What have been your favorite scents this season?

Fragrance

Celine Fragrance Collection Haul & Review

January 27, 2023

Celine Fragrance Collection Review Parade

I’m excited to share a roundup of Celine Fragrance Collection today! I love all things Celine but only recently tried their perfumes while in Miami over the holiday. During our most recent trip one of the associates walked past me and I had to stop her and ask what she was wearing. She pulled out the Parade fragrance and it was love at first spritz. I bought the 3.4 ml of Parade ($255) along with the Ivory Travel Spray Case ($135) and travel refills ($100 for a set of 2) and I’ve been wearing it nonstop since Christmas.

Celine Fragrance Haul and Review

I shared a sneak peek of my Celine haul on my stories back in December and I received a record breaking amount of DMs about the perfume line. Which ones did I try in store? What are the best ones? What did I think about Black Tie? Reptile? I actually only smelled that one scent Parade while I was in store. I liked it so much I didn’t even think to try the others but my curiosity got the best of me and I ordered the Coffret Miniature II Discovery Set ($385 for 10 minis x 0.34 fl oz each).

Celine Coffret Miniatures II Set Review

After testing all 10 in the set I still think Parade is the best but there are definitely 3-4 others I could see myself wearing. I’ve reviewed these in order of my favorites (most favorite to least). On me all of these have really good lasting power. For Parade I notice that I don’t smell it on me after around 4 hours but I think my nose just gets used to it. Andrew can smell it on me long after I can’t smell it on my skin.

The packaging and presentation is stunning with these perfumes. Very simple and streamlined and they come with a magnetic cap. The full sizes come in two options 3.4 fl oz or 6.8 fl oz. I bought the smaller one.

Celine Eau de Parfum Parade

Celine Eau de Parfum Parade

Celine Eau de Parfum Parade Travel Atomizer and Case

Now a look at all 10 perfumes in the set. Quick note that at this time there’s one more scent that’s not in the set that I didn’t try Bois Dormant.

PARADE

Celine Parade Eau de Parfum

BERGAMOT, NEROLI, VETIVER, MUSK, OAK MOSS

Parade is one of the most unique beautiful citrus scents that with a juicy sparkling bold vibe. It could definitely be unisex as it’s not an overly sweet citrus. The bergamot is balanced with the vetiver and oak moss. You girls know I love the Les Eaux de Chanel in Biarritz and Riviera (also citrus scents). Both of those are lighter and brighter while the Celine pulls a bit more complex and mossy.

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DANS PARIS

Celine Dans Paris Eau de Parfum

BERGAMOT, CORIANDER SEED, LAUREL BLOSSOM ACCORD, MUSK, VANILLA

This is my second favorite in the lineup! It’s a unique light vanilla scent. Smooth and well balanced, slightly sweet, not too heavy or rich, has a powdery vibe slight hint of musk. The laurel blossom adds a really interesting mix that adds a tiny bit of freshness. It has a subtle floral feel, but mainly has a vanilla feel to it.

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SAINT-GERMAIN DES-PRES

Celine Saint-Germain Des-Pres Eau de Parfum

NEROLI, PETIT GRAIN, WHITE ORRIS BUTTER, HELIOTROPE, VANILLA

Saint-Germain Des-Pres is another beautiful scent. It’s a fresh powdery vanilla citrus floral mix. The powdery feel is subtle but definitely there. The vanilla adds some warmth and petit gran adds some earthy vibe. The neroli adds some green freshness. The mix is really unique and fresh. Smells like a breath of fresh air.

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BLACK TIE

Celine Black Tie Eau de Parfum

WHITE ORRIS BUTTER, CEDAR, TREE MOSS, VANILLA, MUSK

Black Tie is a beautiful vanilla. This one to me is the most vanilla-dominant scents. It has a powder sweet feel but still super smooth. For me I love the idea of a good vanilla scent but finding one I can wear can be a bit tricky in the hot humid months. This is different from any of the others I’ve tried and loved and I think it is one I could wear year round. While I love Diptyque Eau Duelle, Creed Sublime Vanille, Guerlain Spiritueuse Double Vanille – they pull stronger and rich. Celine Black Tie has a smoother feel to me.

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LA PEAU NUE

Celine La Peau Nue Eau de Parfum

BERGAMOT, ROSE ABSOLUTE, WHITE ORRIS BUTTER, RICE POWDER, VETIVER

La Peau Nue is a fresh soft floral and slightly green and powdery. Smooth and clean without being too crisp. Has a very luxurious soft hint of rose. Almost like a well-balanced fresh rose with a watery vibe in the sense that it smells fresh.

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EAU DE CALIFORNIE

Celine Eau de Californie

BERGAMOT, WHITE ORRIS BUTTER, PALO SANTO ACCORD, TREE MOSS, PATCHOULI

Eau de Californie is a scent that Andrew picked out on one of our trips and it smells amazing on him. It’s an amazing combination with a sophisticated vibe. It’s a little smoky, earthy and woody. The bergamot notes adds some freshness and rounds it out beautifully and to me prevents it from being too smoky. I tried this and like it better on him. I found it really potent on me but it pulls more subtle on him.

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COLOGNE FRANCAISE / RIMBAUD / REPTILE / NIGHT CLUBBING

Celine Perfume Rimbaud Night Clubbing Reptile

COLOGNE FRANCAISE

NEROLI, FIG TREE, WHITE ORRIS BUTTER, TREE MOSS, MUSK

Cologne Francaise pulls very masculine to me. Stronger and more potent than Eau de Californie. It has a more of a green feel with the fig and tree moss. To me this smells like a classic men’s cologne.

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RIMBAUD

LAVENDER, NEROLI, ORRIS BUTTER, WHEAT ACCORD, MUSK AND VANILLA NOTES

Rimbaud is another interesting mix. I’m one who loves lavender in a candle or bubble bath but not really a fan of wearing it. Rimbaud is a lavender perfume with a complex mix. The lavender dominates while the mix of neroli, musk and vanilla make for a really interesting perfume. It’s so hard for me to describe but you can definitely smell each of the notes as it dries down on the skin.

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REPTILE

CEDAR, PEPPER, TREE MOSS, LEATHER ACCORD, MUSK

Reptile is one I’ve seen quite a few reviews for! It’s another leather + woody scent with heavy mix of cedar and moss. This has a very smooth kind of feel to it. Not one I can see myself wearing but I am going to try to convince Andrew to try this one. He’s a die-hard loyal fan of Creed scents and it’s pretty much all he wears these days aside from the Eau de Californie.

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NIGHT CLUBBING

GALBANUM, WHITE ORRIS BUTTER, PATCHOULI, TREE MOSS, VANILLA, MUSK

Nightclubbing is such a unique scent. I think it would smell amazing on Andrew but this is one that did not work well with my body chemistry. It smells amazing in the bottle or spritzed on paper but turned on my skin (in a not so pleasant way). If you like scents heavy on the musk and patchouli with a hint of vanilla this one is worth checking out.

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Celine Fragrance Collection Review

Out of the 10 I tried my top 5 are Parade, Dans Paris, Saint-Germain Des-Pres, Black Tie and La Peau Nue. The Discovery Set is stunning and although it’s extremely pricey they give you a decent amount to sample. I wish the bottles had spritzers instead of the twist off caps and then I would rate it 10/10.

Parade is still my favorite and since these perfumes are spendy I don’t know that I’ll be buying a full size of any others yet. I have a lot of perfumes I want to work my way through anyways. Celine also carries a collection of candles and stunning candle accessories but I did not want to tempt myself so I didn’t allow myself to even look at them while I was in store.

If you want to see what I hauled over the holiday I posted a reel on Instagram!

That wraps up my Celine fragrance review. If you order a full size perfume online they provide samples for you to try first. The set and standard perfumes are sealed in a clear cello wrapped so as long as the wrapping is still intact they’ll allow you to return. I wish they sold the smaller samples – I hope they will in the future!

Available online and in stores at Celine.

Have you tried Celine perfumes? What did you think?

Fragrance Sephora

Sephora Fragrance For All Event

December 18, 2022

Sephora Fragrance for All Event

Sephora is offering 20% off full-sized fragrances during their Fragrance For All Event now through 12/24! Use code FRAGRANCE20 at checkout (the code is a one-time use) and it’s the perfect time to save for any last minute gifts for the perfume lover.

I love the wide selection of scents they carry from so many different brands. For me perfume is seasonal but here are four favorites I have in frequent rotation I feel I can wear year round. If you’re not part of the Beauty Insider Program yet, definitely check it out! You can sign up for free and get early access to events, deluxe samples and more.

A lot of the products may have same day delivery depending on your location and you can always check to see if they have the buy online pick up in store option to make sure your local store has what you’re looking for in stock.

Sephora Fragrance for All Event Phlur, Jo Malone, Prada

Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt

Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt is my go-to. I’ve worn this one for years and love it for the unique sea salt vibe it has. It’s earthy and woody while still being fresh. This is my everyday perfume.

Notes include ambrette seeds, sea salt and sage.

Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt

Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt

Prada Paradoxe

Prada Paradoxe is a newer launch and it’s beautiful! It’s a very strong warm floral which has sweet notes. It feels like a fun date night kind of scent I think will suit a wide range of tastes. This is one of the longest lasting fragrances I’ve tried. It’s bright, deep and sweet all at the same time.

Notes include neroli bud, white amber and white musk.

Prada Paradoxe Perfume

Prada Paradoxe Perfume

Phlur Missing Person

Phlur Missing Person is another daily go-to for me. It’s the best floral musk that has a skin-like feel to it. Very natural, very soothing and it feels like me but better.

Notes include Skin Musk, Bergamot Nectar, Blonde Wood

Phlur Missing Person\Phlur Missing Person

Phlur Somebody Wood

Phlur Somebody Wood is another one I’ve fallen head over heels in love with. It’s a unisex scent I think would suit a wide range of tastes. It’s warm with a mix of earthy sandalwood and amber. It’s sensual and feels like a cozy hug or soft warm blanket to me. I love that it has a little bit of sweetness to balance out the amber.

Notes include sandalwood, amber and musk

Phlur Somebody Wood

In this post, also wearing:

Sephora Fragrance For All Event

If you have a favorite fragrance definitely take advantage of this event! Sephora carries tons of great fragrance brands like Tom Ford, Armani, YSL, Maison Margiela, Dior, Gucci and more.

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Many thanks to Sephora for partnering to sponsor this post. As always all opinions are my own.

Beauty Favorites Fragrance

Fragrances I’m Loving Right Now

December 5, 2022

Tory Burch Essence of Dreams Cosmic Wood

I love trying new perfumes and today I have a holiday roundup of the fragrances I’ve been loving this holiday season. I’d love to hear about what you’re wearing right now so let me know in the comments what your go-to is!

 

Byredo Bal D’Afrique

Byredo Bal D'Afrique

Byredo Bal D’Afrique ($200 to $280) remains one of my all time unique favorites. It’s a warm creamy cozy scent I think is super unique. If you like scents that pull a little woody with an amber mix definitely check this one out. For those of you who don’t have a Byredo store or counter near you they have a few samplers you can order. Their Discovery Set ($50) has six of their best sellers and for the ultimate perfume lover La Grande Selection ($240) has 24 mini 2 ml vials. With the larger set they’ll send you a voucher for $200 to use towards any 50 ml or 100 ml scent on their website.

Top notes: bergamot, African marigold, bucchu
Middle notes: violet, cyclamen
Base notes: vetiver, Moroccan cedarwood

Phlur Somebody Wood & Missing Person

Phlur Missing Person Gift Set Duo Sephora

Phlur has won my heart this year with some beautiful soft scents. Missing Person ($96 or $98 for the duo) is one I wore non stop earlier this year. I have it in the travel size too and carry it in my purse. It’s one of the best soft floral musks. It has a natural skin like vibe with a mix of white musk. Also available in the Body Lotion and Shower Gel.

Top notes: Skin Musk, Bergamot Nectar, Sheer Jasmine
Heart notes: Fresh Cyclamen, Neroli Blossom, Orange Flower
Base notes: Sandalwood Australia Oil, Blonde Wood, White Musk

Phlur Somebody Wood

For fall to winter Somebody Wood* is my favorite. It’s unisex and I love the wood + musk combination. It’s not too heavy or woody and I love anything with a bergamot mix. I’ve used up the Shower Gel* and plan on ordering another one very soon.

Top notes: Bergamot, Lemon
Heart notes: Jasmine, Saffron, Cyclamen
Base notes: Sandalwood, Vanilla, Musk, Amber, Moss, Cedarwood

Both are available at Sephora and Phlur. If you can’t smell or test in person check out their Discovery Set at Sephora (seven scents) or all nine at Phlur.

Tory Burch Essence of Dreams

Tory Burch Essence of Dreams Cosmic Wood

Tory Burch launched their Essence of Dreams Fragrance line earlier this year and I love all five. Every scent in the lineup has a fresh and bright feel to them. They have an uplifting vibe. I bought the full sizes of Cosmic Wood and Electric Sky ($29 to $125). Right now I really love Cosmic Wood. If you like a soft floral woody spice with green notes definitely check that one out.

Top: cardamom, ambrette
Middle: jasmine, sage
Base: vetiver

They now carry the Discovery Set ($65) at Nordstrom which I think would make a really cute gift. Each scent is also available in a small travel spray version and Nordstrom has an Essence of Dreams Trio Set ($50) with Sublime Rose, Divine Moon and Electric Sky.

Tory Burch Essence of Dreams Discovery Set

Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt

Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt

Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt will forever be a signature scent for me. There are lots of fun discovery sets this holiday season and a lot of them are on sale. Nordstrom has the Cologne Collection Set ($115, marked down to $97.75) with English Pear & Fresia Cologne, Lime Basil & Mandarin, Wild Bluebell, Wood Sage & Sea Salt and Blackberry & Bay. They also carry the Cologne Intense Collection ($160) with Cypress & Grapevine Cologne Intense, Myrrh & Tonka, Velvet Rose & Oud, Dark Amber & Ginger Lily and Oud & Bergamot.

The Jo Malone website often has nice extra deluxe size samples with orders that change frequently. I ordered their Christmas Cologne Collection ($115) which has newer scents that I’m excited to try out.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Scented Candle

Maison Francis Kurkdjian is another perfume line I really love. Their Baccarat Rouge 540 is a classic rich creamy and unique scent. I bought the smaller 1.17 oz version which is nice to travel with or have in your purse. Notes include jasmine, saffron, cedar wood and ambergris. I’m really tempted to try the Shimmering Body Oil!

I tried their newest 724 Eau de Parfum earlier this year and really love it. It has a very similar feel to Aqua Universalis which I still have a lot left of so I didn’t buy it. It has a nice fresh clean feel.

Creed

Creed Holiday 2022 Green Irish Tweed

Creed has a special place in my heart because it’s Andrew’s favorite. It’s pretty much the only cologne line he wears these days and he always smells amazing. His favorites are Aventus, Green Irish Tweed* and Silver Mountain Water. This year they have beautiful leather cases* in a limited-edition royal blue and a refillable atomizer*. I bought Andrew the 5-piece Fragrance Set for Christmas so he can have them on-the-go. I’m tempted to buy the women’s version for myself.

I have a few favorites too. I love Virgin Island Water for spring to summer. Aventus for Her* is a newer discovery for me which I started wearing this year and I love it.

Creed Aventus for Her

Top notes: Egyptian green apple, pink berries, Indonesian patchouli, Italian bergamot.
Middle notes: Bulgarian rose, Turkish rose, Indian sandalwood, styrax, musk.
Base notes: sweet peach, cassis, lilac, amber, ylang-ylang.

Creed Sublime Vanille

The best vanilla scent is their Sublime Vanille* which is a soft powdery vanilla and tonka bean mix.

Top notes: Tonka Bean, Vanilla from Comoros (Africa)
Middle notes: Lemon, White Bergamot
Base notes: Musk, Tonkin

Best Holiday Perfumes Creed, Jo Malone, Phlur, Tory Burch

What are your favorite scents to wear this time of year?

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Press samples have a * next to them. All others purchased by me.

 

Beauty Favorites Fragrance Holiday Gift Guide

Best Holiday Luxury Candles

November 30, 2022

Best Holiday Candles Diptyque Sapin

I love candles year-round but especially love holiday scents! A great cozy scent can set the mood and make things feel more festive. There are so many great options this year my wishlist is so incredibly long. My usual go-to’s are Diptyque Sapin, Vanille, Santal, Amber, Nest Holiday and Byredo Woods. I’ve tried a few new ones this year I think are worth checking out. Here are my favorites so far.

Diptyque Holiday

Diptyque Sapin Candle Holiday 2022

You girls know how much I love Diptyque. I order their holiday candles almost every year and I think they make the best pine scents. This year their holiday candles ($48 – $84) also glow in the dark (the box does too!). Sapin (Pine Tree) is a classic and I love the packaging design this year.

Etincelles (Spark) is described as a mix of wood fire, coffee and chocolate but to me it smells more like a woody spice.

Diptyque Etincelles Candle Holiday 2022

Neige (Snow) is a white powdery musk that does indeed remind me of snow. I love these so much and think the Holiday Trio (with small size) would make an absolutely stunning gift.

Diptyque Neige Candle Holiday 2022

I’ve splurged on so many of their home décor pieces and love every single one. This year the Diptyque team gifted me their Constellation Candle Holder which is gorgeous! If it’s in your budget I think it’s definitely worth a splurge.

Diptyque Constellation Candle Holiday 2022

From their regular lineup there are so many great scents. I love Santal, Ambre, Feu de Bois and Vanille this time of year. Their larger 3-wick candles are stunning too and have stronger throw than their regular standard candles.

Byredo

Byredo Symphonique Candle Holiday 2022

I tried the new Byredo Symphonique candle this year and thing it is beautiful. It has a mix of bitter orange and anise with ginger and cedarwood mixed in. It smells like a smokey spiced orange. Diptyque’s Oranger by comparison has a softer more powdery vibe.

Creed

Creed Vanisia Candles Holiday 2022

Creed candles are the best of the best in luxury. Vanisia is a soft powdery vanilla and amber mix. I splurged on the 7.7 oz variation ($115) which I’ve been burning at home because I love their Vanisia Room Spray. This holiday the Creed team generously gifted me the 3-wick Leather Candle. It’s available in 2 sizes and comes with their limited-edition bright blue leather holder. It’s stunning!

Creed Vanisia Leather Candle Holiday 2022

Overose

Overose launched delicious candles this year in a number of pastry inspired scents. They smell just like the real thing. I am still working my way through trying the ones I ordered. I really love Croissant Aux Amandes ($58) which buttery sweet but not too sweet. Definitely check out their new options this year – they have Pain Au Chocolat, Croissant, Cinnamon Roll and Macaron Pistache.

Overose Croissant Aux Amandes

Maison Francis Kurkdjian

Maison Francis Kurkdjian has three holiday scents this year. I must admit this is a brand I try not to look at because of the high price points, I don’t want to be tempted! My bestie gifted me the Pain d’Spices Candle ($75) and it’s decadent! It has a mix of orange, honey and cinnamon. So good I want to eat it. It has very good throw too.

Masion Francis Kurkdjian Pain d'Spices

Phlur

Phlur launched two holiday candles this year and they do not disappoint. Sweet Smoke ($45) is one of the most amazing smoky candles I’ve ever burned. It’s hard to envision what sweet smoke smells like but they nailed it. It’s a creamy sweet firewood kind of scent. Wild Balsam was a sweet surprise too and I think it just might be the best pine and juniper candle I have ever burned. I’ve already finished one up entirely. I am debating whether to order a couple more because Andrew was really impressed by it too. Love the colored wax with these!

Phlur Holiday Candles Sweet Smoke and Wild Balsam

Mizensir

Last but not least I love Mizensir candles. I loved their Bois Ardent from last year as a really nice smoky woody scent.

Mizensir Bois Ardent Candle

This year the team sent over Sapin de Noel which smells just like Christmas! It’s available in a standard size, 3-wick size and colored glass version. You can use code SABRINA15 to save 15% off your order from their website.

Mizensir Sapin de Noel

I have so many others on my list but there is not enough time to try them all. I am really curious about the Nest Crystallized Ginger and Vanilla Bean (which I am picking up soon). Jo Malone always has fun options this time of year. Boy Smells has some really nice options too.

If you had your eye on any of these I hope this roundup is helpful! What are your favorites this time of year?

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Gifted items include the Diptyque Constellation Candle Holder, Creed Vanisa Leather Candle, Phlur Candles and Mizensir Sapin de Noel.