Finding Your Fragrance Match in a World of Scents

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Have you ever walked by someone and found yourself taken back to a special moment in your life, all thanks to the perfume they're wearing? It's amazing how a distinctive blend of notes can become so entrenched in our memories. But with the myriad of options available, settling on your go-to scent can be quite a journey. Sometimes, it's about comparing luxury fragrances with budget-friendly finds, like discovering elegant santal 33 dupes that offer the same sophisticated vibe without breaking the bank. Whether you treat yourself to a high-end perfume or find joy in a more affordable essence, the adventure lies in finding that scent that feels like you.

The Power of Perfume To Evoke Memories

The link between scents and memories isn't just poetic; it's deeply rooted in our biology. Scents travel directly to the brain's limbic system, the area closely associated with memory and emotion. Who hasn't caught a whiff of a particular fragrance and been instantly transported back in time? I remember smelling a perfume that was my grandmother's favourite, and though she's no longer with us, that scent makes it seem like she's right there. Whether it's the smell of fresh-cut grass taking you back to your childhood garden or a specific blend of spices that reminds you of holiday dinners, perfumes hold this spellbinding power. They weave the invisible tapestries of our lives, drawing together threads of moments long past.

Indeed, the nexus of olfaction and recollection endows perfume with its time-traveling properties. It's as if each bottle contains a liquid almanack of our emotions, with chapters that span the gamut of jubilance, longing, and solace. For many, a signature scent becomes a sort of olfactory diary, with each spritz chronicling a day, an event, or a phase in life. To come upon a long-forgotten bottle is to thumb through pages of this diary, to revisit the silent yet vivid reminiscences etched in the mind's eye. The alchemy of how these scents are formulated is more than mere chemistry; it's a bridge between our present self and the echoes of times past.

Moreover, a scent's ability to trigger memory is not just a frivolous feature but a powerful tool that can contribute to our well-being. A familiar fragrance can soothe the mind, providing comfort in moments of stress or loneliness. In therapeutic settings, aroma compounds are often part of holistic practices like aromatherapy, where they serve to realign emotional balance and enhance mental clarity. The pursuit of a personal fragrance thus becomes an act of self-care, where the chosen perfume nurtures the soul as well as the senses.

The Mystery and Delight of Unisex Fragrances

Perfume has traditionally been seen through the lens of gender, with specific scents aimed at men or women. But as society evolves, so too does the world of perfumery. Gender-neutral fragrances are on the rise, offering a spectrum of scents designed for anyone to enjoy. These unisex perfumes break free from traditional boundaries, allowing us to focus on what truly matters—the scent itself. Selecting a unisex perfume is an intimate adventure, one that carries the freedom of self-expression without the constraints of gender labels. It's like sharing a favourite book with a friend, where the personal connection to the story transcends who you are in the eyes of the world.

Ensuring Your Fragrance Lasts From Dawn Till Dusk

There's a subtle art to making your cherished scent last throughout the day. It starts with the point of application—the pulse points, where the warmth of your body gently activates the perfume. Layering your fragrance with a matching body lotion can also work wonders, creating a base that helps to lock in the scent. But it's not just about applying; how you store your fragrances is paramount. Light and heat can degrade the delicate compounds, so keeping your bottles in a cool, dark place will ensure your perfume stays true to its original bouquet. And isn't there something charming about reaching for that elegantly designed bottle, knowing the scent inside is preserved just for you?

Blending the Old With the New in Modern Perfumery

The world of fragrances is ever-evolving. Time-honored classics continue to enchant us, serving as the benchmark for quality and sophistication. These iconic scents have told the stories of generations, becoming almost heirlooms in their own right. Yet, the perfume landscape is also shaped by contemporary trends and innovations. Ingredients once unthought-of and blending techniques that push creative boundaries are defining the new wave of perfumes. Ethically sourced ingredients and sustainability have also entered the arena, influencing modern consumers' choices. As we take a more conscious approach to our purchases, the industry shifts towards creating scents that don't just smell good but also do good.

Whether you're in pursuit of a scent reminiscent of esteemed classics or something that speaks to the modern notes of the here and now, there's a fragrance journey waiting for you. Dive into the exploration, and let your personal scent be your ultimate accessory, one that translates the essence of your individuality into the poetic language of perfume. The right fragrance is out there, ready to become a part of your story, a scent to remember. Enjoy the voyage of discovery – it's truly scentsational!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

ånd Fragrance launches Cåke

Breaking boundaries with every bottle - ånd fragrance was born from the idea that smelling good and doing good can - and should - go hand in hand. As a brand, they proudly partner with the local, indigenous communities and cooperatives who grow and produce them. 

Whilst Christmas time is definitely the season to be eating (a lot of) Cåke, this fragrance is like no other I have come across and as being part of the gourmand family, it lives up to every expectation.  Said to have been inspired by Cocoa made from deforestation free environmentally conscious Fairtrade Cocoa beans, it has been seasoned with Caramel, Cocoa and Butterscotch notes to give that rich, creamy fragrance.

Indulge in the rich allure of Cåke, where cocoa's velvety embrace meets a hint of decadence. Savor the sweet sophistication, just like cocoa's role in agroforestry—where it not only adds flavor to the environment but also nurtures a balanced, sustainable ecosystem, like nature's own recipe for harmony.

This is a fragrance that can be worn alone or layered, depending on your preference and what I absolutely love about it is that each time I wear it, I pick up different scent notes.  Packaged in a fun, paint splattered looking tube, the bottle screams luxury, made from chunky glass with a marble green rounded top, it is completely gender-less and is a scent you can wear all year round.

It opens with top notes of Neroli, creamy Sandalwood and Lime, so you get that zesty floral hit with Sandalwood those creamy, earthy tones keep it from being too citrusy. Then as those top noted dry down you really get to have your cake and wear it as Cocoa Absolute, Butterscotch caramel and vanilla are intertwined with warm wood, dried fruits, all reminiscent of a Christmas Cake, without the Marzipan (thank goodness).  It is rich, sweet, spicy, warm and fruity all at the same time and it is just stunning.

Priced at £125 for 50ml, Cåke sits alongside a host of other fragrances, candles and solid perfumes, and if you are wanting to try everything ånd Fragrance has to offer, there is also an amazing Discovery Set giving you the opportunity to do just that.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

The Perfume Edit by The Perfume Shop

If you are wanting to buy a fragrance for a loved one but nothing has grabbed your attention, then I might just have what you need from The Perfume Shop. 

Following on from their 'Me Range', The Perfume Edit by The Perfume Shop is described as being a contemporary, unique, trend led fragrance range made exclusively for The Perfume Shop with sustainability at the heart of the range as it is Vegan, Cruelty-free and is packaged in recyclable packaging.

It is a daring gender fluid range with confident individuals who follow their dreams and live life to the fullest in mind, they know exactly who they are and what they want in life and will overcome any obstacles to be themselves. The fragrances transcend conventional boundaries and are individual and unique.

The range I have been kindly sent features three different scents - Rose Blast, Vetiver Noir and Kashmir Fusion, though there is also Oud Spice too.

Starting with Rose Blast (£24.99) which, as with all of the bottles within this edit, is housed inside a chunky squared glass bottle with a simple label to detail the scent - so minimalist and chic!

If your fragrance preference happens to be Floral, then this is the one you need to be adding to your collection. It opens with top notes of Bergamot Palmarosa Grass which gives it that zesty but sweet opening as it dries down to reveal the heart notes of Turkish Damask Rose and Geranium which is very sweet and floral, without being overpowering, but the best part for me is the base notes of Patchouli, Musk, Saffron which together bring about those earthy, dark notes whilst still allowing the florals to stand out.

Up next we have Vetiver Noir and it is described as being a fresh twist of the classic, but I absolutely adore it.

With this fragrance you have the zesty citrus fruits of Pink Pepper, Cardamon, Cassis, Mandarin, and Lemon to open the fragrance and they are bold and noticeable but as it dries down, the floral middle notes of White Floral, Elemi with a touch of Nutmeg before the base notes of Vetiver, Patchouli, Benzoin and Musk really make their mark to turn this fragrance into a wonderful, fresh and uplifting scent that lingers for hours.

The final fragrance is Kashmir Fusion and of the three, this is the one I had no idea how it would smell and yet still everything I suspected it would be.

Described as being the essence of the middle east and for me that evokes vibrancy with spicy blends and in a nutshell that is this fragrance. It opens with the top notes of bergamot and cardamom to give you that warm zesty feeling before the heart notes of ginger and tonka bean which by contrast offer the warm spice to give that feeling of wondering through a maze of spices and seasoning before the base notes of Amber and Earthy Woods bring about the powdery sweet yet warm earthy tones.  A fragrance for those who love a strong spicy scent that really grabs the attention.

Each one of these fragrances is just £24.99 and yet I would have expected them to be up there at the higher end of the price scale because they are all just incredible in their own way and make the perfect gift for yourself or a loved one.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Floral Street Almond Blossom

I am a huge fan of Floral Street and every single fragrance that has been released, ive swooned over. The latest scent, Sweet Almond Blossom, had very quickly made it to the top of my favourite scents to wear when I need those uplifting vibes to face a cold, wet, windy day.

If you are unfamiliar with the brand Floral Street, they are a brand built on the streets of London, Floral Street as it happens, and one which is about breaking with tradition. It’s about peeling back the curtain of the secret world of fragrance. It’s about ease, modernity and joy. Each perfume, which can also be refilled and better still, the bottle comes packaged inside a re-usable box and tray - the tray I use to propagate seeds and keep in the greenhouse.

Sweet Almond Blossom is every bit as wonderful as you can imagine, inspired by the white florals from the 1890 Van Gogh's Masterpiece Almond blossom, if that isn't exceptional enough, the nose behind this fragrance is none other than the fragrance master himself, Jérôme Epinette.

The fragrance is placed sitting within the fruity, floral, gourmand family it is described as being a:

Mouth-watering natural pomelo and juicy passionfruit float over clouds of delicate apple blossom. Creamy vanilla, sandalwood, and nutty tonka bean are beautifully balanced with explosions of other-worldly crisp green matcha tea.

The fragrance opens with a wonderful intense scent of Apple Blossom and not far behind it is the pomelo and mandarin, so you get a hit of all three in one go and it is just a delight, not too heavy or cloying, it hands around in the air before it dries down with the notes of  passion fruit, heliotrope and they are balanced by green matcha tea before the rich notes of vanilla, sandalwood and tonka bean as base notes settle the scent, all without out doing one another.  For me, the stand out note is the opens that fragrance opens with, they dominate enough as to not let the vanilla become too heady or heavy and it is just a wonderful uplifting scent.

In keeping with tradition, to accompany the fragrance is also sold in a candle form, priced at just £38, and again, as with the fragrance you have that delicate blend of fruity florals infused with creamy vanilla, green matcha and a touch of tonka bean.  

Nestled in the most beautiful team blue jar, the candle has a burn time of 40 hours, depending on how often you have it alight and uses ingredients that are all sustainably sourced.

As a fragrance and something I have found with every scent I have tried from Floral Street, the longevity far outweighs most other fragrances I own, once it has been applied. They are expressive fragrances and they are ones which settle and linger for hours, by hours I mean all day and you can still catch a feel of it the following morning. For me, there is absolutely nothing to dislike about this fragrance. I love that it is a take on the modern Rose theme, by making it more wearable for many people and once you try it, I dare you not to love it!

Floral Street fragrances are Vegan and Cruelty-free and are available from a wide range of stockists including Floral Street, Space NK, John Lewis, Marks & Spencer and Sephora to name a few. Prices for Floral Streets fragrances within the collection start at £28 for 10ml, £68 for 50ml and £108 for 100ml

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Lancôme La Vie est Belle

When it comes to iconic fragrances, La Vie Est Belle by Lancôme is right up there for me and it is just beautiful, quite apt as “la vie est belle” translates to “life is beautiful”.

Part of the Floral Fruity Gourmand family, this fragrance was released back in 2012 and has been one of the brand’s best-selling fragrances ever since, if you haven't come across it before, the face of the product is Julia Roberts, who looks just stunning and the idea and inspiration behind the scent was to create a timeless, classic fragrance that would appeal to women for its simplicity and ease of wearing both during the day and also at night.

Opening with top notes of Iris, Blackcurrant and pear, you are given a real hit of those fruity notes, the sharp and crispness being all too evident but as the heart notes start to make themselves known, the mixture of Pallida Iris concrete, Orange Blossom and Jasmine Sambac absolutes and it is here that for me, the fragrance wows with the fruity notes of Orange Blossom and flora notes of the Jasmine Sambac push themselves forward to ensure they are noticeable as the base notes of Patchouli essence brings its eathiness and sweetness to the forefront to ensure that mixture of sweet and floral work well together.  For Lancôme, their star ingredient is the Iris, the one which binds all of the notes together to create a fragrance it is - well incredible.

Packaged in a very solid heavy glass curved shaped bottle, La Vie Est Belle features a silver ribbon to give it that added sophisticated look and with a short spray, it produces enough fragrance with each spritz, without overpowering. This is also the best fragrances ive come across for its sillage, with it lasting a good 2-3 hours before it finally begins to wear down some 5-6 hours later. 

Moving with the times, there is now a Lancôme La Vie Est Belle Eau De Parfum 100ml Refillable available so you no longer need to repurchase bottle after bottle.

For me Lancôme La Vie Est Belle is just stunning from its bottle to its notes as well as its longevity. If there is one fragrance that I can wear all year around and get compliments on it, especially from my Husband, then it is a keeper.  Priced between £95 for 50ml rising up to £155 for 150ml and the refill is priced between £80 and £100, a bottle will last a good year, even if you use it daily and the refill also helps with the savings too.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Noted. Aromas - Designer Inspired Fragrances

A brand I have seen all over my social media feed is Noted. Aromas and they are described as being a designer inspired perfume dupes which are strong, long lasting Eau De Parfum that smell just like the designer brands.

Noted. Aromas state that they are focused on making fragrances that people already love, but that they would now be able to afford and all without compromising on the high quality ingredients used to make them. So with no celebrity endorsements, no fancy bottles or packaging, what you see is what you get.

If you love fragrances by Creed, Dior, Le Labo and Tom Ford to name a few, then Noted. Aromas might just have your favourite fragrance! I was kindly sent two fragrances to try and there is one for me and one for the mister. 

First up for him is Aspen and if you are familiar with Creed and Silver Mountain Water then this is an amazing dupe.

A fragrance which could be worn by anyone, it is described as being a cool and clean contemporary fragrance that is full of refreshing citrus aromas with a hint of blackcurrant and musk. With Top Notes of Bergamot, Mandarin and Neroli you get that opening blast of fresh citrus notes which make way for the heart notes of Blackcurrant and Green Tea which keeps the sharpness of the citrus whilst settling the notes down before Musk and Sandalwood, which make up the base notes and if you are familiar with either note, they bring about those earthy tones to keep the fragrance fresh, long lasting and not overly bitter.

As a comparison to Silver Mountain Water by Creed, the initial spritz of the scent is identical and as it settles there is little difference between the two, the only subtle difference is the overall longevity.  When it comes to the price, from Noted. Aromas you can expect to pay between £4.99 and £29.99 for a bottle of Aspen whereas you can expect to pay as much as £185 for Creed.

Then we have Paris and it is inspired by one of my absolute favourite fragrances - J'Adore by Dior and again, it is just phenomenal.

Described as being a sophisticated floral fruity fragrance which is the incarnation of absolute femininity and is effortlessly seductive, this was one of the first big brand fragrances I bought. Similar to J'adore, Paris has Top Notes of Pear, Melon, Magnolia, Peach, Mandarin Orange and Bergamot, so you immediately get that strong fruity scent before the Heart Notes of Jasmine, Lily-of-the-Valley, Tuberose, Freesia and Rose come to life to give that floral side of this fragrance and together they are strong, fresh and just beautiful. The Base Notes are Musk, Vanilla, Blackberry and Cedar and again they bring everything together without making it too powdery or sweet. For anyone who loves a Jasmine note in their fragrance, you will immediately notice it within Paris.

As a comparison to J'Adore by Dior, the initial spritz of the scent is identical and as it settles there is no difference between the two, when it comes to longevity, Paris lasts much longer on my skin.  When it comes to the price, from Noted. Aromas, again you can expect to pay between £4.99 and £29.99 for a bottle of Aspen whereas you can expect to pay as much as £110 for J'Adore.

This has been my first foray with Noted. Aromas and I am sure it won't be my last because there is a whole list of fragrances that I want to work my way through!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Elle Naturelle Indra Eau De Parfum

Meet Indra, one of three fragrances from Elle as part of their NaturELLE collection. Described as being a trio of ingredient focused, exquisite fragrances; sustainably and ethically sourced.  Not the first magazine to launch fragrances, it has done it exceptionally well.

By staying true to their brand DNA of empowering women, Elle has initiated give back programmes that help support women and girls in the communities where they source their key raw materials.

Each one of the three fragrances - Azra, Indra and Mira supports women and children as part of a give back programme.  Indra, which is the fragrance I have supports women and children effected by domestic violence in New Caledonia. The Sandalwood in the Santal and Mimosa is sustainably sourced from New Caledonia. The Indra program directly supports Foyer Bethanie women’s shelter. Foyer Bethanie provides emergency accommodation and support for women and children that are victims of domestic violence.

As a fragrance, Indra is described as being known for its intoxicating aroma of woody, musky notes that give this fragrance an inexplicably addictive appeal and it is absolutely delightful.

The top notes of the fragrance greet you with Mandarin combined with Ozonic and Fauna notes to give it that fresh and refreshing before the heart notes bring in the powdery notes of Mimosa and Mandarin Blossom which are just beautiful but it is the base notes of Sandalwood, Musk and Cedar Wood which bring together those sturdy, rich musky notes and when they with the heart notes it lingers on the skin.

Each fragrance is priced at £25 and can be found in Superdrug

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

The 7 Virtues Vanilla Woods EDP

Finding a new fragrance to enjoy can often be a challenge, for me, that scent is usually led by emotions and the notes that have been used. Over the years I've come to adore anything with Jasmine as a note, but Vanilla is still a main no-no, I find it too heady and overpowering, then I was introduced to The 7 Virtues with Vanilla Woods EDP!

Vanilla Woods by The 7 Virtues is described as being an Amber Woody fragrance which launched back in 2018.

An intoxicating perfume with a dash of fresh pear, a big rose heart note, and the long-lasting finish of organic vanilla and gourmand caramel infused with warm amber. Made with organic, sustainably sourced vanilla from Madagascar. Made with organic, fair trade vanilla essential oil from Madagascar

This fragrance is simply stunning and I loved it from the first spritz. Opening with the top note of pear there i is an instant fresh fruit scent which lingers in the air, with it come the heart note of Rose and what I love about the rose is that it allows the pear to be itself whilst at the same time you definitely notice it there. Then with the base notes of Vanilla, Caramel and Amber you get the warm, slightly spicy notes without the Vanilla being really heavy and heady - hence my surprise at really liking this fragrance.

For me, this is an everyday fragrance and one which can be worn all year round. Once spritzed onto clothing and pulse points, this is a long lasting scent which is noticeable all day and the silage is pretty impressive too!

It is also worth noting that all of the formulations within this range are Leaping-Bunny certified, cruelty-free, and vegan.

On sale with Sephora, 50ml is priced at £85.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Aldi £7 perfume dupe of Creed Aventus

Aldi fragrances are products that you need to get as soon as you see them, because like much of the Lacura range, it is out of stock as quickly as it comes in stock. The newer launches within the Fragrance range called Her Reign, is the female version of His Reign, which launched earlier this year.

If you are a fan of the Aldi fragrances, you will be delighted to know that they will be back for Christmas and of those scents, these two will be part of the collection.   These two fragrances are said to be Aldi Lacuras most premium fragrances to date. 

Starting with His Reign Eau de Parfum (£6.99, 100ml), a fragrance which takes its inspiration from Creed Aventus (£295, 100ml) so already that is a phenomenal saving.

The His Reign bottle, is as you can see, chrome in design with a matching lid and the only writing on the bottom of any note is the name of the fragrance. In comparison to Creed Aventus, their bottle is see through, except for a black band around the middle of the bottle to denote the fragrance and brand, and it also has a black lid, so not match in any way and other than the slightly curved shape, it could be argued.

For me, His Reign comes into its own with the scent test. With Creed Aventus you get Top notes: Bergamot, Blackcurrant, Apple, Pineapple, Heart notes: Juniper Berries, Birch, Patchouli, Jasmine and Base notes: Musk, Oak Moss, Ambergris, Vanilla and it is a long-lasting fruity fragrance, which is just stunning.  Then with His Reign it is described as boasting "a bold and refined scent that is sure to inspire confidence". So we have top notes of blackcurrant, apple and bergamot that flawlessly blend with heart notes of patchouli, Moroccan jasmine and rose, before the base of musk, oak moss and vanilla finish this scent.

As you can see, there are a lot of similarities with the notes and it is fair to say that they do smell almost identical, though His Reign starts off much stronger from that first spritz and from here, it is very difficult to tell the difference, right down to the fragrance longevity.  Another Aldi bargain to be on the look out for!

After the success of His Reign we now have Her Reign and yes it is inspired by Creed Aventus for her.  Priced at £6.99 for 100ml v £260 for 75ml, making another eye-watering saving!

Described as being a scent to make you feel powerful and irresistible, the bottle with its Gold colouring really compliments His Reign and again is not like the Creed version at all. 

A fruity floral fragrance, Creed Aventus for Her has Top notes of Green Apple, Pink Pepper, Indonesian Patchouli, Calabrian Bergamot, Heart notes of Bulgarian and Turkish Roses, Indian Sandalwood, Styrax, Musk and Base notes: Peach, Cassis, Lilac, Amber, Ylang Ylang.  I adore this fragrance, but  not so much the price!  In comparison, Lacura Her Reign has fruity top notes of Apple and Lemon that are perfectly paired with spicy Pink Pepper and Bergamot tones.  So not too many similarities with the fragrances notes in Her Reign, but again, it really has that powerful hit as it is first spritzed onto the pulse points and the longevity is impressive as it is still noticeable the following day, though much less as it has died right down.

If you have always lusted after both of these Creed fragrances, Aldi Lacura are offering a credible alternative to your bank balance, the only problem is keeping an eye out for them appearing because they will fly off the shelf!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Grazia Parfum Eau de Toilette Review

Grazia Parfum is the brands first entry into the world of fragrance, a section of the beauty world which is saturated with everything from the most expensive, the iconic, the dupe and of course new releases.

I am picky with fragrances and never ever purchase from a quick sniff of something on a card in a store, be it a stand alone or department. I like to get a feel for that fragrance in familiar surroundings, the current downside for me is that Covid has pretty much killed off my sense of smell, so I more often than not have to rely on others to confirm a scent.

"Grazia means grace in Italian, so I tried to create something that was joyful, happy and feminine. The perefume itself is filled with flowers but very light breezy flowers and we have created something very fresh - which you'll want to keep spraying again and again. It makes you smile, it's joy and it's Grazia"

As described by  Karine Dubreuil-Sereni, chief perfume Takasago.  Karine is responsible for having created over one hundred perfumes including the likes of Guzzi, Mugler and Guerlain.

So Grazia is described as being a new Sartorial Fragrance, Grazia Parfum is said to be a warm floral with sparkling citrus notes. A soft floral which gives the fragrance that subtle twist to what is referred to as being 'Classic feminine florals'. So the notes are fresh and floral and you will find the following:

• Top Notes - Grapefruit, Lemon and Blackcurrant
• Heart Notes - Peony, Peach and Reseda
• Base Notes - Sandalwood, White Musk and White Cedarwood

So as you can imagine, it opens with a burst of citrus with the lemon and grapefruit taking centre stage as the blackcurrant, which is much sweeter prevents that first whiff from being too tart, then as it settles in comes Peony which strong but again, for me the inclusion of Reseda, known for its green floral notes and then peach for its fruitiness helps to calm before the base notes add a slight heaviness without allowing the White Musk to take over.  Bringing everything together, you have that more sophisticated Fruity Floral which anyone could wear at any time of day, month or year.

However, you can't swoon over a fragrance without mentioning a bottle as pretty as this one. Decorated with sartorial sketches by Milenese designer Daniela Gerini, it denotes a collection of perfume bottles which, when they capture the sun, make them look as though they sit inside the bottle. To finish off the design of that bottle we have a classic, faceted diamond cap.

The Grazia Parfum is cruelty-free, Eco-friendly and 100ml will cost you £48 here.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Aldi Lacura Newest fragrance Launches

One of my favourite discoveries from Aldi Lacura is their fragrance range, not just the candles, wax melts and Reed diffusers but they also have an incredible range of perfume and aftershaves that are not to be sniffed at. Having already shared a few of those fragrances in recent weeks, today I am back with three more!

Meet Guardian, Luxe and Floral Love, three fragrances from the Aldi range and you might have guess that they are inspired by Thierry Mugler Alien, Viktor Rolf's FlowerBomb and of course Marc Jacobs Decadence.

Anyone who knows me or reads my blog will know just how much I detest Alien by Thierry Mugler, there is something about the notes that I just cannot stomach, but I was willing to give Guardian a try.

Each one of these fragrances retails for just £5.99 and whilst the bottles are not that similar to their high-end inspiration, they are all really well made and quite distinguishable in any perfume collection, but how do they rate?

Starting with Guardian which has been formulated with sweet scents of pineapple, coconut and mandarin orange which work alongside the sharper aromas of red berries, orchid and jasmine. Then finally the base notes of vanilla, amber, caramel and tonka bean. Unsurprisingly, Thierry Mugler Angel has very similar fragrance notes which are the sweet red fruits, soft caramel, honey and praline, combined with the captivating power of patchouli and vanilla.

The two fragrances do smell very similar as soon as they are spritzed but Guardian is less heavy with the vanilla and it makes it, for me, much easier to wear. When it comes to longevity, I haven’t worn Angel long enough to compare the two but Guardian gives a good 3-4 hours wear time before it would need to be re-applied. Priced at just £5.99 whereas bottles of Angel can retail over £100, so it’s quite the saving.

The second fragrance, Luxe is packaged in an emerald green bottle and it is quite striking, though clearly not a patch on the Marc Jacobs Decadence fragrance which is made to look like a snakeskin handbag.

Again with this fragrance, the notes of Luxe are described as being notes of saffron and iris that complement undertones of papyrus and heady vetiver. Added to that is the description of a fragrance which is deeply woody and sensual with creamy notes of jasmine and strong aroma of Bulgarian Rose. Contrasting that to Decadence we have top notes of Plum, Saffron and iris; heart notes of Orris, Jasmine Sambac and Bulgarian Rose before finally it’s base notes are Vetiver, Papyrus and Liquidambar. So once again, very similar notes in the same order but the slight difference between the two for me is the top notes, they’re much stronger in Decadence than they are in Luxe but as they dry down they become remarkably similar but I prefer Luxe once it has dried down because it doesn’t quite have that sharpness I find with Decadence.

The final fragrance is my favourite of the three and it is Floral Love, which is described as being a dupe of Flowerbomb from Victor & Rolf.   The bottles, which are both glass are very different in design though both are quite weighty in the hand. Again, it costs just £5.99 for 100ml and that is a massive saving of over £100 for the same sized bottle!

Floral Love is described as a ‘celebration of all things floral’ with notes of rose, freesia, and African orange flower. Then with Flowerbomb we have top notes of Tea, Bergamot and Osmanthus; heart notes of Orchid, Jasmine, Rose, Freesia and African Orange flower and then the base notes are Patchouli, Musk and Vanilla.   Both of these fragrances smell exactly the same to me, they open with that wonder zesty scent and settles with the jasmine and rose before the musk comes through to keep the vanilla from being too heady.  On the skin, Floral Love lasts a really good amount of time, for me it’s 6-7 hours, so a full day at work and people can still catch it as I walk by.

I have one more Aldi fragrance still to share on my blog and this time it is one for him! But for now you can enjoy these three beauties which are the same but different!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Cult Beauty Fragrance Discovery Kit

New to launch at Cult Beauty is the Fragrance Discovery Kit and for just £20 it is in my basket! Having recently launched The Body Kit, this has been quite the surprise.

The kit is worth £60 but is on sale now for just £20, giving you a saving of over 65%.

The Fragrance Discovery Kit is brimming with six delectable scents for your hair, body and home. Prepare to find your new favourite fragrance...

I am a huge fragrance fan, whether it is perfume, a shower gel, essential oil, candle or even a room spray, the scent you choose can say a lot about and improve your mood.

Contents

• Fugazzi Fragrances travel size Orange Crush Eau de Parfum (10ml)
• Gisou deluxe Honey Infused Hair Perfume (4ml)
• Jo Loves deluxe Jo by Jo Loves Votive (70g)
• Laboratory Perfumes deluxe Amber Eau de Toilette (5ml)
• Memo Paris deluxe Marfa Eau de Parfum (0.8ml)
• NEST New York Amalfi Lemon & Mint Votive (27g)

As you can see, it is a real mixture of products, scents and brands and for just £20, I think it is a great deal, especially with the candle inclusion and the fact you also get a £20 gift card to redeem against a fragrance of your choice from Cult Beauty!

On sale right here for just £20

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Olympéa Solar Paco Rabanne

New to my fragrance collection is Olympéa Solar by Paco Rabanne, the newest fragrance from the brand and it is just stunning. 

Described as being a a Citrus Aromatic fragrance for women, if you like the Olympéa range, then you need to add this one to your collection.

The immediate feeling of being transported to a sunshine haven on a radiant day. 

Olympéa Solar was launched this year and it has some incredible notes that run throughout. Opening with the Top notes of Mandarin Orange, Orange Peel and Orange Blossom; you immediate get a hit of sharp citrus notes which are as zesty as they are warm. Then with the heart notes, referred to as being Solar notes which is a relatively new term when it comes to fragrances and they they refer to perfumes that possess a sunny disposition, a relatively new phrase that I only came across recently. In the case of Olympéa Solar, those notes are Tiare Flower, White Flowers and Oakmoss which brings about freshness and settles the top notes before the base notes of Ylang-Ylang and Benzoin come through to give that sweet smooth almost caramel likeness, the Ylang-Ylang holding everything together to create a beautiful scent.

I absolutely adore the original Olympéa and having tried both Legend and Aqua, I only have Blossom left to try from the series and if Solar is anything to go by, I need to try it sooner rather than later.

Olympéa Solar is packaged in a beautiful glass bottle whose description states that it is a circle of triumphant laurels surrounds the fragrance new bottle and its radiant intensity comes from a golden foliage pattern directly molded on the glass. This design has been inspired by paco rabanne fashion house and is notably similar to the rest of the brands bottles in this series.

Priced between £56 and £95 depending on the size of the bottle you choose, which incidentally is either 30ml, 50ml or 90ml.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Aldi Fragrances - dupes?

I absolutely love my fragrances and when it comes to Aldi, they do have an entire fragrance catalogue, which you might or might not have come across.  I make no secret of my love for the Aldi Lacura range, if you have never tried it, there are some absolute delights to find, the latest being the Warming Eye Masks.  However, today I am sharing some of the latest fragrances to launch and they might just surprise you.

The latest two fragrances to launch within the Aldi range is Lacura Lady Pour Femme EDP and Lacura Atom EDPP both 100ml and both priced at just £5.99.  At this stage you might be wondering where Aldi got their inspiration from for these fragrances! Well keep on reading to find out!

Lacura Lady Pour Femme Eau de Parfum is described as being a sensual scent which boasts dark notes of sandalwood and tonka bean to compliment the notes of orange blossom and Bularian rose.  So have you guessed what it might be a dupe for? The answer is Carolina Herrera Good Girl.

So where do the similarities start and end?  For anyone who is a fan of Good Girl, of which I am as you can see here, the bottle is perhaps one of the most iconic of its kind. That stiletto heel is attention grabbing, it looks stunning and is like nothing else I have ever owned. Aldi have not copied that design, instead their bottle happens to be a deep blue with a gold lid, so you could say the colour design compliments the stiletto but that's all.  

When it comes to the fragrance, they are incredibly similar, from Caroline Herrera, you have a scent which is fresh, rich, it is bold and incredibly beautiful with the citrusy floral aroma and in contrast, you get pretty much that very same scent with Lady Pour Femme from Lacura, only the sillage isn't as good and the opening notes are not as fresh.  However, at £5.99 for 100ml versus £98 for 80ml, it is worth looking out for in store.

The second fragrance is Atom and it is described as being carefully formulated with Iso E Super to create a warm fragrance that is designed to adapt to each person who wears it. So have you guessed what it might be a dupe for? The answer is Escentric Molecules - Molecule 01, which happens to also be one of my all time favourite fragrances.

It isn't easy to describe Escentric Molecules 01 as a fragrance to anyone but it is best described as being a Woody Floral Musk fragrance for women and men. Created by the incredible Geza Schoen to take the fragrance industry and give it a shake to create something completely different. Molecules 01 is designed to blend with the wearer’s natural pheromones and create a scent which is unique to each person that applies it, so much so, you might not be able to smell it on yourself. Whenever I wear this fragrance, I am always asked multiple times what I am wearing, much more so than any other fragrance I own.

From Aldi with Atom, there are no similarities when it comes to the bottle design, firstly it is much more rounded whereas as Escentric Molecules is square and whilst both are 100ml, you pay £5.99 with Aldi and £72 with ES.  However, there is for me a difference in the fragrances, they are similar on the first spritz (I am using the example of spraying them on the hubby) but when drying down, Atom carried the woody amber scent much stronger and again the silage isn't as good.  However, if you have always wondered about Escentric Molecules 01 and wanted to know what all the fuss is about, Atom isn't one to turn your nose up at, but it definitely doesn't beat the original.

Both of these fragrances can be found within the Aldi Health and Beauty range and as with many Aldi Lacura products, they come in and out of stock all the time, so worth keeping an eye out for.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Marc Jacobs Daisy Skies

If ever there was a fragrance that was so perfect for this weather we are enjoying right now, it is Marc Jacobs Daisy Skies and if you’re a fan of the Daisy fragrance range, then this you will need!

Inspired by the blue skies and warm sunshine, Daisy Skies is delightful. Packaged in a pale blue glass bottle with the iconic 3D acrylic daisies on the lid, it is reminiscent of the rest of 

the fragrances in this range.

Fresh. Aquatic. Serene. Soothing and crisp like the breeze on a tranquil spring day. A scent inspired by the blue open sky and warm rays of sunshine.

The fragrance has top notes of Quince, Violet Leaves, Mineral Accord so it opens with a fresh light crispness with a hint of fruitiness as the heart notes of Lotus Flower, Natureprint, Jasmine and Violet which bring about the floral notes which sit at the heart of the fragrance as they intertwine with the fresh notes that open the fragrance to the base notes of Seaweed Abs, Musk and Sandalwood which keep this fragrance light, airy and brings together those floral and fruit notes.

As well as being an absolutely stunning bottle, the fragrance is reminiscent of everything that you expect to be a sunny day with a. Right blue sky without a cloud in view. With a fresh, strong opening, as it dries down, Skies becomes a refreshing whilst also being light and airy. 

If you like a fragrance which isn’t overbearing and whilst it lasts all day, for me, it smells exactly as I would imagine the sky to smell. It has all of the notes and for me, those floral notes make this an incredible fragrance.

Daisy Skies is available in a 50ml bottle and is priced at £64.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.