Contributors

Coriandre by Jacqueline Couturier for Jean Couturier 1973

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Post by Anne-Marie

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I bought my bottle of Coriandre a couple of summers ago during a visit to Hobart. There’s a perfumery there called St Cloud that I loved years ago when I lived in Hobart. I still I remember the thrill of buying a teeny bottle of Chanel No 19 parfum back in 19 … oh, never mind …

The business has moved premises but when I got chatting to the guy I was charmed to discover it is still run by the same people. Riding this wave of nostalgia, I could not resist a 100 ml bottle of Coriandre.

Coriandre by Jean Couturier 1973

Coriandre by Jacqueline Couturier

Coriandre Jean Couturier FragranticaPhoto Stolen Fragrantica

Fragrantica gives these featured accords:
Top: Aldehydes, coriander, orange blossom, angelica, bergamot
Heart: Violet root, lily, jasmine, rose, geranium, iris, ylan ylang
Base: Sandalwood, patchouli, musk, civet, oakmoss, vetiver

If you are worried that Coriandre will smell like coriander (cilantro), do still give it a try it. It does not remind me of the leaves, but the warmth of the seeds is there (much less pungent than the actual spice). It will not remind you of food in the least.

Coriandre Jean Couturier Coriander WikiMediaPhoto Stolen Wikimedia

Coriandre is essentially a green fragrance, a chypre, but not as stemmy as, say, Balmain’s Vent Vert or CHANEL’s Bel Respiro. There is no chewy galbanum, and no juicy citrus. It makes a great fragrance for summer if you like to avoid citrus colognes. The effect is herbal, a little spicy, woody and earthy, and quite dry. I struggle to think of anything like it, really, although the mossy element dates Coriandre to before the 1990s.

Coriandre crackles with intelligence and wit, easily a unisex fragrance. It’s like a country cousin to CHANEL No 19 or Rive Gauche, much less refined. It’s as if Coriandre dropped out of law school and set up a pottery studio in a farm shed on Mum and Dad’s property.

Coriandre Jean Couturier Wheat Girl Greyerbaby PixabayPhoto Stolen Pixabay

The fragrance reformulated in 1993. I’m reviewing the modern EDT, which is mostly what you see at the online discounters now. I can well believe that Coriandre is not what it was: the scent on skin often strikes me as too woody and harsh. The sillage is lighter, greener and much more nuanced. Longevity on me is moderate.

On the day I bought my bottle of Coriandre I had no internet access and it was a true impulse buy. Only when I got home did I realise that I probably paid twice what I should have. I’ve no regrets though. I helped a long-standing small business to survive another day and I had a fun experience. There was no tester but the guy in the shop opened his only bottle so I could sniff it. He keeps Coriandre pretty much for one customer, he told me, a man who buys it once a year for his wife whose signature it is. Wondering who this fascinating, unknown Coriandre-wearing lady was, I hardly noticed as my credit card leapt out of my wallet and did a little dance across the counter towards the till. Sold!

Further reading: Now Smell This and Perfume Shrine
FragranceNet has EdT $23/100ml before coupon

Until next time – keep spritzing everyone!
Anne-Marie xx

Hiram Green Voyage by Hiram Green 2015

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Post by Val the Cookie Queen

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Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea was my favourite TV series as a kid. Admiral Nelson and his crew. The flying sub which could leave the ocean and function as an airplane being the coolest thing ever.

Hiram Green Voyage by Hiram Green 2015

 Voyage Hiram Green FragranticaPhoto Stolen Fragrantica

Fragrantica gives these featured accords:
Top: Citruses
Heart: Amber, suede
Base: Vanilla

Hiram Green’s Voyage – An ode to the exotic mysteries of India.

I chatted with Hiram briefly the other day. He mentioned that he would find it difficult to write two sentences about his own creations, and was interested that some bloggers could write thick novels. I found that highly amusing.

Hiram Green VoyagePhoto Donated Val CQ

When I started writing for APJ it was really just a bit of fun. I was extremely surprised when I found that people were asking if they could send me perfumes to
try. I was so excited but that soon died down when I saw that most of them didn’t work on me. I believe that is the politically correct way of putting it? I
only get some sort of inspiration when I like something. Which kind of limits me. Perhaps I should write about what sucks, but I am sure Portia would fire me. I digress. Hiram Green sent me a sample of Voyage and I have used it all. It is quite bodacious.

Hiram green in India aged 14Photo Donated Hiram Green

Voyage is opulent and sumptuous, two words that do not tend to get used with an all natural perfume. It is the drydown of many more modern perfumes where it falls short of expectation. Top loaded to blow your mind and then after 20 minutes the common base. Voyage could not be further away from this perfume concept. The perfume is built on a base of superb vanilla and a heart of amber. The fragrance opens with a lively citrus feel before slipping into the spicy, warm, lush heart. Hiram doesn´t mention spice in his list of notes, but hey, who cares about the notes anyway? There is a soft suede halo wrapped around the whole composition, which draws it altogether. It is tweaked to perfection and lasts for hours. It blows apart all preconceived ideas (mine) of natural perfumery apart.

Attention to detail is exquisite, from the wax seal to the website. The bottles are stunning. They are every bit as gorgeous in real life as they are on the pictures. All three of his scents are outstanding. He clearly does not bend to the industry, nor to the trend of churning out a new fragrance every few months.
Modern classic beauty.

Voyage Hiram Green The_Voyage_of_Life_Old_Age WikiMediaPhoto Stolen WikiMedia

Voyage, as well as Moon Bloom and Shangri La can be purchased in 5 ml sprays at Hiram Green. All three highly recommended. Note that Voyage is limited to 250 bottles.

“Ah, you’ve come over the water. Powerful wet stuff, ain´t it?”
The Voyage of the “Dawn Treader”. C.S. Lewis

Valiant Bussis
CQ

Moistfull Super Collagen Cream by Etude House

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Post by Azar

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Hello APJ,

I know that we already have our very own beauty editor here at APJ – AF Beauty – who does a fantastic job of keeping us updated on skin care and make-up. Nevertheless I just had to comment on a few skin care samples that Portia sent my way a few months ago.

Korean skin care is all the rage lately. Ever since Soo Ae, the famous Korean actress, started her own line several years ago I have wanted to give Korean beauty products a try. Unfortunately what I could find locally was limited and quite expensive. Within the last year (or has it been longer?) the products from the Korean skin care company Etude House have been made available to US buyers through the Etude House website and on Amazon. Portia’s samples of Etude House products, picked up on a recent visit to Korea, have turned me into a Korean skincare junkie.

After seeing some recent photos of myself I knew that something had to change! Short of surgery there isn’t too much a woman of my age can do about sagging skin, but I really think that the first of Portia’s samples I tried actually helped to give my skin a smoothing lift.

Moistfull Super Collagen Cream by Etude House

Moistfull Super Collagen Cream Etude House

Etude House Moistfull Super Collagen Cream, containing 63% hydrolyzed collagen from seaweed, is a light weight cream with a gel-like consistency that glides onto the skin leaving a moist finish, brightening the complexion, smoothing the look of lines and wrinkles and giving the appearance of a slight lift to drooping skin and to that dreaded dewlap. The effect was immediately noticeable after a single application. I quickly used up the two samples from Portia and ordered this product and several other Etude House items on Amazon. The Super Collagen cream continues to impress. There is also a non-super version of this cream. The formula is a little different. I definitely prefer the Super version. I also find that the Etude House Moistful Super Collagen Eye Concentrate relieves under-eye puffiness and the Pearl Aura Brightening Essence revives dull looking skin.

I don’t imagine I will totally abandon my old favorites by Orlane and Paula’s Choice. They seem to work to minimize enlarged pores and reduce wrinkles. However, the Etude House products are at least as effective for a slightly lower price than Paula’s Choice and are considerably less expensive than anything by Orlane that isn’t past the pull date.

I won’t include any more “before and after” photos here today as I am not equipped to do selfies. You will just have to take my word for it – I think that these products might actually work!

Etude House

Have you tried the Korean skin care lines? Do you have a favorite brand that you use regularly? Despite my love of these products I often find myself wondering if using any kind of skincare is just a big waste of time and money. What do you think?

Azar xx

 

My Beauty Fallbacks: Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil

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Post by AF Beauty

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Testing makeup and skincare products can be exciting and amazing, especially when you find a wow product or something unexpected – that’s always a total buzz. However, testing can also be a buzzkill, sadly. At something-something age – I do have a fairly good idea of what my skin needs and likes and if something I’m testing is not as wow as I hoped, I have my fallbacks where I can trust that I’ll get my skin back to an even playing field before starting on the next test.

My Beauty Fallbacks: Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil

Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment OilNow, I’ll be honest, this oil is totally scathed by Paula’s Choice review. They say this is as “good for for dehydrated skin as massaging it with sandpaper!“. Interestingly, the comments on the site (only two) are positive – neither written by me! – but I would add my endorsement to their opinions.
I’ve used this on and off for about 5 years now having seen it recommended in another beauty column. The whole oil will help with dehydration thing is a bit of a mind bend, but for my skin it works.

This is how I use it: First is simply as a step in my usual routine. I would normally wash my face using the nanna flannel technique with whatever cleanser is on the go at the time. I wipe my face with the flannel till clean but don’t then reach for the towel. My face isn’t sopping wet, it’s more damp than dripping. I reach for the oil, drop a few drops in my hand – usually between 2 and 5 depending on how my skin is – warm the oil in my hands and then pretty much apply as if it were a moisturiser, pressing a little in here and there in spots which I feel need some extra TLC. Clarins have a whole little video on how to apply which is far more tender and serene than my description – you can see that in the link in one of the pictures of the product. Once oil is applied I then go for serum or moisturiser as usual – I wouldn’t use it before applying make up.

Avène Thermal Spring WaterI do occasionally also use this as a treatment of itself – especially on a weekend where I am feeling the need to pamper. Either I’ll wash my face in the usual way – or if I’m feeling posh, I’ll wash then apply a fancy spray water to my face to moisten and ready for further application. I’m currently using the Avène Thermal Spring Water. I then take the oil in the same way as before and apply. If I’m applying as more of a treatment, I’ll do this, wait about 30 mins, then reapply again – spray with the water and reapply the oil. You could then apply a mask of your choice over this as well. Overall I notice with even just a week’s application my skin hydration improves – I think quite significantly. I really notice the plumpness is restored to my skin and I have fewer dry lines.

David Jones online or in store Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil $52
Priceline has Avène Thermal Spring Water $9.99/50ml

There are a number of Clarins oils for various skin conditions, have you used any of them? How did you get on? Are you a fan or do you side with Paula?

Good Girl Gone Bad from by Kilian 2012

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Post by Greg Young

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What does a man have to do to please his beloved? He selflessly enters a competition for a girly white floral, knowing that is his lady love’s favourite style. Lady luck smiles on him (thanks APJ & Libertine Parfumerie), but sadly lady wife does not; Good Girl Gone Bad is Bad in my Good Girl’s opinion.

Good Girl Gone Bad from by Kilian 2012

Good Girl Gone Bad By Kilian FragranticaPhoto Stolen Fragrantica

Fragrantica gives these featured accords:
Top: Jasmine, osmanthus, may rose
Heart: Indian tuberose, narcissus
Base: Amber, cedar

Well of course, I wore it myself; as you do.

I chose a sunny Spring Saturday to try it; a couple of spritzes to the wrist that wafted jasmine around me, slip on some Italian jeans, my Cucinelli polo, and some Common Projects sneakers and I feel like a millionaire. Ten minutes later, and my effervescent mood has soured a bit. My Good Girl Gone Bad has run away on me, faithless hussy that she is. I worked it out soon enough; I’d smothered my arms in sunscreen prior to going outside, and killed it. A couple of more spritzes does the trick. I go out shopping in the Melbourne sun, wandering around my local for a coffee then down to Chadstone for a bit of retail therapy.

Good Girl Gone Bad by Kilian Melbourne Jorge Lascar FlickrPhoto Stolen Flickr

The whole time, I am sneaking sniffs at my wrist. (I always feel very self-conscious doing that; it seems something only women have license to do). This is a seriously good floral, with excellent lasting power. It’s heady and creamy like the smell of a Hawaiian night. It’s not a ravening monster like my HdP Tubereuse 3. This one is more refined and less animalic.

It’s now almost 9 hours since I applied it, and it’s still going strong. It remains all florals on me still, and is yet to get to the amber and cedar drydown, so I think it has plenty of development yet to go. Best of all, my wife actually likes this when I wear it, even if she won’t wear it herself!

My preference is for fragrances that are civilised enough to wear in a professional office environment, and last the full working day, and this one fits the bill. I have little hesitation in recommending Good Girl Gone Bad to guys who are OK with wearing florals, particularly in the coming sunny weather.

Good Girl Gone Bad by Kilian The Painter of Sunflowers Paul_Gauguin WikipediaPhoto Stolen Wikipedia

Further reading: AustralianPerfumeJunkies and EauMG
Available in Australia exclusively in store at Harrold’s Sydney & Melbourne
LuckyScent has $160/50ml
Surrender To Chance has samples starting at $4/.5ml

Thanks to Portia and Nick at Libertine Parfumerie for the opportunity to discover something that I might never have picked up and tried of my own accord.

Kingdom by Jacques Cavallier for Alexander McQueen 2003

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Post by Joseph Sagona

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Hi APJ,

Let’s talk about a very strong, dirty, sexy, peppery, unusual, raw, sweaty, skanky, mysterious, carnal, bold, unisex, subtle sweetness, with soft herbal and citric undertones. You know you want to….

Kingdom by Alexander McQueen 2003

Kingdom by Jacques Cavallier

Kingdom Alexander McQueen FragranticaPhoto Stolen Fragrantica

Fragrantica gives these featured accords:
Top: Orange, mandarin orange, mint, neroli, bergamot, lemon
Heart: Carnation, ginger, rhubarb, jasmine, celery seeds, rose
Base: Amber, musk, oakmoss

I get the Ginger, Cumin, Musk, Rhubarb, Rose and Incense, it opens up with a warm animalic musk and an spicy, earthy cumin, the musk and cumin are strong, the musk remains throughout the duration of the fragrance.

After fifteen minutes the musk and cumin soften and remain, in comes a fresh, tart rhubarb and a sharp, soapy ginger, the ginger has slight astringent smell, it quickly dissipates within ten minutes and becomes smooth, the rhubarb is strong, the ginger is mild. Then after three hours the cumin dissipates along with the ginger, the rhubarb softens and remains, in comes an aromatic, smoky incense, and a dusty with a touch of green rose, the incense and rose are mild.

Kingdom reminds me of Penhaligon’s No.9, and Christian Dior’s Dune for Women, No.9 is softer, stronger floral notes and spicier, Dune is sweeter, with aldehydes and comes off powdery, they all have similar, musky, floral and citric notes.

Alexander_McQueen_last_show_dress_V&A_museum WikipediaPhoto Stolen Wikipedia

Alexander McQueen, your Kingdom has spoken to me, and taken my very last breath from me,
it’s a love affair that will never break, my soul will always be yours to take.
Enrapture me in your sultry cocoon, I never want to bid you sweet adieu.
Shackle my bones in your tender embrace, and transport me to that euphoric place.
Make love to me as you only could, and bring me to tears with your scent that makes me swoon
I want to feel you crawl deep inside my skin, and make me bellow in your eternal grace.
Like two souls enraptured and intertwined, slide your warm tongue up and down my spine,
don’t stop until you bring me to everlasting bliss, and I give you my soul with one gentle kiss,
here is Alexander McQueen’s Kingdom.

Kingdom would be gorgeous in the Fall and Winter, I get good projection and good longevity, this is a beautiful fragrance that you should sample. Kingdom is an Oriental Spicy fragrance

AlexanderMcQueenLogo

Further reading: Candy Perfume Boy and I Smell Therefore I Am
Long discontinued, bottles still pop up on ebay.com

Did you ever get to smell this wonder?
Joseph Sagona

(Ed: Joseph writes for The Scented Apprentice, go check him out there too.)

Niche Christmas Gift Ideas from Under $20

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Post by Ainslie Walker

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 Niche Christmas Gift Ideas from Under $20

Just Gil Jasmine rouge Copyright 2015Photo Donated Just Gil (Copyright 2015)

 Niche Christmas Gift Ideas Under $25

For smoky vanilla lovers: Encens Feve Tonka perfumed soap $16.95

For the woody citrus lovers: Tilleul Cedrat perfumed soap $16.95

For the bearded hipsters and dandy gentlemen in your life, give them an aromatic moustache to sniff at: Penhaligon’s Bayolea Moustache Wax $19

For bathing beauties, both man and woman: Gascoigne & King Luxury Unmilled soaps come in aniseed, myrtle and charcoal (my favorite), tangerine, geranium and lemongrass, patchouli and poppyseed. They are beautifully packaged and handmade in Sydney, making them unique Aussie gifts! $25

Just Gil Jasmine rouge Copyright 2015Photo Donated Just Gil (Copyright 2015) Coco MademoisellePhoto Donated Just Gil (Copyright 2015)

 Niche Christmas Gift Ideas Under $35

For fragrant bathers of any age, even Grandma: Fragonard Shower Gel’s in Fleur de Vanille, Soleil, Freesia, Rose de Mai $28

For the gourmet foodies you know, make their dinner table decorating dreams complete: Cire Truden Madeleine Tapered candles come in Black, Aqua, Grey, Rose and Stone. Are dripless and smokeless and will be beautiful and classic even adorning your festive table $29

Flower of the moment is Lily of the Valley and Fragonard Muget Soap Gift Box of 4 is super cute. I just love the illustration on the box. Perfect for any age group now that this flower has been revived! $32

For the artists, creatives, art collectors, perfume lovers and just about anyone I can HIGHLY recommend Just Gil’s – Original Perfume Art Starting from $35. Just Gil is a talented, perfume-loving artist based in Sweden and you can follow her on instagram: @Just.Gil to see what she is producing. She also does warm and friendly, easy to watch fragrance reviews on YouTube: Just Gil
Her artworks are original and addictive (I have 2 already!!) and make the perfect original gift for anyone who is sentimental about a fragrance through to all you fragrance obsessives! She will do bespoke commissions of your favorite bottles too! *Postage –is a maximum of $18 for an any amount of pictures to be sent anywhere in the world, so team up with your buddies and order at the same time to share this cost. Be sure to order soon so yours arrive in time for Christmas!!

Photo Donated Just Gil (Copyright 2015) SpiceBombPhoto Donated Just Gil (Copyright 2015)

 Niche Christmas Gift Ideas Under $40

For work colleagues/secret Santa’s/neighbors and people you may not know too well, for example, The Fragonard Body Lotion’s are easy to gift in Soleil, Freesia, Rose de Mai, Fleur d’Oranger $34.95

A no sweat stocking filler is Penhaligon’s Deodorant’s in Bayolea (citrus aromatic), Quercus (chypre), Sartorial (fougere) or Blenheim Bouquet (citrus aromatic). $39

Who doesn’t like roses, Italy and a little bit of history?! The beautiful 250ml Santa Maria Novella Rosewater is a real treat with many uses and comes packaged with historic, iconic Santa Maria Novella labeling. $40 from Peony and Franque in Melbourne.

Niche Christmas Gift Ideas Under $50

Creed’s Aventus Soap is a win for the men at only $49. No better choice than a sexy soap for Grandpa!!

Atelier Cologne Layering Duo (Ltd Edition) is handy for a hot Australasian summer, 2 travel sized spray bottles ready for a sophisticated freshen-up-respritz and layering experience. Orange Sanguine is zesty, juicy orange and geranium. Vanille Insensée takes sweet notes of vanilla, jasmine and lime and fuse with oakmoss, woods and coriander spice. Worn together to create a unique fragrance. From teen ages and up. Can be unpackaged into 2 separate stocking filler gifts for siblings. Available in Sephora Stores. $49

Frédéric Malle Editions de Parfums 10mls I had no idea these started so affordably!! A “gateway” sized bite into this drop dead gorgeous collection of quality fragrances by the very best noses in the world. From $50

Photo Donated Just Gil (Copyright 2015) Black SaffronPhoto Donated Just Gil (Copyright 2015)

Niche Christmas Gift Ideas Under $60

A new release to Mecca from Korres is ‘Velvet Orris, Violet, White Pepper EDT’ it packs a punch and is built to last! For lovers of sweet, strong, fruity, powdery florals. (Think Flowerbomb to Coco Mademoiselle wearers) AND IT’S NATURAL!! $56

Award winning niche brand Costume National’s 10ml Rollerballs: So Nude, Homme, Scent Intense, Cyber Garden are $59 each from Libertine and Sephora and are a fantastic introduction to quality niche and make great gifts for teens and upwards! Packaging makes them a great gift for the discerning traveller!

BY ROSIE JANE James Fragrance Oil 5ml roll on is a delightful sweet unisex fig, gardenia and amber rollerball perfume. It’s creamy white floral notes edge on coconut and says summer to me. For all the sexy beach babes you know. Light, earthy and romantic. Perfect size for in the handbag. $60.00

Niche Christmas Gift Ideas Under $80

(Malin + Goetz) votive set of 3 candles – 3 x 67g In dark rum, tobacco and vetiver, the scented trio will make gifts for any sophisticated, house-proud males in your lives. $66

Where are you staying this Christmas? Give your hosts or even newly wedded couples unique ambient home scent as a thank you: L’Artisan’s Amber sachets. GORGEOUS! $79

MudAustralia Candles: Re-Priced in time for Christmas 2015!!

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Post by Ainslie Walker

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As some of you know I’m involved in a scented candle collaboration with Mud Australia, who are an all Australian designer porcelain company based in Sydney. Recent expansions see Mud Australia stand alone stores in New York, London, Melbourne and a new Double Bay location in Sydney opening next week.

MudAustralia Candles

Re-Priced in time for Christmas 2015!!

I am happy to announce today that we have been able to reduce the price of the candles in time for your Christmas shopping

From $100 to $85!! at Ainslie Walker<<JUMP

Here is some further information from Portia’s APJ introduction & APJ Christmas Guide 2014

MudAustralia Candle Ainslie Walker #5

All their gorgeous porcelain designs (plates, bowls, mugs pendant lights, fruit bowls, vases etc.) are handmade in small batches in their Marrickville workshop, including the vessels for the candles. The hues and textures are gorgeous and the reason why they are in demand worldwide.

The candles burn for more than 80 hours. The vessels are reusable either by refilling with a candle refill (also available $40) or through use as a vase, drinking vessel, toothbrush/pen holder etc.

MudAustralia Candle Ainslie Walker #1

Mud01 – slate, milk or red

The collaboration Mud01 fragrance explores and draws from the soft hues and smooth textures of mud Australia’s porcelain. Ainslie uses a combination of white florals -tuberose, jasmine and orange blossom to create a smooth, creamy note, tolu Resin to add an earthy element, whilst green ginger and spices are used to add depth and warmth. The fragrance is feminine, yet strong, and reminiscent of Shelley Simpson, Mud Australia’s founder.

MudAustralia Candle Ainslie Walker #3

Mud02 – plum, dust or bottle

Features a fragrance with cedar, leather, amber and musks forming the base with neroli, orange, fresh cut herbs and sun dried hay floating above. The whole combines to give the effect of warm amber and deep woods throughout your home

Available now from Ainslie Walker<<JUMP and Mud Australia stores and stockists worldwide.

Mr. Whiskers Beard Balms by Laurie Stern for Velvet & Sweet Pea’s Purrfumery

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Post by Poodle

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I received a lovely bunch of samples from the Fragments 2015 show. The little burlap bag from Velvet & Sweet Pea’s Purrfumery was one of my favorite discoveries. Inside were samples of Honey which I reviewed last time and Mr. Whiskers Beard Balm which I had to try just because of the fabulous name. Laurie Stern is the perfumer behind the brand which is named in honor of her two cat’s. She uses natural ingredients and the products are made in small batches. They are also cruelty free. I’ve enjoyed sampling her perfumes so I was hopeful I’d like the beard balms.

Mr. Whiskers Beard Balms by Velvet & Sweet Pea’s Purrfumery

Mr. Whiskers Beard Balms by Laurie Stern

Juniper & Cypress Forest, Piñon Desert, and Vetiver Breeze

Mr. Whisker’s Beard Balm! Velvet & Sweet Pea’s PurrfumeryPhoto Stolen Velvet & Sweet Pea’s Purrfumery

Ingredients – organic oils of jojoba, avocado, rose hip seed, organic cocoa butter, beeswax from their own bees, virgin oil de coco creme, essential oils

Let’s clarify one thing. I don’t have a beard so I’m sure you’re wondering what on earth I’d want with a beard balm. Well, I have dry hair and lately I have a head full of frizz. I’ll try just about anything to calm it down. Why not beard balm? Hair is hair.

The first one I tried was Juniper & Cypress Forest Beard Balm with notes of, you guessed it, juniper and cypress. Compared to most of the fruity and flowery hair products out there this is a refreshing change. It smells forest-like and clean. Piney, but not like a Christmas tree. It reminds me of a cabin in the woods.

Vetiver Breeze is great for vetiver lovers. It’s fresh and earthy. I enjoyed catching a faint whiff of this one in my hair.

Next up was Piñon Desert with notes of piñon pine and sandalwood. This was my favorite of the three. It’s woody, but not sharp and synthetic. It hints at being in a lumberyard. There’s a warmth and a softness to it as well.

Mr. Whisker’s Beard Balm! Hipster Ryan Ruppe FlickrPhoto Stolen Flickr

These scents are not going to overpower. They’re linear and light but it’s beard oil not perfume so that’s fine. I can’t imagine anyone wanting a strong scented product to use around their mouth area anyway. They’re somewhat solid in the container but melt on contact with warm hands. They’re oily but they are not heavy feeling and would probably work well as a body oil in winter. I didn’t use much and they did calm down my frizz and give my hair a decent bit of shine without silicones. For me, Beard Balms seem to soften and smooth my hair and skin pretty well so I imagine they’d work great when used on beards as intended. I’m curious to see what hubby says when he sees beard oil on my Christmas list.

Velvet & Sweet Pea’s Purrfumery has $22/10ml

Guys, do you use a beard oil? Do any of you use hair oils? What’s your holy grail dry hair remedy?

Poodle xxx

White Musks: Friend or Foe?

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Post by Trésor

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I like white musk, I cannot lie and I like it a lot. Many of you will be familiar with my profound affection for accords steeped in subversion, depravity and potions rife with filthy delight but when it’s just me, myself and I there is only one solution: a proper cumulonimbus of glimmering white musk. Instead of just one review this week I’ve opted instead for three, a collection of my most cherished and well loved fragrances graced with this accord of pellucid splendour.

White Musks: Friend or Foe?

Pure eVe The Different Company FragranticaPhoto Stolen Fragrantica

Pure eVe by Céline Ellena for The Different Company 2011

First up on the docket is Pure eVe (formerly known as Pure Virgin) from French niche house The Different Company. Pure eVe opens in an exquisite breath of sheer vanilla, flirting with the idea of confection but never quite registering as a treat that’s entirely edible. Soon vanilla gracefully fades into cascades of creamy almond and transparent caramel, each tendril encapsulated within zephyrs of gentle powder. The base is comprised of a glorious and breathtakingly kaleidoscopic blend of white musks, each one scintillating and setting another aglow until they are all but one orb of fluid light.

Royal Muska M. Micallef FragranticaPhoto Stolen Fragrantica

Royal Muska by Jean-Claude Astier for M. Micallef 2008

I happened upon Jean-Claude Astier’s Royal Muska for M. Micallef entirely by accident. I’d been snooping through a friend’s perfume shelf as one does and the most gloriously glittering bottle caught my eye. There was no question, I had to spray myself and the from the moment I did I could tell that it was going to be love. From first sniff there is a familiarity, I can catch whiffs of delicate summertime beauty. Ephemeral flourishes silky cream and raspberry permeate the background, cheekily peeking through a veil of aroma that’s reminiscent of fine French soap. At the heart is a translucent interpretation of ripe and velvety peach that carries through until the composition has become glowing billows of plush white musk.

Lovely Sarah Jessica Parker FragranticaPhoto Stolen Fragrantica

Lovely by Laurent Le Gurnec + Clement Gavarry for Sarah Jessica Parker 2005

Out of my entire collection there are but a small a handful of fragrances which I use on a regular basis and even fewer which I use entirely and repurchase time and time again. Alongside my greatest love, Aromatics Elixir from Clinique there is only one other where I have repurchased bottles more times than I can count: Lovely from Sarah Jessica Parker. The opening of lovely, to my humble nose, is sheer perfection. Silken plumes of luxurious white musk are scintillating with fractals of golden light radiating threads of glowing bergamot and transparent grains of sea salt, their form cut as precious stone. At the heart of Lovely dwells the velvet petals of a white rose, her petals bathed in the roseate hue of celestial evening sunlight. The warmth of the rich rosewood that comprises the base is utterly magnetic and the soft shades of amber on which it rests are equally as exquisite. If I were to choose only one white musk for the rest of my life, there is no question of which it would be. Lovely.

You might find this interesting: Surrender To Chance Musks Sampler

What are your favourite fragrances focused around an accord of white musk?

Until next time, kittens.

Trésor, xo.