Gift Giving

Portia’s Gift List 2019

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Portia

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Heya APJ,

This time of the year is a nightmare if you want to buy something lovely for friends. First and foremost being that our friends mostly already have everything they need. So for us to get them something special and important means either we have to spend a LOT of money, or we need to be a little savvy. As most of my closest don’t really understand my perfume mania it would be churlish of me to buy them something in that mode unless I’ve really thought it out. Here are some perfume and fragrant adjacent gifts that should get their eyes popping and not break the bank for you.

This is a list of things I’ll be gifting this year. Most of them are bought already, just awaiting packaging.

Portia’s Gift List 2019

Candles

While being fragrant, candles occupy the happy middle ground where they are decorative, functional and useable. You don’t need to store them because they sit out and get their burn on a couple of times a week to help freshen the air in our homes.

Cire Trudon

VERY spendy but really good if you need to impress or the person you’re buying for is impress oriented. I love their packaging and the fragrances always smell uber luxe. This year my choice of their Christmas scents is Hupo. Ambergris, Incense and creamy woods combine majestically. Libertine has these with FREE Australian Postage.

Gascoigne & King

The newest fragrance from Gascoigne & King is unbelievably beautiful. Mainly jasmine, and vanilla with the warm, feral addition of honey. G&K are a Sydney brand, created with love by hand in the home of my girlfriend Bronwyn Gascoigne. I buy a cartload of these every year because everyone who gets one comments how lavishly glamorous they make the house smell. Very reasonably priced and Gascoigne & King send to the world with a AUD$20 Flat Shipping Rate.

They also do the To Die For Rose Gold Candle Care Wicker and Snuffer, in case your friends already have candles galore. ^^

Glasshouse

Confession time. I bought the new Glasshouse Carousel for MYSELF! Yes, I paid full retail and it is freaking gorgeous. When it’s lit in the dark of the evening the light creates fabulous patterns on the walls. It’s like a fairyland. I will run myself a midnight bubble bath, light the candle and turn the lights out. INSTANT fantasy land. Amusingly, when I told Ainslie Walker that I’d bought it she squealed, it is one of her releases for the brand! Double win.

Bathtime

That leads us beautifully to my favourite, Bubble Baths. Most of my mates aren’t deep into perfumes but all of them have to bathe. A simple, useful and well priced gift is always a shower gel. Excellent if you know their preference in perfumes because you can buy their attendant products but also cool if you don’t, open their minds to something new and wonderful.

Lyric Man Shower Gel by Amouage

Lyric Man has been Amouage’s best selling mens fragrance for years. It’s cool, masculine rose is beautiful and flies under the radar enough that it can be the perfect choice for the wealthy working man (or the one with a partner/friend/family with really good taste). The packaging alone makes this a gift of distinction with the added benefit of a 300ml pump pack. Guaranteed to last months, even with daily use.

Mon Guerlain Shower Gel by Guerlain

Mon Guerlain, the hit from Guerlain that has spawned a thousand flankers in its few short years. I like the simplicity of this packaging. Right now there are also wonderful Gift Packs that come with a shower gel and fragrance. I really like the less flamboyant scent they’ve used in this and it will work beautifully across the range, so no matter which Mon Guerlain is your intendeds fave this will be a perfect bath starter.

Cherry Blossom Shower Gel by L’Occitane

I was gifted this bottle for my birthday by some girlfriends. The bottle alone is a winner with its cherry blossom branch relief. The pretty cherry/cherry blossom fragrance is so much better than it needed to be. I’m surprised each time I use it how good the fragrance is. Also, though it looks pricey, it is really good value.

Basil Lemon by Korres

Want to kick start your day with a zingy refreshing fragrance, or are thinking of wearing some cologne or citrus scents for your day? This is a really good value choice and the big bottles always look impressive. 400ml will probably last till the next time you have to buy a gift for them. I like the no nonsense packaging too, perfect for the boys but not so butch that the girls will feel awkward.

Rose Jam Shower Gel by LUSH

Special Christmas time release and my favourite shower gel by LUSH, by far. Rose Jam is a scent I want to always have around. It is the perfect base coat to any rose-centric fragrance but isn’t so strong that it really interferes with anything you choose to wear fragrance wise over its remnants. Super good value and comes from 100m up to the huge 500ml. This is a great love of mine. Excellent gifting response too.

Other Great Stuff

Liberty & Co Colour Block Mug

Jin bought me one of these last year. It has been my most coveted coffee mug ever since. It’s perfect in every way. The feel, the colours, the size and the handle. PERFECT! So perfect in fact that I have bought it this year for others, so they can enjoy the luxuriousness of a Tiffany & Co cuppa.

Tea Towels

I know, right! So many of my friends really do have EVERYTHING! It’s impossible to get them anything they really want, let alone need. So wherever I go, be it Art Gallery, Holiday Destination, Event or Place of Note I grab a couple of Tea Towels. We all use them, most people have a couple of skanky old rags or even a set bought a few years ago at the local supermarket but rarely does anyone think much about them. So getting a pretty, interesting or luxurious one is nice. They are also good to use as safety wrapping inside put together gift boxes.

 

OK, so there are some thoughts. You’ve got nearly three weeks of shopping left for Christmas or whatever your ritual is at this time of year.

No matter what you do or don’t buy, who or what you do or don’t have, I wish you a safe season. Hoping it’s free of drama, pain and depression for you, and if any of those hits I hope your coping mechanisms get you through. Plan ahead, make sure you are not putting yourself or others in danger. Hugs from me, and the APJ crew.

Portia xxx

LATE QUICK XMAS GIFTS

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Post by Portia

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Heya LATE people,

There’s 7 days till Christmas and you are FREAKING OUT? Don’t. I’ve got you covered. Here is a selection of beautiful things that are guaranteed to keep your friends, family and loved ones smiling long after the big day. They are a look into what I have paid full retail for to gift my mates with this year.

Now these are mainly for Australia. Down the bottom I’ve put a few perfume ideas that you can buy at most Chemists (Drug Stores) or Department Stores for everyone around the world.

Late Quick Christmas Gifts

Candles

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Cult Of Scent<< has just released the most fabulously glamorous candle ever. Jocelyn Fullerton is the creator and le Rêveur (the Dreamer) is inspired by a magical book by Erin Morgenstern and the dream of waking in a rose garden. Fabulous red glass lidded bottle of 500g (approx 15.5oz), hand made with vegetal wax and burntime least 80 hrs for AUD$65 before tax & shipping. Perfect for your glam, luxe and OTT buddies.
DISCOUNT CODE: APJ10 (Only 100 of these discounts available)
Last shopping day till 12pm (midday) Sydney time on Wednesday 21st December

gascoigne-king-paddington-candle

Gascoigne & King Candles<< are created and produced by my mate Bronwyn Gascoigne who hand makes everything in her Surry Hills studio. My current favourite is Paddington with its notes of rose, marigold, fern. tulips & lily. It manages to fill the room with fresh clean air and the hint of a floral bouquet. These are the perfect gift for your super cool minimalist friends. At $55 for 400ml with around 75 hours of burntime, beautifully boxed and FREE SHIPPING in Australia.
Final Christmas orders by 4pm Tuesday 20th December Sydney time

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Coast Candles Sydney<< who we recently showcased for their new fragrance range is an Aussie candle company. I bought a bunch of these because firstly they smell fabulous. For my preference Coast Candles are a little strong for the living room but perfect in the bathroom when you have guests to keep everything smelling fresh and new. We have Tahiti at AUD$38 for 440g with approximately 80 hours of burntime in the bathroom right now with its notes of vanilla, coconut and gardenia.
Women for Women International supports female survivors of war with tools and resources to move from crisis and poverty to stability and self sufficiency. Two dollars from the sale of each candle will benefit Women for Women International.
Last orders by 4pm Tuesday 20th December Sydney time for Christmas delivery

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MudAustralia Candles<< were created in conjunction with APJs very own Ainslie Walker. There are two choices and my favourite is the tuberose, green ginger, tolu resin and spice stunner Mud01. The hand made porcelain vessels by MudAustralia are each individual pieces, shiny reflective on the inside and porous matte on the outside, with hand filled soy candles. 340g candle with refillable vessel and 80 hour burn time for only $85.
Final Christmas orders by 4pm Tuesday 20th December Sydney time

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Peony Melbourne<< has a fabulous array of hair care, beauty, candles and soaps. There is the Santa Maria Novella beauty range from Florence Italy and the David Mallett Haircare from Paris. Cire Trudon candles and Royal Fern skincare. Anything in Jill’s shop that does not contain alcohol can be ordered by close of business 5pm Tuesday 20th December Sydney time for Christmas delivery

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Libertine Parfumerie<< has all the fragrance in the world but it also has a spectacular selection of gentleman oriented gifts like the Penhaligon’s Shave Bowls & Soap, Creed Shower Gels and Deodorants. They even have Laduree Candles, you know the French brand that basically brought the Macaroon and Croissant back from the forgotten lands of yesterday?
Final Christmas orders by 4pm Tuesday 20th December Sydney time

Perfumes that have wide audiences: Le Parfum by Elie Saab for white floral. Stash by Sarah Jessica Parker is the newest good thing on a budget both dry and woodsy, CHANEL No 19 for the elegant, cool and aloof. Eau Parfumee au The Rouge by Bulgari for a zingy fruit tea. Super sweet almonds and cherries La Petite Robe Noire by Guerlain. For the ironic fashion follower any of the Elizabeth and James line by the Olsen twins, great packaging and excellent frags.
Manly men? Antaeus by CHANEL. Musc Nomade by Annick Goutal. Bentley for Men Intense by Bentley is hitting well above its price range. Dior Homme by Christian Dior is still among my perfect fragrances for the boys.

I hope these help for the last minute late buyers among you. Good Luck!!
Merry Christmas (or whatever you may be celebrating)
Portia xx

Libertine Parfumerie Sydney Warehouse POP-UP Sale

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Post by Portia

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Hello Sydney Perfumistas,

Few events in the fragrant calendar are talked about with such reverence as the Libertine Parfumerie POP-UP Sale. The most incredible bargains abound and it’s all done in the gorgeous but tiny Surry Hills store. Get yourself down for some serious BARGAIN HUNTING!

See you there,
Portia xx

Libertine Parfumerie Sydney Warehouse POP-UP Sale

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Libertine Parfumerie is hosting their SYDNEY Warehouse Pop-Up SALE!
Save up to 75% on selected fragrances, testers, candles and body products.
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Friday 16th December 8.30am – 5.00pm
Saturday 17th December 9.00am – 1.00pm
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WHERE?
Libertine Sydney Warehouse
1-3 Taylor Street Darlinghurst SYDNEY

Best Of Fragrant NEWS!! In My Inbox

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Post by Portia

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Hey gang,

It seems the frag companies are sending about 200 pieces of news a day at the moment. I’ve sifted through and found you some stuff that I thought VERY exciting.

Best Of Fragrant NEWS!! In My Inbox

A new release, sone excellent Travel Sets and a DISCOUNT CODE!! If this list doesn’t get your Gifting or selfishly wanting juices flowing then I don’t know what will.

Rahele by Neela Vermeire Creations AVAILABLE!

rahele-neela-vermeire-creations-fragranticaFragrantica

Fragrantica gives these featured accords:
Osmanthus, woody notes, spices, floral notes, herbal notes, leather, oakmoss

I can’t see it yet on the NVC site but I bet they are working double time to make that happen. So exciting. Neela tells me sometime this week! WOO HOO!

Olympic Orchids Perfumes DISCOUNT CODE

olympic-orchids-perfumesOlympic Orchids Perfumes

Any order totaling $15 or more will receive a 20% discount in either the flagship store or the original boutique.
Enter the code DECEMBERSALE at checkout. The code is good now through December 25.

Olympic Orchid Perfumes are discontinuing Arizona, which will be slightly reformulated and re-released under a new name early next year. In the meantime they are selling the remaining stock at discounted prices.

Parfums de Nicolaï Discovery Kit 6 x 1.5ml

parfums-de-nicolai-discovery-kitParfums de Nicolaï only €29

The NICOLAÏ Discovery Kit with :
– 1,5ml of Patchouli Intense
– 1,5ml of Ambre Cashmere Intense
– 1,5ml of Musc Intense
– 1,5ml of New-York Intense
– 1,5ml of Fig-Tea
– 1,5ml of L’eau miXte

Annick Goutal Travel Set & Gift Coffret

Eau d’Hadrien

annick-goutal-travel-setAnnick Goutal €55

Eau d’Hadrien Travel Spray set

Travel Spray case with 2 x 8ml Sprays. Gorgeous for resproitzing the ephemeral Eau d’Hadrien

eau-dhadrien-limited-edition-box-jpgAnnick Goutal Gift Coffret €50

Eau d’Hadrien Gift Coffret

Gift Coffret contains Shampoo 50ml, Conditioner 50ml, Body Lotion 50ml, Shower Gel 50ml, Soap 50g in the Eau d’Hadrien scent. VERY nice, I quite like one of these for myself TBH.

James Heeley Discovery Set

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The crew at Heeley has put together a little coffer of some of their most popular Eau de Parfums – 5 x 15ml Natural Sprays
Sel Marin . Hippie Rose . Cardinal . St Clement’s . Menthe Fraiche

I can’t think of a better way to get to know this brand which flies under the radar a but. You all know how much I love Travel Size Sprays. Heaven.

See anything that takes your fancy for you or gifting?
Portia xx

Steals, Deals & Holiday Gift Giving

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Post by Portia

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Woo Hoo APJ,

More and more fabulous things are being dropped in my email inbox every day. Here are a few of the highlights.

Portia xx

Steals, Deals & Holiday Gift Giving

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Oliver & Co has their 8 x 16ml Travel Set available for a short time. I love this brand and their freaky frags for people who don’t even understand the concept of playing it safe. You can check out the whole set, and the range, at Oliver & Co Illustrated Series Travel Set.

thanksgiving sale emailer

Smell Bent’s biggest sale of the year is back!  Till Monday 28th November, save up to 40% off all your favourite smellies.  Everything is on sale! and like that’s not enough, shipping is free on all orders over $40 – anywhere in the world.  Stock up on classic scents or try our newest holiday collection.  Smell Bent is your oyster until Monday, go to Smell Bent Sale Of The Year.

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Imaginary Authors have Free Shipping from  21-28 November
USE CODE: THETRAVELERTOO

Have you seen the new Imaginary Authors 14ml Traveler? You probably need to get yourself over to Imaginary Authors Shop

 

luckyscent-holiday-gift-guide

LuckyScent has a trillion fragrant gifts for yourself or the ones you love. The LA based crew are always grabbing the best of the best for you. You can check out gifts from candles to manufacturers sample packs, I’m particularly lemming the Diptyque set this year, at LuckyScent Holiday Gift Guide.

 

twisted-logo-web3twisted-lily-holiday-gift-guide

Twisted Lily has a great selection of gifting stuff too. This Brooklyn NYC based store is a great place to source inspired scented gifts from around the globe. They often have things I’ve seen nowhere else and the staff are so helpful, knowledgable and friendly too. Check them out at Twisted Lily Holiday Gift Guide.

SYDNEY Cosmax Sale 2016

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Post by Portia

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Heya Sydneysiders,

Every year COSMAX  has the most incredible sale. This year will be no different. I picked up a Guerlain La Petite Robe Noir extrait a couple of years ago for AUD$25 and every time I’m there I find gems that I thought were long discontinued.

This weekend!

Get to it,

Portia xxx

COSMAX SALE 2016

Last Minute Gift List 2015

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Post by Ainslie Walker

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Hello Australian Perfume Junkies!

How are you coping with the fast approaching “festive season?!” At this point most are either in their element or completely over it! Which are you? If you are like me you might still need to buy some gifts, so I thought I would make another little list of some favorite products I personally recommend…all scent-based of course!

PS Remember: you can just highlight the relevant items and hope Santa or someone finds it and takes the hint!

Last Minute Gift List 2015

Perfume Legends – French Feminine Fragrances Michael Edwards

Perfume Legends – French Feminine Fragrances by Michael Edwards
I bought this special classic book from Amazon last year (approx. $195) and it’s worth its weight in gold. The ultimate gift for anyone with an interest in history and perfumery right through to design buffs, fashionistas, French obsessed and complete fragrance heads. The book is now out of print and is a collector’s item, yet second hand copies still do pop up on eBay/amazon. The ultimate cult coffee table book, who’s content continually expands my depth of knowledge on fragrance and the fragrance industry, as I flick through its beautiful pages. I would like to halt time so I can cozy up and read it from cover to cover a few more times.

L’Artisan L’Hiver reed diffuser LibertinePhoto Stolen Libertine Perfumery

L’Artisan L’Hiver reed diffuser
I have always resisted reed diffusers, however this one is truly delicious. I bought the same fragrance last year in candle form and enjoyed it, but here in diffuser form the fragrance is set off nicely with a great throw. The scent is not too “up the nose” and rather floats around in an atmospheric way. A possibly more appropriate method to create Christmas ambience during the complete fire ban across most of Australia at this time of year. Pine needles, smoky wood all riding on a sweet, dry vanillin/wood base. A personal favorite home scent available from Libertine Perfumery and online for $96.

Santa Maria Novella – Wax TabletsPhoto Stolen Santa Maria Novella

Santa Maria Novella – Wax Tablets
Beautiful and distinctive are Santa Maria’s scented beeswax tablets which for wardrobes or placed in draws to scent clothes and repel moths. Gorgeously packaged and old-worldly to look at, each tablet is decorated with flowers and dried fruits by hand. The scent is super strong so I am just using one at a time. If they were not so beautiful I would break one in half, as that would be plenty for each draw. Peony Melbourne and Franque Melbourne are the stockists in Australia I have seen them in. I have Relax Orange but there was a rose, pot pouri and lavender available too. $48

PrintPhoto Stolen The Beauty Apothecary

Edible Beauty – Exotic Goddess Ageless Serum
This Hyaluronic acid based natural serum gives skin additional hydration without adding more oil or grease. I have been adding it under my normal moisturizer and tinted sunscreen to help my skin hold onto more moisture on these hot days AND it’s weightless! Skin stays nice and plump and on top of that I just LOVE LOVE LOVE the smell. It makes me happy every time I slap it on! Available from Sephora and The Beauty Apothecary

Please let us hear about any yummy scent-based presents you are giving or wanting this Christmas??

Gabriella’s Christmas Wish List 2014

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Post by Gabriella

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Hello perfumed peeps!
Well can you believe that another year has gone by? I can’t for sure. Today, I’m bringing you a top-five Christmas wish list and it’s a luxurious one, well because, this year’s been a tough one and if you can’t be decadent at Christmas, well when can you?
So here goes:

Chritmas Wish List Merry-Christmas turnbacktogodPhoto Stolen TurnBackToGod

Gabriella’s Christmas Wish List 2014

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1. Dia body crème by Amouage:

I haven’t done scented layering since they produced those Anais Anais soap and body lotion gift sets all those years ago, but if there’s any excuse to get back in the habit, then it’s Amouage. The brand’s supremely elegant body and bath line surpasses no other in terms of sophistication and being true to the matching fragance. I’ve already waxed lyrical about my love for Dia, and the body crème would just take its uber feminity and chicness to another level.
Libertine Parfumerie has $169/200ml

EIGHT & BOB EIGHT & BOB FragranticaPhoto Stolen Fragrantica

2. Eight & Bob by Albert Fouquet for Eight & Bob 2012

Ok, prima facie, I would choose this as a gift for Mr M, but even if I were to buy it for him, it doesn’t mean I can’t steal it, right? Eight and Bob has a complicated backstory which would leave many a perfumista rolling their eyes, but this scent had me at hello. If you read Fragrantica, it will give you the low down on the history, John F Kennedy and all, and that the main note is a secretive plant called Andrea. But all you need to know is that this is a lovely, happy, sunshine-laden, very unisex fragrance with fruity, violet and woody notes. Wear it with a linen shirt on a hot day, gin and tonic in hand, and a smile.
Luckyscent has $195/100ml

Chanel No 18 Chanel fragranticaPhoto Stolen Fragrantica

3. Les Exclusifs de Chanel No. 18 by Jacques Polge for CHANEL 2007

So, I may borrow the Eight and Bob, but I’ll have a grand spanking 200ml flacon of this beauty for Christmas all to myself, thank you. I’m not the biggest fan of the Exclusifs collection, but No. 18 has to be one of the most unusual and startlingly beautiful fragrances I have come across. No 18 is all about the fruity and woody ambrette seed and manages to be resonant, green, sweet, sublime and supremely chic all at the same time.
CHANEL Boutiques have $350/200ml

rodin_olio_lusso naturisimoPhoto Stolen Naturisimo

4. Rodin Olio Lusso Luxury Face Oil

Olio Lusso Face Oil is technically skincare, but its glorious scent means it definitely straddles the skincare/perfume divide for me. The story goes like this: Linda Rodin, a stylist at Harper’s Bazaar, was sick of all the outlandish claims of all the skincare that came across her desk. So, Olio Lusso was born, a face oil that would make one look and feel good. And, it’s a perfumista and skincare junkies dream, a face oil that doesn’t upset sensitive skin, makes you glow, and above all, has the most opulent, heavenly scent of jasmine that indole lovers will just swoon.
Peony Melbourne has $185/30ml

Tubereuse candle DiptyquePhoto Stolen Diptyque

5. Tubereuse candle by Diptyque

I’m not a candle fan by any means, but a mini Tubereuse candle by Diptyque might have just changed all that. It sat, unlit in my living room for ages and my whole house was filled with the intoxicating scent of green white petals for months. A proper big one is expensive, but worth it (and the glass container makes for a chic brush or pencil holder once you’re done with the candle).
Mecca Cosmetica has it for $78

So, APJ crew, what’s on your Christmas wish list this year?
Happy holidays and a fabulous New Year to you all and see you in 2015!
With much love,
M x

PERFUME: The Art & Craft of Fragrance by Karen Gilbert

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Heya Happy Huffers,

Christmas is round the corner and if there is anyone interested in fragrance in your life that likes to read then I’ve found the perfect book. Karen Gilbert was in Australia recently and a couple of us down Under Perfumistas had the pleasure of lunching with her and her extremely handsome partner. Not only were they excellent company but they were incredibly knowledgeable about a wide range of subjects and had us enthralled and laughing, enjoying a wonderful afternoon. When it was time to go we were all sad but felt like we had made a couple of new friends for life.

Karen Gilbert will be doing a 1 Day Perfume Introduction MASTERCLASS 20 September 2014<<<JUMP

PERFUME: The Art & Craft of Fragrance

by Karen Gilbert

Perfume Karen Gilbert Book DepositoryPhoto Stolen The Book Depository Perfume AUD$17 including worldwide postage

Perfume Karen Gilbert1

Perfume Karen Gilbert2

Here are Karen and I having a look through a pres copy of the book pre-release. As you can see Karen is gorgeous, filled with good humour and knows so much about fragrance. She has worked for amazing groups including IFF, Neal’s Yard and a couple of others I can’t remember, now runs Olfactory Workshops and Classes, creates fragrance lines fort companies and travels the world. Not a bad life.

Perfume takes us on a journey through Karen’s fragrant life, teaches us some perfume basics (that are only basic when you know them), her take on how we smell and its effects, buying, blending and ultimately some recipes for home dabblers in scent. It is beautifully presented and has some sumptuous photos. Readable for anyone from about age 10 upwards and at every level of perfumista knowledge, there is something here for everyone.

Extremely readable, Karen’s personality shines above all throughout the book and I can hear her Pommy accent and inflections as I read.

There is also her first book, still available, called Natural Beauty. Check that out too.

Portia xxx

Natural beauty Karen GilbertPhoto Stolen The Book Depository Natural Beauty AUD$21 including worldwide postage

PERFUME: The Art & Craft of Fragrance

by Karen Gilbert GIVEAWAY!

WHAT CAN YOU WIN?

This week there will be one winner who will receive:

1  Press Copy of PERFUME: The Art & Craft of Fragrance by Karen Gilbert. It was sent to me by Karen and I am paying her kindness forward.
P&H Anywhere in the world

HOW DO YOU WIN?

Open to everyone worldwide who follows AustralianPerfumeJunkies via eMail, WordPress, Bloglovin or RSS. Please leave how you follow in the comments to be eligible. I must be able to check that you follow so if you have an email address on your gravatar that’s different to your follow address then please email me so I know. Yes, you can start following to enter, in fact it’s encouraged.

To be eligible for the draw just mention how you follow APJ and tell me in a sentence how you will spend the silly season.

Extra Chances?
Tweet: @OzPerfumeJunkie PERFUME by Karen Gilbert GIVEAWAY! http://wp.me/p3PURw-2gz #Giveaway #Book @karengilbert

HOUSEKEEPING

Entries Close Sunday 15th December 2013 10pm Australian EDST and winners will be announced in a separate post
Winners will be chosen by random.org
The winners will have till Thursday 19th December 2013 to get in touch (portia underscore turbo at yahoo dot com dot au) with their address or the prize will go to someone else.
No responsibility taken for lost or damaged goods in transit.

Happy Holidays!

Orange Essential Oil – Christmas Gift Ideas

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Guest Post by Suzanne R Banks

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Hello Australian Perfume Junkies, Suzanne from SuzanneRBanks. I have been asked by Portia to come by and explain how essential oils have been used through the ages and some of their history and aromatherapy uses.

Orange Essential Oil

The Sweetness and Innocence

Photo Stolen GrowersOwn

One of the loveliest and simplest essential oils is that of orange. It gives you the direct experience of the fruit the moment you smell it. There is no denying that on taking your first big whiff straight from the bottle, your senses are enlivened – even your mouth may start to water with anticipation of the real thing.

Orange oil is sweet, light and tingly. It’s easy for the brain to identify and therefore appeals to so many types of beings. Kids love it. It is a wonderful oil to use with the elderly. Pets respond wonderfully to orange essential oil when it’s vapourised. Orange oil is an oil of innocence and joy. It gets straight to the point when you employ it.

And what about the colour of an orange? Nature is really amazing when you think about it. The colour orange is vibrant and cheery and relates to the second chakra “Svadhisthana”. This chakra actually means “sweetness” and is concerned with attracting another, procreation, sexuality and desire. The way I see it, the colour and scent of orange, allows us to open to the joy of the sweetness in life; a sweetness that can be amplified when we connect with others and share experiences.

orange gardenofeadenPhoto Stolen GardenOfEaden

Using orange oil

Vapourise -To spread a little bit of happiness, vapourise some orange oil in your home. You don’t have to have a machine or oil burner you can simply boil water, throw about 15 drops into a bowl, and when you pour the water into the bowl, magic happens. This may help kids settle down, and help you experience a moment of bliss.

Put a few drops onto a cotton pad and put it in your car. How easy is that?

In a body oil – orange oil is lovely in a nourishing body oil blend as the acids from the rind can help brighten the skin, and remove old skin cells.

Try this for a happy, centering oil blend for yourself:

“I Am Awesome”
3 teaspoons of a carrier oil like almond, jojoba, grapeseed
5 drops of orange oil
3 drops of lavender
Then lavishly spread all over your body!

To make an oil blend as a gift you will need to have a bottle and lid. Just have a look on the internet, even ebay shops sell them. Literally search for “amber bottles” and that will get you on the right track. You will need an amber, blue or green bottle, as the dark colours help prevent oil oxidation. Follow the quantities here:

25ml bottle use a total of 12 drops of oil
50ml bottle use a total of 25 drops of oil
100 ml bottle use a total of 50 drops of oil

Can you see a pattern forming? These are standard ratios and if you live in a country that isn’t metric … oh dear, you’ll have to figure out the calculations yourself.

Here are a couple of recipes for a 25ml oil blend using orange oil:

“Delicious & Cute”
7 drops of orange
3 drops geranium
2 drops patchouli

“Universe”
6 drops orange
5 drops cypress
1 drop cardamom

If it all seems a bit too hard, eat an orange! Not only will you get great nutrition, you’ll be having an aromatherapy treatment at the same time!

You can find me at my blog SuzanneRBanks or on FB https://www.facebook.com/suzannerbanks.com.au

Thanks for reading, See you next month,

Suzanne