Review: Hermes L'Ambre des Merveilles

Hermès has released a new perfume, called L'Ambre des Merveilles, which translates to The Amber of Wonder in English. By amber they mean the amber stone created from the resin of trees, fossilized over many thousands of ears within the Earth. The bottle above (100ml Eau de Parfum) resembles the stone, and stands leaning slightly to the side.

Amber

The perfume was created by the perfumist Jean-Claude Ellena, who wanted to create a decidedly feminine note without floral elements, rather with woodsy elements. The scent is a mix of vanilla, Patchouli and Labdanum, the latter of which is a sticky brown resin attained from rockrose shrubbery, often used for perfume. Perfumes that are named after amber don't actually contain the precious ingredient, but is often used to describe the type of scent created by mixing vanilla and Labdanum, which creates the honey-amber-colored perfume.

So what do I think of this scent?

I admit I was skeptical at first, because Hermès is not the type of brand I would ever choose to describe my personality. I always picture rich old ladies shopping there for purses and scarves; however, I also associate it with timeless, classic style and sophistication. This is exactly how I would describe the scent.

It is a beautiful perfume that is very elegant, high-class and sophisticated, without being edgy, cool or adventurous. It is feminine without being baby-ish, grown-up without being stuffy, elegant without being cloying. It might not be the first perfume I would grab off the shelf to buy, but it has definitely grown on me and I would wear this on a night out when I want to feel like a perfect lady. The lasting power is also incredible, since it is an Eau de Parfum, not an Eau de Toilette. A little goes a long way and lasts for many hours.

Two negatives: For one, it doesn't come with a proper bottle cap. There was a round plastic tube "thingee" supplied with it, but it's not a proper cap. So you cannot really close the perfume bottle for traveling, which is a nuisance. I like to take my perfumes with me for touching up, so unless you fill this into a travel size bottle, you run of the risk of it accidentally spraying in your bag. Definitely a "leave at home" bottle then. It struck me as very odd.

Second - well, let's face it: The Price! Hermès isn't exactly in the same price category as Bath and Body Works, or even mid-range perfumes like D&G or Boss, etc. I only was supplied the prices for the Swiss market (50ml Eau de Parfum 128 Swiss Franks, 100ml Eau de Parfum 182 Swiss Franks) but I imagine the prices are pretty high for other countries as well. The question then becomes, are you willing to pay for Hèrmes prices, or are you able to find another similar perfume in a slightly lower price class that you like equally?

If you like grown-up (but not old-lady) perfumes and don't mind spending a bit more for Hermès, I would definitely check this one out.

What is your favorite perfume for fall and winter? Share in the comments!

Review: Kiehl's Aromatic Blends

Being a fan of many Kiehl's Skincare products, my curiosity was peaked when I learned the company is releasing four new fragrances. I attended a media event surrounding the release of these scents where I learned all about the creation process, the inspiration behind the fragrances, and how they are made. I was quite taken with the concept: simple, understated scents featuring only a few notes.

There are four fragrances in total, and accompanying each scent is a matching body lotion and shower gel. The body lotion is silicone free, and the body cleanser is sulphate-free.

Fig Leaf & Sage: This fragrance was inspired by memories of the perfumer's childhood in Provence, playing under a fig tree. Combining the scent of figs with the savory herb of Sage leaves, it definitely has a very Cote d'Azur French Riviera feel.

Vanilla & Cedarwood: The vanilla bean in this fragrance is sourced from a sustainable development project in Uganda, and these vanilla beans have a much higher quality than commercial vanilla (used for cooking example.) The sweetness of the vanilla combines with the woodsy cedarwood for a very unique combination.

Orange Blossom & Lychee: To achieve a very complex orange scent, many parts of the orange tree were used, not only the blossoms, but also the leaves and the stems. Combined with the lychee, this fragrance had an oriental, dreamy touch.

Nashi Blossom & Pink Grapefruit: For this Japanese inspired fragrance, perfumers used a complex extraction technology (instead of the traditional distilling method) to obtain the true fragrance of ginger to support the other scents of Nashi and grapefruit. This was my absolute favorite scent - it was extremely fresh and original, very revitalizing!

My personal favorite - as I already wrote - was the Nashi Blossom and Pink Grapefruit combination. It was airy, fresh, and citrusy, but still had a soft, feminine note. My least favorite was probably the Fig Leaf & Sage - I love to eat fresh figs, but I generally don't like perfumes with this note. There's something very strong and cloying about it that doesn't mesh well with my own body chemistry.

Above you can see the Vanilla & Cedarwood set - this one is very feminine and sweet, but the cedarwood adds an interesting touch that I haven't found in many other vanilla based perfumes.

I definitely recommend checking these out the next time you're at Kiehl's! They are very wearable, inoffensive scents that can be worn with ease. Have any caught your eye? Let me know in the comments which one you would try first.

Review: L'Occitane Verveine Sorbet

Another day, another perfume review! After my decisive reaction to Thierry Mugler's Womanity, I'm pleased to say this review is definitely more positive.

L'Occitane is releasing a new limited edition Eau de Toilette called Verveine Sorbet for the summer, which will be available around mid July 2012. This is a new and fresh spin on their existing Lemon Verveine scent. In combination, they are also releasing a shower gel, a body lotion, a refreshing mist, and a lipgloss.

I'm not sure what the exact differences is from the original, but to me it smells like a more complex and even fresher spin on it. This scent is extremely fresh, citrusy, and light. The notes are grapefruit, lime, mint, and lemon verveine.

This scent is so up my alley! I absolutely love it. The accompanying body lotion has a slightly cooling effect, which is so great for the summer. I love citrusy scents, and this one has enough complexity to be interesting and unique, without being too opulent and a mish-mash of everything thrown together. I love the simplicity of it - extremely fresh and light!

The only downside I see is that the scent is not very long lasting. After a few hours, the scent is gone. Using it in combination with the body lotion helps, but I wish it had more longevity because I love how it smells. If you did want it to last all day, expect to reapply it at least a few times.

Have you tried any L'Occitane scents? Will you be trying this out? Share in the comments!

Review: Thierry Mugler Womanity Eau de Parfum

I love perfumes, there's just something so sensuous and alluring about altering your fragrance according to your mood. Yet I find perfume reviews incredibly hard because it's such a personal thing - you either love the scent or you don't, and no amount of blathering on my end will really change your mind on that. So I'll keep it short and sweet.

First up: Thierry Mugler Womanity Eau de Parfum

Thierry Mugler and I have a dysfunctional relationship. While some just love his scents (Angel, Alien), they mostly make me run for the hills. In fact, Angel invokes a reaction similar to this in me:

Previous experience aside, I was willing to give this new scent a shot with an open mind. Maybe Thierry had changed, and we could be friends after all!!!

...Oh how wrong I was. 

Before I tell you everything I didn't like about this perfume, let's start off with the positive. The packaging is nice. This is the purse size edition which comes with a 7.5ml diffuser, and a 35ml refill, which can be refilled using the small funnel provided. (In this case I'd like to mention I much prefer the Chanel Chance refill packaging, no messing around with a funnel where you might spill some perfume, just exchange the cap and you're good to go.) I wish more perfumers would release purse size editions with refills, because it's handy for touching up on the go.

I love how the box has a sliding compartment with the refill bottle. The actual bottle design is a bit odd, considering the full size bottles are absolutely beautiful! In comparison, the travel size does look a bit lackadaisical.

Now on to the not so good - the actual scent. The notes (according to the Mugler website) are Mara des Bois strawberry for fruitiness, white fig for sweetness, and caviar for a savory marine scent. I think this is such an odd combination, and I know I've never liked perfumes with a strong fig note. The savory aroma of the caviar is certainly an acquired taste, which to me just doesn't mesh well with the strawberry. I'm no perfumer, but this just smells awful to me. It's a combination of everything I don't like in perfumes - extremely sweet, heady, and a musky opulence that just doesn't appeal to me whatsoever. I'm really trying to think of something positive to say about the actual scent, but I can't.

I sprayed it onto my neck in the hopes that I would grow to like it, or that it would settle into something tolerable on me. No dice. It smelled so bad that I had to awkwardly wash my neck with soap over the sink to be rid of the scent.

Overall, this perfume is not for me. With any perfume, it's all down to preference. Thierry Mugler perfumes have never meshed well with me, it's not just that his perfumes are mediocre to me, it's that I literally cannot stand how they smell. If you're a fan of his previous fragrances - and I know many people are as they are always on the bestsellers - it might be worth checking out as this might be right up your alley.

Have you tried this perfume, or any of Mugler's other scents? What do you think - love or hate it? Share in the comments!

This was sent to me for review.

Dita Von Teese Perfume Launch in Berlin

I was invited to attend Dita Von Teese's perfume launch in Berlin - a dream come true for me! Dita is such an icon in the world of fashion and beauty, I was extremely excited to be one of the only two Bloggers invited to attend, along with reporters handpicked from Germany's top beauty and fashion magazines and TV. Not only that, but I was also permitted access to the VIP cocktail party and reception with Dita, followed by a dinner in a swanky restaurant, and granted a 20 minute private interview with her the next day.

*SQUEAL*

I have two videos coming up spread over both my Youtube channels including the anticipated personal interview with Dita, so be sure to watch out for them! This is only the picture and word portion of the event.

I arrived in the afternoon and took a taxi to the Lux Eleven Design Hotel, where we were staying, and promptly filmed a room tour. I didn't even have any time to relax; I had to start getting ready for the event immediately - hair, makeup, get changed.

I met up with fellow Blogger Nadine (aka Empathy25) and Daniel from Jungmut and we had a moment to chat before we sped off to Soho House, a private members club and hotel in Berlin which is often booked for such engagements. I was thrown amongst journalists from Germany's top beauty and fashion magazines, which was quite an experience in itself - some were very curious about my work, others were downright snobbish and disdainful. (All the more amusing to me since my Youtube, website, Facebook and Twitter sites receive more combined hits than most of their magazine's monthly circulation numbers - hah!)

We were admitted to a lounge that was adorned with beautiful models passing around feathers clouded with Dita's perfume, waiters circulating with bubbly and delicious hors d'oeuvres, and everyone dressed to the nines. It was a surreal atmosphere - we were all excitedly waiting for Dita to make her appearance, and she finally did! There was a moderated introduction where she talked to us about her perfume, before we were asked to step to the side as the doors would now be opened momentarily for the press photographers and TV - the vultures descended, running and elbowing their way to the front to get pictures of Dita, who played her part perfectly, posing as if it were second nature to her.

The photographers were only allowed a few short minutes with her, during which time the room was abuzz with shouting and the constant flashes of the cameras, before they were asked to leave for the next crowd of reporters. Meanwhile we sipped on our champagne, chatted, and took in the scene unfolding before us.

After the cocktail reception, a smaller selection of the invited guests and VIPs we were chauffeured to the stylish and upscale Grill Royal restaurant, where our party had a private room where admittance was by guestlist only. Dita's bodyguards stood grim faced at the door and kept watch.

The decoration was beautiful! The table setting was kept in black and red just as Dita's perfume is packaged, with lustrous deep red roses, votive candles, and each person had a personalized name card for their placement. Tasteful and artistic nudes adorned the walls. We were seated and anxiously waited for Dita to arrive. She sat in the middle - I couldn't believe I was sitting down to have dinner with Dita!!

Now I'm a foodie so you know what's coming - food pics!

For starters we had a choice of salads - one was a fennel-pear concoction with walnuts, the other was mixed baby greens on a bed of grilled vegetables. I had the fennel and it was a little bit bland, and wished I had chosen the greens.

As a main we had a choice between Argentinian sirloin steak, fish, or a vegetarian dish. For me it was a no-brainer: I took the Argentinian sirloin and requested it rare. It was perfection! I can honestly say it has been ages since I have had such a top quality steak between my teeth, perfectly rare inside without leaking blood. Served alongside was a creamy Sauce Bernaise, green beans, and some potato dish that reminded me vaguely of french fries - I barely touched those.

Dessert was again a connoisseur's highlight as waiters placed tiers of mouth watering and beautifully handcrafted goodies before us.

Ok WHAT! No, no, no...we need to see that again, close up!

I think I tried a little bit of everything it was that delicious! The crème brulée was one of my favorites, but then again I don't think I've ever had crème brulée that I didn't enjoy. The chocolate cakes were so rich, and with some of them I didn't even know what I was eating but I knew it was making me want more.

I kept sneaking glances at Dita, who looked like the perfect doll, and who I saw heartily eating a steak the same as everyone else. After dinner, she took out a rhinestone encrusted compact, a tube of red lipstick, and quietly touched up her ruby lips - very elegant.

I got home to the hotel at about 1:30 am and promptly fell into bed as the next day was filled with events again. I met up once more with Nadine and Daniel to tuck into breakfast at the hotel where we discussed a rundown of the scheduled interviews. I'm so honored and proud that I was among the lucky ones, since I was told that hundreds of reporters had requested interviews and only a select few were given the chance - a BIG affirmation not only for myself, but for social and new media in general!

Over breakfast, my tension was definitely starting to build even though I had a list of questions prepared. At 11:00am we drove again to Soho House where the interviews were scheduled back to back in 20 minute intervals in one of the beautiful and retro decorated hotel suites.

The night before we had been informed we probably would not be allowed to film for Youtube, as Dita and her team are very particular about what is allowed to be published. I was very disappointed and really tried my best to convince her people that indeed it was so important for us to be allowed to film, the same as the TV reporters, as our audiences are equally as large, in some cases even bigger! I knew how disappointed my fans and subscribers would be if I came back "empty handed" and had no video footage to show them.

I really went to bat, and low and behold, we were informed on the day of the interview we would be allowed to film! I was elated. I entered the suite with my camera, tripod and questions in hand and was personally greeted by Dita. I was flustered at first but then realized, she's just a person like the rest of us, I should just do what I do best and get my job done professionally, and have fun doing it.

We began the interview and I was happy to see that Dita was very open and talkative about everything I asked her, never did she ask to skip over questions or gave one-word answers. Things went very smoothly, we had a laugh together chatting about beauty, makeup and her life, and time flew by! Suddenly my time was up, I thanked Dita profusely for agreeing to the interview and we had just enough time to snap a picture.

I sure felt like an Amazonian compared to this petite and almost fragile looking woman. Afterwards she gave me a copy of her book, autographed in my name! What a nice gesture - thank you Dita.

Now since this whole event was about the launch of her first perfume, let's talk about that. I received full sized gratis samples of the entire line, including the perfume with the atomizer pump, the cute purse sized version for on-the-go, the shower gel and the body lotion. The purse sized version is an excellent idea and I wish more perfumes offered this. The nozzle has a special stopper function, so no fear of it spraying in your purse.

On the evening of the cocktail reception, Dita herself said she wanted a perfume that represents her fully - timeless elegance, a master of seduction, and nothing to do with foodie, girly, or baby smells. From the press release:

Dita Von Teese created a timeless scent which opens with a head note composed of fresh peonies, fizzy bergamot, and slightly spicy Bourbon pepper. The heart of the perfume beguiles the senses with a full and at the same time pure bouquet of Bulgarian rose, Tahitian Tiaré petals, and fresh jasmine. And in the base note, the mystical and warm scents of patchouli, musk, and smoky Gaiac wood and sandalwood captivate all who smell it.

Like an homage to the 1930s, the black glass bottles express Dita Von Teese’s glamour and allure along with her love for all things vintage. With their elaborate details, the flacons represent the type of luxurious accessories found in the boudoir of any true Femme Totale.

I feel the perfume really captures Dita's personality - and this coming from someone who owns no other celebrity perfumes. It is a heady, opulent and dramatic scent without being old-fashioned or headache inducing. It is both musky and floral, without being cloyingly sweet or overpowering. This probably isn't the typical perfume that young women or teen girls would reach for because it doesn't have the popular gourmand (vanilla, apple or strawberry) notes, nor is it light, fresh and citrusy. For me personally, this isn't the type of perfume that I would wear during the daytime, it's a bit much for that setting. I can see myself reaching for this perfume if I want to feel extra sexy, womanly and grown-up for a special evening out somewhere, maybe wearing a beautiful dress and high heels. If you like womanly perfumes that lean on the stronger side, I would definitely check this one out.

Dita Von Teese perfume will be in stores late October 2011, and the suggested retail prices are as follows:

Eau de Parfum, 20 ml, MSRP: € 16.50
Eau de Parfum, 40 ml, MSRP: € 28.00
Deodorant Spray, 150 ml, MSRP: € 11.50
Shower Gel, 200 ml, MSRP: € 11.50
Body Lotion, 200 ml, MSRP: € 11.50
Gift Set incl. Eau de Parfum, 20 ml, and Shower Gel, 75 ml, MSRP: € 16.50

For more information on Dita's perfume:
Facebook.com/DitaVonTeeseParfums
twitter.com/DVTParfums



I then had a few more hours in Berlin so I took a Taxi over to the Kryolan store - this is quickly becoming one of my favorite make-up brands! Honestly, many of their products blow department store brands clear out of the water and at an affordable price point. Why must you play so hard to get, Kryolan, I want to make sweet love to you!!! I shall film a haul on that sometime later.

Then it was back to the airport and a long journey home, but it was a memorable experience - understatement of the year.

Thanks so much to Daniel and Jungmut - your kindness and organizational talent was much appreciated!

XO,
Julia