LADY VENGEANCE - Juliette has a Gun from Secret Admirer Inc.

Italian Rose, Vanilla, Patchouli

Fragrance Family : Floral

A Perfume that I chanced upon during one of my Perfume shopping session at Douglas Perfumerie in Europe. The perfume is from Secret Admirer Inc, and is a brain child of Romano Ricci, the great grandson of Nina Ricci.

Trust me, this fragrance is another beauty to possess :) Wonder why they named the fragrance - "Vengeance" while it has nothing related to it in the perfume.

This perfume holds a dominating Rose fragrance and less vanilla. A feminine fragrance, that is perfect for evening wear but also finds its way for day wear too. It stays on you for the whole day.

This particular perfume will also find its way to my closet quite often :)

The Company describes this perfume as:

A perfume with a rich and sophisticated trail. The expression of undeniable femininity, confident and divinely sensual. The fragrance for a lady for whom the art of seduction bares no secret. He can smell... he can dream...but the decision lies in her hands!

EXTREME from Tom Ford

Top Notes:    Thai Basil, Coriander, Cardamom, 
                   Cinnamon Bark, Persian Lemon, 
                   Citrus
Heart Notes: Black Plum, Cedar Wood, 
                   Parma Violet, Saffron, Thyme, 
                   Brogiotto Black Fig
Base Notes:  Rum, Haitian Vetiver, Caramel, 
                   Vanilla, Patchouli, Vieux, 
                   Black Truffle, Amber, Fig, Balsam, 
                   Supple Leather Accord, 
                   Incense 
Fragrance:  Woody Spicy

Introduced by Tom  Ford in 2007, this stands equivalent to the Black Orchid for Women. Another complex concoction of different fragrances for men!

Fragrance dominates in woody nature but gives a spicy tone.  
One of those classic woody perfumes defining masculinity.  Ideal for evening wear.

If you want to gift a perfume to your man, this would be a good choice!

SENSUOUS from Estee Lauder

Top Notes:     Jasmine, Carribean Magnolia, Lily
Heart Notes:  Amber, Woodsy Notes
Base Notes:   Sandalwood, Mandarin Orange, Pepper, White Honey
Fragrance:   Woody Amber


From the House of Estee Lauder, this perfume finds its way to the top 5 on my list.  This fragrance was created by EL to evoke the warmest and most feminine side of a woman.

Yes, it is one of the warm and very feminine perfume and a hit with both men and women.  It does last for long.  A perfume which is sensual as the name suggests.  I am already done with 2 bottles and wouldn't mind going for another ;)

I would say, woman should check this out.  If a man decides to gift a perfume to his girl or woman, then this would be a right choice.

TIPS FOR BUYING PERFUMES

Buying Perfumes is never easy especially if you like them!  There are people who pick up perfumes as gifts in airports and just pick up for the heck of it.   For those with love for perfumes, it is way beyond just picking it from the shelf.

So I decided to write at least some basic tips that one can use even if one has to buy them as gift in the limited time at airports.

• Never buy a perfume without smelling them, unless you have used the one you buy, before.

• All perfumes (unless it is fake or some cheap ones) have tester bottles kept along with new ones, to spray, smell & test.

• With a wide array of choice of perfumes, it is better to test the perfumes on "Test Strips" before narrowing down to top two options!  (Sometimes attendants themselves will spray it for you on the strips).

• Ask the store attendant for Test Strips or you will usually find them near the perfume shelf itself - Just plain white strips. (See picture) 

• Before or after spraying the test, do write it on the strip the name of the perfume, which will be handy when you return to it after testing 3-4 perfumes.  Else you might end up in confusion & have to start the exercise all over again. :)

• Once sprayed, wait for a while, allowing the top notes to evaporate and then feeling the middle & bottom notes.  Bottom / Base notes are the ones which finally give you the idea how that perfume is going to be smelling on you after sometime!

• While testing multiple perfumes, it is always better to inhale coffee beans and then choose the next option of perfumes.  Do ask the attendant for some coffee beans!  All stores will have it.

• If you are familiar with fragrances like spicy, fruity, woody etc. and have preference do ask the attendants to showcase perfumes accordingly.

• If and when unsure of the choice to make, do carry those test strips with you, leave it in your pocket and after returning home you are probably able to decide depending on the lasting impression it leaves :)

• When you have narrowed down to top two choices from the options galore, test the perfumes in your wrist or hand, to get a real time effect on how it smells in your body!

For me personally, buying a perfume is a Ritual.  I need my own sweet time & sometimes even prefer to do it alone or with someone who considers it as much a ritual as I do :)

AMBRE from Baldessarini

Top Notes:    Whisky Oak Accord, Mandarin, Red  Apple
Heart Notes: Violet florals, Leather Accord
Base Notes:  Oakwood, Labdanum, Amber

This perfume was a chance find when a friend got it as a gift.  From the very word, this was a fulfilling fragrance.  Appears more exotic & elegant men's wear and lasts long.

The whiskey and leather accord dominate while ambre actually becomes subtle.  Suitable for day and evening wear.

Something your women might end up finding appealing :)

MATSURI from Annayake

`

Top Notes:     Mandarin Orange, Pear, Ylang-Ylang
Heart Notes:  Peony, Lilac, Clove, Plum
Base Notes:  Heliotrope, Peach, Jasmine, Patchouli, Cedar
Fragrance:  Oriental Floral

This perfume from house of Annayake is possibly one of the florals that I liked.  Found this while looking for something exclusive.  I was told that Annayake doesn't want everyone to wear their perfumes but only exclusive!  Hmmm....!!

Matsuri means "Holiday" in Japanese...looks like lot has gone beyond naming this perfume ;)

Personally, all I remember of this perfume is that I emptied it quite fast.  Possibly one of those decent florals that I managed to empty! :)

ADVENTURE from DAVIDOFF

Top Notes:  Mandarin, Lemon, Bergamot, Mate Leaves,  
                 Black Pepper
Heart Notes:  Black Sesame, Pimento
Base Notes:   Cedarwood, Vetiver, White Musk
Fragrance:  Woody
Lauched in 2008 by Davidoff, I chanced upon this perfume as usual during one of my travel abroad.  Suiting to the expectation, this is a woody fragrance that fits easily for men.

Not sure why they named it as "Adventure".  If you expect it to give the adventure as being in woods, it probably fails there.  But as a perfume, it stands out and its lasting power is quite good.

I would say the perfume is warm, masculine and easily one of my choices for men.  Fragrance gets a straight Thumbs Up and can be repeated.  It fits for both day and evening wear, as long as you are able to carry the persona it portrays! :)

All improvements on this adventure based which were introduced later gets Thumbs down!  So men what are you waiting for - go grab it and enjoy ! :)

PURE POISON from Christian Dior

Top Notes:    Calabrian, Bergamot
Heart Notes:  Orange Blossom
Base Notes:   White Musk
Fragrance  :    Floral

I would say this perfume is not my best buy!  I am not too happy with this perfume but yea determined to finish the bottle somehow.

I think it's floral nature and orange blossom doesn't appeal to me much and hence don't find a fit in my collection.

DRAKKAR NOIR from Guy Laroche

Top Notes:  Lemon, Lavender, Tangarine
Heart Notes:  Coriander, Juniper
Base Notes:  Patchouli, Oakmoss
Fragrance:  Oriental Spicy

Easily the top choice of many men and young guys.  A perfume that leaves a lasting spell on both men and women.  A classic from the 1980's and still continues to have its place.

A fragrance that defines a young man and one of those safe choices for gifting to men and can be both day & evening wear.  One of my personal choice too among men fragrances.

NATSUMI from Annayake

Top Notes:  Green Grass, Citrus, Ylang-Ylang, Water Melon
Heart Notes:  Orange Blossom, Violet, Lily of Valley, Rose
Base Notes:  Sandalwood, Black Currant, Plum, Musk, Peach, Cedar
Another one from Annayake introduced in 2004 but found its way to my shelf very late :)  Natsumi in Japanese means "Beauty of Summer" and yes, as the name suggests it is a Summer Fragrance.

Not strong and lasts for a decent time.  Ideal for day and everyday wear.  Though annayake is meant to be exclusive, guess this one is for not this part of the world where summers are high and soon the impact of perfume is lost! :(  I still have some left and am using it though!

WOOD (for Man) from Bogner

Top Notes    :  Coriander, Bergamot, Nutmeg
Heart Notes:  Sandalwood, Cedar, Guaiac Wood, Ebony Wood, Woodsy Notes
Base Notes :  Amber, Vanilla, Musk
Fragrance  :  Woody

Yes, another rarity from the House of Bogner lauched in 2002.  This is also as good as the one for Woman.  Both Wood fragrances from Bogner rocks!

Sadly, Bogner has stopped production of these.
This is yet another day and evening wear perfume and is also a safe bet for gift.

DEFINITELY MALE TOO

I have been blogging so much on fragrances for women and thought why not include some mens' fragrances too. After all, I do check out men's perfumes too - smell them, understand them and even have preferences in them :)

Further thought it would be nice to cater to both genders who happen to bump into my blog and yea so you can check out for some writings on fragrances for men! :)

COOL WATER from DAVIDOFF

Top Notes:  Ozonic notes, Citrus, Pineapple, Black Currant, Honeydew Melon, Lotus Blossom, Water Lily
Heart Notes:  May Rose, Jasmine, Muguet
Base Notes:Orris, Vetiver, Sandalwood, Peach, Mulberry
Fragrance: Fresh Floral

From the house of Davidoff, Cool water was one of those initial perfumes that I happened to pick up.  As usual the attraction was the blue colour which prompted me to buy it.  Strangely, I never picked it up in a big store but in a Christmas Market.  Little did I know then it would be a fake version until lately when I happened to smell the original version.

A fresh fragrance truly with less lasting power (at least that's what I felt).  A fragrance for light evening wear.  Safe choice for gifting and more for young woman.

HYPNOSE from Lancome

Top Notes:  Passion Flower
Heart Notes:  Vanilla
Base Notes:   Vetiver
Fragrance:  Woody Oriental

I did chance pick up of Hypnose from house of Lancome, when I was searching for something new and different.  As in many cases, the attraction towards a perfume also includes its bottle design and for sure the violetish blue did attract me! LOL

Somehow I missed the Woody aspect that I was expecting and the perfume did not last long either.

It so turned out that this was not my kind of perfume although I did test it before buying.  I should say this was another mistake in my choice!

HYPNOTIC POISON from Christian Dior

Top Notes : Caraway, Bitter Almond
Heart Notes : Jasmine Sambac, Moss Base Notes : Jarcarander Wood, Vanilla Musk
Fragrance : Oriental Woody
Launched in 1998 by house of Christian Dior, this perfume found its way to my shelf quite late. Being an ardent lover of Vanilla Base, this perfume was a definite pick up. It was once a priced possession for me that I even didn't use it for quite a while for fear of emptying it ;)

This perfume is perfect for Evening Wear.

WOOD (for Woman) from Bogner

Top Notes : Almond, Cinnamon Heart Notes : Orris, Jasmine, Lily of the Valley
Base Notes : Sandalwood, Vanilla, Cedar, White Musk
Fragrance : Woody
Bogner Wood for Woman tops my list any day. Lauched in 2003 by Bogner has today become a "Rarity" sadly!
First woody perfume that I used and fell in love with it completely - a love that continues till date.
Perfume fits both for day & evening wear.
PS: Image is from Bogner Wood

VANILLA from The Body Shop

Top Notes:    Bergamot, Coconut, Apricot, Strawberry
Heart Notes: Jasmine, Lily of Valley, Rose
Base Notes:  Vanilla, Sandalwood, Amber, Musk

A strong Vanilla based EDT from the Body Shop.  It appears too sweet and sticky if you are in a very hot place.
Though an ardent Vanilla lover, I don't buy this anymore, as the sweetness and sticky feeling doesn't appeal ! 

CASSIS ROSE from The Body Shop

A perfect rose based EDT from The Body Shop.  This smells good on you and also lasts long.  Fragrance as the name suggests is rose and there is nothing but rose.  Smells feminine

Best thing I liked about this is the bottle size - which is compact and can be tucked in a purse for carrying without adding weight.  Right travel companion too and ok for the pocket.

Sadly, the more I liked and wanted to have more of it, Body shop has discontinued production of this and moved on to Moroccon Rose...which is pathetic for a rose fragrance!

FIRE & ICE from Revlon

Top Notes:  Orange Flower, Tangerine, Osmanthus
Mid Notes:  Orchid, Magnolia, Tuberose, Narcissus
Base Notes: Exotic Woods, Incense, amber, musk
Fragrance  :Oriental with shades of wood
One of my initial perfumes and my first introduction to something woody with vanilla.  Perfect find for daily wear and for hot summers.  It is also pocket friendly and stays long on you.

I used this perfume quite generously as it fitted me in all aspects and very soon went to the perfumerie to get the next bottle :)
A perfume that can be repeated!  It also has Cologne spray & Deo versions.