Alien by Thierry Mugler review

Title: Jasmine Flowers
Artist: Charoon Boonsuan
Media: Oil on Canvas

Top Notes

Sambac Jasmine

Middle Notes

Cashmere Wood

Base Notes

White Amber

This is a jasmine perfume with a strong character of gardenia on me. It’s a full blast of jasmine and I think you really have to LOVE jasmine and woodsy white floral scents in order to appreciate it.

I have Bvlgari Jasmin Noir on my left wrist and Alien on my right. They tell totally different stories of jasmine. Bvlgari is a green and crispy jasmine while Alien brings out the opposite facets of jasmine. It is deep, lush and vibrant. It represents the yellowish gold, fully-bloomed jasmine flowers, while Bvlgari represents the greenish white buds of jasmine. Its meticulously fostered sensuality is so well made. It is the perfect lady-like sexy without any animalic or erotic aspects.

Alien is not suitable for every woman, also not suitable for every occasion. It is so charming and demands a lot of attention just like “Angel”. With that said, this is a perfume that my explanation won’t give justice. It is just an “alien” fragrance that should be sprayed with a light hand. It is a modern fashion forward scent. And I can see why people either love or hate it.

Alien is a great alternative to sweet winter scents to remind you of summer heat. It is a must try for anyone who truly loves sophisticate and mature jasmine.

Bvlgari Mon jasmin noir review

Artist:
Korobkin Anatoly
Medium:
Painting – Oil On Canvas

Top Notes

Citrus notes, Lily of the valley

Middle Notes

Jasmine

Base Notes

Musk, Patchouli, Virginia cedar, Nougat

I am on my third test wear of Mon jasmin noir while I am writing this post.

The openning notes are a little screechy. It starts off with a blast of acid, sharp yet powdery at the same time to my nose. But it goes away very quickly. And then you are entering into a jasmine garden that is surrounded by cedars. It makes me think of a leisure walk at a breezy summer night, so fresh and comforting. I feel so embarrassed all of a sudden. On the one hand, I wish it could be just a little warmer and more floral so it will bring me to my lover, but on the other hand, I am worried that it would ruin the freshness and this god-given summer night is meant to be enjoyed by oneself.

It really doesn’t get sweet until the dry down where you can smell the lovely nougat. But it is never too sweet or too gourmand. It is only an innocent girl in her white dress, smiling at you, just that right amount of sweetness. See, after all, she is still a girl, and now she wants to nuzzle something cuddly and rest for the night.

I would say Mon jasmin noir is a spicy jasmine perfume with a smooth finish of creamy nougat that is sweet but not saccharine. Jasmine, cedar are front and forward in the notes. The perfume wears close to the skin and fades quietly. And this perfume is surprisingly long lasting considering other perfumes from Bvlgari.

It is a beautiful womanly fragrance, gentle but has an exquisite and delicate radiance. It also suits a wide age range, but is probably a bit unsuitable for teens. It would be a very versatile piece in your fragrance closet. My husband doesn’t enjoy the spicy jasmine that much, but he loves the base notes after the jasmine and cedar goes away. I think he doesn’t appreciate spicy scents on me in general. Sad face!

xoxo,

Ling

Jean Paul Gaultier Classique EDT review

On its website, classique is described as A contrasting fragrance featuring sensual, ultra-feminine notes… 

Top Notes
Rose, Star Aniseed, Orange, Mandarin, Pear Liqueur 
Middle Notes
Iris, Orchid, Plum, Ginger, Orange Blossom, Ylang-Ylang 
Base Notes
Musk, Vanilla, Woody Amber

Based on the huge success that followed its launch in 1993, Classique remains one of all time best sellers. A lot of people mention it as a love of their boyfriend or husband. I knew it is a very powerful floral fragrance and might not suit me, but still can’t resist my curiosity of trying it on.

I now understand why some people think it is very classic. To me, it also implies the danger of being common and vulgar… No offense to those who love this fragrance. This is just not a fragrance for me. I find it cloying and powdery sweet on me. This fragrance is a triumph of packaging over content to me.

My skin amplified the rose and anise to such an extent that all the other notes were drowned in a sea of heavy and powdery flowers. Such a shame, but I can’t really smell the citrus and just fell directly into the warm and soapy scent of its base tones.

Even though it is coming so highly recommended, I will have to pass it. Even my husband hates what it smells on me.

If you’re a confident and mature woman who is not afraid of catching everybody’s attention when walking into a room, I suggest trying Classique and add it to your perfume wardrobe. It could be a good choice for night out.

xoxo,

Ling

What is your smell of spring/summer?

My $5 happy & fresh smell from Whole Foods

I have been using ‘L’Eau d’Issey’ EDT by Issey Miyake for a while now. And before that I was using several fragrances from Kenzo and Hermes. I have been wanting to try out some new fragrances for a long time.

I finally did some research this passing weekend. I did an interesting online search for “what fragrances you got complimented the most on”. And not so surprisingly, I am so overwhelmed and my wish list is miles long now. I picked up some easily found card sample on Ebay. These are referred repeatedly by women as “loved by their boyfriend or husband or guy strangers”. I am almost sure that some of these fragrances will be too sweet to my taste, but I get them anyway. Maybe I will be surprised and fall in love with a very sweet and sugary fragrance. It seems that men are always more attracted by sweet and foody fragrances though.

Here is the list of fragrance samples I bought:

• Pink Sugar EDT
• Narciso Rodriguez For Her EDT
• Jo Malone Blackberry & Bay
• JPG CLASSIQUE by Jean Paul Gaultier for WOMEN
• FLOWERBOMB for women By Viktor & Rolf
• Michael Kors Women’s EDP
• Acqua Di Gioia EDP by Giorgio Armani
• Flora by Gucci Women’s EDP
• Narciso Rodriguez Woman’s EDT
• Thierry Mugler Alien Women’s EDP
• Donna Karan Cashmere Mist EDP
• Bvlgari Mon Jasmin Noir Women’s EDP
• Romance by Ralph Lauren EDP

Would any of these happen to be your favorite as well? What’s your signature fragrances for summer? I will share my thoughts and hopefully my husband’s as well on these fragrances later.

xoxo,

Ling