Sonia Kashuk White Etheriana fragrance collection review

Mimosa + Bamboo + Lime.

            Sometimes, it's ok to judge a book by it's cover. (Or, in this case, perfume). The gorgeous parrot tulip patterning on the new Sonia Kashuk White Etheriana fragrance line certainly captured my fancy. However since then, I've come to realize that the scent within is twice as nice! Here's why I've been giving White Etheriana a lot of love this past week...

          I love the scent of tulips. There's something so very spring about them! In perfume, though, its not a common accord, as it can't be harvested and has to be created in lab. Hence, there's not that many tulip perfumes out there. In my opinion, Sonia Kashuk White Etheriana has taken a cool abstract approach to the tulip, approximating its spirit with soft florals and green citrus-like freshness! I'm going to go a little perfume-nerd here and give you the full breakdown of how I experience the scent:

         At it's essence, Sonia Kashuk White Etheriana is an uplifting combination of mimosa, lime, and bamboo. First, comes the crisp watery green of the bamboo. It's followed by the soft, rich scent of mimosa which gradually builds in intensity to become the body of this perfume. Brilliant hints of lime (and if you smell closely, acai) add alacrity and dimension to what otherwise would be a powdery perfume. The florals are grounded by a touch of violet, and seem to coexist continuously with a soft, clean base. There's no standout base note, which I like. Instead, I find it to be a nice admixture of patchouli, musk, and even oakmoss (one of my favorites). There's a nice peachiness at the base as well, making this an even nicer skin scent.

          Just like parrot tulips, this fragrance isn't your garden variety. I love how the rich mimosa is livened by green bamboo and lime. It's a creative combination as far as fragrance is concerned. Overall, I'm really loving this scent (though it should be said, I'm a spring perfumista at heart) and would definitely recommend Sonia Kashuk White Etheriana if you're looking to freshen up your fragrance routine!

        Thanks for reading! What Sonia Kashuk scents have you tried? What fragrances or notes are you loving this spring?

Love, Dovey.

P.S. Sonia Kashuk White Etheriana is available at Target for Spring 2015. The line includes: the Eau de toilette ($19.99), Crème Body Wash ($8.99), Body Lotion ($8.99), and Hand Crème ($6.99). My personal favorite is the body wash; I feel like the mimosa is amplified when it hits hot water!
Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own. As usual, no ads or affiliate links!

Victoria's Secret Beach Sexy and Sexy Escape collection review + photos

          I can't tell you how wonderful summer is here in Chicago. It's a long-awaited season (this year especially) in this winter wonderland --- and a reason for celebration, if you ask me! To this end, I've been spoiled with a package full of tropical scents and bronze reflections, courtesy of Victoria's Secret Beauty. Let's take a tour through Victoria's Secret Summer 2014, shall we?

         First up, I have the Victoria's Secret Beach Sexy collection. I'm a little obsessed with the metallic bronze packaging. They add color to one's counter-top, as well as complexion! The Victoria's Secret  Beach Sexy Self-Tanning tinted lotion ($15) is a self-tanning lotion with avocado oil. It's meant to provide an instant glow, as well as a lasting one that develops within hours. (I tend to tan naturally, so I haven't yet given this one a go!) I have, however, been enjoying the Victoria's Secret  Beach Sexy Body Prep smoothing scrub ($18). The sugar crystals give a gentle scrub, while the floral coconut scented oils leave a moisturized finish.

          Victoria's Secret  Beach Sexy All-Over Bronzing stick ($15) is a generously sized bronzing stick. The gel-based formula is designed to dry quickly and leave a mica-based glow. I found that when applied sheer, you might appreciate a few gold / glittery sparkles. When applied heavily, it can be built up to a warm glitzy bronze (that reminded loosely of the NARS South Beach multiple). The color does conveniently wash off with water, but might not function best if you're hoping for a pool-friendly product!

From left to right.... Victoria's Secret Fragrance Mists in Ocean, Sunset, and Island

          The limited edition Victoria's Secret Sexy Escape Fragrance Mists for Summer 2014 have a wonderful island-like feel (and gorgeous ombré bottles). Victoria's Secret Sexy Escape Fragrance mist in Ocean ($35) is a fresh scent with pink currant, fresh peach, and island peony. Victoria's Secret Sexy Escape Fragrance mist in Sunset ($35) is a fruity floral with passion fruit, pink tiare, and coconut water. Victoria's Secret Sexy Escape Fragrance mist in Island ($35) is fruity floral with star fruit, jasmine petals, and white amber.

        I'm hard pressed to pick a favorite, but I suppose I'd most likely be a 'Sunset' as I do love tiare and coconut. (That said the watery peach and peony combination of Ocean do tickle my fancy as well).

          I'm feeling a bit less Chicago and a bit more Caribbean after playing with this collection! The summery scents in the Victoria's Sexy Escape Fragrance mist collection and the bronze shades in the Victoria's Secret Beach Sexy collection have added a fun summer twist to my beauty wardrobe. These gorgeously packaged products can be found at your local VS. (I've noticed a 2 for $40 deal on the fragrance mists online - might be worth checking out if you're a fragrance fan).

         Thanks for reading! Have you had the chance to try any beauty from VS Summer? Are you a self-tanner? Which of the three fragrance mists (Island, Ocean, Sunset) featured here would be your go-to?

Love, Dovey.
Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own.

Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Eau de Parfum review

         I have a soft spot for delicate details, so you can imagine how sweet I am on Dolce & Gabbana Dolce, a fresh feminine scent inspired by the Sicilian countryside. I've been coveting the new scent since its debut; after all, I'm all about green florals! The perfume resides within Dolce's lovely vintage flacon with a beautifully sculpted stopper. You can imagine my delight at being sent a bottle courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana, and invited to share my thoughts about Dolce with you today!

          Speaking of sculpted details, did you know the floral stopper was inspired by marzipan? It adds such a delightful sense of nostalgia. (I can still remember my first encounter with the sweet nutty confection when my father brought back a selection from Europe.) I would love to someday taste the traditional Sicilian confections from which this particular stopper was inspired. But enough on aesthetics, let's take a journey through the lucid green fluid within....

Notes: neroli leaf, papaya flower, white amaryllis, narcissus, water lily, cashmere, musk

          Dolce & Gabbana Dolce features a light blend of fruit, florals, and wood. It starts with a transient green burst of neroli leaf that's tangy and lightly bitter. The soft sweet nectarine-like character of amaryllis flower makes the next play, filled out with a pinch of juiciness from papaya flower. (D&G touts this perfume as the first time white amaryllis is featured --- the essence of which was approximated using headspace technology!) Water lily comes a bit later and smooths out the middle with its nice aquatic touch (it's a note I tend to enjoy in general). The scent unfolds to the base quite quickly, where I find considerable dry wood laced with a plant-like spice (perhaps the contribution from narcissus).

         Dolce & Gabbana Dolce has the breezy, facile character of Italian-inspired perfumes, with hints of water fruit and florals. However, it's a softer feminine approach relative to optimistic blends a la D&G Light Blue; one finds the dulcet tones of water lily instead of salty seawater, sweet fruit tones in place of the traditional sharp bergamot, and soft florals instead of heady jasmine. It's more genteel garden than sunny seaside.

Totally gorgeous, right?

         Overall, I find Dolce & Gabbana Dolce to be a lovely light bouquet! (Not to mention, I'm very partial to the vintage bottle design that happens to look oh-so-nice on my vanity). The scent is well suited to work environments and to those who enjoy wearing their scents close. The delicate florals do fade relatively quickly, however touches of the sweet, fruity floral character are retained, providing character to the full wood base hours later.

       Thanks for reading! Have you tried Dolce & Gabbana Dolce? What are your favorite D&G perfumes and colognes?

Love, Dovey.

P.S. For more from Dolce & Gabbana, be sure to check out Twitter @dolcegabbana, Instagram @dolcegabbana, and Facebook, as well as #DGbeauty and #DGDolce.

Disclosure: This sponsored post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own.

Prada Candy L'Eau Eau de Toilette review

          It's no secret that I'm sweet on Prada perfumes. I've waxed poetic on quite a few here on Cute and Mundane; their simple elegant ethos never fails to delight! You can imagine how delighted I was to receive a beautiful Prada Candy L'Eau gift set ($92), complete with 2.7 oz. Eau de Toilette, 2.5 oz. body lotion, and pink clutch, courtesy of Prada Parfums.

         Prada Candy L'Eau Eau de Toilette is a brand new variation on the classic caramel of Prada Candy (reviewed here). The original Prada Candy is a fantastic gourmand, with drips of decadent caramel and the zingy wood of benzoin, combining to create an unusual liqueur-like sweetness tucked away at the center. As the beautiful blush pink packaging suggests, Prada Candy L'Eau is a softer, more wearable variation of the original Candy, bolstered by sparkling citrus and sweet florals.

Notes : Italian citruses, sweet pea, caramel, benzoin, white musk

         Prada Candy L'Eau exudes the sparkling warmth of sweet caramel alongside hints of citrus and flowers. The perfume opens with the tempered zest of a nondescript citrus. It's not a burst and fade; a sliver of citrus adds a soft zest throughout. In a few moments, I encounter caramel, the main undercurrent throughout the entire scent; a light touch of benzoin sends its smoky wooden tendrils through the sugary base. (The effect is reminiscent of the caramelized shell of a fire-roasted marshmallow). Within this delicious, amorphous concoction, sweet pea adds a mid-range velvety floral feel. Initially I was skeptical to see how this floral would perform in the perfume, but found that sweet pea's dewy sweetness (that I'm quite fond of) meshes well with the sugary caramel base. (Brilliant!) Over time, the caramel warms, as if softening on my skin - and a very noticeable musk smooths out the base.

         Now, to the important question : how does Prada Candy L'Eau compare with the original Prada Candy? After giving it some thought, I'd have to say they're quite analogous in construction. Prada Candy cuts to the chase with a warmer caramel and more complex threads of benzoin; the result is a richer, more caramelized feel, complete with liqueur-like sweetness tucked at the center. Prada Candy L'Eau shares the caramel and benzoin infrastructure. However these pure elements are tempered, relying on slivers of citrus to replace the acridity of benzoin, and sweet pea to add a low-cal sweetness in the stead of more caramel. The feel of Prada Candy L'Eau is similar to Prada Candy, just a bit more airy.

Blush pink and black packaging? Prada knows me too well...

           I find Prada Candy L'Eau to be an unabashedly sweet, yet chic, perfume. It's an indulgent caramel musk, with hints of freshness that impart a sense of joie de vivre. Overall, I'd say Prada Candy L'Eau is a more daytime / office friendly version of Prada Candy, and definitely worth a try if you're a fan of the original perfume (and its beautiful blush pink packaging!)

          Thanks for reading! Have you tried Prada Candy or Candy L'Eau? What are your favorite Prada Parfums? What wintry gourmands have you been wearing this season?

Love, Dovey.

P.S. If you love Prada perfumes like me, check out my reviews of Prada Infusion d' Iris (my personal favorite), Luna Rossa, and L'Eau Ambrée.
Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own.

Diptyque Philosykos Eau de Toilette review

          When I was but a sapling, my family and I lived in the heat of California's San Joaquin valley. Known for its fertile soil and bountiful sun, the valley is home to thousands of acres of fig trees, with their gnarled, twisting branches reaching upwards and outwards like giant parasols shading the valley floor. Historically, the trees were brought to California and planted in small numbers by settlers during the gold rush. With the introduction of caprification (a method of artificially pollinating fig trees) in the late 1890s, the fig industry in California exploded! Today the overwhelming majority of US-grown figs originate from the San Joaquin valley. The trees thrive in the dry 104 degree summers, perfectly adapted to the heated climates that supported ancient civilizations.

         Though I've since moved from the fig center of the United States, cartons of fresh figs are always on my grocery list when in season. However, I realize that in modern times, many have never experienced the cool pleasure of a fresh fig. While the readily available Fig Newtons do have their own classically delicious charm, the real experience is quite different. Herein lies the beauty of Diptyque Philosykos; it is a perfume that evokes the fruit of Ficus carica as enjoyed by the ancients, for the pleasure of the modern day palate!

Mr. Lovey spotted this little fig tree on our recent trip to the beautiful Chicago Botanic Garden!

          The story of Diptyque Philosykos is that of the cool, milky fig amidst an airy rustle of leaves and the slight warmth of dry wood. The scent opens with the exhalation of a light green curtain of leaves shielding our moist fig from the scorching sun. Fig is absolutely central to Philosykos; its green, earthy, and milky tones are all beautifully intertwined within the composition. One can even appreciate the nuttiness of the seeds that are an archetypal trait of the fruit. Coconut water adds just the right touch, adding the feel of delicate dusty skin that just a slip of a finger will crease. Over time, as the scent 'ripens', the fig dries down to a more fibrous green fragrance. It becomes slightly sweeter and more jammy (perhaps a la 'Newton). A soft dry wood buoys the base.

          I've noticed that some reviews have overemphasized a supposed sense of 'cool/moist soil/bark/earth' of a figurative fig grove in Diptyque Philosykos. Much to the contrary, I found Philosykos to be a remarkably fig  fruit-centric scent, with only a soft contribution from the tree itself. (Not to mention, the oft-described cool, damp forest is biologically incongruous with the hot, dry habitat of Ficus carica.) While the aforementioned scent signatures are present, the 'cool earthiness' of Philoskyos belongs to the fig fruit itself, not its arboreal mother!

         In Diptyque Philosykos, we experience a pendulous fig magically alight amongst broad leaves: a cool oasis sublimated by the efforts of a scorching sun. It's a simple delight that transcends time. One bite (or rather one spritz) of this sweet milky fruit transports me back to the sunbaked California valley of my childhood and even further, back across the timeless generations to cradle of life where figs were first savored by human lips.

       The beautifully crafted fragrance in Diptyque Philosykos is wonderful for fig aficionadas like myself, and also an intriguing scent to those yet unfamiliar with the unique flavor of the fig. As Philoskykos is among the more 'simple' delights in Diptyque's lineup, it's a great starting point for those looking to explore Diptyque perfumes!

       Thanks for reading! What Diptyque perfumes or products have you tried recently? Do you have any favorites? Have you ever tried fresh figs?

Love, Dovey.

P.S. For more of my Diptyque reviews, take a steamship voyage with Diptyque Volutes, roam the exotic jungles of Diptyque Eau Moheli, and take a break in a cool cafe with Diptyque Eau Duelle.

Diptyque Eau Duelle Eau de Toilette review

Diptyque Paris boutique, Chicago.

         I've become quite enamored with Diptyque fragrances lately. Like a good book, each perfume has a story to tell; the notes unraveling like unbound pages, transport me to faraway lands! I'm lucky to live in one of the few cities with a free-standing Diptyque boutique, so I enjoy the luxury of stopping by and perusing the wooden shelves in search of my next olfactory voyage. Recently, I acquired Diptyque Eau Duelle Eau de Toilette, a spiced vanilla scent that sent me spinning to the other end of the globe!

          Diptyque Eau Duelle is a clever concoction that recalls dessert --- after all, vanilla is involved! In the western world, many a sweet childhood memory builds from the piping hot aroma of baked goods emerging from an oven. Likewise, many a perfume builds upon the warm gourmand essence of vanilla. However, in Diptyque Eau Duelle, I was thrown for a turn by the cool and refreshing nature of the vanilla fragrance, seemingly inspired by South Asian desserts. It's more kheer than cake --- a cold treat to enjoy in hot equatorial climates!

Notes: Cardamom, Elemi resin, Olibanum, Bergamot, Pink pepper, Juniper, Saffron, Black Tea, Musk, Ambergris, Bourbon vanilla.

         Diptyque Eau Duelle is a vanilla perfume accentuated by green resins, incense, and sweet spices. The overall experience is akin to sitting in a small café after a long day of exploring, savoring the shade and cool breeze that carries with it trails of incense and breaths of foliage.

         The perfume opens on an invigorating green resinous note, which is no doubt the Elemi. After its moment, a secondary round of green freshness arises from the juniper and tea, with trails of olibanum incense and a pinch of dewy spice from pink pepper. This cool green edge lingers well into the body of Eau Duelle.

        In the body of the perfume, dessert is served. The milky vanilla is blended with the delightful complexity of cardamom and the sweet wafting fullness of saffron. The creamy wood and marine tones of ambergris dominate the base (especially on warm skin), and add fullness to the light vanilla. A touch of musk is also present.

A selection of sweets from a recent brunch at India House, Chicago.

        Just as a spoonful of sweet milky dessert is the perfect antidote to hot weather (and hot curry!), the cool spiced vanilla in Diptyque Eau Duelle imparts a sense of respite in a perfume landscape filled with warm vanilla fragrances. With its infusion of green resins and sweet South Asian spices, you could say that Diptyque Eau Duelle is, in fact, anything but 'vanilla'!

         If you love your gourmand fragrances, Diptyque Eau Duelle is certainly worth a sniff! However, as with Diptyque Eau Moheli (reviewed here), I will stress that the notes wear differently depending on your temperature. On cool skin and paper strips, you can appreciate the delicious vanilla and delicate saffron spice, while on heated skin you might find that the resins, incense, and ambergris dominate.

          Thanks for reading! What was the last Diptyque fragrance or product you tried? What are your favorite vanilla fragrances?

Love, Dovey.
P.S. For more reading on Diptyque perfumes, be sure to check out my reviews of Diptyque Eau Mohéli and Diptyque Volutes!

Kate Spade Live Colorfully Eau de Parfum review

         As a color fan-(atic), I'm oft delighted by Kate Spade's colorful creations. The brand has a way with color and imagery that just makes you smile. A few years ago, Kate Spade launched Twirl; I liked it so much that I picked up a rollerball of the perfume. Naturally, I couldn't wait to get my hands on Kate Spade Live Colorfully once it was released! 

          The bottle for Kate Spade Live Colorfully was inspired by the light refracting properties of prisms. From the front, it appears to be a bright coral. However, a turn of the flask reveals that there are actually two colored panes, one pink and one yellow, (bow)-tied together by glass. This colorful duality is not just pretty;  it also hints at the nature of the scent within (more on that below)!

Notes: Mandarin, Pink Water Lily, Star Anise, Tiare Flower, Golden Gardenia, Coconut Water, Sheer Musk, Amber, Vanilla

             Kate Spade Live Colorfully Eau de Parfum is a creamy white floral with hints of waterlily and coconut. Rich white florals open the scent; it's easy to pick out the distinct woody green character of gardenia combined with the dulcet and mellifluous tones of its Polynesian relative, the tiare flower. (I love how the scent of tiare practically transports me to the Pacific islands!) After the grand whites decrescendo, a pretty little stanza follows : a soft and sweet mandarin perfumes the air, followed by the aquatic green fragrance of a water lily. It's a segment that provides a delicate breather from the weightiness of the perfume. The white florals return a second time, and along with them comes coconut water, which at first has a cool dry texture, but becomes creamier over time as vanilla seeps in to fill it out. The final dry-down involves white florals, velvety coconut, and a hint of green waterlily. Live Colorfully is very long lasting.

         I found that Kate Spade Live Colorfully evoked not one, but two places, which was quite an unusual experience! The first was Tahiti, thanks to the heavy perfume of the tiare flower and coconut. In fact, the tiare and coconut oil combination is a classic fragrance pairing in Tahiti called Monoi. The coconut in Live Colorfully is a slight variation as it smells of the lighter coconut water rather than the creamier milk. The water theme in the coconut provides a lucid transition into a another watery, albeit very different environment. The aquatic green notes of the waterlily evokes the second location: a well shaded garden pond --- perhaps like Monet's garden at Giverny, France! (You can read more about Monet's Water Lilies in my recent Inspired by Art post!) This duality in Kate Spade Live Colorfully was fascinating --- it is both French countryside and French Polynesia in one bottle!

          Kate Spade Live Colorfully is a summery white floral with notes of velvety coconut and aquatic water lily. Like the bottle's bright yellow and pink panes that combine to create a cool coral, the scent is a unified duality as well. Through a common theme of water, our noses transport us to a lush island bathed in golden sunlight, as well as to the bright pink blooms of a waterlily pond draped with willows. The resultant combination is both colorful and cohesive.

          Overall, you could say I'm a big fan! I'll certainly be indulging in a few spritzes of Kate Spade Live Colorfully this summer. Thanks for reading! Have you tried Kate Spade Live Colorfully? What perfumes have you been enjoying this summer?

Love, Dovey.

P.S. For more on the art shown in this post, be sure to check out my Inspired by Art series featuring Monet's waterlilies and Gaugain's Tahiti.

Diptyque Eau Mohéli Eau de Toilette review

        Chicago is lucky to have one of only four Diptyque boutiques in the United States (two being in New York City on Bleecker St. and Madison Ave., and one on Maiden Lane in San Francisco). Chicago's boutique is nestled in Bucktown, which has a nice set of shops away from the hustle and bustle of North Michigan Avenue. Candles and perfumes packed in neat wooden displays decorate the cozy interior--- it's a bit more spare and streamlined than the glitzy Bleecker St. boutique, which I've also passed by. Recently, I stepped into the Chicago Diptyque boutique after seeing their brand new perfume, Diptyque Eau Mohéli, on display!

         Diptyque Eau Mohéli Eau de Toilette is an exotic floral perfume inspired by its namesake island. Moheli is part of a three island archipelago that makes up the nation Comoros, located off the east coast of Africa between Mozambique and Madagascar. The island is rich in flora; visitors can enjoy the striking fragrance of ylang-ylang, and admire a bevy of local orchid species and endemic palms. Moheli is also home to baobob trees and a number of pepper and vanilla plantations.

Notes: Floral notes, Ylang-ylang, patchouli, pink pepper, ginger, vetiver, benzoin, incense.

        Diptyque Eau Mohéli Eau de Toilette is an exotic floral perfume crafted around ylang-ylang. Woody benzoin opens the scent; it's spicy, but a bit watered down and not-so-acrid. Ginger root immediately follows (it's more dry peel-on ginger as opposed to fresh cut) and has a lasting presence throughout the scent. The root is laced with a generous helping of pink pepper that tickles the nose. These spices enhance the natural character of the warm ylang-ylang, which is joined by pretty florals that add a nice lucidity to the scent. In the second part of the fragrance, the root-like character of the perfume transfers from ginger over to vetiver. The green root-like smell has an odd warm freshness --- like a green mist exhaled by large jungle fronds under the burning sun. A light patchouli fits in seamlessly with the vetiver, adding a fuzzy focus and depth.The final dry-down features ginger, ylang-ylang, patchouli, pepper, and a leafy jungle green.

          The refreshing breath of hot fronds and pretty flowers combined with the warm medicinal feel of the roots and spice in Diptyque Eau Mohéli definitely channels the feel of an island jungle under the sun. The perfume is full but not heavy. I found that the heat of one's skin plays a significant role in the scent experience. On strips of fabric or cool skin, it's easier to appreciate the florals and lush green tones in Diptyque Eau Moheli. On warmer skin, the ginger and roots seem to predominate. If you're interested in Eau Moheli, I'd recommend trying the perfume on your skin first to see how it behaves.

          Diptyque Eau Mohéli is a spicy ylang-ylang perfume that really captures the imagination. It's an off-the-beaten path type of scent that channels the ylang-ylang flowers, pepper plantations, and warm green vegetation of its namesake island. I'd definitely recommend a sniff of Eau Moheli this summer --- you might be surprised where it takes you! Thanks for reading! Have you tried Diptyque Eau Moheli? Have you ever visited a Diptyque boutique? What was the last Diptyque perfume or candle you tried?

Love, Dovey.
P.S. For more Diptyque, be sure to check out my review of Diptyque Volutes!

Prada Amber Pour Homme Intense fragrance set (2013) review

         This Father's day, I have the perfect gift tucked away for Mr. Lovey, thanks to Prada Parfums. Fragrance is a great way to add something fresh to his routine (plus, the effect is something I can enjoy as well). Prada is one of my personal favorite perfume lines, so I'm looking forward to sharing my review of Prada Amber Pour Homme Intense cologne and the newest Prada Amber Pour Homme Intense fragrance gift set with you today!

         Prada Amber Pour Homme Intense Eau de Parfum is a warm and smooth blend of Italian bergamot, Somalia myrrh, Indonesian patchouli, Madagascar vanilla. Prada Amber Pour Homme opens with the strong bipartite warmth of the prickly resin of myrrh alongside smooth amber tones. Patchouli adds a transparent clean smokiness which lends an incense-like illusion to the above combination. As the amber and myrrh soften, an even vanilla adds a delectable hint, while bergamot adds a crisp and fresh contrast. Over time the vanilla develops with tonka (your classic dessert combo), with a sweet little  strand of saffron stirred into the pot (which I love). In the next stage, we meet a gentle wood, root, and leather combination; the sandalwood, vetiver, and leather notes are softly blended as to not highlight any one component. Flowers in the form of a mid-tone geranium and and an uplifting orange blossom add just the right hint of delicacy and sophistication to an otherwise strong masculine scent. After its rich tale, Prada Amber Pour Homme Intense returns to its amber, myrrh, and vanilla base at drydown.

          The Prada Amber Pour Homme Intense fragrance set showcases the gorgeous cologne in three different forms : Eau de Parfum (3.4 fl.oz.), an After Shave Balm (3.4 fl.oz.), and Bath and Shower Gel (1.7 oz.). All four bottles are tall, rectangular, and elegantly slim. The Shower gel is shown above in blue, while the body lotion is the cream colored bottle seen below. I especially love the look of the Eau de Parfum, with it's dark glass plated with a metal --- upon which you can read Prada Amber Pour Homme's note list!

           The Prada Amber Pour Homme Intense fragrance gift set ($80 for $144 value) showcases a fragrance that should please both discerning noses and aesthetes! The masculine scent is elegant and well crafted, as is typical of Prada Parfums. I'm definitely looking forward to experiencing Prada Amber Pour Homme as it enters Mr. Lovey's fragrance wardrobe! Prada fragrance gift sets for Father's Day are now available at Macy's, Nordstrom, and other fine department stores.

P.S. For more Prada cologne reviews, be sure to check out my review of Prada Luna Rossa!
Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own.   

Prada Luna Rossa Eau de Toilette cologne review

         There's a new cologne that's been making quite a 'splash' this year! Prada Luna Rossa Eau de Toilette is Prada's newest men's fragrance. It's inspired by Luna Rossa (Red Moon) Challenge, an Italian sailboat racing syndicate that competes in the America's Cup. You might already be able to appreciate the maritime inspirations in the sleek metal and glass bottle above! Mr. Lovey and I have been enjoying a press sample of this sailboat inspired cologne. I'm excited to share my review with you today!

Notes: Lavender absolute, Bitter Orange, Clary Sage, Spearmint, Ambrette Absolute, Ambroxan

          Prada Luna Rossa Eau de Toilette is a fresh splash of herbs in a smooth marine base. The cologne opens with an aquatic blast, like a high wave splashing over the bow. However as quickly as the water arrives, it rolls overboard and gives way to an even keeled lavender. A strong herbal sage steps in like a seasoned skipper to command our immediate attention. A hefty bitterness opens and eventually develop into a recognizable, albeit still bitter, orange. Concurrently a spearmint builds and delivers an overt cooling sensation , with just a hint of dry mint leaf. The spearmint's icy coolness combines with the bitterness of the orange for a sharp, yet complimentary effect, like salt spray whipping the sails in arctic winds; this combination persists for some time.

           Over time, the ambrette, a cool and almost sour metallic note (that you can almost taste at the back of your throat), makes itself known. Its similarities to the prior cool mint and bitter orange combination make such a natural transition that you might not even notice it. An amazing smooth dry wood with a subtle creamy marine sweetness --- which I assume to be Ambroxan, a molecule used to approximate ambergris --- permeates the base, binding the scent together like the classic teak and lignum planks that have braced marine hulls for centuries. The dry down is calm and less tumultuous than the fast moving water and herbal openers; one can't help but appreciate the finesse of the Ambroxan base with threads of ambrette and bitter orange weaved throughout.

             Before sniffing Prada Luna Rossa, I had imagined it to be simple sea-inspired scent; however I found that it was indeed a sailboat-inspired scent as promised. The cologne has marine tones, mainly due to the beautiful, permeating thread of ambroxan, however it's not a mellow wafting water scent a la Armani's Aqua di Gio. Instead we get a feel of waves hitting a hull, in the form of sharp splashes from sage and a cool spray from spearmint. Finally, the contribution from the metallic ambrette combined with the bitter orange imparts the feel of sleek metal and composite hulls of modern racing yachts.

         Overall, Prada Luna Rossa Eau de Toilette ($54 for 1.7 fl.oz.) is a sporty and fresh combination of marine tones with a twist of herbs and metallic notes to keep it light and buoyant. This adventurous new cologne is now available at Sephora for Father's Day and beyond! Thanks for reading! Have you tried Prada Luna Rossa? What Prada fragrances have you tried? What kind of scents do the men in your life enjoy?

Love, Dovey.

P.S. For more Prada, check out my reviews of Prada Infusion d'Iris and Prada L'Eau Ambrée!
Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own. The link in this post is NOT an affiliate link. It is present for your convenience only.   

Friday Five : Chanel Les Exclusifs edition

           Happy Friday! Last week I wrote about my experience with the Hermessences in the Hermès perfume line (read here). I thought it would be fitting to follow up with a Friday Five on Les Exclusifs de Chanel! As the name suggests, the Les Exclusifs perfumes are exclusive to Chanel boutiques and very select department stores. (This is in contrast with No.5, Chance, Coco Mademoiselle, etc. which are more ubiquitously available). Recently, I stopped by the Chanel boutique on N. Michigan Avenue to take a sniff.

          The Les Exclusifs de Chanel perfumes were presented in a small display near the center of the boutique. Each had its own name card (seen above) upon which to test the scents. Overall, I thought each scent was well represented by its name. Bel Respiro was a whiff of fresh, grassy, earthy countryside; I loved it on the card, so I tried it on. However, the scent turned a bit masculine on me. Beige was smooth, warm, and womanly; it was very 'beige' as per its moniker. La Pausa was a soft powdery iris with a slight earthiness. Gardènia was a tame bouquet of creamy white florals. I found 1932 to be the most interesting; I enjoyed the light sparkle in the woody floral scent. Jersey was a soft, slightly sweet lavender that imparted the feel of soft fabric; I enjoyed the dry down on the card.

          Overall, I'd say the perfumes in Les Exclusifs de Chanel were smooth, balanced, and well composed. However, I do have mixed feelings. On one hand, they would easily please a number of noses and I could easily and happily wear any of the scents I just described. On the other hand, they were a little less intriguing than I had hoped for, considering their price point. That said, I may go back to try Jersey or 1932, the scents I found to be the most promising of the bunch. Perhaps, as with Bel Respiro, I'll feel differently when I've worn them! On that note, here are my Friday Five list of good reads this week:

1. Chanel Moon River Fresh Effects Eye Shadow is simply stunning at Café Makeup.
2. Makeup and Beauty Blog shares juicy shades from the MAC All About Orange Collection.
3. Check out a beautiful bottle of Dior Addict Eau Délice on BellaChique.
4. 'Brush up' on what makes Mason Pearson special on Lil Lady's Life.
5. Best Things In Beauty shares Flax, a gorgeous new Chantecaille eyeshadow.

        Thanks for reading! What do you have planned for the weekend? Have you tried Les Exclusifs de Chanel? Which of the scents would you like to try?

Love, Dovey.

Friday Five : Hermès Chicago edition

         Happy Friday! It's been a beyond-busy couple of months for me, spent putting the finishing touches on my graduate dissertation. This week, I finally had the much needed chance to relax and head downtown with a good friend. We stopped the Hermès boutique on Chicago's Oak St., and I snapped a photo (as seen in my Instagram feed) of a gorgeous scarf in the window display; if you look closely, you can see the reflections of pedestrians, a Prada boutique, and myself!

          As you might know, I have a soft spot for Hermès perfumes (composed by in-house perfumer Jean-Claude Ellena), so I had to stop in for a sniff. While Hermès perfume series like the Jardins, Merveilles, and Les Colognes are available elsewhere to varying degrees, the Hermessences seem to be more exclusive to the boutique. I tried some of the Hermessence perfumes that I'd been looking forward to sniffing for some time, including Rose Ikebana, Iris Ukiyoé, and Osmanthe Yunnan. They were as wonderful as I could have hoped for; I'm hoping to make another visit if/when new Hermès Les Colognes in Eau de Narcisse Bleu and Eau de Mandarine Ambrée become available. Of course, in addition to perfume, I got a chance to admire the displays of Hermès cuffs, saddles, and other good things! On that note, here is my Friday Five list of favorite reads this week:

1. The Beauty Look Book compares Dior Gel Top Coat with Chanel Laque Brilliance Extreme.
2. Bois de Jasmin tells a tale of incense and intrigue with Tom Ford Sahara Noir.
3. The Former Girl at Bar shares the brilliant blue of Urban Decay Chaos 24/7 liner.
4. Grain de Musc revels in Hermès Eau de Narcisse Bleu.
5. Best Things in Beauty has a fresh lip color in Tom Ford Cherry Lush.

         Thanks for reading! What are you up to this weekend? What scents have you checked off of your to-try list lately?

Love, Dovey.

Valentino 'Valentina Assoluto' Eau de Parfum review

        The bottle for Valentina Assoluto is simply stunning, don't you think? It's festooned with a beautiful pink flower that immediately recalls the unique style of Maison Valentino. Roses were a longtime signature of Valentino Garavani, and were featured in his most striking images. One such vintage photograph features a model standing before the Great Sphinx in Egypt, wearing a pale green cocktail dress bordered with roses. Another more recent addition depicted the principal ballerina of the Staatshoper ballet draped in a layered tulle gown blossoming with rosettes during a New Year's performance, more than fifty years later. According to the Valentino Garavani museum,

"For Mr. Valentino, the rose was not only a symbol of artistry and couture, but a token of timelessness, cultivation, and the endurance of beauty,"

         Valentina Assoluto Eau de Parfum is the newest variation on the Valentino Valentina Eau de Parfum (be sure to read my review of Valentina here). Judging from the bottle's signature floral embellishment, one can imagine the refined beauty of the scent within. Perfumer Olivier Cresp composed Valentina Assoluto as a more nocturnal and seductive variation on the Italian inspirations of the original Valentina fragrance. I've been exploring the new facets of Valentina Assoluto, thanks to Valentino Parfums, and am looking forward to sharing my review with you today!

Notes: Italian Bergamot, Smeggia Peach, White Alba Truffle, Tuberose, Mediterranean Jasmine, Soft Madagascar Vanilla, Cedar, Oakmoss, Patchouli.

          Valentina Assoluto Eau de Parfum (2012) is an alluring white floral blend brimming with peach, vanilla, and truffle. The perfume opens with a splash of bergamot which, as in its predecessor, tends to trail into the body of the fragrance. The bergamot seems to be laced with the slightest pinch of patchouli. The perfume quickly slides into a refined peach. This peach is not of the sort where one taste will send sweet juice running down your hand; instead it has the crispness of a firm, slightly under-ripe white peach. The fruit begins to mellow as a vanilla undercurrent enters my consciousness.The vanilla is actually quite soft and unlike that found in typical vanilla gourmands, a softness I find quite preferable. The fantastic earthy mushroom flavor of the truffle (which I discuss at length here) is closely intertwined with the vanilla, adding a fullness sans heaviness. A smooth, pale jasmine adds a soft white floral focus to the scent; it lacks any indolic heaviness. At the base is a touch of oakmoss, adding an almost licorice-like spin when combined with the 'foodie' vanilla and truffle. A blend of peach, jasmine, vanilla, truffle, and oakmoss wears close to the skin and persists throughout the remaining life of the scent.

         The allure of Valentina Assoluto lies in its tempered beauty.The perfume contains notes that, when left unchecked can be overwhelming, and takes them down a notch. The peach is not too sweet, the jasmine is less opaque, and the vanilla is soft. Instead of using greater intensity or heavier base notes to add dimension, the truffle and oakmoss add a fullness and intrigue to the existing scents. The result is a masterful blend that is transparent and refined, yet intriguing. On the same train of thought - Valentina Assoluto is more nocturnal and sensual than its sister Valentino Valentina, however it is by dint of the ingredients, as opposed to the sheer weight of the fragrance. (In fact, I find Valentina Assoluto to be the 'lighter' of the two scents.) 

          Valentina Assoluto Eau de Parfum ($88 for 1.7oz.) is a beautiful blend of white peach with white florals that wears close to the skin. Like its predecessor, Valentino Valentina, these notes are accompanied by a tempting trifecta of bergamot, vanilla, and truffle. In fact, the two Valentino perfumes are quite similar in construction, so if you love one, you'll likely enjoy the other as well.

         Much like the classic Valentino rose with which it is adorned, Valentino Assoluto embodies the spirit of artfully executed couture. As a white floral lover, I'm delighted to have it in my fragrance wardrobe! Valentina Assoluto is available at fine department stores nationwide. Thanks for reading! Have you tried Valentina or Valentina Assoluto? What perfumes are you loving at the moment?

Love, Dovey.
Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own.

Valentino Valentina Eau de Parfum review

          Valentino is among the most storied brands in fashion, so I thought it would be fitting to open my review of Valentino Valentina with an anecdote! In a previous era, most ads in fashion magazines were sponsored by fabric companies whose logos were prominently displayed, while designers were credited in small print at the bottom. Valentino was the first brand to break with this tradition, creating lavish magazine spreads emphasizing the role of the fashion artist/designer. This style of advertisement was the brainchild of Giancarlo Giammetti, Valentino Garavani's partner in business and life. The first ever Valentino magazine spread featured models wearing pastel colors, posing in a desert setting (shot in studio with semolina for sand!)

          Valentino Valentina Eau de Parfum is packaged in a beautiful bottle festooned with three pale rosettes dancing upon a golden background, like pastel dresses fluttering amidst a desert landscape. (The rosettes seem to be made of powdered metal, in case you were wondering.) I had the chance to experience Valentina recently, thanks to Valentino Parfums, and I have to say the scent within draws equally beautiful imagery!

Notes: Bergamot, White Truffle, Orange Blossoms, Sweet Jasmine, Tuberose, Wild Strawberries, Cedar, Vanilla, Amber.

            Valentino Valentina (2011) is a smooth white floral with strawberry and vanilla. The perfume opens with a crisp bergamot; while the burst is ephemeral it lightly trails on a bit to add a slight edge to an otherwise smooth scent. A delicious strawberry and jasmine combination enters, followed by an odd scent I recognize to be truffle. (Truffle has a woody / earthy scent like a mushroom just dug up from the ground). Vanilla enters to strengthen the scent, making it even more delectable. The high sweet florals of orange flower add freshness to the mix; they create more dimension in the jasmine and add some juiciness to the strawberry. Overall the blend of food and flowers is smooth, and all the scent trails intertwine together quite naturally! At the base, there's a hint of wood, but any lingering wood tones are caught up with the truffle. The rest is filled with a clean musky amber.

          The beauty of Valentino Valentina lies in a special ingredient: truffle. Shavings from this pungent subterranean mushroom have the uncanny ability to accentuate whatever foods they flavor. Truffle does a similar thing in Valentina; it turns the youthful strawberry vanilla more savory and adds a fullness, sans heaviness, to the white florals. All the while, you might not even realize it's there, as it has an uncanny ability to blend in. Though the pleasing strawberry and white floral path has been well trod recently (think Marc Jacobs Daisy, Miss Dior Cherie, or Jimmy Choo Flash), Valentina has a unique elegance thanks to its touch of truffle!

          Valentino Valentina ($82 for 1.7oz) is a ladylike and balanced blend of white florals, strawberry, and vanilla, with an unexpected dash of white truffle. The scent doesn't make its statement with overt opulence or eccentricity. After all, when it comes to Valentino, it's the well-placed embellishments like the flounces of a dress,  semolina sand, or an earthy mushroom that add a memorable twist! The smooth blend of Valentino Valentina is a very welcome addition to my perfume wardrobe --- and I highly recommend a sniff if you're a white floral fan like me!

        Thanks for reading! Have you tried Valentino Valentina? What surprising ingredients have you come across in perfume?

Love, Dovey.

P.S. I've also been delighting in a bottle of Valentina Assoluto, the next scent in the Valentina series. I can't wait to share my 'notes' on Valentina Assoluto with you!
Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own. 

Sephora Favorites : Bottled Dreams Fragrance Sampler For Her (2013) review + photos

          Years ago, when I was starting my journey into the world of perfume, I picked up a Sephora fragrance sampler for myself. Fragrance samplers typically contain several spritzers or deluxe minis for you to try and a voucher to redeem for a full-size version of your favorite. They're pretty great deals too; the kits often cost less than buying a full size bottle!

           With that in mind, you can imagine my delight at receiving Sephora Favorites : Bottled Dreams Fragrance Sampler For Her, their latest fragrance sampler, courtesy of Sephora. It's packed with deluxe mini samples of six new scents to choose from, as well as a bonus bottle of Sephora by OPI nail polish. I was quite pleased with the selection within; the perfumes should please many noses! I've written a brief review of each below to give you an idea of what to expect:

           Juicy Couture La La is a fun and flirty combination of crisp fruits and rich white florals. The fresh fruits include apple, mandarin, and redcurrant (a note I love). The whites include orange blossom and lily of the valley, which are perfect for spring. Balenciaga Florabotanica is an unusual green floral that smells of sweet mint and light rose. I'm quite a fan; I have a full bottle in my collection already. The scent surprisingly long lasting; the green is slightly earthy and hemp-like (as opposed to grass-like). Marchesa Parfum d'Extase is a delicate combination of iris and amber. This scent is soft and feminine; it's a good choice for those who prefer scents with a more understated elegance.





          Gucci Guilty (see my review here) is a sensual combination of peach, lilac, and pepper. It's a smooth, warm, and alluring scent. Lancôme La vie est belle (see my review here) is an iris gourmand. The combination of airy florals with a vanilla amber base is quite delicious and pleasantly complex. Coach Love is a smooth warm floral. The base notes, musk and patchouli, have more weight than some of the other fragrances here. The florals are a blend of jasmine, violet, and gardenia.

         The Sephora Favorites : Bottled Dreams Fragrance Sampler For Her includes a little booklet with promotional photos and a short blurb on each fragrance. As a bonus, the set comes with Sephora by OPI Nail Color in What Aura Gonna Wear?, which is a vibrant pink polish. I've made some comparison swatches below to give you a better idea of the color. (As you can see I'm quite fond of bright pinks!).

          The Sephora Favorites : Bottled Dreams Fragrance Sampler For Her ($50 for $125 value) is a cute coffret of perfumes that's a perfect gift for moms (after all, Mother's day is right around the corner) or for anyone interested in exploring perfume. This limited edition fragrance kit may fly off shelves - it has a selection of popular scents, a bonus nail polish, and a voucher for a full size bottle of perfume. As for me, I'm looking forward to figuring out which perfume I'll be redeeming my coupon for! (Right now I'm leaning towards Juicy Couture La La or Marchesa d'Extase).

          Thanks for reading! Have you ever tried a Sephora Fragrance sampler set? Which fragrance would you choose? Which one do you think I should choose?

Love, Dovey.
Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own.  

BCBG Max Azria Bon Chic Eau de Parfum review

           April has been a very fragrant month for me. Like the unfurling petals brought about by the months' showers, my interest in fresh fragrances has burgeoned as well. A number of new bottles have graced my dresser, waiting to be shared on Cute and Mundane! Most recently though, I've been enjoying a sample of BCBG Max Azria Bon Chic Eau de Parfum!

          Bon Chic means 'good style' in French, and draws reference from the brand's name. If you know your fashion trivia, BCBG is actually an acronym of the French saying Bon Chic, Bon Genre (Good Style, Good Attitude)! BCBG Max Azria Bon Chic is the second fragrance from BCBG Max Azria. It's festooned with the same blossoming petaled stopper as its predecessor; but the bottle and fluid are golden yellow, as opposed to the original pink.

Notes: Black Raspberry, Mango, Asian Pear, Pink Peony, Violet, Orange Blossom, Soft Woods, Vanilla, Cashmere Musk

          BCBG Max Azria Bon Chic is a smooth, sweet fruity floral scent. It opens with juicy sweet mango.The Asian pear follows next; it has a touch of creaminess that you'd expect from a pear, but also a crisp watery aspect as well. The pear is joined by the raspberry; the two marry well and linger throughout most of the fragrance, along with a light vanilla. While I wouldn't say the florals star in the scent, they do have a significant presence. Petals of peony open up the fragrance and make it more feminine. Orange blossom is present in smaller doses; violet even less so. The base is relatively light as well; a clean dry wood is most evident, while the bottom is rounded out by a light musk.

          BCBG Max Azria Bon Chic ($55 for 1.7oz) recalls the delicious ripe fruits of summer, bolstered by feminine floral blooms. There is considerable sweetness from the mango, pear, and raspberry, while peony adds an enveloping floral presence. Light vanilla, wood, and musk make for a pleasant base. Overall, it's a nice scent for those who enjoy optimistic fruity floral fragrances. BCBG Max Azria Bon Chic can be purchased from Ulta, Macy's, and other fine department stores for Mother's Day and beyond.

         Thanks for reading! Have you tried BCBG Max Azria Bon Chic? What fruity floral fragrances are you enjoying lately?

Love, Dovey
Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own.