Fragrance


Jo Malone Raspberry Ripple cologne review

pictured: Jo Malone Raspberry Ripple cologne 1 oz. / dark green nail polish / nail polish top coat /

Who can resist a fragrance bottle with a pink bow? I can’t! How cute is this bottle? When Raspberry Ripple by Jo Malone was introduced a couple months ago, I was instantly intrigued. A fragrance based on raspberries? A cute little bow? Yes please!

I decided to purchase a bottle of the 1oz Raspberry Ripple cologne by Jo Malone and give it a whirl. After all, fruity scents are fabulous during the summer months, and summer does not really end until early October in the San Francisco Bay Area anyway.

What a fun cologne! Upon first spray, you can instantly detect the redcurrant and after a couple of minutes, the fragrance settles into a fruity scent with a smooth undertone. Love!

Jo Malone typically encourages fragrance layering. Although I tested Raspberry Ripple alone, it also seems to blend well when sprayed over a vanilla or coconut body cream or edp. I haven’t tried layering it with another Jo Malone fragrance, but if I get the chance, I will let you know.

Top notes: redcurrant, blackcurrant

Middle/Heart notes: raspberry

Base notes: white musk

I definitely enjoy Jo Malone Raspberry Ripple cologne, and highly recommend it to anyone who loves a fruity fragrance. If you are looking for a fruity gourmand, you can layer it with a simple gourmand scent such as vanilla. For a fruity floral, try layering it with a simple rose based scent. Love!

Thanks for stopping by, and let me know on social media if you plan to, or have already layered Raspberry Ripple!

XOXO

Cathy


Bond No. 9 Nuits de Noho review

pictured: Bond No. 9 Nuits de Noho / nail polish /

Can you tell I have been wearing my Bond No. 9 Nuits de Noho edp often? The bottle is getting quite low! I have been wearing Nuits de Noho for years, so I was surprised when I realized I had never reviewed it here on the blog! How did this slip through the cracks?

Bond No. 9 Nuits de Noho edp is an unique eau de parfum which has a gourmand undertone on an otherwise fruity floral. This is a complex scent, making it one of my favorite fragrances of all time. The top notes include Mandarin, Bergamot, and Pineapple Leaves. The heart of the fragrance consists of Jasmine and Rosewood. Then the base offers Patchouli, Vanilla and Musk.

Don’t let the jasmine scare you! Sometimes jasmine scents can be too sweet, but not with Nuits de Noho. It a very slight part of the heart making the fragrance smooth and beautiful. This is one of my go-to fragrances despite the fact that I typically shy away from jasmine. Love!

The only reason I can think of not reviewing Bond No. 9 Nuits de Noho sooner is that I bought my first bottle before I started my blog in 2010. I guess better late than never! haha

I hope you love this edp as much as I do, it is one of my all-time favorites!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy


Vanilla fragrances to wear now

Vanilla fragrances from top left: LaVanila Vanilla Coconut / Vanille Carbone / Van Cleef & Arpels / Xplicit Vanilla / Bois Talisman / Atelier des Fleurs Vanilla Planifolia /

Ah vanilla! I love everything vanilla. If it has vanilla in it, I love it! That being said, not all vanilla perfumes are created equal. I love a smooth, calming vanilla scent which captures the essence of pure vanilla. I also love when it is mixed in with other notes such woods, fruit and/or florals.

Two of the six vanilla fragrances featured above are part of my fragrance wardrobe. The other four, are currently on my wish list. They are all unique and offer vanilla in a different way. That is why I find they are all needed in my fragrance wardrobe!

If you are looking for a beachy vanilla scent, LaVanila Vanilla Coconut is a fabulous summer vanilla fragrance. Its easy to wear daily and offers “vacation on an island” vibes. Of course, Van Cleef & Arpels version is a rich, smooth vanilla which can be worn in any season and offers a smooth vanilla scent. My full review is here.

Do you love vanilla based scents as much as I do? If so, here are a few fabulous vanilla fragrances you can wear now and throughout the year. Love!

Which vanilla fragrance is your favorite?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy