Scentified!

HERMÈS FINGERBOARD SKATE VIRAL

2010-11-19T08:55:00.000-08:00

What do you think of the ad?

Well I thought it was amusing plus the message was well communicated :)

Guerlain HOMME

2010-11-16T01:04:00.000-08:00

‘…And then ‘Antonio’ turned up at her front door all hot and sweaty. It was impossible not to notice the woodsy scent that exuded from his body. Probably he had been working in the orchid …’

With the regular romantic set up conjured by passionate novelists, it is not difficult to imagine such a character wearing one of these sexy yet cool scents especially when he arrives to woo his woo-man or should I say prey (wink).

One fragrance that readily comes to mind is Guerlain Homme, another mysterious product made from a complex combination of rum, peppery mint and lime gives off its citrusy notes; green tea, cedar and vetiver for some form of vibrancy to the otherwise calm scent.

This bitter yet fresh and invigorating fragrance is available in 80ml.

Like the ad said, it is 'for the animal that resides in you'.

Basenotes - Harrods Perfume Diaries : Picture Round Up

2010-09-06T15:14:00.000-07:00

Basenotes - Harrods Perfume Diaries : Picture Round Up

Check out the link to view the pictures from the recent exhibition held at Harrods in the UK.

I was blown away by the Ferregamo section :)

Accessoriessss

2010-06-06T15:54:00.000-07:00

In the days of black and white movies, a French lady was considered chic whenever she strutted in her haute couture, catchy fragrance, jewelry and her poodle trotting beside her.

Nowadays we have the likes of Paris Hilton, Rhianna, Ciara gracing the scenes with their trusted side kicks as arm accessories.

A dog show was held recently at the popular Banana Island in Lagos, Nigeria to display the powerful combination of fashion and the beast, man's best friend. Although the publicity was a bit low keyed, the event did show some potential and we are so looking forward to it come next edition.

We were able to get some pictures...

At the venue with the organizer far left

Rottweiler, my favorite.

Arm Candies

Er, that excludes him

Ze French Bastig. Hazel eyes.

Bull dog alert! She's round and proud. Hello Babe :)

Exotic Attire

It's LV's day. Check out the colorful cases far right.

Blackberry covers, another fad.

Get your tees labeled

Keeping you posted on sophistication from another angle :)

Enjoy your day people.

Cologne de Sophistication!

2010-02-07T07:50:00.000-08:00

I just had a chance to check out this fragrance and I must comment Ermenegildo Zegna did a fab job creating this scent.

I spritzed a shot on my wrist around 10am and I can still pick up the scent of the cologne (it's 16:55, that's 4:55pm). Talk about staying power.

The scent is a bit laid back though but durable enough to be noticed.

Check it out.

Pick of the Month

2010-01-22T14:52:00.000-08:00

Our Pick of the month FOR HIM.

Why we like it? Because...

* We love the mysterious hint from sandalwood.
* It's got some fruity notes from watermelon
* It has a spicy attention grabbing peppery note

Ladies grab one this Valentine especially if your despise those strong male perfume.

Pick of the Month

2010-01-22T13:54:00.000-08:00

Bez naslova by bona dea featuring Fendi shoes

Baby Doll is our pick of the month FOR HER.

Why do we like it? Because it's...

* A lovely combo of fruits and flowers
* Smells sweet
* Light
* Cute packaging (notice the pink color)

Check it out this Valentine!

B for Cele-BRITY

2009-09-17T12:15:00.000-07:00

I am so sorry for being away for soooooooo long. Been going through the writer's block phase. You can't imagine how glad I am to finally have something "interesting" to talk about. Phew!

Ok so what connex-ion does Kim Kardashian have with 50 Cents?

1. Do you know 50 cents has a huge equity share in perfume company Lighthouse Beauty? Seriously I almost laughed when I heard the name. Honestly I was expecting him to be involved in something more hard core.

2. Word has it that the Socialite/Model /TV personality/Actress etcetera is set to launch her own trademark fragrance early next year.

The fragrance called Dream will be released most likely on Valentine's Day, 2010. According to her statement, it will capture the very essence of her personality.

"I'm so excited to be launching my first fragrance - working with Lighthouse really helped me turn my vision into a reality, and I think the final product is a true reflection of who I am."

- press release on lighthousebeauty.com

So when we add them all together: Kim's going to release her fragrance Dream through Lighthouse Beauty which 'belongs to' 50 cents.

For those of you who haven't heard about her, here's a brief summary of her bio:

Is in the reality series keeping up with the Kardashians on E!
Owns a boutique called DASH
O.J. Simpson was represented by her dad Robert Kardashian
She had a scandal with Brandy's kid brother Ray J
Was friends with Paris Hilton

And if you still haven't the faintest idea of what or who I'm talking about then....

Covet...I've Gotta Have It!

2009-02-25T00:05:00.000-08:00

The almighty celebrated actress/fashionista Sarah Jessica Parker (aka SJP) has launched yet another fragrance which she calls Covet. It's believed to be a reflection of her vixen nature.

Read reviews from blogs like NowSmellThis and mimifrouforu just to have an idea of the fragrance and believe me there's nothing like smelling it yourself. Everybody has an opinion which may or may not agree with yours and that's why I always remind my clients that when it comes to choosing a perfume, the onus really lies on them.

Talking about the fragrance...

...when I sprayed my first layer of Covet I was waiting for this horrible, green, shrek-ish smell to envelope me. Why? I dunno. Maybe it was because of the reviews or the look of the bottle. Big, greenish.... One fellow called it a bugs spray. Lol! Can you believe that? Anyway I took the risk and believe me I was waiting to be disappointed.

But was I?

Ok so reality kicked in when I purchased the bottle. It was like this is it!! Hate it or love it. Trust me I was preparing to do the former. So as my nose moved cautiously to my delicate wrist, I began to notice at first a leaf-y scent then later on a powdery, slightly musky aroma was revealed to me. I can only use one word to describe it: enduring. Yes, that's exactly what I remembered after another spritz.

I did my homework on the perfume from SJP's beauty site and I discovered Covet had aromas like

Magnolia
Honey Suckle
Lavender
Lemon
Musk
Amber
Geranium leaves

I've met some people who don't fancy the fragrance and some who do. Moral of the story is try it out for yourself. Fragrances are like clothes. We need to wear what suits the occasion or mood. It's only by experimenting that we can know what goes with what so don't be afraid to try something new.

Ta ta!

Individuel by Mont Blanc

2009-02-16T10:58:00.000-08:00

A client asked me to recommend a male fragrance that is irresistible. The first scent that popped into my head was Individuel. It's a sexy masculine cologne has been formulated to add sweetness to any man. Best described as upbeat, fruity and cheerful, this cologne is ideal for the fresh, young, enthusiastic fella that always has a smile for the world. With floral notes of geranium, violet, jasmin and orange blossom; base notes of vanilla, musk, black chocolate, amber and sandalwood; coupled with the spicy effect of rosemary, coriander, lavender, mint and cinnamon, this fragrance is a soft but sure head turner.

Whenever I list these notes some guys picture words like "gay" or "fruitcake" which I think is totally hilarious. One doesn't need a hard scent to be reckoned as the alpha male.
Think of fashonistas like Alex Ibru and Donald Duke who stunned the Nigerian fashion world by adding a pink tie to their ensemble and remained admired by all. A little diversion from the conventional can boost your sex appeal rather than destroy it.

So ladies get this for your man and fellas don't be afraid to chart a new course.

Simply Incredible

2008-11-25T23:54:00.000-08:00

Incredible Me by Escada is an oriental floral fragrance for women. Launched in September 2008 and packaged in a bottle shaped as the logo of the house, the feminine fragrance features tantalizing scents like honeysuckle, tiramisu, clementine, orchid, sandalwood and vanilla.The Tiramisu is actually an Italian dessert which gives off a delectable aroma. Clementine, also referred to as Algerian tangerine, contributes its own citrusy quota while the Orchid prolongs the exotic floral effect.

The whole idea is to create a fragrance that merges the Eastern, oriental world with Western culture. Incredible Me is available in 50ml and 75ml.

You may kiss the Bride. M-wah!!

2008-11-25T09:33:00.000-08:00

Is it just me or is Love in the air? For the past six months or so I have been swamped with invitations to weddings taking place in different parts of Nigeria - Erin-Ile (Kwara), Benin, Lagos, Mbano (Imo) to mention a few. Some I have been able to honor graciously, others no way. Blame that on memory loss, work or a bad week.

I still have three more weddings to attend and they are not even till 2009! Anyway "nothing do me...."

Just like there are dos and don'ts to follow before the rings, in-laws and kisses are exchanged on that Special Day, there is also our " Selecting Your Ideal Wedding Fragrance" (all rights reserved, wink). So love birds take note of our top tips before you spritz away.

1. Set the mood

Classy & Traditional: The regular Cinderella style. Church setting, soft music played at the reception, slow dance....Floral fragrances would be a good choice especially if you are going to use a bouquet whose flowers have been freshly picked. Fragrances like Vera Wang or Princess by Vera Wang, Champs - Elysees by Guerlain, Eau de Dolce Vita by Christian Dior would be ideal.

Small and Intimate: A few friends and close relatives, more like familiar faces.You can picture yourself playing the wedding video and not asking your spouse "honey, who's that?" with a very puzzled expression. For such we recommend perfumes that have a romantic theme or spicy notes like Burberry Touch for women by Burberrry, Romance by Ralph Lauren or Obsession by Calvin Klein.

Party style: Ok so you dig the Owambe thing. You have absolutely no idea whose hand you're shaking and you frankly you don't care because you're so estatic. You've got a zillion guests and loads of presents. The DJ's giving you the hottest jams and you're rocking that reception with the huge crowd of well wishers. If that's you're kind of wedding then opt for the bold spicy or fruity scents like Burberry London for women by Burberry, Ibizia Hippie by Escada or even Hot Couture by Givenchy.

An outdoorsy affair: Take the vows, exchange rings and seal it with the a golden kiss under the loving watch of mother nature. The reception follows almost immediately, toasts are made, birds are singing, the DJ's doing his thing and the weather is on your side. Ahh.... Stick to floral or woody scents for this blissful day.

2. Don't forget the BASICS! Let's call this a crash course in Perfume vocabulary.

Parfum – means very concentrated and should therefore be used sparingly. Drowsing yourself in it can cause a chocking/nauseating effect on others (imagine what would happen when your grandma steps to hug you goodbye…enough said)

Eau de Parfum - Concentrated, but slightly weaker than perfume. Better for the pulse points only.
Cologne - Not as strong as the Eau De Parfum. Spray lightly.
Eau de Toilette - Generally weaker than cologne. Spray all over.
Body washes, splashes and mists - Very weak. apply all over for a light scent.

Apply the concentrated ones lightly on your pulse points (wrists, behind your ear lobes, behind your knees and the soft part next to your ankle) and the lighter ones all over without offending your reception line. For a memory juggle go to

http://scentified.blogspot.com/2008/09/y-not-perfumes.html

3. A.R.T (Always Remember This)

If you want to wear a new fragrance start using it a month before your BIG day as you don't want any suprises like allergies...need we say more.
You can use fragrances that brings back pleasant memories of you both as a couple.
Be sure the fragrances of the bridal train complements each other. That includes the brides maid, grooms men, the little bride, page boy, even the ring bearer. We don't want any scent competing with yours now do we?
If the scent fades out you can reapply. Just don't let them catch you.

Givenchy Pi-neo

2008-11-17T10:41:00.000-08:00

This inspired Matrix fragrance heralds the presence of the futuristic man. Pi-Neo, named after the Matrix character Neo, plays on the concept of pushing past the elements of reality (time, space, matter) to move into the virtual world. It projects masculinity into a new, previously uncharted dimension, defining a visionary and conquering man.

Specially designed by Francoise Donche, the September 2008 is an improvement on Givenchy's 1999 Pi Eau De Toilette. This explosive woody fragrance has notes of mandarin, myrtle, vanilla, myrrh, bergamot, cedar wood and patchouli along side synthetic components like Toscanol, Safraleine and Cosmone hence producing an intense, sexy and elegant aroma on its "host".

http://www.parfumsgivenchy.com/pineo/index_EN.html

Fragrance album

2008-10-18T03:27:00.000-07:00

In "LIVE" Colors.

2008-10-13T15:41:00.000-07:00

I know this is an old scent but for the love of life and its beautiful energy I'd like to harp a bit on Jennifer Lopez's LIVE.

Christmas 2005 and counting, this vibrant, sweet and sexy scent is still a ticket to the fun side of life. Since I'm not that much a fan of predictability, I'm yet to decide if it will be my signature scent. That's almost like sticking to one shade of lip-stick. Talk about monochrome-y!

Back to LIVE.

Made from fruity notes like Italian Orange, Sparkling Sicilian Lemon, Pineapple, Violet Accord, Red Currant, Peony and carefully blended with sexy Musk, Vanilla, and Sandalwood; the upbeat nature of this fragrance is suppose to portray JLO's love for dancing. As one site puts it...

She lives for the dance. Whatever the beat, she makes it hot, instantly electric. She moves as if nobody's watching, to her own rhythm; feeling her freedom, revealing the core of her inner being. She is totally and powerfully herself, completely in control. She challenges, she dares, she dreams. Live for the moment! Here, now, forever. Jennifer Lopez sets the joy in motion- LIVE JENNIFER LOPEZ is her newest fragrance sensation. http://www.girl.com.au/live-jennifer-lopez.htm

I know it's silly but is it possible that the curvaceous-ness of the bottle was done with her in mind? Think about. And all those hues. Ask me what I think about that and I would say it's the different shades of life that make you come ALIVE.

JLO Live is available in 30ml, 50ml and of course 100ml.

Another STAR bites the dust?

2008-10-13T13:38:00.000-07:00

Gwen Stefani’s at it again and I’m not talking about another music launch. Nor am I referring to a movie, though that won’t be a surprise. You already know that our ‘Hollaback girl’ artist has moved into fragrance creation. Got that? Ok. So she has launched yet another scent, Harajuku lovers. It’s inspiried by the youthful Japanese style in Harajuku, Tokyo.

She made 5 different dolls and each named one has its own unique fragrance. If you ask me I think they were carved after her girls. You know the set of girls that keep appearing in her music vids. Just Wikipedia-ed it to be sure. Yup there it is… the release of Stefani's first solo album brought attention to her entourage of four Harajuku Girls.

So back to the named dollies. Let’s see there’s:

Baby - Developed by Harry Fermont has a musky tune. It’s supposed to smell soft and clean like a baby.

Love – By Yves Cassar and Pascal Gaurin has floral hints from Jasmine Sambac, Ylang ylang, Peach and Bergamot to name a few.

Lil’ Angel – Christophe Raynaud developed this with fruits in mind. I think one should expect a dramatic awakening from this angel. Kinda like Clinique Happy which tends to energetically throw all sorts of fruity tones at you. After all what can Monsieur Nez expect when he sniffs a mixture of pineapple, rose and blackberry

Music – Honorine Blanc put together this “delicate floral”. It has notes of Clementine, pear, sweet pea, honeysuckle, vanilla ...a recipe for sweetness.

G - This particular one is meant to represent Gwen and it was developed by Steve DeMercado. It has notes of apple skin. Freesia, magnolia, coconut, sandalwood, etc.

With her Gothic Lolita fashion I expected a more hard core / mystic fragrance. Anyway, I’ve not actually gotten a whiff of these 'jukus but I will definitely let you know when i've 'been there and done that' one. After all we can’t depend on heresy, can we?

Y-not Perfumes?!

2008-09-30T13:29:00.000-07:00

One hot weekend, my friends, an acquaintance and I were stuck in the regular Maryland traffic when we got talking about people who sweat and how ever so profusely they would end up doing under the given circumstances. I have no idea how the conversation twisted but we ended up discussing about fragrances and if it was really necessary. And the statement “perfumes are only for those who sweat” happened to pop out from My Adorable Darling’s mouth.

I was in shock!

I mean I understand the mindset that perfumes are for the elite, rich, and posh. After all na only dem wey get money go fit buy am. But for it to be considered only as a substitute for body odor, I find that a tad bit outlandish.

The truth is that a number of people choose to indulge in fragrances because there’s more to it than just smelling nice.

For some people, it reminds them of certain cherished moments.

For others, it makes them seem more appealing. A single whiff from its carefully crafted bottle can add a touch of richness to one’s personality. Like the final coat of lip stick a lady applies when she’s leaving her apartment, it’s the ultimate act in the art of making a signature statement for the day.

Surprisingly enough there are different types of scented designer items out there and not all of them cost an arm and leg.

For starters, there's the parfum oils which are very concentrated. Now those ones can be really expensive. There is also the eau de parfum (EDP) which is a somewhat concentrated form of the fragrance. A large number of women perfumes come in EDP and EDT.

Eau de toilette (EDT) is a lighter version and cost slightly less than the concentrate or EDP. Regular male fragrances are available in EDT.

Colognes, moisturizing lotions and aftershaves can serve as sensible substitutes available. Some of these fancy perfumes have deodorants and body sprays which play the same role. They are unique and affordable.

So my people no be only the rich go dey enjoy.

Isabella...the seductress

2008-09-17T14:17:00.000-07:00

If I were to create an exotic fragrance I would name it Isabella. It'll be carved after the character Isabella Aroyo, the captivating yet calculating damsel from El Cuerpo Del Deseo. She is an embodiment of the phrase beauty and brains.

My ideal fragrance will have spices that exhibit seduction and strength. Something mysterious and unpredictable. Not fruity but a tad floral with gentle aromas each awakening with time. When all has faded away the only thing left behind would be something seductive and inviting.

The character Isabella, meaning 'dedicated to God', is strong, assertive, beautiful, a far cry from acting cute, sultry, clever, sophisticated and confident. For those of us that followed the story to the very end we all know that Isabel was one tough cookie. Unpredictable! She turned from gold digger to compassionate "evil doer". Trying to be fair while she jealously guarded her own personal AGENDA! Her eyes were always on the ball even when her latest obsession became the almighty Salvador Cerinza.

If personalities could be captured in a bottle what do you think Isabella would smell like?

Scent notes.

2008-09-04T21:33:00.000-07:00

"Doh a deer, a female deer...." The familiar tune from Sound of Music rang in my head early this morning. Classic movie. I still wonder if there really was a part 2?

Perfume, like a music, has its own set of 'notes'. Every fragrance has three sets of notes which when blended creates its own unique harmony. Each note unfolding over time. The evaporation process of a perfume is usually considered when composing these notes.

Here's a brief explanation I got from almighty Wilkipidiea.

Top notes: These scents are perceived immediately after application. Top notes consist of small, light molecules that evaporate quickly. They form a person's initial impression of a perfume and thus are very important in the selling of a perfume. Also called the head notes.

Middle notes: The scent of a perfume that emerges just prior to when the top notes dissipate. The middle note compounds form the "heart" or main body of a perfume and act to mask the often unpleasant initial impression of base notes, which become more pleasant with time. They are also called the "heart notes".

Base notes: The scent of a perfume that appears close to the departure of the middle notes. The base and middle notes together are the main theme of a perfume. Base notes bring depth and solidity to a perfume. Compounds in this class are typically rich and "deep" and are usually not perceived until 30 minutes after application.

Usually the immediate impression of the fragrances can be attributed to the top notes which gradually gives way to the deeper middle notes, and finally the base notes.

Boss Pure

2008-08-25T14:42:00.000-07:00

Another yummy fragrance d'homme from the stables of Hugo Boss.

The Eau de toillete, I would say, is slightly sweet and fresh. The gentleness is as a result of the essence captured from Fig water, Hyacinth and Lily. Its masculinity is enhanced with hints of the sweet, coconut- like aroma of the Massoia. These floral and woody notes give it its tantalizing aura of freshness and sophistication packaged in the 30ml, 50ml and 75ml bottles.

Believe it or not, everything about Boss Pure was inspired by WATER. The scent and packaging were crafted after the simplicity, purity and strength of its aquatic nature.

The Rose.

2008-08-20T06:42:00.000-07:00

I’m not a fan of poetry. They often leave me in a state of je ne comprend pas! The simpler the lines the easier it is for me to appreciate. Anyway a friend happened to find this lovely poem while searching for something suitable for Scentified!. I find the words quite soothing and concept easy to capture.

She stands alone

her petals so smooth

I watch the Light hit her -

and my heart is moved.

Such elegance, such beauty,

my eyes have never known-

she stands absorbing golden rays,

I sit and watch alone.

Her silky petals...

and tender green leaves...

her long narrow stem

with its thorns of unease.

It bewilders me to think

as I watch even now,

that rose that I see

has been battered somehow.

Beaten by the winds

and the rains of life,

by the thorns of other roses,

by pain and strife.

Oh! to be the Gardener,

and to know the exact way

to nurture that rose

back to health one day.

But the Gardener, I am not,

an imitation, I am afraid,

simply struggling through the garden

on the path that He made.

But someday, in time,

I will know what He knows,

and will walk deeper in the garden

and reach that battered rose.

And way out where its harsh

I will tend to her needs-

protect her, cherish her,

and nourish her, with ease.

For by then all my strength

will have come from above

and that slightly battered rose

will be made perfect by Love.

- The Rose by Mark West.

Essence de Femme

2008-08-17T05:47:00.000-07:00

This Hugo Boss fragrance introduced in 2007 was inspired by the Femme range.

In my opinion, this 50ml fragrance was carefully crafted to imitate a woman's ability to transform her image. The different notes come alive as the clock ticks away.

It has a mild sophisticated aroma that endures the test of time.

Its combination of aromas exudes an aura of freshness, sophistication and femininity.

The fruity floral scent includes notes of tangerine, blackcurrant, freesia, jasmine, lily, musk and lemon wood.

"By the light of day she radiates. But when the night falls she captivates. Sophisticated femininity at night."