Model Natalia Vodianova in the new promo for Guerlain Shalimar, directed by Paolo Roversi. Courtesy of YouTube and found via Les Tuileries. NSFW, perhaps.
The Different Company Sublime Balkiss ~ perfume review
Sublime Balkiss is the lastest from perfumer Celine Ellena at The Different Company. The modern (i.e., oakmoss-free, i.e., not chypre-ish) chypre fragrance was named for the Queen of Sheba, and features two kinds of patchouli: the traditional essence, and a “modified modern patchouli” which emphasizes the cocoa powder notes.
Sublime Balkiss opens on a veritable berry-fest: it's juicy and rich, like a dark berry liqueur with a touch of sparkle (the notes, in addition to the patchouli: bergamot, violet, blueberry, blackberry, blackcurrant, lily of the valley, rose, lilac). The base is dry, earthy-woody and smooth, with hints of spice but only very subtle cocoa…
Burberry London Special Edition, Leonard Homme ~ new fragrances
Coming next month from Burberry, winter limited edition variations on their popular Burberry London for Women and Burberry London for Men fragrances, both with metallic fabric sleeves (gold for women, brown for men)
Burberry London for Women Special Edition is a floral bouquet with grapefruit, peach nectar, pepper, British rose, white tulips, honeysuckle, patchouli, mahogany and musk. Developed by perfumer Dominique Ropion, in 100 ml Eau de Parfum…
Online fragrance shopping
New at aedes: Annick Goutal Les Orientalistes. Get free shipping using coupon code ADV (enter in the comments box, shipping charge will be removed during order processing), good through 9/25.
Deal at avon: Cynthia Rowley Flower & Petal on mark-down.
Deal at b-glowing: get a free sample of Nyakio Safi by emailing concierge@b-glowing.com, one per customer, offer good through 9/22 or while supplies last. Also, spend $50 or more and get a Deluxe Fragrance Sampler Pack, including Nyakio Safi, Beauty of Bathing Coco Monoi, Mistral EdP (assorted), Filles des Iles Solaire & Exotique, b.e. becker.eshaya and a full-sized Crazylibellule Crazy Stick (assorted), using coupon code Scent2, good through 9/22 or while supplies last.
New at beautyhabit: Juliette Has A Gun Citizen Queen (pre-order).
Deal at kiehls: get free shipping on orders of $45 or more, plus 3 complimentary samples of your choice, using coupon code THANKS, good through 9/21.
The Monday Mail ~ help Samantha find a new perfume
Today's victim is Samantha. She's a stay-at-home mom during the day and a nurse at night. She's owned a number of perfumes that she's grown tired of (or just grown out of), including Ferragamo Incanto, Escada Rock 'n Rio and Fresh Sugar.
Samantha recently purchased By Kilian Love, and says she is “happy-ish with it”, but not thrilled, and she's been spending too much money on samples looking for the perfect scent. She's hoping we can help narrow down her choices. She'd like to find the one (or maybe two) unique fragrance(s) that fit her personality, and her budget is $100 or less per bottle.
Here are some more details about Samantha:
Family is very important to her, as is feeling good and sexy.
She likes makeup, high heels, and jewelry…