New at b-glowing: Le Couvent de Minimes line.
New at harrods (UK): Tom Ford Sahara Noir, Guerlain Eau de Lingerie, Nina Ricci L'Air du Temps Olivia Putman, Bond no. 9 Central Park South.
New at harveynichols (UK): Terry de Gunzburg line.
New at thebay (CA): Givenchy Very Irresistible Crosiere.
Comptoir Sud Pacifique will launch the Voyages en Orient collection, a new set of five fragrances: Jasmin Poudré (shown), Épices Sultanes, Bois Royal, Oudh Sensuel and Oudh Intense…
John Varvatos has launched John Varvatos Platinum Edition, a new fragrance for men. It is possibly a new version of 2010’s John Varvatos 10th Anniversary Special Edition…
Skincare and spa line Caudalie has added Figue de Vigne to their 2011 Eaux Fraîche collection. The fragrance was inspired by a childhood memory of Caudalie founder Mathilde Thomas, of an island in the Garonne river with ancient fig trees…
Mare Nostrum Aura Maris* (let’s translate as “Mediterranean sea breeze”) is the latest fragrance from Italian niche line Lorenzo Villoresi. Marine fragrances are not a favorite of mine; they are often abrasive, Calone-rich banalities (and just because a niche perfume house produced this one, I didn’t expect to like it).
Mare Nostrum begins with intense bergamot and mandarin aromas (the mandarin is especially realistic, a fruity, oily-peel scent). Next up are floral notes mixing with the citrus; jasmine comes first, then there’s a nice indolic narcissus note (both floral notes are on the sheer side). This may be the first time I’ve noticed that narcissus has a “water” aspect, more “pond” than “ocean”, but still conjuring a wet place…