The Lipstick Page Forums Beauty & Fashion Blog: September 2007 . thelipstickpage

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Articles This Month
· Fashion Notes: More on Sex and the City, Manolo Blahnik, and Miuccia Prada
· Fashion Notes: Milan Fashion Week SS 08
· Double strand freshwater pearl necklace
· Beauty Notes: Allure's Best of Beauty 2007
· Impending Hiatus
· Beauty Notes: the ever-elusive signature scent
· Beauty Notes: Indian Rapunzels, chopstick buns, updos & wet hair
· Annick Goutal Eau du Ciel review
· Culture Notes: Random unremembered unremembereds
· Beauty Notebook: Rings, and Things, and Fine Array, An Interview with Bésame Cosmetics (part 2)
· More Montale perfume samples on the way...
· Beauty Notebook: Rings, and Things, and Fine Array*, an Interview with Bésame (part 1)
· Beauty Notes: Parfumerie Generale Cadjmere
· Culture Notes: Do Not Waste Your Spirit on Rubbish
· Beauty Notes: Parfumerie Generale Bois de Copaiba
· Culture Notes: Politically Incorrect
· Beauty Notes: this 'n' that
· Beauty Notes: Parfumerie Generale Ilang Ivohibe
· Fantasy Web Find of the Day: Corso Como "Mary" Boot
· Lookbook: Red Lipstick
· Beauty Notes: Parfumerie Generale Iris Taïzo
· Beauty Notes: Parfumerie Generale Bois Blond
· Lookbook: Smoky Eyes
· Beauty Notes: perfumes part 8
· Parfumerie Generale Ether de Lilas (Blanc sur Feuillage Tendre)
· Terminology: White, Grey, & Black (COLOR)
· The Lipstick Page Forums on MySpace!
· Lookbook: Polished
· Terminology: Brown (COLOR)
· Culture Notes: What Would Hip Hop Look Like On The Page?
· Day Two of Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Cream
· Lookbook: Bronzed
· Beauty Notes: Parfumerie Generale Tubéreuse Couture
· Terminology: Pink (COLOR)
· Lookbook: Au Naturel
· Lookbook: An Introduction
· Terminology: Purple (COLOR)
· Fashion Notes: finding jeans that fit
· Robert Piguet Fracas part 2
· Terminology: Blue (COLOR)
· Color Me In: Photography
· Terminology: Green (COLOR)
· How to do a french twist
· Terminology: Yellow (COLOR)
· Beauty & Fashion Notes: Haul (up to 9.15.07)
· Terminology: Orange (COLOR)
· Creed Jasmin Imperatrice Eugenie review
· Terminology: Red (COLOR)
· Culture Notes: Reading List
· Save The Lipstick Page Forums Beauty & Fashion Blog posts to del.icio.us!
· Angelina Jolie, Keira Knightley
· Prehnite and peridot earrings on Argentium sterling silver wire
· Dr. Hauschka lipstick: makeup with a conscience
· Where to get perfume samples
· Terminology: Warm vs. Cool vs. Neutral
· Beauty Notes: Perfume recap
· Culture Notes: The Potato
· RIP Anita Roddick
· Montale Crystal Flowers review
· Culture Notes: The Boondocks
· Culture Notes: What I'm listening to
· Beauty Notes: Perfumes
· Beauty Notes: Perfume
· Robert Piguet Fracas part 1
· Montale Jasmin Full review part 2
· Culture Notes: They Had to Make the Cat's Head Pop Up
· About Me: Dain
· Beauty Notes: The Contents of Dick Page's Makeup Kit
· Beauty Notebook SEPTEMBER 2007: The Ineffable Aesthetic
· The best perfume ads?
· Beauty Notes: Kimora Lee Simmons Baby Phat Golden Goddess
· Montale Jasmin Full review part 1
· And another...
· Culture Notes: Music Mix
· Beauty Notes: The Best Updo of All Time
· Dr. Hauschka lipstick #09, Dolce (pics)
· Beauty Notes: A Permanent Skincare Routine?
· Beauty Notes: Informal Plans
· Culture Notes: Youtube & perfume
· Dr. Hauschka lipstick #01, Amoroso (pics)

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Comments
· October 1, 2007 10:43 PM by

Colleen Shirazi
· September 29, 2007 8:36 PM by

Dain
· September 29, 2007 9:37 PM by

Colleen Shirazi
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Colleen Shirazi
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missilita
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Dain
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Colleen Shirazi
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The Lipstick Page Forums Beauty & Fashion Blog: September 2007

Posted by Dain, Sunday, September 30, 2007 7:30 PM (Eastern)

Did a bit of web browsing, mostly I was looking for Manolos because... well, it's hard to describe unless you yourself own a pair. The right pair of Manolos is a kind of perfection not easy to attain on this earth, a thing of joy and beauty forever, when most consumer goods are generally about immediate but meaningless gratification, sort of like masturbation. Madonna said it best: "Manolo Blahnik's shoes are as good as sex, and they last longer." I just bought mine, and yet I want another:

They're not quite as heartbreaking as the hot pink Balenciaga sandals with the crystal bow (or something more imaginative), but those I'll never see, as they've long gone the ways of all fashion's fate: into archives. I would hardly be "settling" with these, but $875? Ouch. I think I'll save up for that Anya Hindmarch Alessandra should it ever return to the web.

Anyway, to peruse a selection of Manolos I went, of course, to Manolo's Shoe Blog, and stumbled on this old interview that Miuccia Prada did with GQ. They talk about Sex and the City, and all I can say is, EXACTLY. She said it better. I don't always feel I "get" Ms. Prada, but when I do, it's like the singing of the heavenly choir in the sartorial sphere (sometime before Dante meets Piccarda—just kidding, I feel slightly sacrilegious saying that).

Labels: fashion notes, manolo blahnik, prada, tv

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Posted by Dain, 12:49 AM (Eastern)

While I could barely suppress a yawn at New York Fashion Week, I found the Italians, while somewhat diminished from seasons past, still delightful. I've no doubt that these are being covered more thoroughly elsewhere on the web, so I'm just singling out the ones that caught my eye.

At Dolce & Gabbana (might I add, I love the makeup look? Plum lips and pewter eyes, delicious):

Quirky take on schoolgirl... Chiffon and tapestry (or whatever that is) aren't quite the standard cotton uniforms of parochial schools, but hey, it's Dolce & Gabbana. I think the colors are just perfection together, though I'd wear classic black pumps to give it an edge of maturity. I kind of want something nude now, because it is plain to see that it is the perfect neutral against jewel-tones. An eggplant cardigan? Cobalt? Coral? Saffron and olive, as seen above? Yum. Also seen at Roberto Cavalli and Prada.

Though I can't imagine this anywhere in the real world, I would love to see this on the red carpet. Though there are more eye-catching confections later down the line from Dolce & Gabbana, but I'm rather smitten with this short little number, it would look fantastic on a leggy blonde like Charlize Theron.

This I covet. Its shape is demure enough for daytime, with a spread of painterly dogwood blossoms—quite literally a work of art. It was preceded by a frothy cherry blossom number, but I prefer the less youthful shape of this, it lends a bit of severity to the arguably frivolous statement of flowers.

Giorgio Armani was not noteworthy, but I was struck by assortment of slim-cut, oversize blazers, mostly pushed up to the elbows as a casual gesture. Though the proportions are pleasing to the eye, I am less sure of the formal shorts, particularly those with that sky blue jacket. What the hell is she wearing?

My favorite show was Prada, which always does its own thing, for better or for worse. Highly evocative of the 70s—delicately rendered fairies on transparent chiffon or bold patterns boldly mixed (including bellbottoms)—not normally what I'd crave, and yet, seeing this olive-and-navy cardigan layered over red-and-blue check trousers is so immensely satisfying. Fashion is so boring nowadays, it's like everyone's trying to reinvent the t-shirt, making it "tailored", casting it in unconventional fabrics—even the dresses resemble t-shirts. If you don't believe me, take a look at New York Fashion Week. And Prada provides the antidote that salves my irritation. Why not clash, a little? Life is short.

I know it's not over yet, but my interest in this stuff of late is desultory because cynical. As a side note, am I the only one who finds Bottega Veneta the brand that fills the niche once filled by Chloé (once occupied by Marc Jacobs)? Pretty, feminine, easy-to-wear, but not pushing the envelope enough to alienate the average woman and yet bigger and badder than Banana Republic? Dunno, I think fashion would like to think itself revolutionary, but it's more often pipe dreams in silk, and highly affected. Ooo... let's not forget that. Affectation rich enough to make up for all the people who starve themselves with intent! Ooo... this is what I'm talking about as per cynicism.

Labels: dolce and gabbana, fashion notes, giorgio armani, prada

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October 1, 2007 10:43 PM, Colleen Shirazi said...

Beaded jewelry? That Armani guy is my man. :D

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Posted by Colleen Shirazi, Saturday, September 29, 2007 7:30 PM (Eastern)

I wish I had a bust! Hm, that didn't come out right. :D I mean one of those fake necks you hang necklaces on. Before, I thought of fake necks as display tools, or as models to photograph necklaces, but they'd also be handy while you're working on the piece (as simple as this looks, it can be worn four different ways--two right and two wrong--not counting the fact it's reversible).

This is a stuffed panda, and the neck is too fat. When you wear the necklace, substantially more pearls show on the sides.

Labels: indie, jewelry

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September 29, 2007 8:36 PM, Dain said...

Wow, that looks very snazzy. I particularly like the clasp, and I've always been fond of a strand of pearls. I wonder, instead of a colored stone, if you put a lustrous but rough-cut blue stone instead of that dangling pearl, wouldn't that bring out irregular texture of the freshwater pearls, and perhaps, remind one of the waters whence they came? I have no idea what kind of stone, though. A starry pendant might be cool, too. Just a thought... I don't really know anything about jewelry, even the wearing of the stuff.

That is one glamorous panda... : )

September 29, 2007 9:37 PM, Colleen Shirazi said...

A blue stone would be neat!

I'm moving along slowly figuring out this stuff...right now, if I were to substitute anything for the pearl dangle, it would be a black stone (the reasoning is the necklace could then be shlepped over any outfit and still match). But pearls + blue stone sounds beautiful.

I'm kicking myself why I didn't buy more of the pearls. There was a sale, and I was thinking of a single strand design with enough left over to do a bracelet. This turned out to be a pearl-eating necklace. mumbles...

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Posted by Dain, 4:11 PM (Eastern)

The only "best list" that I find worth reading (I don't really like In Style's, you read one, you've read them all), the October issue is finally out. I haven't gotten my hands on it yet, as mine doesn't seem to have arrived yet, but it is online for your perusal.

Labels: allure, beauty notes

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Posted by Dain, Friday, September 28, 2007 11:02 PM (Eastern)

Hi, everyone. I'm just letting everyone know, I will be taking a personal vacation for a little while. As much as I enjoy writing for LP, it can be very demanding, and I wish to do some serious writing without interruption (I seem to have a limit to how much creative work I can do a day). I'll be back with a handful of colorful and exciting Lookbooks and more Beauty Notebooks, vendors willing, in but a short while.

In the meantime, lend your willing ears to our beloved webmaster Colleen, and our soon-to-be new writer (whom I'll allow to reveal herself when the time comes). Happy makeup and safe buying!

Love,
Dain

Labels: administrative

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Posted by Colleen Shirazi, 2:25 AM (Eastern)

I'm anxiously anticipating my Montale samples.

Was tempted to go ahead and request the other Montales I wanted to try, since different places carry different Montales (there are a whole bunch of them). But that would be a bit silly. Who knows, by the time I get this batch, there might be a new Montale out. So, what's the rush?

I began this perfume quest a bit over a year ago, starting with some Annick Goutal samples (Eau d'Hadrien, Mandragore and Ce Soir Ou Jamais) and some Etro (Lemon Sorbet, Sandalo, Messe de Minuit, Royal Pavillon, Shaal Nur, Heliotrope, Vicolo Fiori, Gomma).

In some ways I feel further away from having a signature scent, than I did a year ago. Not really though. I don't feel it has to be a linear path; my life has seldom been linear anyway. I've learned to start at one point and just keep on going.

I've drained some of my samples...Annick Goutal Eau d'Hadrien, Ce Soir Ou Jamais, Heure Exquise (there's one more go of Passion left). Also Diptyque Do Son, Montale Jasmin Full.

I anticipate using up more...Montale Aoud Roses Petals and Crystal Flowers, the other Diptyques (except Philosykos, which smelled terrible on me, and possibly Ofrésia, which smelled bitter at first sniff), the other Annick Goutals, maybe...I didn't like Songes (too simple and sweet, though admirably strong and long-lasting), Gardénia Passion (also too simple and sweet).

As far as Etro...most of the scents were love or hate. I anticipate using up Heliotrope (I have a full bottle of this as well), Shaal Nur, Vicolo Fiori, Royal Pavillon...that might be it.

As far as Creed, eh...I like Montale better. The two Creed scents I tried, Fleurissimo and Jasmin Imperatrice Eugenie, were both singular, more traditional perfumes, but neither were "me."

Fracas, you've got to like. It's not "me" either though.

If the perfume fairy appeared right now and granted me however many perfumes I so desired...while we're dreaming, these perfumes keep perfectly and never turn...I could easily go for several of the ones I've tried. That's the appeal of "splits" and decants, the idea of being able to own relatively many fragrances, without otherwise living in penury, or, far worse, having your perfumes go bad.

I'm not there yet though; still attached to the idea of two or three bottles.

Labels: annick goutal, beauty notes, diptyque, etro, montale, perfume

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Posted by Colleen Shirazi, Thursday, September 27, 2007 4:56 PM (Eastern)

I can't for the life of me do anything sophisticated with my hair. I've concluded there is hairstyle dyslexia, and I have it, in spades.

However, if you have the dexterity and the locks, there is an abundance of hairstyle how-to's on Youtube.

Long Hair Bun - Indian Rapunzels

This is from a site which touts itself as "the long hair site of India." Here we have astoundingly long, lush hair, fashioned into a neat bun.

How to: use hair chopsticks

This looks a bit more my speed. Fellow hair klutzes will appreciate the detailed step-by-step instructions our hostess has written up on the Youtube site.

Hair Trick

The single chopstick version. My hair is not long enough to do this, I just thought it looked cool. (You'll note the first step is the same as in video #1, only with a different length of hair involved.)

How to make the latest updo hairstyles

This is from Nexxus; they have several how-to videos up. It's not exactly what I'd call an updo, but it is a nice evening hairstyle for a young girl.

From Wet Hair to Done Hair in 5 Min

Finally, Pursebuzz demonstrates some of my favorite hair concepts: what to do with wet hair (other than blowdrying it of course); how to achieve fullness with no, or very minimal, teasing; specific product recs (always a bonus); and getting out of the house quickly, yet in style.

Labels: asian, beauty notes, hair, tutorial

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Posted by Colleen Shirazi, 2:38 PM (Eastern)

From the Annick Goutal site:

Aerial, Fresh, Soft, Tender, Natural

A melody of tender scents: Brazilian rosewood, violet, Florentin iris and lime blossom. A subtle interpretation of innocence, a gentle fragrance as delicate as the shiver of an angel's wing...

Unlike the usual hyperbolic perfume description, this describes Eau du Ciel to a T. It is a superbly delicate, youthful scent, perhaps the opposite of sophistication.

That would appear a rarity these days, given mainstream perfumes seem to be pressed from the same fruity-floral mold (I suspect they're produced in the same factory), and niche scents targeted towards an older audience.

I'm not sure I can pick apart these notes; they're blended perfectly, like other Annick Goutal scents (Heure Exquise, Passion, Nuits d'Hadrien, Ce Soir Ou Jamais, Eau d'Hadrien, of the ones I've tried). I want to say Eau du Ciel smells like hay. Having spent the majority of my childhood summers at an organic farm, I have fond memories of the scent of hay (even though it is poky in reality). Soft, sweetish hay, with a little freshly mown grass, and just something pleasant, summery, lazy, like that part of my grandparents' garden where they had planted tall flowers (when you're young and short, tall flowers tower majestically) and my sister, cousins and I played hide and seek.

It smells more sunshiny than dusky, more warm than cool. I'm not exactly sure what rosewood smells like, but there is something predominantly woody here. I'm getting only a soft edge of violets...this is not a strongly violetty scent...with more iris, like a bearded iris in the sun. A faint edge of something citrusy, which could be the lime blossom blended with iris (irises smell a tiny bit citrusy to me).

All in all, a terrific scent for a young woman. I'm thinking later teens or early twenties. Actually I kind of like it myself. There's something calming about it.

image courtesy aedes.com

Labels: annick goutal, perfume, perfume reviews

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Posted by Colleen Shirazi, Wednesday, September 26, 2007 3:51 PM (Eastern)

Perhaps a quote from Donald Rumsfeld is in order.

"Reports that say that something hasn't happened are always interesting to me, because as we know, there are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns -- the ones we don't know we don't know."

On the basis of that quote alone, it would appear Mr. Rumsfeld would have made a far better computer programmer than, say, a Secretary of Defense or some such thing. It makes perfect sense to me.

I've been experiencing a similar phenomenon lately, only it's unremembered unremembereds rather than unknown unknowns. Unremembered unremembereds are things you don't remember you don't remember, and only upon recalling them, do you recall you'd forgotten them in the first place.

Take Urgh! A Music War. Urgh! was a movie released in 1981, when I was sixteen. It featured various punk and new wave acts, some of which went on to greater fame, some of which became even less visible after the film was shown, if that were possible.

How I stumbled upon this unremembered unremembered...I was looking for a video for Oingo Boingo's "Weird Science." It's not a very good song, has even been described as the band's least favorite as it was a rush production. Oingo Boingo was a terrific band...not my favorite of the era, yet an interesting blend of their roots as a performance art group, the odd things Danny Elfman did with his voice, and the fact that much of their hit songs were woven into films. They were intrinsically theatrical, and very Los Angeles (if you can imagine anything more exotic to a native Virginian).

My favorite Oingo Boingo song is probably Stay, or even Just Another Day. Visually though, it's hard to beat "Dead Man's Party":

Oingo Boingo Dead Man's Party

Once I delved into the Oingo Boingo "thread" (what do they call that Google thing in Youtube, where they read your mind?), I glimpsed their song on Urgh!: Ain't This the Life?

Urgh! had some wonderful songs. Take "Total Eclipse," the late Klaus Nomi's part-cabaret, part-opera, all-entertaining song about a nuclear attack:

Klaus Nomi - Total Eclipse (live)

(I had seen Nomi prior to that on Saturday Night Live with David Bowie and a gentleman in a red dress.)

In the same prevailing Cold War groove, Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark:

OMD - Enola Gay (live)

For every Pere Ubu (I'm not linking to that; even by the standards of the day, it was odd), there were The Go-Go's, Devo, Steel Pulse, UB40...oh, let's let The Police roll through the lineup:

the Police - outro 'So Lonely'

I haven't heard many of these songs easily in twenty years, or at least since I stopped playing them (I had the record). Funny to go back eh?

Labels: culture notes, music, retro

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Posted by Dain, 2:43 PM (Eastern)

Above: A bevy at the FW 2007 Valentino show, image courtesy Vogue September 2007.

If you haven't heard by now that red lipstick is back, then you've been hiding in a hole for too long. One day in May, I went to Holt's in Montréal, and applied one Giorgio Armani, and everyone I met insisted it was "my lipstick". The only other lipcolor that's garnered so many compliments has been NARS Gothika, my go-to, YLBB, everyday lipcolor. I was taken by the notion. Why not red for everyday? Why not? I wear heels, don't I? And I'm so sick of sheers and glosses. It's done. Red lipstick is classic and ladylike and I'd be the only one wearing it. I suppose that last bit is no longer the case, but it launched a search for my perfect red, an idle signifier before, which I settled on as somewhat on the cool side (because my blush is cool), a raspberry red. I got that Armanisilk lipstick, but it's LE, so I'm still in the market for another.

If you are, too, do yourself a favor, and check out Bésame. While my reviews of the other products have been lukewarm, I can barely hold back the commendations for Enchanting Lipstick ($18). Truly, this is what lipstick should be: the richest, truest pigment, the cute little gilt bullets, creamy and comfortable without fading or migrating, a soft vanilla scent reminiscent of MAC's. The shape of the lipstick itself puzzled me at first, but now I appreciate how it enables me to draw crisp lines without resorting to lipliner, and find myself endeavoring to preserve its shape. I actually like how petite they are in this case: just a dose of glamour that fits into the tiniest evening bag. I also like how smoothly they apply: pigmented, matte lipsticks are notorious for emphasizing flakey lips, but Bésame's lipsticks apply very smoothly. I recommend, however, the smoothest lips beforehand if possible, and a light hand when it comes to application, as this lipstick product does not fool around with pigment. I find Enchanting Lipstick superior to every other lipstick, from YSL to Revlon, but its appeal is somewhat limited, since most of the shades lack shimmer and none are sheer, though more subdued shades do exist.

The colors are fairly true, though Bésame Red is somewhat brighter and redder in real life, and Cherry Red somewhat deeper. The shades are, starting with the pink on the lower left: Exotic Pink, Red Hot Red, Bésame Red, Red Velvet, Cherry Red, and Noir Red. What you see is what you get, and the colors do not turn on the lips, which is remarkable among red lipsticks.

Exotic Pink is a heartstoppingly bright fuschia. It makes me think of the 80s, of Miami, perfectly paired with pool blue or emerald shadow (for a real bold look) or black liquid liner (for a graphic one). As magenta lipcolors go, I prefer them somewhat darker (NARS Schiap), but it might be lovely against a toasty Mediterranean complexion. It is fussily feminine, and perhaps requires a diva to wear it.

Red Hot Red, as the name implies, is a bright bright red, just a tinge of orange for a little heat. Absolutely perfect on blondes, who require brighter reds to equal their bright hair.

Bésame Red is close enough to Red Hot Red that it begs the question, does one really need both? The intensity is similar, but this is a true, neutral, bright cherry red for that pinup-girl lip. Probably anyone who desires bright color can wear it, because it is neither warm nor cool, but again, I favor bright reds on blondes. If you're a brunette, consider instead...

Red Velvet has my vote as the most wearable red on earth, for those who are only just dabbling in the trend. I dislike the advice that colorphobics should attempt a sheer red instead. Though it is a "classic", red lipstick is not for the faint of heart; confidence is a requirement. It's supposed to be a bold look. But I can understand that not everyone wants a killer stiletto but maybe instead a mary-jane pump, and if so, Red Velvet is just the thing for you. It is still red, just tempered by enough rose to soften red's natural aggression, a really rich soigné color.

Cherry Red suits my Snow White complexion best. It is a deep red, slightly cool, with a slight leaning towards bright cool pink in the stain, the color of a perfect red rose. It has plenty of drama, but the sort of dangerous beauty of Lady Macbeth.

Noir Red is a very dark, purplish, vampy, Gloria-Swanson, black-cherry red. Surprisingly, I really like this—not full strength, I'm all for power lips, but this is a bit much—but as a stain, with a tiny bit of lip balm on top. It makes the most heaven-sent gorgeous plum.

The best thing about Bésame? They send samples of each and every product they sell! Why don't other companies do this? It is a brilliant, a brilliant marketing strategy. You can judge for yourself, in the comfort of your own home, over time, without some desperate SA breathing over your shoulder. That's just consumer kindness, that is. I would like to try Merlot, which by all accounts seems like the cool berry red that might replace my Armanisilk when the time comes, and Chocolate Kiss, out of curiosity.

Labels: beauty notebook, besame, lips

2 comment(s)

September 26, 2007 3:43 PM, Colleen Shirazi said...

drools

February 24, 2008 6:38 PM, missilita said...

I stumbled across your blog only this week and I LOVE your reviews of Besame's lipsticks. I am also an aficionada of Besame products (as well as NARS lipsticks) -It's a pity they no longer sell samples like they used to...

Your swatches are very helpful as I am craving more colors (I have Besame Red, Champagne, Portrait Pink, Carmine and Red Velvet)Now I know I want Coral, Cherry Red and Dusty Rose. Thanks so much for these detailed descriptions and pictures.

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Posted by Colleen Shirazi, 2:09 PM (Eastern)

It took me a few days to compile a list; samples aren't cheap. Moreover, Montale is one of those lines that doesn't have tons of online reviews, or, more accurately, it does not have tons of useful reviews. The notes they use are different, the overall smell is not conventional.

All of that said, here's what I came up with:

Montale Powder Flowers
Montale Patchouli Leaves
Montale Sweet Oriental Dream
Montale Velvet Flowers
Montale White Aoud
Montale Chypre - Fruit
Serge Lutens Fleurs d'Oranger

Why Fleurs d'Oranger? Serge Lutens has a cult following, which usually means it's good, but I can admit, after perusing many a review and description of Lutens scents, I haven't been tempted to try them.

Fleurs d'Oranger caught my eye because I'm still on for a neroli scent, after ultimately being disappointed in Annick Goutal's Néroli. Néroli smells divine, can't fault that, but its lasting power is...it doesn't have any.

Powder Flowers, Patchouli Leaves and Sweet Oriental Dream made the list because they weren't available at the other place I was thinking of getting Montale from. Patchouli Leaves has been widely described as a scent for people who hate patchouli, while Powder Flowers has been compared to Chanel No. 5 (which is one of my favorites, and to which I am drearily allergic). Sweet Oriental Dream, I dunno, I've been kicking it around in the back of my mind even though "it sounds like something I wouldn't like." What the hey...

The other three just sounded interesting.

Labels: montale, perfume, serge lutens

2 comment(s)

September 26, 2007 2:18 PM, Dain said...

Fleurs d'Oranger is real pretty, I liked it, at a time when I didn't have much interest in florals. I'm not sure how it compares to AG, though.

September 26, 2007 9:17 PM, Colleen Shirazi said...

AG Néroli is lovely, but it's way too light. It smells quite authentic...not perfume-y, but like actual blossoms, a bit of green leaves, a little tart orange fruit, in that order.

I've tried applying a lot of it, but it never seems to get any stronger, and the lasting power at best is so-so. It's issued only as an EDT so there aren't higher concentrations. mumbles...

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Posted by Dain, Tuesday, September 25,