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Fragrances&Candles

Making Scents with Sue Phillips

Our hosts! Sue Phillips and Charu

What’s a dinner party without bergamot, lavender and saffron? Well those we’re just some of the ingredients that lined the table at my good friend, and talented travel/beauty writer Charu from ButterflyDiary.com‘s recent event. The main course? Fragrance. Custom fragrance to be exact –or perhaps that would qualify as the dessert. Before creating a signature scent, my fellow guests and I (including legendary astrologer, Susan Miller! freak out) went on a fragrance journey.

And who better to guide us through the expedition then renowned fragrance expert and perfumer, Sue Phillips, founder of Scenterprises. We began with a multiple choice quiz –what types of fabrics we like, our favorite season, which film icons we most admire… the usual stuff one could use to forecast our fragrance preferences (huh?). Mine pegged me as someone into fresh scents and floral/citrus notes (so true! Isn’t that what I’m always telling all of you!?!?). I do love me a simple, clean, fresh fragrance!  What’s better then the crisp smell in the air after a rainstorm? Or the smell of pine through the forest, gardenias in the summer or anything lavender?

We then discussed composition. Fragrances are constructed by three types of notes, TOP (the first impact note that comes of out the initial spritz and quickly dissipates), MIDDLE (also referred to as the hard note and lasts 2-3 hours) and BASE (which lingers the longest ranging 3-5 hours). Placed on blotter strips (which are used as a neutral way to evaluate scents), the group proceeded to smell a variety of

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Betsey Johnson’s New Fragrance “Too Too”

By Elizabeth Borenstein

Betsey Johnson holding her signature Too Too Fragrance

Betsey Johnson’s newest fragrance, Too Too, pays homage to her dancer roots. The adorable bottle wearing a bustier, tutu, and fishnets holds an interesting concoction. Using fruity and floral notes, including mandarins, ginger, bulgarian rose and patchouli, the scent registers as pleasantly sweet.

Performance by the Bolshoi Ballet Academy

To celebrate the introduction of Too Too the designer hosted a delicious brunch at MILK Studios complete with pink iced cupcakes. The real treat was singing Happy Birthday to the ridiculously fit and stunning Betsey Johnson. She then promptly upstaged performances by Stephen Petronio Company and dancers from the Bolshoi Ballet Academy when she jumped into the air and did the splits. We should all be that flexible on our 69th birthday!

Too Too, launching October 2011, will be sold exclusively at Sephora.

Disclaimer: Pretty Connected was invited to this event by a company representative

Great Gifts Ideas for Men

Let’s face it, men can be impossible for shop for. Dad’s especially –they tend to buy what they need and take everything else as clutter (or maybe that’s just mine). Here are a few ideas and some of my favorites for the category!

1. Pick a great scent! Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Cologne ($55/30ml, $105/100ml) – Scents are a very personal choice, yet this one hasn’t failed me yet. Although it’s unisex, every time I wear it, men compliment me on it. Generally the remark is something along the lines of, ‘that’s a great scent’ or ‘Is that Jo Malone? I wear it too!’ They all have great taste.

2. A weekender bag – Lands’ End Canvas 1963 Trip Bag ($130) – Something that’s missing out of most men’s closets are a great weekender. This one form Land’s End has that minimal, masculine charm, while still being incredibly functional (and practical) at the same time. Something he never knew he always needed.

3. Headphones – Bose QuietComfort Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones ($299) –  If he’s a headphone man, at some point it’s just worth investing in a great pair… especially if he travels a lot.

4. Charging station – Powermat Portable Wireless Charging Mat ($99.99, on sale for $59.99) – If he owns a lot of electronics or travels with several, a portable, compact charging station is both convenient and helps get rid of the bulk!

5. A Sweater – J. Crew Cotton-cashmere V-neck Sweater ($59.50, on sale for $29.99) – Sweaters are maybe cliche’s like ties, but non-the-less super practical and something you’ll notice him wearing for years to come. Just pay attention to if he’s a crew-neck or v-neck kinda chap.

6. Skincare Set with Case – Kiehl’s Dopp Kit for Men ($59.50) -A fully functional and stylish men’s travel case, designed in Italy by world-renouned photographer and blogger, Scott Schuman of The Sartorialist”. It holds everything from cuff-links (the case has multiple pockets) to your favorite products. Included in the set is Kiehl’s face wash, moisturizer, lip balm, shaving cream and soap all travel-approved sizes.

7. Travel Size skin care products – (Malin+Goetz) 1 oz Essential Kit ($30) – If he’s a big traveler or gym goer (and already has the case to hold the products) this set has every product your man could need while on the go (with the exception of shaving cream). It’s also a fun way to try a medley of new products.

8. A candle – (Malin+Goetz) Dark Rum Candle ($52) – I’m convinced men love candles as much as we do, and this dark rum scent is one of my favorites for men (Jo Malone and Votivo are also at the top of my list). Brand isn’t as important as just finding one that’s reminiscent of the one you’re choosing it for. Plus, men smell.

9. Magazine Subscription – Robb Report (1yr/$65)  and Architectural Digest (1yr/$24) – Whether or not he can afford them, fancy cars, fine wine and spirits, and gadgets rank high on my dad’s list, so a subscription to the Robb Report is up his alley. He’s also in the process of building his second house so he appreciates architecture or interior design magazines. When picking a subscription, choose something he’s interested in. It’s a fun way to have him think of you every time a new issue comes in the mail.

10. An experience – Whether it’s tickets to a movie, laser tag, pilot lessons or a day at the driving range, a gift that’s something you can do together is always a great way to go. Put some thought into it and figure out something fun! Discount sites like LivingSocial or Groupon often have fun deals on these types of things and at a fraction of the price.

Disney Launches First Premium Collection

Disney's Imagination Collection

This month, Disney introduced Imagination, their first of three collections (the other two Magic and Pixie Dust will be available in the coming months) of premium fragrances, lotions and candles for the home. I know what you’re thinking, premium? I had the same confusion when I was invited to a sneak peak of the collections. I was expecting overly sweet scents, and I don’t know, princess packaging? And I wasn’t particularly clear on the ‘home’ element. I assumed they were for kids. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised with a very sophisticated yet nostalgic series of products geared for the whole family and designed to evoke memories and bring the magic of some of Disney’s most beloved characters and movies into your home.

Imagination, which is by far my favorite scent of the 3 lines, consists of a Candle ($19.50), Room Spray ($16.50), Lotion ($12.50) and Hand Wash ($12.50) and is inspired by the enchanted forest. Smells of sequoia trees, cool moss and green leaves it’s very clean and natural and literally

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Women’s Health Magazine Hosts 5th Annual Beauty Awards

Women’s Health Magazine’s June issue, which is now available on newsstands, features the winners of their 5th annual beauty awards. Combining readers, experts, and editor’s picks, the recipients span 28 categories across hair, makeup and skincare. For any of you that follow me on twitter (@PCbeauty), I gave you a sneak peak into the winners a few weeks ago at a special event Women’s Health hosted in celebration. The winners are also available on their website.

Regardless of my agreement on the products selected, it’s a really great opportunity to chat with their editors and my fellow bloggers about which products are our favorites and why. I love the ‘I would have chosen…’ or the ‘that is a great product but have you tried…’ and especially the ‘you liked the…? It did not work at all for me’ conversations. It really imprints the magic of beauty products and how impossible it is to pick a product that’s perfect for everyone. The best part about these awards is sparking that conversation and curiosity. As consumers, it inspires us to try something different or introduces us to a product we may have otherwise never have thought to purchase.

On a tactical level, I liked a lot of the Reader’s Picks. Many we’re no surprise –NARS Orgasm blush (also an Experts’ Pick), CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara (it’s always between this mascara, Maybelline Great Lash, Dior Show, and Lancome Definicils)… Others have been on my list due to their outstanding reputation (I’m looking at you Best Lipstick winner Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey) and

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GIVEAWAY ALERT: Ignite Your Inner Playmate

Playmate of the Year, Claire Sinclair

This month, Hugh Hefner introduced Playboy’s 2011 Playmate of the Year, Clair Sinclair, who will grace the cover of the June issue. Winning this honor comes with a lot of perks and prizes, including a lifetime supply of Playboy Fragrances. While I do aspire to do many a things in my life; see the Northern Lights, be invited to the Met Gala, join a gym –and no, becoming a playmate is not one of them. However, being invited to a party at the Playboy Mansion is. Okay maybe not very high on the list, but secretly I would love to check out those digs.

So in honor of my little confession and igniting your inner playmate, I’m giving away a full set of the new Playboy Fragrances, which includes three scents, Play It Lovely (fresh fruity floral), Play It Sexy (sexy oriental), and Play It Spicy (sparkling floriental). Each Eau de Toilette is 30ml and retails for $17. The total value of the prize is $51, and winner gets all!

 

Win it! Playboy Fragrances

To enter leave a comment! Get creative. Tell me why you’d like to win, what you aspire to do or just make me laugh. Any (non-spam, happy) comment automatically enters you into the drawing.

An extra entry will be given if you follow me on twitter and tweet the giveaway using @PCbeauty in the tweet or are a fan of Pretty Connected on Facebook.

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Last Minute Mother’s Day Guide

1. Garden Art & Lanterns on ahalife.com – $50

Designed by Allsop Home & Garden, and hand made by artisan glassblowers, these beautiful, rechargeable, solar-powered garden lanterns are sure to brighten any garden.

2. Jo Malone Sakura Cherry Blossom – $55

Jo Malone recently launched this new limited edition fragrance, Sakura Cherry Blossom and it is divine! This delicate fragrance mixes the subtlety of cherry blossom with layers of rose, bergamot and mandarin. Both light and feminine, this scent is a great celebration of spring. I’m a big fan of their simplistic but oh-so-elegant packaging and the way they gift-wrap is their off-white/black box is perfection.

3. Baroness Monica Von Neumann Savon Candle – $38.50

I’m new to Baroness’ line of quality candles, but I can already say I’m hooked! They burn for 70+ hours (which is exceptional for a candle that size) and the scent is so full and sophisticated with notes of Jasmine, Rose and red amber. It’s a very regal scent and the woodsy hint really makes it rich.

4. Crabtree & Evelyn Lily of the Valley Duo Shower Gel and Body Lotion Set $34 ($44 value)

Lily of the Valley reminds me of my childhood. This scent is so beautifully captured and divine for spring. While the Duo Set makes a great gift, if you’re looking for something extra, add the Lily of the Valley Body Cream ($33). It’s my favorite product from the collection. It’s so hydrating and soothing

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Jo Malone Collector’s Edition David Hicks Candles

David Hicks for Jo Malone Decorated Home Candles

How AMAZING are these candles? I’m already a Jo Malone fiend (especially for her candles); but now I’m positively obsessing over their partnership with David Hicks to create the Decorated Home Candles collection.

Known for his eclectic mix of old and new, David Hicks was one of the most influential British designers of the late twentieth century. His son, Ashley Hicks (also a designer), explored his father’s archive to reinterpret three classic geo-patterns, each reflecting a modern scent of Jo Malone.

The three scents chosen for the Decorated Home Candles are some of my favorites from the Jo Malone collection; Lime Basil & Mandarin, Pomegranate Noir, and Red Roses. The patterns paired for each candle are reminiscent of David Hicks work through his son’s eyes.

“The lively Riviera pattern, matched with Lime Basil & Mandarin, transports me to summers spent in the Mediterranean, while the shade for Hicksonian, pared with Red Roses, is

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Susan G. Komen Launches First Fragrance ‘Promise Me’

The Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation has partnered with TPR Holding to create their first signature fragrance ‘Promise Me’, to honor those who have been touched by breast cancer. While we’ve seen many beauty products donate proceeds to the Susan G. Komen fund, this is the first and only proprietary fragrance for the cause.

When I first heard about the fragrance launch, I was perplexed by what it would smell like. How do you bottle bravery or strength? Let alone a tribute to all that have been touched by breast cancer? That curiosity turned to excitement when I found out one of my favorite perfumers, Jean Claude Delville of Drom fragrances developed it.  When speaking with him I got the sense that he was completely immersed in the identity of the fragrance and how that would translate into the fragrance notes. Promise Me contains top notes of mandarin, bergamout. Blood orange,

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Tea Time with Jo Malone and Amanzi Tea

Jo Malone Tea Fragrance Blends

At the beginning of the month I posted about Jo Malone’s NEW Limited Edition Tea Fragrance Blends ($55), which came in five flavors, Assam & Grapefruit, Earl Grey & Cucumber, Fresh Mint Leaf, Sweet Lemon and Sweet Milk; which can either be worn alone or layered on top of each other. I also updated the post to include an invitation to High Tea with Jo Malone in honor of the launch. Hopefully some of you were able to make it!  Having previewed the Fresh Mint Leaf and Sweet Milk fragrances I was anxious to experience the rest of the collection –especially since they were expected to sell out by April!

Prior to attending the event, my experience with Jo Malone has been rather limited. A candle here, a sample there, but mostly I’ve admired them from afar. My enjoyment of the brand has mostly come from press they have received or from their counters at Saks Fifth Avenue where I’d marvel at the packaging. To be honest, I find fragrance shopping overwhelming. I like to hear about a scent, go to a store that carries it, try it on, walk around for an hour, then decide if I like it enough to go

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