{FRAGRANCE REVIEW} | Modern Muse Chic by Estee Lauder

When the weather began to heat up I searched my perfume drawer for something a little brighter and fresher to wear. I came across Modern Muse Chic from Estee Lauder, a 2014 fragrance that had somehow slipped my mind for a while. The rediscovery of this bold, woody and floral scent feels like a little gift from me to me, just in time for the warmer months.

Modern Muse Chic was inspired by the “complexity of the modern woman.” She is extraordinary, extroverted and creative in her manner and sense of style and leaves a little inspiration everywhere she goes. Modern Muse Chic is what Estee Lauder envisions her to be as a fragrance; a daring take on the original Modern Muse.

The bottle is chic, pretty and slightly edgy. It is tall, clear flacon with rounded edges. The lovely, soft pink liquid is visible through the bottle which is branded in elegant navy blue and gold font. This is complimented with a gold spray mechanism and a gorgeous gold-studded navy blue bow.

The actual fragrance is built up off two facets; the Vivid Floral Accord and the Striking Ebony Woods Accord. It is crafted around the intoxicating and exquisitely unique aroma of Jasmine Sambac. This is achieved by the use of two different selections; Jasmine Sambac Fir Absolute and Jasmine Sambac China Absolute.

Modern Muse Chic opens with delicious golden honey, juicy plums, Davana and stargazer lilies. These are blended with the two Jasmine Sambac notes and two different Tuberose varieties; Tuberose Fir Absolute and Tuberose Fleur Fir Natural which all harmoniously intensify the exquisite jasmine fragrance.

The base is soft and sensual, combining cashmere woods and suede musks with patchouli, Agarwood, labandum and a delicate hint of Madagascan vanilla (hello!!!). I love how the striking florals are contrasted by the gentle base notes in a perfect balance. The effect is a really beautiful juxtaposition of bold and subtle.

Modern Muse Chic is an Eau de Parfum and the wear is excellent. It wore for 6 hours + on me and although it dries down into a creamier scent at the base you can still get a hint of florals.

When I smell Modern Muse Chic I always think of a really stylish woman, comfortable in her skin; strutting through the Upper East Side while holding an exquisite and intoxicating bouquet of flowers.

I don’t usually like floral fragrances but I absolutely love Modern Muse Chic. It is one of my favourites. I will definitely be wearing this fragrance throughout the warmer months. I can see myself wearing it while shopping and brunching in the daytime and also on those balmy summer nights.

Modern Muse Chic is available on www.esteelauder.co.za in 30mL (ZAR915), 50mL (ZAR1225) and 100mL (ZAR1650). You can also find it at most fragrance retailers.

Until next time

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

{FRAGRANCE REVIEW} | Gucci Oud

Following the crazy success of Gucci by Gucci, the fashion house has created a new, more opulent and mysterious version of the fragrance. While the original is warm and slightly sugary, this rich and intense scent is created around Oud. 

 Oud is a deep aromatic that is found in the Far East and has been used as a perfume and incense in the Middle East. It is a dark, resinous heartwood and first-grade Oud is said to be one of the most expensive raw materials in the world. The Oud used to create this fragrance is said to be specifically sourced for Gucci in Laos and is 100% natural.

The bottle looks much like the signature Gucci by Gucci one, although it is a bit darker. It is a smoky black glass, sandblasted with the iconic Gucci stripe. The bottle is accented with a gold lid and gold charm. It feels heavy and really luxurious, a good suggestion of what you are to find inside.

The fragrance opens with the sumptuous fruit notes of pear and raspberry and a gentle punch of saffron. At the heart sits decadent Bulgarian rose which is delicately tempered with orange blossom. The fragrance then settles into a base of the Oud which is brought together with patchouli, amber and musk, giving a slight nod to the original.

I really, really, really love this fragrance. It is opulent and seductive but also mysterious. Oud can be very heady and overpowering but when blended with all these notes it is really very pleasant. It brings together spiciness, a hint of sweetness and a distinct smoky aroma with pure comfort. I especially find myself comforted by the innocence of the Bulgarian rose petals, in the heart, sitting amongst all the fruit and spice. Gucci Oud is the quintessence of elegant luxury.

The combination of notes blended together in Gucci Oud makes it the perfect fragrance for Fall/Winter. The warm, decadent fragrance is perfect for those chilly days and nights. It is also very long lasting and doesn’t move for at least 6 hours after spraying.

Gucci Oud is marketed as a unisex fragrance and is available in 50mL and 75mL variants. If you love opulent and intense scents this is a must have!

Find Gucci Oud at the Cosmetics Gallery in Hyde Park Corner.

Until next time

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

{FRAGRANCE REVIEW} | DKNY Be Desired

Be Desired is the newest fragrance in the Be Delicious collection by DKNY. The collection is pretty iconic; I remember that Be Delicious was one of my very first fragrances as a teen. I always said it made me smell of fragrant apples and The Big Apple and whenever I smell it now it brings back a flood of nostalgia.

Be Desired is sensual and grown up while still staying true to the fresh feel of the original. With this perfume, Donna Karan encourages you to step into an urban garden and experience the fresh, lush, misty and addictive scent of a modern Eve. It is a steamy infusion of freshness and florals with a hint of sweetness.

The bottle is true to the Be Delicious collection, it is the same, cute apple shape. The name is on a little sticker on the bottle, just like the stickers you find on actual apples at the grocer. The colour is a darker green than the original and the liquid inside is clear with a very slight green tint.

At the top, the fragrance opens all sweet and fruity with orange oil, blackcurrant, iced grapefruit and violet leaves. The heart incorporates acacia flower, cassis absolute, Asian jasmine and Turkish rose which tempers the fruity notes beautifully. The base is very classic and very different from its forerunners. It brings the fragrance together with notes of cedar, cashmere and amber wood. I love the grapefruit and blackcurrant notes. They’re a little more grown up than the green apples but still give the fragrance that fruity hint.

The integration of the flowers in the heart, blended with the fruit and soft base notes create a lovely piece of alchemy that is both wistful and new.

I love this fragrance for the summer but because of the floral heart and woody base I can also see it taking me through the fall. Its perfect spritzed on just after a shower and lasts all day. While the bottle is cute and colourful and the notes are fruity, it is still a very sophisticated scent. Be Desired can be worn in the daytime without being overwhelming (work, school etc.) but can also take you into that balmy night.

DKNY Be Desired Eau de Parfum is available in 30mL, 50mL and 100mL variants.

It is also a best-selling fragrance at Hyde Park Corner (my favourite mall!) and was recently featured in the Hyde Park Corner Valentines Scentsational Journey.

Find DKNY Be Desired and fall in love at the Cosmetics gallery, Hyde Park Corner, Jan Smuts Avenue, Johannesburg.

Until next time

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

{FRAGRANCE REVIEW} Indian Night Jasmine by The Body Shop

 Indian Night Jasmine captures the intoxicating scents of the Kashmir Mughal Gardens at night. The night is said to be the time when the majestic jasmine flowers give off their most decadent scent. Body Shop perfumers created this scent to celebrate the true beauty and intoxicating nature of this famed flower.

Indian Night Jasmine has been around for a while and it is a firm favourite at The Body Shop. This year you can get this sublime “floriental” fragrance in lovely new packaging as part of the new Voyage Collection. The fragrance bottles are now a really cute bell shape and this one has indents that make the bottle look like a gigantic jewel. The liquid inside is visible and is a beautiful orange colour, reminiscent of the sunset.

In the fragrance, jasmine flowers which are picked at night are combined with violet leaves, vanilla and orange blossom. It’s all brought together with rich sandalwood at the base. The result is quite intoxicating but also elegant and comforting.   

My Mom had jasmine trees in our childhood home and I can clearly remember the heady scent the flowers gave off at night. I was, however, cautioned by the elders not to go near the trees because “jinns liked the smell too.” With the Indian Night Jasmine I get to relive that scent and that beautiful garden without having to worry about jinns!

Because it is an eau de toilette, this fragrance isn’t as long lasting as one would prefer a jasmine scent to be. It wears off quite quickly and I found myself having to reapply it in the day.

The Indian Night Jasmine fragrance (50mL) retails for ZAR275 at The Body Shop. If you are looking for an affordable holiday gift for someone that loves perfume this is a really nice one! You can also get the Indian Night Jasmine scent in fragrance mist (ZAR140), shower gel (ZAR99), body lotion (ZAR140) and body butter (ZAR160). Buy them all and use them together to layer and build a lasting fragrance!

This fragrance is 100% vegan. 

Until next time

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

{FRAGRANCE REVIEW} | Olympea by Paco Rabanne

This year Paco Rabanne fragrances set out to create the perfect equivalent to the iconic Invictus. Olympea, based on a modern Greek goddess, was born. With a salty and fresh oriental composition, Olympea represents strength, spirit, dynamism and victory.

The bottle, designed by Marc Ange is beautiful. It represents the laurel crown and is a beautiful soft pink adorned with rose gold. It’s a lovely piece for any dressing table. I’m quite sure many girls will buy this just for the bottle! Not to worry though, what’s inside is just as magnificent!

At the top, the fragrance is very oriental. It opens with sparkling green mandarin, ginger lily and calm water jasmine.  The heart is full of sublime salted vanilla and the base is made up of sandalwood, cashmere and ambergris. I really love the addition of the salted vanilla to the fragrance. It tempers the woodiness of the base and the fresh punch of the top and gives it this really sultry sweetness.

The fragrance is very long lasting and the combination of all its notes makes Olympea suitable to wear all year round. It is a really elegant fragrance and while it isn’t delicate, it doesn’t overwhelm the senses.  It can be worn day and night.

You can find Olympea in 30mL, 50mL and 80mL Eau de Parfum at selected Stuttafords stores.

Until next time

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

{FRAGRANCE REVIEW} | Candy Florale by Prada

Prada Candy is one of my favourite scents from one of my favourite fashion houses. With a heavy caramel presence, it is sweet and sensual all at once. With Candy Florale, Prada tones down the sweetness of Candy with beautiful floral notes. It is a more flirtatious, whimsical scent. The idea is to create the imaginary “candy flower”, a light but sweet flower reminiscent of a blooming bouquet on the counter at an Italian ice cream shop. Sounds charmingly delectable if you ask me!

The bottle is the same shape as the iconic Candy. It’s a very retro shape that works so perfectly for the brand. This time the bottle is a softer gold than the original and is adorned with a pastel pink band. The liquid is also a pretty light pink and the box is adorned with cute little flowers.

The scent itself is lovely. For someone who doesn’t really like floral scents I found this one quite pleasant. The top note is fresh and sweet Sicilian Limoncello sorbet while the middle is full of floral peony (Blair Waldorf’s favourite flower!). The base is somewhat true to the original with notes of caramel, musk and a whisper of warm honey. 

The overall effect is simple and sweet. The scent is fairly long lasting and begins to fade after about 8 hours of spraying.

As I’ve mentioned above I’m not really too keen on floral scents. This one however, I love. I think it’s because of the inherent sweetness of the fragrance that keeps it from smelling to flowery. I will say though that it’s more of a Spring/Summer scent. I’m going to pack it away and break it out when the warmer months come.

You can find Candy Florale by Prada in 30mL, 50mL or 80mL at leading fragrance retailers online and in store.

Until next time

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

{FRAGRANCE FAVOURITES} | Black Opium by Yves Saint Laurent

To be truly truthful with you, I was never a fan of the original Opium by YSL. The secretary at my grade school often wore it and every time I smelled it, it was a reminder of her meanness. However when the scent of the new Black Opium first touched my nose, I fell totally and absolutely in love. It was announced to be the “rock ‘n roll” rebirth of the classic Opium and pays tribute to the dark and mysterious side of the YSL brand. It is really in tune with my personal style so it really is no wonder why I adore it.

The bottle is superbly glam rock. It is the classic Opium shape but is black and adorned with sequins. The iconic “Yves Saint Laurent” logo appears on the stopper and you get a glimpse of the liquid in the middle of the bottle.

Black Opium is a delicately sensual scent with vanilla, cedar and patchouli at the base. Coffee dominates the heart but it is tempered with delicate jasmine. The perfume is finished off with pink pepper, orange blossoms and pear at the top. The amount of notes is significantly less than those in Opium and with the result being that the few notes shine through exquisitely. It is simple, exotic and beautiful. It is a long lasting scent and doesn’t fade away even after a day of wear.

The ad campaign is dark and simple and it is fronted by British model Edie Campbell. She has the perfect look for the fragrance and I LOVE her hair. The TV ad is shot in Shanghai, China. It shows such a different side to the city and makes me want to visit! The song, Jungle by Emma Louise, perfectly suits that soft, grungy feel.

Black Opium, for me, shows us through its delicate ingredients that even the toughest and most mysterious girl has an innocent, vulnerable side. If you love rocker chic, this one is for you!

You can find Black Opium at all leading retailers where it retails between ZAR910 and ZAR1370

Until next time

Love and (black) sparkles

Zaakira xox

{NEW IN} | Dolce by Dolce and Gabbana

When parents travel, the one thing I can look forward to is perfume from Duty Free. On my Mom’s most recent trip to Malta she chose and brought me back Dolce by Dolce and Gabbana. It is the most recent fragrance offering from the famed fashion house and is said to represent a sensual and emotional journey through Sicily which is where the brand originated and where the duo draw their inspiration from. Domenico Dolce has said of the fragrance, “The nobility of the soul, the elegance of every day gestures, the joy of sharing from generation to generation, and the effortless perfection of a single white flower. This is the picture of Sicily that I carry within me, and the one captured in this delicate fragrance”

So let’s talk about the (gorgeous) bottle. It’s a fairly simple bell-shaped bottle filled with green liquid. There is black writing on the bottle and the word “Dolce” is signed by Domenico Dolce and is said to be reminiscent of his own father’s signature. At the top of the bottle sits a classic black bow and the best part of the bottle sits at the top… the stopper. It is a beautiful cream and pink resin Sicilian flower which sort-of resembles handmade sugar flowers we see on cakes. It perfectly sets the tone for this soft, floral scent.

Dolce is a very gentle, feminine scent. It is floral, demure and has no hint of sweetness. The base notes are cashmere and musk while white flowers sit at the heart. These flowers are white Daffodil, White Water Lily and being used for the 1^st time in a scent, South African (!!!) White Amaryllis (I’m so proud!). The top notes are more colourful, consisting of Neroli leaves and Papaya flower. The result is pleasant and wearable.

Despite the softness of the fragrance, it lasts very long but fades into a very musky, soapy finish. Almost like Anais Anais by Cacherel. If you want to keep that pretty floral scent you might have to reapply after 4 hours or so.

Dolce is the perfect Spring fragrance. It is definitely a very different, more mature direction for the otherwise avant-garde fashion house but it manages to be feminine and demure without being “granny” The ad campaign is simple and beautiful and features Canadian model Kate King.

Dolce by Dolce and Gabbana retails at Red Square for ZAR 780(30mL), ZAR 1,059.98(50mL) and ZAR 1,404.98(75mL). Buy it online here

What was the most recent addition to your fragrance collection?

Until next time

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox