{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} | Sexy Amber by Michael Kors

When the colder days roll around, I habitually gravitate toward warmer scents. Sexy Amber by Michael Kors is just a few years old but it definitely makes the cut. In 2013; inspired by the runway, Michael Kors released a collection of fragrance and cosmetics. The collection follows 3 directions; Glam Jasmine, Sporty Citrus and Sexy Amber; each with their own unique distinctiveness.

At first, I must admit, the name made me think of an exotic dancer. I thought it was quite an unimaginative name for a fragrance, but I know better than to judge a fragrance by its name. Or its bottle for that matter; although I have been known to buy perfumes just for their gorgeous bottles and packaging.

Sexy Amber is housed in a chic, tall gold flacon. The bottle, for me, is reminiscent of a skyscraper and is quite modern and minimal. The bright, amber coloured liquid is visible through the clear glass and the bottle is subtly branded with gold text. The dazzling gold lid is a lovely, inspired little touch. It is engraved and looks exactly like the plates you see on the ever so popular Michael Kors handbags and purses.

The fragrance itself was crafted by Harry Fremont. It begins quite mellowed with warm, sumptuous amber at the top. Wistful white flowers are blended with the most delicate hints of citrus in the heart. The result is so unusual and pleasant. The base brings the fragrance together by blanketing the amber and white flower notes in delicious musks, patchouli and comforting sandalwood.

Despite the strong and varying notes, the scent ends up being quite clean. It is warm, alluring and truly allows the amber notes to shine through. Sexy Amber is sexy, yes, but it is also smooth, creamy and sophisticated. 

Sexy Amber is an Eau de Parfum and the wear is really good. It lasts at least 8 hours on the skin and when it does begin to fade it leaves a really pleasant powdery trace. The effect is quite comforting and elegant.

I’m going to be wearing this chic, sensual fragrance throughout Winter. I remember noticing it on Jill from Zebra Square and I had to know what it was because I had to have it!

You can find Sexy Amber by Michael Kors at selected fragrance retailers in 50mL and 100mL variants.

*Faux fur stole from Forever New

Until next time

Love and sparkles

Zaakira xox

{FRAGRANCE REVIEW} | Black Musk by The Body Shop

White Musk, which was created in 1981, is an iconic part of The Body Shop. The velvety, ladylike scent is really comforting and reminds me of my childhood and my Aunt who still uses the White Musk perfume oil today. Following the success of White Musk and Red Musk in 2014, The Body Shop launched Black Musk in 2015. It is said to be the darkest and most sensual fragrance The Body Shop has created to date.

Black Musk comes in elegant black packaging with a small square of pink. The actual fragrance is held in a chic, glossy black flacon. The dark bottle and bright hint of pink are a lovely preview to the feminine and fierce elixir inside.

The fragrance opens with syrupy bambinella pear, infused with spicy pink peppercorns and a slight trace of fresh bergamot. At the heart there are almond notes, complimented with sugary marzipan. This is blended with intense ylang-ylang and luscious liquorice. Warmed black vanilla envelopes chocolate, patchouli, vetiver and of course, black musk; in the intoxicating base. The soft woods temper all the sweet notes and really bring the fragrance together.

I am desperately in love with Black Musk. Everything about it sounds absolutely delicious on paper and the actual fragrance really delivers. So many sweet, sugary notes can be overwhelming but this particular infusion is smooth, fragrant and sophisticated. The liquorice and vanilla are quite dominant; but you definitely get traces of all the different notes throughout wear.

Black Musk EDP wears for a reasonable amount of time. It also fades really pleasantly; so you’re cloaked in a delicious, aromatic cloud for many hours. I’m so excited to wear this fragrance in Winter. Black Musk embodies femininity and fierceness in a steamy puff of mystery.

The Body Shop sources all ingredients ethically and doesn’t test on animals. Black Musk is 100% vegan.

Black Musk Eau De Parfum is available in 50mL for ZAR300. There is also a 60mL Eau De Toilette and 20mL Perfume Oil.

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