it’s like sex in a bottle

that, or something like it, was what my friend Dina told me of Kiehl’s Musk Essence Oil. According to Kiehl’s their musk oil has been around since the 1920’s and was discovered in the Kiehl’s Apothecary, labeled as “Love Oil” no less, in the late 50’s. I bought the oil after Dina’s declaration and was not disappointed. Until I lost it somewhere in the abyss of my overly crowded bedroom. Too lazy to search for it, I simply bought another and was reminded of the heady yet sexiness of the scent. I loved it to the point where I stocked up on the body lotion AND eau de toilette (above). Obsessive much? Perhaps.

Kiehl’s Original Musk is warm and cozy and completely changes your attitude. I’m a huge fans of musks because of the warmth they provide when applied. What you smell in the beginning is what you get hours later - a little bit floral (bergamot nectar and ylang-ylang are among the top and mid notes) with an oriental finish of white patchouli, musk and tonka nut.

The eau de toilette spray is available for $42.50, while the roller ball is $26. Heck, do what I did and go for the lotion ($20) as well.

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fragrance friday: agent provocateur

agent provocateur

No stranger to the world of sexy — heck they might as well have invented sexy — Agent Provocateur will be launching three new perfumes, based off of its most celebrated fragrant editions: Agent Provocateur (2000) Maitresse (2006) and L’Agent (2011). The trio of new scents are lighter and fresher but still have the enticing allure about Agent Provocateur is known for.

Agent Provocateur Eau Provocateur is easily the freshest of three perfumes with notes of orange blossom, lily of the valley. At the base lies gentle accords of myrrh, vanilla and tonka bean to add softness and sensuality. Meanwhile, Maitresse Eau Provocateur blends notes of rose, iris, jasmine sambac and green notes of Acacia (a thorny shrub). This floral arrangement is rounded out wit amber, sandalwood and Tonka bean.

agent provocateur eau provocateur

My favorite, however, has to be L’Agent Eau Provocateur. It starts of with fresh citrusy accords of bergamot, mandarin orange, and green leaves, complemented with fruity aromas of peach, apple and melon. At the heart of the scent, you get the more floral notes of ylang-ylang, jasmine, rose, tuberose, magnolia and freesia. Finally you’re left with the seductive combination of a woody and oriental base consistent of amber, musk, sandalwood and patchouli. If you could bottle me up for an everyday fragrance, I’m pretty sure this would be it.

The new ‘Eau Provocateur’ Collection from Agent Provocateur is available April 15th in select department stores.

Disclosure: sample provided for editorial consideration. Please don’t forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.Share/Bookmark

friction by fcuk

FRICTION – Noun – 1. The electromagnetic force between charged particles. 2. The rubbing of one body against that of another. 3. Converts kinetic energy into thermal energy/heat.

when I received a sample of fcuk’s latest perfume, “friction,” I didn’t know what to expect. I know that the brand is about shock and sex appeal so I was anticipating something heavy, musky and sensual. What I got was a gourmand so lush I’ve been carrying it in my purse for the past month.

The scent opens up with lush top notes of pink honeysuckle, apple blossom and red berries than quickly transforms into a creamy coconut. In addition to coconut (a note I never really experienced before) there’s vanilla absolute, which warms up the scent a bit. It’s this warm and soothing heart that reels me in. It’s yummy and preps you for the dry down of — wait for it — white vetiver, sandalwood, amber, and musk. If you know anything about me, you’ll know of my love of vetiver (done right). This scent lasts all day and I love wearing it when it’s cold out (I love wearing it with a turtleneck so I can nuzzle in and catch a whiff throughout the day).

Disclosure: sample provided for editorial consideration. Please don’t forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.Share/Bookmark

Krigler Jazzy Riviera ²10 for Men and Women

Twenty-four hours into wearing this fragrance and I knew it was something I must own. I received a sample (similar to the mini tubes you get at Sephora) and what I was left with was a yearning for more. It was an intense and instantaneous love affair that led to a Google search that lasted well into two in the morning (on a work night!)

I’d never heard of Krigler fragrances before and I blame it on my limited ability to scour the world of niche perfumery. I’ve searched countless perfume sites but there’s this air of mystery as not many have heard or reviewed the brand.

Jazzy Riviera ²10 is a unisex fragrance that marked the 100th anniversary of the opening of Krigler’s Haute Perfumery Atelier in Cap d’Antibes. Albert Krigler was inspired by socialites including Picasso, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, and Dorothy Parker.

Jazzy Riviera ²10 opens up with clean citrus notes of bergamot and lemon, moving elegantly along to coriander and crisp sweet Freesia. While you may be thinking this is a too sweet or clean scent the base notes musk, patchouli and vetiver come along and sweeps you off your feet. Such a deep and woody base isn’t for everyone but I think we’ve established by now that I’d bathe in it if possible. While I’ve tried to use my sample sparingly, I couldn’t help but dab it on everyday. It makes me feel sexy and womanly — the type of scent I’d want to wear while wrapped in the arms of a lover.

That said, it doesn’t come cheap, starting at $215 for 1.7fl.oz. and $305 for 3.4fl.oz. Jazzy Riviera ²10 is available at Krigler boutiques and www.krigler.com

Please don’t forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.Share/Bookmark

Lolita Lempicka Si Lolita Eau de Toilette

Having seen Lolita Lempicka around the fragrance block, I’m actually surprised that I’ve never been tempted (enough) to dive head first. For me, Lolita Lempicka has always been a bit feminine and when it comes to scents, I don’t err on the side of girly. I like ’em bold and with a dash of personality. Looks like I judged a bit too soon considering how smitten I am with Si Lolita Eau de Toilette ($90).

This is what’s known as a spicy floral and what’s most notable about the scent, in my opinion, is the obvious top note of pepper. It’s the softer, female version of Marc Jacobs’ BANG.

While the pepper remains throughout the scent, it transitions into a bouquet of sweet pea and orange. As you’re taken throughout the journey, you’ll notice that it warms up and the amber and musk come through — leaving you with a velvety soft fragrance. It’s an alluring scent that may take a bit of getting used to (especially if you’ve never dabbled in fragrances with peppercorn). I wear it sparingly yet love to show off the clover shaped bottle on my makeshift vanity.

Alluring and beautiful — what more can you ask for? Lolita Lempicka Si Lolita Eau de Toilette is available for purchase at Nordstrom.

Disclosure: sample was prvided for editorial consideration. Please don’t forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.Share/Bookmark