Fragrance

Back in my very early days (as in, first job out of college), I worked in the marketing department at Jo Malone London. Not to brag, but I know how a fragrance gets built, named, and sold. That is exactly why I judge it differently.

Fragrance is all about first impressions, but longevity is key. And with the category booming, it can feel like anything goes. It doesn’t. Creativity does not always equal talent.

This is where I review all of it: niche houses, designer favorites, colognes, and home scents.

Looking for a warm-weather signature? Start with the summer fragrances I actually wear.

Curious about a big house’s lineup? Read 10 Balenciaga fragrances and the one I walked out with.

Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Review: Four Bottles In

Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Review: …

I reviewed Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt the week it launched in 2014. Four bottles later, I am still recommending it to anyone who will listen. That is the review in one sentence. Keep reading if you want…

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Luxe Thy Pet – Gus and Kenzo pet grooming products

Luxe Thy Pet – Gus and Kenzo pet …

Exposure to newness is perhaps my favorite part of professional beauty blogging. Discovering new to me brands and products that are both different and impressive make for my most passionate posts. As a pet lover and owner of four cats…

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Scenter Stage – Orla Kiely Rhubarb and Earl Grey Home Fragrances

Scenter Stage – Orla Kiely Rhubarb and Earl …

Everyone recognizes the Classic Stem print from Orla Kiely a mile away. While I always spot totes, umbrellas, and even their stationary, I had no idea this London based designer also makes incredible home fragrances. Since our house has recently…

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Tom Ford Mandarino di Amalfi Is Bright, Classic, and Loud In The Best Way.

Tom Ford Mandarino di Amalfi Is Bright, …

When I read about Tom Ford’s Mandarino di Amalfi in British Vogue, I felt envy. Why? I imagined the invite beauty editors received to experience this addition to the Private Blend collection. A luncheon including drinks and bites highlighting key…

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Bespoken – JO LOVES Pomelo

Bespoken – JO LOVES Pomelo

We all remember our first bespoke experience. Mine was a bottle of Grapefruit cologne from Jo Malone. I sure have changed since then! Luckily, I’m not the only one. After selling her namesake empire to the Estée Lauder Companies and…

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In the Line of Duty – Adventures @ Duty-Free

In the Line of Duty – Adventures @ Duty-Free

All duty-free was not created equal. The duty-free section at Liberia Airport in Costa Rica was the size of a closet. Not Mariah Carey’s closet either. It was miniature with nothing good in it either. Just liquor and cigarettes. So…

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Light One Up! – Cannabis Candle (MALIN+GOETZ)

Light One Up! – Cannabis Candle (MALIN+GOETZ)

Happy Easter! Chances are, you’re dealing with family or traffic today. Or both. You may not be enjoying either. Is the holiday meal just mediocre? Today is 4/20 so I’m going to be blunt. Mellow out and light one up!…

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Go West – Hudson Yards by Bond No. 9

Go West – Hudson Yards by Bond No. 9

I can’t say it’s surprising that the greatest city in the world is the inspiration behind one of the greatest niche perfume brands. Bond No. 9 has created a range of scents inspired by and to evoke the sensibilities of…

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