Janice's Archive
Spring Fragrance Series: GUESS Seductive Wild Summer
One of my favorite parts of the transition into warmer weather are the sunny afternoons spent working in my flower garden. As the sun sets and twilight turns to dusk the smells of my garden morph into something sweeter and more poignant. A time when I can settle and have a cuppa on my porch as I appreciate the labor I put into my garden. This is the time of day is our next fragrance review evokes from my memories. Today I’ll be sharing the second fragrance release from GUESS (and follow up to last year’s GUESS Seductive), GUESS Seductive Wild Summer.
Top: Red berries, Pear and Lychee
Mid: Orange Blossom, Jasmine and Rose.
Bottom: Cashmere Wood, Vanilla and Musk
Our thoughts: Classified by most as a woody floriental I found this more of a juicy floral. Tart red berries and sweet lychee greet you warmly, like the sun on a summer afternoon. There is a long moment of pure, blissful beauty when the sweetness of the the lychee fades and night blooms in a stunning citrus bouquet of crisp orange blossom. Rose dominates the evening as sweet tendrils of jasmine snake seductively around the senses. Finally cashmere wood supports a soft, romantic, creamy smooth vanilla and musk base. I love the uber-feminine pastel treatment on both the packaging and bottle. The flacon takes inspiration from the inverted triangular GUESS logo with a faceted cap. A nice touch is the heart spangle that hangs from a gold collar around the neck. The juice itself is a pastel pink.
The good: Wild Summer is a beautifully delicate floral with a creamy final composition that will linger on your skin for hours.
The bad: I found the scent slightly muted. If you prefer your fragrances to stick close and not exude outside of your personal space Wild Summer is definitely for you.
The verdict: A versatile fragrance that’s perfectly suited to the office or summer date nights with that special +1. Wild Summer is limited edition, so get a sniff before it’s gone!
GUESS Seductive Wild Summer retails for $52(1.7 oz) at GUESS retail stores, perfumery chains, department stores and www.guess.com
The product(s) in this entry were provided by the manufacturer or it’s PR agency. See our disclaimer for full details on our Editorial Policy.
Spring Fragrance Series: Reveal by Halle Berry
Halle Berry is, simply put, one of the most gorgeous women on planet Earth. She’s a true beauty icon who has only grown more engaging and beautiful as years go by. Does anyone object to me claiming she’s practically a walking guide to looking effortlessly ravishing?! Today I’ll be reviewing her latest celebrity fragrance release, Reveal by Halle Berry.
Top: Mimosa Flower, Juicy Peach, Honey Dew Melon, Red Berries
Heart: Iris Blossom, Plumeria Flower, Neroli Petals
Base: Vetiver, Cashmere Woods, Skin Musk
Our thoughts: A surprisingly sophisticated warm summer scent nicely balanced to avoid being too bold or heavy while maintaining a delicate woody complexity. Halle’s favorite flower is the Mimosa and this is apparent in Reveal as mimosa’s exhilarating bubbly signature stood out among a juicy infusion of melon and peach. A lush, warm heart of modern florals is at the center where you almost feel caressed by the gentle sweep of Iris. A base of vetiver, musk, and woods create a sophisticated balance and add a depth that left us feeling magnetic and mysterious. The flacon itself is a gold toned tear drop shape with a gold accents at the neck and a bold asymmetrical cap.
The good: Reveal’s sillage was a standout among the fragrances we reviewed for this series. Please don’t let the fruity notes fool you, this isn’t a juvenile juice. Reveal evoked steamy summer evenings and modern sexy glam. Halle Berry fragrances have a proven track record of popular, wearable scents with each release crafted to a high standard. Reveal is no different, described as “effortlessly glamorous” we think they got this one just right.
The bad: We don’t think Reveal will win any awards for breakthrough originality, but that isn’t inherently a bad thing. For a mass market fragrance Reveal is exceptionally pretty and won’t offend.
The verdict: I enjoyed wearing this scent and consider it a solid buy if you enjoy well crafted, warm, lush florals. This scent would gift well, keep it in mind when shopping for a Mothers Day present!
Reveal by Halle Berry is available at major box stores (Target, Walmart, et al) and selected pharmacies nationally. The retail prices are $17 (0.5 oz), $28 (1oz), and $35 (1.7oz). Also in the line are Halle by Halle Berry and Pure Orchid by Halle Berry.
Interested in more new spring/summer fragrances? Join us again next week as we review Guess Seductive Wild Summer.
The product(s) in this entry were provided by the manufacturer or it’s PR agency. See our disclaimer for full details on our Editorial Policy.
Spring Fragrance Series: Playboy Play it Lovely
Welcome to our spring fragrance series! Living in Texas I’m already well into the swing of spring. The weather has been gorgeous and my rose bushes have all put on a splendid showing hitting their first peak of the season. I know that many of you are still experiencing colder weather so I’m hoping to bring spring to you by reviewing a handful of fragrances that have just hit the market. Today we’re starting with the uber-flirtatious Play it Lovely which is one of three new fragrances from Playboy.
- Top: Citrus, Blackberry and Juicy Peach
- Heart: Cherry Baby Orchid, Belle de Nuit and Tuberose
- Base: Amber, Patchouli and Tonka Bean
Our thoughts: Play it Lovely is packaged in a cute quilted peach box, every bottle topped with the iconic Playboy rabbit ears. The first spritz is all juicy notes of peaches and blackberry literally bursting from the bottle in a youthful, energetic opening. As the scent settled into my skin I appreciated the flirtation between the delicate heart notes of tuberose & cherry baby orchid, and the warm earthy base notes of predominantly amber and tonka bean.
The Good: The chemistry between my skin and Play it Lovely was undeniable. I was entranced by the oh-so-feminine heart of the scent that lingered well into the drydown.
The Bad: We found Play it Lovely’s stamina (longevity) a bit lacking
The Verdict: A juicy summer floral that hits a hits a high note at it’s price point ($17). Play it Lovely surrounded us in a cocoon of pretty femininity as we enjoyed a warm spring afternoon on a outdoor patio for lunch. I recommend layering this scent with it’s body lotion companion for a longer lasting experience.
Play it Lovely, Play it Spicy, and Play it Sexy are the first foray into womens fragrance for Playboy. The trio retail for $17 US each for 1oz and can be purchased from most local drugstores.
Want more spring fragrance ideas? Join us again next week for the next article in our fragrance spring fling featuring Halle Berry’s Reveal.
Earth Day promotion: Lavanila Laboratories
Like Lavanila on Facebook and plant a tree for Earth Day.
To celebrate Earth Day 2011 Lavanila is pledging to plant one tree for every “Like” on their Facebook page beginning at midnight April 20th continuing through Earth Day April 22nd. Lavanila will plant the trees through their partnership with The Nature Conservatory. What are you waiting for? It’s never been easier to give something back. Head over to Lavanila’s Facebook page and click on the “Like” button to participate in planting a tree. 
http://www.facebook.com/pages/LAVANILA-LABORATORIES/72867565246
Upcoming MAC Cosmetics color collection release dates and color story information
We’ve uncovered more Holiday 2010 Color Collection (and beyond!) details for our fellow MAC Addicts out there. Time to start making those lists, click the links for the straight dish.
Cham Pale – December 26, 2010
Stylishly Yours – December 26, 2010
False Lashes Mascara – December 26, 2010
Peacocky – January 6, 2011
Source credit – Specktra.Net
MAC Cosmetics A Tartan Tale Holiday 2010 Colour Collection
Information is posted in the Color Collection forum for the upcoming Holiday collection A Tartan Tale!
For your convenience, since this Holiday collection is quite massive I’ve provided links directly to specific sections of the release.
Colour Collection
Mini sets
Palettes
Some of the Collection images we have so far
MAC Cosmetics A Tartan Tale Holiday Collection
28 October 2010 [US/Canada]
November 2010 [International]
Lipstick US $14.50
Cut a Caper- mid tone peachy pink (lustre)
The Faerie Glen- pale neutral pink (lustre)
Deepest Wish- deep creamy reddish brown (amplified)
Full Fuschia- bright blue fuchsia (amplified)
Courting Lilac- sheer lilac mauve with soft gold pearl (glaze)
Dazzleglass Creme US $18
Radiant Jewels- dark sparkly magenta
Soft Dazzle- mid-tone peach pink with gold pearl
Passing Fancy- bright orange coral with soft pearl
Lightly Prancing- light peach with gold pearl
Romancin- mid-tone lavender with multi dimensional pearl
Click through for the full collection information!
Eyeshadow- US $19.50
Golden Crown- light gold with bronze tartan striping
A Wish Come True- dirty mauve with bubblegum pink tartan striping
Follow Your Fantasy- mid-tone peach with chocolate tartan striping
Enviably Fun- grass green with dark green tartan striping
Semi- Precious- aubergine with chocolate tartan striping
Glamora Castle- dark grey with teal tartan striping
Pigment US$19.50
Later- black with transforming purple pearl
Moonlight Night- blackened teal with teal pearl
The Family Crest- blackend bronze with bronze pearl
Pearlglide Intense eye liner US$14.50
Petrol Blue- deep navy with pearl
Black Line- black with gold pearl
Undercurrent- teal with pearl
Black Swan- black with pearl
Lord it Up- bronze with pearl
Powder Blush US$18.50
Her Blooming Cheek- bright iridescent blue pink (frost)
My Highland Honey- bright coral with soft gold pearl (frost)
Nail Lacquer US$13
Sly as a Fox- creamy mid tone russet/burnt red (cream)
Style Clan- dark taupe with red pearl (cream)
Credit goes to Specktra member purplerinne!
Check out the A Tartan Tale discussion for the latest spacy dish!
Get your swatch fix with A Tartan Tale Swatches
MAC Cosmetics A Tartan Tale collection image sneak peek
Susanne shared images from one of the 2010 holiday collections A Tartan Tale in our forum yesterday. No product information just yet, expect it soon! Click the link to be taken straight there for a quick peek!
Preliminary collection names for MAC Winter 2010
Susanne has posted discussion threads in the MAC Color Collection forum for the following MAC winter collections.
Cham Pale
Luxe Couture
Stylishly yours
Will keep you up to date with additional information as it’s released!
MAC Fabulous Felines Colour Collection
Hi again Ladies and Gents! It had been a super busy week with several Fall collections being reveals in the Color Collection forum. Today I bring you the full scoop on the three part Fabulous Felines collection. Be sure to click through to see it all, there’s simply too much to list on the front page! XD
MAC Fabulous Felines Colour Collection
August 2010 [US/Canada]
September 10 [international]
Palace Pedigreed
Lipstick
Superior- Sheer lavender with pink pearlized pigments (dazzle)
Of Royalty- Light creamy blue pink (cremesheen)
Aristo-Cat- Mid-tone purple mauve (frost)
Cunning- Dark berry (frost
Lipglass
Docile- Mid-tone lavender with pearlized pigments (frost)
Best of Breed- Light mid-tone blue pearlized pigments (frost)
Lap of Luxury- Dark eggplant with pearlized pigments (frost)
Cremestick Liner
Beurre- mid-tone plum
Superslick Liquid Eye Liner
Nocturnal- Bright silver with pearlized pigments
Smoky Heir- Dark blue violet with soft pearlized pigments
Signature Blue- Dark navy with soft pearlized pigments
Eye Shadow x4 Palace Pedigreed
Courtly- frosted muted light pink beige (satin)
Palice Pedigreed (deep berry with dark and soft pink pearlized pigments
Quite Spoiled- mid-tone neutral mauve (satin)
Russian Blue- deep neutral grey (matte)
Pigment
Mauvent- cool taupe with gold pearlized pigments (frost)
Bloodline- Dark mid-tone brown purple( frost)
Mineralize Blush
Pet Me- light yellow pink with soft pearlized pigments (frost)
168SH Brush- Large angled countour brush with a short handle
Leopard Luxe
Lipstick
Out-Minxed- Light yellow gold (glaze)
Drive Me Wild- Mid tone warm coral with gold pearlized pigments
Powerful- Mid tone bronze with multi-dimensional pearlized pigments
The Prowl- Creamy dark chocolate- lustre)
Lipglass
A Quiet Roar- Pale white gold (frost)
Schemer- Mid tone yellow camel with red and gold pearlized pigments
Wildly Refined- Mid tone coral with gold pearlized pigments (frost)
Lip Liner
Creamola- Soft Tan
Eyeshadow X4 Leopard Luxe
Wild by Nature- Mid-tone camel (matte)
Style Predator- Frosted mid tone yellow orange (veluxe pearl)
Notoriety- Mid-tone brown with gold pearlized pigments (velvet)
Furiously Fabulous- Frosted warm black (veluxe pearl)
Superslick Liquid Eye liner
Pure Show- bright yellow gold with pearlized pigments
Marked for Glamour- mid-tone grey with soft pearlized pigments
On the Hunt- true black
Pigments
Lithe- warm nude with gold pearlized pigments (frost)
Old Gold- high frosted tarnished gold (frost)
Blush
Utterly Game- warm peach with soft pearlized pigments (frost)
2 SH brushes (numbers got cut off)
1- large fluff brush with a short handle
1- powder/blush brush with a short handle
Leopard Luxe bag- a gusseted cosmetic bag on an Ocelot brown trim in a corresponding color
Burmese Beauty
Lipstick
Pet Me Please- light mid-tone mauve (frost)
To Pamper- Creamy mid-tone taupe( lustre)
Liquid Lurex- Light yellow green with multi-dimensional pearl (dazzle)
Kittenish- deep red berry (cremesheen)
Lipglass
Spree- pink champaigned taupe (frost)
Jealous- Light mid-tone green with pearlized pigment (frost)
Fancy Cat- Mid-tone coral with gold pearlized pigment (frost)
Cremestick Liner
Velvetella- blackened plum
Eyeshadow x4 Burmese Beauty
Prized- pale yellow beige (satin)
Skintone 2- mid-tone gold (frost)
Burmese Beauty- Frosted brown green (lustre)
Showstopper- deep blackened brown (matte)
Superslick Liquid eye liner
Desires & Devices- Sparkling dark green
Defiantly Feline- chocolate brown with soft pearlized pigments
Treat Me Nice- emerald green with soft pearlized pigments
Pigment
Gold Stroke- high frosted tarnished gold (frost)
Antique Green- turquoise green with green pearlized pigment
Plush Lash
Plushblack- Black
Mineralize Blush
The Soft Meow- midtone golden bronze with soft pearlized pigments
188SH Brush – small duo fibre face brush with a short handle
Burmese Beauty Bag – a gusseted cosmetic bag in an exotic “fabric [sic]” with a faux leather trim in a corresponding color
Credit goes to Erin and purplerinne! Thanks for these information!
Check out the Fabulous Felines Discussion for the latest spicy dish.
Get your swatch fix with Fabulous Felines Swatches.
Confused about all of the upcoming release dates? Check out Specktra’s condensed release date bulletin.
Jin Soon Choi for MAC Nail Polish collection details
MAC Cosmetics Nail Trend F/W 10 (Jin Soon Choi for MAC) collection
August 2010 [US/Canada]
September 2010 [international]
Nail Lacquers: (LE) $12.00USD/$14.50CAD
Concubine- Blackened red with red shimmer (frost)
Earthly Harmony- Muted Taupe with copper shimmer (frost)
Ming Blue- Cobalt blue with teal and red shimmer (frost)
Rain of Flowers- Blackened violet with violet shimmer (frost)
Imperial Flower- Bright reddish orange with gold and red shimmer
Jade Dragon- Emerald green with teal shimmer (frost)
Hop over to the Jin Soon Choi for MAC collection thread.