Fragrance Friday: Keiko Mecheri Loukhoum

Loukhoum Eau De Parfum by Keiko Mecheri (clipped to polyvore.com)

It finally happened. I'm not fond of Loukhoum, truth be told I almost choked when I put it on. Now I was that person with a stinky perfume you can smell from a mile away. I wanted to wash it off immediately but thought since this is an experiment and I was home (not subjecting my aura of smell to the public) I left it on to see how it transformed.

Notes: Hawthorn blossom, bulgarian rose absolute, precious woods, vanilla, Comores flowers, white almond and musk.

Yikes, this one was bad from start to finish. I smelled like a baby wipe. My nostrils were assaulted by the strong powder smell and I couldn't get past it. It's all I could smell. It dried down, and I still smelled powder. If you like that type of fragrance, you will love Loukhoum. Sadly, I can't bear it and this one was retired after a few hours of wear.

Next up: Comme des Garcons Series 2: Red Carnation

Fragrance Friday: Keiko Mecheri Paradise Lost

Paradise Lost by Keiko Mecheri (clipped to polyvore.com)

Paradise Found may be a better name for Keiko Mecheri's Paradise Lost. It's heaven in a bottle. This is by far my favorite of the perfumes I have sampled so far. It's heady but not burn-your-nostrils-strong. It instantly transforms once it mingles with the heat of your skin. This fragrance is a journey where you're not quite sure where it will take you next.

I often find that vanilla in perfumes is so incredibly artificial. Most of them make me nauseous. The vanilla in Paradise Lost is creamy and inviting. It actually smells of vanilla instead of a sickening substitute. It blends so well with the floral notes that it's like a walk through a sweet, humid garden.

Notes: Indian limette, bergamot, jasmine, tuberose, Bourbon vanilla, sandalwood, musk.

I know it seems that I find no fault in the scents I've reviewed. I assure you, I have become very discerning with what notes I go for and I know what I like. I fully admit I've been incredibly lucky as of yet but Paradise Lost has taken the lead. I can't wait to try more of Keiko Mecheri's fragrances.

Next up: Keiko Mecheri, Loukhoum

Fragrance Friday: Escentric Molecules, Molecule 01

Escentric molecules Molecules 01 fragrance (clipped to polyvore.com)

Molecule o1 is an enigma, it's so very simple and yet so complex. I don't want to say it's indescribable but it's pretty close. It's "one molecule," Iso E Super. It's so soft and vaguely musky. And I mean barely there. It smells like your own skin at its best. It interacts with your own chemistry so it's a unique experience for each person.

The scent reminds you it's there throughout the day with subtle bursts of fragrance. It is never over-powering, it's not in your face or one of those fill-the-whole-room type of fragrances. It will leave everyone wondering who smells so amazing.

Notes: Iso E Super

With a cult following of celebs and us mere mortals as well, this perfume is definitely something special. I can't be precise in my description of this, I'm at a loss to describe the journey this takes once applied. It's sure to hold a key place in my scent rotation. I'll be hard pressed not to buy myself a bottle of this for Christmas.

Next up: Keiko Mecheri Paradise Lost.

Fragrance Friday: Costes

(image via Hotel Costes)

I've never been to Paris, so I've never visited the insanely cool-looking Hotel Costes. This stylish place to stay also has a signature scent which can be purchased in perfume and candle form. It's been described as sultry, dark and mysterious. How could I not want to bathe in this?

I am ultra-careful in applying scents so I don't overdo it. So I splashed a tiny bit on in the morning and it was completely gone in two hours. I don't mean it had faded to barely-there. It was gone, almost like I hadn't put perfume on at all. Outside of the short stay, I was oddly addicted to it. It has a very soapy smell and for me there is no darkness here, nor would I describe it as sultry. But mysterious is the perfect description. There is just something about Costes.

Notes: Lavender, bay tree, coriander, white pepper, rose, incense, woods and light musc.

You can't quite put your finger on the notes, you just crave it. I'm seriously hooked on this. It smells exactly like a page out of an old scratch and sniff book I had as a child. I can't keep from smelling my wrist when wearing it. It's for sure a keeper.

Next up: Escentric Molecules, Molecule 01

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends!

Fragrance Friday: HEELEY Hippie Rose

(image via Collette.fr)

I love roses. I always have. They remind me of my childhood. We had a white picket fence in front of our house and three beautiful rose bushes along the fence line. When we moved, I dug them up and transported them to the new house, that's how much I loved them.

How many times have you sniffed a rose fragrance and found it to be a little too old smelling? For me it's been far too many. I don't like watered down rose scents, or the ones that make you smell like you've been with grandma all day (no offense to the all the grannies out there). I want something that actually smells like roses warmed by sunshine on a summer day. HEELEY Hippie Rose delivers that and more.

Notes: Bergamot, green moss, Bulgarian rose, patchouli, incense, Haitian vetiver, amber and musk.

This perfume is modern and sensual. Initially smelling solely of pure rose, it dries down to sheer perfection with each note mingling effortlessly. To call the dry-down sweet is wrong, there is something ethereal about it. It becomes part of your skin, your own natural smell. I wasn't ready for this perfume when I chose it but I knew I would adore it from the moment I put it on. Even if you're not a rose fan, I suggest you try this one. It's irresistible.

Next up: Costes

Lancome Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector

Lancome recently came out with a new skin serum, Visionnaire. Serums are great. Most are so incredibly light and absorb instantly, helping to get all those good-for-you ingredients into your skin. Visionnaire is labeled as a skin-correcting serum. It's supposed to help moisturize, minimize pores and fine lines, and even out skin tone.

Being that I'm pretty much the target audience for any "miracle" product, I figured I would give this a try. My skin has been in less than stellar (ok, downright terrible) condition this past year and as a result, I've been left with a few reddish marks from blemishes passed. I've also notice my worry-lines are sticking around longer these days. So of course when I heard about a serum that could multi-task for me I was already intrigued.

Sadly, I have to say as of right now this has been nothing more than a moisturizer for me. I so desperately wanted it to be a fix-it-all for my skin issues. My red marks are still visible and my fine lines are in the same condition as when I started using Visionnaire. It for sure makes my skin super soft and glowy but that's where it ends. No miracle working here.

I'm happy to use the rest of the bottle but considering the price - $84!!! - I won't be using this again. My search for skin salvation continues. Has anyone else used any corrective serums or skin care products that have had miraculous results? Do tell.