By Designer

Beautiful Magnolia by Estée Lauder

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Beautiful Magnolia is a perfume entry from the Estee Lauder ‘Beautiful’ perfume series. It was released in 2021. I received a sample of this at some point with another order, and so, decided to put this fragrance through its paces for a review. How does it smell? When should it be worn? Is it worth a try?

What does Beautiful Magnolia Smell Like?

Notes include: magnolia, gardenia, sandalwood, cedar, musk, solar notes, mate, lotus, Turkish rose

Click here to try: BEAUTIFUL MAGNOLIA by Estee Lauder, EAU DE PARFUM SPRAY 3.4 OZ

lauder perfume review

My Full Review

Beautiful Magnolia stays close to its name, from the very jump. That magnolia note is already present and very prominent in the composition.

But, it is also very fresh and semi-aquatic thanks to the lotus flower that about equals the magnolia for the first part of the wear. It comes across as very clean and watery, with a light herbal tea aroma from the mate, that’ll fade fairly quickly.

While rose is apparently a note in this one, I don’t get any on my skin. Maybe it’s just tough to pick out, but this is mostly the magnolia’s show. Some gardenia, at times, and the opening lotus influence.

Outside of the floral notes, this becomes a muskier perfume, as we dry down. The lotus aquatic smell begins to subside, the magnolia gets stronger, and the musk and cedar base intensifies.

Pretty simple in the close. Magnolia, musk, woods, and a generic floral impression. The musk and wood do turn this into more of a shampoo kind of fragrance.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, this is a lighter moderate fragrance. It’s not going to leave a huge scent trail and will become more of a skin scent about half way through.

However, the performance for the first few hours is pretty solid on my skin. If I spray Beautiful Magnolia on a shirt, I can pick it up from up to about 5 feet away. It’s not a complete powerhouse, so don’t go in expecting that.

The longevity hits the 5-6 hour range. Again, it’s pretty run of the mill. It’s not going to last a full work day it seems, but can get somewhat far into it. Maybe, some people will get better longevity from this one. Though, my skin doesn’t really ‘eat’ perfumes.

Seasonally, break Beautiful out in the warmer weather of the spring and summer months. It can be a bit too sharp or even aquatic feeling for the wintertime.

This is a daily wear type. Safe for work. Casual. Semi-formal. Not a nightlife perfume or anything that would be classified as sexy. It fits the ‘beautiful’ moniker or at least could be called pretty.

Overall Impressions of Beautiful Magnolia

Overall, do I like Beautiful Magnolia? Yes, it’s enjoyable to some extent, but wasn’t something that I’m crazy about.

As far as shampoo-clean floral perfumes go, this is a nice example. The magnolia and lotus give it more of a unique identity than some along with the tea aroma, found early on. At the end of the day, it’s a musky floral that’s clean and inoffensive.

The performance is run of the mill, but it is one that you should get plenty of use out of if you enjoy magnolia as a note. If not, I don’t think that this Lauder fragrance would change your mind.

It’s on about the same level as Hermes’ Un Jardin Sur le Toit, another magnolia perfume, which is more expensive.

Worth a try, but not an absolute must have.

Tease EDP by Victoria’s Secret

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Tease is another of the more popular fragrances by Victoria’s Secret line. It’s been in lotion, body spray, and eau de parfum form. In this post, I am going to be review the latter, and seeing just how this EDP performs. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is it worth a try?

What does Tease EDP by Victoria’s Secret Smell Like?

Notes include: anjou pear, gardenia, black vanilla, litchi

Click here to try: Tease EDP

tease edp review

My Full Wear Review

Tease is a sweeter perfume at times, but it actually starts out fairly tart. The pear and litchi combination will do that. Maybe a little apple thrown in the mix to boot. 

On the whole though, it is more of a light fruity sweetness than a sugary kind of perfume. A gourmand with a larger age range than just being for teenagers. Some VS scents are too youthful for women above 25 to wear them, but I think this one has a broader appeal. 

Vanilla and gardenia really star here. The pear early, these two notes later in the wear. That shift will come at about 45 minutes after application, that’s around when it happened for me.

There is slight resinous quality from an amber note in the base. Keeps it warm and smooth.

There does seem to be some other white floral notes in the mix. But, this is at least 85% gardenia in how it presents. Maybe a little bit of jasmine, but that’s about all I get distinctly. Otherwise, it’s a mishmash. 

Less fruity more vanilla floral with some touches of woods and amber. Pear and it’s sparkling quality start to play the background.

Tease EDP isn’t a very complicated fragrance. So, you pretty quickly get to experience most of what you’ll get for the duration of the wear.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here is pretty moderate. You get a fairly big and bold start with a normal amount of sprays. Though, that’ll last maybe a little less than an hour. Then, it’s noticeable, just not anything bold or with a far reaching projection.

On my skin, Tease lasts between 6-7 hours. Not amazing, but honestly better than many of Victoria’s Secret’s other fragrances. Though, overall it’s pretty basic, and what you’d get from most other brand’s perfumes. 

Seasonally, Tease is an interesting fragrance. I’d say it’s a bit better in the colder weather than warmer, but it isn’t exclusive to autumn or winter. Really, I’d mostly just stay away from the extreme heat of summer days.

It’s not the most formal fragrance ever, but it can serve its purpose as a casual scent or daily wear. It’s attractive enough for the nightlife and will gather compliments, as these sorts of gourmands to have a mass appeal.

Tease isn’t a difficult fragrance to wear around and versatility is one of its strengths. Not the most mature or serious perfume out there, but that’s not what everyone needs either.

 

 

Overall Impressions of Tease EDP

Overall, do I like Tease? Yes, it’s a very nice entry from VS. Not the most unique, but it smells nice, and gives a good enough performance.

I do slightly prefer something like Eau So Sexy from Victoria’s Secret to this one. But, it’s not an overwhelming preference. 

The anjou pear note is really great up top and one of the highlights of the scent for me. You might think with vanilla, amber, and some other gourmand influences that this might be a heavier/thicker fragrance.

Not really, it has substance, but isn’t going to completely melt if venturing into warmer temperatures. This is a very balanced and versatile fragrance. Pretty, straightforward, and likeable for most people. 

Not a must have, but for sure worth a try, if this is your style. 

Gucci Bloom Ambrosia di Fiori by Gucci

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Bloom has been an ongoing series from Gucci for a long while now. I’ve been slowly making my way through testing the entire series, for full reviews on this site, and am getting close to completion. One of the last ones that I need to cover, is Ambrosia di Fiori. How does this version smell? Does it last long? Is it worth a try?

What does Bloom Ambrosia di Fiori Smell Like?

Notes include: jasmine, honeysuckle, rose, tuberose, orris, and Rangoon Creeper

Click here to try: Bloom Ambrosia di Fiori

top gucci bloom

My Full Review

Here’s how Gucci describes it:  Invoking a banquet of an ancient world, ambrosia was the sustenance of the Greek gods, thought to give immortality to those who drank it. The name of this precious nectar and the magic it evokes is woven into the scent’s vibrant bouquet. 

Ambrosia opens up with the same formulation as the original Gucci Bloom, but with some distinct additions. Also, maybe it’s just me, but the jasmine seems to have more punch early on versus Bloom.

This time around the honeysuckle note comes in early to reduce the amount of green stem-like aromas versus what you get in the original. It does give Ambrosia some sweetness instead, maybe an assist on that front from the Damask rose?

Also, this one has more of a powdery/resinous smell to it. The orris root is there in the beginning pairing together with the Rangoon Creeper to amplify those aspects of the perfume.

As it dries down, the orris fades, and the honeysuckle settles more. There is a Damascena rose in the mix. This never gets too rosy, but in the middle act this ingredient is noticeable. I mean, Damascena rose isn’t really a traditional red rose anyway, and adds a depth that the original doesn’t have.

Finally, the tail end of this is mostly about that tuberose. Jasmine and Rangoon Creeper jockey for the second position, and the rest of what I get is just an amalgam of white floral smells. As such, the ending gets much closer to the original.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Out of the gate, the sillage here is pretty good. A nice scent trail and will project off of the skin, probably 4-6 feet while you’re just sitting around.

But, that’s not terribly long lasting. It’s a lighter moderate scent for a good portion of the wear. Then, it’ll sit much closer to the skin for the back end of its lifecycle. Yet, it’s better on me, than the original.

The longevity is okay with Ambrosia. It’s honestly not great, but it wasn’t absolutely dreadful either. I get somewhere in the 5.5-7 hour range, on skin. Those last few hours are super light, but it is there, it’s just kind of easy to go nose blind with Bloom.

Seasonally, this one is awesome in the spring and summer months. Mainly. a focus in the springtime, when it’s just starting to warm up. It’s a good way to break up having to wear the heavier gourmand fragrances of winter, as this is a straight floral.

Probably the greatest strength of this perfume, is how versatile it is. Outside of the nightlife (which it wouldn’t be entirely out of place) Ambrosia can be worn pretty much whenever, during the daytime. Daily wear, office wear, casual, more formal occasions, etc.

Overall Impressions of Bloom Ambrosia

Overall, do I like Gucci Bloom Ambrosia? Yes, I think that it is one of the best from the series and an improvement on the original formulation.

If you’re not a fan of the original Bloom, you still probably won’t dig this one. It’s better, but still very similar. On the other hand, if you liked that original Gucci formulation, this might be an upgrade…though, needing both is questionable.

I like the changes here. The honeysuckle playing a greater role, really helps this one out. I like the fact that it isn’t as green as the original. You just get a better mix of floral notes with Ambrosia. The orris is also a highlight in that middle act.

The performance is decent, just not going to set any records for how long it lasts. It’s not a complete hinderance towards owning a bottle, so not a huge issue.

All in all, this is a nice entry from the Bloom series. If you want an easy to wear floral fragrance with some mass appeal, this is one of the ones to go with.

Guilty EDP Intense Pour Femme by Gucci

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Gucci Guilty fragrances keep on getting churned out year after year for both men and women. For 2022, the Eau de Parfum Intense Pour Femme version was released. Besides practicing the long name, I wanted to try out this scent and see if it was a worthwhile addition to the women’s line up. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is it actually worth a try?

What does Guilty Eau de Parfum Intense Pour Femme Smell Like?

Notes include: mandora, litchi, violet, plum, tuberose, ylang-ylang, vanilla, patchouli, and vetiver

Click here to try: Guilty EDP Intense

guilty edp intense review

My Full Review

Here’s how Gucci describes it: The new vision elevates the scent to higher levels of intensity for those looking for a declaration of love free from the rules and definitions of society. Designed to act as emblems of the connection between like-minded, eccentric lovers, Gucci Guilty Eau de Parfum Intense Pour Femme is an Ambery Floral Woody fragrance that rewrites the Gucci Guilty Pour Femme signature’s essential core.

With notes of mandora, plum, and litchi; I was expecting this Guilty fragrance to open up quite fruity. Sure, the notes are there, but it never has that intense explosion of these notes.

I mostly get the plum and the orange juiciness of the mandora. This is a darker and richer perfume versus being super bright and candy-like sweet.

I think that the patchouli really helps to temper the fruits and add depth to the composition overall. Ylang-ylang is the main floral note that I pick up on early in the wear, along with some violet.

The violet ends up stronger, but really doesn’t present itself too much on my skin, in the early stages of this scent. That being said, it isn’t ever dominant. Guilty EDP Intense is pretty balanced in how the notes come across. Which is good for me, since I’m not a huge violet fan.

The final dry down is a plumy patchouli with touches of vanilla and a general floral aroma. I can’t really pick out the violet, tuberose, or ylang-ylang individually at this point.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This Guilty starts off with a strong blast that produces a very noticeable scent trail in one’s wake. That opening hour can be pretty loud, so, watch your sprays in certain situations.

However, it doesn’t stay that way forever. Actually, it’ll become pretty moderate and then light, about midway through the wear. So, it’s bold up front, with a high initial peak.

EDP Intense lasts in the 8-9.5 hour range. It never went double digits for me, but it’s still really good and probably the top performer in this series.

The first 2-3 hours give you that stronger sillage and projection. The back two-thirds is gradually softer, until it is basically a skin scent for the last two or so.

Seasonally, it’ll be best in the autumn and winter months. Depending on where you live, it might be able to sneak some time in the spring, but that won’t be the case for everyone.

Less of a daily wear out of this Gucci, since it does have a period of being ‘Intense’. But, this could absolutely serve as something for the nightlife, dates, etc. It’s got a sensuous aroma and is attractive.

It’s sort of old school, with a modern twist. Mature, but not old and stuffy. Yet, it has the sort of refined character to allow it to be worn on more formal occasions.

Overall Impressions of Guilty EDP Intense

Overall do I like EDP Intense? Yes, I do. It’s definitely one of the best from the women’s Guilty line. I think that it’s second best behind Absolute, but not too far behind.

I really like it when a plum note gets to shine. The floral notes aren’t too overwhelming, especially the violet which can be bothersome. Not here, though. This is well done, giving you a sweetness and nice patchouli, with a balance.

The performance is very good, bordering on great. It’ll last for a long enough time and not completely go skin scent mode, after an hour. So, plenty of time to enjoy this one.

It might not be a good option for everyone. But, I do think that it is very much worth a try. Sort of safe as a blind buy, but if it sounds iffy to you, hold off on getting the full bottle until you sample it first.

Irresistible EDT Fraiche by Givenchy

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Irresistible is one of the popular fragrance series from Givenchy. L’Interdit seems to get more attention, but this franchise also gives you a variety of choices to go with. A few months back, I received samples of the different Irresistible perfumes, in order to add full reviews of each. Today, I am covering Irresistible Fraiche and presenting my thoughts on this scent. How does it smell? When should it be worn? Is it worth a try?

What does Irresistible Fraiche Smell Like?

Notes include: rose, iris, pink pepper, orange, musk, cedar

Click here to try: Irresistible Fraiche at Macy’s

irresistible fraiche review

My Full Review

Here’s how Givenchy describes it:  A captivating contrast between fresh rose and vibrant spices. Liberate your energy and express yourself freely with Irresistible Eau de Toilette Fraiche. A fusion of sheer spontaneity and exhilarating vitality.

Fraiche opens up with a bright and energetic kick, brought to you by the pink pepper and citrus zest of the orange note. It’s not overly spicy or really all that warm, in the beginning. Indeed, it takes that Fraiche moniker and delivers with a light and refreshing aroma.

Interestingly, the rose and the iris are coming through early. They aren’t especially heavy or domineering in this mix. But, there is that soft powdery quality coming from the iris. Fraiche will become much more of a musky floral.

I actually get more of the iris than the rose on my skin. Again, though not heavy floral notes here.

Still, with that same freshness throughout, but retaining a sweetness from the early orange and even pink pepper.

In the end, it’s pretty much a mix of the floral notes, musk, and that cedar base. The cedar is pretty prominent in the dry down of Irresistible Fraiche.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here is what could be considered average, overall. But, in the early stages this one has a bit of power, nice scent trail, and an ability to project off of the skin.

Is that a super long lasting ability? Not really, but it is there for a while. So, Fraiche deserves some credit for that.

The total time that it lasts on the skin, is about 4-5 hours for me. Again, this is nothing special, but about what I would expect for this Fraiche style of perfume. Just know going in, that this isn’t going to be as good as others in the series or when compared to many other fragrances.

Seasonally, Irresistible Fraiche is one to break out in the spring and summer months. In the warmer to hotter weather, this one is really at its absolute best. The citrus opening and the lighter floral notes were attractive when I wore them outside in August.

Fraiche is one obviously to use to freshen up. Outside of that, it can be used as a daily wear, if you can reapply, once it has faded. It’s easy to spray on, not particularly sexy or formal, but pleasant enough.

Overall Impressions of Irresistible Fraiche

Overall, do I like Irresistible Fraiche? The smell is nice enough, but it doesn’t really cover any new ground. It’s just quite likeable and simple.

The performance isn’t very good, which was to be expected with a Fraiche version of this Irresistible formula. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, if you know what to expect going into wearing this Givenchy perfume.

I like the opening act with the zesty citrus and pink pepper note. That’s a really good start. The rose and the iris are a nice combination, more rose for me, but it’s all pretty boilerplate with how it all develops. There’s nothing that is all that unique or interesting here.

That being said, if you can get a heavy discount and this sounds like something you might enjoy, it could be worth a try for some ladies. I don’t think that most people would think that it smells horrible and would probably have a positive experience with it.

For me, it’s just okay on the whole, and there’s plenty of other options out there.