Bath & Body: 33 posts

Star rating: 5 stars–outstanding/potential classic, 4 stars–very good, 3 stars–adequate, 2 stars–disappointing, 1 star–poor.

If you enjoy musky floral fragrances like L’Artisan L’Été En Douce (Extrait de Songe), Philosophy Inner Grace or Le Labo Ambrette 9, Bath & Body Works Cotton Blossom will be a lovely discovery. I already reviewed a few BBW fragrances, and as I mentioned before, exploring the collection is very enjoyable. While the fragrances are not particularly complex, they have a cheerful simplicity and an impressive diversity. I really think that anyone can find at least one fragrance to enjoy in the BBW lineup. So far, my favorite choices have been Velvet Tuberose, Twilight Woods, and Moonlight Path. Cotton Blossom is my most recent discovery– a sophisticated soft orange blossom composition that I would reach for whether it came in a bottle from L’Artisan or from BBW. The price point of $10.50 for an 8 ounce bottle does not hurt either.

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Although for the past few years I have been waking up at 6am every day, I am far from being a morning person. Therefore, I create strategies to wake up quicker and to start my day uplifted and rejuvenated without resorting to caffeine. One of my favorite tricks is a scented shower, a vivid burst of fragrance that feels refreshing. For the past few weeks, I have alternated between The Body Shop shower gels in Olive and Moringa, depending on my morning mood. If I crave a sparkling, fresh scent, I reach for Olive, which is fragrant with green tangerine and cardamom. Should I wish for a lush, floral scent, Moringa is my choice for its orange blossom and jasmine bouquet.

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Bubble baths are at the top of my list of favorite pampering rituals. After all, few things are as relaxing and calming, forcing one to slow down and enjoy a few moments of rest. Even when my busy routine forces me to cut corners everywhere, I still try to make time for a bath. Of course, soaps and candles are an important part of this activity. Although I tend to be partial to L’Occitane’s mildly scented soaps, lately I have found myself craving richer fragrances. Florence, Stella and Cleopatra are the threee scents for which Tocca soaps are available, along with matching candles….

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Indulgence has acquired a new meaning for me when I tried Frédéric Malle Body Butters (Beurres Exquis). Imagine a thick, luxurious cream that feels like sweet whipped cream on the fingers, melts into the skin like warm butter and has a fragrance as rich as the pure perfume. One can choose from Iris Poudre, Une Rose, Carnal Flower and Une Fleur de Cassie. The butters are presented in the elegant bakelite jars, the heft of which perfectly complements the experience of the product itself. Applying these body butters is almost as enjoyable as catching their fragrance throughout the whole day. …

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If you are looking for a shower gel version of L’Artisan Parfumeur La Chasse Aux Papillons, then Midnight Tuberose would be a perfect choice. The scent of its pearly white cream captures perfectly a mist of jasmine and tuberose that makes La Chasse Aux Papillons so appealing. It lathers easily and lingers pleasantly on the skin, although not strongly enough to clash with whatever fragrance one decides to wear. Moreover, the addition of aloe vera makes it fairly emollient, which further contributes to my affection for this shower gel.

The best part is that it is priced rather reasonably at $7.99 for 12oz, and is available at various online and natural food stores. Drugstore is just one such place where it can be found. This proves that a true olfactory delight accompanying every morning shower does not have to be costly.