Cheap & Chic: 70 posts

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

Jennifer Aniston, an American actress and the star of the popular “Friends” sitcom, is the latest celebrity to jump into the scented waters. While I give Jennifer Aniston Eau de Parfum 3 stars, when compared to other celebrity fragrances it probably should get all five. Instead of the expected candy bar and bubble gum compote, we instead get a silky white floral bouquet over a delicious sandalwood and musk base. The result is polished and comfortable, the fragrance equivalent of nicely fitting jeans. Given that a perfect pair of jeans is an important piece in anyone’s wardrobe, having a perfume to convey the same impression is not such a bad thing at all. Not every single perfume needs to be the equivalent of an haute couture gown.

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

The green softness of tea paired with mellow spicy notes gives L’Occitane Green Tea / Thé Vert a very appealing fresh, yet hazy quality. It recalls the pleasantly fuzzy feel of tender buds or perhaps peach skin. Despite a lavish dose of citrusy notes, Green Tea does not really venture into the territory of classical cologne. Instead, it plays up the soft woody notes and crisp floral motifs to create a simple, yet very appealing green tea fragrance.

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

Incense Pure was my introduction to Sonoma Scent Studio’s collection. The first time I wore it, I was reminded of the initial role of perfume as a healing potion—one drop of Incense Pure on my wrist, and I felt uplifted and refreshed. Since then I have tried most of the Sonoma Scent Studio’s fragrances, and my initial favorable  impression of the line remains unchanged. With every fragrance, regardless of whether it made my list of favorites or not, I have been delighted to discover not just a memorable scent, but also the very distinctive fingerprint of its creator. This is what touched me about the fragrances; they make a coherent, yet diverse collection and provide a glimpse into someone’s universe.

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While perfume is a luxury item, the price may not necessarily reflect the quality of fragrance either within the mainstream or the niche brands. As I was testing Cartier Les Heures de Parfum and feeling shocked by the price sticker of $255 per 75ml, I began to wonder about affordable and good quality fragrances.

What is your favorite, reasonably priced fragrance? How do you find your perfume bargains?

My favorite reasonably priced fragrances include Bath & Body Works Cotton Blossom ($10.50, a lovely powdery orange blossom reminiscent of Rochas Tocade) and Velvet Tuberose (75ml $13.25, airy, creamy tuberose,) Sonoma Scent Studio Incense Pure (17ml $36, excellent smoky incense,) Crabtree & Evelyn Iris (30 ml $25, simple, but very elegant iris), Pacifica California Star Jasmine ($9 solid perfume, green, bright jasmine), Demeter Gin & Tonic (120ml $18.80, effervescent, green citrus with a hint of pepper.) Rochas Tocade is not necessarily cheap, but I recently got a 100ml bottle for about $30 on Amazon.com. Ebay.com can also be a great place to find perfumes at bargain prices, but buyer beware, not everything sold there is authentic.

The best fragrance bargain I have come across was a bottle of Shalimar EDP at the garage sale for $5.  Alas, it was the first and only time…

Image: Moschino Cheap & Chic ad (I love its tongue-in-cheek, flamboyant quality)