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

It is almost ironic that a fragrance described by its creators as “something Barbie might wear” turns out to be the most sophisticated release among the recent array of sweet and cute perfumes. The white floral bouquet of Juicy Couture fragrance is more along the lines of Christian Dior J’Adore and Marc Jacobs Blush, rather than Britney Spears Fantasy and Vera Wang Princess. While it does not attempt to break new ground in perfumery, Juicy Couture is an enjoyable scent. It is pretty without resorting to many clichés and girly without being puerile. …

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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 clear soup, suimono (literally meaning “something to drink”) can serve as the measure of a Japanese chef’s talent, proving that the simplest ideas are often the most challenging ones to execute. The classical combination of lavender and amber seems straightforward, yet smelling Caron Pour Un Homme which was created in 1934 by Ernest Daltroff, one realizes the genius of this pairing. …

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

F is indeed an appropriate name for this rather indifferent new release from Salvatore Ferragamo. From the sharp nail polish remover stringency of the top notes to the cloying sweetness pervading its base, F adopts every single cliché of a commercial feminine perfume with the resulting impression lacking any suggestion of character or individuality. …

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Slatkin’s collection of fragrances now includes Orange Blossom & Citron, which is described as “a vivacious blend of orange blossom and citrus with sprarkling notes of ripe mandarin, fresh neroli and spicy lemon zest.”

Also, see the new Scentstrip column by Chandler Burr in the NYT, which discusses Slatkin Absinthe, Dior Homme and Versace The Dreamer.

Update: Slatkin fragrances have been discontinued.

Cosmetics International reports on a new line inspired by Shakespeare. Juliette Has A Gun will be launched next year with Lady Vengeance and Miss Charming, with three more fragrances following later. The two perfumes are created by Francis Kurkdjian, the perfumer behind Acqua di Parma Iris Nobile (with Christine Nagel), Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male, Dior Cologne Blanche and Eau Noire as well as Lanvin Rumeur. “Taking its name from Shakespeare’s ill-fated heroine and updating it to the 21st century, Ricci [Romano Ricci of A&R Parfums which created the brand] said he aimed to create a new stable of fragrances for modern women who ‘pursue today, more than ever, an intense desire for freedom’,” note the article. “Lady Vengeance aims to evoke powerful emotions with notes of Italian rose absolute, vanilla and patchouli while the more innocent Miss Charming will feature Moroccan rose, wild strawberry and lychee.”