2012 launches: 129 posts

L’Artisan Parfumeur Mandarine is available again as a summer limited edition. It was previously launched as Mandarine Tout Simplement. The Eau de Toilette was created by perfumer Olivia Giacobetti, and it includes notes of green mandarin, ginger, yellow mandarin, frangipani, red mandarin, and cedarwood.

“Travel to Calabria or Sicily… green, yellow and red mandarins, 3 beautiful essences treated at different stages of maturity.” £55 (100 ml), available from L’Artisan as well as its Neiman Marcus, Barneys New York, and Henri Bendels counters. Via l’artisan.com

Chanel is introducing a new flanker on Allure Homme, Allure Homme Sport Eau Extreme. It is described by Chanel as “an aromatic musk cologne” with notes of mandarin, cypress, spearmint, clary sage, white musk accord, tonka bean, cedarwood, sandalwood, and black pepper.

“True to its origins, EAU EXTRÊME takes its cue from ALLURE HOMME SPORT but has a decidedly more aromatic personality. Launched in 2004, ALLURE HOMME SPORT EAU DE TOILETTE captures all of the elements of a body in motion. In 2012, ALLURE HOMME SPORT is pushing a new boundary with EAU EXTRÊME. With a composition of exhilarating sensations, the new sporty, edgy, avant-garde scent appeals to risk-takers and adrenaline seekers.

Mint kicks things off from the very first note, along with refreshing of Sicilian Mandarin rind and Moroccan Cypress. The impression is as icy as the chill that runs down the spine just before taking a leap. Discreet but present, Clary Sage adds a touch of warmth, an almost amber plant-like sensuality. While not as spicy as ALLURE HOMME SPORT, the composition nevertheless calls upon Black Pepper from Madagascar, suggesting a muted, rhythmic beat that resonates in the chest. Then comes the big moment: a White Musk accord selected by CHANEL Master Perfumer Jacques Polge for its cottony soft and subtly animal intonations. And above all, the round, almondy note of Tonka Bean is used to create intensity. Cedar, a conserved note from ALLURE HOMME SPORT, plays a supporting role of pure strength in a straight line underscored by milky Sandalwood. One thing is for certain: ALLURE HOMME SPORT EAU EXTRÊME gives a fresh boost on the skin.”

Via press release

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

Truth or Dare? Tame or dramatic? Cheerleader or femme fatale? As I reached for the slim white bottle of Madonna’s Truth or Dare perfume at the Macy’s counter, I felt reluctant to shatter my dream of a Bandit like blend. Of course, since Coty, a company renowned for its commercial blockbusters, backed Madonna, it would be naïve to expect leather and incense. However I tried to reason with myself, I just didn’t want Madonna’s first perfume to be a cheap cotton candy blend. I spray the liquid on my skin, wait for the alcohol to evaporate and bring the wrist to my nose for the moment of truth.

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New York based perfume boutique Aedes de Venustas is releasing a fragrance under its own brand name. Aedes de Venustas Signature Eau de Parfum is composed by perfumer Bertrand Duchaufour, and Duchaufour’s words, it is an olfactory reflection of the boutique. “The Aedes de Venustas world is a world of luxury, of quality; simultaneously opulent and baroque yet decadent in a way that is refined. This is reflected in the store’s interior; purple, red and aubergine colors, shimmering and iridescent tones like those found in peacock feathers, and textures expressed in velvet, angel skin like silk, taffetas and brocades.” In 2009 Aedes de Venustas collaborated with L’Artisan Parfumeur on Aedes de Venustas perfume, also created by Duchaufour. The previous fragrance was a smoky incense composition.

The fragrance includes notes of rhubarb, tomato leaf, red-currant, honeysuckle, vetiver, hazelnut, and incense. “The construction is round, luxurious, voluptuous and addictive. The scent’s chypre character is pierced at its center with the ephemeral green freshness of rhubarb accord; the axis around which the fragrance revolves, like the wearer emanating its memorable sillage. Embodied and embodying; Aedes de Venustas Signature Eau de Parfum is the past, present and future of perfumery in simultaneous revolution.”

Aedes de Venustas Eau de Parfum (3.4oz/100ml – $225). There is also soap (9 oz/250gm – $35). Via press release

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

She wears her pink bow with panache. She is in a perpetually cheerful mood. She is pretty and bubbly. That’s Salvatore Ferragamo Signorina for you, a new fragrance that has all the attributes of a best seller — easy, fruity and radiant. Picking up the bottle, you already know that it is going to be a trendy and lighthearted fragrance. The perfume is aimed at the younger market, and for the target audience it hits the spot.

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