New Escentual Post: Agent Provocateur Fatale Review

“Flirt With Danger” – ‘Fatale’ the Latest Fragrance from Agent Provocateur

Lots of perfumes are sold on the basis that they are ‘sexy’. All one needs to do to see proof of this is simply peruse an assortment of perfume ads, which will inevitably show attractive men and lady folk in varying states of undress post and pre-coitus. Sex sells, of course, and the perfume world is not immune to this, meaning that where fragrance goes, ‘sexy’ is never far behind.

One brand that is not averse to racy perfumes is Agent Provocateur. Their wardrobe of fragrances (or should that be ‘knicker draw of fragrances’?) is full of retro, glamour puss perfumes that are instantly evocative of silk stockings, garter belts and frilly brassieres. ‘Fatale’, their latest perfume, feels very much like a step into the mainstream and plays with the idea of a powdery ‘fruitchouli’ in an enjoyable, but not particularly erotic manner.

For my Escentual column this week, I have taken a close look at this new fragrance and whether it feels more fun than foxy (spoiler: it does). So, if you’re in the mood to read about a femme without the fatale then please click here to head on over to Escentual. As always, don’t forget to let me know what you think of Fatale, if you’ve given it a try, or even what your favourite sexy fragrance is.

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New Escentual Post: Funk Your Life Up!

Funk Your Life Up With These Skanky Scents!

A perfume can be many things – beautiful, thought provoking, pretty, classic, over the top and sumptuous, to name just a new. But what about those fragrances that don’t want to smell good? I am of course referring to the skanks of the perfume world, and by ‘skanks’, I mean those randy animalic scents that smell utterly beastly when compared to their prettier and more mainstream counterparts. These bad boys and bad girls like to get down and dirty and they don’t care what you think – after all, aren’t the best things in life just a tiny bit unsanitary?

For last week’s Escentual column, I proposed to take readers on a guided tour of the dark underbelly of the fragrance world. Down these smelly back streets, one will find a bevy of filthy beauties that lure one on to the side streets with the intention of ensnaring willing victims. So, if you want to revel in the filthier side of life, simply click here to head on over to Escentual to read my take on animalic perfumes. There is but one rule – leave your soap at home!

Of course, this guide serves as a look at of some of Escentual’s finest, and filthiest offerings, and is by no means a comprehensive look at skank in the fragrance industry (I’d have thrown in Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Absolue Pour le Soir if I could have – it’s more than just a little bit frisky), so please do feel free to share you filthy faves either in the comments box below or underneath the article on the Escentual blog.

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New Escentual Post: Van Cleef & Arpels Collection Extraordinaire

Up until very recently, Van Cleef & Arpels was not a brand whose fragrant offerings I was particularly familiar with. They are well known for the older scents, especially the Jean-Claude Ellena-penned ‘First’, which was created way back in 1976. It seems that in my ignorance, I have been missing out on some intriguing perfume blends, especially with the brand’s exclusive line – ‘Collection Extraordinaire’.

For last week’s Escentual column I have reviewed all of the fragrances within the Collection Extraordinaire, including the latest addition – ‘California Rêverie’ (a more in-depth review of which, can be found here). This is, for the most part, a thoroughly well-executed collection that covers a wide range of familiar styles and serves as a rather understated approach to ‘niche’ perfumery. To read my review, simply click here. Don’t forget to let me know which of the collection is your favourite in the comments box.

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New Escentual Post: P is for Poison…

The ‘P’ in my ‘Escentual A-Z’ could have stood for many things. After all, itt was quite tempting to tackle the olfactory offerings of Italian fashion house, Prada or it would have even been quite interesting to take a look at Patchouli, one of the more prevalent (and wonderful) ingredients within the perfumer’s palette. But as great as both of these subjects are, there was one that simply would not have allowed me to talk about anything else but it – or should I say ‘her’.

That’s right, for this week’s Escentual column and the latest instalment in my fragrant A-Z, I have penned an ode to the biggest diva and the fiercest bitch in all of perfumedom – Poison by Christian Dior. No fragrance has been louder, prouder and more iconic, and whether one loves her or her hates, it cannot be denied that Poison has personality by the bucket loads. The question is whether you’re her friend or her enemy? I know which I would rather be…

So, if you’re in the mood for a small dose of Poison (I think we all agree that this one is always better in a measured dose), please apply your ruffles, back comb that huge hair and insert those shoulder pads – oh and click here to head on over to Escentual to read the piece. Just be careful not to end up in a cat fight whilst your there – Poison fights dirty and I cannot guarantee your safety. Enjoy!

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New Escentual Post: Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Collection Review

Fragrant Ditties: Guerlain's Aqua Allegoria Collection — Fragrant Ditties: Guerlain’s Aqua Allegoria Collection

Everyone loves Guerlain’s Aqua Allegoria collection, right? I mean, what’s not to adore about easy-breezy fragrances inspired by nature? Nothing – that’s what. This diffusion line presents fragrant ditties that sing with floral and citrus notes very much in line with the ‘Guerlain DNA’. All-in-all, it’s a very good line, and whilst I’m still lamenting the grossly unfair discontinuation of my beloved Lys Soleia (yes I’m giving you the evil eye, Guerlain), it’s hard to deny that the Aqua Allegorias, for the most part, are great perfumes.

Since the line’s launch in 1999, Guerlain have launched a whopping 31 Aqua Allegoria fragrances (according to Basenotes). Of course, many of these editions have not stood the test of time and despite annual launches, the collection currently stands at a neat total of 5 fragrances; Pamplelune (Holy Grapefruit), Herba Fresca (Magic Mint), Mandarine Basilic (Mediterranean Showdown), Nerolia Bianca (Orange is the New Blossom) and Limon Verde (Mojito Madness).

For my Escentual column this week I have sniffed and reviewed the entire Aqua Allegoria collection, including Limon Verde, the latest addition to the collection. So, if you’re in a summer mood and you’re wanting to hear some pretty little tunes played by the world’s greatest perfume house (an undeniable fact, I think you’ll find), simply click here to head on over to Escentual. As always, please feel free to leave a comment (either here or there) to let me know what your favourite Aqua Allegoria is.

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New Escentual Post: The Scents of Sunshine

The Scents of Sunshine - An Exploration of Solar Fragrances — The Scents of Sunshine – An Exploration of Solar Fragrances

So things were a little bit quiet on The Candy Perfume Boy front last week thanks to a heavy week at work. That said, I did still have time to give focus to my weekly Escentual column, and seeing as we were being treated to a delightful wave of good weather (which now seems to have disappeared), I took inspiration from the great big ball of fire in the sky that is sometimes referred to as ‘the sun’.

My post last week was a little olfactory tour of solar fragrances – that’s perfumes inspired by the light of the sun to you and me. Ranging from the bright brilliance of daylight to the fiery glow of sunset, this piece focused on some old sunny favourites (see Alien) as well as a few reviews of new things too. The stand out of ‘the new’ was definitely Guerlain’s Terracotta Le Parfum – a suitably delicious tropical floral made in the truly gourmand Guerlain style. To check out my ode to solar fragrances, please click here. Don’t forget to let me know what your favourite sun-kissed scents are, whilst you’re there!

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New Escentual Post: Fragrant Father’s Day Gift Guide

Father’s Day is just around the corner (15 June to be exact) and it’s that time where we get ready to celebrate those men, whether they be fathers, uncles or father-figures, that have played a huge part in crafting us into the wonderful people that we are. One superb way to say ‘thank you’ to our fathers is with the gift of fragrance. Dads, for the most part, like to smell good so why not treat them to something fancy and smelly this Father’s Day?

To aid you in selecting something appropriately dad-worthy, I have dedicated my Escentual column this week to a ‘Fragrant Gift Guide’. Here you’ll find a selection of masculine fragrances, ranging from the ‘safe bets’ to the ‘adventurous buys’ and the ‘big splashes’, that suit an even wider variety of men-folk. So, if you’re stuck for ideas this Father’s Day please click here to head on over to Escentual to snoop at my gift guide. If you’ve already picked out your present, don’t forget to leave me a comment letting me know what it is.

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New Escentual Post: Scenting Kimye

As you may or may not know, I have a penchant for picking perfumes for hapless celebrities. There’s just something so satisfying about getting down to the nitty gritty of a celeb’s character and seeking out a fragrance that matches or compliments them. In my Scent a Celebrity Series I have perfumed; The Muppets, The Royals, The Disney Villains, Björk, Nicki Minaj and Lady Gaga, just to name a few. I simply love a good celebrity perfume match, it’s true.

For my Escentual column this week and in honour of their recent wedding, I have scented Kimye. That’s right, my scented picks have been plucked for the one and only Kanye West and Kim Kardashian. Think what you want about these two, but you cannot deny the power these two celebrities hold over the media and legions of gossip-lovers. So click here to read my wedding perfume picks for two of the most iconic (and not necessarily most important (although I do think Mr. West is very talented)) celebrities of our age.

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New Escentual Post: Acqua di Parma’s Blu Mediterraneo Collection

Blu Mediterraneo: A Vibrant Taste of Italy

Up until very recently, Acqua di Parma’s Blu Mediterraneo collection came under the category of things that I had sniffed in passing but had never paid too much attention to. Quite unfairly, I might add. A few weeks ago my friends at Escentual sent me some samples of the line to try and I must admit that I was really impressed with the quality and diversity of fragrances within the collection. Smelling them really does take one away to the sights, smells and sounds of the mediterranean.

For my column this week, I have reviewed each of the six fragrances in the Blu Mediterraneo collection, including the brand new addition – a bracing take on the note of Sardinian juniper entitled ‘Ginepro di Sardegna‘. So if you fancy a little olfactory trip to the seas, skies and smellscapes of Italy then please click here to head on over to Escentual to discover Acqua di Parma’s Blu Mediterraneo. If you tried the perfumes, don’t forget to let me know your thoughts!

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New Escentual Post: Dior Homme Eau for Men Review

I think it’s no secret that Dior Homme is one of my favourite masculine fragrances and my love for it is possibly due to the fact that it isn’t particularly ‘manly’ in the traditional sense of the word. Using a strong and powdery iris note that is reminiscent of old make up bags, Dior (and more specifically, perfumer Olivier Polge) created a perfume that celebrates the modern man who is in touch with his feminine side. It is nothing short of a masterpiece and easily one of the greatest masculine fragrances of our time.

For 2014, Dior have launched Dior Homme Eau for Men, a lighter and more urban interpretation of the original. What’s interesting about this new Eau de Toilette is that it manages to be lighter in concentration and in character without dumbing down the olfactory profile of its forbearer. If you would like to read my full thoughts on the new launch, please click here to head on over to Escentual. Let me know what you think of the scent whilst you’re there!

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