For all you passionate about fragrances out there, Diptyque Cologne Collection was just crowned the celestial favorite from the Grand Prix du Parfum. Which is the equivalent to the ‘Oscars’ in the fragrance world.

For the 17th edition of the French awards, Diptyque’s Cologne Collection – L’Eau de L’Eau, L’Eau de Néroli and L’Eau des Hespérides – that launched in June 2008, won the Grand Prix du Parfum in the exclusive distribution category. The Cologne Collection was up against such prestigious brands as Chanel, Guerlain and Frédéric Malle.

So how did this luxury line fair up with its earthy, citrus and floral scents? The L’Eau de L’Eau was a keen favorite of mine. With a clean and fresh scent, it would sure go over well past my nose. Lest any judges. Also the L’Eau des Hespérides, was just spectacular. Airing different floral notes that jumped around in pure divinity. As one might say. Of course the trinity series, including the L’Eau de Néroli. Which bounces with citrus notes, are quite the sure takers this year when it comes to a fantastic fragrance that goes the distance. Bravo!

Article by © Jacqueline H. - Senior Writer, Editor 2009

The exclusive Les Fantaisies Parfumees by Manuel Canovas includes ‘Pink Riviera’ $95.00

After decorating interiors with an architect’s precision and the instinct of a colorist, Manuel Canovas, the internationally esteemed French textile house, introduces a quintet of fine fragrances, Les Fantaisies Parfumees.

Both the fragrances and their bold exterior packaging are borrowed from personal journeys of Manuel Canovas. Boasting inspiration from the Mediterranean to the French Province. The collection depicts a fantastical world of colors, moods with contrasts. That envelops the wearer in an opulent aromatic universe. (Wow!)

Blended with a palette of natural ingredients sought from around the world. Les Fantaisies Parfumees offer a luxurious collection of fine fragrances with a nod to the rich Manuel Canovas fabric heritage.

The Pink Riviera fragrance is reminiscent of summer nights on the quays of St. Tropez. A tribute to his study of botany and fascination with florals, Manuel Canovas created this vivid motif as a contrasting dialogue between his love of nature and his admiration for geometry.
The fragrance has a top note of fresh and sparkling blends of Bergamot from Calabria, Italian Citron, Greek Grapefruit, Italian Mandarin, and Wild Mint. The middle note: An exotic floral blend of Egyptian Jasmine, Turkish Rose, and Indian Sandalwood. And the base note: A sweet and sensual duo of White Musk and rich Amber.

Article by © Jacqueline H. - Senior Writer & Editor, West Coast 2009

Now, as I am delving more and more into the beauty industry. I have found my true calling in this world, and a true passion to write about it. I love to tell you about ‘what is the best’ out there today. It’s not just my job, it’s my passion. I love being a beauty writer and critic, and especially sharing it with you, my audience, and fellow beautynistas out there who also love the beauty industry!

Well this is 2009, and as I said before it is time for a ‘beauty-full’ new you. Follow me throughout this year as I will take you through my new journey of ‘Beauty 101′. And I would love to start with a fantastic company out of London, England called Space.NK.apothecary.

Space.NK to me is probably one of the coolest beauty online and outlet stores that I have ever come across. With a location in both Covent Garden London, and in New York. This fabulous beauty store has everything for both women and men. Ranging from make-up, skin care lines, fragrances (of which they have their own Space.NK brand too) to home fragrances.

But on my new ‘Beauty 101′ scale of critique. I tried a few fragrances from their own line. Now I must say that the quality of packaging to product is excellent. And superb value for your buck. I loved the Jasamber line, with woody under tones. To the Tuberoli line, which has a sweeter floral under note and blackcurrant over tones. Either way Space.NK has paved the way for superior beauty brand products out of Europe. And transformed into an exceptional beauty boutique for the connoisseur of beauty lines. With specially edited and original beauty products from innovators and specialists from around the world. I know that you will enjoy exploring their online beauty boutique. As well as their products to suit your needs, as much as I have.

Welcome to the unique world of Space.NK.apothecary.

Space.NK Jasamber Eau de Toilette 50ml

Jasamber is a captivating fragrance, conjuring up the splendor of the Northern Lights witnessed from a tiny village in the Polar Circle. Crisp citrus and green notes radiate around jasmine, osmanthus and vert de lilas. Then amber, sandalwood and precious woods are chilled by frozen musks.

Space. NK Tuberoli Signature Collection - $95.00
Layer the silky, fragrant Bath Oil and a spritz of Eau de Toilette to enjoy its comforting aroma throughout the day.

Tuberoli is reminiscent of a romantic weekend in Rome. This ultra-feminine fragrance is unabashedly luxurious. Bold white floral make an entrance, while honeysuckle and jasmine wink behind. Blackcurrant and peach trail in its wake.

Article by © Jacqueline H. - Senior Writer & Editor, West Coast 2009

Win this! The New fragrance Winter by CLEAN!

The new fragrance Winter by CLEAN has a cool, crisp, and clean tribute to the Season! So frosty, so fresh, CLEAN Winter Eau de Parfum captures the feeling of taking a step outside from the warm indoors into a cold, wintery, snowy afternoon!

CLEAN Winter stimulates the senses with notes of Crisp Bergamot, Soft Iris, White Jasmine, Fresh Mint Leaves & Frosty Hyacinth. A fresh, floral scent that is uncomplicated and simple.

But wait! We are giving away one CLEAN Winter Eau de Parfum! Join our NEW Newsletter! And subscribe to Couture in the City to be entered into the pool of picks!

Here is what Couture Staff is saying about Winter!

“Winter by CLEAN is the fragrance that every women should own and wear this season. As well as being the perfect holiday gift essential.”
Jacqueline H. Senior Writer & Editor, West Coast, US

“I love the scent it really goes well with my chemistry. A small spray goes a long way. What a beautiful fragrance!”
Angelique Sims - Editor In Chief - Atlanta

The CLEAN Winter Eau de Parfum and Whipped Body Cream Set is available at HSN for $59.95. And at Sephora.com and Beauty.com in the US. And at Holt Renfrew in Canada. CLEAN is also available at www.cleanperfume.com.

This giveaway ends on December 19th 2008. So subscribe to our NEW Newsletter to be picked!

Article by © Jacqueline H. - Senior Writer & Editor, West Coast 2008

Giveaway Disclaimer: Couture in the City and the featured product is not responsible for any errors that may occur during the giveaway. Nor for any incorrect winners information that may occur during the drawing. To be entered into the giveaway, readers have to subscribe to Couture in the City. A winner is picked one time only.

We have all been waiting for the next hit from the Bond franchise! That debonair 007 and his latest flick Quantum of Solace hits theaters this Friday November 14th.
But maybe you have also seen those quite seductive TV slots and adverts for the new fragrance Bond Girl 007 - featuring the new star of running ladies to hit the sack with Bond. None other than British beauty - Gemma Arterton. Yes this new classic beauty is the face of this campaign with Avon Products, Inc.

They had announced collaboration with the James Bond entertainment franchise to create a new signature Bond Girl 007 women’s fragrance. Bringing the confident allure of cinema’s sexiest icons to Avon consumers worldwide. British actress Gemma Arterton, who plays the role of Agent Fields in the upcoming Bond film, will be the face of the new fragrance. She has appeared on TV and print advertising when Bond Girl 007 launches in conjunction with the worldwide release of Quantum of Solace.

“I’m thrilled to be working with two such iconic and established brands,” said Gemma Arterton. “The Bond Girl 007 fragrance embodies everything a Bond Girl represents — intelligence, sexiness and confidence.” Says Gemma the new face of Avon’s Bond Girl 007.

The classic and alluring look of Bond Girl 007 - Shaken, but not stirred…

The scent is a sexy cocktail of velvety florals, cool freshness and warm woods. It features top notes of velvety white peach and orange blossom followed by mid-notes of jasmine, calypso orchid and freesia. The dry down consists of amber, cashmere wood and patchouli. Bond Girl 007 is housed in a sleek, seductive bottle reminiscent of a woman’s body. The cap is a stealthy homage to a Bond spy gadget.

Well ladies it looks like I may just have to try this newly seductive fragrance by Avon. And see if it lives up to its name of Bond classics as the ultimate man magnet. Or should I say, Bond magnet. Stay tuned to Couture in the City to see our reviews of this latest fragrance.

Source: Comingsoon.net, Avon

Article by © Jacqueline H. - Senior Writer 2008

Victoria’s Secret’s sexy supermodel and angel, Adriana Lima launched the newest addition to the iconic dream angels fragrance collection, Dream Angels Wish at the Herald Square flagship store in NYC.

The fragrance just hit stores today and is available at Victoria’s Secret and VictoriaSecret.com!  The fragrance is a fruity floriental and Adriana is the face of this whimsical fragrance.

Collection

Perfume 1 oz ($39), 2.5 oz ($49) and 4.2 oz ($59)
Softening Body Lotion – 8.4 oz ($20)
Softening Body Wash – 8.4 oz ($15)

Couture in the City is proud to present our *Best Beauty Product of 2008 - CLEAN Perfume- Shower Fresh For Men Giveaway!

Enter to win one 4 oz Eau de Toilette of Shower Fresh for Me valued at $79.00! So subscribe to Couture in the City to be added to the pool of picks. And if you already subscribe you are automatically added to the giveaway. The giveaway will run until September 23rd 2008. So good luck to you all my beautynistas!

Source: www.cleanperfume.com

Couture in the City is proud to present our *Best Beauty Product of 2008 - CLEAN Perfume- Shower Fresh For Men Giveaway!

Enter to win one 4 oz Eau de Toilette of Shower Fresh for Me valued at $79.00! So subscribe to Couture in the City to be added to the pool of picks. And if you already subscribe you are automatically added to the giveaway. The giveaway will run until September 23rd 2008. So good luck to you all my beautynistas!

Source: www.cleanperfume.com

Couture in the City is proud to present our *Best Beauty Product of 2008 - CLEAN Perfume- Shower Fresh For Men Giveaway!

Enter to win one 4 oz Eau de Toilette of Shower Fresh for Me valued at $79.00! So subscribe to Couture in the City to be added to the pool of picks. And if you already subscribe you are automatically added to the giveaway. The giveaway will run until September 23rd 2008. So good luck to you all my beautynistas!

Source: www.cleanperfume.com

Red Door Shimmer Available This Holiday Season at Elizabeth Arden

Roaring fires, sparkling champagne, cashmere sweaters, pine trees, white snow…these are the luxurious fragrances and feelings of the holidays. Now Elizabeth Arden has created a fragrance with you in mind as the holiday season approaches. Red Door Shimmer offers a take on the classic Red Door fragrance with a sparkling hint of holiday cheer that is festive and alive.

Red Door always reminds me of Christmas morning…for many years, a bottle would end up in my mothers stocking. However, Red Door Shimmer has a little something extra that smells warm and feminine. Its beautiful red and gold packaging make it ideal for gift giving, especially for the woman that has everything.

Top notes in this fragrance include Japanese Pear, Yuzu Leaf, Blackberry and Pink Pepper to create a bouquet that is both youthful and timeless. Stop by your nearest Elizabeth Arden counter to experience your next favorite fragrance.