Jamie tried it: Given that so many other reviews have all but deified this last installation of the Private Collection, I had high expectations for this brash and creamy floral. It's a bit of a curveball fragrance for me - I thought I knew what I was getting into at the start ("green floral chypre") but instead it seemed, to my nose, dusty and old-fashioned. The top notes reminded me strongly of something a grandmother would wear - and not in the classy, memorable way. Once the initial burst died down, it turned into a sweeter, fresher floral with just the right amount of jasmine coming to the forefront. The base notes of vetiver and a distinctively mossy smell (the "white moss mist" ingredient is proprietary to Estee Lauder) finished off warmly without being overly sweet. I was so thrilled not to be hit over the head with the lilies and jasmine that this just scored a slot in my summer rotation. Despite the initial granny opening notes, this robust floral is otherwise stunning.

Notes: Fresh/Sparkling - Black Currant, Galbanum, Bergamot, Elegant/Complex: Jasmine Sambac, Ylang Ylang, Jasmine, Violet, Orange Flower, Orris, Warm/Modern: Patchouli, Vetiver, White Moss Mist

$80 (1 oz.), $135 (2.5 oz.) - available at Estee Lauder's website and associated retailers

(*Remember, DeLush does not rate fragrances because of the individual tastes and body chemistry that affect each user's experience. But you can check the Perfume category in the DeLush Super Search if you'd like to see more fragrance ideas!)

Melissa Tried It: I admit, I'm a Kat Von D fan. I watch L.A. Ink and think she's a mighty badass example of a creative woman who has taken charge of her business and turned her passion into a living. That's why I was drawn to check out her Saint & Sinner fragrances on a recent trip to Sephora. By far, I found I preferred Saint. If you lean toward sweeter/luscious scents like myself, this one is yummy with a touch of floral sophistication. I purchased the rollerball version, thinking the deliciously-layered combination would be a perfect "comfort day" scent. And in all respects but one, it is.

HOWEVER.

There is an unfortunate lack of staying power here...consistently fading away after 4 hours or so, and even before then it begins hiding right up against your skin so closely that you have to put your nose right on it to really enjoy it. Disappointing. True, you don't want a fragrance to announce your presence before you enter a room, but I for one at least expect it to be something I can enjoy without walking around with my wrist in my face. Sadly, I noticed people have also expressed this same problem with the Eau de Parfum spray bottle, which makes me even more glad I only spent $16 versus $59. If they can increase the longevity of this scent it could be a winner; until then if you like it prepare to reapply liberally. $16, Sephora.

Scent Description: "The sweet nectar of Mirabelle Plum and sparkling juicy mandarin create an addictive, mouth-watering top. At the heart, exotic, heady Tiare flower and sweet, tempting caramel are adorned with the velvety floralcy of jasmine, the queen of the night, as she emits her spellbinding fragrance into the sky. Sensual vanilla and creamy musk combine with the warmth of sandalwood for a comforting dry down."

*As you know, DeLush does not give a lip rating to fragrances because of the objective nature of scent, but we'll explain our own experience of the fragrance to you!

technorati tags: Kat Von D, fragrance, perfume, cosmetics

Jen Tried It: I'm not sure why, but I don't have any CHANEL fragrances in my collection. It's especially surprising to me now, after testing this body cream and shower gel, both of which I LOVE. The body cream is perfect in every way: a small amount is plenty to moisturize my legs throughout the day. It seeps in just enough to do the trick without being greasy, but at the same time, the dreamy fragrance remains noticeable throughout the day. The scent of the shower gel doesn't linger quite as long, but makes for a lovely shower before special events or a big day at work. These are certainly a splurge in today's economic conditions, but would make an excellent gift for Mother's Day...or just a special treat for yourself. Body Cream, $75.00. Shower Gel, $47.50. Department Stores or Chanel.com.

Melissa Tried It: This scent seemed right up my alley..."A rich core of Molten Woods and Amber, surrounded by atmospheric florals, warmed by a hint of Pepper and a touch of Honey." It's long-lasting, and wears a bit more like a musk than a perfume (though it is not a musk). I guess what I mean is it's deep right from the start, which makes sense seeing as they were setting out to redefine "the traditional fragrance structure of Top, Middle and Base notes. Instead, a Warm core is surrounded by Feminine, Luminous notes." I find it to be the kind of warm, rich, but unassuming fragrance that can easily become a signature scent for any type of woman.
Notes: Warm - Molten Woods, Amber Feminine - Jasmine, Ghost Lily, Magnolia, Ylang Luminous - Black Pepper, Sandalwood, Honey, Mandarin Orange Pulp $42.00 (1 oz), $52.00 (1.7 oz), $75.00 (3.4 oz) from Estée Lauder.com and their retail locations.

(*Remember, DeLush does not rate fragrances because of the individual tastes and body chemistry that affect each user's experience. But you can check the Perfume category in the DeLush Super Search if you'd like to see more fragrance ideas!)

What They Say: "Nantucket Natural Oils contain all the good ingredients found in your favorite brand-name (e.g., Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren) fragrances without the harsh, offensive alcohol. Zero alcohol content means fewer problems for allergy sufferers, not to mention a naturally longer-lasting essence for fragrance users. And unlike some other fragrance stores - suppliers, we make natural perfumes."

Jen's Experience: The day I went to Nantucket over my 4th of July vacation was a rainy, non-descript day for the most part, but I did come away with one tremendous find: Nantucket Natural Oils. The small apothecary stores will find the perfect scent for you, or recreate your statement scent, both of which are a great find. I chose the path of recreating a scent, and was disappointed at first: their sense of Marc Jacobs was all wrong for me, and their attempts at Chanel scents for my friends did nothing for them. After a while, though, I thought of "Flowerbomb", which I seriously love but have never purchased. And let me tell you: their rendition was DEAD ON. I bought it without a second thought and have worn it pretty much every day since. My guy friends adore the scent, and so do I. An ounce of oil based scent, which costs to the tune of $75, promises to last 3 years. Plus, their non-alcohol-based scents last longer throughout the day than what you've been buying from the department store. You can also get even smaller amounts than that for trial purposes. If you live in the Boston or general Massachusetts area, I couldn't recommend more just stopping by and seeing their representation of your favorite perfume. Otherwise, drop by their website and get a sample of their rendition of a scent that you love.

Retail Price: $45.00/ 0.25 oz (Nantucket Natural Oils)

What They Say: "A vivifying fragrance resembling a white water cascade, a fresh aromatic journey, filled with pure and nurturing green fruit: green tea, lime and kiwi. An aroma extracting from nature all of its benefits for the skin, containing sage and lime essential oils. With a single generous splash, the skin feels replenished, toned and intensely refreshed, helping to reveal its natural beauty.

Revitalizing top notes of sparkling green citrus fruits: grapefruit, lemon, lime and kiwi, combined with rhubarb for clean, bracing freshness.

Purifying middle notes with the full, round fragrances of aquatic flowers like the lotus and the scent of green tea.

Warm bottom notes of moss, patchouli and musk to leave a deep, woodsy note in its wake."

Melissa Says: This scent, at least for me, is a bit too strong to spray all over. However, it IS uplifting and cool, and when spritzed once or twice, it elevates the mood a bit while smelling fresh, clean and crisp with a bit of depth. While it doesn't linger quite as long as some perfume fragrances, it can be a refreshing burst of aromatherapy for the day.

Retail Price: $36.00

(*Remember, DeLush does not rate fragrances because of the individual tastes and body chemistry that affect each user's experience. But you can check the Perfume category under "Product Type" if you'd like to see more fragrance ideas!)

What They Say: "A carnal interpretation of Pomegranate; the beguiling symbol of fertility. Top notes of Pomegranate, Cassis and Peach flow seamlessly into Violet, Ylang Ylang, and Ghanan Cacao before settling on a bed of Bulgarian Blond Tobacco, Vanilla and Amber."

Melissa Says: Not for the shy, this scent feels intensely feminine and for me, the violet, ylang ylang and amber really shone through as the most recognizable players in this fragrance. It's somewhat heady at first, perhaps a little much for those who prefer subtlety when it comes to scent, but it doesn't take too long to settle into the warmth of your body heat and become more wearable. It's a classy, womanly creamy floral that has strong staying power.

Retail Price: $105.00 (at select retail stores, but don't worry, you can test a sample vial for just $7.00 at abinoam.com)

*Remember, DeLush does not rate fragrances because of the individual tastes and body chemistry that affect each user's experience. But you can check the Perfume category under "Product Type" if you'd like to see more fragrance ideas!

About Flower: "A true extension of Cynthia's designs, Flower is feminine and flirty, yet sophisticated. Every note was hand-picked by Cynthia herself, creating a bouquet of florals surrounded by warm woods and musks. The notes include casablanca lily, freesia, cashmere woods, warm vanilla, skin musk, velvet woods, and sandalwood."

About Petal: "Cynthia also created a scent for the little flowers in our lives, such as our daughters. In designing Petal, she didn't need to look and further than her own daughters for inspiration. To create Petal, Cynthia wanted to take the essence of Flower and design and scent that was lighter with a more carefree sensibility. Her eight-year-old daughter even helped to pick the notes that would be in the final bouquet. The result is a floral green fragrance that captures the innocent, youthful blush of freshly bloomed lily of the valley."

Jen's Experience: This new pair of scents from Avon and Cynthia Rowley debuted just in time for Mother's Day this year, and it's easy to see the mother-daughter theme. The flower scent is stronger and surprisingly sophisticated for such an affordable scent. It's got a great mix of florals and woody scents that make it a great every day fragrance, and an excellent choice for work. I never fail to get compliments when I'm wearing it, and maybe for that reason alone it just makes me feel pretty.

Petal is clearly the less mature of the two scents, with a heavy emphasis on the floral and much less complexity than Flower. From someone who generally loves floral scents, I am less enthusiastic about wearing this one, which seems a little too girlish, but I can definitely see this as a first fragrance for the preteen or teen in your life.

I love both the packaging and bottles for both scents. They're simple and classic and look nearly antique. The white bottle of Flower is my favorite of the two, but both make an adorable addition to my dresser.

Retail Prices: Flower - $30/50 ml, Petal - $15/30 ml (Avon.com)

*Remember, DeLush does not rate fragrances because of the individual tastes and body chemistry that affect each user's experience. But you can check the Perfume category under "Product Type" if you'd like to see more fragrance ideas!

What They Say: "As seen in Allure magazine (November 2007 issue, p58).

A secret elixir of sexy black currant, irreverent jasmine, and traditional patchouli for her.

• Based on the scent of Venetian liqueur with blended black currant and woody harmonies.
• Distilled by Annick Ménardo and Thierry WASSER.
• Choose 50mL or 75mL.
• Arrives in a lace-covered bottle."

Jen's Experience: They pretty much had me at the commercials for this fragrance, I have to say, and when I heard that jasmine was one of the main notes, I was even more excited to try it. After wearing it for a while, my excitement waned a bit. The fragrance is long-lasting, and I do think it's a very sexy blend. However, I think the patchouli is probably the strongest note in the scent, and that's frankly not my favorite. Those who like patchouli and woody scents, though, I think will be quite pleased with it.

*Remember, DeLush does not rate fragrances because of the individual tastes and body chemistry that affect each user's experience. But you can check the Perfume category under "Product Type" if you'd like to see more fragrance ideas!

What They Say: "In order to capture Nanette Lepore's whimsically romantic creations, the perfumers abandoned the traditional - weaving together a tapestry of natural essences including threads that flow throughout the entire fragrance. The notes are delicate and white, colorful and sparkling, and warm and sensual.

Notes:
Moonstone Rose, White Peach, White Cranberry Juices, Magenta Nectar, Black Currant, Orange Jasmine, Persian Lime Juice, Velvet Violet, Amber, Indian Sandalwood.
Style:
Delicate. Colorful. Warm."

Melissa Says: This is one of my personal FAVORITE scents. Feminine, delicate, yet lush - a sort of powdery, sweet floral - this has amazing staying power and is perfect for the days when I am feeling more girly. It starts out fresh and powdery with a hint of floral, and within a few hours it grows warmer and deeper, and then my husband inevitably passes by me, smells the back of my neck, and asks what that great scent is (every. single. time.).

This would be a great romantic scent for Valentine's Day, by the way!

Retail Price: $38 - 1oz. / $58 - 1.7oz. / $78 - 3.4oz. (at sephora.com and select fragrance counters)

*Remember, DeLush does not rate fragrances because of the individual tastes and body chemistry that affect each user's experience. But you can check the Perfume category under "Product Type" if you'd like to see more fragrance ideas!