After I introduced you guys to the Jelly Belly Collection by Demeter Fragrance Library, the perfumer was sweet enough to send me some samples of the six scents, which I've been playing around with for a few weeks. Overall, I think Demeter did a great job on this collection. Each scent is designed to mimic a Jelly Belly flavor recipe, wherein several bean flavors are combined to make a new combination — e.g., blueberry plus buttered popcorn equals Blueberry Muffin.

Like most of the wacky fragrances Demeter is known for, the Jelly Belly fragrances translate into surprisingly wearable perfumes, even if they don't necessarily sound like they would. While I absolutely loved three of the scents — Blueberry Muffin, Mango Pineapple Salsa, and Fruit Salad ($20 for a 1-ounce bottle) — I was just so-so on the other three, so I've split my review into halves. To read part I, read more

The best Demeter scents, I've found, are the ones that perfectly evoke their namesake without smelling too much like it, and that's definitely the case with Blueberry Muffin. It's mildly fruity with a slight tang surrounded by creamy, buttery undertones that are comforting like a warm kitchen. Better yet, the scent gets better as it mellows out over the day.

I was most excited to try Mango Pineapple Salsa — inspired by mango, crushed pineapple, and jalapeño Jelly Belly flavors — and it did not disappoint. Definitely a more complex fragrance, it reminds me of a delicious cocktail I had recently made with lime juice and serrano chile. This is a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and crisp.

Fruit Salad is probably the most traditional of the three and will appeal to anyone who likes citrusy and fruit-scented bath products. Its "flavor combination" includes tangerine, juicy pear, raspberry, and peach; the pear is a particularly nice touch, as it adds a crisp, clean element.

Check back later today for part II!