BellaSugar

Bella Book: The Perfect Scent

BellaSugar — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:17:31 -0700

Last weekend, I spent a wonderful afternoon devouring Chandler Burr's book The Perfect Scent: A Year Inside the Perfume Industry in Paris and New York. As the perfume critic for The New York Times, Burr explores both the business and creative sides of the fragrance industry. In The Perfect Scent, he writes about his year covering the development of two fragrances: Un Jardin Sur le Nil from Hermès and Sarah Jessica Parker's Lovely.

This is such a well-written, fascinating, and enjoyable book that you'll find much to love even if you aren't obsessed with fragrance. I spoke with Chandler Burr on Friday, and I'll be bringing you some of his wit and expertise later this week. But for now, let me tell you about the book. For the synopsis, read more.

In France, Burr follows Jean-Claude Ellena, an accomplished perfumer who'd just been tapped to be the first in-house "nose" for Hermès. Saddled with the challenge of reviving the luxury house's lackluster perfume sales, Ellena has to maintain a delicate balance between formulating an artistically beautiful scent and pushing Hermès forward in the multibillion dollar perfume industry. (The scent, Un Jardin sur le Nil, launched in 2005.)

You're probably familiar with Lovely, the first scent created by Sarah Jessica Parker. Burr observes the actress over the year, beginning with a walking tour of Sarah Jessica's favorite New York smells and moving forth into the development of her scent. Unlike many celebrities who launch fragrances, Sarah Jessica was highly involved in the development, packaging, and marketing of Lovely. Even ignoring her fame, the story of Lovely would be an interesting one; still, it's difficult not to love SJP after reading about her favorite scents. (They aren't what you might imagine.)

The book is packed with countless fascinating bits about fragrance (did you know that molecules in jasmine have the smell of a corpse?), and Burr's writing is as witty as it is pithy. I could go on and on, but sometimes you just have to read a book. And this is one of those times. Read it; I know you'll enjoy it. And come back tomorrow to read the first part of my interview with Chandler Burr.

Perfect Veil by Creative Scentualization: The Perfect Summer Scent?

BellaSugar — Mon, 28 May 2007 10:51:22 -0700

Are you searching for the perfect Summer scent? Consider the ultra-clean Perfect Veil from Creative Scentualization. This crisp fragrance was actually inspired by the scent of a naked woman, and fittingly, it's a subtle, soft, and sexy scent that any woman could wear as her signature daytime scent.

It is made from lemon, bergamot, musk, vanilla, and sandalwood. This versatile fragrance could be worn alone or layered with oils for a warming or cooling effect. According to the company's press release, the hip Los Angeles boutique Scent Bar reports that Madonna and Jennifer Garner are both fans.

Perfect Veil is available in a 1.7-ounce bottle ($75) or a .08-ounce travel roll-on applicator ($40). If you just want to test it out, you can buy a .32-ounce sample for just $3. That's a small price to pay for potential perfection, right?

Link Time!

BellaSugar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:01:05 -0800

Hic! Bourbon scents are a good-timey new trend - Beauty Blitz
How to get Fergie's video hairstyle - Pursebuzz
Can a $19 bikini wax be any good? - Beauty Snob
A fun collection of Halloween makeup looks - Temptalia
Do you hide beauty purchases from your partner? - Makeup and Beauty Blog
A plastic surgeon creates a "perfect" wife. Sigh. - Lemondrop
The new movie Precious tackles beauty ideals - Stylelist
Try on Katy Perry's makeup looks - People Style Watch
White eye shadow: why not? - Glamour

Warm Up With These Comfy Cold-Weather Scents

BellaSugar — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:00:37 -0800

When the air starts to get a little nippy and my sweaters come out of the closet, I start daydreaming about cold weather perfumes. I put away my beachy scents and find creamy, spicy, deep fragrances with the rich, comforting notes of cinnamon, cardamom, labdanum, almond, Tahitian vanilla, bergamot tea, and warm woods. I'm still on my way to finding the perfect sweater scent, but I thought I'd put together a few that might be a good bet for you. From heavy-hitting classics like Penhaligon's Bluebell (woody, earthy and soft, with a few sweet florals) to inexpensive but delicious scents like Carol's Daughter Almond Cookie (just plain yummy), there are fragrances here for every taste and budget, but all of the entries promise to make you feel like you're curled up under a comfy throw with something warm to sip on. Click through to get a little scentspiration.

Has Heidi Klum Made the Perfect Lipstick?

BellaSugar — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:00:01 -0700

Did you know that Victoria's Secret Beauty is one of the best-selling brands in the country? Yep. Who knew? A revamp of the line's VS Makeup means it's worth a new look, and it probably doesn't hurt that Christian Siriano and Heidi Klum are collaborating on makeup collections for the brand. Heidi's latest endeavor is a collection of makeup inspired by her travels to the spiritual city of Varanasi, India. To that end, the jewel-toned packaging is gorgeously draped in golds, pinks, and purples.

I've been playing around with some of the products, and one thing stands out above everything else: Heidi Klum Perfect Lipstick ($16) in Exotic Spice. It's pretty much the perfect versatile shade of nude pink, and the moist and creamy formula has just a hint of shine. It works for a natural, low-key look as well as a glamorous nighttime one, and it just feels nice on the lips. I'm not absolutely crazy about the chocolate scent, but your mileage may vary. Either way, this has become my go-to shade - even if I don't look like Heidi with it on.

Which Scent of Candle Do You Prefer?

Sponsor — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:00:01 -0700

Get the Febreze freshness you love in an odor-eliminating candle! Showcased in glass jars, these fragrant candles contain a special Febreze Core that neutralizes odors while it burns. They're perfect in the kitchen to counteract cooking smells or anywhere you'd like to freshen the air with the scent of fresh fruit, rich vanilla dusted with cinnamon, a meadow doused in morning dew . . . try a Febreze candle at home today!

Link Time!

BellaSugar — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:59:19 -0700

Pretty hair clips for $12 or less - I Heart Daily
Two things you need to know for perfect red lips - Glamour
Spring's hot nail polish color could be gray - Beauty Counter
Sephoras in JC Penney have sweet deals - Beauty Snob
Go inside a Victoria's Secret casting call - The Cut
Guys care about only one thing (when it comes to makeup) - Lemondrop
Nail polish sleuthing with The City - Makeup and Beauty Blog
Behind the scenes of Jennifer Lopez's new scent - People Style Watch
Top hair color tips - Beauty Blitz

Why Are Invisible Beauty Items Credited in Magazines?

BellaSugar — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:15:27 -0700

Magazines can be indispensable in identifying trends, and while looking through any given issue, I usually spot some hair and makeup ideas. (On that note, Freja Beha in this month's W is so dreamy. Why can't I look that chic when tomboyed out?) It's easy to understand why editors leave credits for certain things: hair products, lipstick, nail polish. It's helpful to know which items are used on the models. Of course, what's listed is often not actually what's been used, but that's another story entirely.

Still, one thing I've never understood is the concept of crediting fragrances and skin care. For instance, the credits for this photo in W tell us, "A touch of 3Lab Perfect Neck Cream is just what an exposed decolletage needs." While I'm sure my exposed decolletage would like to be massaged with a $120 neck cream, I'm not sure I'd wonder about neck cream from looking at the photo. Mentioning fragrance in credits is even goofier to me, since unless you're the ghost of Tim Leary, you can't see scent. Are editors trying to be overly helpful? Is it a way of throwing an editorial bone to advertisers? Or am I the only one who overthinks this sort of thing?

What to do When Your Favorite Fragrance Gets Discontinued

BellaSugar — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:00:00 -0700

Recently, a fragrance that I've loved for years, Comptoir Sud Pacifique Vanille Peche, disappeared from Sephora and from store shelves in general. I use a ton of different fragrances, and I fall in love with something new every week, but there was something special about this one; it just smelled like me. I was incredibly bummed and almost panicked. Even Mr. Bella was sad. But then I decided to stop freaking out, pull myself up by my bootstraps, and do what anyone who really loves perfume, and a good challenge, would do: go on a quest for a fragrance that either replicated my original scent or smelled just as good on me. Along the way, I picked up some tips to make the journey a little easier. To find out how you can get back to good, too, just read more

Link Time!

BellaSugar — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 07:01:31 -0700

Chanel's Jade nail polish is bound to sell out - Stylelist
Ted Gibson knocks $5 off his shampoo for you - Daily Makeover
Carol Shaw of LORAC gives brow-perfecting tips - Beauty and the Blog
How to wear liquid highlighter - Makeup and Beauty Blog
The Mandarin Oriental spa is luxe to the max - Beauty Snob
Daphne Guinness teams up with Comme des Garçons for a scent - The Moment
Shu Uemura goes manga-style for its new oils - The Cut

Fresh Redcurrant Basil Eau de Parfum - $75.00	Carol's daughter almond cookie eau de toilette spray - $27.00
The Comforter Solid Perfume - $7.95	Parfums Intimes Cashmere Vanilla Jasmine Eau de Parfum - $45.00
Burberry Brit Perfume Collection - $46.00	Vanillary Fragrance - $41.95
Bergamot Tea Eau De Toilette - $46.00	Red Flower Hammam - Cardamom Amber Oil - 2.4 Oz. - $44.00
Dolce And Gabbana No. 6 L'amoureux - $65.00	Agraria Bitter Orange - $40.00
Demeter Sugar & Spice Cologne Spray - $20.00	Le Labo Labdanum 18 100ml - $200.00
Montale Amandes Orientales - $135.00	Penhaligon's Bluebell - $80.00
Fresh Cannabis Rose - $75.00	Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Luxe Edition - $70.00