Loving Now: Scent of a Woman

The hunt for the right perfume is a task, and sometimes tedious. Some are too musky, others smell like you took a bath in Julia Child's mixing bowl of sugar and vanilla. There is a balance to it all, and obviously, everyone prefers different smells. I will always remember my mother's timeless classic Channel No.5. That is my childhood (along with her ungodly amount of Clarins' products).

I, for one, am a sucker for floral musks, mixed with a hint of citrus. A few of my all-time favorites: Stella by Stella McCartney, Burberry Brit, anything by Escada and wait for it...Curious by Britney Spears (I'm not even that ashamed...still waiting for that comeback!).

However, I have found a new love: Daisy by Marc Jacobs. There is a heavier floral tone, but not overpowering or too dry, with a sweet mix of strawberry and grapefruit. Perfection!

A few things to remember when buying perfume:

1. Don't fall for the sales person's pitch! Stick to your guns and ultimate goal-- finding a perfume you love! Don't buy it just because it's on sale, or because it promises to give you an extra set of lotions and/or makeup case. If you don't enjoy the smell, and it you aren't totally sold on it, say adios and keep looking.

2. Try the perfume on! Sometimes the smell on the paper card is delicious, but on your skin may smell completely different...and unfortunate. This has happened too many a times for moi and it's quite disheartening when you come home and the smell reeks on your skin.

3. There is a variety of concentration levels; Perfume, Eau de Parfum and Eau de Toilette. Perfume is the strongest concentrated scent, while Eau de Toilette is much lighter and wears quickly. With perfume, one spray and you are good for the day. With the other two concentration levels, a couple of sprays (wrist and neck) are enough. *Note, do not rub your wrists together, this actually removes the scent.

4. You never want to be able to smell yourself. If you can smell the perfume on your own body, that generally means you are either wearing too much, or the scent is wrong for your skin. I received the most compliments when I wore Stella, but I could never smell it on myself. Just because you can't smell it, doesn't mean others can't. So don't go overboard!

Smell ya' later. Love,