A film inspired by a fragrance…

I feel like I could write a terrible (terribly wonderful) 1970′s b-film or Blaxploitation script based on Opus Oils Voodoo. It inspires me like that. So, how do I get my script into the hands of Quentin Tarantino?

The leading actress – Pam Grier

And Tiger Powers, the model on the perfume model, should be in this too. I’ll give him the required Blaxploitation role of FBI agent that kills Pam Grier’s lover by accident (he’s recovering from being on “that stuff”) and she’s seeks to destroy him to avenge her lover’s death.

The setting – The bayous of Louisiana with some wonderful French Quarter shots that are mandatory in all films filmed in New Orleans.

The soundtrack – Written and performed by Willie Hutch and only available on vinyl.

The wardrobe – Anything that Giorgio di Sant’Angelo approved. And some crazy, early 1970′s kaftans with plunging necklines that I purchased from Value Village. And usually just panties. Tops are typically not needed in 1970′s b-films…and if the leading lady is Pam Grier nobody will get upset about the lack of clothing.

The fragrance – Voodoo opens as a spicy and earthy mix of clove and woody incense. It really smells “dark” but there is a fire flickering. And it does smell like being in a muddy bayou in the dark of night, a little bit of saltwater funk and earth. Slightly scary, but oh, it’s good. I get a cool, grassy vetiver with dampness. This is like the grasses that grow in such an ecosystem, a cool breeze blowing, unsettling the hot stagnant air. A green violet appears. It’s very much smothered in the darkness but somehow you still get it under the dark spiciness. Voodoo becomes a spicy oriental at the base. Think about the classics like YSL Opium and Estee Lauder Cinnabar. Voodoo has that feel. Think spice and some dark patchouli. There is no sweetness in this fragrance.

Notes listed labdanum, clove bud, incense, Haitian vetivert, mango leaf absolute, black musk attar, frankincense oman, dark patchouli, nutmeg, saffron, cocoa, violet, and cinnamon. PERFUMER – Kedra Hart

Voodoo wears like a perfume oil: close to the skin for a long time. However, it is also available in an EDP spray. The scent is unisex, leaning more towards the masculine end of the spectrum. Give Voodoo a try if you like spicy, dark fragrances or perfumes like YSL Opium, YSL Rive Gauche for Men, Estee Lauder Cinnabar, Serge Lutens Fille en Aiguilles, aroma M Geisha Rouge, and/or YOSH Sombre Negra. Voodoo is a natural fragrance but you don’t have to be a fan of naturals to appreciate it.

Voodoo is in the Fetish Collection and is 100% natural just like Pam Grier. It comes in a few sizes. The 2 oz EDP retails for $96 at Opus Oils. I reviewed the perfume oil which retails for $56.

Victoria’s Final EauPINION – A dark, spicy earthy scent. Slightly terrifying but wearable. A really good “dark and mysterious” choice for a man.

Want more reviews? Try…

Fragrantica - Info on the line with a quick blurb on Voodoo.

christopherk67 – More info on the perfume house.

Perfume Pharmer – Monica suggests this as good choice for Wensdays.

I also featured this fragrance in my 2011 Halloween Gift Guide.

*Disclaimer – Sample provided by Opus Oils. I am not financially compensated for this review or any others. My opinions are my own. Product pic from Opus Oils. Pam Grier pic from www.listal.com.

©2012 EauMG. All Rights Reserved.

Home fragrance brand, Scentsy has expanded their line to include personal fragrances called Layers. I’ve smelled home fragrances before in the past and wished that I could get them as a personal fragrance. Scentsy has done that with select fragrances. I think it’s great for the brand and their consultants to enter the personal fragrance market.

I was able to sample 3 products in the scent Love Story.

The Scent – Love Story: This is one of those sweet gourmands with pink jasmine, amber and dark chocolate. I pick up on fruits and musk which are not listed. The scent does vary very slightly from product to product. This scent reminds me a little of Cacharel Amor Amor or other “sultry red” gourmands. I could see one liking this if they like Cacharel Amor Amor, Victoria’s Secret Amber Romance, Britney Spears Fantasy, and/or Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy. I also see the Layers layering with any of the fragrances that I listed.

Shower Cream Review: The Shower Cream is a moisturizing, creamy formula that lathers wonderfully and rinses off easily. It does not dry out my skin. Huge plus. The formula reminds me of Dove’s Cream Oil Body Wash but with a better scent. I notice that the scent of this one is a little “soapier”, not a surprise being that this is soap But, it’s a little more ambery and muskier than the other Love Story products. This retails for $12.

Body Lotion Review: The Body Lotion absorbs quickly into my dry skin. It’s not greasy or sticky. It’s good for my skin in warmer weather. The Love Story scent in the body lotion is my favorite out of these 3 products. It reminds me of chocolate cherry cordials. The scent does linger in the way that Victoria’s Secret body lotions do. The formula is very fragrant. This retails for $10. FYI – This scent layers nicely with va-va-voom tuberose perfumes.

Scent Pak Review: This is a fragrance sachet that can be thrown into drawers, lockers, cars, closets, anywhere. I opened this Scent Pak when I had the flu and had no sense of smell. I threw it in a lingerie drawer and forgot about it. When I finally got my sense of smell back a week later, I had a brief freak out because of this sachet. I thought a bottle of perfume had fallen and broke in the bedroom. However, I couldn’t identify the fragrance. I looked under the furniture, nothing. <sigh of relief> No perfumes were broken. But, what was this scent? Where was it coming from? Ends up this entire Scent Pak was fragrancing my bedroom. Some little thing thrown in a draw of slips and nylons was scenting my entire room. I’ve never owned such a fragrant sachet. The scent of this one is fruitier and “juicier” than the other 2 Layers products. These retail for $7. I’d like to buy more of this to throw in linen closets and the basement/laundry room.

My only complaint with the Layers products is well, an odd one. But, hey, I give honest reviews and I say what I’m thinking. I have an issue with the packaging. The packaging works fine and does its job. But, it’s the colors, font, etc. It looks like it could possibly be the packaging for, um, a personal lubricant or some type of flavored, novelty massage oil. I personally don’t want this out by my dresser when the super conservative in-laws visit. And I know I want be gifting these to squares (read as super conservative in-laws) because of the packaging.

Scentsy products are not tested on animals. The Layers line also includes Body Spray, Solid Perfume, Hand Cream, Shower Gel, and Body Butter. They have also launched laundry products as well. I feel this is a great line for those that already use Victoria’s Secret or Bath and Body Works products. You can get very fragrant body products and support local consultants (many are women and from my experience, many are women that stay at home with their children with autism or children with other disabilities). More info on the new Layers collection on the Scentsy site.

*Disclaimer – Product provided by Scentsy. I am not financially compensated for this review or any others. My opinions are my own.

©2012 EauMG. All Rights Reserved.

I admit that I ignored Sensuous Nude when it was launched. I was sick of the Estee Lauder Sensuous flankers and honestly, I thought I had already tried this one. And the name seemed very silly to me. Sensuous Nude? I’d rather sniff Awkward Nude or Distasteful Nude. What about Sensuous Nude Descending Down a Staircase? I’m so happy that I finally wore Sensuous Nude on skin. It’s a nice casual mainstream fragrance that I enjoy wearing.

Sensuous Nude opens with a blast of citrus and pepper with a hint of dewy rose. And then it becomes a glistening coconut citrus with florals that reminds me a little of Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess because there is a “salt air” vibe in all of this. The fragrance’s heart reminds me if one mixed Bronze Goddess with the original Sensuous. It’s warm, soft, woodsy and musky with enough flowers for “lift”. It’s a bit of a powdery fragrance at the base but not too powdery, just soft.

Notes listed include Sicilian bergamot, baie rose, mandarin, black pepper, jasmine, muguet, coconut water, honey, musk, melted woods natureprint®, sandalwood, amber, heliotrope and vanilla.

Give Sensuous Nude a try if you like soft florals or perfumes like Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess, Estee Lauder Sensuous, Lollia Calm, Penhaligon’s Artemisia, Tom Ford Urban Musk, and/or Gucci EDT for Women. Try it if you like honey scents or what a warm beachy scent that isn’t too literal.

I think projection is average and longevity is above average.

Estee Lauder Sensuous Nude retails for $30-$90 (comes in 4 sizes) and is available at Nordstrom and Ulta.

Victoria’s Final EauPINION – Honey hits the beach. This Estee Lauder fan girl emjoys this fragrance and wants a bottle. And it even comes in 1/2 ounce and 1 ounce bottles!

Want more reviews? Try…

Now Smell This

Canadian Beauty

Another Perfume Blog

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic 

*Sample given to me with a fragrance purchase at Macy’s. Product pic from Estee Lauder. Dorothy Hart pic from www.fanpix.net

©2012 EauMG. All Rights Reserved.

Yeah, it’s time to talk about my pits again. I’ve been on a search for a natural deodorant for years now. My pits are so sensitive to commercial or “heavy duty” stuff. I don’t care about an anti-perspirant. I’ll sweat it out. All I ask is for something that keep me from being stinky. Those crystals are a joke on me. The LUSH ones are difficult for me to use even though I like their scents. Other brands have been OK but not good enough for me to repurchase.

LaVanila The Healthy Deodorant (quite a claim in the name, really) is a deodorant with naturally derived ingredients. There are no parabens, petro-chemicals, or (the big one for me) aluminum. Let me say this, since it appears that reviewers on Sephora don’t get it – This is a deodorant and not an anti-perspirant. It will not stop you from sweating. You will sweat when using this. This may mean that your clothes will appear damp depending on how much you perspire. This deodorant only claims to cover up odor with scent and some anti-bacterial ingredients. If you fear wetness or sweat more than you like, don’t buy a deodorant. The end.

The product: The deodorant comes in a “standard” deodorant container with a twist up case and tight fighting lid. It is white but I haven’t noticed any deodorant stains on my clothes.I haven’t experienced any stickiness or anything like that with the formula. It does apply “cool” which doesn’t bother me.

The scent: This deodorant comes in 6 fragrances. I tested Vanilla Grapefruit, and you guys know how I am about citrus…not a fan. Vanilla Grapefruit is a sulfuric borderline kitty piss and vanilla-lavender scent to me. It used to bother me but now I’m over it. People pay good money for sulfuric grapefruit scents. I have never been one of those people. I think Vanilla Grapefruit is a much better masculine scent. But, really, don’t sweat the small stuff The scent doesn’t really linger around on me or maybe I’ve become used to it.

My experience: This has been a great formula for my skin and chemisty. No odors. It’s been very effective and does everything I want it to. My pits aren’t sensitive. My only complaint is the scent. But, after visiting a Sephora, I sniffed the others and they are more pleasant to me. The Vanilla Grapefruit scent is not for me at all. Luckily, the scent doesn’t linger. The other downside is the price. It’s the most expensive deodorant that I’ve ever used. However, I predict that this tube could last me a few months easily. I’m willing to pay that for a deodorant if it works for me. Frankly, I’m tired of searching. I will purchase this in the future. But, I’ll buy a different scent like Vanilla Coconut.

LaVanila The Healthy Deodorant retails for $18 and is available at Sephora and Beauty.com.

I have a question for the fumeheads reading, do you wear scented deodorants? Or do you prefer unscented? I find that I rarely notice the added fragrance in deodorants once I’m wearing them.

Want more reviews? Try…

Product Junkies Rehab

Gouldylox Reviews

Beauty Cosmopolite

The Green Beauty Guide

Canadian Beauty Reviews

Lipstick & Luxury

*Disclaimer – Product provided by LaVanila’s PR. I am not financially compensated for this review or any others. My opinions are my own. Product pic from Sephora. Grapefruit from Duarte Trees & Vines. Post contains an affiliate links. Thanks!

©2012 EauMG. All Rights Reserved.

The winner of the Sweet Orange Face Elixir is…

The winner of the Chocolate Saffron Body Oil and Hair Elixir is…

Congratulations quimerula and Monica H.! Please email me your shipping address at victoria at eaumg dot net. Put “Aftelier Winner” in the subject.

©2012 EauMG. All Rights Reserved.

BLOOD Concept O is a perfume created by a perfume house inspired by blood types. It’s a “concept” and like traditional perfume. 50% of the perfumes in this concept make me cringe and the other two are OK. Concept O is one of those “OK” ones in the group. Strangely, it reminds me of a mosh pit of private school posers trying to act hardass. It’s a fragrance that overall is harmless and simple and a little more interesting than the others…in a more “forced” interesting way. Or maybe it’s only interesting in comparison to the other’s in the line? It’s not as badass as it tries to come across. It’ll be home by its curfew and most likely will grow out of this punk phase very quickly. (It saw Miley Cyrus wearing combat boots).

Concept O reminds me very much, and this is a great thing, of Comme de Garçons Tar but with a fruity, bitter opening. It seems sheerer than the CdG. It’s raspberry mixed with leather and has “industrial” elements. I’m thinking that this “industrial” coolness is the metallic “blood” accord found in the entire BLOOD Concept line (also an accord found in many other fragrances). But, really it smells like glass cleaner and brewed Croatian rose hip tea. Concept O then settles into something that reminds me of Tom Ford Private Blend Tuscan Leather. It’s a birch tar leather and animalic. Most of the wear of the scent is leather and subtle herbs, a more subtle, sheer, minimalist version of Tuscan Leather.

Notes listed include thyme, raspberry, rose hips, leather, birch, cedar, Cyperus esculentus and metallic notes.

Give BLOOD Concept O a try if you like scents like Tom Ford Private Blend Tuscan Leather, Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir, and/or those CdG Industrial fragrances. I do find this scent unisex.

In my opinion, Concept O has below average to average projection. It has average longevity. I have not sampled the pure parfum. This is my impression of the EDP.

I do like this fragrance and I do think it’s a great choice for a fashion-forward teenager. But, I don’t like the packaging of this perfume and I don’t like the price. When I want leather, I’ll wear Knize10 or the one I keep mentioning from Tom Ford. And I’ll layer some fruity thing over one of these.

The 2 oz EDP retails for $155 at Luckyscent.

Victoria’s Final EauPINION – Raspberry vodka and combat boots. Like I said, I like this fragrance but I don’t like the price or packaging. Seriously, the packaging grosses me out. I’ll just layer some Victoria’s Secret body spray of Tom Ford Tuscan Leather if I’m going for this pop-punk scent.

Want more reviews? Try…

Ça Fleure Bon

Katie Puckrik Smells

Confessions of a Perfume Nerd

Perfume Shrine

Metamorphosis

*Sample purchased by me. Product pic from Luckyscent. Combat boots model from Style by Tiffani.

©2012 EauMG. All Rights Reserved.

Celeb Gossip:

Rihanna announces that she wants to launch a men’s fragrance that smells like stale cologne. She says fragrance is a big turn on for her. Fellas take note.

An Australian artist is taking legal action against Madonna’s Truth or Dare perfume. He claims that he has been using that “M” logo for 8 years.

Fergie launches a new perfume Viva with Avon. It’s a fougère with herbs, lavender and vetiver. It’s an attempt at “gender bending”, a fragrance marketed to women that smells masculine.

New Launches:

D.S. & Durga will launch Bowmakers on May 21st. Seems to be a top secret note list but I’m guessing it’s woody.

Kelly & Jones launches their Wine Notes Collection, a collection of perfumes inspired by wine.

Christian Dior will be launching Grand Bal in La Collection Privée. It’s a classical jasmine inspired by ball gowns.

Lancôme will launch La Vie Est Belle, an attempt to capture happiness in a bottle (how novel!) with notes of iris, patchouli, tonka bean, praline, blackcurrant, orange blossom and jasmine. Julia Roberts will be the face of this perfume.

Perfumes News:

Gwynth Paltrow will be the new face for Boss  Nuit Pour Femme. They need something. Their fragrances have never wowed me.

Brad Pitt will be the new face for Chanel No. 5. People are interested in this news because he’s a man. And Chanel No. 5 is a fragrance for women. I think it’s a good move. The industry needs to be shaken up a bit.

Diptyque has a new bottle. It’s an oval.

EauMG Etc:

I’m feeling much better! I can smell! But, I’ve been so behind this week trying to catch up from being sick. The week has been uneventful. I do like Balenciaga L’Essence perfume. I realized this during this week.

*Fergie pic from www.perfumediary.com. Kelly & Jones pic from Flaunt Me. Brad Pitt pic from Style Frizz.

©2012 EauMG. All Rights Reserved.

I admit that I like to make gift guides for people that like buying perfumes and products in pretty packaging. I also like to make glamorous gift guides. This is my Mother’s Day 2012 Gift Guide for the mom’s of people that love to buy perfume.

1. Guerlain & Emilio Pucci Powder Brush – I couldn’t resist this limited edition summer collection by Guerlain and Pucci, two of my favorite brands. The brush comes in the cutest packaging. Want to make mom really happy? Get her the Meteorites that are in this collection too. Brush retails for $43 at Sephora. Meteorites sold separately

2. NEST Jason Wu Orchid Rain Candle – Hip moms will love this candle collab between NEST Fragrances and designer Jason Wu. This candle’s packaging is stunning. The scent is even better in my opinion. It’s a fresh white floral with a milky, warm coconut. The overall scent is elegant but casual. This limited edition candle retails for $48 at Candles Off Main.

3. Lipstick Queen Liptropolis Set – This Metropolis inspired lipstick trio contains 3 shades that every woman needs – red, nude, and peach. This limited edition set retails for $48 at Barneys. You can make the lipstick loving and silent film loving mom very happy with this set.

4.Aftelier Chef’s Essences Original Set – If your mother loves to cook, this is such a great gift. I bought my husband 3 of the essential oils in the winter and we’ve had so much fun with them. This comprehensive set includes 12 Chef’s Essences in a tin. The set retails for $164 at Aftelier. Here’s a recipe I did with the fir oil.

5. BijaBody Anti-Aging Bath + Body Set – BijaBody is a fairly new-to-me line and I love it. All of the products have done great things for my skin. I love the line and what this line is about. This gift set contains full-size products of the Daily Body Scrub, Daily Body Serum, Anti-Aging Body Treatment, and BedsideManner Lip + Hand Treatment…oh, and samples of the teas. This is the ultimate pampering set. It retails for $95 at BijaBody. Here’s my review.

6.NYX Dark Shadows The Crimson Amulet Collection – I don’t give a hoot about Tim Burton’s remake of one of my favorite shows ever, Dark Shadows. I’m so sick of Hollywood remakes. As a fan, I can’t resist Dark Shadows merchandise. This collection by NYX contains 24 eyeshadows, 5 blushes, a highlighter, 4 glosses, an eyeshadow base and a liquid liner all for $25. This is such a great gift for mamas that grew up watching this dark soap opera. The kit is available at Ulta.

7. Julep 3 Months of Maven – I didn’t inherit many of my mother’s obsessions, but I did inherit one later in life…her love of nail polish. Julep is a Seattle based nail polish brand that has a great subscription program. Each month you get $40 worth of nail products delivered to your door. Plus, you get a 20% off all julep.com purchases. You can give a 3 month gift for $59.97. More info at Julep.

8. L’Artisan Parfumeur Feminine Set – Buying perfume for people is not easy, but I think it’s fun. L’Artisan Parfumeur Feminine Set contains a 15ml bottle of three feminine scents – Mure et Musc (unisex IMO), La Chasse Aux Papillons, and Nuit de Tubereuse (va-va voom mama!). The set retails for $98 at Barneys.

9. Erno Laszlo The Hollywood Collection – I admit that all of the items in this gift guide are things that I want. I want this set because the packaging is gorgeous, very Garbo. This set contains Instant Eye Repair, Intensive Porcelain Veil, Morning Beauty Rescue, Refresh Moisture Infusion, and Velvet Night Cream. The story behind the set is that such stars as Marilyn Monroe, Great Garbo, Ava Gardner, Grace Kelly and Katherine Hepburn used these. The limited edition set retails for $125 and is available at beauty.com.

10. Kai Gift Set – Can’t get mom a cruise to the tropics? Get her the Kai Git Set. This set contains a travel candle and perfume oil of the new-classic gardenia, Kai. It retails for $68 at B-Glowing.

11. Not Soap Radio Lip Balm in You’re The Best Mom in the World – This lip gloss says it all! It’s a clear balm with high shine. It’s only for the best. It retails for $10 and is available at Not Soap Radio.

12. Ineke Perfumes Deluxe Sample Collection – Like I said before, it’s not easy to purchase perfume for people…even your own mother. This sample collection from Ineke is beautiful in presentation and contains boxed samples of the line’s entire range. It retails for $25 at Beautyhabit.

I think that my gift guide also applies to mothers of fur babies too.

*Here’s my 2011 Mother’s Day Gift Guide.

*Post contains affiliate links from Sephora, Ulta, Beauty.com, and B-Glowing. Elizabeth Taylor and her son pic from www.fanpix.net.

©2012 EauMG. All Rights Reserved.

Here are the 4 lucky winners of the full-size bottles of Harvey Prince Ageless:

Congratulations to Sharon, Freeman, Verna, Laurinha, and Erin! I hope you enjoy your new perfume. Please email me at victoria at eaumg dot net with your shipping address so that your items can be mailed out! Please put Harvey Prince Winner in the title.

Thank you to everyone that entered the drawing! And thank you for supporting me for all of these years! Thank you Harvey Prince for supplying the items for the draw.

©2012 EauMG. All Rights Reserved.

A winner will be randomly chosen for each item (that means 2 winners):

Wild Orange Face Elixir with Cedarwood and Patchouli (retails for $40) – You can read my glowing review from just a few weeks ago here. I love these nourishing face oils. Wild Orange is my pick  for summer. It’s like falling asleep in a citrus grove. *It also makes one super luxurious cuticle oil.

Chocolate & Saffron Body Oil and Hair Elixir (retails for $40) – I have been using this product daily on my hair for months now and I’ve yet to write a review! I have no idea why I’m keeping this product a secret. This multi-purpose product moisturizes the body, cuticles,  and even hair. My course, thick hair loves jojoba and this is a jojoba based blend. The scent is absolutely delicious and smells like chocolate with a hint of saffron. More info on the product here.

***FRAGRANCE FREEBIE***THIS DRAW IS NOW CLOSED

To be entered into the drawing please leave a comment below naming your favorite natural beauty product or fragrance. Remember 2 winners will be chosen. This draw ends Saturday, May 12th at 8 pm PST. The winners will be announced on the 13th and chosen using random.org.

This sweepstakes  is open to ALL readers of EauMG that are over 18 years old. These products are provided by Aftelier and will be shipped out by Aftelier.

Thank you and good luck!

©2012 EauMG. All Rights Reserved.