Category Archives: Fragrance

Fragrance, Product Review

YSL Libre Intense Eau De Parfum – Review

Hello! Thank you for dropping by.

Recently, I received the Yves Saint Laurent Libre Intense Eau De Parfum as a gift. Since the time I received the shipping notification, I was waiting with so much excitement to get my hands on it. I have heard so much good things about it. Now, I also need to mention that the YSL libre range actually comes in three variants – the YSL Libre (EDP), the YSL Libre Intense (EDP) and the YSL Libre Le Parfum. The one that I got as a gift was the YSL Libre Intense EDP. So, here is my quick review on the YSL Libre Intense Eau De Parfum.

Price

YSL is a luxury french brand known for its exquisite fragrance line. The YSL Libre Intense EDP comes in two sizes. The 50 ml bottle costs INR 7900 and the 100 ml bottle costs INR 9900 on the Nykaa website. On the other hand, the YSL Libre EDP comes in 4 variants with a slightly less expensive price range and the YSL Libre Le Parfum comes in 3 variants with the highest price range.

Description

This is how YSL describes their Libre intense EDP, “A fragrance like a shout of freedom, the freedom to live everything with excess“. This fragrance is a twist to the their original Libre EDP in a more sensual and magnetic way. It contains signature notes of lavender essence from France and Moroccan orange blossom combined with glowing orchid and warm vanilla to push this perfume to the extreme. YSL’s vanilla is sustainably sourced from Madagascar.

My Take on the YSL Libre Intense EDP

First of all, I was blown away with the packaging. It feels like you are holding a work of exquisite art in your hand. The glass bottle has a sharp silhouette with embellished YSL logo in golden metallic design. The fiery gold color of the fragrance compliments the packaging of the bottle and takes it to a next level. It is one of those bottles which I am going to find really hard to discard once I finish this.

It is well known that French fragrances are a class apart. This YSL EDP is not an exception. If somebody asks me to describe the fragrance profile of this EDP, I would use three words Bold, Sensual and Magnetic. When I first sprayed it on me, I was actually quite disappointed. It seemed too strong and overpowering for my taste. The dual impact of the orange blossom and bergamot were very hard-hitting to my nose. However, after half an hour or so I met a friend and her exact words were ‘Wow, you smell amazing!’ and instantly I smelt my pulse points again and I was awestruck. The magic was in its drying down. It smelt like sensuous warm vanilla with a captivating floral punch to it owing to the dried up orange blossom, lavender and orchid accord. It is super addictive. For the entire evening my mind was captured by this scent. Also, kudos to its longevity. I could literally smell it the next morning as well.

It has become one of my favourite scents of all time. I am not sure if it is a unisex fragrance. It is somewhere in between earthy masculine and bold feminine. I find it is more suitable for an evening wear or for Winter. In Indian Summer, I will recommend to stay away from it as it may seem a bit too strong. I am usually inclined to more subtle and airy fragrance. However, Liber Intense EDP definitely stretched my boundary. It offers a powerful mix of confidence, luxury and magnetism. It will make your presence felt. It has a more matured vibe compared to airy, fresh feminine scents.

If you are planning to buy the YSL Libre Intense EDP, I will say go for it. You are not going to regret it. Just keep in mind that that less is more and wait for it till it dries down.

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Fragrance, Product Review

Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne -Review

Based on a friend’s rave recommendation I recently purchased the Wood Sage and Sea Salt cologne from Jo Malone and I must say I couldn’t agree more with her. This cologne has become my absolute favourite and I also gifted one to my mom on Mother’s Day. In India, I found Jo Malone only on Nykaa. So, let’s get into my honest opinion on this cologne.

Price and Quantity:

The Jo Malone London Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne comes in 4 sizes, 9 ml, 30 ml, 50 ml and 100 ml. They cost Rs 1750, Rs 5500, Rs 6600 and Rs 10800 respectively. I bought it from Nykaa. I did not find it on any other website or offline stores. Nykaa has a good policy for first-time buyers of this cologne so that you can try the mini version first and then go for the full-size version at a discount. I purchased the 9 ml bottle for Rs 1750 and when I bought the 100 ml bottle I got the Rs 1750 discount along with a few free sample-size vials of their other colognes.

Description:

Escape the everyday along the windswept shore. Waves breaking white, the air fresh with sea salt and spray. Alive with the mineral scent of the rugged cliffs. Mingling with the woody earthiness of sage. Lively, spirited and totally joyful.

Top Note of this cologne is Ambrette Seeds. Their textural quality wraps the fragrance with an aura of sophistication. Heart Note is Sea Salt. The crunchy nature of sea salt brings both texture and a sense of freshness. Base Note is Sage. Woody with earthy, aromatic tones that bring a natural depth.

A little background on the types of perfumes available on Market:

I think a lot of us actually do not know much about the differences between EDT and EDP or what is a cologne vs perfume.

The strength of a fragrance is dependent on the amount of perfume oil that is used. The more oil in in, the stronger the scent and the longer it will last. Understanding the difference between these strengths can help us to choose the right perfume or aftershave.

Eau De Cologne (EDC) uses only around 2-4% of essential perfume oil. So their staying power is 2-3 hours maximum. They have a very light yet fresh fragrance, perfect for summer or if you are going to a gym. Generally EDCs are unisex. The Eau de toilette (EDT) is more concentrated, containing around 5-15% essential perfume oil. Fragrances labelled as EDT will usually last around 3-6 hours but of course it depends on the quantity of perfume sprayed. On the other hand, Eau De Parfum(EDP) usually has around 10-20% perfume oil and so they can last up to 8 hours. EDPs are perfect for office wear. Finally, the ‘perfume’ is the most powerful amongst all with highest level of concentration and usually they are the most expensive ones. These are suitable for the most precious moments.

My take on the Jo Malone London Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne:

Jo Malone is a luxury British brand known for their colognes, candles and bath and body products. Interestingly all their fragrances are actually colognes. They do not sell EDTs or EDPS. I read that although their products are all Eau de Colognes, the percentage of perfume oil is somewhere in between EDT and EDPs. However, after using it I beg to disagree with this information. More on this later. I got a some sample vials of their other EDCs too and I felt their fragrance profile is very unique and delicate. Something which is very fresh and airy and uplifts your mood instantly. They have the potential to be your signature scent. They have body-creams, body and handwashes based on each of their fragrance profiles so that we can layer them up to have a long lasting impact.

Their packaging is very classy and minimalistic. All the EDCs have silver metallic cap with a transparent glass body. Only the ‘intense’ variation of their colognes come in a black or dark chocolate bottles. The outer packaging has their signature cream and black box, tied with a black luxurious ribbon.

Now coming to the Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne, the fragrance will instantly make you feel that you have entered a five-star hotel or a luxurious spa. It is probably the most unique, distinctively refreshing and airy cologne among all other colognes by Jo Malone. It is sexy yet not overpowering, delicate yet not too floral. If you find musky scents too masculine and floral scents to be too feminine, then this Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne has got the perfect balance. This makes it a perfect unisex cologne. I can wear it anywhere both at the daytime or at night. It is perfect for office wear as well as for a date night.

Now coming to the main problem with this cologne is that it does not stay for more than an hour or two. That’s really embarrassing. Before buying the 100 ml version, I bought the mini version and I was so mesmerized with the scent, I totally ignored its absolutely ridiculous staying power. After spending almost 10K(INR) on it, I definitely felt I didn’t get bang for my buck. So, basically I need to reapply it when I am out. One advice I got that if I layer the cologne with shower gel or moisturizer from similar fragrance profile, it will hold the scent longer. Now, Jo Malone’s body wash and body creams again are very pricey. So, I try to use sea salt based moisturizer from other pocket friendly brands.

Still, I would say I really loved this scent. This subtle marine vibe to the scent totally frees my spirit and instantly gives me a mood boost. I would be absolutely thrilled if Jo Malone comes up with EDTs or EDPs with better staying power.

If you have tried this cologne, please let me know your views.

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Fragrance, Product Review

Pahadi Local Ayu X Pahadi Local Rose Oil – Review

My recent trek to Bhrigu Lake in Manali got me introduced to a lot of really good quality natural products and I also got to know about this brand called ‘Pahadi Local’ that offers a range of products directly sourced from the Himalayas, consisting of body oil, face oil, face masks etc. They are a brand based out of Himachal Pradesh but their products are available on their website, Nykaa and even on Amazon. I really wanted to try as many products as possible to test the luxurious natural goodness infused in all of their products and hence, picked up a few. In this post, I am going to do a review of their Rose oil which I absolutely loved.

Ayu X Pahadi Local Rose Oil

Price and Quantity: You can say that Pahadi Local’s products fall in the semi-luxury range. It is not too out of budget but not exactly pocket friendly as well. The rose oil comes in a 10ml roll-on variant and it retails for INR 575.

Packaging: The rose oil comes in a glass roll-on bottle which is very travel friendly. I can throw it in my purse or just slide it inside my pocket. When I first received the product, there was a little bit of leakage. I think the bottle cap was not appropriately locked but now it works fine.

Product Description ( as mentioned on the website): The pure goodness of damask roses is distilled into a bottle as a tribute to this fabled bloom. Traditionally associated with mystical qualities that nurture the heart, offering protection and infinite love, Ayu x Pahadi Local Rose Oil can be a very calming and beautiful ritual to end your beauty routine, both am and pm.

Features:

  • Fragrant rose oil that feels calming to the senses
  • Enriched with the goodness of rose oil
  • Can be used during day or night
  • Suitable for all skin types

My take on the Ayu x Pahadi Local Rose Oil:

  • This rose oil smells amazing. The fragrance is quite long-lasting; some may feel it is a bit strong. Whenever I wore it, people around me could smell it. Now for some people who are really sensitive, I would recommend trying it first. Unfortunately, they do not have a trial version. So, it can be tricky if you spend the money and do not like the product.
  • I personally feel that it has a very calming effect on my nerves. I apply it behind my ears in the evening and go for a walk and I feel very relaxed. Be mindful of the quantity you are using because the entire house starts smelling like rose instantly 😀
  • Price wise I find it reasonable because one bottle will go a long way but I only wish they release some sort of a tester which will allow people to test the strength of smell and then purchase it.

Please let me know if you have tried this rose oil and your take on this in the comments section. Have a nice day 🙂

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