Roberto Cavalli have just launched a new summery version of their popular Paradiso scent, Paradiso Azzuro EDP (R805 for 30ml, R1 135 for 50ml and R1 470 for 50ml), inspired by a golden sunrise over the Mediterranean sea. While the original Paradiso was a mix of citrus, jasmine and wood, Azzuro is much he same but now it’s citrusy top notes mingle with lavender. The heart is still pure jasmine but now the base notes are and cashmere.

To my nose, it’s opening – a clean, sparkly mix of citrus, bergamot and lavender – is the best part and I wish these notes would linger around a little longer but the jasmine and cypress elements are forces to be reckoned with. In fact, as the cypress note is so forthcoming, the scent kind of feels a little bit like a unisex cologne with great staying power and throw.

When the scent dries down, it’s pretty difficult to tell it apart from the original Paradiso so if you’re a fan of the original or appreciate a warm, woody floral where jasmine’s the star of the show this is something you’ll want to sniff.

Next up, let’s get a look at Viva La Juicy Rose’ EDP (R795 for 50ml and R1150 for 100ml), the latest edition to the Juicy Couture family.

Isn’t the bottle just magic? You’ll also be glad to know that the glitter’s been lacquered over so it’s not going to get all over your hands, clothes, your whole god damn life every time you pick it up. Now I know the devotees will throw rocks at me but I’m not a fan of any of the other Viva La Juicy scents as I find them a bit too sweet with a cloying caramel note that doesn’t do it for me. I kind of expected Rose’ to be similar, but surprise, surprise, it’s quite different in that it’s a very light, easy to wear scent that makes me think of clean-smelling shampoo with a dash of sugared rose petals if you put your nose a little closer to your skin.

As far as the official notes go, you’re looking at mandarin, pear, centifolia rose (these are the big roses that look like pretty pink cabbages), jasmine, peony, orris, benzoin and ambroxan.

It’s also worth mentioning that, while I merely like it, my flat mate is absolutely crazy about it which is why I always try to keep my fragrance reviews as objective as possible. One woman’s Coco Mademoiselle is another’s eau de migraine so, if like my me, you haven’t appreciated the Juicy side of life before, know that Rose’ might just swing you round to the ‘bling’ side.

Now let’s chat about Antonio Banderas Queen of Seduction EDT (price TBA). The name’s as cheesy as all hell and when I think of the word ‘seduction’ and it’s linked to someone ‘Latin’ I immediately think spice, smoke and musk. Still, this is another case of ‘sniff it before you judge it’ as Queen of Seduction’s a surprisingly fresh, sparkly citrus. In fact, if my preconceived idea was a woman, it would be a siren like Monica Belluci in a black kimono but in ‘reality’ this fragrance’s poster child is a flirty, girlie girl like Taylor Swift rocking a pastel-coloured sundress.

The notes? Water, raspberry, grapefruit, jasmine, peony, pink pepper, iris, amber, cedar and suede. On me, I get juicy pink grapefruit, summer petals and subtle creamy woods. I really love this scent. It’s a perfect sunny weekend pick-me-up, but it’s let down by the fact that it’s lacking in the staying power department.

Tried any of these yourself? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Love, love

Leigh