You want more fragrance reviews? I’ve got them!

The queen of celebrity fragrances, Ms Britney Spears, has just launched her ten millionth scent, Britney Spears VIP Private Show EDP (R565 for 50ml and R665 for 100ml). I thought it would be more closely related to the original Private Show, which is all about sugar and coffee, but VIP is a fruity floral that, Britney says, celebrates her love of dancing.

The notes: Blood orange, red apple, mango, violet, orange blossom, magnolia, raspberry, wood, amber and musk.
What it smells like: An explosion of mango and raspberry with incredible staying power. While it starts out a bit loud, it dries down into a warm, creamy scent that’s most definitely sweet but not sickeningly so.
Who’s going to like it: A carefree, younger woman who likes fruity scents like Escada’s Island Kiss, Taj Sunset or anything by Paris Hilton, Britney’s competitor for the celebrity fragrance crown.
Wear it: Any time, day or night, when you’re feeling flirty and craving a slew of mangotinis but don’t want to drive your car into a wall.

Moving on, let’s talk about Stella McCartney Stella Pop Bluebell EDP (R815 for 30ml, R1 105 for 50ml and R1 475 for 100ml). The original Pop was a fresh floral brimming with tuberose but this newbie, a slightly woodier floral, is a lot more demure. Interestingly, the English bluebell is an endangered flower so the fragrance uses biomimicry to replicate the scent.

The notes: Tomato and violet leaf, green mandarin, bluebell, violet, tuberose, frangipani, wood and musk.
What it smells like: Subtle and dewy – like you just got out the shower – but without a powder or soapy note in sight. Some days I pick up on the frangipani and on others it’s the tuberose that shines.
Who’s going to like it: Despite it’s millennial target market I reckon a woman of any age could pull this off. While it reminds me a bit of Jo Malone’s Bluebell cologne it’s much leafier and more aquatic which gives it a fresh, youthful feeling. Anyone who likes aquatic florals or ‘cool’ fragrances like Issey Miyake L’eau D’Issey Pure or Calvin Klein CK All will appreciate Stella’s new juice.
Wear it: On a warmer day when you want to smell ‘pretty’ and clean.

Next up? Elizabeth Arden Sunflowers Sunlight Kiss EDT (R425 for 100ml). My little sister used to wear the original fragrance so I know it. Arden has launched several versions of it and I really liked Morning Gardens which smells nothing like the original. Sunlight Kiss, however, a sunny, citrusy floral, is a lot more true to the first scent but it’s much more translucent and definitely feels ‘brighter’ thanks to lots of citrus.

The notes: Bergamot, mandarin, loquat, apple leaves, osmanthus, cyclamen, an ‘ozonic accord’ (which to me smells like sunlight!), rose, jasmine, driftwood and musk.
What it smells like: Like I said, it’s a lot like the original but has been given a modern, fresher feel.
Who’s going to like it: Anyone who appreciates a yellow-y/gold floral – fragrances like Christian Dior’s J’Adore.
Wear it: When you want to fling open the doors and let the sunshine in!

Lastly, Issey Miyake haved launched yet another summer edition of their iconic original – Issey Miyake L’eau D’Issey Summer 2017 EDT (R995 for 100ml.)

The notes: Pink grapefruit, litchi, passion fruit, guava, watery notes, petals, vanilla and exotic woods.
What it smells like: The brand’s whipped out many summer versions of L’Eau D’Issey and this one smells similar to last year’s scent (it shares many of the same notes) but this time round the guava comes through most prominently. Also, while it’s not officially listed as a note, I get a lot of melon on my skin. I wore this earlier in the week and got several compliments with people saying I smelled ‘like summer’ so, I reckon, Mr Miyake can consider this new spin on his still fabulous classic as a mission accomplished.
Who’s going to like it: Anyone who adores the brand’s breezy aquatic fragrances but also enjoys dash of juicy tropical fruit.
Wear it: On a hot summer’s day when you’re craving a little ‘cool’.

See anything you like? Each fragrance is in stores right now and waiting to be sniffed.

Love, love

Leigh