In the early years of 15 Minute Beauty I regularly wrote about fragrances. I loved learning about the notes, seeing which combinations were my favorite and how the scents changed as I wore them throughout the day. I learned that I’m not a fan of pink pepper or more “powdery” fragrances, and that fruity notes such as blackberry in combination with white florals were my favorites. I found “it”, a beloved fragrance that I wore every day, and my interest waned so I haven’t written much about fragrances in years.
However… my beloved fragrance was discontinued a few years ago. And my stash of bottles is dwindling down. Which means while I haven’t said much about it, I’ve been searching again. Trying out new scents, via samples, buying travel sizes and smelling scents in stores. I’ve liked 2 enough to buy a full sized version (more below), just in time to share for the Sephora Fragrance for All Event!
What is the Fragrance for All Event? Until 12/24, full sized fragrances are 20% off in store and online for Beauty Insiders (if you’re not a member, this is the perfect time to join). You’ll only be able to take advantage of this offer once, so plan your purchase! This is a great time to buy for yourself or to grab a last minute gift. You can purchase online and pick it up in the store or have same day delivery as well. You need to use the code FRAGRANCE20, and remember that there are some exclusions.
Brown Girl Jane Dawn Eau de Parfum
Top Notes: Raspberry Blossom, Cassis Leaves, Water Lily
Middle Notes: Iris Petal, Violet Greens, Amber Resin
Base Notes: Vetiver, Vanilla Madagascar, Vanilla Bourbon
I find this fragrance to be so pretty! It starts with a bit of a strong vanilla that’s made a little warmer by the amber underlying. But the raspberry is in the mix to make everything a bit sweeter. As time goes on the white floral comes out a little bit more for me, and the vanilla becomes a bit deeper as the vanilla notes shift a bit. I’ve found that this fragrance lasts, and I can still smell it at the end of the day. I’ve been wearing it to work and in my normal everyday life during the fall and early winter.
Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Mandarin Basil Eau de Toilette
Top Notes: Clementine, Orange Blossom, Ivy, Green Tea and Bitter Orange
Middle Notes: Peony, Chamomile, Mandarin Orange and Basil
Base Notes: Sandalwood, Amber
I’m a sucker for all things orange, so it likely shouldn’t be a surprise that I immediately gravitated toward this fragrance from Guerlain. There is definitely citrus in there, and it sticks around all day, though it is the most obvious right after I apply. There’s a bit of green in the scent initially (I think this is the Ivy), that deepens and becomes fresher and I think this is the Ivy dying down as the basil note becomes more obvious. Throughout the day, the sandalwood and amber notes are always there, a little bit warm and a little bit musky. I found this to be an interesting scent, though not quite as floral as I initially thought it would be with the Orange Blossom as a top note. I’ve worn it to work a few times and received compliments, though with the stronger citrus notes this feels more like a spring/summer fragrance to me.
Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa ’59 Perfume Mist
The Sol de Janeiro perfumes are huge this year if you happen to have a tween/teen in your life, and this is the full sized version of my 13 year old’s favorite! She has it in the travel sized bottle, and uses it on days she wants to feel “extra”. It’s on her Christmas List, and I know she’ll be very excited to get it!
Top Notes: Velvet Plum, Sugared Violet
Middle Notes: Vanilla Orchid, Whipped Amber
Base Notes: Sheer Sandalwood, Fresh Vetiver
This has a definite vanilla note in it that sticks around all day, with a light hand of a white floral (I suspect the violet). It is a little bit powdery, something my daughter loves in a fragrance. Overall it’s a lighter floral that’s a little bit sweet and powdery, and it sticks around for about 6-8 hours.
Are you shopping for yourself or a gift? I would love to know what fragrances you’ll be buying this year! Below, I’ve shared my favorites from this post as well as a few additional fruity florals that I’m thinking about trying.
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Sponsored Post: This post is a collaboration with Sephora, though I’ve been shopping for a new fruity floral for about 6 months now. Let me know if you have a favorite!
I’m a doctor, a mommy and a bit of a beauty addict. If you let me, I can take 2 hours to get ready in the morning. Really. I'm on a quest for faster beauty that works!