Although I tend to be very loyal to the same fragrance and have been for a while, I always look forward to sampling new fragrances on the market.  My latest sampling was the Versace Yellow Diamond perfume, body lotion and shower gel.  Before getting into what I thought, I must first mention that I am drawn to really clean, fresh, light scents  and anything outside of that realm seems overpowering to me.

I found the Yellow Diamond perfume to be very  floral and fruity on my skin.  The top notes includes Citron, Pear, Neroli and Bergamot, the middle notes are Freesia, Orange Blossom and Mimosa and the bottom notes are Amber, Wood and Musk.

I applied very little, but the fragrance was still pretty intense, after a while I swear I could taste the fragrance in the back of my throat.  The perfumed body lotion was the same…much to intense for my liking.  I did however like the perfumed shower gel.  For some reason it did not seem as intense as the perfume and body lotion, it left a barely there, soft fragrance on my skin.  However, I would only use the shower gel if I were going out at night and did not plan on using any other fragrance.

If you’re into floral, fruity scents I would recommend giving this a try, what I would not recommend is using the shower gel, body lotion and perfume at the same time…not unless you enjoy being swarmed by bees or are intentionally trying to dissuade any form of human contact. If you’ve worn this perfume, I’d love to know what you thought of it.

*Disclosure

Gail Lewis

Gail is at times a model, most of the time a blogger, but always a beauty junkie.

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Nine West has joined the ranks of countless other retail brands diving into the world of fragrance. The beloved shoe company debuted their premier scent, Love Fury, on January 23^rd 2012.

Created through an exclusive partnership with Firmenich (the company behind scents like Juicy Couture and Ralph Lauren Romance), Love Fury is a romantic, fruity-floral blend that easily takes you from daytime wear to a girl’s night out.

To me, the scent’s fruity notes are reminiscent of Betsey Johnson’s self-named fragrance released in 2006. The opening notes of both perfumes are irresistibly bright and floral, but the heart and drydown of Love Fury are more appealing by far with sensual sandalwood and amber.

The packaging is simple and chic, the stopper a unique nod to Nine West’s signature mark: a stiletto heel.

Visit your local Nine West store or www.NineWest.com to learn more about the fragrance, available in a 0.3oz. rollerball, 1.7 and 3.4oz accompanied by a 6 oz body lotion.

*Disclosure

Amanda Huggins

Amanda is a PR and communications girl living and working in the NYC area. She is a firm believer in the powers of a strong cup of coffee and fire-engine red lipstick.

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Now you can take your Boyfriend wherever you go.

For the past year or so, I have been in a fragrance crisis. Despite how many times I searched through Sephora, Ulta, or my local department stores, I just couldn’t seem to find a scent that fits my personality.

The light, sweet notes found in my once-loved perfumes smelled a bit too young for me, but I didn’t want to lose the femininity that those fragrances embodied. There’s something indescribably feminine – even seductive – about amber and vanilla scents.

That being said, I  also love the woody, musky, and even citrusy notes that are present in most men’s colognes – I’ve actually been spraying Aqua Di Gio around my room as an air freshener lately. As you can imagine, I was totally floored to come across Boyfriend by Kate Walsh, a mens-inspired fragrance that had musky, woodsy notes while still keeping a very distinct level of femininity.

Kate Walsh missed the scent of her boyfriend on her skin (don’t we all love that smell?) and set out to create a fragrance that was mens-inspired but totally feminine. Walsh hit the mark – there is a distinctly masculine edge to the fragrance, but it is warm, comforting, and manages remains quite delicate and girly.

While this scent isn’t for everybody, it is my complete dream come true. Buy 1.6oz of Boyfriend at Sephora for $65.00 (and free shipping!)

*Disclosure: A small sampler was sent by the PR firm to review this product.

Amanda Huggins

Amanda is a PR and communications girl living and working in the NYC area. She is a firm believer in the powers of a strong cup of coffee and fire-engine red lipstick.

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I tend to be very loyal when it comes to my perfumes.  Rarely do I ever deviate from a particular brand or fragrance. The only time I ever switch my scents are in the summer and fall.  In the summer, I tend to go with very light body splashes and in the fall I return to my signature scent of perfume…a little less playful, but definitely a stronger scent…a bit sexier.  I have been using the same perfume for a few years now and though I’ve been tempted a few times by the bright lights and smiling faces at the department store perfume counters and I’ve managed to remain faithful to a fault…until I met the Italian…Gelsomino Nobile.

Gelsomino Nobile is a new fragrance from the Le Nobili collection by Acqua Di Parma and is centered on a species of Jasmine grown in Calabria, Italy.  The fragrance is inspired by a beautiful Italian garden with a sunny sea breeze wafting in from the Mediterranean.  I generally shy away from anything inspired by a garden of any kind because I normally find those types of fragrances overpowering, not the case with Gelsomino Nobile.  It is soft, sexy, feminine and sophisticated.  It is definitely a fragrance that I would only wear during the colder months and just a little dab goes a long way.  The process of choosing a new perfume is a very personal experience for me and one that I tend to experience by myself (and of course the salesperson)…maybe…But this time I decided to get a second opinion, that of the current boyfriend…no he is not Italian.  He thought the fragrance was subtle, sexy and not overwhelming.  I normally go through the entire sample of perfume before I decide 100% to purchase it, I’ve only used about 25% of the Gelsomino Nobile sample (seriously a little really does go a long way) but I’ve pretty much made up my mind and settled on the fact that I am going to cheat….

Gail Lewis

Gail is at times a model, most of the time a blogger, but always a beauty junkie.

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The beauty industry has definitely contributed in large part to making traveling less stressful.  Yes we still have to deal with lines, delays and ridiculous baggage fees, but thanks to the beauty industry, as soon as we board we can treat ourselves to an in-plane spa session that will remove the memory of any stress prior to boarding.  One of the few products that I have noticed absent from the vast array of great airline travel-friendly products is perfume. Yes, there are perfumes available in sample sizes that you can pretend you’re going to buy later, but you actually won’t…you just want it because it’s in an easy to travel size (it’s OK, I do it and know of a few others that are guilty as well!)  But what is a girl to do? Sometimes I would like to freshen up my fragrance on the plane, but it’s usually not handy because it’s in my checked luggage…it being in a large, heavy glass bottle and all.  I knew it would only be a matter of time before some beauty industry genius came up with a solution and of course someone did, the geniuses at Travalo.

Travalo is a refillable perfume atomizer that is ridiculously user friendly and foolproof.  It allows you to rapidly transfer your favorite perfumes from their full sized bottles in to a convenient travel size container (about 3 inches long  and weighs .5 oz).  All you have to do is to remove the spray top from your perfume bottle and insert the pump stick of the perfume bottle into the bottom of the Travalo container, then press down repeatedly until the Travalo container is filled, it’s really that simple.

The Travalo container even has a clear window so that you are able to gauge the level of perfume it contains so you know when it’s ready to be refilled.  The container is very lightweight, shatter proof and environmentally friendly, I also love that it fits into the teeniest evening clutch.  Yes Travalo is absolutely genius, but now there is absolutely no reason to smell anything but fantastic…no matter where you might find yourself.

Gail Lewis

Gail is at times a model, most of the time a blogger, but always a beauty junkie.

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It’s that time of year again for a perfume change, a time of year also known to some as summer.   And I love celebrating summer and all that it embodies by going lighter and fresher with everything… diet, clothing, hair and of course fragrance.    I rarely ever wear perfume in the summer, opting instead to go with body splashes or a lightly scented lotion.  On those very rare occasions when I do choose to wear perfume, I look for fragrances that are clean, fresh,  soft, simple and pretty.  I like fragrances that are very easy to wear and that also require very close contact if you are looking to catch a whiff of it (what can I say, I’m very private about my fragrance, can’t have every Tom, Dick and Harry stealing a whiff…)

I managed to find a few perfumes that incorporate all of the attributes I look for in a “summer fragrance” and they are all by elizabethW san francisco.  The fragrances from the line that I absolutely love for summer are Leaves, Citrus Vervain and Sweet Tea. They are all very evocative of summer, but the fragrance that I chose as my new summer perfume was of course the Sweet Tea.  Not only does the name absolutely epitomize summer, but the fragrance is described as gracious,  spirited and elegant with enticing oriental black teas, juicy fresh Amalfi lemons and the sweetness of almond honey, what could be more summery than that?  I love how simple, clean and fresh it smells on my skin, I honestly don’t think it could be overpowering even if it tried.

Now that I have my Sweet Tea, I feel more prepared to don my straw hats and cotton dresses…all that’s missing is my Southern accent (something about sweet tea that makes me think Scarlett O’Hara…)

Gail Lewis

Gail is at times a model, most of the time a blogger, but always a beauty junkie.

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You’ve asked for it, reviews from brands you may not otherwise know about. Let me introduce you to Ambre Blends. This is a natural fragrance company that uses ambre oil as their primary ingredient with other organic essential oils. I had the opportunity to review their essences in their Olive Oil Soap and Body Cream. (Also pictured is their pure essence oil.)

invoke essence Pure Olive Oil Soap ($14): The sensual scent of ambre oil mixed with jasmine, neroli, sandalwood and a hint of rose, this scent has a clean yet sexy fragrance. If kept from sitting in a water prone spot in your shower in between washes, this soap lasts a while. It definitely left a light scent on my skin and I loved how moisturizing the olive oil was.

solace essence Body Cream ($20 for travel size): Upon first look at the texture of this body cream in it’s jar, I was reminded of Elmer’s Glue. I know that sounds like the weirdest description ever, but it was that white and creamy looking. However, it’s clear upon using it that this body cream applies easily and is a thin and aromatic moisturizer. It’s a combination of Ambre Essence with vanilla and a “rare special ingredient.” My non-professional nose tells me it smells of musk or Patchouli. (Either way it reminds me of the oils my sister Courtney used to wear.) The body cream contains shea butter, vitamin E, jojoba oil and green tea.

Ambre Blends are meant to change a bit when working with your own body chemistry, so these fragrances may smell a bit different when you wear them. Have you tried them?

Shannon Nelson

Shannon Nelson launched A Girl's Gotta Spa! in 2005. She currently works with beauty brands as a social media consultant, freelance writes for magazines and is a public speaker at beauty industry conferences.

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I love fragrance. Certain scents can immediately whisk me back to a specific time in my life in a blink of an eye. Another helps create memories. There is such an abundance of great perfumes on the market right now, so I asked my fellow beauty blogger’s which were their must-have fragrance for Fall (and included mine too.)

Patty from Perfume Posse: For fall, I’m hands down in love with L’Artisan Nuit de Tubereuse. It’s rich, little spicy, nutty, the tubereuse isn’t the big white flower one of Fracas, it’s just absolutely stunning, warm and more than slightly addictive to wear. It’s a disturbing comfort. Like that moment when you are doing crow or a handstand in yoga, and it’s not something you feel confident about in the least, but you hit that one sweet moment when you know you’ve lined it up and that’s what it should feel like. Then you realize you are probably going to bang your nose on the floor or your arm might give out, but it’s almost weightless and without effort for a second and you may even look good doing it, but deeply disturbing in feeling right. (Find it at LuckyScent.com.) 

Marta from Talking Makeup: The hottest fragrance for Fall hands down is Womanity by Thierry Mugler!! Why? Wow factor.

Evie from Product Pasha: Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia Cologne: this simple yet intriguing fragrance is perfect for Fall – sweet and warm, fresh and fruity. I love that I can wear it alone or pair it with other fragrances to add more depth on colder days.

Shannon from A Girl’s Gotta Spa!: I am really loving pureDKNY. There is something about the scent of vanilla as the air cools down. But it’s not just a clean vanilla and water fragrance, it has a hint of floral too. So pretty. So simple.

What is your must-have fragrance for Fall?

Don’t forget to Like A Girl’s Gotta Spa! on Facebook, talk to me on Twitter @agirlsgottaspa and subscribe to this beauty blog!

*Disclosure

Shannon Nelson

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It’s summer and there is nothing worse than riding the Q train only to take in all of the smells of the city. In my ongoing review of AXE products, I was sent AXE Deodorant Bodyspray to try out. I gave this product my highest rating yet! Check out the video to see what I thought. Have you tried it? Leave a comment!

Other AXE reviews worth looking at on A Girl’s Gotta Spa! (sm):

• AXE Leather Collection
• AXE Itch Relief Cooling 2-in-1 Anti-Dandruff Shampoo + Conditioner
• AXE Smooth and Sophisticated Shine Pomade
• AXE Hair Care

*Disclosure

Nando

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It’s that time again! A Girl’s Gotta Spa! is seeking nominations for moms across the U.S. who have overcome adversity, boldly negotiated impossible odds, triumphed over tragedy, went above and beyond or is a pillar of her community. Simply put: a woman of fortitude and strength, someone deserving of the recognition and undeniably in need of some pampering. Is this you? Do you know someone who fits the description? Then you have until May 28th to submit a nomination and put her on my radar for an out-of-this-world prize package!

What does said prize package contain you ask? Oh, only about $3170 worth of beauty and fashion products. Not too shabby, eh?

One very lucky mom will win: 

• Ages A Go Go Vintage: $200 store gift card
• Payot Cosmetics: Design Lift Riche cream for dry skin, Design Ultra Lift serum, Design Lift Regard eye cream
• LiQWD: LiQWD Volumizing Shampoo, LiQWD Volumizing Conditioner, LiQWD Professional Volumizing Catalyst
• Crabtree & Evelyn: Citron Honey & Coriander Hand Therapy Collection
• LOGO Instant Chic by Lori Goldstein: Cluster necklace
• AVON: A full set of Avon’s Glazewear Lip Gloss, including all 16 shades.
• Philosophy: Field of Flowers Fragrance and Body Gel
• Carmindy: CRAZY BUSY BEAUTIFUL book
• Redken: Color Extend Sun Collection
• FACE atelier: 1 set travel brushes, 6 mini shimmers, Arctic gold lip glaze, Naked Lip Rx, Translucent pressed powder
• Zoya Nail Polish: Zoya Great Nail Color Kit (includes Color Lock System & 3 polishes of your choice)
• Qtica: Qtica Super Skin Kit
• neuLash: 6ml lash treatment
• Leelous Garden:  Shirt of your choice
• TRIA Beauty: Three-piece system including Clarifying Foam Cleanser, Clarifying Blue Light and Rebuilding Complex
• Purple Lab:  Huge Lips Skinny Hips in in Love Your Thighs, Luvah in Rich Jerk and SWAC lip gloss
• PH8 by Bebe: Jacket
• InviCible Scars: Scar treatment serum
• Travertine Spa: 3 full size products in their best selling Petal fragrance
• Lumene: Lumene Finland Basket includes Lumene Excellent Future Deep Repairing Serum, Lumene Excellent Future Deep Repairing Day Cream, Lumene Arctic Touch Deep Cleansing Peat Mask, Lumene Blueberry Curl Mascara
• Beautyzzz: Silk pillowcase
• Glamorous Cosmetics: Blooming Dahlia Makeup Kit and Summer Set
• KLEAN Bath & Body: Large gift collection of bath and body products
• Nagicia by Tricia Kim: Root necklace, Silver pendant YURU, Silver necklace YURU
• Chic Canvas: 8×10 canvas
• FSL Cosmetics: 3 lip glosses
• Fusion of Color: Spring/Summer Collection of your Choice
• MONET: Natural Bloom necklace and earring set
• LaLicious: Collection gift set

Amazing, right? So here’s what you need to do to enter yourself or someone you know to win (plus all of the legalese necessary for a contest of this magnitude.)

Contest Rules and How To Enter:

First, the person being nominated must absolutely 100% be a mom, age 18+ and a legal US resident. You can nominate yourself or nominate someone else. Nominations can be done 1 of 2 ways:

1. A 600 word or less written entry that tells me why this mom is so extraordinary. Please do this via the contest app on A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Facebook fan page.

2. Or by video, uploaded to You Tube, vimeo, etc. The video has to be 3 minutes or less and the link to the video submitted via email (the exact link, not tiny url or bitly, etc.)

Whichever way you choose, you must email email me: the mom’s full name, age, number of children, city/state, picture of this mom with her kids and contact information (Email, phone # and Twitter) at Shannon (at) agirlsgottaspa (dot) com. All questions may be directed to this email as well.

By entering the contest, should you be chosen as the winner, you are giving me the right to post this information and letter of nomination in the winning announcement (minus phone number/email address.) Contest begins May 9, 2010 and ends on May 28, 2010 at 12am EST. Winner (1) will be announced on May 31st. Retail value of the prize pack is $3170. All products are brand new and unused and come “as is” without warranty. There are no cash or product substitutes. I retain the right to revoke or cancel the contest and prizes without warning. Myself and the product sponsors are not liable if you do not like the products, if they cause an allergic reaction and the like. All information sent to me (phone #, email, etc. will not be rented or sold.) Previous winners are Jo Coiner Burzyki and Trina Davidson.

While I have your attention, be sure to join the conversation on Twitter @girlsgottaspa and the A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Facebook fan page.

Ready? On your mark, get set, GO!

*Disclosure: All products were donated; some sponsors are clients and/or former clients for my social media consulting.

Shannon Nelson

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