Since March dabbles around all the time in celeb scents, I decided to go trawling around as well.
Queen by Queen Latifah is her first entry into the perfume market. From the marketing copy:
- “The top notes premiere with lightly sparkling citrus notes of Italian Bergamot and Mediterranean Mandarin wrapped in an intoxicating golden tequila inspired accord.
- The heart of this scent brings together two sides of a woman: femininity and sexiness. Fresh bouquets of Baie Rose and Jasmine Noir blend with the rich warmth of Cognac and the exotic spice Moroccan Coriander. This heart truly imparts love.
- Base notes provide the soul of the scent with an unexpected but exciting combination of Indonesian Patchouli, Sandalwood and a touch of Vanilla Absolute. Tonka Absolute blends with Egyptian Incense and Sexy Musk to make the fragrance linger.”
I heard she wanted tequila in there because that’s her favorite drink. I’.m not sure that I smell tequila specifically, and that’s a good thing because it brings up memories of another time when things got so rowdy that we got shushed at a Deaf banquet. But this scents sure could have gone along on the ride with me that night. It’s, for me, pretty much a straight-up oriental, and a nice one at that. It’s not a groundbreaking one, running more to the Poison or Hypnotic Poison side of the road, but it’s a celebscent that’s not a fruity floral, and we need more of those. It would stand well on its own, without the celeb selling it. Warm, a little smoldery, enough booze to make it interesting, and the vanilla isn’t overpowering. It doesn’t last as long as I’d like, or stay discrete on the notes as long as I’d like, but I know the budgets they work with aren’t amenable to super-great materials. For what it is, it works and is done well. And it would be a cheap alternative to Hypnotic Poison in the winter because it will go to the discounters and will be cheap.
But what’s up with the bottle designs on celebscents now? They used to have the star’s name plastered all over it, but I noticed several of them now make it almost impossible to find out what the name of the perfume is, you have to just know by the bottle and that teeny sticker on the bottom that nobody can read.
I did sniff White Diamonds in pure parfum this last weekend. I used to think that stuff was toxic, but compared to what’s out there now, a big old white floral that can knock someone’s diamonds off at 100 paces seems a little refreshing.
Have you had a celebrity scent that you like a lot? Or that surprised you? I’m always happy when they do – probably happier than if it’s a latest niche release we’ve all been panting over. I’m also happy when I love some scents in the closet that get dissed badly that eventually people come to appreciate (Coco Mademoiselle in parfum).
I don’t get it, Margarito Gdula
Well, L’Interdit was Audrey Hepburn’s scent, and that’s supposed to be quite good. Of course, a scent that was composed FOR a celebrity, such as L’Interdit or L’Air de Rien, isn’t exactly in the same category as the purely meretricious licensed name scent, I guess.
I have the first Ines de la Fressange. It’ a lot of aldehydes and light musk, hardly in the same league as the unmistakable muse herself, but it is one of the few scents that I like to wear in the dog days of summer.
L’Interdit is very tame and inoffensive, like, I think LT said, flower hat and sunday church.
I was always wondering how Ines de la Fressange was, thanks for the info.
The only celebrity scent that I’ve smelled in the last three years or so that didn’t make me hate myself was, and I can’t believe I’m saying this, Fancy by Jessica Simpson. I mean, it’s not good, exactly, but for what it is, it’s nice. And it has a more complex construction than you would expect from a standard gourmand scent aimed at teenage girls.
Regarding that Etat Libre D’Orange chat upthread: Rossy de Palma is a spectacular dark rose, and Je Suis Un Homme is a glorious citrus-leather scent. The rest of their stuff that I’ve tried so far–by no means everything in the line–I could take or leave. I want very much to try the Tilda Swinton.
Vraie Blonde? Jasmin et Cigarettes? Putain des Palaces? Eloge du Taitre? Bedelirious? Tom of Finland?
I have to agree with several of you that Halle was a nice surprise. Nothing to knock your socks off, but a warm, pleasant everyday fragrance that wears well and won’t offend co-workers. Also, a while back, actress Isabella Rossellini had a scent called Manifesto which took the fresh/green route and was quite nice.
I meant to try, perhaps even buy, Queen Latifah, but couldn’t find it in any of the stores! I may wait for it to end up at a discounter, but I do feel celebscents should be available at Sephora or something – why be shy with them?
(now someone else will tell me that sephora carries it. But I LOOKED, I DID LOOK!)
Isn’t Queen a Macy’s exclusive or something? Or at least it was when it first came out?
I’ll second Etat Libre d’Orange’s Rossy di Palma. Also in the news: PawSense (“catproof your computer”) at:
http://www.bitboost.com/pawsense/
Need that now! She’s doing the most horrible things to my computer and I’m so dumb with computers.
Many months back, a coworker was wearing something that smelled pretty delicious. Imagine my surprise when she said it was the original Paris Hilton. Not that I’d test it on my own skin.
Cumming is great, though it’s pretty much in a different category and stratum of the perfume world.
I sprayed the original Halle on my wrist while walking through Sears and thought it was very good indeed. Anyone could get away with owning 15ml of that for a cheap thrill.
I bought a bottle of Halle for 9.99 at the Grocery Outlet. I gave it to my daughter, but find myself sneaking in to her room for whiffs (which is the reverse of what usually happens– I started her little collection for her because I noticed my bottle of Tabac Blonde was sinking rapidly, and the kids smelled very nervy and sophisticated). Halle smells exactly like a day I spent on the beach in Hawaii– suntan lotion, fresh salty breeze, something green and lush around the edges. Not bad for ten bucks.
Does Stella count? I like it. It’s basically a straight-up rose on me, very nice.
Meant to ask: Why is this a Blame Louise post? 😕
And what *does* Coco Mlle smell like in pure parfum? My sister wears CM (wears it well, actually, it’s really nice on her), and I was thinking of finding her the parfum. Thoughts?
Ha! That’s too funny. I just noticed. Oh Louise! It’s happening again!! =))
Wait-I just happen to log on late today (well, sometimes I *do* have to work…and it’s my fault…
again??? 😮 :((
In all my years and YEARS of perfume love, I don’t think I’ve ever worn a celebrity scent. I suppose I equate celebrity scents with cheap and awful. Though, I’m sure there are a few out there that are a step above the rest. I gave my sister Lovely as a gift, and it smells great on her. She used to wear and love Romance, so I thought Lovely would be a good alternative. I respect SJP’s interest in and love for fragrance. She took a risk with Covet, and it didn’t do so well, but I commend her for it…and now there’s the strawberry laden SJP NYC. Marie-Helene just posted a review on Scented Salamander, and she seemed to like it – not as sweet as expected. So, perhaps I’m judging it and other celebrity scents too harshly – should at least try before I criticize…
My sister bought me Queen (love Queen Latifah) for Christmas and it came with lotion and body butter. I don’t go out of my way to sniff celebrity fragrances (or most department store fragrances anymore for that matter) but I was shopping with my sister and picked up the bottle and spritzed it and received compliments for the rest of the day. So she bought it for me for Christmas. I don’t wear it often but I like it and it reminds me of my sister.
I liked the Alan Cumming frag, just not on me. My fav would have to go to L’Air De Rien, AKA the smell of Birkin. I’ve been squirrelling bottles away before they destroy it by removing the oakmoss (or discontinue it altogether).
Gaah I love that stuff. =p~
Love that!
I just thought of my favorite celebrity scent. It was a gift from my mom back in the 80’s because I had an awful crush on its namesake. It was MISHA for Mikhail Baryshnikov. I still have a little in the bottle and wear it occasionally. It’s a very heady, 80’s oriental. Very well done and even more so when you compare it to the celeb fragrances coming out now. They are ALL just too sweet for me.
I admit I am a little curious about the Kardashian scent.
I tried the Kardashian scent in Sephora last week – I have to admit…. it was kind of nice. Actually, it was very nice and if I didn’t already have both Marc Jacobs and EL Tuberose Gardenia, I probably would have bought. I would not, however, have admitted wearing it to anyone outside of the fragrance blogs.
I loved – and stil sometimes wear- SJP’s Lovely. the body lotion is wonderful, and my go-to “I’m too sick to wear scent but i still want to smell pretty option.” I probably got more compliments on Lovely than any other scent I’ve ever worn. I was excited about the QL scent, since it has many notes I like, but it didn’t quite work on me. Still, it was well put together and certainly a good entry into the crowded celeb market.
QL herself is interesting. I remember her when she was a street rapper in a sweatshirt and cutoffs. Who knew? She’s a good role model and it’s good to hear that her fragrance isn’t some horrid Kool-Aid.
I tried Lovely the other day. It wasn’t bad, just not to my taste — a little musky. I got a sample of Elizabeth Taylors Diamonds and Rubies last year, and it was instantly recognizable as a Sophia Grosjman — lush, lush.
Covet’s not bad? I’ll look for it.
Other than those I haven’t liked celebrity scents, and I admit that it’s the concept of them that makes me gag.
If you’re going to look for Covet – look at Marshalls or TJMaxx. You can find it there for under $20 – I paid $19.95 for a gift set. I really like it, but if you have any aversion to a chocolate note, you might not. I don’t get a sweet chocolate from it, more of a bitter chocolate – but it’s definitely there.
I used to like the Hilary Duff, but it’s gone too sweet on me as my tastes have changed. I love Covet – not enough to buy a back-up bottle yet, but maybe I should. Otherwise, I’ll be doing eBay searches 10 years from now and paying a fortune, right?
Some of the Britney stuff wasn’t too bad, but I was never inspired to buy it. I am dying to try the Tilda Swinton though – just because I love her and the notes sound good.
Oh, and I own Halle Pure Orchid – but only because I was curious and it was $6.99 at Walgreen’s. It’s okay, but sweeeeeeeeeeet.
I heart QL myself, and the notes sounded nice to me. But Queen was waaaaay sweet on me, too sweet to wear. I do tend to amp sweetness, though. I tried Queen a couple of months ago, and now that I’ve explored my decant of Havana Vanille, it occurs to me that Queen might be the low-budget, tobaccoless version of HV.
I agree, Patty – for a celebuscent it’s not at all brainless fluff, and nice to see something a little more interesting.
I’m in the very small minority that crushes on CDG Daphne. I prefer dabbing it to spraying.
I try most of them (on paper only.) I was pleasantly surprised by Midnight Fantasy, of all things. It’s not my usual style, but I read a positive review by someone who should know (Chandler Burr? Luca Turin?) that inspired me to try it. Next round will be skin test.
I0,2 +k,
456—-+–+,
30,
Sorry that was the cat. We are fighting for desk space and I’m the loser. Of course.
Do
Rossy de Palma by Etat Libre
Daphne by CdG
count?
And I am also much looking forward to sampling Etat Libre’s Tilda Swinton Like This fragrance.
=))
thank you for that!
>-)
Is the cat doing your taxes?
HA! I wish she did, apart from being self-important…
Yes yes yes I nearly forgot Daphne!!!! Then there would have to be the Stephen Jones!
And the wonderful Rossy, like everyone I’m desparate to try the Tilda Swinton!
Yikes. Don’t give my Yorkie any ideas!:o
Hey y’all, anyone know of a cat translator? There’s something about that message…
I only speak terrier.
You may speak it, but do they listen? :-
Well, they look at me and cock their heads, but I think my accent might be too thick.
I think the kitty is commenting on Miel de Bois /:)
She loves Earl Grey with milk and cold Caffelatte, also Bar-mix-nuts, Nutella Parmesan and buttered toast. She hates chicken. (Don’t call the amimal-watch! I’m not feeding her that! She steals it!)
She is not a Chypre-fan. Couldn’t get her opinion on honey-scents so far.
It was very impolite – I’ll refrain from translating that.
I’ve been thinking some more on the celeb scents:
there are many when you go back to 50ties to 70ties.
Creed! e.g. Fleurissimo – Grace Kelly
Givenchy: L’Interdit (was it?) – Audrey Hepburn, Vetiver for Hubert de himself
Vent Vert – B.Bardot
Sous le Vent – Josephine Baker
Although I’m not sure if the celebs had such a big part in promoting the scent.
Nothing recent comes to mind but as others have noted, Cher is nice, particulary in the parfum. The SJPs are well-composed, but they don’t really do anything for me. Oh and what about Deneuve? I tried a tiny sample of it once. Enough to make me do an ebay search for a while. It is rare enough to be annoyingly expensive, so I gave up. Maybe I’ll add it back to my search list!
Hi Melissa,
Ask and you shall receive. I got a small sample vial of Deneuve recently, tried on a very tiny bit and could not wear it because of the civet, which is my nemesis. If you’d like it, just e-mail Patty. I’d be happy for it to go to a good and loving home, instead of languishing in my sample drawer. Thanks …
I sniffed Queen for the first time last week – the SA at the perfume discounter spritzed me with it before telling me what it was. Not bad but a little too sweet on me. I thought the bottle was hideously clunky.
I do like SJP’s Lovely though. It’s a nice part of my collection of go to fragrances when nothing else seems to be working for me.
I finished a 15ml bottlette of Kate, the original pink one. Truly inoffensive rose water – I used it as an EdC splash-cum-linen spray. Not to say that I was knocked over with its quality, but I definitely enjoyed its bland simplicity, whereas most celebuscents attempt to kill me with their diabetically noxious fumes.
Never much interested in celebrity scents, till..
Etat Libre d’Orange : Tilda Swinton : Like This
Never say, “Never.” #-o *kicks self*
they let me sneak a smell of that back in October. I love it! (and I love her)
You know – the notes for Tilda look like something I’d like to sniff, but I’ve been burned on the two ELO scents I’ve sampled so far (Secretions Magnifiques – quelle horreur!) AND Encens et Bubblegum. There’s a note common to both, which I can’t place, that is just offensive to my nose. I’m starting to wonder if, like Guerlain and the “Guerlainade”, there’s an underlying thing to ELO (“Orangeade”??) :d
Ouch! I haven’t tried Encens et Bubblegum, but it sounds like you tried the worst of the lot. Some of ELdO’s scents are really well made. You should sample others. I like Rossy de Palma, Fat Electrician, Charogne, Vierges et Toreros, and others.
I’m already hosting a split of Tilda Swinton… plan to snap up bottles as soon as it’s available… that’s how MUCH I want and need to have it.
I have Rossy de Palma and have Vierges et Toreros on my wish list along with the Swinton one.
I agree with Joe…give some others a try; I chose Putain de Palaces (hotel slut) for my friend and she loves it (well, I also chose an Amouage for her, and she bought a full bottle immediately hahaha).
SJP’s Covet was a great revelation. I’d read various blogs that said it was good and different from most celeb scents, so when I saw it advertised at a really cheap price, I bought a bottle. And after wearing it for a day, bought two back up bottles! I just find it so “wearable”. Soft, vanillaish (but not too sweet), woody and comforting with a hint of bitter green. Not that I would rave over it, and it isn’t my holy grail, but on the days I’m not up to much and can’t think which of my more challenging fragrances I would like to wear, I put on this.
Umm – does Stéphanie count? It was – supposedly – by Princess Stéphanie of Monaco (and Bourjois), whom I dislike. But I loved that scent, a lush, spicy oriental which made Chopard’s Casmir seem a bit wimpy in comparison. In fact, I still do love it, if I can get my claws on it on ebay…..
And I hear Cher’s fragrance wasn’t bad at all. Unfortunately I never smelled it before it winked out of existence (Stéphanie and Cher? Yes, I’m that old).
BB, I was about to say the same thing about Cumming. One of my lovely and devoted readers sent me two full bottles of the stuff last spring and I’ve gone through half of one already.
I’ve a big old soft spot for “With Love” by Hilary Duff. It’s a warm soft oriental with more than a touch of the butch masculine in there. The bottle also follows the no branding design as it’s just a clear multi-faceted colourless glass bottle without Ms Duff’s name or fragrance name anywhere on it.
I love Cumming by Alan Cumming but I guess that barely counts in the celeb scent category as it’s decidedly off-centre through and through.
Yea I’m on board with Cumming! What and odd wonderful scent.
It seems like something Alan Cumming had a real part in and not just something he slapped his name on. It’s a shame you don’t see that on the counter at the local Dillards. What a scandal that would be especially here in the bible belt. If that would ever happen I’d plop down a lawn chair & watch from the side lines! =))
I’ve never tried a celebrity scent I’ve liked enough to buy, but I have to admit that I haven’t tried all that many of them. Not that I think anything’s wrong with them — just not really interested in celeb branding.
I do remember being pleasantly surprised by a sample of With Love…Hilary Duff I got from Sephora. With a name like that, I expected a generic fruity floral, but it had a woodsy drydown that I found much more interesting than expected.
Think I would agree about Hillary’s With Love… Got some for a niece a couple of years back, and was pleasantly surprised. Especially compared with some of the other celeb frags out there…
Third With Love. The lady at Claire’s at the time told me a lot of moms were buying it. :d
I also liked … that other one. With the cigar and the poppers. Dangit — what’s her NAME?!?!
Dianne Brill!
I really, really wanted to love “With Love…” but all I get from it is hardcore, freshly ground black pepper. Throughout the whole thing. It’s the only smell I can…smell. Bummer.
I don’t think I’ve ever really tried a celebuscent – wait! Does ‘Charlie’ count? I used to loooove Charlie!
okay, back to Queen L. I had a sample of this over Christmas – remember trying it and going ‘huh’. Then I felt bad because I LOVE QL so I cleaned the snob out of my nose and tried again.
‘huh’ again.
Gave it to my sister, who has a Beginner’s Mind (and loves la Q)
‘huh’.
So I guess we will have to love the Queen for herself alone.
xo >-)
I have always loved the ‘idea’ of la Liz’s White Diamonds – don’t know what it smells like but I figure anybody who can back up a fragrance with her own jewelry (talk about Ma Collection! 😡 ) well sha-zayam on her! I always thought it would be a big ol’ musky oriental, though. Shows ya what I know!
You got shushed at a Deaf banquet? As in, they couldn’t hear deaf? Wow. @-)=))