SPOTLIGHT: Winter Fragrances (Part 1)...

With winter (finally!) here, it's time to catch up with the rest of the fragrances in my collection, and the ones I either save for the cooler weather, or those that I find work for me all year round (but didn't reveal in my Summer Scents series - Part 1, 2 & 3). All of these tend to be more intense, and therefore a bit OTT for hot and steamy days. My winter collection is smaller than my summer one, but hey, I'm fussy when it comes to those perfumes that totally envelop me in an aromatic cloud...

Britney Spears Believe...

Confession time again - I bought this for a friend for Christmas 2014, and for one reason or another (more like 10!) we haven't been able to organise a reunion, and it's definitely non-postable. So I made an executive decision, and treated myself to it's delights. The solid glass vial weighs a ton, and will no doubt make a fabulous paper weight once I've used the last drop! But oh what a STUNNING bottle - I've included several photos because the flacon looks quite unique from any and every angle, and nothing like any of the other packaging in Britney's range. It's also the only one I like from her collection, and while the pale green liquid looks summery, I find this too potent to wear on warmer days. 

At first it smells kind of juicy sweet, almost tropical (well that'll be the guava content), but then the patchouli starts to emerge, closely followed by a fresh blossom burst that skips playfully down a spicy amber path. I just ADORE it because it seems to smell different on my skin every time I wear it - just the ticket for a gal like me that craves constant variety. 

After a few hours it starts to remind me of La Vie Est Belle, and a little bit of research reveals it contains praline, so that explains that, but the ever present fruit clearly distinguishes it from Lancome's creation. Lasts for at least 5 hours, which is amazing for a "celebrity" perfume. I'll be buying this again, for myself as well as the friend who missed out (sorry hon!)...

Rochas Byzance...

A most unusual one for me - this was a gift from a very special someone who knows me well, and yet I would never have chosen this for myself. It's classified as a Chypre Floral, but with a base that includes sandalwood, musk and cedar, how could I resist it's charms? Encased in an exquisite sapphire blue bottle, I've been making this beauty last and last by only wearing it on exceptional occasions. 

First impressions are whoa, this is a heady mix with a potent fruity aldehyde blast, but after 15 minutes or so it transforms into a captivating spicy floral with a kind of woody powder tinge. Lol, what? Reading this I'm giggling because my description is starting to sound like one of those pretentious wine labels, but hey, this is what it smells like to me. Two carefully placed squirts behind my ears is plenty - anything more than that, well I can't smell anything else for the rest of the day, which is probably why I've had this bottle for over 5 years, and the blend hasn't altered one bit. 

I remember sampling it more than two decades ago in an airport store in Athens, asking the lady if I could try some "Bye-zance". She looked at me for a good five seconds as if I was speaking Swahili, and then said "Do you mean Bee-zonce?" Ok so perfume pronunciation was never my strong point...

Marc Jacobs DOT...

Darling DOT came in my beautyheaven Blogstar box, and we've been inseparable ever since. I won't rave on too much now because she's already starred in her very own post here. Summer or winter, she's my gal ♥

Calvin Klein Obsession...

This beauty has been my signature winter fragrance for nigh on 14 years. I first discovered this sensual scent on one of my return visits from London. It was love at first whiff, and I scored the pure essence for an absolute steal at the Duty Free - the bottle lasted me till I came home for good, and I've had the eau de parfum in my collection ever since. 

The above curvaceous bottle is a brand spanking new purchase I treated myself to at the recent Chemist Warehouse sale ($30) - a whopping 100ml of spicy yet creamy oriental that lasts from morning till night with one spritz. Ahh yes, Calvin knows about women, and this aromatic amber elixir is elegant and comforting, yet achingly exotic and alluring. The ingredient list is massive, but the notes that lure me like a siren's song are vanilla, bergamot, sandalwood, cedar, amber, musk and vetiver. 

Forever a classic, I can't recall the last time I smelt it on anyone else - thank goodness it's gone out of favour with a lot of gals because it's truly MY obsession ♥

(Stay tuned for Part 2)

What perfume is blowing your skirt up this winter?

Take care of you,

kats xxx