REVIEW: Britney Spears Circus Fantasy EDP...

If you'd told me five years ago (even three) that I would be waxing lyrical about celebrity fragrances at a fairly steady pace, I would have said "not a chance!". But here I am with yet another Britney Spears EDP rave review - this time it's Circus Fantasy. The marketing genius behind this line of "fantasy" perfumes (an Elizabeth Arden employee I believe) deserves a hearty pat on the back - not only are the fragrances unique and appeal to most ages, this unbelievably cute bottle seems to lend itself to all manner of colour variations, and I'm so loving this cheerful mix of turquoise pearl with orangey-red Swarovski gems...

Although the perfume has an overall fun and festive air about it, I actually find it quite sophisticated, and 100% feminine. The opening notes are fresh and fruity, but there's an initial tartness to it that caught my attention when I sampled it in Priceline, almost like slow-baked oranges. Well I sure got that wrong - it turns out there's a few punnets of raspberries blended with masses of apricot blossoms, a most intriguing fruit/floral combination. The middle notes are orchid, peony and lotus (can't pick them, had to look them up), however I can detect a fair whack of musk and vanilla in the base, which has woody undertones. But there was something else that I couldn't put my finger on - something familiar and comforting. Naaahh...it couldn't be violet, could it? Well in fact yes, my research confirmed my most beloved ingredient is there, so it's no wonder I love this perfume ♥

Mind you I was somewhat puzzled by the name - it doesn't conjure up a circus to me, but then I read that it was inspired by and released to coincide with Britney's Circus album, and the tour of the same name. So don't let its moniker put you off - this EDP starts off a wee bit loud, but it softens into a sweet creamy floral spiced with musky sugared fruit. (Lol, where do I get these descriptions from?). The first bold burst lasts about 10 minutes, and then all the flowers come out to play and keep this ever so clean and pretty scent lingering on my skin for around three hours, up to five if I spray a bit on my clothing. It will be interesting to see how it goes in the cooler weather - I have a feeling it will adapt well...

In summary another winner from Miss Spears - it's remarkably different from the other Britney's in my collection, and I will repurchase, although at the rate I'm collecting her fragrances, it may take me a while to get through this big fat bottle. The RRP for 100ml is $79(!), but I picked it up on special at Blooms for $19.99 - now that's my kind of price ♥

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. I'm listing this on Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party - you'll find lots of beaut reads from some very talented bloggers ♥...