REVIEW: Bulgari Omnia Crystalline EDT...

At last you are mine! Have wanted this gem from Bvlgari for yonks, and when it appeared in the recent Priceline Pink Dot Sale catalogue, I jumped at the chance to score it at a great price. For me it's actually a Spring/Summer fragrance, but sometimes the bargains appear in the opposite seasons, and I'm thrilled to have this in the cupboard for when the chilly winds have moved on to another part of the globe...

This is my second Bvlgari Omnia fragrance (the other is Indian Garnet), and my third in what I classify in the "crystal" perfume category (the other two are Versace Bright Crystal Absolu and Lanvin Eclat d’Arpège). They are all fruity florals, but there's a crispness, a coolness and nose-tingling quality that sets them apart from the other similar blends in my collection - it's almost like they contain fragments of snow or ice. Perhaps this is what other folks refer to as "aquatic"? Whatever it is, I'm hooked!

One major difference between Omnia Crystalline and the other two is that it is an EDT, so it's not quite so long lasting, nor so potent, and therefore perfect for hot sticky days when I want something more subtle. Still it lasts a good three to four hours on my skin, and it's truly magnificent from beginning to end. It has a woody almost spicy base which balances out the sweetness of the opening Nashi Pear notes, although my nose picks up more lemon than apple/pear. There's also Lotus Flower, Bamboo, Cassia, Guaiac Wood, Tea, Oakmoss and Musk listed in this magical blend...

ADORE IT! The packaging is divine, and I feel refreshed and cooled just looking at the silver & glass bottle. Apparently it was released in 2005 - just goes to show how big the fragrance rock is that I've been living under lol. Bvlgari actually classifies it as White Floral Woody, but all I know is that I just love the combination of fruit, flowers, and spicy wood. Come to me Summer so I can envelop myself in this clear and light crystal delight ♥

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party is on again - the fun starts at 6:30am, so set your alarm ♥♥♥

REVIEW: Bvlgari Omnia Indian Garnet EDT...

High time I caught up with my backlog of perfume reviews, and I'm starting this with gem - Bvlgari Omnia Indian Garnet. I've not owned a Bvlgari fragrance before, purely because none of the ones I've tried have ever really appealed, although I've always been blown away by the stunning packaging. I admit I was drawn to this by the sunny hue, and bought it online and untested (whoa!) from a Priceline half-price sale- most unusual for me, especially as the last orangey perfume I bought under the same circumstances I gave away as it smelt like rotting fruit on my skin - boo! But I rarely let disappointments put me off, and I'm so glad I took a chance with this darling...

It's only an eau de toilette, and while I would prefer a bolder version (EDP please!), it has just enough oomph for what I'm after - something I can wear to work in the cooler months, something different, something that doesn't invade the surrounding space, and something that I've never smelled on any other gal ♥ Doesn't last more than two or three hours on my skin, but while it's there, it is indeed a treasure. It's classed as a woody floral, which is also interesting as it's not a family I normally go for - I'm an oriental (autumn/winter) or fruity floral (spring/summer) fan. 

Having said that the initial spritz is fresh, sweet and heavy on the floral (tick!) - top notes are supposed to be mandarin and saffron, but my nose can barely detect either. After a few minutes, its true beauty starts to emerge as it softens, and the petals gently float down to stir up the wood, bringing an air of warmth and comfort (another tick!). Middle notes are osmanthus flower & indian tuberose, and the heart is indian woods and amber. (Just for the record, anything with an amber base will always stir my senses ♥)

Some reviewers say it smells like soap - I kinda get what they mean because it does have a "just stepped out of the shower" quality, but they're obviously missing the delicate intricacies that I perceive. Best suited to those folk who appreciate subtlety and soft creamy florals, my one word description would be "alluring" ♥

Do you have any Bvlgari Omnia fragrances in your collection? 

Take care of  you,
kats xxx

P.S. Yay! Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party is re-launching tomorrow at 6:30am!