NARCISO Eau de Parfum Rouge

NARCISO Eau de Parfum Rouge ($115; Bloomingdale’s Exclusive) is the newest fragrance addition to the Narciso Rodriguez line of fragrances.  Its a deeper, more fiery version of the original Narciso which I absolutely loved. NARCISO Rouge has fragrance notes of Bulgarian Rose, Iris, Musk, Cedar, Orange Blossom, Tuberose, Vetiver, Tonka Bean, Vanilla and Sandalwood. Its a feminine, sensual, sophisticated fragrance that is perfect for the fall-winter season. The opening is very floral with the Bulgarian Rose, Iris, Orange Blossom and Tuberose being the most prominent. The dry down brings out the more comforting, creamy notes like Tonka Bean, Vanilla, Sandalwood and Musk. There’s a certain warmth to this composition which reminds me that it is a deeper version of Narciso Poudree than the original Narciso itself. It has fabulous longevity and moderate sillage. The packaging in red is just stunning and the fragrance itself is a great holiday gift for anyone who is a fan of the NR line of fragrances or just loves a good, sophisticated, powdery, not too sweet, floral scent.

*Press Sample

Clove + Hallow Makeup Melt

Clove + Hallow is a brand new to me and their Makeup Melt ($28; www.cloveandhallow.com) is one of my very recent finds. Its a creamy, balm-oil makeup cleanser with a natural, vegan formula. Its a good first step to cleansing makeup and gets off most face and eye makeup effortlessly. Its a balm to oil formula that melts easily and is quite gentle on the skin. There’s a slight oil-like scent that washes away. I prefer using a washcloth to remove makeup with this balm since it does leave an oily layer behind.I also like to use a second cleanser to wash away any residue. Overall, its a good makeup remover, not quite a one step cleanser, but good for most makeup removal and is quite gentle.

*Press Sample

Viktor & Rolf Magic Lavender Illusion

Viktor & Rolf’s Magic Collection ($190; sephora.com) is new and a luxurious line of six fragrances that blend raw and natural materials with innovative accords to create gorgeous concoctions. I tried Lavender Illusion, a fresh and uplifting lavender and citrus caviar blend that makes for a relaxing, aromatic, fresh fragrance, perfect for the late summer-fall season. The packaging is stunning as each fragrance comes nestled in a drawer case embossed with the Viktor and Rolf black seal. The fragrance itself starts out as heady, fresh and aromatic all at the same time. The headiness fades as it settles down and I get more of the Lavender, Citrus and a hint of Patchouli. The dry down is mostly lavender, yet soft, slightly herby and clean. Overall, a perfect fall fragrance for the cooler days and definitely more of a grown up, sophisticated scent that lasts all day on me.

*Press Sample