Friday, January 31, 2014

Beauty Box: Acca Kappa’s classic cologne is now a perfume



The products: Acca Kappa White Moss Eau de Parfum

What it is: The signature Acca Kappa fragrance is now more long-lasting, thanks to a higher perfume concentration (20 percent instead of the 12 percent in the eau de cologne. This unisex fragrance is a harmonious blend of sweet, sensual notes, with light wood, amber and musk. It contains essential oils including lemon, bergamot, cardamom, cedar wood, lavender, juniper berry and sweet orange.

Where to get it: The new Acca Kappa White Moss Eau de Parfum is available at Rustan’s.

Thursday, January 30, 2014

How to Tell If You've Put on Too Much Perfume or Cologne


We all know that person whose "signature scent" you can smell from across the room. But what if you're the one who's stinking everyone out with your heavy handed application of perfume or cologne? Here are a few tips to make sure you're applying just the right amount.

Too much fragrance not only is a turnoff, it can give people migraines or even allergic reactions. The problem is that some people don't have a very good sense of smell or they've become desensitized to the fragrance they wear every day. According to TLC, wearing too much perfume can also be an indicator of depression.

The site offers these tips to tell if you're putting on too much:
To tell if you're a potential offender, put on your perfume as usual, wait five seconds, then put a tissue on that spot. The tissue shouldn't stick. Time can help remedy the situation, but a quicker way to cut down on the odor is to put rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball and apply that on the areas where you put the fragrance.
Get into the habit of not wearing too much perfume in the first place and knowing where to apply it. Instead of putting it directly onto your skin, spray one blast upwards in the air in front of you and walk through the mist it creates. Choose a couple of places, such as your chest and neck and when applying, hold the bottle a good 10 inches (25.4 centimeters) away from your body when you spray. If you're wearing a heavier scent, try applying it just to the lower part of your body, like a quick spritz behind the knees. The scent won't rise as quickly and be as irritating to others. You'll find the proper balance soon enough, and your scent will draw people closer rather than repel them.P
Full Article on Lifehacker  

Perfume allergies prompt a battle


The people in the center of a bustling big city are completely captivated by the aroma of a fabulous French perfume for men, resulting in pandemonium.

One guy tumbles off a moving motorcycle, which then hurtles through a plate glass window. A gorgeous nurse is so distracted she lets go of a wheelchair and the geezer in it rolls into traffic, causing a demolition derby.

A bus full of gorgeous female cheerleaders crashes onto its side and the cheerleaders leap from bus windows to join others in passionate pursuit of the guy or guys wearing that perfume, just as a mime runs down the street completely on fire.

Previously, I had not seen any commercials for Axe perfume for men, or, if I did see any, they did not register. (I have a bad habit of switching channels during any commercial.) In view of a nationwide fuss over Axe, focusing on the Bethlehem Area School District, I knew I had to check out that product's commercials, some of which I found on the Internet.

My first thought was that I wish this stuff had been available when I was in high school. For one thing, I could've saved a lot of time by avoiding showers after football practice, to say nothing of the romantic opportunities the perfume would provide.

Instead, I've always detested perfumes, for myself, for other guys and especially for girls and women. Some guys, by the way, call their perfume "cologne," to avoid being associated with, um, well, the Joel Cairo character in "The Maltese Falcon."
I do not have an allergy to perfume, as far as I know, but if I get trapped in an elevator with somebody who reeks of the stuff, I try to hold my breath for what are probably dangerous lengths of time.

Perfume, I am convinced, is designed mainly for people who do not like to take showers or baths. Slosh or spray enough of it on yourself and others may never suspect you have mold or parasites growing in your armpits or in other sensitive areas.

It is no accident that Axe and other perfumes originate mainly in France. I have never been there, but it's my understanding there are large segments of French culture with strong aversions to bathing. The French need something to deal with that.

Last March, The Morning Call had stories about a student at Bethlehem's Freedom High School who was hospitalized twice after allergic reactions to the Axe body spray perfume. Brandon Silk, 15, had to be treated for anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal.

Bethlehem is not alone. Other stories ranged from a Connecticut school where Axe fumes set off fire alarms to a New York City school where eight students had to be hospitalized for reactions to the perfume.

Bethlehem's school officials did not ban Axe, but "requested" that Freedom students refrain from soaking in it out of consideration for Silk. That did not work and Silk was home-schooled as a way to remain alive. Last month, Rosa Silk, his mother, asked the district to ban the perfume spray, but Superintendent Joseph Roy did not sound supportive. "I don't believe that such a policy will be readily enforceable," he was quoted as saying.

Full Article
 

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Anglesey smash-and-grab perfume thieves hunted



Police have appealed for help after thieves smashed their way into an Anglesey pharmacy shop and stole perfume.

The incident happened between 03:00 and 03:30 GMT on Tuesday at the Rowland's Pharmacy on Ffordd Caergybi in Llanfairpwll.

Two people were seen fleeing the area and police are also keen to trace a vehicle seen acting suspiciously.

North Wales Police said one of the suspects was wearing a black balaclava.

Inspector Kev Bratherton said: "From enquiries made so far two people were seen running from the area towards Ffordd Penmynydd.

"Over the last 12 months we have seen a steady decrease in crime on the island and with the continued support and vigilance from the local community I'm sure we can identify those responsible."

One of the men seen in the area is described as wearing a black balaclava, black body-warmer jacket with a grey hood and sleeves, white trainers and turquoise gloves.

The second individual was wearing a blue top with a yellow collar or hood, black hat and dark pants.

Police say the car they are interested in tracing is a silver Vauxhall Astra SXi, seen in the Lon Dyfnia area of Llanfairpwll at about 09:30 GMT on Tuesday.

North Wales Police said anyone who has any information should contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Men’s fragrance ideas for Valentine’s Day

Bottega Veneta
With a mix of modern and classic influences, Bottega Veneta's debut men's scent, which arrived in the fall, mixes Andalusian labdanum (a fragrant resin obtained from cistus shrubs) with essential essences of Calabrian bergamot, Siberian pine, and Balkan juniper. At the heart of the fragrance is the intense marriage of allspice and Mediterranean clary sage. Prices are €65 (about RM297) for a 50ml spray in Europe, and US$80 (about RM267) for 50ml in the US.
Armani
Armani has released a box set of the classic men's Acqua di Gio fragrance, which mixes salty sea water notes, mandarin, bergamot, oakmoss, patchouli, coriander and jasmine. The box comes with an eau de toilette spray, an aftershave balm and a shower gel and is priced at €59 (around US$81).
Issey Miyake
L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme Yuzu by Issey Miyake. — AFP picL'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme Yuzu by Issey Miyake. — AFP picPerfumer Alberto Morillas (who created the original CK One as well as various hits for Dolce & Gabbana and Kenzo) has recently freshened up the woody men's fragrance L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme with a twist of yuzu (a traditional Japanese citrus fruit), fresh ginger and nutmeg. It's available in two sizes - 75 ml (€56) and 125 ml (€80).

Gucci
Available worldwide this month, Gucci has added a kinky, studded twist (it's “bottled rock attitude” according to creative director Frida Giannini) to its Gucci Guilty scent. With a mix of lavender, lemon, orange blossom, cedar and patchouli, Gucci Guilty Stud is US$88 for a 3-oz. eau de toilette bottle.

Prada
Created by Givaudin nose Daniela Andrier, Luna Rossa Extreme has a rich amber heart surrounded by a mix of black pepper, bergamot, labdanum, juniper, vanilla and lavender. The Yves Behar-designed bottle comes in two sizes - a 50ml eau de parfum (€66) as well as a larger 100ml version (€91).

Diesel
Diesel has created special Valentine's Day boxes for its Only The Brave and Only The Brave Tattoo scents. The eau de toilette sprays are packaged with matching aftershave and shower gel. Only The Brave offers violet, cedarwood, amber and incense, while Tattoo comes with apple, sage and pepper accents, and both box sets are priced at €61.60.

Source
 

Are you ready for another celebrity perfume?


If Instagram be true, Rihanna's in the process of making a new celebrity perfume, to stand alongside her existing scents Rebelle, Nude, Reb'l Fleur and most recent fragrance Rogue.

So are you ready for another new celebrity scent?

Though it started off as a bit fun for us and a cheeky money-spinner for A-listers like of Jennifer Lopez and Britney Spears, the craze has spread so wide that even Joey Essex,Justin Bieber and One Direction are now dictating how the world's women should smell.

The whole Made In Chelsea cast have just been unified into one 'Chelsea inspired' scent too. So where's the line? When will we get bored?

With Kim Kardashian's endless wardrobe of namesake fragrances continually growing, and celebrity perfumes regularly topping the best-selling fragrance lists, it doesn't look like we've had enough just yet.

Monday, January 27, 2014

Thieves Steal Thousands in Perfume from Victoria's Secret


Thieves have been targeting Victoria's Secret at the Quaker Bridge Mall, recently, with nearly $4,000 of the store's perfume inventory reported stolen in three separate incidents recently.

  • On Tuesday, Jan. 14, a manager at Victoria's Secret reported that she noticed an entire display of "Tease" perfume was missing, but hadn't been sold. An investigation revealed a black female, 18-20 years old had put the bottles into a bag while a black male, 6 feet tall with a thin build, blue jeans and a black jacket kept lookout. $948 worth of perfume was missing, in both 1.7 oz and 3.4 oz. bottles. 
  • On Thursday, Jan. 16, Victoria's Secret reported that 30 bottles of "Bombshell" perfume were missing. An investigation showed that two men had entered the store, refused a salesperson's help and then one bent down at the perfume display. One of the men was described as a black male in his mid 20s, about 6 feet tall, thin build and wearing blue jeans, tan work boots, black baseball cap and a grey/blue flannel shirt. The other man was described as a black male in his mid 20s, about 6 feet tall with a thin build and wearing grey jeans, a black coat and a tan baseball cap. The total value of the missing perfume is $,1720.
  • Also on Thursday, Victoria's Secret reported the theft of "Bombshell," "Rapture" and "Night" perfume, which was discovered missing as employees closed for the evening. An investigation revealed a male and a female at the perfume display and the woman putting the perfume bottles into a shopping bag and leaving the store without paying. The woman is described as black, in her early to mid 40s, with black hair in a bun and wearing a brown shawl, blue jeans and UGG boots. The man was described as black, also in his early to mid 40s, 180 lbs, wearing blue jeans, a black coat, hiking boots and a gray fedora. The total value of the missing perfume was $1,118.
Source

Somerville police: Perfume thief arrested at Marshall's





Somerville —

Police arrested a Cambridge woman Dec. 2 after she reportedly tried stealing sneakers and perfume from Marshall’s on McGrath Highway. Crystal Bielakowski, 30, 240 Albany St., Cambridge, was arrested on McGrath Highway on a charge of shoplifting by asportation.

Responding to Marshall’s Department Store on McGrath Highway for a reported shoplifter at 11:35 a.m., police met the loss prevention officer, who said he was watching the store surveillance system when he saw Bielakowski near the bathroom looking around suspiciously while talking to another woman.

Bielakowski reportedly removed a price tag and the sensor from a pair of black Puma sneakers, placed them in her purse and moved to a different spot in the store. She reportedly removed a Nine West Love Fury item, Dolce Gabana perfume and Ed Hardy perfume from their boxes and put them in her purse, then walked to the register and paid only for a makeup kit.

The loss prevention officer reportedly followed Bielakowski, stopped her right at the exit door, and brought her into the loss prevention office, where he recovered the stolen items and called police. Bielakowski had also been arrested at a Marshall’s in Boston for larceny.

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Trade: French perfume brand to expand its Turkish market


(ANSAmed) - ISTANBUL, DECEMBER 17 - The leading perfume brand in France, Ulric de Varens, which entered the Turkish market at the beginning of this year, is aiming to expand its selling area. Paris-based Ulric de Varens, which has a share of around 20% of the French perfume market, has a strategy of offering "low-price but high-quality" perfume to clients by avoiding high expenses in advertising.

"We're investing in products and creation, not advertising," Ulric de Varens, the creator and owner of the company said in a recent interview with the Hurriyet daily. Thanks to the strategy of low margin, the company sold products less expensively when compared to the other brands. He said they would pursue their strategy in Turkish markets. "We have different and special design and creativity. We have three values: quality, innovation and differentiation. We don't sell prices, we sell differentiation," he said.

The company's products are currently sold in some stores and drugstores in Turkey, but they planned to sell their perfumes also in supermarkets in the future. Ulric de Varens' perfumes are sold in 92 countries, he said, adding that they were also the market leader in Germany. The company, which was found in France in 1981, has eight branches aside from France: in Russia, Germany, Italy, Spain, Mexico, Romania, Greece and Turkey.

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Britney Spears "Perfume" Music Video: Singer Wears Lingerie to Play the "Other Woman

Britney Spears' 'Perfume' Video: Brit's Trapped In a Love Triangle


Britney Spears - 'Perfume'Vevo




The latest "Britney Jean" track to get the music video treatment is Britney Spears' vulnerable mid-tempo love ballad "Perfume" -- and the clip, which was released on Tuesday (Dec. 10), finds the pop superstar in a dimly lit, fragrance-heavy love triangle.

Director Joseph Khan (who previously worked Spears' "Toxic" and "Womanizer" videos) stays true to the lyrical content, weaving a tale of jealousy and an ill-fated engagement ring around the contemplative second single. It's a video that captures the highs of a passionate relationship, but also plenty of the lows, which define it in the end. After all, Spears did say this was her "most personal album" to date (check out Billbord's examination of that claim here).

Produced by will.i.am and co-written by Sia, "Perfume" is the latest single from "Britney Jean." So far, it's peaked at No. 76 on the Hot 100.

"'Perfume' is incredibly special to me because it hits close to home, and I think the story is relatable to everyone," Spears told E! about the song last month. "Everyone's been through an insecure moment in a relationship that's left them vulnerable and I think this song captures that."

Britney Spears - Perfume

Friday, January 24, 2014

Holiday | The Daily Gift: Diptyque Solid Perfume



Every day from now until Christmas, the editors of T are sharing their personal gift suggestions.

Ever since I hosted a trunk show in New Orleans for the Paris-based designer Jane Pendry of Dovima, I have been haunted by the fragrance she wears. The dresses I ordered that day arrived a couple of weeks later in a gorgeous box from France, also filled with Jane’s familiar scent, which I had to have. She told me that the heavenly smell is called L’Ombre Dans l’Eau — a bewitching composition of black currant leaf and Bulgarian rose — a 1983 vintage from Diptyque. Now everyone wants to know what I’m wearing, so I shall be sharing the gift of smelling nice this season via these solid perfume compacts.$48; diptyqueparis.com.

Thursday, January 23, 2014

I Have An Addiction To 80’s Power Fragrances -- With A Hint Of Disco


image


 
When I was a little girl, the 70’s were in full swing. I was born right at the edge of the disco era and grew up in a world where Halston ruled the planet, glittering eye shadow and disco balls made the world go around, and everything was insanely glamorous.
 
I watched as Bob Mackie dress Cher and Carol Burnett in blinding sequins and beadwork, I devoured every mention of Studio 54, I clipped photos of Bianca Jagger and Jerry Hall and Scotch taped them to my walls. My Barbie dolls were glammed out in marabou feathers and sequined fabric remnants that would fall off my mother’s evening clothes. They loved the nightlife, they had to boogie.
 
I became a tween and teen in the era of 80’s power bitches. I watched every nighttime soap with religious fervor: "Dallas", "Falcon Crest", "Knots Landing", "The Colbys" -- I loved them all.
 
And then there was "Dynasty". I named my Cabbage Patch Doll Alexis Morell Carrington Colby Dexter Rowan. I lived for every Nolan Miller gown with gigantic shoulder pads. I covered my lips in mauve gloss and aspired to the lifestyle. I used to drink my mother’s sun-brewed iced tea from an old crystal bar set I found at a swap meet because it looked like the one Alexis drank scotch from in her apartment. I aspired to meet my own Dex. 
 
My love of glamorous fragrances was born of these mental time stamps. I ingested copious amounts of advertising while watching these programs. I secretly sneaked into Mom’s fragrance cabinet to explore the glitz and glamour of her collection of nightlife-approved scents.
 
 

Masik Collegiate Fragrances Introduces School-Spirited Scents


 Masik Collegiate Fragrances


Ever had a scent remind you of school? Masik, a fragrance line for colleges, recently developed a collection that takes beauty lovers back to their undergrad and graduate days.

The brand's one-of-a-kind eau de toilettes are designed to make one recall the memories, traditions, sporting events and hours on campus that made college special. Masik worked with some of the biggest universities in the country, from Florida State, to Texas A & M, to Penn State. Their goal, you ask? The rising company wanted to create an official men's cologne and women's perfume for each school.

CEO Katie Masik explained just why the bouquets make the perfect presents. "People, myself included, are uniquely passionate about their Alma Maters, and about the college/university in their community, which is why I believe your school's signature scent is the perfect gift for the student, alumni or fan in your life," explained Katie in a PR Newswire press release.

What sets Masik's fragrances apart from others is that they are inspired by unique elements of each school. The colors, campus style, flowers, trees, traditions and locations all served as muses. The burgeoning business created these scents by pitching their perfumers a 'fragrance brief' that outlined these "school-specific" elements, such as pictures of the university's students. Once they zeroed in on scent options, each university conducted sessions to determine which aromas they like best.

Women and men can treat themselves to the brand's 1.7 oz./50 ml bottle for $39.50. To purchase the fragrances, visit Masik's online shop at Masik.com. You can also track down the bouquets at Belk's department store and on their website, as well as search for a local retailer. For an introductory video on the brand's new eau de toilettes, click HERE.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Get That Feminine Touch with a Perfume Pendant at Peacock Parfumerie



Denver, CO -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/18/2013 -- Fragrance is something that sets a woman apart from a group, making her a unique personality. Enhance your femininity and elegance with a perfume pendant, available at Peacock Parfumerie. This online store brings back the charm of perfume jewelry with their outstanding product range.

A spokesperson stated, “Carry your favorite scent in our vintage-inspired perfume pendant necklaces. The top of the necklace unscrews and a small amount of perfume or essential oil can be poured into the opening.” These pendants are available in four distinct colors, mix and match to coordinate with your mood, outfit or season.

Peacock Perfumeries’ perfume necklaces come with a pretty gift bag with a funnel and instructions. One can easily refill these pendants with artisan perfume. Just unscrew the top of the necklace, use the included funnel to fill with your favorite scent, and it’s refilled. In fact, one can also easily clean the pendant by unscrewing the top, then flushing out the inside with rubbing alcohol 2-3 times, followed by an air dry.

Moreover, their fragrances are the concentrated blend of essential oils and precious perfume accords, in a base of natural coconut oil. Available in six different scents, they are the most sought-after essential oil perfume.

Apart from perfume oils, some outstanding and elusive range of candles are available at Peacock Parfumerie. These luxury candles are dreamy watercolor landscapes of deeply saturated colored wax. Each candle is gloriously unique, hand-produced with a paraffin and soy wax blend with generous fragrance.

About Peacock Parfumerie
Peacock Parfumerie is an artisan perfume jewelry house inspired by art nouveau glamour and bohemian romance. Their concentrated fragrances contain essential oils and precious perfume accords. Fragrance has the power to evoke a memory, and to create or change a mood. Customers can envelop themselves in one of their perfumes and feel inspired by the mood it creates. They invite their customers to carry their perfume close to their heart in one of the online store’s stylish crystal pendants.

For more information, please visit: http://www.peacockparfumerie.com/store/perfumes/.

Contact:
Peacock Parfumerie
4477 Garfield Street
Denver, CO 80216

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Spend This Valentine's Day With a VIP experience From Original Scent



Hi - Wanted to let you know of an upcoming closed door event at Original Scent in Pasadena; perhaps some readers will jump at the opportunity... let me know if there is something you can do, mere mention, giveaway to a lucky

Sherpa is your total package to personal concierge services, engaging experiences and more based here in Southern California. They are working closely with Original Scent for a VIP experience at the popular fragrance boutique in advance of Valentine's Day.

What: Sarah Horowitz, co-founder of Original Scent in Pasadena, a passionate fragrance guru, will close her shop for Sherpa attendees, share her expertise, and work with each guest to blend fresh, modern scent all their own. A perfect gift for oneself or special Valentine. The evening is complete with appetizers, champagne, good company and of course walking away with ones signature scent.

When: Friday, February 7

Time: 6:30-8:30pm

Price: $95 member / $125 non-member

Where: Original Scent, 34 Hugus Alley, Pasadena, CA 91105

Elie Saab Le Parfum L'Eau Couture (2014) {New Perfume}



Elie Saab will launch their fourth perfume to date this spring 2014 called L'Eau Couture, a new flanker to Le Parfum (2011). The composition is signed by perfumer Francis Kurkdjian, the creator of the couturier's debut fragrance...

The eau de toilette is said to be a reworking of the orange blossom note which characterizes the original fragrance. A green note of raw almond has been added, a fact which is reflected in the new color of the jus. And while the scent is lighter it is reportedly not just a fresh eau.

Monday, January 20, 2014

Kim Kardashian Reveals Her Favorite Perfume — It’s ‘Intimate’ To Me


Kim answered a fan question on Twitter on Dec. 15, revealing her favorite perfume and admitting that ‘fragrance is intimate’ to her. See what scent she loves and get her look below!
Kim Kardashian, 33, is somewhat of a fragrance master. She has released five scents, each one being more successful than the last. She revealed what her favorite scent is to a fan on Dec. 15 — see what it is and see what she’s working on next right here.


Kim Kardashian’s Favorite Perfume — Reveals Her Top Fragrance
Fan Margaret Barrie-Hemingson asked, what is your favorite perfume?

Kim answered: ”Fragrance is intimate. it changes for me, and reminds me of times in my life, good or bad. my signature fragrance Kim Kardashian is the core of me…but this rose fragrance we are developing is very special to me now.”

Kanye West Proposes to Kim Kardashian At Baseball Stadium

Master Perfumer Claude Dir describes the fragrance: “I wanted to capture the many facets of Kim’s personality in my fragrance. Gorgeous voluptuous florals that have an appealing and captivating nature.

Jasmine, tuberose and gardenia deliver an undeniable femininity that compliments Kim. Tonka bean, jacaranda wood and sandalwood add a warm sensual feeling throughout the fragrance, evoking the soft side of Kim.”

We can’t wait to smell Kim’s next “rosy” scent!

Kim looks better than ever after giving birth to Baby North West. Her advice to new mothers? “Never lose time for u. go to the gym, get a facial, or manicure to feel goo so u can go home and be a good happy mom at home.”

Source

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Is This Beyonce's Rise Perfume Commercial?




Even after 17 videos, we still haven’t had our fill of seeing Beyonce in motion.

Last week, we got a quick look at the first promo photo from Bey’s new Rise fragrance campaign. The photo featured Beyonce’s locks mid-golden hair flip with all the glitter we already suspect inhabits her scalp being released into the frame. And now we’re getting a look at the whole she-bang.

The new commercial features Bey rising from the glitter dust swaddled in luxurious Tom Ford gladiator sandals and a skin-colored dress. And because this is a Beyonce ad, there is a good amount of hair flippage.

Much like Bey, the fragrance is about “female empowerment and finding the inner strength that makes women so beautiful.” And the best part of everything is that the fragrance is said to be inspired by Bey’s favorite Maya Angelou poem ”Still I Rise.”

The singer’s first fragrance, Heat, broke a Macy’s record with $75,000 in sales in one day. Altogether, her fragrance business has generated $400 million in retail sales and the latest release, Rise, could hit $25 million in its first year.

Rise is set to hit counters at the beginning of February. Will you be buying?

The best mens fragrances of 2013


best men's fragrances 2013

I can’t honestly say 2013 has been the most inspiring year for new men’s fragrance launches. Most have been safe, uninspiring and derivative, but there are a few that have kicked up a bit of a stink (in a good way). So here are five definitely worth asking the man with the white beard to plonk under your pine.

For young guys and sporty types:
Paco Rabanne Invictus, £41.50 for 50ml eau de toilette, from theperfumeshop.com
Following up a success story like 1 Million, a bottle of which is sold every 5 seconds, was never going to be easy, ,but Paco Rabanne appeared to have lifted the trophy with Invictus. Going straight to number one on the bestseller list it’s been by far the biggest launch of the year. Woody but invigorating too, with a bracing marine freshness, it has a much sportier feel than its predecessor but it’s the eye-catching flacon, rather than the fragrance, that’s the real winner here.

For the modern gentleman:

Annick Goutal Eau De Monsieur, £80 for 100ml eau de toilette, from Selfridges.com
Originally launched in the 1980s, this fragrance by boutique perfumer Annick Goutal’s Monsieur has been tweaked and given a whole new lease of life for 2013 – and very welcome it is too. Delicate, sherbety and summery with super-fresh notes of mandarin, mint and geranium, and a slightly bitter herbal vibe, it’s elegant, light and gentlemanly. A perfect choice for men who want a fragrance that’s subtle rather than an olfactory sledgehammer.

Full List

Friday, January 17, 2014

Company tries to capture UK’s essence with fragrance




Many college alums can recall the sights and sounds of their collegiate experience, but it may be difficult to remember what the experience smelled like.

Masik Collegiate Fragrances has created perfumes and colognes for 17 schools, including UK and the University of Tennessee.

Katie Masik, founder and CEO of Masik Collegiate Fragrances, said after she graduated from Bucknell University, she wanted to find a way to reconnect emotionally to the collegiate experience that she deeply loved. That was when the idea of “college in a bottle” hit her.

“I remembered how scent is strongly linked to memory, and I wanted to tie a memorable life experience to scent,” Masik said. “For me, that experience was the college experience.”

Masik graduated from Bucknell with a chemical engineering degree, but had always been an entrepreneur at heart.

“I wanted to create a fragrance line that was completely different than the typical celebrity and fashion designer fragrances that you see in the marketplace today,” Masik said.

The first step in determining the scent of a certain college campus is finding the scents that are closely associated with a school’s colors, Masik said. For example, since UK’s colors are blue and white, the perfume makers at Masik Collegiate Fragrances began the creation of the new fragrance by finding what aromas are closely associated with those colors.

“For Kentucky, blue was a huge inspiration,” Masik said. “So we used the scent of geraniums to capture that color. For white, we used the aromatics of petiole and vanilla.”

However, Masik knew capturing the aromatic essence of colors was not going to be enough for people to accurately recall their college experience. The scents of campus-planted trees are also considered when making a new fragrance, along with capturing the “scent style” of a certain campus’ architecture.

Full Article
 

We Got Our Noses On George Takei’s Punnily-Named Perfume




You might have noticed that we don’t really do a lot of perfume reviews on The Mary Sue. Or any. That’s our sister site Styleite‘s thing. But when we were offered the chance to review Eau My, George Takei‘s foray into perfumery, we couldn’t say no. Could you? So, after a quick primer from Styleite on how the heck you even review perfume in the first place, we went around the office with a sample and asked for opinions.

“Notes of citrus… might be because I just ate that grapefruit, though. No, there really is citrus. Citrus and clove.”
“Men’s soap, a really clean dude right after he’s gotten out of the shower. I just want to bury my face in this.”
“Sweet aerosol.”
“The first floor of Bloomingdale’s.”
“It smells like something I should like, but don’t.”
“Wintery men’s cologne.”
“Grapefruit finish.” (Upon me asking “…finish?”: “It’s like the end of the smell. I know perfume words.”)
“Has all the notes that you’d associate with a men’s perfume, but it’s still kind of… fruity.” (Note: That is meant literally. Any perceived pun is unintentional. JSYK.)

And finally, from Glen over at Geekosystem:
“This should smell like George Takei. They should collect his sweat and put it in a bottle.”

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Woman admits perfume theft


A Warwick woman admitted attempting to steal two bottles of perfume from Brown & Co when she appeared in Magistrates’ Court today.

Desire Scraders, 49, was released on $500 bail and will reappear for mention tomorrow to determine if a psychological evaluation and social inquiry report should be made before sentencing.

Crown counsel Loxly Ricketts told the court that Scraders was seen shopping in the store around 12.35pm on October 9.

Management watched the woman and approached her to investigate.

The retail manager was able to see two boxes of perfume hidden in Scraders’ purse, at which point the operations manager asked her to follow him to the upstairs office, said Ms Ricketts.

As she followed the managers, they observed Scraders take the perfume boxes out of her purse and try to place them on a glass shelf.

When security picked up the perfume boxes, Scraders then attempted to leave the store via the rear entrance.

After initially resisting, management and security were able to detain Scraders until police arrived

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Finally, A No-Fail Gift For Fragrance Lovers


emb



As much as we appreciate being on the receiving end of gift cards, whenever we're the ones doing the gifting, we can't help but feel like we're copping out on some level — if only we could gift something more personal without worrying about the inevitable issue of could-be returns or exchanges. Looks as though perfumer Christopher Brosius feels us, since his latest plan may revamp our gift-giving practices.

CB I Hate Perfume's just-announced Benefactor Packages allow gift-givers to purchase a designated amount of in-store credit redeemable for the recipient's scent of choice. “This offer ...should solve a good many problems for all concerned," says Brosius. "You’ll have the gift you want to give, and the person to whom you give it will get just the perfume they wish."

Plus, by purchasing a package, you're supporting Brosius' efforts in more ways than one: All profits from the Benefactor Packages will be used to help move the brand's "gallery" space, a laboratory of sorts wherein Brosius allows the public to view his process, to a new location. Though the packages start at $100, those who purchase a $1,000 credit will score two tickets to the grand opening party. Needless to say, if we get our way, you'll be seeing us there.

CB I Hate Perfume 7 Billion Hearts Collection, $30-$230, available at CB I Hate Perfume.

Source

 

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

19 Fiendishly Stylized Disney Villain Perfume Bottles


When it comes to beloved Disney characters, fans of the antagonists have had a rough go of it. From the scrapped villain-centric Dark Kingdom park at Disney World to the princesses overshadowing the Disney Villain's comparatively paltry line of merchandise, finding the right way to show loyalty to the bad guy is a challenge. Into this void steps Ruby Spark. An artist in Japan, she first put her design up on Pixiv — think of it as a Japanese of DeviantArt — before getting picked up by Cartoon Brew. If Disney has any sense, they'll bring her on board and start production with some perfumers like yesterday.

#1: I defy you tell me you aren't coveting this Lady Tremaine bottle for all your 'Cinderella' needs. I bet it smells like gardenias and disdain.



#2: Take this Prince John bottle for example. The 'Robin Hood' antagonist might smell of rosemary and temper tantrums.
Read more at http://www.hitfix.com/comedy/fiendishly-stylized-disney-villain-perfume-bottles#5leHtfpm6rl628wX.99
#2: Take this Prince John bottle for example. The 'Robin Hood' antagonist might smell of rosemary and temper tantrums.
Read more at http://www.hitfix.com/comedy/fiendishly-stylized-disney-villain-perfume-bottles#5leHtfpm6rl628wX.99
#2: Take this Prince John bottle for example. The 'Robin Hood' antagonist might smell of rosemary and temper tantrums.



Full List
 

Paul Walker's Davidoff Cool Water Ad Airs During UK Soccer Game, Fragrance Company Apologizes






Davidoff

A commercial for Davidoff Cool Water cologne starring Paul Walker aired in the U.K. on Sunday, Dec.1, during a high-profile soccer match and some fans were understandably outraged.

After all, it was shown less than a day after the 40-year-old actor died in a fiery car accident.

In the wake of the controversy, the company behind the fragrance said in a statement to E! News, "Coty, Inc., the global beauty company that has worked closely with Paul Walker, is saddened to hear the news of his sudden death. As the face of Davidoff Cool Water, Paul contributed to the National Geographic 'Love the Ocean' campaign, whose mission is to protect the ocean. His talent, generosity and passion for giving back were admirable."

"We send our deepest and most sincere condolences to Paul's family, friends and fans around the world," noted CEO Michele Scannavini in the statement. "We are working quickly to suspend all of our ads featuring Paul out of respect to his family and friends. We apologize for any upset that may have been caused by those that were aired subsequent to his death."

The ad itself was shot a few years ago, but Walker continued to serve as the face for the fragrance, having done a photo shoot as recently as September for a new campaign.

Walker also had deals in Brazil with brands Colcci and Renault.

"Colcci deeply regrets the untimely death of Paul Walker and conveys condolences to your entire family," a statement (translated) on the company's Facebook page read, "In two campaigns he worked for the brand, the last picture a month ago in New York, he stood by professionalism, kindness and generosity with which treated everyone."


Monday, January 13, 2014

Citigroup Reiterates on Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance as Pullback Creates Opportunity


In a report published Friday, Citigroup analyst Oliver Chen reiterated a Buy rating on Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance (NASDAQ: ULTA [FREE Stock Trend Analysis]), but lowered the price target from $145.00 to $123.00.

In the report, Citigroup noted, “Comps encouragingly +6.8% vs. guidance of +5-7%, & EPS only a slight miss, however, stock lower as ULTA guided 2013E EPS -5-7% below street on intensified Holiday competition & valuation expectations were high given ULTA was trading at 28x P/E. While we admit our expectations were too exuberant, we are retaining our Buy rating & Focus List status because we still believe the business model remains differentiated, has less fashion risk, & superior growth aspects with an accelerating comp forecast (7-9% in 4Q vs. +6.8% in 3Q) & sq ft growth of +22% vs. sector average of +9%. Realistically, investors may need to be patient as next fundamental catalyst is 1H March; however, we believe premium growth deserves a premium multiple, & this print does not derail our view of 20%+ EPS growth vs. sector of ~15%. We are lowering our PT to $123 (from $145) on 26x (from 27x) on lower ests given new guidance & incremental promotions to drive traffic.”

Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance closed on Thursday at $96.36.

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Company debuts Ole Miss-inspired cologne, perfume


The university is among 17 schools selected by Masik to develop a unique scent after onsite "smell sessions," according to its website.

"The Grove inspires a sensuous and woody dry down with a touch of vanilla providing a trace of Ole Miss' sweet southern charm," according to a description of the perfume.

The perfume is comprised of sparkling bergamot, lemon zest, ruby raspberry, rich black currant, crushed tonic beans, sweet blueberry, amber woods, patchouli, sandalwood and vanilla.

The cologne is made of sparkling bergamot oil, fresh mandarin oil, marine accord, white cyclamen, sea salt accord, fresh blue rosemary crisp muguet, aromatic fir balsam, white cedar and tree moss.

A 1.7 oz bottle of both the cologne and perfume retails for $39.50.

The 16 other universities selected by Masik for fragrances: Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Kentucky, LSU, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Oklahoma, Penn State, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas A&M and Virginia Tech.

Mississippi State, Missouri and Vanderbilt are the only Southeastern Conference school not selected.

Source

Saturday, January 11, 2014

Ajmal launches oriental fragrance




Ajmal Perfumes, a leading fragrance house in the region, has launched its new oriental ‘Ostooraha’ concentrated perfume oil.

Ostoorah, a unisex offering, is designed for those who are deep rooted in tradition and appreciate fine Oudhy blends, said the company in a statement.

Abdulla Ajmal, general manager – sales and marketing, said: “The fragrance is a distinctive offering to the unique requirements of men and women; Ostoorah lays out the symbolic aroma of Arabia, enclosed with the ingredients that are very close to traditional perfumery.”

The fragrance will be available across all Ajmal stores and distributors in the GCC, he added. - TradeArabia News Service

Friday, January 10, 2014

Nestlé Selling Stake in Swiss Fragrance Company



LONDON — The food giant Nestlé said on Friday that it was selling its 10 percent stake in Givaudan, the Swiss flavors and fragrance company.

The sale of the stake, valued at more than $1 billion, is the latest in a series of divestitures aimed at streamlining Nestlé’s offerings and focusing on more profitable business lines.

The share divestiture will be accomplished as a private placement to institutional investors. Goldman Sachs is managing the sale.

“Nestlé has been very satisfied with its holding but believes now is the appropriate time to divest,” the company said in a statement.

Nestlé acquired the stake in Givaudan through the sale of the food ingredient company FIS in a cash-and-stock deal in 2002.

Nestlé, the maker of Kit Kat chocolate bars, Nespresso coffee and Purina dog and cat food, holds 926,562 shares of Givaudan, which were valued at about 1.2 billion Swiss francs, or $1.3 billion, as of the closing price on Thursday.

Shares of Givaudan were down 3.6 percent to 1,191 Swiss francs, in trading on Friday.

In October, Nestlé’s chief executive, Paul Bulcke, said the company planned to sell some of its underperforming brands.

Last month, Nestlé agreed to sell its Jenny Craig brand in North America, Australia, New Zealand and parts of the Pacific to a private equity firm, North Castle Partners, for an undisclosed amount.

The company sold an Australian ice cream brand in June and two French bottled water brands in July.

Coldwater Police say 'perfume incidents' are a hoax


Thursday, December 5 2013, 07:36 PM EST COLDWATER, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - The newsroom was flooded with calls Thursday, from people worried about so-called 'perfume incidents' in Coldwater.

The talk around town is that theives are knocking people out with the smell of perfume, and then stealing their stuff. We did some digging and from what we've been told, it turns out it's all a hoax. Coldwater police told Newschannel 3 they had two reports Wednesday of 'pushy' perfume sellers.

One at the WalMart Supercenter, and the other at PS Food Mart, both on East Chicago Street. No one was injured and there are no suspects.

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Dita Von Teese Talks Inspiration Behind Her Perfume 'Erotique'




Dita Von Teese goes casual while leaving a pilates session on Sunday morning (December 1) in Los Feliz, Calif.

The 41-year-old burlesque dancer recently released a making of videoabout her new fragrance Erotique. Watch below!

“I had this visual of this gorgeous rose bouquet held by a leather gloved hand, like what does that smell like? Erotiqueis really about taking risks with fragrance,” Dita said. “There was once a time where people wanted something different from a perfume. They wanted sensuality and they wanted a flesh-like, animalistic quality to the fragrance. I wanted this perfume to feel like it was created by an alchemist.”

A Whiff on the Wild Side: Confessions of a Vintage Perfume Addict



It was a few years ago when I was the editor of a women's pop culture website that I started writing about perfume on my blog, YesterdaysPerfume.com. Trying to be discreet in the middle of an open office, I'd pop open a tiny one-milliliter vial of the decanted perfume du jour and dab it on my wrist with its plastic wand. Then, in a ritual that has become as common as having a meal or reading a book, I'd lift my wrist to my nose, close my eyes, and sniff, like a deranged junky getting her fix.

In that work environment, it would have been appropriate for me to wear perfume in a style that has been popular since the 1990s: the office scent. Usually with citrus notes or oceanic accords that stay close to the skin — notes that project little more than "clean" — an office scent's raison d'être is to avoid being offensive. It plays well with others. By definition, it is institutional and conformist. CK One, Calvin Klein's 1994 unisex hit, is the perfect example of an office scent. "CK One," writes one commenter on a perfume forum, "prolongs that feeling of being washed and clean." Another fan says, "This is the ONE true fragrance that could just be worn by practically anyone on earth, including newborn babies."

As I became bored with office life, my rebellion took an invisible — but odoriferous — turn. I didn't want to smell clean, I didn't want to blend in, and I certainly didn't want to smell like a newborn baby. My perfume tastes began to wander over to the wrong side of the tracks, looking for the rude, the louche, and the difficult. I wanted an anti-office scent, a perfume that would flip office culture the bird and throw a smelly Molotov cocktail through the window for good measure.

I found myself drawn to Difficult Smelling Perfumes that subverted the clean perfume trend. Among them were vintage perfumes that took me to distant lands and told me stories about fur-clad, misbehaving women who smoked; "animalic," erotic perfumes that smelled like unwashed bodies; and perfumes that deliberately overturned trite and outdated gender conventions in perfume.

There were so many first loves in my honeymoon period with perfume.

Take Robert Piguet's 1944 perfume for women, Bandit. Its composer, Germaine Cellier — former model, reputed lesbian, and legendary iconoclast of scent — was the rare female perfumer, celebrated for her daring overdoses of extreme perfume notes. Her masterpiece Bandit, a bitter green leather perfume for women, was said to have been inspired by the scent of female models changing their undergarments backstage during fashions shows…
A Whiff on the Wild Side: Confessions of a Vintage Perfume Addict


Chanel No. 19 (1971) was gentler in its seductions. Rather than slap me with a new and shocking scent, it lulled me into an opiate-like dream state. A Mute Invisible Cinema with its own mise en scène, characters, mood, and even lighting, Chanel No. 19 unfolded before me, projecting visions of a dim, damp forest, with smells of wet earth, vegetal freshness and even the occasional sunbeam intensifying the outlines of inchoate smells…

Christian Dior's 1972 perfume Diorella, with its disquieting, overripe melon note reminded me — just momentarily — of an overheated dumpster during a New York City summer, with its sweet, sweaty smell of flowers, fruit rinds and meat scraps mingling in their first, fetid blush of decay…


Wednesday, January 8, 2014

After perfume balls, Dale Steyn gives India lip



On Thursday at the Wanderers, a fired-up Dale Steyn bowled 11 deliveries to Virat Kohli, who scored 11 runs off those. The South African pacer had the bigger say off the first half a dozen, before the combative right-hander hit him for back-to-back fours. The outcome: probably all square.

Having delivered a potent reminder of the damage that he is capable of inflicting a couple of days earlier, Steyn had come out and sounded a warning to the entire Indian camp, insisting that things were only about to get nastier for the visitors. Much like he did during the first ODI, Kohli handled the verbal bout with composure.

"I didn't see many of our guys walking off the field with bloody fingers or ice packs on ribs, so it definitely was a wake-up call for the Indians. It's not Mumbai where the ball doesn't get higher than the stumps. It's going to be hard to play here," said Steyn. But Kohli wasn't having any of it.

"I mean off the fourth ball, I was down the wicket. It is not about getting frightened, he is a quality bowler and we all know that and we should be good enough to tackle that and come up with the goods when we face him. I don't think anyone in this Indian team is frightened of anything," Kohli said. "Regardless of the loss the other day, you didn't see anyone sort of closing their eyes or swinging their bats."

Friends off it

Steyn, though, acknowledge that India still had the potential to fight back, making special mention of his 'good friend' Kohli and his ability with the bat. But even his appreciation was tongue-in-cheek. "Virat Kohli can bat. I know him well. And even though he couldn't lay bat on ball the other night, Rohit is still a very good player," he said.


Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Nigel Barker Launching His Own Perfume, Because Sure (PHOTOS)





We mourned the day when Tyra Banks rocked the boat that is "America's Next Top Model" and gave judge Nigel Barker the boot. What would we do with the smooth-talking, smooth-headed noted fashion photographer in our lives?

Thankfully, Barker heard our pleas and is sticking around... with a fragrance. Women's Wear Daily reports that the photographer has partnered with Demeter Fragrance Library to launch the Nigel Barker Signature Collection of Fine Scents, which will include three different perfumes.

The fragrances are all New York-themed: New York Nights, Times Square and Wall Street. "People come to New York and want to capture that moment in time," Barker told WWD of his urban inspiration. "I tried to recreate that feeling in the scent." (Hopefully he didn't literally try to bottle real New York smells.)

We'll admit that a Barker-branded fragrance sounds out of left field, but WWD notes that Barker's wife Cristen is actually a makeup artist. The couple will also be launching two cosmetics collections along with the fragrance, all of which will drop in 2014.

But a celebrity fragrance from a photographer is still a bit... random. Tyra Banks might have her own perfume, but we never really expected the "Top Model" judges to get into the scent game.

Will you buy it? Read more at WWD.com.

Neil and John in 'The Key' Go Head to Head With Justin Bieber


There's funny. And there's funny. And then there's WTF?!

Welcome to the world of Neil & John -- they being Neil Hopkins of LOST fame, and John Forest of Young Adult fame. They're weird. They're wacky. They're popular onFunnyOrDie.com and their own site and their YouTube channel. And their new epic short ("epic short"?) will -- trust me: will -- leave a mark on your mind.

"Neil & John in: The Key" represents the newest episode of Neil & John. This one's got industry folks talking and sharing, in a way I haven't seen since some Colorado yokels called Trey & Matt long ago let slip a few VHS dubs of "The Spirit of Christmas (Jesus Vs. Santa)" -- thus launching a modest little TV series called South Park.

As with all good secrets (this short is in fact a goof on The Secret), the spiritual awakening of "The Key" lies in the experience itself -- not in some journalist telling you about it -- thus find it here for your viewing pleasure:

Neil & John: THE KEY




In a shocking act of lame-o copycatting, it seems rather suspicious that some kid named Justin Bieber (?) has made a desperate attempt to ride on the coattails of "Neil & John in: The Key" with his own sad little product (a perfume or something) -- also called "The Key." This Bieber kid, whomever he is (scouring the Web suggests that he's a minor player in the perfume business), even rushed into production on some sort of commercial -- pardon: "short film" -- also called (you guessed it) "The Key." Bieber's perfume even has its own smartphone app, because obviously a perfume needs a smartphone app. Google it if you want. Or actually, don't; for Bieber's "The Key" withers in contrast to "Neil & John in: The Key."

Full Article

Monday, January 6, 2014

Uzbek first daughter strikes back at recent claims



Uzbek president’s much-talked-about daughter Gulnara Karimova responds to the media hype around her family feuds and recent struggles in face of ongoing financial investigations, saying her share of power in Uzbekistan has been mostly exaggerated

A couple of years ago, the Turkish actor Halit Ergenç was the face of your perfume ‘Guli/Victorius.’ What made you choose a Turkish actor to be the face of your product? Turkish series are quite in demand lately; who are your favorite Turkish shows and actors?

Last October for Style.uz we had Halit Ergenç as a guest of honor and that was so difficult to do, so I can imagine that “Muhteşem Yüzyıl” [The Magnificent Century] and him as a star of it unbelievably famous. I started to watch Muhteşem Yüzyıl absolutely by chance. I was sick home and my friend suggested I watch it. I had never watched even one series on CD and never was into it, but I think that this one should be named one of the best in terms of complex of eastern nature so well played by actors, historic atmosphere which doesn’t push you into depression but just gives you a little sip of it and the most intriguing story behind each of the episode. Funny or not, but nothing has changed through hundreds of years until now and each move of each character in that series could be transported one to one on those who live and play their games around the head of the state with only one goal to get bigger and richer, including family undercover fights.

Good thing that I started to see that TV story long before of what is happening now, otherwise I would have thought that the modern world and our family relations were going crazy. But the politics has always been the dirtiest thing in the world, destroying so many and offering so much to profit for just few in life around the world.


Consumer Watchdog Says Google Shopping Costs Consumers, Complains To FTC



Consumer Watchdog has lodged a new complaint about Google’s “search monopoly” with the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC), this time saying Google Shopping results don’t pass the sniff test. The group calls the way the search engine displays its Product Listing ads “deceptive and unfair”, adding that Google Shopping’s paid listings are price gouging consumers.

In addition to competing shopping engines being shut out of top listings, consumers are “actually being harmed because the featured results from Google Shopping more often than not return higher prices than can be found elsewhere,” wrote John M. Simpson, Consumer Watchdog’s Privacy Project Director, in a letter to the Commission. The group’s evidence is based on a test in which it conducted just 14 product searches on Google and competing Comparison Shopping Engines.

For eight out of the 14, Consumer Watchdog said it found lower prices listed on other Comparison Shopping Engines (CSE), and claimed consumers “could pay as much as 67 percent more than” if they’d used another CSE. Conversely, in nearly half of the searches consumers would have found lower prices on Google Shopping. The study doesn’t clarify whether the lowest priced product in Google Shopping was selected as a comparison, just that “one of the products pictured in the Google Shopping results box” was chosen.

When Google converted Google Shopping to a wholly paid platform last year, it made a huge impact in the world of Comparison Shopping Engines. Just as Google monopolizes search results with its own products such as maps in Universal Search — pushing out competitors such as MapQuest — so too Google Shopping deliberately pushes out competing shopping engines say critics like Consumer Watchdog. While the FTC has previously dismissed such claims, the EU has conducted a three-year investigation into these issues and is currently inantitrust settlement talks with the company.

The Financial Times also conducted a small study in which it was able to find lower prices for products after clicking through to the full list of results on Google Shopping. Both studies appear to claim that Google favors retailer listings with higher prices because those retailers are getting higher margins and thus are willing to bid higher for Product Listing Ad placement: “The higher the price that merchants can recover, the more they are likely to bid to appear in the PLAs – and the higher the profits for Google.”

When it comes to driving traffic to retailer sites, Google Shopping’s product listing ads have been outperforming other CSEs by wide margins, according to reports from CPC Strategy. Kenshoo’s Cyber Monday data shows retailers invested heavily in Google Product Listing Ads (PLAs). Retailers spent 257 percent more year-over-year. In return, retailers saw a 217 percent year-over-year increase in conversions, and a 219 percent lift in revenue year-over-year from PLAs.

It should be noted that after criticizing Google’s move to paid shopping listings, Microsoft has also begun incorporating paid listings into its product search results.
In response to these studies, Ni Ahene, co-founder of CPC Strategy, which manages paid campaigns across the CSE spectrum, says, “The question that should be asked is, ‘Does Google (or any other comparison shopping engine for that matter) have a responsibility to display the lowest price on the top of SERPs for consumers, and if they choose not to default sort order by lowest price will consumers start doing their retail searches on websites that better expose this functionality?’

“Price is one of the more important factors consumers consider when making purchases online but it’s by no means the only variable. Other factors like seller reliability and shipping times all play a role in where a consumer ultimately ends up consummating their purchase. At the end of the day if Google develops a reputation of driving traffic to websites that provide a poor overall customer experience due to price ‘gouging’ or other factors, we see consumers shifting their search activities to retail search websites that do a better job matching products and sellers to query intent.”

Source

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Skincare and fragrance prizes in Lei Chic's 12 Days of Beauty giveaway

 

Lei Chic

We're baaaack!

Like Oprah, we had so much fun handing out prizes during last year's 12 Days of Beauty giveaway, we're doing it. All. Over. Again.

This year, we're unveiling the winnings in two parts, starting with skincare and fragrances. Soak up our first six prizes, then fill out a quick entry form. In a few weeks, you might just hear:

"...and you get a prize... and you get a prize... and you get..."

1. Ola body mists in Maile, Pikake and Coconut.

2. Kate Somerville Glow to Go self-tanning body towelettes and face pads and Daily Deflector Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20.

3. Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gioia eau de parfum and Sean John Empress eau de parfum.

4. Bliss Firm, Baby, Firm Total Eye System and L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Glow Renewal Facial Oil.

5. Striped turkish towel and Sweet Petula sea salt and lavender bar soap, courtesy of Owens & Co.

6. The Body Shop Vineyard Peach shower gel, body lotion and cream body scrub.

Check back tomorrow for our makeup prizes (sneak peek below!) and click here to enter Lei Chic's 12 Days of Beauty giveaway by Monday, December 16.
Lei Chic
Posted on Tuesday, December 3, 2013 in Permalink