Buying for mum can be tough, especially if she isn't really into wearing makeup or nuts about skincare. Fragrance is the perfect choice for those stuck at a crossroads when it comes to gift-giving, and we've got 10 newbies to set your (and your mums!) nostrils aflame.
Need more Mother's Day gift inspiration? See our other gift guides!
When a sparkling gourmand fragrance is set to be launched, as is the case with Prada's new Candy L'Eau, it makes sense that director Wes Anderson, known for his quirky-cool aesthetic, would be involved. This week, the Internet has been abuzz with delight thanks to the premieres of three Anderson-directed shorts dubbed Prada Candy L'Eau.
Co-directed by Roman Coppola, the films star French actress Léa Seydoux of Midnight in Paris and Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol fame. We're promised "a real tale in three episodes that encompasses Candy as the most sparkling and unexpected character," and that's just what we get. As you would expect, the series has the perfect amount of eccentricity woven throughout, with a hint of sweet and sassy thrown in for good measure.
And as with any Wes Anderson film, no detail goes unnoticed, from Seydoux's nail polish choices — Essie's Flawless is featured prominently in episode one — down to her unabashed taste for sweets. Prada Candy L'Eau, a playful, seductive scent, includes notes of Italian citruses, sweet pea, benzoin, white musk, and caramel. Look out for it later this year, and now, take a look at Anderson's charming foray into beauty.
Yesterday we explored the power of scent and attraction, so today it's only fitting to show you five new smellies we're really quite excited about. If you're traditionally a fruity girl, why not shock the pants off of your senses and go for a mature floral? Or seeing as though the weather is cooling down, why not spray a rich woody scent in your elbow crease and let it evolve throughout the day under the warmth of your knit? Click through to see what we'll be trying in the coming weeks.
Finding your signature scent is one of the most wonderful and indulgent things you can do for yourself. A particular fragrance can take you back to a special moment in time — as our publisher explains — but it can also reignite the fire in your belly for a loved one. Choosing a new perfume is fun, too, because fragrance exists to be worn, explored and enjoyed. We asked the Sugar editors what they smell like right now, but also asked them to reveal any newbies they might have their... nose on. Click through.
We're gearing up for Beyoncé's Super Bowl performance today, but while we wait, we're shining the spotlight on her latest fragrance, Pulse NYC ($69). Last week, we took a behind-the-scenes look at the star on set shooting the campaign image, and it's always interesting to see the finished product. Styled by industry icon Joe Zee, Beyonce looks statuesque in a mirrored blue CD Greene dress. But what about the juice, you ask? Well the fragrance itself was created to evoke not only the singer's unique spirit — "pretty yet fierce, edgy yet sophisticated, sexy yet graceful" — but also seeks to bottle the magic that is New York City. A fruity mix of raspberry, pomegranate and Barlett pear; it ends with sensual, soft notes of cashmere and red velvet cupcake. Ah, yum. Stay tuned for our coverage of B rocking the mic at today's Super Bowl.
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It's officially the month of love and to celebrate (any excuse, really) we're bringing you the latest and greatest products set to hit shelves this month. Bobbi Brown's Pink & Red Collection couldn't come at a better time — hello Valentine's Day face — and Benefit Cosmetics' The One is like a lip tint, cheek stain, contouring cream and highlighter in, well, one. You know we're big Yves Saint Laurent mascara fans, and this month they're coming at you with waterproof blue and violet. Way too amazing to explain in words, click through and see for yourself.
The man behind the dress Cher Horowitz was infamously forced to destroy in Clueless, Azzedine Alaïa is joining the beauty game. The designer has announced that he has signed a fragrance license with Beauté Prestige International. "I have total confidence in Beauté Prestige International to accompany me in creating a perfume that interprets my work and my world," Alaïa told WWD. The house is Shiseido's fragrance division and has released scents for Elie Saab, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Narcisco Rodriguez. With celebrities like Kendall Jenner regularly working the red carpet in his designs, it makes sense that Alaïa would want to build out his brand, because, like Cher said, "he's, like, a totally important designer." No word on when the fragrance will be released, but if they're anything like Alaïa's dresses and shoes, we'd expect something smoulderingly sexy and feminine.
When a new fragrance lands on the Bella beauty desk, it's always a happy moment. Picking a new perfume is such an intimate, personal experience, because everyone has their own idea of what smells good and what smells terrible. So we thought, what better way to review four, soon-to-be released perfumes than to get the Sugar editors to do a blind sniff test? They weren't allowed to Google the fragrance or read the accompanying press release — they had only their inner-head nose to guide them... Click through to see the results!
The countdown to Christmas is officially on (scary! exciting!) and we, just like the rest of the nation, are knee-deep in choosing presents for our loved ones. When it comes to buying for someone special — or for the lady in your life who literally has everything — perfume is the perfect gift. But not just any old juice, we like to splurge on new fragrances on shelf. Fittingly, Juicy Couture has given their iconic scent, Viva la Juicy, a makeover, and gosh is it feminine.
Viva la Juicy La Fleur EDT 150ml ($145) is a sheer and soft floral bouquet — perfect for a Summer full of spontaneity and, dare we say it, love. Just like the original, the model muse for the scent is Sasha Pivovarova but this time, she's awash with the excitement of love at first sight. And what does all-encompassing, can't-catch-your-breath true love smell like? Think mandarin, wild berries, dewy honeysuckle, gardenia petals and jasmine. Perfect.
Seeing as though you've got your Christmas shopping organised early this year (or maybe you can just pretend), it's only fair you buy yourself something special for the festive season. There's some lovely new products on shelf this month, as well as some Summer saviours to help keep you looking beautiful throughout the warmer months. Let's roll!
