Ralph Lauren Beyond Romance

On December 19, 2022 By thepickynoseIn FragrancesLeave a comment

Hello Everyone and welcome to another fragrance rant here at The Picky Nose. In this post I will be reviewing Beyond Romance from Ralph Lauren. If you like slightly sweet, slightly fruity, and soft fragrances that work well all year round, then stay tuned and keep reading!

Packaging:

Beyond Romance comes in a transparent square bottle with a soft pinkish hue. The color of the bottle is the perfect representation of its feminine aroma. The size and shape of the bottle is such that it can lay perfectly still on your vanity, or tucked in your purse.

Notes:

This is a beautiful combination of sweet and fruity, and although it’s not the most unique smelling, it’s still a huge compliment getter. This is a rosy-raspberry-vanilla fragrance. Upon first spray, you get a delightful whiff of raspberry in a bed of pink roses. As the fragrance lingers, the scent of vanilla starts to become more prominent. After a solid hour or so, the scents combine to deliver that raspberry-vanilla mix with subtle hints of pink rose in the background.

Longevity:

Beyond Romance will give you at most five to six hours of noticeable wear. After that, the fragrance’s sillage shrinks such that it forms a tight bubble around you. So if someone is giving you a hug, they can definitely smell it, but it will no longer be present in the air. It will however, still be detected in your clothes long after you spray it.

Mood:

This fragrance can be worn all year round. It’s the perfect option for someone looking for a signature scent. This actually used to be my signature scent for the longest time, so it’s Picky Nose approved. Whether you’re going on a date or hanging out with friends, this is a good perfume to reach for. If you like fruity elements in your perfume, but don’t like vanilla fragrances because you find them sickly sweet, then give this fragrance a sniff.

Opinion:

My opinion of this perfume is pretty simple:

Blind-buy approved
All-season appropriate
Beautiful flirty feminine fragrance perfect for most age groups starting from young adults
Huge compliment getter from both men and women

Pacifica: Island Vanilla Hair & Body Mist Review

On April 21, 2020April 23, 2020 By thepickynoseIn Fragrances8 Comments

Hello Everyone and welcome to The Picky Nose for yet another detailed fragrance review! I am very excited to be reviewing two of Pacifica’s best-selling fragrance mists (each of which will be reviewed in separate posts). I wanted to review this particular brand because their mists are alcohol free, which can be a solution for those who find the alcohol content in their fragrances to be too pungent and irritating to their nasal passages. In addition, these alcohol-free mists are specifically designed to be used on both body and hair. This is something to consider, as alcohol can dry your hair, leaving it rough to the touch. I will be reviewing details about the packaging, the notes, the ambience, and my overall opinion of this fragrance.

Packaging:

Pacifica’s Island Vanilla mist comes in a 2oz and 6oz bottle. The bottle looks cute and feminine, with the label being predominantly pink in color. The 2oz size is very convenient for travel and makes it suitable for on-the-go daily activities and purse storage.

Notes:

This is a very simple fragrance mist in that it literally smells just like a vanilla cake. Although “Island” is used in the name, there is no tropical or fruity aspect to this fragrance mist (at least not that I can detect).

Longevity:

If you are a fragrance fanatic like myself, then you might have already guessed that due to the lack of alcohol in this mist, the fragrance longevity is quite poor. This mist lasts approximately 1-3 hours on the skin, and slightly longer on clothing items (this may vary from person to person).

Mood:

Due to the sweetness of this mist, it’s more suitable for cooler weather. That being said, it still can be worn in the summer as well, given that it is not overpowering. I would describe this sweet gourmand fragrance mist as very uncomplicated, cute, playful, and girly.

Opinion:

This fragrance mist is a good blind-buy for those who love simple sweet scents, especially vanilla. This is a very girly scent that caters more to a younger crowd due to its simplicity and sweetness, but can be worn by pretty much anyone who loves vanilla scents. This would not be a good scent to wear on really hot summer days, again because of the richness of the vanilla. If you’re looking for a powerful long-lasting fragrance, this is not the one for you. This mist has poor longevity and projection, but if you don’t mind re-applying it throughout the day, then this shouldn’t be too much of a problem. I have to say, I do wish the fragrance notes were included somewhere on all of the Pacifica fragrance mist bottles, but alas they are not. All that being said, I really do appreciate the lack of alcohol in these mists, as I am able to smell the pure fragrance scent right away, instead of waiting for the alcohol to dry down first.

Be Layered Fragrance Review

On April 1, 2020April 1, 2020 By thepickynoseIn Uncategorized3 Comments

I am very thankful to Be Layered for sending me some samples of their fragrances. They were very professional and friendly. In this post, I will be reviewing three of their fragrances: Sweet Spirit, Close Encounter, and F@ck Me. This review will be a little different. I will not be discussing their packaging given that I only have sample bottles.

Notes:

Sweet Spirit: The main notes include vanilla, woods, and rose. This is a warm sweet oriental fragrance with a spicy kick of pink pepper and woody notes.

Close Encounter: The main notes include sugar, cotton candy, and marshmallow. This is slightly sweeter than Sweet Spirit. This fragrance has a slight coconut scent.

F@ck Me: The main notes include vanilla, citrus, and woody notes. This is a citrus vanilla fragrance.

Longevity:

All of these fragrances have pretty long lasting power ranging from 6 to 8 hours. Their sweetness contributes to their good longevity.

Mood:

All of these fragrances are more appropriate in colder weather (winter/spring), and are more suited for nighttime wear. They are pretty heavy, thus I would not recommend wearing them in the daytime or in the summer. Sweet spirit is a tad bit more edgy than Close Encounter due to the spice and woodsy notes. All three of these fragrances are attractive and cozy.

Opinion:

These fragrances are really good in terms of lasting power and projection, however, they can be headache inducing. If you are not a fan of sweet scents, then these are probably not going to be appealing to you. They are definitely more date-night appropriate because they are sweet and seductive.

After reading this post, which fragrance do you think suits your taste? Please comment below!

B&BW Fragrance Mist Review

On February 20, 2020April 14, 2020 By thepickynoseIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

This review will be slightly different from the usual ones I post. In this review I will be focusing on 3 body mists: Daydream, Dream in the Sky, and Margarita cupcake. I really enjoyed the smell of each of these mists when they were sprayed on test papers. After much deliberation, I decided to invest in these 3 sprays in order to better analyze them for the purpose of this review.

Packaging:

Daydream: Rainbow-like 8 fl oz bottle
Dream in the Sky: Mauve-purple ombre 8 fl oz bottle
Margarita Cupcake: Orange 8 fl oz bottle

Notes:

Daydream: The main notes include raspberries, pear, and lilies. The opening of this fragrance is very fruity with the pear note becoming increasingly prominent as the fragrance dries down. The floral aspect of this fragrance is very soft and subtle.

Dream in the Sky: The main notes include sugary lavender and vanilla. The opening of this fragrance is light and very close to the skin. This is a sweet slightly aromatic body spray. This fragrance definitely does not have much projection, and will only be noticed from up close. This is mainly a soft sweet vanilla scent, and despite there being lavender as a note, it’s not detectable.

Margarita Cupcake: The main notes are citrus (orange) and vanilla. The vanilla in this fragrance is very creamy and smooth. The opening of this fragrance provides a combination of the orange and the creamy vanilla in the initial spray. This is definitely a sweet gourmand fragrance, but with a kick to it due to the citrus notes.

Longevity:

Both Dream in the Sky and Margarita Cupcake have decent longevity due to the presence of the vanilla. They last up to 3-4 hours on the skin, depending on skin chemistry and the weather. Daydream did not last as long on the skin (approx. 1 hour) due to it mainly consisting of fruity notes.

Mood:

All three of these body mists are appropriate for daytime and nighttime wear, with Daydream being more appropriate for the day than night due to its poor longevity and sillage.

Opinion:

Daydream is more of a fresh out-of-the-shower, running errands, or going-to-the-gym fragrance, compared to Dream in the Sky and Margarita Cupcake which are definitely more suited for a date-night or night out with friends. Both Dream in the Sky and Margarita Cupcake are more winter appropriate due to their sweetness, which can get too heavy in the summer.

If you enjoyed reading my fragrance reviews thus far, please subscribe/follow this blog! Comment below if you have smelled these fragrance mists before or own any of them!

Lancome Idole Review

On February 15, 2020 By thepickynoseIn Uncategorized2 Comments

As you all know by now, if you’ve tuned in to my previous posts, I am a huge fan of Lancome fragrances. They have truly excelled in creating beautiful feminine fragrances that are not only people-pleasing, but also quite long-lasting. In this fragrance review, I will do my best to give this perfume justice, with the hopes that some of you will go check out this fragrance for yourself after reading this. Just like with all of my fragrance reviews, this post will include details about the packaging, notes, longevity, mood, and my overall opinion.

Packaging:

The perfume bottle is pink-hued, rectangular, and slim. It’s simple yet elegant, perfectly reflecting the fragrance inside. The liquid inside is light pink in color. The golden cap that sits on top is also thin. Although the bottle looks beautiful and graceful, due to its slimness, it is difficult to place on your dresser and let it stand with no support.

Notes:

This perfume opens with a blast of fresh juicy citrus notes including bergamot and pear. The pear balances the crispness of the citrus provided by the bergamot. As the fragrance settles down, it makes way for other notes to surface, such as rose and jasmine. The combination of rose and jasmine largely contribute to the femininity of this fragrance. The jasmine in this perfume is soft and creamy, making this fragrance appeal to many. The key notes that remain in the dry down are rose, creamy jasmine, and musk.

Longevity:

This fragrance, like many of Lancome’s fragrances, is long-lasting with decent sillage. When sprayed on the skin, the fragrance remains detectable after 4-5 hours (this may vary depending on skin chemistry and the weather). When sprayed on clothing, this fragrance lasts much longer. This perfume is not pungent, thus it does not project as well as other fragrances from this house do.

Mood:

This perfume is what I would consider “well-rounded”. It can be worn pretty much for any occasion from office wear to date night. This fragrance can be worn all-year-round. It is soft. It is elegant. It is feminine. It is not a polarizing scent, but quite the opposite. Because this is a soft rose and jasmine scent, it will more often than not, earn you many compliments.

Opinion:

This fragrance would be a great option if you are looking for a signature scent. It is mainly a fresh floral fragrance, appropriate for both daytime and nighttime wear. It can be worn throughout all seasons, as it is not in-your-face strong and does not heavily project. This fragrance will definitely earn its wearer compliments from both men and women.

Lancome La Nuit Tresor Review

On January 28, 2020April 14, 2020 By thepickynoseIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

I am so excited to share my review of this fragrance with all of you, especially with Valentine’s Day coming up! This perfume is my second purchase from the house of lancome. I was definitely impressed with this fragrance, just like I was with the first one I purchased from this house, and I think you will be too. This review will include details about the packaging, notes, longevity, mood, and my overall opinion.

Packaging:

The perfume bottle is in the shape of a diamond, and is shaped in such a way that it can be placed on its side without rolling/falling off. The bottle itself is black-hued and the pink perfume liquid inside is visible. A black rose, attached to a black ribbon, is wrapped around the neck of the bottle. The cap of the bottle is secure, allowing the bottle to be safely held from the cap.

Notes:

The most prominent notes that I get from the opening of this perfume are citrus, strawberry, and rose. It is a definitely heavy sweet fragrance upon initial spray, but after 15 minutes, other notes start to surface, including: lychee, chocolate, vanilla, caramel, and patchouli. The dry down of this fragrance is gorgeous. Is this a sweet fragrance? Yes it is, BUT, it’s not overly sweet in the dry down. That being said, you have to wait for the dry down to get that well-balanced gourmand fragrance.

Longevity:

This fragrance has excellent longevity and sillage. When sprayed on the skin, the fragrance is still noticeable after 5-6 hours (this may vary depending on skin chemistry and the weather). When sprayed on clothing, this fragrance can last for a few days to the point where reapplying this fragrance on the same clothing item would not be necessary. This fragrance can be smelled from a distance, as it lingers in the air after it is sprayed.

Mood:

This is a pungent citrus, fruity, floral fragrance. It is very feminine because of the sweetness from the strawberry, praline, vanilla, and caramel. The floral vibe in this perfume is very smooth, subtle, and not overpowering. This is definitely a cold breezy winter nighttime fragrance. This is an attention-grabber. It’s seductive. It’s magnetizing. It’s very appropriate for a winter date night.

Opinion:

This would be a great fragrance to wear on a cold winter nighttime date (a special date, maybe one with dancing). With Valentine’s Day creeping up, this could be a great purchase if you want to gift your girlfriend or significant other with a fragrance. Wearing this fragrance will make you stand out, it will grab people’s attention, and it will earn you a lot of compliments. If you’re single and ready to mingle, if you’re going to a party/club, or if you’re going on a special date, then definitely check out this fragrance!

Carolina Herrera Good Girl Légère Review

On January 19, 2020January 20, 2020 By thepickynoseIn Uncategorized1 Comment

In this review I will be talking about a perfume that has been frequently discussed and seems to be a staple in every girl’s perfume collection nowadays. There are two versions of Good Girl; there’s the original and the Légère version. This review will only focus on the latter including details about the packaging, notes, longevity, mood, and my overall opinion.

Packaging:

Good Girl Légère comes in a blue hued bottle in the shape of a stiletto. The difference between the packaging of this version and the original is the platform of the shoe, which is clear and not dark blue. The sprayer is found at the counter part (the upper part) of the stiletto, and is attached to a thin gold heel.

Notes:

The most detectable fragrance notes are sweetened milk, tonka bean, praline, ylang-ylang, which give this fragrance a very sickly sweet vibe, almost vanilla-like (even though there is no vanilla in this fragrance). In the dry down, the jasmine becomes more noticeable, and the fragrance becomes less sweet (but it’s still quite sweet).

Longevity:

This fragrance has pretty good longevity. It stays on the skin for at least 6 hours depending on skin chemistry and the weather.

Mood:

This fragrance is feminine. It’s in-your-face sweet especially upon initial spray. It’s more of a winter time fragrance because the cold weather helps with the sickly sweet aroma that this perfume gives. This would not be a good day-to-day fragrance, but more of a night-time appropriate scent.

Opinion:

This is not a favorite perfume of mine, but it is a good fragrance. I did not appreciate the intense sweetness of this fragrance. The dry down of this perfume is a lot better than the initial spray in terms of intensity. The dry down is less pungent and a little softer. Many people have complimented this fragrance, but there have been a few who have been turned off by the sweetness of this perfume (especially before the perfume has a chance to dry down and settle). If you are a lover of sweet perfumes, if you like gourmands with a touch of floral smoothness, if you want to receive compliments, then this would be a good perfume to check out.

Lancome Midnight Rose Review

On January 4, 2020April 14, 2020 By thepickynoseIn FragrancesLeave a comment

In this review I will be talking about my first perfume buy that got me started on this journey. I had always been impressed by the fragrances in this house just from smelling their fragrance products in stores. My first fragrance purchase from the house of Lancome was Midnight Rose, which is what I will be reviewing in this post. This review will include details about the packaging, notes, longevity, mood, and my overall opinion.

Packaging:

This fragrance comes in a beautiful purple hued bottle. Around the neck of the bottle is a ribbon with an indigo rose attached to it. Engraved on the bottle is the name of the fragrance “Tresor Midnight Rose”.

Notes:

Just from smelling the bottle, the most noticeable fragrance note is pepper. This perfume is quite spicy and even though the pink pepper is not a top note, it is prominent in the opening. This fragrance is slightly fruity since it has raspberry, which helps tame the pink pepper upon first spray, but only slightly. This fragrance also contains rose and peony, which help smooth down the punch from the pink pepper in the dry down. With the dry down, the notes of rose and musk become more noticeable for an overall edgy feminine smell.

Longevity:

This fragrance has really good longevity. It stays on the skin for at least 5 hours depending on the weather. Of course, everyone’s body chemistry is different so this may vary from person to person.

Mood:

This fragrance is very spicy and musky. It’s dark. It’s edgy. It’s feminine. It’s flirty. It’s mysterious. This fragrance is appropriate for a night out/date night. This is also more appropriate for winter because of its spiciness, which makes it a slightly more pungent fragrance.

Opinion:

This is a really good fragrance to wear on a cold night. If you want to smell mysterious and edgy, if you want to smell flirty and fun, and if you want to get compliments from both men and women, then you should check out this fragrance!

Welcome!

On December 29, 2019April 22, 2020 By thepickynoseIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Hi everyone! I am really excited to start reviewing fragrances (eau de toilette and parfum) here on The Picky Nose. I LOVE fragrances – I love smelling them, collecting them, and talking about them (duh that’s why I’m here!). I am a huge fan of pairing fragrances with appropriate occasions and trying to find the right fragrance depending on the mood and the person.

Most of the fragrances I review here on this blog are bought by me, but if I am sent samples from a company, I will mention that in the intro, regardless, my reviews are my honest opinions.

If you are reading this blog on your phone, please scroll to the bottom of the screen to find a list of my previous blog posts.

Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and check out my blog. Please stay tuned for more reviews and don’t forget to like and follow/subscribe for more posts!