What They Say: "Nantucket Natural Oils contain all the good ingredients found in your favorite brand-name (e.g., Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren) fragrances without the harsh, offensive alcohol. Zero alcohol content means fewer problems for allergy sufferers, not to mention a naturally longer-lasting essence for fragrance users. And unlike some other fragrance stores - suppliers, we make natural perfumes."

Jen's Experience: The day I went to Nantucket over my 4th of July vacation was a rainy, non-descript day for the most part, but I did come away with one tremendous find: Nantucket Natural Oils. The small apothecary stores will find the perfect scent for you, or recreate your statement scent, both of which are a great find. I chose the path of recreating a scent, and was disappointed at first: their sense of Marc Jacobs was all wrong for me, and their attempts at Chanel scents for my friends did nothing for them. After a while, though, I thought of "Flowerbomb", which I seriously love but have never purchased. And let me tell you: their rendition was DEAD ON. I bought it without a second thought and have worn it pretty much every day since. My guy friends adore the scent, and so do I. An ounce of oil based scent, which costs to the tune of $75, promises to last 3 years. Plus, their non-alcohol-based scents last longer throughout the day than what you've been buying from the department store. You can also get even smaller amounts than that for trial purposes. If you live in the Boston or general Massachusetts area, I couldn't recommend more just stopping by and seeing their representation of your favorite perfume. Otherwise, drop by their website and get a sample of their rendition of a scent that you love.

Retail Price: $45.00/ 0.25 oz (Nantucket Natural Oils)

What They Say: "A vivifying fragrance resembling a white water cascade, a fresh aromatic journey, filled with pure and nurturing green fruit: green tea, lime and kiwi. An aroma extracting from nature all of its benefits for the skin, containing sage and lime essential oils. With a single generous splash, the skin feels replenished, toned and intensely refreshed, helping to reveal its natural beauty.

Revitalizing top notes of sparkling green citrus fruits: grapefruit, lemon, lime and kiwi, combined with rhubarb for clean, bracing freshness.

Purifying middle notes with the full, round fragrances of aquatic flowers like the lotus and the scent of green tea.

Warm bottom notes of moss, patchouli and musk to leave a deep, woodsy note in its wake."

Melissa Says: This scent, at least for me, is a bit too strong to spray all over. However, it IS uplifting and cool, and when spritzed once or twice, it elevates the mood a bit while smelling fresh, clean and crisp with a bit of depth. While it doesn't linger quite as long as some perfume fragrances, it can be a refreshing burst of aromatherapy for the day.

Retail Price: $36.00

(*Remember, DeLush does not rate fragrances because of the individual tastes and body chemistry that affect each user's experience. But you can check the Perfume category under "Product Type" if you'd like to see more fragrance ideas!)

What They Say: "A carnal interpretation of Pomegranate; the beguiling symbol of fertility. Top notes of Pomegranate, Cassis and Peach flow seamlessly into Violet, Ylang Ylang, and Ghanan Cacao before settling on a bed of Bulgarian Blond Tobacco, Vanilla and Amber."

Melissa Says: Not for the shy, this scent feels intensely feminine and for me, the violet, ylang ylang and amber really shone through as the most recognizable players in this fragrance. It's somewhat heady at first, perhaps a little much for those who prefer subtlety when it comes to scent, but it doesn't take too long to settle into the warmth of your body heat and become more wearable. It's a classy, womanly creamy floral that has strong staying power.

Retail Price: $105.00 (at select retail stores, but don't worry, you can test a sample vial for just $7.00 at abinoam.com)

*Remember, DeLush does not rate fragrances because of the individual tastes and body chemistry that affect each user's experience. But you can check the Perfume category under "Product Type" if you'd like to see more fragrance ideas!

About Flower: "A true extension of Cynthia's designs, Flower is feminine and flirty, yet sophisticated. Every note was hand-picked by Cynthia herself, creating a bouquet of florals surrounded by warm woods and musks. The notes include casablanca lily, freesia, cashmere woods, warm vanilla, skin musk, velvet woods, and sandalwood."

About Petal: "Cynthia also created a scent for the little flowers in our lives, such as our daughters. In designing Petal, she didn't need to look and further than her own daughters for inspiration. To create Petal, Cynthia wanted to take the essence of Flower and design and scent that was lighter with a more carefree sensibility. Her eight-year-old daughter even helped to pick the notes that would be in the final bouquet. The result is a floral green fragrance that captures the innocent, youthful blush of freshly bloomed lily of the valley."

Jen's Experience: This new pair of scents from Avon and Cynthia Rowley debuted just in time for Mother's Day this year, and it's easy to see the mother-daughter theme. The flower scent is stronger and surprisingly sophisticated for such an affordable scent. It's got a great mix of florals and woody scents that make it a great every day fragrance, and an excellent choice for work. I never fail to get compliments when I'm wearing it, and maybe for that reason alone it just makes me feel pretty.

Petal is clearly the less mature of the two scents, with a heavy emphasis on the floral and much less complexity than Flower. From someone who generally loves floral scents, I am less enthusiastic about wearing this one, which seems a little too girlish, but I can definitely see this as a first fragrance for the preteen or teen in your life.

I love both the packaging and bottles for both scents. They're simple and classic and look nearly antique. The white bottle of Flower is my favorite of the two, but both make an adorable addition to my dresser.

Retail Prices: Flower - $30/50 ml, Petal - $15/30 ml (Avon.com)

*Remember, DeLush does not rate fragrances because of the individual tastes and body chemistry that affect each user's experience. But you can check the Perfume category under "Product Type" if you'd like to see more fragrance ideas!

What They Say: "As seen in Allure magazine (November 2007 issue, p58).

A secret elixir of sexy black currant, irreverent jasmine, and traditional patchouli for her.

• Based on the scent of Venetian liqueur with blended black currant and woody harmonies.
• Distilled by Annick Ménardo and Thierry WASSER.
• Choose 50mL or 75mL.
• Arrives in a lace-covered bottle."

Jen's Experience: They pretty much had me at the commercials for this fragrance, I have to say, and when I heard that jasmine was one of the main notes, I was even more excited to try it. After wearing it for a while, my excitement waned a bit. The fragrance is long-lasting, and I do think it's a very sexy blend. However, I think the patchouli is probably the strongest note in the scent, and that's frankly not my favorite. Those who like patchouli and woody scents, though, I think will be quite pleased with it.

*Remember, DeLush does not rate fragrances because of the individual tastes and body chemistry that affect each user's experience. But you can check the Perfume category under "Product Type" if you'd like to see more fragrance ideas!

What They Say: "In order to capture Nanette Lepore's whimsically romantic creations, the perfumers abandoned the traditional - weaving together a tapestry of natural essences including threads that flow throughout the entire fragrance. The notes are delicate and white, colorful and sparkling, and warm and sensual.

Notes:
Moonstone Rose, White Peach, White Cranberry Juices, Magenta Nectar, Black Currant, Orange Jasmine, Persian Lime Juice, Velvet Violet, Amber, Indian Sandalwood.
Style:
Delicate. Colorful. Warm."

Melissa Says: This is one of my personal FAVORITE scents. Feminine, delicate, yet lush - a sort of powdery, sweet floral - this has amazing staying power and is perfect for the days when I am feeling more girly. It starts out fresh and powdery with a hint of floral, and within a few hours it grows warmer and deeper, and then my husband inevitably passes by me, smells the back of my neck, and asks what that great scent is (every. single. time.).

This would be a great romantic scent for Valentine's Day, by the way!

Retail Price: $38 - 1oz. / $58 - 1.7oz. / $78 - 3.4oz. (at sephora.com and select fragrance counters)

*Remember, DeLush does not rate fragrances because of the individual tastes and body chemistry that affect each user's experience. But you can check the Perfume category under "Product Type" if you'd like to see more fragrance ideas!

What They Say: "Mysterious and addictive, this fragrance imparts a mouth watering sensation with a sexy heart. Voluptuous florals add sophistication and femininity. This is a floral scent for the woman who exudes confidence and sexuality. The fragrance reveals its intense allure with captivating amber and rich woody undertones.

Notes: Red Currant, Pink Freesia, Apple Blossom, Frangipani, Apricot Nectar, Blooming Jasmine, Passion Rose, Amber Wood, Sensual Musk, Cashmere Wood, Vanilla Orchid, Incense.

Style: Sensual. Confident. Enigmatic."

Melissa Says: Historically, I haven't been a huge fan of many of the fragrances that have been released under the name of various random celebrities. They seem to fall under a large hit-or-miss umbrella for me. I was pleased to realize when I tested this that I actually kind of like it.

I hesitate from raving because the initial notes aren't typically those I lean toward, but it's hard to deny how many times I found myself sniffing my own wrist throughout the day as it developed from a more crisp, dark floral to a smooth, sexy combination melting those florals with alluring depth. This would be a great scent for someone comfortable in her skin, who likes to imagine herself having an air of sophisticated mystery.

*A word of caution: a little goes a long way, so be sparing to keep it from being overwhelming in any way.

Retail Price: $52.00 1.7 oz (at Sephora.com and select fragrance counters)

(Remember, DeLush doesn't rate fragrances due to differences in taste and body chemistry. Choose "Fragrances" above for more scent ideas.)

What They Say: "We conceived of Silver Factory as a smooth, smoky, spicy blend of interlacing incense (a key scent of the 60's), wood resin, cedarwood, and syrupy, seductive amber. But just to complicate things, we gave it a heart of jasmine, iris and violet - a scent that Warhol was especially fond of. These slightly dissonant florals combine to evoke a metallic effect - that of warmed-up, molten silver."

Melissa Says: Their description is quite accurate, I found. Also, it comes off as somewhat masculine in nature, but I still loved smelling it on my wrists. The woody notes are prevalent, but complex. This is a strong, independent. and unconventional scent for the same type of woman.

This is the first of a series of Warhol Foundation partnership scents featuring a selected example of Warhol art on the bottle.

Retail Price: $230.00 (at BondNo9.com or visit the website for retail locations)

What They Say: "When New York's iconic luxury superstore meets luxury New York perfumer, the results are Bond No. 9's Saks Fifth Avenue for Him and Saks Fifth Avenue for Her. Firsts in the new genre of Retail Eaux de Parfum.

Notes: Jasmin, Tuberose, Gardenia, Vetiver, Vanilla"

Melissa Says: The most important thing to know about this fragrance? GARDENIA. If you're a fan of gardenia, this is definitely the scent for you, as that is really the predominant note. Not for the wallflower, this scent is not the least bit shy in its gardenia glory. For me, it was a little more intense than I'm accustomed to, but of course the true and full-bodied quality of Bond No. 9's formulas gives you a large fragrance impact for your money, which isn't a bad thing when you find something that really expresses who you are.

Retail Price: $125 1.7 fl oz / $185 3.4 fl oz (online at Bond No. 9 or find a retail location near you on the website)

(Remember, DeLush doesn't rate fragrances due to differences in taste and body chemistry. Choose "Fragrances" above for more scent ideas.)

What They Say: Passionate. Seductive. Forever. Donna Karan Gold embraces and illuminates the woman who wears it. It reflects her inner spirit, the glowing light irresistible to all who come close.

Gold echoes both the essential purity and hidden complexity of a woman. Donna's personal favorite, the white Casablanca lily, blooms at its heart - delicate and intoxicating. Fluid amber gives the fragrance its depth and sexiness while sparkling acacia, white clove, golden balsam, glittering gold pollen, and East Indian patchouli bring forth the intoxicating allure of the lily.

Donna collaborated with jewelry artist Robert Lee Morris to create the bottle for Donna Karan Gold. Robert's signature technique of using metal in his jewelry was incorporated into the luxurious armored gold metal sleeve representing the fragrance's spirit.

Notes:
Casablanca Lily, Fluid Amber, Acacia, White Clove, Golden Balsam, Gold Pollen, East Indian Patchouli.

Style:
Pure. Warm. Sexy.

Melissa Says: At first spray, this gives off a crisp floral scent sparked with the amber. Within minutes, it develops into a lusciously warm, sultry, almost creamy mix combined with that fabulous floral tone sitting on top. This fragrance is incredibly sexy, understatedly glamorous, and a little mysterious. You will definitely feel like a WOMAN wearing this beautifully balanced scent.

Retail Price: $75.00 1.7 oz. or $50 .2 oz. rollerball applicator (at or at select department stores)

(Remember, DeLush doesn't rate fragrances due to differences in taste and body chemistry. Choose "Fragrances" above for more scent ideas.)

"We were in a beautiful Moon Garden and were captivated by the gorgeous white florals and the shimmering moonlight -- Fleurs de Nuit captures that ethereal and dramatic moment." -- Mark Badgley and James Mischka

What They Say: "Glamorous. Vintage. Elegant. Luminous as the evening sky, this luxurious white floral is radiant with nuances of lush green notes, succulent fruits, and the sophisticated depth of glowing amber. A vintage white floral with a glamorous heart...experience Fleurs de Nuit.

On the Top - Glamorous Fragrant as the evening air Badgley Mischka Fleurs de Nuit opens with fresh florals, including Pristine Magnolia and Quince Blossom, that sparkle with Bergamot and lush green notes.

In the Heart - Vintage Radiant White Florals, Night Blooming Jasmine and Orange Blosso, nuzzle mouth-watering White Peach for an iconic heart.

In the Drydown - Elegant The dry down imparts the depth of night as Silky Woods and Glowing Amber resonate for a captivating sensuality."

Jen's Experience: Last fall, I tried the original Badgley Mischka scent, a rich, musky scent that fit right in with my fall fragrance wardrobe. This season, full of Garden Party eyeshadows and other florals in unexpected places (at least for fall), the new fragrance from Badgley Mischka turns the tables around on the original and brings the florals to the forefront.

Personally, I am always a fan of floral perfumes, but always found them to be a little too bright and sunny for the cooler fall months. This one, though, manages to make a rich fragrance out of white flowers and a hint of musk. The result? A fantastic, unexpected fragrance for the fall season.

Suggested Retail: $90.00, available this October

(Remember, DeLush doesn't rate fragrances due to differences in taste and body chemistry. Choose "Perfumes" under Product Type in the dropdown box for more fragrance ideas.)

Continue reading Fall Product Preview: Badgley Mischka Fleurs de Nuit.

What They Say: "Who is the one? A true diva and beautiful superstar in her own right, she personifies unabashed femininity. Defiant, liberated and passionate. Her look is always spectacular and glorious. A gorgeous chameleon with a soulful heart. The woman wearing the one is demanding, determined and competitive. She doesn't wait for things to happen. Like a true diva, the one is sensual, seductive and spectacular.

the one is a warm, oriental floral, with modern sensuality. A fragrance with a strong personality, and a contrasting golden sweetness.

Created for the ultimate diva, the one is at once tempting, modern and glamorous, embracing a touch of classicism. The top notes radiate a vibrant luminosity, with a sun-touched citrus blend of bergamot and mandarin. Warm fruity notes of luscious lychee and succulent peach add to the delight.

The passionate heart evokes and exploding femininity, with an opulent floral soul comprised of madonna lily, muguet and jasmine, creating a distinct, audacious signature.

An unexpected hint of plum glows as the base finally blooms with the luscious allure of precious vetyver, accentuated with the lasting warmth of vanilla and sweetened ambery-musk notes."

Melissa Says: Wow, this description could not be more accurate. My impression of this scent is that it can be quite strong at first, so I don't choose to apply it right before I walk out the door, but earlier. What I first notice is a burst of a powdery floral type of scent, and then as it wears onto the skin for a while, that powdery scent becomes much more subtle and alluring and mixes with some of the warm, sweet notes in a very pleasant way that lingers for hours.

I picture this scent on a confident woman who is sophisticated yet youthful who likes to feel sexy.

Retail Price: $62 for 1.6 fl. oz. / $82 for 2.5 fl. oz. (at Dolce & Gabbana boutiques, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and other department stores)

(Remember, DeLush doesn't rate fragrances due to differences in taste and body chemistry. Choose "Perfumes" under Product Type in the dropdown box for more fragrance ideas.)

What They Say: "The sophisticated world of Acqua di Parma with its impeccable and understated refinement, presents Blu Mediterraneo: a collection of products whose noble ingredients create the link between essences and emotions, awakening pleasant feelings of well-being. Capri, ever glamorous, fashionable and cosmopolitan, is the star of many films. It is the very essence of delightful idleness and relaxed exclusive rituals. The qualities of the (Arancia) - Capri Orange are based on the soothing properties of the perfectly blended essential oils of orange, lemon and tangerine.

Lisa Says: Of the four fragrances comprising the Blu Mediterraneo Collection (Arancia, Cypresso, Mandorlo and Fico) I was given Arancia to review. It is, indeed, cosmopolitan, sparkling yet not over done and a versatile fragrance in this reviewer's opinion. Top notes of Sorrento orange, tangerine and grapefruit are so refreshing and light in the August heat, while base notes of caramel and musk give the citrus some "cling" to the skin without being heavy. Heart notes of Petitgrain, cardamom and mate leaves tie top and base notes together beautifully without being too "woodsy". These lovely core notes marry the brightness of the citrus with the warmth of the caramel and musk creating a light but sensual scent .

I really fell in love with this fragrance and can't seem to find anything similar amongst my growing collection on the vanity. It initially goes on with a citrus that's more tangerine or, perhaps it's the "zest" of the citrus that the nose notices first. It dries down to a soft, powdery lemon fragrance - something akin to lemonade but not overly sweet thanks to the musk and petitgrain. The difference between the two is what makes this such a lovely and versatile fragrance. During the day I felt that Arancia was refreshing and cooling, by dinner it was lovely, romantic and warm. I'm really enjoying it now but I can also imagine this fragrance around late fall. Perhaps it's the blend of orange and spice and caramel when it dries down. My little tester bottle is already long empty but is on the list to be replaced with a larger size.

Retail Price: Eau de Toilette - 60ml/$57 & 120ml/$88 (at neimanmarcus.com and other select retailers and boutiques).

(Remember, DeLush doesn't rate fragrances due to differences in taste and body chemistry. Choose "Perfumes" under Product Type in the dropdown box for more fragrance ideas.)

What They Say: "What is the smell of fun and how do you bottle it? That was our mission at Bond No. 9 when we decided to capture the essence of Coney Island and turn it into an eau de parfum.
Notes: Margarita mix, melon guava, cinnamon, chocolate, caramel, musk, vanilla, cedarwood, sandalwood."

Melissa Says: This one isn't for the shy, that's for sure. Don't get me wrong, it's not overbearing unless you over-apply it, but its bolder notes may not appeal as much to those who want their fragrance to be a bit understated. Looking at a part of that long mix of notes included - margarita mix, melon guava, chocolate, caramel, vanilla - it seems that this scent would be way too sweet for a lot of wearers who tend to edge away from those scents, but I think the slight spice of the cinnamon and the warmth of the musk, cedarwood, and sandalwood temper the sweetness. I really do think this scent is for when you're feeling fun, just as Bond No. 9 attempted. A little on the back of the neck and on the wrists lasts ALL day long. This scent is dense but youthful.

Retail Price: $125, 1.7 fl oz / $180, 3.4 fl oz (at bondno9.com or go here to find retail locations near you)

(Remember, DeLush doesn't rate fragrances due to differences in taste and body chemistry. Choose "Perfumes" under Product Type in the dropdown box for more fragrance ideas.)

What They Say: "The iris flower, blossoming joyously or poised on the threshold of bloom, pure in its vibrat and vivid colours, has always been an expression of femininity.

Acqua di Parma echoes this idea with the creation of Iris Nobile Eau Parfum - where the sophistication of a classic floral bouquet is accentuated and given allure with chypre - the most feminine of all treasured age-old harmonies.

In this captivating new perfume from Acqua di Parma, the iris uses the entire fragrance pyramid to convey the vibrant impact of its velvety character. The experience unfolds with a sophisticated harmony of iris petals and star anise enriching the fragrance's fresh crystalline head notes. At the scent's heart, the aristocratic notes of the iris fuse with the intensity of pure ylang-ylang and the warm tones of oakmoss, to add a burst of charm to the fragrance. The deep base tones resonate with the warm scent of iris root woven together with vanilla and amber crystals. A combination of iris with oakmoss and patchouli - dominant notes in the chypre - scent - expresses new emotions, vibrant tones and an incredible longevity.

A fragrance is created where sensuality and sophistication are expressed to the utmost degree in each detail."

Melissa Says: I took this fragrance on vacation with me recently, and it was the only scent I used for the entire week. I was so delighted with it every time I put it on that I kept throwing my wrist near my husband's face saying, "Wow, SMELL that! Isn't it GOOD?" Incredibly womanly yet refreshingly subtle, this pretty scent is an instant winner from the very top notes all the way to the base.

Unlike many scents which take a moment to really be appealing after being applied, with its delicate florals combined with just enough warmth, this one is immediately pleasing. There is no bite or overbearing heaviness. The scent becomes more creamy and enticing as it wears. And staying power was not an issue for me at all, even in ninety-degree heat. I really fell in love with this one.

Retail Price: $95/50 ml, $145/100ml ($80-120 for eau de toilette) (all at neimanmarcus.com, bergdorfgoodman.com, and barneys.com and select boutiques)

(Remember, DeLush doesn't rate fragrances due to differences in taste and body chemistry. Choose "Perfumes" under Product Type in the dropdown box for more fragrance ideas.)

What They Say: "Light Comes From Within is a sheer, luminous fragrance that celebrates new beginnings. Its sparkling bergamot top note introduces a captivatingly fresh middle note accord of freesia, honeysuckle and night blooming jasmine. Fresh oceanic musk and white cedar form a base note accord of subtle depth. This fragrance evokes dancing California sunlight, coastal air and more ethereal manifestations of nature's beauty."

What Melissa Says: The floral combination in this fragrance is so pretty; it's perfectly balanced and very feminine, without any overpowering bite. When it starts out, it remind me slightly of a delicate lily-of-the-valley scent, and once it develops on the skin it warms into a fabulously romantic blend. I also didn't find staying power to be an issue with this fragrance at all. This is actually one of my favorites from what I've tried in the past few months. If I were in the market to splurge on a perfect summer feminine scent, I'd consider this one well worth the purchase.

Retail Price: $95.00 (at creativescent.com or go here to find a retail location near you)

(Remember, DeLush doesn't rate fragrances due to differences in taste and body chemistry. Choose "Perfumes" under Product Type in the dropdown box for more fragrance ideas.)

What They Say: "Cherry blossom season is an important and symbolic time of year in Japan. It marks the end of winter and the rebirth of nature with deep philosophical meanings: The cherry blossom (sakura) represents absolute beauty and is a reminder of the ephemeral nature of life, and the cherry fruit is a symbol of harmony. It's only natural that Japanese designer Masaki Matsushima captured this facet of his country's culture and rendered it in a conceptual perfume.

It is quite a challenge to create a feminine fragrance that is based on the cherry without it falling into the category of edible scents used in liquors or candies. Jean Jacques, Masaki's "nose," managed this subtle combination of the mat; base with a cherry top and blossom heart.

Notes:
Cherry, Blackcurrant, Bilberry, Watermelon, Lotus Flower, Cherry Blossom, Sweet Pea, Raspberry, Crystal Musk, Blackberry.
Style:
Feminine. Inspiring. Soft."

What Melissa Says: I'd like to avoid redundancy here, but my experience with this fragrance has matched the description almost perfectly. For those of you not convinced that this isn't a syrupy -sweet scent that's hard to pull off, I strongly encourage you to either go to a Sephora store for a sample or find a fragrance counter somewhere so you can smell it. You will be convinced that this isn't at all for the little girls, but for women. It's florals are what predominate in the beginning of wear, yet even those are gently subtle and pretty with just a hint of the berries. It only gets better and more tantalizing as it sits on the skin, when the berries and musk create a delicate, slightly sweet combination.

Retail Price: $32.50/.68 oz. Eau de Parfum spray; $60.00/1.35 oz. Eau de Parfum spray (only available at Sephora in stores or go here to purhcase online)

(Remember, DeLush doesn't rate fragrances due to differences in taste and body chemistry. Choose "Perfumes" under Product Type in the dropdown below for more fragrance ideas.)

What They Say:
" * Our Kiehl's Signature Scent
* For both Men and Women
* Convenient Eau de Toilette spray
* Scent not derived from animals
* Not tested on animals

This modern version of our classic signature scent is based on the unique blend that is Kiehl's Musk. Our special Musk "recipe" begins with an initial creamy, fresh citrus burst of Bergamot Nectar and Orange Blossom...followed by a soft floral bouquet of Rose, Lily, Ylang-Ylang and Neroli. Finally, Original Musk Eau de Toilette dries down to a warm, sensual Oriental finish of Tonka Nut, White Patchouli and, of course, Musk...the soul of this distinctively modern scent."

*To see the entire interesting story behind the '20's-originating Kiehl's Musk Oil fragrance, click here.

Melissa Says: I am in general a huge fan of most musk and musk-based fragrances. I think that you also should typically like musk to appreciate and wear this scent. It comes out a little strong - there is nothing shy or delicate about it initially out of the spray dispenser. This is why you only need to apply very lightly in one or two spots. In those first few seconds, it is quite strong I imagine for most, and seems to have little feminine complexity. Within about 5 minutes, however, that first impression begins to be replaced with a lighter, slightly powdery floral tone. Eventually, the scent warms throughout the day and becomes a minimally sweet musk.

This fragrance isn't very feminine by most standards, and if you only prefer to wear scents that are floral, airy, delicate, sweet or lighthearted, then this isn't for you. But if you do like to try deeper fragrances which possibly tend to be more gender neutral or if you like the effect of wearing natural fragrance oils such as patchouli, musk, sandalwood, etc., then you may very well enjoy this scent.

Retail Price: $55 3.4oz. (at kiehls.com or go here to find a retail location that sells Kiehl's products near you)

(Remember, DeLush doesn't rate fragrances due to differences in taste and body chemistry. Choose "Perfumes" under Product Type in the dropdown below for more fragrance ideas.)

What They Say: "Celebrate the season of fun.

It's a cool, refreshing spray version of Beautiful, the fragrance of a thousand flowers. A tender bouquet of violets and lilies, roses and lilacs, marigold and orange blossoms.

Limited edition bottle adds to the fun with a swirling modern design. Just spray all over...and step into summer."

Jamie’s Thoughts: I’m typically conflicted about perfume re-runs, most likely because smart perfumeries tend to reinvent their bestsellers, often with mixed results. The original “Beautiful” was launched in 1985 and remains a bestseller today, with a huge reputation to uphold.

Estee Lauder’s intentions were good with this lighter version of the classic fragrance. The floral notes are all still present, but sadly, the hints of citrus, melon, and orange blossoms have been lessened, which (in my opinion) throws off the balance that made the original “Beautiful” so amazing to wear. Those of you that love the original for its base notes of sandalwood, myrrh, and frankincense won’t be very happy with this seasonal reincarnation, as those notes have been downgraded to a supporting role. I also found it quite heavy for something that is being marketed as an “all over, refreshing spray.” If you like intense florals, you’ll love this.

Fortunately, the “Summer Fun” version retains the casual, yet sophisticated quality of the original. It works just as easily with sweats as it does with a pinstripe suit. Be forewarned, however: you may have to reapply. I wore this every day for an entire week, and by my afternoon Diet Coke break, it was gone. All in all? The swirled-pattern bottle is very distinctive, unfortunately, the fragrance is not.

Retail Price: $49.50 for 2.5 oz. (at esteelauder.com and at select fragrance counters in department stores)

(Remember, DeLush doesn't rate fragrances due to differences in taste and body chemistry. Choose "Perfumes" under Product Type in the dropdown below for more fragrance ideas.)

What They Say: "It Takes a Neighborhood - The Sparkling-Fresh Scent of our Civic Dreams.

Notes:
Black currant, lily of the valley, musk

For every bottle sold, Seeds of Peace will recieve a portion of the sales. Seeds of Peace is an organization that is dedicated to empowering young leaders from regions of conflict with the leadership skills required to advance reconciliation and coexistence. (seedsofpeace.org)

Melissa Says: Well, I suppose if you're going to be spending this kind of money on any beauty product, even a high-end fragrance, then it helps to know that a bit of it is going toward a beneficial cause.

But let's get to the business of the scent. It's not necessarily a classic-in-the-making...in my opinion it's quite modern. That doesn't mean it's annoying or not pleasing. In fact, I like the upbeat heartiness of it. It's not gentle and airy, but is instead full and empowering. At first the black currant may be a bit intense, but once it has warmed up on the skin the sexy complexity of the floral musk helps to temper that. You're left with a feminine, crisp, and slightly sultry combination that isn't too heavy for warmer temperatures.

Retail Price: $125 for 1.7 fl oz / $195 for 3.4 fl oz (at bondno9.com)

(Remember, DeLush doesn't rate fragrances due to differences in taste and body chemistry. Choose "Perfumes" under Product Type in the dropdown below for more fragrance ideas.)

What They Say: "A radiant woody floral. A modern expression of sparkling radiance.

Key Notes
Sparkling Radiance: Peach Nectar Sorbet, Sicilian Mandarin, Damask Plum
Unforgettable Bloom:Radiant Wisteria, Star Magnolia, Madagascar Orchid
Lasting Impression: Addictive Sandalwood, Fluid Skin Musk, Golden Amber Whisper "

Jen's Experience: I have long been a fan of Elizabeth Arden's scents. They're not the most sophisticated of scents -- it's hard to detect the notes or the individual layers -- but they're all pretty and ultra-feminine. If you're a fan of other Arden scents, I think you'll like this one as well. It's lighter than some of the others, and has a summery feel to it, making it perfect not just for work, but also for more casual occasions. Three spritzes in the morning last make me feel pretty throughout the day.

Retail Price: $57.50 (ElizabethArden.com)

(Remember, DeLush doesn't rate fragrances due to differences in taste and body chemistry. Choose "Perfumes" under Product Type in the dropdown below for more fragrance ideas.)

What They Say: "Bryant Park is the inspiration for and name of Bond No. 9's 28th and most fashion-oriented eau de parfum: a rose-patchouli concoction with pink pepper added for dissonance.

Notes: Lily of the Valley, Rhubarb, Pink Pepper, Rose, Patchouli, Raspberry, Amber"

Melissa Says: In my opinion there's simply no way to fully appreciate this scent unless you get a chance to smell how it develops on your skin. It starts out fairly crisp and has a bit of a floral bite to it, and it then begins to get this incredible spicy but subtle warmth. The patchouli is barely distinguishable, in case that's something that might make you shy away from the description. It all just blends together into a luscious mix, with the raspberry coming through at the end nicely. Overall, this is a flirtatious yet sophisticated fragrance that is not too overpowering (but a little does go a long way).

Retail Price: $125 for 1.7 fl oz (50 ml) or $185 for 3.4 fl oz (100 ml) (at bondno9.com)

(Remember, DeLush doesn't rate fragrances due to differences in taste and body chemistry. Choose "Perfumes" under Product Type in the dropdown below for more fragrance ideas.)

What They Say: "Summer's carefree, energetic mood gets captured in a bright, vivid glass flacon of fresh pink and warm orange in the new fragrance, Very Irrésistible Givenchy Summer Sun.

Evoking warm sunny days and sultry nights, this new limited edition adds lychee, frangipani and cashmeran to the iconic rose essence of Very Irrésistible Givenchy. It also has a higher concentration of alcohol so that the scent remains regardless of where spontaneity leads.

New top note:
-Lychee creates a juicy, fruity cocktail effect.

New heart notes:
-Frangipani flower creates a lush, exotic mood.

New base note:
-Cashmeran mimics the wearm feeling of the sun on the skin.

Careful! Limited Edition."

Melissa Says: This is defintely a fragrance to get you into a warm-weather mood. The combination of floral and fruity is wonderful. I actually am not especially drawn to the original Very Irrésistible fragrance because of its more direct floral emphasis. But that doesn't mean you won't enjoy this if you are a fan of the original. There's a perfect additional hint here of the exotic and fresh which turns this into a fragrance I can love. Another thing that I like is that the staying power is exceptional, just as they say.

Retail Price: $50, 2.5 oz/75 ml (available now in fine department stores nationwide and soon at Sephora.com)

(Remember, DeLush doesn't rate fragrances due to differences in taste and body chemistry. Choose "Perfumes" under Product Type in the dropdown below for more fragrance ideas.)

What They Say: "Versatile, aromatherapeutic and made to work together. As a fragrance, they are unisex, complex and classically designed. Our sprays are also great as environmental scents – ideal for a spa treatment room, home, or office.

Fresh was inspired by the birth of ZENTS Co-Founder, Michelle Nemcek-Lobo's baby girl, Ava Sophia. In celebration of her birth, Fresh was created to evoke cheerful thoughts of a newborn baby girl. The fragrance is clean, delicate and flawless in design--just like little Ava Sophia. A light Spring and Summer