Weekend Ramblings: Terre D'Hermes Eau Tres Fraîche

When it comes to choosing a spouse, many people (including my parents) say, "You know when you know." I'm starting to think the same principle applies to fragrances because today when I sampled Terre D'Hermès Eau Très Fraîche, I just knew. I've found my scent soul mate and no one can convince me otherwise.

Described as a fragrance that "expresses the alchemical power of the elements; a water somewhere between the earth and sky; a journey imbued with strength and poetry. Woody, vegetal, mineral" on Nordstrom.com, this masculine-leaning unisex fragrance is like a dream come true for anyone, male or female, who favors a fresh, earthy scent. It's the ideal white t-shirt perfume (or cologne) you can wear day-to-day.

If you're looking to get yourself a bottle, plan on splurging because it only comes in the 4.2 ounce size at $115. I was lucky enough to have a gift card to use toward my purchase, but I like to think I would have bought it regardless. I mean, after all soul mates are priceless!

Shout Out to Rollerball Perfumes: Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black

For most people, a fragrance purchase is usually about smell and looks, but rarely about convenience. For me, I like a perfume that smells good that I can also tote around (the convenience aspect). I love the new Nirvana Black Rollerball by Elizabeth and James because it smells great, has a pretty bottle and fits in a clutch.

Described on Sephora.com as, "an addictive blend of alluring violet, sensual sandalwood, and rich vanilla that strike the perfect balance between masculine and feminine," Nirvana Black is sexy and warm. Plus, the black and gold rollerball packaging adds to its sex appeal and toting convenience-ness.

Rollerball fragrances are awesome in general, but this particular one by Elizabeth and James just speaks to my love of sandalwood and black/gold color combos. I'm definitely in love/lust here. We could even have a repeat purchase situation on our hands in the future.

Buy your Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black Rollerball here. (Or, buy the equally gorgeous, full-sized bottle here.)

Etsy Finds: Root + Roam

It's not often that I come across a scent I don't recognize.  Not because I am some kind of perfume connoisseur, but because I think the people around me gravitate towards certain fragrances. And by certain fragrances, I mean ones that can be purchased at Sephora or at the counters in Macy's and Dillard's.  Don't get me wrong.  You can find some pretty great perfumes in the aforementioned stores, but if you're looking for a unique "signature scent", you'd be better suited to look somewhere else.

The first smell that comes to mind when I hear "signature scent" is Giorgio Beverly Hills' Red, a perfume that my grandmother wore all throughout my childhood.  No one else around me ever wore it and so its memory belongs solely to her, something that I think is just so cool.

The cute little bag the samples came in.  Presentation is everything.

In the search for my own signature scent, I stumbled upon Root + Roam, an artisanal perfumery that specializes in carefully constructed scent profiles which are eventually made into small batch perfumes. Their welcome states, "For the rooted dreamer and for those who roam but are not lost…".  This statement alone let me know that if I was on the market for something unique, I could find it there.  

Instead of just going for a whole bottle of product like I am known to do, I decided on the sample approach.  I chose three samples from the Atelier collection: Prophet, Wander and Roam. Prophet is described as "confident and clean notes of citrus – bergamot, lemon and herby tangerine – nestled  on a base of spiked tea, vetiver and incense", Wander is described as "a fruity, floral twist of bergamot and blood orange with a lingering hint night blooming jasmine over a base of smooth sandalwood and earthy green notes of vetiver", and finally, Roam is described as "crisp jasmine and star anise enveloped in a soothing blend of bergamot and peppery tea anchored in a slightly musky sandalwood, pine and vetiver base".

Ordering perfume online is really a tricky task. I am totally clueless when it comes to scent descriptions and perfume ingredients, but I got pretty lucky with this one. My favorites of the three are Wander and Prophet. They both differ completely, Prophet being a sensual smell whereas Wander is fruity and bright.  Also, their staying power is incredible, which is one main reason I prefer perfume oils to regular perfumes. As for Roam, it is a gorgeous scent no doubt, just not for me.

I tread lightly by saying a perfume is "not for me" simply because I don't want anyone else to assume they shouldn't give it a try. Seriously, perfume is so individual that reviewing it in an unbiased manner is nearly impossible. As for Root + Roam, however, I can say without a doubt that you should check out their store.  The perfumes in this post are only a fraction of what they have to offer.

What is your signature scent? Or are you still searching for it?

How to Pretend You Took a Shower

Today I have two exams to take, one in Stats and one in Geology.  As we all know, Stats is not my strong suit and then there's Geology which I find interesting, but can't focus in either (ADD much?). So basically I studied until 12:30 am then woke up at 5:30 am to continue my studies.  All of this procrastinating left me with no time to shower, therefore I had to bring out some secret weapons that help me trick people into thinking I've showered.

1.  The "I Haven't Showered, but Look Like It Holy Grail": Baby Powder.  Many people think the baby powder trick is only for blondes.  This is not true at all, as long as you blend it in well enough.  I flip my hair and sprinkle it in there, then blend it in with my fingers, and brush my hair. Voila, my hair is de-greased!  Many have a problem with the smell of baby powder as it reminds them of babies (duh).  I prefer the lavender and chamomile.  You may still smell kind of like a baby, but a sophisticated baby.

  

2.  The Bun:  Sometimes baby powder just isn't enough and you must resort to The Bun.  That picture above is my hair today.  It's not as polished as I would like it to be, but unfortunately I just don't have time for that.  The Bun is perfect for all occasions, whether it be class or a meeting.    

3.  Baby Wipes (Not Pictured Above):  This is for armpits and personal areas.  Work from top to bottom.  It's pretty self-explanatory. 

4.  Perfume...not a lot, just a spritz or two.

5.  Wash your face and actually do your makeup! Many people think that not showering excuses them from putting on any form of face makeup.  I am guilty of this (and quite often, because I am a lazy college student).  Putting on some eyeliner and mascara will brighten your eyes instantly, and throwing some under eye concealer into the mix will really do wonders.  Maybe add a little blush to make yourself seem perkier to the outside world that doesn't know you were up studying at all hours of the morning.  

Hope this helps all of you lazy ladies out there!  What are some tricks you use to make people think you're cleaner than you really are?