Our sense of smell conjures memories and feelings more powerfully than any other sense. A scent can function like a wormhole to the past; a person walks by and suddenly you’re no longer on the F train heading to Brooklyn but in the garden at your grandmother’s summer cottage.

Perfume can also be a statement. Complexity and clarity work in tandem to create something you breathe in deeply, eager to find out more, or to simply enjoy.

“The Black Masterpiece,” (or “L’Oeuvre Noire”) By Kilian is a line of 6 perfumes that are little to heavy for me, but if you enjoy the notes of Sambac Jasmin, Brazilian rosewood, and more; you will enjoy this scent. I particularly enjoyed the truly entertaining literature Killian provides! Baudelaire, Faust, Rimbaud and yes, Snoop Dogg are invoked on this twisted journey toward nasal nirvana. The sampler includes:  Love, Beyond Love, Liasons Dangereuses, Cruel Intentions, A Taste of Heaven, Straight to Heaven and the brand new and 7th, Prelude to Love.

• Love ~ neroli, Sambac jasmine, rose and iris.
• Beyond Love ~ tuberose with animal notes.
• Liasons Dangereuses ~ notes of Egyptian geranium and cinnamon.
• Cruel Intentions ~ bergamot, rose, vetiver and styrax.
• A Taste of Heaven ~ Absinthe and includes orange blossom, amber, and patchouli.
• Straight to Heaven ~ rum scent deepened with nutmeg, Brazilian rosewood and cedar.
• Prelude to Love ~ bergamot, Seville orange, lemon, ginger, pepper, neroli, orange blossom and Florentine iris.

Pricing: 1.7 fl.oz refillable bottle is $225.00; a 1.7 fl.oz refill is $115.00

We all remember that iconic red swimsuit. You are probably familiar with it even if you weren’t alive in 1976 (which I wasn’t – side note). Farrah Fawcett, a beauty icon, died today at the age of 62 (February 2, 1947-June 25, 2009).

She was probably as well known for her feathered hair, as she was for her role in “Charlie’s Angels.” Most recently, she had been filmed as part of a documentary on her battle with rectal cancer. Although Fawcett’s longtime partner Ryan O’Neal recently proposed to her again, she was sadly too weak to marry him before her death. Farrah and Ryan have a son together, Redmond O’Neal.

Fawcett was diagnosed with rectal cancer in 2006, and though it went into remission, it reappeared last year. As part of her documentary, Farrah hoped that she could beat her cancer, and remained positive.

In the beauty world we may often dwell on beautiful looks, her famous hair, or her perfect figure. Farrah Fawcett inspired us all with her positive attitude, her determination, and of course her impact on style. But most of all, we will remember her courage.

I love how I feel in pink!

Estee Lauder’s newest perfume release is Pure White Linen Pink Coral, and I have definitely found this year’s perfect summer perfume. Just its name makes me think of being on the lovely pink beaches of Bermuda!

“Pure White Linen Pink Coral is the perfect feeling and fragrance to complete the Pure White Linen collection,” said Karyn Khoury, Senior Vice President of Fragrance Development Worldwide, Estée Lauder. “The Pure White Linen values of sophisticated simplicity and relaxed elegance are reinforced, but with a unique view that is tender and feminine.”

The Fragrance

The fragrance’s top notes are Chinese Berry, Pink Peppercorns, Apple Blossom, Waterfruits and Clear Aldehydes. Next is a “perfect floral fusion” of Jasmine, Camelia, and Honeysuckle, followed by a bouquet of beautiful soft florals with Cherry Blossom, Sweet Pea and Pink Peony. Estee Lauder says these scents evoke the “tender sincerity of the ocean at daybreak,” but other than being a perfect summer scent, I think it’s also perfect for a June or summer wedding!

At the end, the soft florals reveal creamy Sandalwood, sheer Vanilla and a touch of Heliotrope. It’s feminine without being over-the-top sweet and has just the right amount of Jasmine, Vanilla and Sandalwood to be sexy.

I am in love with my new bottle of Pure White Linen Pink Coral, and I cannot stop sniffing the bottle! Even better is the simple bottle design – the familiar shape of Pure White Linen and Pure White Linen Light Breeze but in a new, delicate pink shade that will look gorgeous on top of my vanity!

Pure White Linen Pink Coral will be available on www.esteelauder.com and at all Estee Lauder fragrance counters in June 2009.

Last Thursday, the editorial staff of Make-Up Artist Magazine and Naimie’s Beauty Center held the Big Apple Make-Up Artist Mixer at Webster Hall in New York City. The event was a cocktail party, attended by the New York area’s most accomplished and up-and-coming makeup artists and beauty bloggers. Paul and I were excited that Beyond Beauty Basics was invited, and more excited to get to know some makeup artists, the staff of Make-Up Artist Magazine, and the event’s very special guest!

Make-Up Artist Magazine is a great resource for makeup artists of all kinds, from high fashion, to prom and wedding, to the Hollywood special effects kind. Paul and I got to chat for a few moments with the magazine’s founder, Michael Key, to discuss how he came up with his idea for the magazine. Key told us his vision was to unite the different kinds of makeup artists and give them a resource that spoke to make-up artists as a group. Make-Up Artist magazine is now global and read in about 50 different countries!

Bobbi Brown herself was on hand to sign copies of her latest book, Makeup Manual. Her latest book is an illustrated guide of professional makeup techniques for novices as well as aspiring make-up artists. The book was available to purchase at the mixer but you can also find it online. Amazon.com is currently selling it for a great price, be sure to pick one up!

Before her book signing, Brown spoke about her new partnership with her alma mater, Emerson College, the “Bobbi Brown Makeup Artistry Program at Emerson College.” What we admired most was how Brown talked a lot about the importance of education. When we got a chance to ask her (yes – we really got to talk to her!) about her strong belief in education, Bobbi told us that she always enjoys learning new things from other makeup artists, and that she also loves to share her knowledge and experience with others.

Photo: Joy Glenn and Ben Ritter; courtesy of Bobbi Brown.