Ninfeo Mio, the newest scent from Parisian parfumeur Annick Goutal has just arrived and I couldn’t wait to try it.  Curious about the name, I found out that it is named for Gardens of Ninfa which are about 40 miles southeast of Rome – a delightful and lovely image that makes me even more excited for next month’s trip to Europe.

This is my first Annick Goutal fragrance and I was struck first by its look.  The packaging is classic and rich-looking in pale green and gold.  I have the square bottle, but it also comes in what seems like a more feminine ribbed bottled.  It is available in two sizes.  The 50 ml comes in the ribbed “feminine” bottle and the 100 ml comes in both bottles.  On first whiff, this scent can definitely be unisex, so it’s no wonder you have your choice of two bottles.

Described as lively and vivacious – which is certainly is – Ninfeo Mio opens with Italian lemon and citron and notes of bitter orange tree.  Galbanum extract and lentisque absolute deliver a sassy verdure full of life.  The citrus notes are warmed up by lavender and fig leaf.  The fragrance is instantly unique and to my American nostrils – very distinctly European.

Its olfactory family is described as citrusy, green, woody (Essence of Italian lemon and citron, essence of petitgrain, essence of bitter orange, extract of galbanum, lentisque absolute, fig and lemon tree).  Because this is my first experience with Annick Goutal, I found myself looking for scents that are more common “on this side of the pond” to compare it to.  The citrus notes remind me of Dolce Gabbana Light Blue (the Italian citron) and the woodsy, more spicy notes make me think of A Scent by Issey Miyake which is also decidedly green.  The fig notes remind me of one of my addictive favorites: Island Capri by Michael Kors.  (My husband is so shocked that I love the scent of fig – I don’t like Fig Newtons – haha).   If you like the notes of any of the above, you NEED to check this one out.

Annick Goutal fragrances can be purchased online and in stores at Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Space.NK.

What I love most about this is that although there are hints here and there that remind me of other fragrances – I don’t have ANYTHING else like Ninfeo Mio.  I’m excited to check out more scents by Annick Goutal and expanding my fragrance palette.

It’s tough to find the right fragrance, especially when you’re getting spritzed from all angles at the department store.  All you really want is to find the perfect cologne that works great against your skin and make you “smell good.” Well here is a little help from our High Five for top men’s cologne in 2009.  These picks have proven to receive some positive compliments from those who have sniffed around me.

I Am King by Sean John - You certainly feel like a king when you spray this sweet and refreshing scent. It’s not a statement of arrogance but rather “a motto of all men who will buy this fragrance.?, says Sean Jean Combs. This cologne has top notes of tangerine juice, orange, cranberry and French berries; middle notes are cassis and sea water; base notes are amalfi lemon, French labdanum, cedar, vetiver, oakmoss and sandalwood.  Sean John again wins Fragrance of the Year 2009 at the 37th FiFi Awards for this unique masculine freshness that I love to use daily for work.

Female feedback: “Mmm I just love that fresh scent of yours.”

Rock Volume I by John Varvatos – John Varvatos is definitely one of my favorite designer scents and has done it again with this limited edition fragrance putting an “edgy feel” and new twist from the original which shares the same top note of sage. Inspired by John Varvatos’ passion for rock ’n roll, the blend of rose absolute and coffee makes this a perfect wear for a fun date! This cologne transforms you with an image of sensuality and an explosive rock ‘n roll vibe.  Oh and the packaging is hands-down impressive having a bolt cap and a heavy metal shell with classic John Varvatos icons carved into it that encases the bottle. You can definitely “Rock ON!” with this scent.

Female feedback: “You smell so delicious, what are you wearing?”

Green Irish Tweed by Creed – I really shouldn’t be sharing my top secret fragrance for fear of everyone (including women as this is considered unisex) will be flocking to get this in their collection.  Usually, I save this favorite fragrance of mine for special events because it’s not exactly inexpensive and it normally gets sold out during the holiday season. Created originally for Cary Grant and worn by Robert Redford and Richard Gere, Green Irish Tweed is an elegant, yet sporty scent with notes of mysore, sandalwood, ambergris, violet leaves, French verbena and Florentine iris. I also suggest layering with other Creed fragrances for a nice mix of aromas.

Female feedback: “You always smell so heavenly!” “You HAVE to tell me what cologne you’re wearing so I can get it for my husband!”

Attitude Extreme by Giorgio Armani - What a perfect name to describe this power fragrance by the design house of Giorgio Armani. It’s a stronger, more intense version of Armani Attitude from 2007. It’s more masculine and unforgettable with notes of Sicilian lemon, star anise, cedar, cardamom, coffee, patchouli and amber. It’s been reworked to display masculinity in a dark, seductive, and potent fashion. I love to wear this in the evening as it strikes a sense of elegance and extreme attitude.

Female feedback: “I couldn’t help but admire your fragrance, you just smell really good.”

Tokyo by Kenzo – Inspired by serene nature and colorful nights in a modern metropolis Tokyo, this fragrance has a distinct masculine scent. It consists of a blend of ginger, lemon, grapefruit, shiso, cardamon, green tea, pink pepper and bitter orange. The allure of this cologne is the ability to blend a modern urban feel with the Japanese tranquility. It’s for the guy who loves the luminous, vibrant lights and scenery of a crazy electric city. Feeling energized from this fragrance, I’m ready for a night out on the town and the busy nightlife.

Female feedback: “Either I love how you dance or that you smell so yum, both work for me.”

What’s more Beautiful than a bride or a lovely fragrance?  A product that gives back, like Beautiful by Estee Lauder.  A portion of its proceeds during October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, will benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Just thinking of the bottle conjures images of brides, which is used is print and television ads for the perfume. Beautiful is represented by a bride to symbolize the place it holds in the hearts of women.  Evelyn Lauder’s vision was to create a fragrance that made every woman feel she was the loveliest woman in the room – fitting for a woman on her wedding day.

Beautiful is a fragrance that celebrates femininity and the most precious moments in life.  Did you know it was created with 2,000 flowers?  The fragrance has one of the longest and complex formulas and is considered one of the finest perfumes ever made.  I love learning something new everyday!

Ever romantic,  Beautiful is tender bouquet of Lilies and Roses, Marigold and Orange Blossoms…all warmed with a rich, woody base and brightened with a touch of citrus.

To learn more about giving back and about The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign, please visit http://www.esteelauder.com/pinkribbon/.  You can also donate to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation via the widget on the right side of our site.  Each person who donates gets entered into our Think Pink Giveaway.

Go pink for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

For October, the Estée Lauder Companies are donating a portion of the proceeds from select products to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  Our first featured product I chose because it’s my new favorite fragrance: DKNY Be Delicious Fresh Blossom.

I’m a big fan of all of the DKNY Be Delicious scents and I was delighted when I tried Fresh Blossom.   It’s a lovely blend of sparkling grapefruit, cassis, and sunkissed apricot meets a blooming floral heart of sheer muguet and petally rose wrapped in luminous jasmine. A base of juicy apple, blond woods and smooth skin accord complete the fragrance.  I noticed that as the top notes of apricot and grapefruit slightly wear off, the lingering jasmine and apple is just delicious.

DKNY Be Delicious comes in three sizes ranging from 1 oz to 3.4 oz, ranging from $40 to $70.  This October, I am not just buying this for myself but for my friends!