I am a huge fan of Michael Kors fragrance.  Just ask Paul “What’s that Scent You’re Wearing?” Baranda, as that is what he undoubtedly says every time he smells Island Capri on me!

I was not disappointed with the latest scent from Michael Kors, “Very Hollywood,” that just came out this September.  I immediately thought of a Givenchy fragrance I used to wear, I think it was Amarige Mariage.  It’s probably because they share notes of Bergamot and jasmine.

Very Hollywood was created to embody the glamor of Hollywood.  I’m thinking old-school Hollywood when I smell this: red lips, form-fitting evening gowns, diamonds on the neck, and dramatic eyeliner.   The top-notes include Mandarin and iced Bergamot,  the mid-notes are wet jasmine, ylang ylang, raspberry, and gardenia.  Lastly, the bottom-notes are a velvety combination of Italian Orris, creamy amber (mmm) and soft white moss, leaving a gentle moody scent as the top-notes dissipate.  It’s perfect for fall.

The bottle is simply gorgeous, amber with a textured design reminiscent of cut gems.  Simply divine.  Very Hollywood.

Black Star, Avril Lavigne’s new fragrance was launched last week at the Cooper Square Hotel in downtown NYC. The event took place in the penthouse of the hotel, a floor to ceiling sanctuary that overlooked the city. The room was cutely decorated with Avril’s favorite colors, pink and black—muted pink peonies sat in vases on the table, while hot pink pillows marked milky white couches. This favorite color combination was what inspired the perfume packaging and bottle which Avril worked closely on developing.

The signature perfume, which was 2 years in the making, showcases the singer’s unique style and personality. Black Star was created for the girl, like Avril, who loves to stand out and express her own style. From the silver stud detailing on the carton, to the star shape of the bottle, the design is a celebration of what makes Avril unique. The studded bracelets and belts the singer often wears were innate sources of inspiration. As an added detail, the neck of the perfume bottle features a removable, studded silver ring. The ring can also be worn as a pendant; it’s touted as “a gift of self expression.”

Avril said she loves nothing more than to have fun and she really wanted the perfume to represent that. “It’s all about being edge and feminine…” she explained. The fragrance is also inspired by her music and high energy. The scent stands out—it packs a punch of sweetness with a lingering edginess. Here are the notes that fuse it all together:

• High notes: Black Plum; vibrant and sweet
• Heart notes: Hibiscus; super feminine and soft
• Base notes (my favorite!): Black chocolate; edgy and edible

I’ve tried the scent and I have to say I really love it. The plum and chocolate notes make it feel luxurious, a scent perfect for fall. I’d call the fragrance fresh, sexy, and scrumptious. They weren’t kidding when they said the base notes are edible. I wanted to eat it. Delish! Avril Lavigne’s Black Star is available exclusively at Kohls this August.

Photos: Kate Monahan/Beyond Beauty Basics

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

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.