Harajuku Lovers Wicked Style Music

This is the last of the new fragrances from Harajuku Lovers. I can't say that I have been into this collection (with the exception of Angel). The last fragrance is Music, which I think is my least favorite of the original collection. This one is very sweet and floral, with notes of sweet pea that remind me of wearing Sweet Pea in college. The original is a good one for the springtime and beginning of the summer since it is light and very flirty.

Sephora states the following about the new version of the fragrance, "In this collectible line of fragrances, the edgy-cute, super-stylish girls of Tokyo's famous Harajuku shopping district inspired each bottle's unique, doll-like character - including Music. With her magenta-colored flocked hair, she sports an outift that's all her own and a scent that sweetly pulses of woody and floral accords. Music is part of the limited-edition Wicked Style fragrance collection that features deliciously fun scents in bottles that take cues from the obsessive Japanese fashion that Gwen Stefani introduced to America".

The notes of the new fragrance are: Juicy Apple, Jasmine, Swirling Cedarwood. The notes of the original fragrance are: Clementine, Pear, Jasmine Sambac, Sweet Pea, Honeysuckle, Vanilla, Skin Musk, Sleek Woods. I can't say that I am really into this fragrance either.

All of these fragrance could have been much more complex and contain more layers. The only one that I like is the Angel fragrance because I love the plum and wood notes in it and those notes agree with my skin. I think that is my least favorite collection of the bottles too. This version of the collection just didn't do it for me this year. I am hoping that the spring versions will be nicer...

photo courtesy of Sephora

Harajuku Lovers Wicked Style Love

Love is my favorite of the traditional Harajuku Lovers collection, I actually bought a back up bottle for when the initial bottle in the set was used up. The original fragrance was very floral and rose was one of the heart notes so unless the new version has the same type of notes, I doubt that I will love it as much as the original. Now if it has a deeper rose note with warm vanilla or woody notes... But I bet that that will be too much to ask for since so far all of these new versions seem to be on the fruity side.

Sephora states, "In this collectible line of fragrances, the edgy-cute, super-stylish girls of Toyko's Harajuku shopping district inspired each bottle's doll-like character - including Love. With her purple flocked hair, she sports an outfit all her own and a scent that sweetly pulses of fruity and floral accords. Love is part of the limited-edition Wicked Style fragrance collection that features deliciously fun scents in bottles that take cues from the obsessive Japanese fashion that Gwen Stefani introduced to America".

The new version of the fragrance is a fruity floral with the following notes: Nectarine, Orangeflower, Blend of Woods. The original was a creamy floral with the following notes: Bergamot, Pink Pomelo, Peach, Bamboo Leaf, Watery Peony, Living Hydroponic Lace Rose, Jasmine Sambac, Nectarine Blossom, Creamy Paper Whites, Egyptian Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang, Vanilla Musk, Blond Wood.

This one is also placed in the floral category just as the original was. However, this one seems to be much less complex than the original and without the rose, peony, and jasmine notes makes it seem that this is one that I wouldn't buy. I put this one as the biggest disappointment of the collection since this one could have been amazing for me if the florals had been a bigger part of the fragrance.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Harajuku Lovers Wicked Style Angel

It took me about a minute to connect this fragrance with the older version that was named Lil' Angel. "Love, Angel, Music, Baby" made it all make sense. I also wanted to point out that I think that this is the worst packaging of the Harajuku Lovers so far, the heads actaully have felt hair on them and I miss the cute packaging from last summer. Anyway, Lil' Angel's original scent was a sweet candy berry scent and is the one that I have open on my bureau at the moment. It's not a favorite of mine but I like it in warmer weather.

Sephora states the following about the new Angel fragrance. "In this collectible line of fragrances, the edgy-cute, super-stylish girls of Tokyo's famous Harajuku shopping district inspired each bottle's unique, doll-like character - including Lil' Angel. With her electric-red flocked hair, she sports an outfit that's all her own and a scent that sweetly pulses of sparkling floral accents. Lil' Angel is part of the limited-edition Wicked Style fragrance collection that features deliciously fun scents in bottles that take cues from the obsessive Japanese fashion that Gwen Stefani introduced to America".

The notes of the newest fragrance are: Succulent Plum, Blooming Lotus, Satin Wood. The notes of the original version are: Raspberry, Cranberry, Blackberry, Pineapple, Pear Blossom, Violet, Rose, Lollipop Accord, Hinoki Wood, Crystal Amber.

Now this new version is one that I like better than the original. The notes of plum and wood are actually deeper notes for cooler weather and take the original fragrance and make it stronger. So far this is my favorite of the new fragrance collection. The notes of this fragrance are keeping in touch with the trends for this fall and winter so I think this version is the best of the bunch.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Harajuku Lovers Wicked Style G

G is the fragrance that was made for Gwen herself and the original of the this one is a favorite summer fragrance of mine. The original contains a heart note of coconut and vanilla and reminds me of the beach. Based on first glance of the notes in this new version, I feel that this new one will really disappoint me.

"In this collectable line of fragrances, the edgy-cute, super-stylish girls of Tokyo's Harajuku shopping district inspired each bottle's unique, doll-like character - including G. With her electric-yellow flocked hair, she sports an outfit that's all her own and a scent that sweetly pulses of fruity and floral accords. G is part of the limited-edition Wicked Style fragrance collection that features deliciously fun scents in bottles that take cues from the obsessive Japanese fashion that Gwen Stefani introduced to America".

The notes of this version of the fragrance are: Green Apple, Watermelon, Raspberry. The original notes of the first fragrance are: Mandarin, Coconut, Apple Skin, Jasmine Sambac, Freesia, Magnolia, Coconut Cream, White Sandalwood, Cotton Woods.

This is version of the fragrance is not for me. It is very sweet and fruity and almost a sickening sweet. I found that it faded fast and didn't have much of base to make it stick around. This is a version that I will pass on and just keep with my love of the original. And the fact that the coconut is totally gone upsets me. This could have been made in a deeper coconut blended with fall notes and really stayed true to the original fragrance.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Harajuku Lovers Wicked Style Baby

A new season, a new series of Harajuku Lovers fragrances. These five fragrance are revised versions of the originals so I am going to write these up the way that I did them in the spring. We are going to look at each one, both the new version and the original version. We are going to determine if I would like the same ones in this collection as the originals and how different the new fragrances are.

Wicked Style Baby is the first of the new fragrances. Sephora states that, "In this collectable line of fragrances, the edgy-cute, super-stylish girls of Tokyo's famous Harajuku shopping district inspired each bottle's unique, doll-like character - including Baby. With her magenta-colored flocked hair, she sports an outfit that's all her own and a scent that sweetly pulses of vanilla and floral accords. Baby is part of the limited-edition Wicked Style fragrance collection that features deliciously fun scents in bottle that take cues from the obsessive Japanese fashion that Gwen Stefani inroduced to America".

The notes of this version of Baby are: White Peach, Pink Plumeria, Glowing Amber. The notes of the original Baby are: Freesia, Bergamot, White Rose, Orange Flower, Tiare, Jasmine, White Musk, Soft Woods, Heliotrope, Vanilla, Violet.

This new version seems as though it will be less complex than the original. I really liked the original for light fragrance that I could wear all the time. The new version does not seem as though it will be very close to the original. The white florals aren't part of it and it appears that amber will make the fragrance much heavier.

I really like the original of this version and I will betting that this one will be a good choice for a more forward fragrance in cooler weather. On first sniff, the peach and the plumeria are really strong then the amber comes out within the hour.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Clinique All About Eyes Eye Cream

The last Clinique gift with purchase that I got was jammed packed with fantastic products. Normally, I am happy enough if half of the product in the gift work for me and if I only have to throw one or two items away. But this gift? I loved every single product in it and am getting tons of use from all the items. If they hadn't gone so fast I would have found more products to buy so that I could receive more of these gifts. One of the products that was inside the bag was the All About Eyes Eye Cream, a product that I have been interested in trying for a few months now.

The Clinique website gives the following product details. "Lightweight eye cream diminishes the appearance of eye puffs, darkness, and fine lines. Non-creep, cream/gel formula actually helps hold eye makeup in place. For use morning and night, both under eyes and on lids. Ophthalomologist tested". I use this product only under my eyes, I never tried using a cream on the top of my eyelids. I use this product both morning and night, after cleansing and before topping it off with serum and cream.

I am a really big fan of the texture of this eye cream, gel/cream formulas tend to do very well with my skin. The cream part is thick enough to be hydrating and the gel part is easy to blend and light enough that eye makeup is easy to apply over it. The product is most successful at reducing the appearance of puffiness under the eyes. I don't have under eye lines so I can't comment on how it reduces their appearance. It helps to hydrate my skin and sinc ethe beginning of using it, I have had no problems with dry patches around my eye area. It performs decently at dark circle reduction, it is not near as effective as the B. Kamins Therapeutic Eye Cream or Origins GinZing. The texture of this product does make it easier to cover dark circles with a good concealer.

This is solid eye cream for someone who doesn't have any major eye area issues. For someone with intense dryness or dark circles, this product is not strong enough to help in these cases. This cream helps to prevent and treat most major issues that occur to the skin in the eye area. I recommend it most for those who need hydration and eye puffiness reduction. I also feel that this product is going to be better product to help prevent the signs of aging instead of really treating them (but I could be wrong and if I am, leave a comment and let me know).

photo courtesy of Clinique

Cleanse Your Soul Holiday 2010 Fragrances

The retail world is packed with holiday products this year but some types of fragrances can only be found through the etailing world. Since I am a Vanilla Bean Noel girl, Cleanse Your Soul is a top pickof mine this time of the year. The owner's Vanilla Bean Noel fragrance is famous in the etailer world and some fans find it to be even nicer than the original Bath and Body Works version. And on this site, it is offered in all types of products from rich, heavy butters to a variety of different types of scrubs. But since Vanilla Bean Noel isn't the only fragrance that she offers around this season, we are going to check all of them out.

Jolly, Happy Soul - Our famous Vanilla Bean Noel blended with the best Candy Cane scent EVER!

Yuletide Treasure - Grandma's fudge cookies on the stove: White Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, and lots of creamy vanilla sugar.

There Must Have Been Some Magic - Marshmellow snowman made out of fluffy white marshmellows, pretzel arms, and a chocolate kiss hat!

Most Wonderful Time of the Year - All the best aromas of Christmas breakfast rolled into one: Cinnamon rolls drenched with vanilla icing, hot chocolate, and a hint of fresh brewed coffee.

Nuttin' for Christmas - Delicious candied walnuts bubbling on the stove, tossed with butter, cinnamon, and sugar.

Blue Christmas - Blue Sugar, fresh blueberries, and vanilla.

Dashing Through the Snow - Frostbite in a bottle! Refreshing blend of Eucalyptus, Spearmint, Menthol, and Mountain fresh air.

Dreamless Sleep - This smells like Christmas! Blend of bayberries, cranberries, apples with a spicy hint of nutmeg, cloves, and orange zest.

Silent Stars - Egyptian Musk blended with fruity blend of cranberries and mulberries.

Realms of Glory - All the best of Christmas baking: Cinnamon Rolls, apple dumplings, and loads of vanilla icing. YUM!

Heavenly Peace - Candy Canes with the famous CYS Marshmellow Cream.

Royal Beauty Bright - Resinous scent of Frankincense and Myrrh with vanilla extract.

Dancing in the Night - Spruce trees tempered with the addition of strawberry, orange, and sugar. A wearable pine scent.

One Accord - Frothy hot chocolate stirred with a candy cane.

Heaven and Nature Sing - Tart black cherries blended with creamy nutmeg and eggnog.

Solemn Stillness - Pomegranates and cranberries sprinkled with brown sugar and cream.

Glory Shone - Pink Sugar blended with Candy Canes.

I'll Be Home for Christmas - I LOVE this! Our baked vanilla scent blended with tart cranberries.

Visions of Sugar Plums - Sugar Plums sprinkled with sugar and topped with a dollop of whipped cream.

Mommy Kissing Santa Claus - Blood Orange and Cranberry Compote blended in layers with marshmellow and whipped cream.

Joyful and Triumphant - Eggnog with extra cream, accompanied by a vanilla buttercream frosted sugar cookie.

All is Calm - The scent to wear on a peaceful Christmas Eve: Lavender and Chamomile with a hint of apple and tea.

Cold Winter's Night - Pine trees blended with crisp mountain air notes and a blend of invigorating mints.

Checking It Twice - Did you remember to leave cookies out for Santa? Sugar cookies, Snickerdoodles, Pecan Sandies, and Vanilla Wafers.

Santa Baby - Strawberry buttercream cake topped with fresh raspberries, cranberries, blueberries.

Love Came Down at Christmas - Beautiful resinous scent blend with sandalwood, dark amber, vanilla musk, and bergamot.

Right Down Santa Claus Lane - Spiced Apple Cider, Italian Pizzelles, and clove studded oranges.

See the Blazing Yule Before Us - Cozy up in front of the fire with notes of a wood buring fireplace, wassail, and donuts.

Still, Still, Still - Imagine yourself sitting in front of the Christmas tree with a roaring fire beside you. The scent of spiced orange cookies wafts from the kitchen. Got it? Good...now get this scent!

Sweet Hymns of Joy - The scents of a flower shop at Christmas! Holiday flowers, spiced tea, balsam, and pine.

In addition to a bunch of Vanilla Bean Noel products that I am hoping to order, I need to plan an order around many of these new fragrances. The ones that I love the most are: Jolly, Happy Soul; Yuletide Treasure; There Must Have Been Some Magic; Most Wonderful Time of the Year; Realms of Glory; Heavenly Peace; One Accord; Glory Shone; Visions of Sugar Plums; and All is Calm. It seems that this holiday season I want to smells like all the baked goods that will be coming out of my mother's kitchen... And the blend of Vanilla Bean Noel with peppermint?! Lovely!

Product wise, I love this body cream and the body emollient. I love the foaming sugar scrub and both the body wash and the 3 in 1. One word of adive, if you would like to order from etailes for gifts, you need to shop ahead. All the products are handmade and this is the time of the year that it takes long to get the products made and sent out.

photo courtesy of Cleanse Your Soul