Crabtree & Evelyn Verbena and Lavender Cologne

RRP: from £20

--What does the promo say?--
"Creating a magical scent to last all day long. Our cologne has been created to subtly scent the skin with just a few sprays of this light fragrance. This light and easy to wear fragrance has been created with French lemon verbena and lavender essential oils blended with notes of cedarwood, white amber and tonka bean to create an uplifting scent. Perfect for both day and evening wear; by men and women alike.

• Fresh, herbaceous scent of Verbena and Lavender de Provence
• Inspired from the beautiful French countryside, with the natural perfume of two of the regions favourite botanical treasures carried on the warm breeze
• Travel size

Fragrance: Vibrant, fresh verbena combined with the herbaceous, soothing lavender create a luxurious and lively lemony-lilt scent."

--Packaging--

The green and purple lettering on the glass bottle give an elegant and unusual effect while echoing the plants from which the fragrance is made. The spray mechanism is also targeted and effective.

--Application--

Spritz onto pressure points to diffuse the scent across your body, including wrists, behind the ears, and across the decolletage.

--Appearance--

A clear liquid that leaves no visible residue.

--Scent--

The verbena and lavender are clearly present without being overbearing. The citrus notes of the verbena are also complemented by the lemon and grapefruit that the perfume also contains, and the jasmine is also detectable.

--Longevity--

As promised, this perfume lasts all day thanks to the high-quality ingredients that it contains.

--Value for money--

This scent retails at around the same price per ml as other high-quality brands' fragrances, such as Ferragamo, DKNY, and Vera Wang, as well as certain 'celebrity' brands such as Christina Aguilera and James Bond. The provenance of the ingredients, and their subsequent staying power, makes this fragrance equally good value, and even though mine was free from Crabtree & Evelyn's PR, I would repurchase this sophisticated scent.

perfect partners

Verbena & Lavender Conditioner, £12

Verbena & Lavender Shampoo, £12

Verbena & Lavender Soap, £7

Verbena & Lavender Hand Therapy, £16

Verbena & Lavender Body Lotion, £16

Verbena & Lavender Body Cream, £22

Impulse Rock and Love Body Spray

RRP: £1.99

--What does the promo say?--
"Rock & Love is an oriental scent featuring a mix of fresh and fruity fragrance notes, including amber and orange blossom, which combine to produce a bright, sparkling scent, perfect for an on-the-go fragrance boost. The perfect pairing for any rock inspired look, Rock & Love is an effortlessly cool yet chic scent, designed to be the ideal handbag essential to take you from day to night."

--Packaging--
The cool silver background and the almost neon flowers marry to create an almost tattoo-esque concept thanks to the rebellious lines and extreme colours, while the flowers themselves also evoke the Oriental feel intended by the fragrance's principal notes of amber and orange. The turning plastic cover is a lot more convenient than a separate lid, and the spray mechanism itself is strong.

--Application--
I'd say you're best off spraying a mist of this in front of you and stepping into it to let it fall gently over your hair, skin or clothes, rather than directing the jet straight at yourself (see below for reasons why).

--Scent--
A bit overpowering, which is a shame (hence the suggestion above to use sparingly). However, the overall idea is nice: the amber comes through clearly to create a musky, mature result without being a perfume fit for your grandma. The edginess is perhaps created by the orange blossom, although this isn't nearly as detectable as the amber.

--Longevity--
As mentioned, this is powerful stuff, meaning you should be able to just spray once and be done for the day. Handy for the busy and/or lazy!

--Value for money--
At £1.99, this won't break the bank, meaning that even if you dislike it, you haven't lost out. However, on this budget, you simply can't expect the depth and complexity of higher-end fragrances, so allow the price bracket to be your guide and set your expectations.

Muse-ic to our ears

SPONSORED BY ESTEE LAUDER

As many of you may know, I'm a bit of a fan of Estée Lauder's cosmetics and skincare. I won't pretend that I love every single product I've tried from this brand, but I've never once concealed my admiration for their highly effective Take It Away makeup remover, the wearable Beautiful Love, the joyful Idealist serum, the failsafe DayWear Plus, and the deeply conditioning Pure Color Gloss.

Now, just in time for Christmas, the brand has added another fragrance to its arsenal, which perhaps most famously consists of Pure White, Pleasures, and Beyond Paradise. Modern Muse is already awash with five-star ratings online, and its sparkling floral notes sound right up my alley, tallying with the personalities of my current favourite fragrances (YSL Parisienne and Hugo Boss Femme). Combining citrus and jasmine notes with patchouli, vanilla, amber and musk, this promises to be a balanced yet special fragrance for the festive season and beyond.

Don't believe me? Then perhaps this will convince you:
And if that's not enough, the Estée Lauder website offers 2 free samples with every order - so there's every chance to try before you buy (or at least, before SANTA buys :) ).

M Micallef Art Collection Rouge 2013

RRP: €185/100ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Parfums M Micallef...is announcing the launch of the new ART COLLECTION with a duo of gourmand and sensual fragrances: Rouge N°1 and Rouge N°2...The M Micallef Company gives priority to qualitative and natural ingredients in its fragrances...Martine Micallef has reinterpreted the Art Deco fundamentals [combining] geometrical figures, cubic cap and bottle adorned with circular shaped Swarovski Crystal Rocks. Floral-fruity eau de parfum Rouge N°1 combines delicious yellow fruit and a generous bunch-of-flowers heart, warmed by the vanilla and white musk base. Oriental-floral eau de parfum Rouge N°2 mixes the refinement of a bunch of jasmine, orchids and violets with oriental scents of amber, vanilla and animal notes."

--Packaging--
The samples sent to me for free by M Micallef were just plastic vials. However, it's true that the bottles themselves look very impressive. My only worry is that this extravagance in the packaging could drive up the price of the perfume itself.

--Application--
Spritz onto pressure points to have the scent linger all over your body.

--Scent--
The Rouge N°1 is, in my view, far too heavy, evoking images of overly made-up old ladies and retro film stars (and sadly not in a good way). I suspect that the overbearing ylang ylang is responsible for this, with the other aspects of the scent not getting a look-in. Perhaps purchase for your grandmother!

On the other hand, Rouge N°2 is a delight, and perfect for young ladies or the young-at-heart. Sparkling and uplifting, it is carried on the blissful wings of violet, citrus and blackcurrant. Vanilla and jasmine ensure it isn't too sharp, while nutmeg and amber make sure it isn't sickly sweet. Unique and perfectly balanced.

--Longevity--
M Micallef's perfumes are made with very high-quality ingredients, so while you may wish to reapply once during the day just to get that burst of the head notes again, it's not strictly necessary, since even though you stop smelling it, it does last all day.

--Value for money--
On the one hand, I can't blame you for the sharp intake of breath that I myself experienced upon realising how expensive M Micallef's fragrances are. Alongside the absolute cost, relatively speaking I can see why people might want to go for a bigger name: for a similar price, you can choose eaux de parfum from brands such as Giorgio Armani, Guerlain, Yves St Laurent or Acqua di Parma. On the other hand, such a quantity (remember we are talking about a 100ml bottle here) would last you an incredibly long time - with daily use, I'd estimate a minimum of 18-24 months. Rouge N°2 is a unique scent using high-quality ingredients that would give you a kick out of using a limited edition perfume whose fragrance you really love every day for nearly two whole years. Plus, you'd have the moral satisfaction of supporting a smaller parfumière, as opposed to one of the big boys. The choice is yours.

M Micallef perfumes can be purchased in the UK at Fortnum and Mason, as well as at Harrods (at Roja Dove's).

Dove Winter Care Nourishing Body Lotion

RRP: £3.99

--What does the promo say?--

"It's true that beauty starts from the inside. Dove Limited Edition Winter Care Nourishing Body Lotion works deep down. It not only moisturises the surface of your skin, but also delivers deep nourishment for long lasting beautifully soft and smooth skin. Its rich formula gives you the intensive care you need for the cold season. It treats dry skin so that it recovers, and the warm fragrance of Amber flower provides a pampering sensation. Now your skin can be beautiful, soft and smooth all winter long. The unique DeepCare Complex includes skin natural nutrients and rich essential oil to help gradually improve skin starting deep down."

--Packaging--

The pink and white colour combination is creamy and feminine, with the white snowflake motif adding an extra festive feel. The bottle is curved into an ergonomic design and this, along with its flip-top lid, makes it convenient and pleasant to use.

--Application--

Massage into clean dry skin just before bed or just after a shower. Leave to soak in, and enjoy. Nothing tricky about this.

--Appearance--

A white lotion that leaves no visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--

Oddly, and slightly disappointingly, this smells more of coconut than amber, which reminds me more of summer holidays than of Christmas, so that was a slight let-down. However, I suspect that being evocative of the holiday season was not this cream's main aim, but that keeping skin protected throughout winter was - so if the oils they have included (shea and sunflower to name just a few) are the best ones to do this job, more power to them.

--Texture and consistency--

Perhaps not the fastest sinking-in lotion I've ever used, but it's not sticky or greasy. While slightly runny, it doesn't go all over the place while you're using it and it doesn't massage into skin badly overall.

--Effects on the skin--

Does leave skin smooth and soft, but as I don't have problems with dry body skin on the whole, I couldn't say how this worked for those who tend to have more difficulty. 

--Value for money--

At just under £4 this is in line with standard high street RRPs, and makes for a luxurious experience for the price. I do believe that it can help skin to stay protected in winter thanks to its essential oils, collagen and urea content. Its attractive packaging also means that in a box with some pink tissue paper and Dove's Winter Care Cream, it would make a lovely gift for any lady in your life this Christmas - whether it's your mum, grandma or teenage daughter.

 perfect partner

Dove Winter Care Cream, £3.29 

Aura-Soma Pegasus Perfume 58 (Aquatic Flowers)

RRP: £79

--What does the promo say?-- 

"Light earthy floral with touch of water on top notes; light and transparent, often recommended for sensitive skin. A lovely balance between mind and matter, symbolised by earth and sky, or flowers and water. Delicate, sensitive and highly feminine. Pink flowers, rose, lotus flower and pink jasmine, are grounded with a touch of amber and musk and represent the earthy notes. Aquatic notes, such as Japanese seaweed, dewdrops and wild angelica represent the more herbaceous and watery elements on the top notes."

--Packaging--

My sample size from Aura-Soma arrived in a tiny vial in the style of what you can get for free from department stores, so instead of the beautiful pink and blue faded design that you can see above, I had a clear glass tube, through which the pale yellow liquid can be seen, adorned simply with a sticker reading '58'. I feel that the numbers and the names of the perfumes, as well as the name of the line (Pegasus) are a bit superfluous, and that Aura-Soma should just pick one and run with it.

--Application--
Just spritz wherever you want to smell good, and you're away! Aura-Soma's shower gels and body lotions make a good accompaniment.

--Appearance--

Pale yellow fluid in the bottle, as mentioned; invisible on the skin.

--Scent--

As the essential oils used in the collection are, as Aura-Soma's PR were so keen to tell me, sourced from the second largest biodynamic farm in the UK (FYI, it's Shire Farm, in Lincolnshire), I was perhaps expecting something more exceptional. It smelled no more 'natural' than commercial perfumes and smelt a bit 'old' for my age group, perhaps as a consequence of the rose and jasmine that's included. The more unusual ingredients, such as angelica and Japanese seaweed, were as good as undetectable. A great shame, as I was hoping for something truly spectacular and intense.

--Longevity--

Again, this fared no better than commercial perfumes, wearing off within a few hours.

--Value for money--

As perhaps already goes without saying, I wouldn't pay £79 for this, even if the bottle is enormous and even if the ingredients are organic. If I were going to pay £79 for a perfume, it is perhaps with a tinge of regret that I would end up going for a more reliable commercial alternative, such as Viktor & Rolf's Flowerbomb (100ml EDP). Aura-Soma do better with their body and skin care products, however, so there's no need to give up on them completely.

Only for sale in the UK; see the following stockists:

www.dolphins-angels.com

www.11essence.co.uk

Aloka, 14 East Street, Brighton

Lucia Angelis, 8 Turnpin Lane, London

Clinique Aromatics Elixir Solid Perfume

RRP: £35

--What does the promo say?--
"The solid perfume. A new touch of sensuality with all the magic of Aromatics Elixir. An elegant spinoff from the Aromatics Elixir collection, which can find room in even the smallest pocket, for a small perfumed touch during an evening. Its floral motif makes it an elegant and precious accessory."

--Packaging--
Satisfying and beautiful; impressive right from the start, it arrives in a small velveteen cream bag, and there is a gorgeous, simple yet classic floral design engraved into the lid. Easy to open and close (but only when you want to), the solid perfume itself is a delicate honeycomb colour that turns invisible when applied to the skin. The metal casing is of a delightful weight, reassuring you in itself of the care that has gone into ensuring the high quality of the product.

--Application--
Rub the balm onto your fingers and then transfer onto pulse points (neck, wrists, and behind ears). No problems here.

--Texture/consistency--
Quite a hard balm, but you don't need very much per application. Instantly easy to tell that this compact will last ages.

--Scent--
Initially unappealing; it's more like something that would be worn by my grandmother. However, it's worth giving this scent time to develop: it soon matures into something more interesting and multi-layered, combining tradition with modernity. It's packed so full of lovely fragrances* that you're bound to find a note in it that you like, even if it might take you a little time to do so.

--Longevity--
On the up side, this certainly packs a punch when it comes to staying power. By lunchtime it's still there and has found its harmony with your body, even if you applied it at 7.30. That's not to say it lasts all day, but just one reapplication per day would probably do it; two maximum if you really want to make an impact in the evening.

--Value for money--
Given the little you have to use each time, along with the stunning packaging and complex scent, I'd say £35 is very reasonable indeed. It's a surefire gift for women who love perfume, even if its scent is arguably not instantly lovable. You have to take the time to get to know it - but that, surely, is one of the joys of perfumery.

*for the record, those scents are: rose essence, sandalwood, camomile, oakmoss, jasmine, muguet, ylang ylang, patchouli, vetiver, musk, and amber.

perfect partners
Aromatics Elixir Decorated Bottle Perfume Spray, £60/100ml
Aromatics Elixir Velvet Sheer, £33.40/45ml
Aromatics Elixir Perfume Spray, from £19.50
Aromatics Elixir Eau de Toilette, £30.50/45ml
Aromatics Elixir Body Wash, £19.50/200ml
Aromatics Elixir Body Smoother, £22.50/200ml
Aromatics Elixir Body Cream, £24.50/150ml
Aromatics Elixir Body Powder, £20.50/75g
Aromatics Elixir Anti-Perspirant Deodorant, £12.50/75ml