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 :) ).

Bath and Body Works Black Amethyst Eau de Toilette

RRP: $26.50 for 2.5 fl.oz.

--What does the promo say?--
"Master perfumers have seductively layered a sophisticated blend of Italian bergamot and rare camellias with exotic sandalwood and a surprising twist of vetiver in this hypnotic fine fragrance, inspired by chic, sensual and confident women.

* Fragrance Top Notes: Bergamot Italian Oprur, Juicy Mandarin, Sparkling Tangerine, Zesty Orange, Waterfruits, Crisp Melon
* Fragrance Mid Notes: Lily of the Valley, Magnolia Blossom, Sheer Gardenia, Tuberose, Freesia, Peony Petals, Camellia
* Fragrance Base Notes: Patchouli, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Vanilla, Musk"

--Packaging--
A substantial-looking and sophisticated clear square bottle revealing the purple liquid within, without being so heavy as to put you off taking it on holiday with you. Spray-top with matte silver lid. Easy to use, and looks nice on your dressing table too.

--Application--
Spritz wherever desired.

--Scent--
Really very sexy: it's got so much depth, from the lighter floral scents, to the deeper, muskier sandalwood and patchouli. It's not overpowering, however, and it's not trying too hard to be clever or unusual: it all fuses together so naturally, and yet is somehow still unique. It's feminine, but not girly or babyish, and not too 'old' in the way that some fragrances are guilty of.

--Longevity--
Unfortunately, not as long as I'd like (needs reapplying by lunchtime), but seeing as it is an eau de toilette (rather than an eau de parfum), I think I can forgive them for this.

--Value for money--
It's a very reasonable price for such a high-quality, pleasant scent. I just wish it lasted for longer on the skin and didn't need to be reapplied as often.

perfect partners
Shower Gel, Bubble Bath, Body Lotion, Body Cream, Body Splash, Body Wash, Body Butter, Hand Cream, Antibacterial Soap, Home Fragrance, Home Fragrance Oil, Room Spray, and Scented Candle, ranging from $4.50 to $17

Chloé Eau de Parfum

RRP: from £35 for 30ml (also available in 50ml and 75ml)

--What does the promo say?--
"Feminine, elegant, natural, sexy, with heart notes of magnolia, lily of the valley and rose petals. Chloé Eau de Parfum is created with a mix of natural and couture materials. The bottle is made with genuine silver plating and graced with a finishing touch - a hand-tied ribbon. This unique example of craftsmanship and sublime rose scent perfectly capture the house of Chloé spirit, effortless chic and femininity."

--Packaging--
The extent to which I can comment is limited, having tried this product on a sample basis. However, I will say this: I don't think the bottle really gives the impression of a young, fresh, modern company. The design and materials also seem heavy, obtrusive, and to make the bottle look overembellished, which surely only adds to the price of this perfume. If it's any consolation, though, it looks pretty easy to operate, though the weight of the bottle (that's a lot of glass and silver plating there) would perhaps hinder how well you can travel with it.

--Application--
Spritz into hair as well as onto body for a particularly beguiling effect.

--Scent--
At first sniff, this doesn't seem much different to a lot of other perfumes on the market, particularly resembling the Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel, which is perhaps actually nicer than this product. But then again, the Chanel is more expensive, so this is perhaps fair! However, as time goes on, a fruitier smell emerges from all the musky stuff, though I can't quite pinpoint what that is. It's nice that it seems to become more unique and individual as the base notes kick in.

--Longevity--
Sadly quite poor given both the price tag and the fact that this is an eau de parfum rather than an eau de toilette. I refuse to layer with the other products in the range - with an eau de parfum you shouldn't have to do that anyway, and to recommend that particular course of action just seems like a cheap ploy from the company (who, let's remember, ARE trying to extort money from you...). Be prepared to reapply this frequently.

--Value for money--
Overall a disappointment, given the bulky packaging and the fact that the scent doesn't really last. You may be able to find this cheaper if you shop around, but if I were you, I would just find a different perfume.

perfect partners
Chloé Perfumed Body Lotion, £25 for 200ml
Chloé Perfumed Shower Gel, £22 for 200ml