Estee Lauder launched Azuree Soleil in 2006 as a limited edition body oil. It was part of the "Tom Ford Estee Lauder Collection" or somesuch, and the body oil returned in the summer of 2007, along with a new Azuree Soleil Eau Fraiche Skinscent formula. As I understand it, now that Tom Ford's own brand (under the Estee Lauder umbrella) is off and running, we won't be seeing any more joint Tom Ford-Estee Lauder products, so Azuree Soleil is kaput (as is Youth Dew Amber Nude).
Fans of Azuree Soleil needn't worry; Estee Lauder's new Bronze Goddess is very nearly the same thing, in fact, only the fragrance-obsessed will notice (or care about) the difference. They're both tropical beach-y scents, and the Azuree Soleil I thought of as not exactly suntan oil-ish, but as what suntan oil ought to smell like. It was the perfect thing to wear on the boardwalk on a hot summer night, in fact, it is almost all I wore on vacation last summer.
It is not worth describing Bronze Goddess in any detail since it is so close to Azuree Soleil (you can see the Azuree Soleil review here). The Bronze Goddess is maybe a bit sharper and more citrus-y in the opening than Azuree Soleil, and perhaps a wee bit less gardenia-ish, a wee bit more "warm sand and sun-warmed skin" in the dry down. Or, perhaps the difference is merely due to the fact that my Azuree Soleil is now a year old.
I've only tried Bronze Goddess in the Eau Fraiche Skinscent version. It is also available in Body Oil, but I have to say that I was very unhappy to pull out the Azuree Soleil Body Oil I bought last summer and discover that the 3/4 of a bottle I've got left is nearly — not entirely, mind you, but nearly — scentless. I looked around on the Estee Lauder website to see if I could find out if the Body Oils are silicone-based (I haven't had good luck with silicone formulas hanging on to their fragrance) but couldn't find anything about the ingredients. I should note that when I announced Bronze Goddess earlier this month, at least one commenter checked her old bottle of the Body Oil and it was fine. Still, if I buy again, I'm sticking with the Eau Fraiche; my decant of last year's Eau Fraiche is doing just fine.
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess is available in 100 ml Eau Fraiche, 100 ml Body Oil and 200 ml Luminous Body Lotion. The notes include coconut milk, sandalwood, vanilla, vetiver, myrrh, amber, mandarin, bergamot, lemon, orange, tiare flower, jasmine, magnolia, orange blossom and lavender.
Possibly of interest
Scentless? You have got to be kidding me? I know you were not pleased. I will remember not to buy any silicone-based fragrances if losing the fragrance is a major hazard (and ultimately, a waste of money)!
I understand that Le Labo has some silicone-based fragrances, so I will steer clear of those (and, I guess in that context, an expiration date does make sense, huh?).
Hugs!
Oh I cannot wait to try this! I absolutely love AS and I always try wear only when the weather is nice and sunny and I am taking the boys to the beach! My bottle of the Eau Fraiche is 3/4 full and I don't want to run out, but glad to hear that BG is similar! Yay!
R, I've had some make it longer than a year, and have to admit I don't buy enough silicone scents to make a huge general pronouncement on the subject, but this is the 3rd I've had a problem with — assuming it is even a silicone scent!
I wouldn't be in any rush then — you'll probably be able to buy this next summer as well! Now watch me be wrong, LOL…
Everytime I see that ad, I start longing for summer. 🙂 Or at least very warm spring *sigh*
Yep.
Robin, I remember reading somebody complaining that their bottle of the oil had gone “off,” so I'll steer clear too.
I smelled them both YET AGAIN yesterday, Louise brought her bottle of AS Eau Fraiche. You're right that unless you compare them side by side and really sniff, it's hard to tell the difference. I'm the citrus killah, so I don't even get that part. I do agree the Bronze Goddess is slightly less floral (you said gardenia) and a teeny bit warmer. I notice it more the further I get in the drydown. BTW I tried the shimmer stuff again and think it smells better than the oil (though not as nice as the skinscent.) It's so darn pretty I am tempted for once to get both!
I got out my AS oil and the top notes are totally gone as well as most of the middle notes – I get a big blast of just the base, which is really only part of the fun of that fragrance for me. My Eau Fraiche is fine, and the body lotion seems to be okay too. FWIW, I believe any kind of “oil” that goes on and feels weightless and “dry” is more than likely silicone based.
I know what I'm asking for on my birthday!
I will have to go try the shimmer, but think now that I'll wait for next year before I invest in any more. My decant of AS Eau Fraiche will probably last me through this summer. But where did Louise find it?? Or did you mean she bought BG?
Yes, that is probably about the same as my oil. I liked all of it, unfortunately. Think you're right on the silicone, just don't want anybody to think I *know* it is silicone based. Whatever it is, it doesn't seem to be any real “oil”.
Seriously, doubt you'd notice the difference unless you were looking for it.
No, she had a bottle from last year. She brought it along so I could do a direct comparison, and she brought her 25 Neil Morrises…. sigh. Can I get you to say anything here about the Neil Morrises?
Interesting, I was disappointed with the performance of the eau fraiche of Azuree Soleil. I love the body oil and it still has the scent… I found the alcohol based scent to be flat and uninteresting comparing to the body oil. Also the top fresh citrusy notes ruined it for me… On the other hand, I would be more than happy to not buy something with Tom Ford's name on it now after his recent advertisement campaign for his men's scent, which was very tasteless. Haven't even bothered to try his private collection for that same reason.
By the way, you are right – the body oil is made mostly of silicone (cyclopentasiloxane caprylic/capric triglyceride), however it is made more friendly and moisturizing with the addition of olive oil, macademia nut oil, kukui nut oil, grapeseed oil and wheat germ oil, so at least there are some good things in it to nourish your skin…
I liked the body oil better too — that is why I bought it. Don't like it so well now that it doesn't smell like much of anything, LOL…
Oh, duh, read “bought” instead of “brought”.
You can't get me to say a word about Neil Morris — never tried a single one. Did not know there were 25 of them!!!
Actually, I think there are more …. it seemed endless! 😛 I ended up begging for mercy, came home and rinsed off.
I sniffed, I spritzed, I left.
Not enough interest to hold me. And as I am generously proportioned, I don't need to sparkle. Would advise to wash hands after application, or keep sparkly hands away from eyes with contacts. Just sayin'
That's too bad that the scent has gone… was that decanted or in the original bottle? Mine is fine even a year or so after.
No, original bottle. The decant I have is of the Eau Fraiche, and it is fine.
That is too many…
I just bought the body oil this past weekend and I love it. Ugh, come on summer–GET HERE…or at least some warmer weather so I can justify wearing this! I get a lot of the gardenia on my skin and it's very creamy and long lasting. Delicious! Honestly, although I haven't smelled it in a long time, it reminds me of Bain de Soleil (the orange gel stuff)/what my mom smelled like in the summer in the late 70's.
What are your thoughts on layering the oil and then the Eau Fraiche? Overkill? Waste of $$? I wish they made a hair spritz–I'm such a sucker for those.
Oh, and I am a big fan of the packaging. The bottle is simple and stylish.
I thought BG smelled very similar to AS, minus a wonderful coral salty rock note that AS had that I loved. Besides this, I liked BG – but honestly if I can find some AS on Ebay I'm stocking up.
Agree — summer needs to get here soon! On layering, I'd say probably overkill, although the Eau Fraiche is likely to have a bit more sillage than the oil, and you could just spray the Eau Fraiche in your hair I should think, unless you mind a bit of alcohol.
Also check the EL “Company Store” outlets if you've got one near, I keep hearing that people have spotted AS there.
Oh! I smelled Bronze Goddess in Dillards the other day, and I was shocked at how much I liked it. I expected some sort of super-coconut scent, but i really wasn't that at all.
The only thing I didn't care for was the drydown. It felt very floral and very estee-lauderish to me.
I like Estee-Lauderish more than you do, I guess – I like the whole thing. Trying to think of something similar but less floral, but mind blank at the moment — will come back if something comes to mind.
Tara, I tried Bronze Goddess, and loved it. It was a little warmer on the skin.
Hello everyone, I'm new here…been reading a lot of reviews and comments on here over the past few days and have to say you've helped me immensely, also nice to see peoples opinions and tastes are welcomed with open arms.
Anyway, I haven't actually smelled BG yet, I've been drooling over this review for days, and my local EL counter didn't have it….not sure if it's out in shops yet in the UK…but I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on some!
Hi Emma, and welcome! Do keep an eye out. I've no idea what will happen with this one, but some stores sold out of the Tom Ford Azuree Soleil thing pretty quickly last summer. Good luck!
I saw the display the other day at Macy's. Since the store was closing and was one of the last to get out, I did a quick sniff, not sure if it was the oil or the Eau Fraiche, but I did like what I smelled.
Forward a couple more days, and I made sure to test the oil on one hand and the Eau Fraiche on the other.
The oil went straight to business — warm, woody and ambery. You catch the coconut which seems to smell smoother and less confection in the oil formulation, and of course the white tropical flowers which doesn't smell sharp or too lush. It gets better because the woods and resins become more pronounced adding a little more warmth. The oil stays subdued and close to the skin on the whole.
The Eau Fraiche was a lot more vibrant, you defnitely smell the Mandarin and the undertone of Vetiver and quite more dimensional compared to the oil. A tad sharp at first, smells more floral with the coconut ever present, but wears long and becomes warmer, but not as richer as the oil IMO.
The oil would be my pick–I prefer “suntan scents” to be subdued and don't want anyone wondering “who just came back from the beach?”
I've got this strange connection with BG and Bulgaria Omnia. Anyone else??
Sorry to add this Robin, but I really think the model in the ad needs more boobs. She looks like she's wearing a vest rather than a bikini top. <> 😉
And I suppose I like the Eau Fraiche better because it's more vibrant? Anyway, will never buy the oil again since last year's didn't keep well.
BG reminds me of Bergdorf Goodman 🙂
Ouch!!!
Euwg…Bronze Goddess is a SCRUBBER for me!! Too much coconut, too strong a beach skin note, Phew.. how can anybody like this..
LOL — don't know how, but I do!
Just a heads-up – this is getting to be sold out everywhere! I'm glad I got mine when I did – I don't think I knew it was limited. Mt friend lucked into a savvy salesperson at Macy's who found her a bottle but that was it.
It'll be back next summer, I'm sure!
I enjoyed a sample of this and found it to be a sophisticated, salty, skin scent. Like you've been at the beach all day and had your shower. I didn't find it too coconut at all, and it was a sheer, soft fragrance that didn't get loud no matter how much I sprayed it on. I can see how it's such a favorite! My taste is a little darker than this, but it's qualities I can appreciate.
Great description! It isn't my “usual” taste either, but I really like it.
I am disappointed with this fragrance. It's not as crisp as Azuree Soleil was. Everytime I wear it, people tell me I smell like fruit! I got more compliments on Azuree. I personally find Bronze Goddess a little too sweet. I think it's heavier than Azuree.
Sorry it didn't work for you! Seems like most people don't see much difference between them.
I just bought the fraiche and I LOVE it! It is great for 115 degree Phoenix heat and will also be wonderful when I move to LA. When I wear it, my fiancee says “I love the Mandalay Bay perfume!”
So glad it’s working for you!
I just sniffed this today – yum! Now I have to decided between a bottle of the skin scent or a gorgeous little sheath dress. What to do??
Tough choice! But I say get the dress, unless you really are low on summer perfumes.
Ha! Great minds – that’s exactly what I did. As for low on perfumes, I’m new to this but I’m good with my credit card!
Good for you 🙂
This scent just came to my attention this week- Estee Lauder seems to be relaunching/repromoting the fragrance with their Summer 2010 Bronze Goddess look. Its available now in the skinscent, lotion, and a body oil spray.
Nothing scent-wise appears to have changed, but the bottle has been altered to look like the new body oil spray bottle- clear glass, stripes on the cap instead of a round striped label, and glitter encrusted on the bottom half of the bottle (its on there good, no risk of any rubbing off).
The juice itself is such a nostalgia trip for me. I grew up in Florida, and the perfume totally smells like Florida in summer- coconut, suntan lotion, and a tiny hint of spice. I didn’t get any flowers, but I only sniffed it on paper (arms already covered in other perfumes) Its the sort of scent that I imagine only gets better the more humid the air and the sweatier the wearer. Sweat + Scent = Sexy. It makes me sad that I won’t be spending my summer on the beach this year!
Yeah, looks like they’re going to release it every spring, which is nice for those of us who like it! I still haven’t checked out the lotion — I should do that.
Hello Robin, I just bought the skinscent and stumbled upon the sun protection cream by the same name…. I was delighted to find it has the same smell too! Wonderful…. double prizes….. I’m all set for summer now. Off topic, SOTD Beyond Paradise; found a mini amongst my 8 year old daughter’s perfumes, she must have been given it by one of her friends! I was chuffed to try it 😉
Ah, I didn’t even know about that!
Bought this yesterday at the Duty Free Shop in Dubai. I was a “little” bit disappointed maybe because I was expecting it was similar to AS. Unfortunately, to my nose, they are totally different! BG is simply a citrus scent and lacks the “character” the combination of gardenia and coconut give to AS. And I totally agree with the one who commented above about BG having an “Estee-Lauderish” drydown, which, again, not to my liking.
Anyway, lesson learned. I always fail to do the testing everytime I get so excited. =(
Ok. My mistake. I checked my bottle again and what I bought was actually a bottle of BG Soleil. That answers the citrus top note and the missing coconut. =(
Yeah, that sounds like Soleil!
https://nstperfume.com/2011/02/24/estee-lauder-bronze-goddess-soleil-perfume-review/
I was able to find a bottle at ULTA online. I love this scent– I was itching for a beach-y scent and it certainly delivers. I wish the scent was a tad stronger, though. I think I’m the only person who can smell it, which is fine with me. I notice a top spicy note, but overall the coconut (but not sunscreen-like) scent persists. I spray it on me like crazy since there really is little risk of overdoing this scent.
Hello everyone, I’m new to this blog and have found the reviews and comments enormously helpful. About a year ago I smelt the Bronze Goddess body oil at the Myer counter here in Sydney and instantly fell in love. I’m a total sucker for that coconut suntan oil smell – I know some people can’t stand it but it drives me wild lol. And I thought wow, someone has managed to package up that smell brilliantly outside of the suntan lotion arena. I thought about buying it but then thought it would be better to have the perfume, if they had any – which they didn’t (we hardly get anything down under!). So I didn’t end up buying it as I already had a few body oils on the go.
Then recently I was looking for a new perfume to buy and I remembered the Bronze Godess body oil – aha! – and started hunting online to see if there is a perfume and now – thanks to this blog – I’m aware of the whole history. I spent ages tracking down a bottle (it’s clearly very rare and hard to get). I considered getting BG Soleil as it’s more readily available but having not had a chance to smell it, and no likely chance to (this being Australia, sigh) I didn’t want to risk it. In the end I managed to track down a bottle of the BG eau fraiche from a reputable seller at quite a cost. It arrived and … it smells nothing like the oil at all? I wonder whether I was sold a doozy but the seller is quite reputable and the packaging and bottle all appear to be genuine. The cardboard package has the round motif on it whereas inside, the bottle is the newer version without the round motif and with the sparkles.
But I don’t smell any coconut whatsoever :< It's a nice smell but I'm not mad about – it smells really floral to me but in a heady tropical way – almost leaning towards Beyond Paradise. And there's something in it I can't put my finger (nose?) on that I really dislike. Even after the dry down I don't smell anything remotely like what the body oil smelt like. I'm so disappointed – maybe the oil and the perfume are really quite different after all? Or is my nose just unreliable?
They’ve changed it! I cannot believe it. Estee Lauder had a hit and now…I am sad. Can anyone recommend a similar scent? It was summer in a bottle. It took me ages to find it. I’m horrified–and considerably lighter in the wallet.
This is brutal Robin. You find something you love and it just disappears. Heartbreak in a bottle.
That’s a shame. I mostly use the body cream now and the smell has become the smell of my summers.
I don’t really know of a dupe, but someone might…if you want your comment to be seen, try asking in a weekend open thread poll?