The CDC is working on a new insect repellent using nootkatone, which is found in Alaska yellow cedar trees and citrus fruit. Listen to the story at NPR. Hat tip to Joe!
Costume National Pop Collection ~ new perfume
Costume National has launched Pop Collection, a new fragrance for women:
Sparkling notes of Pink Grapefruit and bittersweet Raspberry Pulp mingle with Blackcurrant Absolute to make a joyful and energizing start…
Elizabeth Taylor White Diamonds ~ perfume review
It’s disconcerting to consider Elizabeth Taylor White Diamonds, a perfume supposed to represent the actress. After all, which Liz are we talking about? The ingénue of National Velvet? The tempestuous, alcohol-sodden seductress of Butterfield 8 and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? The Senator’s wife, depressed and overweight? Or maybe the laid-back Mrs. Fortensky?
I knew White Diamonds was wildly popular, but I expected it earned its sales among soap-opera-watching, chain-smoking elderly ladies. I figured it would smell of sharp aldehydes, cheap white flowers, and rubbing alcohol. Boy was I wrong. White Diamonds Eau de Toilette is a gentle white floral chypre with a soft, clean feel. Spring-sweet and soapy fresh. Classic, really. I’m hooked.
It seems crazy, but when Parfums International launched White Diamonds in the fall of 1991, it was the first time a celebrity had released a second feminine fragrance. Elizabeth Taylor Passion for Women (1987) and Passion for Men had already hit the market…
The Monday Mail ~ help Tom find a new fragrance
Before we start with today’s victim, I did want everyone to know that the Monday Mail will be taking a quick spring break. After today, no Monday Mail for 2 weeks, then it will return on May 9.
So, today we’re helping Tom. Tom says he is a relative newcomer to fragrance appreciation. He wants to find a summer fragrance that will work for hot, humid Montreal. It should be interesting and slightly masculine, and should wear well for work, clubbing, art shows, or…? And it would be great if it was also a contrast to the scents he already owns. He can spend around $100.
Here is what we know about Tom:
He’s in his late 20s, and works in the creative industry (ad agency/freelance journalism).
He describes himself as “very quirky”, and he likes independent designer clothing and Asian fashion.
He loves music, clubbing, art shows, bistros, and he skateboards and cycles. He’s also well-traveled, and interested in politics.
Tom likes John Varvatos Artisan…
The only part that is intimate
Actually Kate Middleton. Coming here at this time there is so much about the royal wedding, and it made me think: she has no intimacy with anything, everything is seen. Her dress will be seen, her hair, her ring. I love the idea that her scent, the fragrance she chooses to wear on the day, will be the only part that is intimate.
— Perfumer Francis Kurkdjian, answering the question "Who would you love to create a signature scent for?" at Vogue.