So far this week we’ve reviewed one teenaged celebrity’s fragrance and one from a country western star. Now we move to Las Vegas and multi-octave ballads with Celine Dion Sensational.
I can’t name one of Celine Dion's songs except for the one that went with the movie Titanic. The only reason I remember that song is because two of my cousins chose it to play as they walked up the aisle at their double wedding. They were both hugely pregnant. When they met their grooms at the altar and swung their white satin-draped bellies to face each other, the connection between mammoth sea vessels and their nuptials became apparent, and the Celine Dion song was stuck in my brain for good.
I am, however, more familiar with Sensational’s perfumer, Maurice Roucel. Roucel is responsible for such terrific fragrances as Frédéric Malle Dans Tes Bras and Musc Ravageur, Hermès 24 Faubourg, Serge Lutens Iris Silver Mist, Rochas Tocade, and more you’d certainly recognize. Sensational was released in 2008 and includes notes of pear, apple, freesia, plum, mimosa, jasmine, rose, orris, muguet, violet, amber and musk.
Sensational opens with plenty of pear. I don’t normally mind pear, and sometimes — as in Bill Blass Nude or Annick Goutal Petite Chérie — I like it a lot. But here it smells cheap to me, like another predictable fruity floral or maybe a scented hand wash from the grocery store. The pear never gets too sweet, though, and thankfully the perfume evolves.
After twenty minutes or so, the pear hushes a notch, and dry, winy rose and mimosa step up. As the mimosa kicks in, the fragrance warms and softens and smells much less industrial. Its texture changes from the flat, cold pear to a fluffier, more velvety floral heart. Fruit still rides in the background, but now it feels like an extension of the rose with maybe a touch of violet. I don’t smell any distinct iris or muguet.
Sensational’s mimosa holds its own against the rose-fruit combination. Usually I think of mimosa paired with more creamy or almondy notes, and it’s interesting to smell it here. Interesting, but not particularly compelling — at least, to me. But it does smell grown up and doesn’t pull from the hackneyed playbook of fruit and patchouli or flowers and woody musk.
Over the next few hours, Sensational doesn’t change too much, but fades into a quiet, sweeter, rose-inflected musk. It lasts about four hours on me and wafts a three or four foot sillage.
Once this review is loaded into the computer, I don’t ever see myself wearing Sensational again. It’s not like Hannah Montana, where even the sight of the bottle gives me shivers, but it reminds me a little too much of a Mrs. Meyers cleaning product. Sensational is fine, and I can imagine someone truly loving it, but that person isn’t me. It’s kind of like how I feel about Celine Dion’s music. It’s great while I’m on hold, but that doesn’t mean I’ll shell out for a CD any time soon.
Celine Dion Sensational Eau de Toilette comes in 15 ml (suggested retail of $17), 30 ml ($27), 50 ml ($33.50). It’s widely available at drugstores and online.
Not a fan of Dione
Really NOT a fan of that song from Titanic (which translates, sorry you’re dead lover, I’m going to find someone new because my heart will go on.”
Not a fan of celb scents
But I am a big fan of Myers’ cleaning products.
Kind of a funny song for a wedding huh? On the positive side, I believe both my cousins’ marriages are still going strong.
You probably know other songs by her, like the ones from the Chevrolet ads! She really is a stellar performer. My mom and I watched one of her Las Vegas shows on DVD, and I have one of her live albums in French. Her voice is amazing. I also watched a French-language documentary about her when she was super-pregnant with twins and wore a white dress to speak with the interviewer. Like your cousins at their wedding. She seems like a really hard worker, very disciplined, and she’s made a ton of money. Her albums in French are quite good. The man who writes her French music and lyrics (Jean-Jacques Goldman) produces higher quality stuff than his English language counterparts. Even the album covers and inside photos are more serious, less showy. Anyway, that is just like Celine, to work with one of the best, Maurice Roucel, but then turn it into a crowd-pleaser like Mrs. Meyer’s cleaning products. I doubt she wears it herself. I see her wearing a simple niche line floral, like La Haie Fleurie or La Chasse aux Papillons.
From your description of her in the white dress, a light, fairy-like fragrance like La Chasse aux Papillons sounds perfect!
‘When they met their grooms at the altar and swung their white satin-draped bellies to face each other, the connection between mammoth sea vessels and their nuptials became apparent’.. LOL that is an awesome mental image! Celine Dion has an amazing voice but I’m not interested in owning any albums. I’m glad this hasn’t set you up for any post traumatic stress, Angela!
Believe me, I’ve got stories! That’s only the tip of the iceberg (to bring up something else Titanic related).
LOL You are on a roll!
I’ll stop the puns right there…
I’m drinking coffee now, and when I got to the description of your cousins’ wedding it almost shot out of my nose. Thank you for that.
Celine Dion falls into the same category as Mariah Carey for me – a lovely voice wasted on terrible songs. The next time I’m in Rite-Aid I’ll have to thump my chest, toss my head back and sample Sensational.
Good luck with Sensational! Maybe it will work out better on you than it did on me. I just couldn’t stomach that “icy pear.”
Wow! Double wedding. I didn’t know anyone had those anymore.
Counting the in-utero babies, it was quite the crowd!
Ugh. I have a strong distaste for Celine Dion–I can’t separate her music from her sappy, vaguely creepy marriage. AND that Titanic song was EVERYWHERE when I lived in Madagascar. Seriously–I couldn’t find a village far enough into the bush to avoid it!
Wow, she’s even loved in Madagascar! I know she’s supposed to have awe-inspiring vocal qualities, but I’m so out of it I fear I wouldn’t recognize one of her songs if I heard it. It’s time for me to touch base with popular culture, I guess.
I’m not sure being played on Malagasy radio 10 years ago counts as popular culture! Honestly, I don’t think you’re missing very much. She’s a talented singer, but she really goes for the full sap-factor. The worst offender, in my opinion, is a song with lyrics along the lines of “I’m everything I am because you love me,” which is such a disempowering sentiment, especially matched with the fact that she married her manager who’s twice her age. Just gives me the wiggins!
I think the most depressing song lyric I remember is from the BeeGees (I do love classic BeeGees–hey why don’t they do a fragrance?): More Than a Woman. Like being a woman isn’t enough, you know?
I am guilty of liking More Than a Woman..LOL. Idk, it’s like she’s not just a woman, she’s like Superwoman..but I see your point, lol.
I’m more of a Jive Talkin’ fan, and of course I like the old romantic tunes like Words and Run to Me…
Actually, if I were to dedicate a song lyric to my husband, it would be that lyric. I just looked up the complete lyrics, and they express exactly how I feel about him. I would like to add that if you asked him, he would say the same thing about me. I do not think it is disempowering to admit that another person can help you to grow or to fulfill your potential. Some people may feel capable to tackle the entire world single-handedly, but I am certainly not one of them and neither is he. When we first met, we both had been damaged by negative experiences and relationships, but together we have been able to help each other heal and become more whole. Through the years, we have had our share of trials, and we have each been able to help the other to find the strength to deal with whatever has come along. In September, we will be celebrating out 22nd wedding anniversary, and I can honestly say that I cannot imagine my life without him.
What a wonderful story! Normally I feel like I hear so many stories about real train wrecks of relationships. I love hearing such a wonderful, happy story as that of you and your husband. I’ll go a step further, too, and guess that the reason that you have such a strong relationship is because you’re two strong people individually, as well.
I will pipe in that finding the person that makes you better and you do the same in turn is such a blessing. Building each other up and having the other’s back- that is a hallmark of a great relationship. congrats on 22 years and cheers to many more
I do feel very blessed to have such a wonderful, nurturing relationship with my husband. We really are each other’s best friend. As for us being strong as individuals–I think we are now, but when we first met we both had a lot of emotional baggage. It did give us some trouble early on, as we tended to take out the hurt on each other. With time, though, we have learned how to deal with things in less damaging ways.
is it mall week?
Celebrity drugstore fragrance week! But it did start with a mall fragrance. False start.
My husband is from Quebec and so is Celine. He says as a Quebecois, he is very sorry to everyone that Quebec gave the world Celine and that other one..Shaniah Twain.. lol.
Oh and I used to know someone who LOVED Celine..omgosh..haha..he would listen to her for hours and hours..on repeat. He named his pets after some of her songs. Somehow, our friendship was short lived. LOL.
My mom is from Quebec, and used to play Celine Dion all the time when I was younger. She had every album. Thankfully, she never named a pet after any of the songs.
I hope she has some songs named “Rover,” “Fido,” etc.
Ya, he had large, framed pictures of Celine..even in his bedroom..and I thought..dude, you’re 26?? LOL. What is going on here?
He offered to make me dinner..I go there..and it’s Celine all evening long..I didn’t have dinner at his house either after that! Lol
Wow, unrequited love at its creepiest. Other than that, I am at a complete loss for words, an am utterly horrified.
He didn’t even have the sense to hide his infatuation from a date, either! That’s really weird. I guess he figured he might as well put it all out there.
Wow! Celine a heartthrob?
It wasn’t a date at all but nonetheless, a bit obsessed.
Shania Twain is Canadian? I’ll be darned. Some week we should do all Canadian perfumes.
Yes, Shania is Canadian, but from Ontario not Quebec.
You could easily do an all Canadian perfumes week (eg from artisans such as Ayala Moriel or Jessica Buchanan from 1000 Flowers or from cosmetic companies such as Lise Watier or niche firm 7 Virtues). And we’d love to claim Ben Gorham of Byredo (Canadian father and lived his adolescence in Canada) or Ineke Ruhland (born and raised in Canada). And historically we had Riviera Concepts (sold to Arden in 2006) which made such scents as Alfred Sung, Badgley Mishka, Bob Mackie and Adrienne Vittadini.
Who knew? That’s pretty impressive.
Bieber is Canadian too!
That doesn’t quite wipe out Cohen, but close!
Thanks for this great list! Then there’s the boys at Dsquared2.
Who knew Canada was such a hotbed of talent?
Hahaha…. this is one of your funniest reviews yet, Angela! A double wedding is much, but a double pregnant wedding takes the cake. I will admit to attending a wedding where both the mother-of-bride and mother-of-groom were pregnant.
Anyway, this fragrance sounds like it was made with the intent of being a crowd pleaser, much like Celine Dion herself. At the end of the day, it is the butt of everyone’s joke, because it is just plain cheesy. Do not get me wrong, Celine Dion’s vocal talent is incredible, her songs just leave much to be desired.
I feel so at a loss not even being able to chime in on Dion’s talents! I should pop over to YouTube for a minute and see what I can find…
Do report back your findings! A forewarning, be prepared for cheese smothered with sap.
I haven’t got around to it yet, but I will! (Even as unappetizing as sap-covered cheese sounds.)
Not a fan. Nope. She sort of makes my skin crawl. My heart will go on just fine without it.
I know she’s wildly popular, but apparently not at NST!
This review made me grin from ear to ear- thanks for the double pregnant wedding image- I love it. It is even better with Celine in the background. I can’t say I am a fan- but can guiltily admit to liking the movie Titanic- what can I say, it spoke to my 17 yr old soul
I think they are re-releasing it in theatres soon?? And I do like a few Shania songs…hehe. Apparently she is going to be performing in Vegas in Celine’s theatre soon…guess the two famous Quebecois are friends.
The movie was epic! Corny, but amazing. I think it’s out in 3D now.
Best, most perfect, description of Titanic ever! It was so epic, but at times super corny.
As Lindaloo mentioned, Shania is from Ontario, not Quebec.
Angela, I love that your pregnant cousins just went for it – no wonder they are still going strong! Their choice of music is not too surprising, though: a go big or go home event like that DEMANDS a Celine Dion song.
Excellent point!
Embarrassed to admit this but Celine was in my dream last night. Not normally on my radar, I wondered why we were talking. Actually, I was listening to her and staring as she mugged and flailed her hands around while trying to make a point. Oh, I wanted to get away from her! After reading your review, Angela, I can only assume it was a preminition.
You’re having psychic perfume blog dreams! I love it!
I’m telepathetic!
That’s hilarious!
As an adopted Canadian (Canadian for 10 years now), I feel compelled to apologize on behalf of my country for both Celine and the perfume. Really, she’s from Quebec…they’re DIFFERENT. And I still can’t figure out why so many people outside Quebec love her.
All I’m saying is that we gave the world The Arcade Fire, Broken Social Scene and The New Pornographers. I would much prefer to try perfumes by ANY of those bands (who are all way too busy making music to bother with brand extensions like perfume…hmm). Hell, even an Alanis Morissette, Rush or Glass Tiger fragrance would be better. I apologize for Celine, on behalf of my adopted country.
But still, the vision of your pregnant cousins is the best colour commentary for Celine Dion, ever.
As a big fan of the Arcade Fire, I tell you no apologies are necessary.
I wish you could have seen the the rest of the wedding. The church was a quickie lean-to attached to another building in a tiny town called Sweet Home, where the high school still put on cowpie bingo games for money. Of course, seeing so much of my extended family truly was wonderful, but it wouldn’t have passed for a society page wedding by any stretch of the imagination. The wedding dresses were homemade, with guesses made as to each bride’s girth. I could go on and on, but I’ll stop here.
Hey, would that Sweet Home be in Oregon? As a Spokane native who had to endure high school in rural Indiana, I can totally see it!
And OhLily is right — how could I ever have forgotten Leonard Cohen, who even redeems Quebec!
Sweet Home is such a darling name, there should be one in every state, not just Oregon! There probably is one, too, in spirit if not in name.
Aw, no apologies needed – Leonard Cohen trumps all!
Yes, Leonard Cohen tops the list for sure. He may not have the vocal elasticity, but that man delivers.
Neko Case – now that would be a great fume for sure!
I’d smell that one!
How about Bif Naked?
I thought the review today was well written and insightful ! Thank you Angela
there really are so many celebrity fragrances out there and it makes me wonder how many really do it for the creative , expressive passion for scent or just the dollar signs! Knowing Celine as I do ( admire but not a fan) I hope it was the for the first ! As for some of the comments I find it disappointing that people can be so …. Shall I say cruel with their opinions ! Sure , “that” song was a little over done! Today I realize that some commenters will freely share their joys on what they love/ like / think / feel but also be very open on what we don’t like , this is a blog about fragrance , could we stick to topic ?
I’d guess that putting out a fragrance is more abut money than passion for perfume in most cases, unfortunately. I’ve seen too many celebrity perfumes by celebrities who confess that they don’t even like perfume (but they like theirs, of course). Sarah Jessica Parker is an exception, and probably there are a few others.
I still haven’t listened to a Celine Dion song! Maybe you can recommend one for me–it sounds like you might know some good ones.
Im not totally versed on her play list but I have enjoyed the behind the scenes docos on her music DVDs ! She has done many amazing charitable things for sick children and the cystic fibrosis foundation as she has lost a family member to this illness! Dion fans are a very special breed and rightly so, is it so bad that she brings joy and hope to people only to be slated for a few cheesy love songs ? Shame on some!!!!
It’s probably good everyone doesn’t like Celine Dion! It’s usually the artists who take the risk to do something that’s not beloved by everyone that end up with the most dedicated following. And she has a huge following. I’m sure she laughs at people who don’t like her music–laughs as she deposits her gigantic paychecks!
A not-too-horrible songs of hers is “Je danse dans ma tete”. Definitely less of a cheese factor in French…
I’ll see if I can find it on YouTube. Thanks for the recommendation.
Oh, no! After spending several months in intense counselling, this is the last thing I need. Celine, please go away (and don’t ever come back) or you’ll cost me even more money on the shrink’s couch…
Your shrink just might be a fan, you know….
It’s 2012, and I’m still sufffering from post-traumatic stress from the constant playing of Celine’s album back in 1996 while I was at work, hence I cannot abide her screaming no matter how much it’s on key.
It sounds like you’re in good company, although she has a gigantic fan club.
Dion, Schmion – I’m still trying to wrap my head around Maurice Roucel doing a celebrity scent. Do the Perfumista Elders know about this?
Hey, even perfmers have mortgages, you know!
And who knows how hands-on he was with it?
Banderas Blue Seduction, which I reviewed today, was done by Olivier Cresp!
Oh, dear. Winy rose generally becomes dusty port cask on me (Voleur de Roses), or outright vinegar (Une Rose), so I think I’ll give this one a pass. Interesting that they used Roucel, and I’m sorry it didn’t work better for you.
Definitely a pass, then.
The fragrance sounds awful. Well it was most likely only created to generate money.
I can kind of stomach Ms Dion’s singing in French. She did a duet once with another Quebec singer called Garou. I rather like that song, but mainly because of Garou. He was one of 4 Canadian singers to form part of the original cast of Notre Dame de Paris. Completely off topic, but then I rather like random observations.
People have been commented that they like her French music best. And random observations are welcome!