If you’re on a budget this holiday season — and really, who isn’t? — you’ll want to make a big impression with a small package. Here’s a presentation tip: you’ll want to up your presentation. Head to an art store, where you can usually buy fancy papers by the sheet. Make folds with a metal ruler to wrap. What to put in it? Why, some gorgeous goodies from Fragrance.com! I was happy to be hosted to experience it.
Acqua Di Parma Blue Mediterraneo Variety is a lovely, high-prestige gift. Though they have sets with sample vials, this set comes in sizeable dark blue glass bottles and has delicious, unisex scents:
Arancia di Capri has notes of orange peel, a touch of mint, then comes layers of fresh juice, sweetness. It’s not tangy.
Bergamotta di Calabria has a sharper, more bitter peppery citrus, lots of pepper notes.
Fico di Amalfi has notes of moss, nuts and figs. It’s not super fruity, but rather, more complex.
Mirto di Panarea has a bright, tart wild berry scent, but with depth: I also noticed smoke and vetiver.
Mandorlo di Sicilia has a touch of sweet almond, with cake and powder.
How about a very special votive candle? One of those, “IYKYK” things for the luxury lover? Tiziana Terenzi Almond Vanilla is made entirely in Italy by a 3rd generation fragrance house. It comes in a beautiful black glossy glass votive holder, embossed with gold ink and a royal-looking logo. It has a rich almond cookie scent, but isn’t overly sweet. The candles all have a special wooden wick from Tuscany that evokes a crackling fire when lit.
Elizabeth Arden Lip Color Lipstick comes from the heritage beauty spa brand, as seen in the 1939 movie, The Women. It now comes in a medium-weight, squared-off, brushed gold colored metal magnetic case. It opens and closes with a satisfying, elegant click. Satin finish Petal Pink is a cool pink with the teeniest touch of yellow, thus working for many complexions. It’s got opaque, creamy coverage that doesn’t streak. There’s no pearl, so it’s a more modern look. It’s livelier than a concealer-colored nude and has a slight birthday cake scent.
Guerlain is a classic, coveted French beauty house. Guerlain Meteorites Pearls of Powder have been a beauty secret for French ladies living the luxury lifestyle for decades. Recently, their new Makeup Director, Violette Serrat — who has her own indie makeup line — re-imagined these multi-colored pearls to mattify, yet illuminate and color-correct in 4 tones. You can apply with the enclosed puff or swirl over with a dense brush. It has very sophisticated scent, being Guerlain. It’s housed in a multi-colored enameled metal cannister with golden accents. The height of glamour!
Luxe & Down-Home Cuisine/Culture/Travel/Style 