Wrapped With Love Hilary Duff Eau De Parfum $38.00 1.7 fl. oz. is a tempting fragrance from youthful and chic, celebrity. The pink-tinted juice starts out loaded with fruits, including iced honeydew, mandarin, Sicilian blood orange and mangosteen, but a heart of plum, violet, white lily and mangosteen blossom, and a bottom of gourmand notes such as vanilla bean, raspberry, a hint of musk, and a very yummy, significant white chocolate mousse, temper it quite a bit. It's like flowers and candy, and love, all mixed together in  a very petty package, inside and out.  There's an eye-catching, vibrant pink carton with lime green with gold and green accents sprinkled on the box like delicate "flowers." Collectors will covet the elegant, faceted glass bottle with braided gold-rimmed top) with peridot and pink sapphire accents (Ms. Duff did have a hand in designing the bottle). My personal favorite piece is the hexagonal, peridot plastic diffuser cover, with the bar cap representing warmth, joy and optimism). This scent is sexy but light, youthful, but universally appealing. It isn't absolutely new (it launched in 2008), but it's still a great choice for Spring. FYI:  The original With Love, Hilary Duff is one of my faves. too.

Britney Spears, in love with the "circus story" she created for her (then) tour, and hopes that Circus Fantasy, the fragrance she created with Elizabeth Arden, would convey some of that excitement in bottled form to her fans.  Launched in August 2009, Circus Fantasy Eau de Parfum Spray $35.00 1.0 fl. Oz; $45.00 1.7 fl. Oz; $55.00  3.3 fl. Oz by  Britney Spears is eye catching from the brightly colored outer carton in bold red, yellow and blue, to the inner bottle, a pearly, light blue orb studded with red rhinestones, a neck wrapped with a blue, metallic, studded "chain" and a clear blue plastic bubble over the spray diffuser. Like the packaging, or a three-ring circus under the "Big Top,"  there's a lot going on in this fragrance.  It starts out with a bang with lots of fruit: Top notes incorporate juicy raspberry zest and apricot blossom. The heart announces itself fairly quickly: notes of  blue peony along with lotus and red sweetheart orchid. So far, I'm loving the "performance." But base notes including vanilla, musk and violet candy overpower upon drydown, leaving the feeling of cotton candy with little to support it. Like the original Britney Spears Fantasy, and Midnight Fantasy,  Britney Spears fans will love anything she puts her name to.  But even non fans who are young-ish, will find the lighthearted scent, appealing on it's own merits.

I thought M by Mariah Carey had the most beautiful perfume bottle of the year, when I reviewed it back in December 2007. Others have followed. The latest in my search for beauty inside and outside the bottle is, Mariah Carey Forever Eau de Parfum $65.00 3.3 oz..  This very feminine scent has a flacon worthy of Jean Harlow, or another goddess from the Silver Screen. In fact, the advertising shows a very glam Ms. Carey lounging in a 30's style, white satin evening gown. The perfume takes it's name from a 1996 Mariah Carey song. The fragrance itself is nearly clear, developed by perfumer Olivier Gillotin. It's an elegant and significant (mostly white) floral fragrance,  with notes including:  neroli, lotus blossom, dewy green apple, tuberose, gardenia, white musk and exotic woodssage.  I'm not a floral fan and watery, white florals don't generally appeal to me. In this fragrance, the white florals come on strong at first, but dry down to a more subdued, sensual, floral that stops shouting and shows itself in a ladylike way. It is the bottle once again, that captivates me as it will, collectors. It's something you'd see on a deco dressing table. The craggy, asymmetrical block of glass has a golden neck with the name delicately engraved on it, and it's topped is topped by a spire of clear, faceted plastic rising to the sky. The outer packaging is hot pink trimmed in soft, gold metallic, embossed with a classic, art deco design. If you want to feel glamorous, Mariah Carey Forever is waiting for it's closeup on your skin!

When All You’ve Ever Wanted, a new fragrance by Helena Rubenstein (inspired by Demi Moore), was released, I knew I had to try it.  Demi Moore is the ultimate "Cougar," with a hunky, much younger husband and an actress who never gives up.  She works for her beautiful body, and her fame. All You’ve Ever Wanted is an intoxicating, empowering fragrance, created by Carlos Benaim and Dominique Ropion.  This fragrance really grabbed me. So much so that I wrote more extensively about it in an Advice Sisters Blog Post you should read.

Orchids are wild and beautiful, and often, rare. Now a new celebrity fragrance, Pure Orchid by Halle Berry $28.00 1 fl. oz. for Coty, attempts to bottle that beauty. This limited edition scent embodies the exotic beauty of the woman that inspired it and the exotic beauty of the flower for which it is named. The scent, designers by perfumers Rodrigo Flores-Roux & Christophe Raynaud of Givaudan, have done a great job --especially for a modestly priced product. The fragrance is officially categorized: "sensual floral woody." But it starts out sweet and fruity. My nose zoned in on vanilla, even though it isn't listed in the notes. In any case, it's the Masdevallia Orchid that makes the scent, enchanting. As the scent dries down, there is an interesting mix of notes. Spice and woods and creamy notes mix with the usual, ladylike ones. The actual notes are:  top notes: crisp Italian Lemon, Papaya Nectar Fizz and Jungle Cactus Flower; Mid Notes: Masdevallia Orchid, a touch of Blackberry Crème Concentré and subtly sweet Star Anise; and, bottom notes: Giant Sequoia, Patchouli Leaf, and Tonka Bean providing a sensual and elegant base. Although this celebrity fragrance is modestly priced, like an abstract painting, you see more and more in it as you spend time with it. I also love the carton, designed by Lutz Hermann with purple, metallic accents, and a large head-and-shoulders photo of Ms. Berry. She is the star, and only a light wash of a photo of an orchid hints at what might be inside. I love the lilac-tinted glass spray flacon. designed by Jane Tarallo. It is a re-imagining of the original Halle by Halle Berry fragrance bottle; a heavy glass low rectangle, embossed with a pattern that looks like flowing of ocean waves and sand, all done in shades of purple and silver (supposed to evoke the distinct colors and luminous feel of twilight).

Beyoncé Giselle Knowles, also simply known as "Beyoncé , is a talented singer-songwriter, record producer, actress, dancer, choreographer, model, video director and now....fragrance creator.  Her first fragrance, Beyoncé Heat  30, 50 and 100 ml Eau de Parfum ($39-$59.00 is a fruity floral with just a touch of spice and woods. It's feminine, but not "girly." Beyoncé explains: "My fragrance is a unique expression of a woman's powerful sensuality. The scent thrills and enthralls, drawing you in. At the same time, it is elegant and feminine with an air of mystery. Want to know more about Beyoncé Heat? Read the Advice Sisters review on the Advice Sisters Blog.

While smelling good by wearing scent is an option, it's just as important to actually smell good (or at least not smell bad). FACE Stockholm's Chrystal Deodorant $9.00 3 fl. oz. is a natural deodorant, free of harmful aluminums, parabens, and chlorohydrate, that is good for anyone, man or woman, who wants an all-natural way to keep body odor, at bay!  This deodorant combines pure mineral salts with chamomile to provide gentle, long lasting  (up to 24 hours) protection. Most "crystal" deodorants don't last so long, but this one neutralizes bacteria to prevent odor, not cover it.  For those who can't stand those icky, sticky products, this one will delight with a clear, clean, non-staining, non-sticky formula.  You won't even know you have it on until you realize it is working!  And it isn't just natural.  it's also fragrance free and hypoallergenic.  I like the clean, frosted plastic rollerball container--classy and simple. It's pricier than the drugstore brands, but consider: instead of  buying "hers" and "his," you can both share this one!

The Card Cubby portable pouches cost less than $20.00 and are about the size of a small makeup bag (ou could use yours without the card inserts, just for toting small items like keys and lipstick).  But  what they're meant to do is keep business cards and coupons, organized. Color-coordinated, alphabetized index cards that fit perfectly inside the Card Cubby, are included. There are so many ways to use this clever accessory. For example, events, where the exchange of business cards flow like an endless river.  But you can also use it for organizing discount coupons, frequent buyer cards, and those little plastic gift cards that always seem to be somewhere else, when you want them.  A snap closure and clear, ID window on the outside means you won't have to worry about losing these valuables. The Card Cubby comes in 16 designs and colors in smooth and pebbled pleather" (so it's "green" too) -- CLEVER!

I am very nearsighted, and I wear glasses. I've never been able to adequately apply liquid eye liner. But when I discovered flat liner brushes that let you apply powder "as if" it was a liner, I fell in love.  To get the line right, however, flat liner brushes have to be held at an awkward angle to get the powder between your lashes on your lash line. Now, I’ve discovered a new, angled eye liner brush that makes application of a perfect powder lash line, much easier. The GloAngled Eyeliner Brush $15.00 by Glo Minerals is bent at a slight angle, so you can apply powder shadow with the brush right in front of where that color needs to be. It is so simple, and yet, so effective I don’t know how I ever did a decent job without it! GloProfessional brushes are made out of natural animal hair, and are 100% cruelty free The experts at Glo Minerals suggest that you apply a cream eyeliner into the lash line first, then follow to eye shadow to set the cream liner. Either way, you’ll find that you can make a perfect (and fast) line, every time. This little tool is my latest "must-have" and well worth the money.

Recently, I got a new, slim, iPod Nano. And now it is safely nestled into a RockBoom Speaker iPod Case $24.99 by RockBuds.  The case is a "clamshell" type, slim enough to keep the Nano from sloshing around, but it does something more:  it plays your music out loud.  Plug your smaller sized Mp3 player into the built-in, 3.5mm jack and everyone can enjoy what you're listening to.  The slim, zippered case literally fits in the palm of your hand, and comes in a couple of prints (camo for unisex, floral on black for the ladies -- called "chicboom") and in always-chic,  black. The speaker quality is surprisingly good, with no distortion even at higher sound levels. You'll be delighted with it, as long as you're not expecting concert hall quality sound. And, even if you don't care to use the speakers most of the time, a hard-sided case is just a tiny investment to protect your much larger one.

Everyone knows that fruits are good for the body, but they're also good on your body! I don't mean that you should literally wear fruit, of course. I'm suggesting a hot, new watch:  Fruitz watches srp. $225.00, by Philip Stein. Fruitz is a new collection of sporty and colorful watches named after the fruits that inspired the line (e.g.: Watermelon, Coconut, Blueberry, Mulberry, and Papaya). They make a fun fashion statement on their own, but they do something more than just look pretty. Fruitz watches tell time, make a fashion statement and oh yes...they do something else: they offer wearers a sense of well being. The watch employs" Natural Frequency Technology," that "works within the beneficial key frequency of 7-9 hertz, which encompasses the chief resonant frequency of the natural earth."  The explanation is going to get more technical from here, so please read the entire description on the Advice Sisters original Blog Post.  But here's the point: the Philip Stein web site claims that,  in studies, people have reported having better sleep, less stress, clearer focus and better concentration, when wearing Philip Stein watches.  I think the watch has a calming influence, although maybe just looking at the watch reminds me to stay calm. In any case, the collection is really gorgeous--full of color just lovely for Spring. Even if you don't feel a heightened since of well-being, you will generate fashion envy.  I've gotten lots of admiring glances from mine, the "Mulberry" -black rubber band, white face, black and silver accents).

Rapper and entrepreneur, Jay-Z’s Rocawear brand has a user-friendly fragrance that won't just appeal to the hip hop crowd.  Rocawear X Diamond Celebration Eau de Toilette $50.00 1.7 fl. oz.; $65.00 3.4 fl. oz. is a unique, sophisticated blend of swagger and savvy.. Top notes include Himalayan Goji berries, pomelo and lime. Mid-tones feature grand lapsang souchoung and eucalyptus with black amber. Bottom notes include sensual guaic and cedarwood.  A deep, chocolate colored outer carton is accented with a huge, silver, metallic X in bold and shadow. The bottle inside makes a powerful statement. The rectangular bottle is completely covered with a bold, brushed silver metal that reminds me of a monolith as in "2001 A Space Odyssey." There is nothing to mar the smooth surface other than a large X and "Rocawear" emblazoned on the front. Even the spray diffuser is recessed into the top.  You'd think the bottle would be heavy, but the metal coating is actually very light. As to the scent, it's got more sweetness and fruit than I expected, probably from the top notes. But upon drydown, the tea and other notes take their places, making this a distinctive scent that feels masculine, but not in the traditional woodsy/citrus genre. Men who are seeking something "manly" but different, will find this modern, expensive-smelling, bold scent, to be a good choice! 

Binaca AERO Blast $2.49  isn't just for guys, but I'm willing to bet that it has gotten so many guys through that "first kiss" jitters and first time business meetings, that it's a "must-have" in every man's pocket. Binaca hasn't changed much, it still combats bad breath, but they've changed the packaging.  You don't have to shake those drops out of a bottle anymore, and the slim-sized sprays literally blast the good stuff into your mouth and onto your tongue, so you can get cool, fresh breath, quickly and discreetly.  Three flavors" peppermint, spearmint, and cinnamon, are appropriately housed in white spray tubes with graphics in blue (peppermint), green (spearmint) and red (cinnamon). Actually, these remind me of dri-erase markers, or big crayons...colorful, but not crazy. Each "canister" contains 250 sprays of breath freshener, and they are sugar free and calorie free. Binaca suggests "double-misting" with more than one flavor. Could be fun, but one spritz is still enough to put the kibosh on bad breath.   I have also found that it counter-acts dry mouth...great before you have to go and give a speech.  And, while Binaca doesn't actually suggest using their breath spray as an appetite suppressant, once you have a strong taste in your mouth, you are less likely to crave that brownie left by well-meaning co-workers in the coffee room.

There are just some scents that immediately smell like a confident, sexy man.  One I've just discovered is Bigelow Barber Cologne Elixir White No. 1585 $19.50 2.5 fl. oz.  The bold, black box with silver and white and red accents looks rugged. Inside, there's a ribbed, silver bottle with black spray diffuser top that reminds me of a flask. The white label has a red "1585" that reminds me a bit of the lettering on a mug shot, and there's a silvery logo for Bigelow in the shape of a shield.  If you're getting the idea that this is not unisex in any way, shape or form, you're right.  C.O. Bigelow's Elixir White 1585 is a scent for a man's man, blending crisp and clean notes of bergamot, grapefruit and mandarin with peppery wood spices. The resulting mix is green, fresh, and exciting, with a hint of pepper coming through on the drydown. It is downright sexy....guys will love it because it reminds them of classic "guy" scents, but it's not "old."  It will make women want to snuggle up close, and it is the scent they will associate with falling in love...with you!  I can't believe how affordable, but how nice this scent is.  There is also Elixir Blue  and Elixir Green, and the scent is available in a Hair and Body Wash, too.