My husband’s heart sank when he spied the handwritten note on our kitchen counter.

“Hi Jennifer, so glad you’re interested in Patrick Dempsey…”

His first thought was that his lovely, devoted wife was spending her days writing love letters to heart-throb actors!  Of course, 10 seconds later when he spotted the bottle of Patrick Dempsey 2 by Avon next to the note, it cleared up the misunderstanding and we both had a good laugh over it.

I recently voted in the FiFi fragrance awards, and couldn’t help but notice that TWO Avon fragrances were finalists (later, Patrick Dempsey 2 ultimately won the award for the Men’s Private Label category).  This highly-coveted award is considered the “Oscars of the fragrance industry”, so I naturally wanted to sample these critically-acclaimed scents!  

Immediately, Patrick Dempsey 2 is captivating.  One of the things I love most about it is it’s uniqueness.  Coming of age in the 80’s, every (and I mean EVERY) boy or man owned a bottle of Drakkar Noir.  The problem?  This easily recognizable scent always reminded women of their ex-boyfriends!  Not the desired effect, right?  Men… here’s a lesson for you.  If you’re searching for a cologne, be sure to pick something unique!  Patrick Dempsey 2 fits the bill.  Notes of fresh mandarin, sexy spiced wood and mysterious green fig are sexy, masculine and soft.  It’s husband-material in a market filled with ex-boyfriend scents!

A 2.5 oz. bottle retails for a mere $35.

Click HERE to check it out at Avon.com

The author of Raging Rouge received press samples for purposes of this makeup review / product review. For more information on sample policies, please click HERE to read my full disclosure statement.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then the scent In Bloom by Avon is worth a thousand pictures!  One sniff immediately sent my brain into overdrive, conjuring images of an outdoor wedding in the Summer, a warm evening, crisp white linens, a youthful bride with a bouquet of lush flowers in hand and flora in bloom as far as the eye can see…

Reese Witherspoon collaborated with a prestigious fragrance designer to create this FiFi nominated scent for Avon, and the result is the ultimate wedding-worthy scent!  Her goal was to make the fragrance personal.  The use of Magnolia is a flashback to her childhood, and adorns the perfume bottle.  Other notes include gardenia blossoms, lush florals, amber wood and peach tea leaves.

Retail price is $34.

Click HERE to check it out at Avon.com

The author of Raging Rouge received press samples for purposes of this makeup review / product review. For more information on sample policies, please click HERE to read my full disclosure statement.

Actress Zoe Saldana, the face of Eternal Magic, is surely the embodiment of this scent.  A touch youthful and sweet and a touch ethereal, the Eternal Magic scent was inspired by the Princess Monaco Rose (a creamy pink rose named after Princess Grace) and a ball gown.  Simply put, Avon was clearly trying to conjure up a way for every woman to instantly feel like a princess, even if only for a moment.

Avon’s recently released Eternal Magic is simply enchanting.  From it’s pale violet shade to it’s sweet scent.  It’s also affordable!  A 50mL bottle is $24, and layering elements (shower gel and body lotion) are only $10 each.

Top notes:  sheer violet, sicilian bergamot, pink peppercorn

Heart notes:  Princess Monaco Rose, orris, magnolia leaves

Base notes:  creamy vanilla warmth, transparent woods, fluffy cloud accord

Click HERE to shop for Eternal Magic at Avon.com.

The author of Raging Rouge received press samples for purposes of this makeup review / product review. For more information on sample policies, please click HERE to read my full disclosure statement.

Moms of teenage daughters everywhere have the same problem–when it comes to their cherished makeup and perfume, their beloved brethren become kleptos and Mom’s favorite products mysteriously vanish.

The trick to avoiding this?  Pick products you LOVE that just wouldn’t appeal to the Justin Beiber worshipping set.  Liz Earle’s first-ever fragrance–Botanical Essence No. 1–is a great choice in this regard.  Using the finest and purest botanical ingredients from around the world (the formula is reportedly 98% natural ingredients), Botanical Essence No. 1 is bright and herbal.  It’s the spicy, herbal bite of this scent that is just far too sophisticaed to appeal to any teenie-bopper!

Available starting on July 1 (TODAY)  at Lizearle.com.  1.6 fl. oz is $78.

Click HERE to shop Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare.

Top notes:  Bergamot, Mandarin, Orange Bigarade, Lemon Cardamom

Heart notes:  Rose absolute, Lavender, Geranium, Coriander, Nutmeg

Base Notes:  Cedarwood, Vetiver, Tonka Bean, Patchouli Oil.

The author of Raging Rouge received press samples for purposes of this makeup review / product review. For more information on sample policies, please click HERE to read my full disclosure statement.

More fragrant than Kenzo’s Beneficial Waters Collection–but more subtle than perfume–KENZOKI Perfumed Beneficial Waters are ideal for scenting the entire body, but also have ingredients to keep the skin hydrated and healthy!

Blissful Ginger Fizz:  The name itself tells you everything you need to know!  The snappy scent of ginger is as invigorating as a morning cup of coffee! 

Sensual Rice MMM:  This soft and sexy scent is great for a night out on the town, or applied before bed (wink, wink).

Reusable glass containers make ideal bud vases, when the product is gone!

3 fl. oz. bottle retails for $45 at KenzoUSA.com

The author of the Raging Rouge Beauty Blog received press samples for purposes of this makeup review / product review. For more information on sample policies, please click HERE to read my full disclosure statement.

Ah, the ever voluminous bouquet of FlowerByKenzo poppies!  This latest interpretation of KENZO’s poppy was created by Alberto Morillas. 

Ever-so-appropriate for wedding season, FlowerByKenzo La Cologne combines something old and something new.  Morillas selected Bergamot–used in 17th century Germany to formulate the original Eau de Cologne–as a nod to the roots of cologne.  Added to KENZO’s modern, feminine poppy, the result is a zesty and energetic scent.

Retail price is $72 for a 3 fl. oz. bottle.

Click HERE to check it out at KenzoUSA.com.

The author of the Raging Rouge Beauty Blog received press samples for purposes of this makeup review / product review. For more information on sample policies, please click HERE to read my full disclosure statement.

What are you using this summer to oil your guns?

For Summer 2010, Urban Decay has introduced “Revolver”, a super-sexy fragrance oil!

I’m digging this limited-edition scent!  Revolver utilizes notes of lychee, pineapple, fig, amber and Egyptian Musk.  Ladies–I’ve said this only a million times–MEN LOVE AMBER!

So yes… the fragrance itself is quite alluring.  But the packaging and the price of Revolver really seal the deal.  The oil base extends the life of the scent (and is especially helpful on dry skin).  The rollerball applicator prevents spilling and helps control the amount of product applied.  A tiny size means Revolver is a great choice for travel, or stashing in your purse.

Retail price is a low $26.  Click HERE to buy.  Revolver is available exclusively at UrbanDecay.com.

The author of Raging Rouge received press samples for purposes of this makeup review / product review.  For more information on sample policies, please click HERE to read my full disclosure statement.

Planning to enjoy long, early-morning hikes this Summer?  Outdoorsy types like you will LOVE CLEAN Outdoor Shower Fresh, new for Summer 2010!

Imagine showering in a cool, fresh waterfall, at the end of a stream running through a meadow of flowers.  That’s the exact scent of CLEAN Outdoor Shower Fresh!  There’s something very tranquil about this scent.  I’ve been applying this scent on days I just know will be hectic.  It’s like mobile aromatherapy!

Worth mentioning AGAIN:  CLEAN has recently reformulated all of their scents. Harsh chemicals have been removed and replaced with botanicals and essential oils. Packaging is entirely recyclable. In other words… CLEAN is now cleaner than ever!

Retail price is $69 for a 2.14 fl. oz. spray bottle, and $38 for a 1 fl. oz. spray bottle.  Outdoor Shower Fresh by CLEAN is available at Sephora.com.

The author of the Raging Rouge Beauty Blog received press samples for purposes of this makeup review / product review. For more information on sample policies, please click HERE to read my full disclosure statement.

Hearing that CLEAN has launched a new scent is enough to lift my spirits.  Hearing they’ve launched TWO?  Pure bliss!

Equally uplifting is the zesty cirtus scent of CLEAN Summer Linen.  The blend of crisp Bergamot, Italian Limoncello (also used in CLEAN Summer) and Mirabelle Plum is fresh, light, sweet and just overall perfect for the Summer months!

BIG NEWS! CLEAN has also reformulated all of their scents. Harsh chemicals have been removed and replaced with botanicals and essential oils. Packaging is entirely recyclable. In other words… CLEAN is now cleaner than ever!

Retail price is $49 for a 2.14 fl. oz. spray bottle.  Summer Linen by CLEAN is available at Sephora.com.

The author of the Raging Rouge Beauty Blog received press samples for purposes of this makeup review / product review.  For more information on sample policies, please click HERE to read my full disclosure statement.

Voting in the Fragrance Foundation’s FiFi awards is nearly over!  Be sure your favorite scents are given the attention they are due!  CLICK HERE TO VOTE. You have until 5/19 to ensure your favorite fragrance is supported! 

Here’s a full list of the finalists, courtesy of BeautyPress.  Which scents are your faves?

2010 Top Five FiFi® Finalists

Fragrance of the Year: Women’s Luxe
bebe Eau de Parfum – Inter Parfums USA
Crescent Row Collection – Benefit
Flora by Gucci – P&G Prestige Products, Inc.
Lola Marc Jacobs –Coty Prestige
Very Hollywood Michael Kors Eau de Parfum—The Estee Lauder Companies
YSL Parisienne – YSL Beaute/L’Oreal

Fragrance of the Year: Men’s Luxe (6 in this category due to a tie)
ckfree Calvin Klein – Coty Prestige
D&G Fragrance Anthology – P&G Prestige Products, Inc.
Givenchy PLAY – Parfums Givenchy
Only the Brave – Diesel Fragrances, L’Oréal
Shiseido Zen for Men – Shiseido Cosmetics America
Tom Ford Grey Vetiver – The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

Fragrance of the Year: Women’s Popular Appeal (6 in this category due to a tie)
Avril Lavigne Black Star – P&G Prestige Products, Inc.
Faith Hill Parfums – Coty
Flirt! Flowerific Perfume Spray – The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
Halle by Halle Berry – Coty
Mariah Carey Ultra Pink – Elizabeth Arden
Super Samba Woman – The Perfumer’s Workshop Int’l., Ltd.

Fragrance of the Year: Men’s Popular Appeal (only 3 in this category)
Playboy – Coty
Seduction in Black, Antonio Banderas – Puig USA, Inc.
Super Samba Man – The Perfumer’s Workshop Int’l, Ltd.

Fragrance of the Year: Women’s Nouveau Niche
Bond No. 9 Astor Place – Bond No. 9 New York
Eau Mega by Viktor & Rolf – L’Oréal USA
essence narciso rodriguez eau de parfum – Beauté Prestige International
Jo Malone Vanilla & Anise – The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
L’Eau Ambrée by Prada – Puig USA, Inc.

Fragrance of the Year Men’s Nouveau Niche (only 4 in this category)
Black Fleece by Brooks Brothers Eau De Toilette – Inter Parfums USA
Bond No. 9 Brooklyn – Bond No. 9 New York
Bond No. 9 Perfume – Bond No. 9 New York
Collage by 3.1 Phillip Lim & Natalie Gracia-Cetto,
Ende/Anfang by Damir Doma & Yann Vasnier,
Solar Donkey Power by Henrik Vibskov & Louise Turner,
Smell by Henry Holland & Stephen Nilsen,
Nicoll 17 by Richard Nicoll & Rodrigo Flores Roux,
Whiskey Caramélisé by Toga & Alexandra Kosinski – Six Scents Parfums Inc.

Fragrance of the Year: Women’s Private Label/Direct Sell (only 4 in this category)
Bath & Body Works Signature Collection Twilight Woods EDT – Bath & Body Works
In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon – Avon Products, Inc.
Love Rocks – Victoria’s Secret
Naturelle – Yves Rocher North America Inc.

Fragrance of the Year: Men’s Private Label/Direct Sell (only 3 in this category)
comme une Evidence – Yves Rocher North America Inc.
Patrick Dempsey 2 – Avon Products, Inc.
Vertical – Victoria’s Secret

Fragrance of the Year: Unique Boutique (6 in this category due to a tie)
Baroque Pearl for Gump’s (women’s) – Through Smoke Creative
Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire (women’s) – Guerlain
Halston Man Eau de Toilette (men’s) – Elizabeth Arden
L’Oeuvre Noire Back to Black Aphrodisiac (unisex) – by Kilian
Tom Ford Private Blend White Suede (unisex/women’s) – The Estée Lauder Companies
Tuberose Trilogy (unisex) – Histoires de Parfums

Fragrance Hall of Fame Nominees (honors a fragrance that has been on the market for 15 or more years)
CK one – Calvin Klein Cosmetics/Coty Prestige
Classique by Jean Paul Gaultier- Beaute Prestige International
Cristalle EDT – Chanel
Donna Karan Cashmere Mist EDT – Donna Karan Cosmetics/Estee Lauder Companies
Fahrenheit – Christian Dior Parfums
Gap Dream – Inter Parfums, Inc.
Pour un Homme – Caron Paris
Rapture – Victoria’s Secret Beauty
Red Door – Elizabeth Arden

Pictured:  The Tuberose Trilogy by Histoires de Parfums.  Retail price $185 each at www.histoiresdeparfums.com, www.vivre.com, and at select retailers nationwide. The Tuberose Trilogy is also available in the travel-friendly Nomad Kit, which retails for $96.
 
TUBEREUSE 1-CAPRICIEUSE (capricious): A powdery floral that combines the freshness of bergamot and the warmth of saffron with essences iris and ylang-ylang. The base notes of opulent suede and cocoa leave a mysterious and addictive trail.

TUBEREUSE 2-VIRGINALE (virginal): A floral oriental that combines sparkling mandarin orange and sweet cherry with smooth frangipani, Tahitian tiara flowers and sensual jasmine. A blend of patchouli leaf, blond wood and vanilla form the base notes of this deep and sensual scent.  

TUBEREUSE 3-ANIMALE (animal): A floral and tobacco leather scent oozes power and inner strength, this scent opens with a bath of fresh kumquat and neroli and leads into a strong combination of plum, herbs and dry grasses. Blond tobacco and Immortelle flower leave intense base notes that linger.