Swell Smells: 5 Fresh Summery Fragrances

Do you change your fragrance when the seasons change? Something lighter for the warmer weather?  There are some fragrances that I wear year round, but in the Summer months I do seem to be drawn to the light notes of water accord, fruits, especially the fresh scent of citrus.


If you are in the market for a new Summer scent, here are a few fragrances that launched recently featuring notes of fresh citrus or exotic flowers. Floral, Fresh, or Spicy - there's something for everyone.

*Calvin Klein CK One Summer
Top note: Watermelon, Pear, Mandarin, Kaffir Lime Leaves
Middle note: Violet Leaves, Marigold, Verbena, Water Lily
Base note: Patchouli, Skin Musk, Vetiver, Cedarwood

*FlowerByKenzo La Cologne
Notes: Poppy, Bergamot, Bigarade Leaves, Orange Blossom, Neroli, Musk, Vanilla

*Rio Bikini by AVON
Top note: Pitaya Fruit, Juicy Kiwi, Watermelon
Middle note: Coconut Milk
Base note: Beachy Accord, Sandalwood, Musk

*Rio Rhythms by AVON
Top note: Jasmine, Coconut Water, Peony
Middle note: Gardenia, Lilac
Base note: Vanilla, Milky Accord, Warm Wood, Amber

*St. Tropez Dispenser by Smell Bent
Notes: Jasmine Absolute, Coconut, Aloe Vera, Vintage Musk.

**Calvin Klein, Kenzo, and AVON fragrances were all furnished to me for review**
Image credit: Michelle Hamor Smith

Swell Style: Rio-Inspired Bags For Summer

The people at Mark recently sent me some great items to review. Among them was the Take Me To Rio Bag designed by award-winning accessory and handbag designer, Carlos Falchi. The bag is part of a line the designer created for Mark to give the consumer a taste of a "trip to the tropics" of Rio. The line is made of fun and colorful accessories, perfect for wearing this Summer.

“Rio embodies color, vibrancy and spirit, all of which are reflected in this collection,” Carlos says. “Each piece is unique and incorporates my signature features, like the colorful linings of the bags, inspired by the Copacabana boardwalk, and the unique fabrications.”

My daughter has been carrying this bag all week and she gets a lot of compliments. The latest being that it "looks like a mermaid's bag."  That makes sense - it does have a shimmery sea-blue appearance. Bay likes that she can fit so many things inside the tote making it the perfect choice for the beach or an overnight away from home. It's a large bag with a zipper closure, zipper pocket inside, and a small outside pocket that is perfect for stashing your cell or keys.

Click here for more information about Carlos Falchi's Take Me To Rio bag. It retails for $40. If you like the look of this bag, then take a look at the Rio Ready Mini bag, also from the Carlos Falchi collection. It's a smaller size and can be worn over the shoulder of around the waist.

Image credit: Meet Mark.com

Swell Makeup: Bronzer & Highlighter

I've had sick kids home with me the last couple of days. Yesterday I had an almost completely computer-free day while we hung out and watched TV. They both seem better today, but neither kid is even close to 100%. It's too pretty outside to be sick!


The people at Mark sent me one of their new Glowdacious Illuminating Powders in the Shimmied Up colors. The product contains 3 colors of highlighter/bronzer with just a touch of shimmer to it. The compact comes with a built in mirror and there's a place to store your makeup brush under the makeup. You can find it at MeetMark.com where it retails for $12.

The product can be used without or without foundation and it's formulated without oils or fragrance, so it's safe for sensitive skin. They recommend the Prettied Up for fair skin, the Shimmied Up for medium, and the Amped Up for dark skin tones.

Bailey, my 18 year old, has been using the Shimmied Up regularly since it arrived. She said she likes to swirl the brush through all three colors for bronzing her face. She uses the darkest color (outer rim) to deepen her eye makeup at the crease. She likes that the product is so easy to use, that it fits easily in her purse-size makeup kit, and that you can use the colors however you want - all at once, or individually. Everything you need in one little kit for the perfect Summery glow, without the sun.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway!!

Image credit: Michelle Hamor Smith