Swell Smells: Smell Bent Holiday Fragrances

I got the latest Smell Bent limited edition smellies in the mail. My favorite thing about this batch is the spicy-woodiness of the notes. My favorite would be Reindeer Games with notes of French Incense, Bergamont, Popular Bud, Amber, Templin, and Douglas Fir. A set of all 5 holiday sample-size sprays would make a great stocking stuffer.

Here's something really swell....

This year, we have created a scent to help benefit an organization which we think is on the forefront of helping others - charity: water. with nearly a billion people in the world struggling for access to clean water, we think the work done by charity: water is more pressing than ever.

For each bottle of scrooge the pooch purchased, 50% of the selling price will go directly to charity: water. for every $20 raised, charity: water can supply clean water to an individual for 20 years.

Scrooge the Pooch is a Chypre with notes of Blood Orange, Aged Patchouli, Vanilla Resin, Bay Leaf, Poplar Bud, Natural Oakmoss, and Musk.



Image credit: Smell Bent

Swell Smells: Smell Bent's Fall Fragrances

I got the newest batch of Smellies in the mail from niche perfumery Smell Bent. Included in the shipment were the limited edition Fall/Halloween fragrances.

One. One has a subtle spicy-woody-vanilla smell to it. It has a nice balance, with the vanilla note coming across the strongest. The notes include Cardamom, Dark Vanilla, Dry Wood, and Sweet Musk.

Lucy Fur. Lucy Fur has "a splash of patchouli," so if you aren't a patchouli lover, you aren't going to like it. Me, I'm pro-patchouli, so I loved it. I keep sniffing my arm again and again. I'd like this one in a candle. (Hey, there's an idea Brent, from Smell Bent - how about some candles?? Possibly I have suggested this idea before. I've got a candle problem.) The notes include Red Musk, Vanilla Cream, and Patchouli.

Helen Carnate. Helen Carnate smells like a cupcake - but not a vanilla cupcake. Oh no. This cupcake would be rich and sinful and chock-full of dark chocolate goodness. Wow. I think this is the chocolate-i-est perfume I've ever smelled. I love it. The notes include Red Musk, Dark Chocolate, Red Mandarin, and Vetiver.

Lumberjack Werewolf. Lumberjack Werewolf smells like a pine forest. It smells like both the trees and the soil. How do they do that? Is it the musk?? The notes include Musk and Timber.

Bewitched Bothered & Bewilderness. BBB stumped me a bit. I definitely smell Cinnamon in there, but I got my daughter to help me try to figure out the rest. She guessed "cinnamon and lavender." I'm guessing there's also an orange element to it, because it reminds me of a pomander, the type you make by studding an orange with nutmeg. Smell Bent describes it as, "the sweet, spicy brew of a bubbling cauldron set against the lush scent of the forest at night." Very mysterious, but a very satisfying fragrance.

Smell Bent now carries their fragrances in a spray, too.  All the above fragrances are only available for a limited time. Get yours before November 1, 2010.

Image credit: Smell Bent.com

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