Swell Smells: Kat Von D & Adora

It looks like Kat Von D has a new fragrance in addition to her new man, (in case you haven't heard, she's dating recent Sandra Bullock ex, Jesse James. Whoop de doo...... Gossip, gossip, gossip...).

I like the bottle, but the top notes are a little fruit-heavy for my nose. Although, I do love the base notes of Patchouli, Musk, and Amber Wood. Sephora shoppers give Kat Von D's Adora 4.5 out of 5 stars. If you've had a chance to smell it, I'd love to hear your opinion.

Adora means "Beloved One" in Latin. For Kat, Adora reflects the next chapter in her personal evolution—an introspective renaissance discovered through deep layers, stories, and scars. She's a romantic soul with an edgy exterior. Adora is a sensual and passionate perfume journey—unexpected and provocative. This scent reveals a stirring glimpse into an enigmatic life…tortured, beautiful, and brutally honest. At the top, crushed juicy notes of lychée and boysenberry intertwine with thyme and a crisp shot of cassis. The heart fuses the distinct sweetness of hyacinth with jasmine to create floral notes, enhanced by freshly peeled mango. At the base, patchouli finds her spiritual matches with sheer musk and amber wood.

It's only available at Sephora. The rollerball Parfum is $16 and the 1.7 oz Eau de Parfum is $55.

Adora fragrance notes: Lychée, Boysenberry, Thyme, Cassis, Hyacinth, Jasmine, Mango Flesh, Patchouli, Sheer Musk, Amber Wood

Image credit: Sephora.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