Perfume Blog

Question: I received a bottle of really expensive perfume for Mother’s Day. I was planning to wear it only for special occasions, but my daughter says I should use it daily. She says it will spoil if I don’t use it fast enough. I’ve never had a scent spoil before. Does this happen?

Answer: Your perfume won’t spoil, exactly, but it may become stale over time. That is, it may lose some of its potency, and the top notes — the signature scent you smell when you first spritz the perfume — may fade or change slightly.

But if you store your special perfume in a cool, dark place (the refrigerator is ideal), it should last a year or two. So if you really love it, why not enjoy it every day?

And by the way, it’s not true that a change in color signals a change in the scent. Some fragrances just naturally darken over time.

Today’s shoe styles walk the gamut, so stick with classics

Q: It is years since I bought new shoes — and it shows. Every pair in my closet is revoltingly shabby. It is so long since I was last in a shoe store, I have no idea what is in style. I need some heels for work (not too high) and some flats for the weekend. So what is in fashion?

A: Shoes are bright and shiny this summer. Popular colors include hot pink, turquoise and citrus shades such as orange and yellow, as well as multicolored prints. Patent leather is also trendy — for pumps, flats and sandals. And wedge heels and platforms are in vogue.

But considering how infrequently you update your shoe wardrobe, you may want to avoid these passing trends, which will look sadly outdated a year from now. Invest in more classic styles instead — and choose the best-quality shoes you can afford.

Mid-heel pumps or slingbacks in black, navy, brown or light tan are smart choices for the office. Save the fun, funky, high-fashion sandals and flats for weekend wear.

Protect kids from sun

Q: What kind of sunscreen is best for little kids? My grandsons are 2 and 4, and will be spending part of the summer with me here in Florida.

A: Look for a cream formulation with an SPF level of at least 15 and broad-spectrum coverage to block both UVA and UVB rays. Cream is easier to apply on squirming youngsters. It doesn’t drip like oil or get in the eyes and hair like sprays.

Make applying sunscreen part of your daily routine so the kids come to expect it and don’t fight it. Remember to apply at least 15-30 minutes before they go outdoors. Reapply every two hours, more often after sweating, swimming or toweling off.

Should you still spot signs of sunburn, insist the boys cover up with a lightweight shirt, even for swimming. Hats also provide good protection, the wider the brim, the better.

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It’s all about the bottle

Most moms love a gift of fragrance - and even if yours doesn’t have a favorite perfume, she’ll love to display these great bottles.

The new Gucci by Gucci comes in a striking bottle with a pink-gold-toned horsebit, the company’s signature; $65 and $85 at Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and Sephora.

Missoni Acqua’s new collector’s bottle was inspired by a Missoni scarf; the 15ml perfume is $300 at Nordstrom.

Two new DKNY Delicious scents come in apple-juice-inspired bottles with removable apple charms, $55 at major department stores.

Polish sculptor Bronislaw Krzysztof worked with Sisley to create this unique bottle for its Soir de Lune fragrance, $120-$240 at select Bloomingdale’s.

Badgley Mischka’s signature fragrance evokes the glamour of the ’40s with a cut-glass bottle and silver-bezeled cap; $45-$90 at major department stores.

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Mother’s Day is this Sunday, but we’re guessing there are more than a few of you still scrambling for a gift. British perfumery Jo Malone’s limited edition Lotus Blossom & Water Lily scent gives last-minute buyers an alternative to typical department store fragrances. A blend of mandarin, lotus blossom, bamboo and aloeswood, this light, summery perfume will please the most discerning of noses.

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Dressing gowns, perfume and jewellery are emerging as the hot items to spoil mum this Mother’s Day, while white goods and kitchenware once again headlining the ‘what’s not hot’ list.

Massage cushions, candles and throw rugs are also selling well in gift stores as Sunday approaches.

“I’ve seen a few toasters being sold with some gift wrap, but most people are buying dressing gowns, slippers, perfume and chocolate, the things that keep Mum warm, smelling good and happy,” retail worker Sharon said.

Mother-of-two Tanya, 36, said she was already putting her Mother’s Day gift into good use.

“My daughters are a bit too little to buy me a gift so my husband gave me a voucher to buy new clothes, which I’m using early so that I have something to wear on Sunday when all the family gets together for our Mother’s Day lunch,” she said.

Another shopper Paul, 22, wants to impress his Mum with a thoughtful gift this year.

“I’m organising a weekend away at a B&B down South for my parents. This year I’m thanking mum for all the help she’s given me and my partner with our new baby daughter,” he said.

While retailers in America are expecting a flower sale slump because of the grim economic situation, Perth florists are expecting a bumper trade for Mother’s Day.

Florists Linda and Tiane said that many sons and daughters living overseas had put in their flower orders early for their mums and they are expecting a last minute boom in flower sales from Saturday shoppers.

“People have all year to think of their mothers but they don’t, they usually just rush into the florist the day before,” Linda said.

This year’s most popular perfume for mum is Armani Code, said Minna, who works at The Perfume Connection.

“Mother’s Day and Christmas are our two busiest times of year for perfume sales,” she said.

Prouds saleswoman Leah said that the most popular gift by far is the heart shaped break away pendant with ‘Mum and Daughter’ written on it.

Shane, 10, and his eight-year-old brother Tom will be giving their mum something that they made at school and breakfast in bed, while 14-year-old Katie will be getting her mum a voucher for a manicure and a facial.

“I think she deserves a bit of a spoil,” Katie said.

Simone, 42, has her fingers crossed about her Mother’s Day surprise.

“I’m hoping to be taken out for dinner; I don’t really need anymore knick knacks or pyjamas,” she said.

MEAGAN BRADY

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The pricey scent is this spring’s must-have rose fragrance.

By Elizabeth Khuri

Sending a dozen gorgeous red roses is a safe bet for Mother’s Day. But if you’re looking for something even more alluring, try this spring’s must-have rose fragrance: Kilian’s Liaisons Dangereuses. The perfume, with its notes of Ceylon cinnamon, geranium, Indian sandalwood and musk layered over Damascus rose, is at once complex and ethereal. Kilian’s is one of the season’s new rose scents, joining those by Escada, Paul Smith and Armani.

Yes, it’s expensive–$225 for 50 milliliters. But it’s made to be remembered, with a refillable spray bottle that comes in an elegant black lacquer box.

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