July 14, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

The Many Scents Of A Woman – What’s Yours?:

My good friend Sarah and I went to lunch and shopping in Beverly Hills this past weekend. After a glass of champagne and a chicken Caesar salad at Barney’s, we made our way down to the lower level of the store to check out the massive, new cosmetics and fragrance department. 

In her spare time, Sarah, a PR executive, is a well-known fragrance reviewer and blogger. I asked her, “What’s new in fragrance that would appeal to women in their 40s and 50s?” Sarah reported that the hot trend now is obtaining a “line” of a designer’s fragrance – so women can match their many moods and lifestyles. 

We first looked at Tom Ford’s newest line. It includes Violet Blonde, White Patchouli, Sahara Noir and Black Orchid. A very sexy line (like Tom himself), with retail prices starting at $210. Not cheap.

Wildly popular Sahara Noir’s top notes are bergamot, mandarin orange, violet, ginger, and basil; middle notes are grapefruit blossom, tobacco and black pepper. Base notes are amber, cedar, patchouli, oakmoss, and leather. Sounds like the tasting notes on a wine called “Four Play” I had last weekend in Los Olivos. 

With instant best-seller Violet Blonde, Ford “…presents a stunning, new scent for a new era of feminine glamour. It’s an opulent and dressed-up fragrance that reveals a new face of violet; ravishing intriguing elegance, crafted according to the finest traditions of European perfumery.” Who’s writing the copy for this stuff? Pretty convincing.    

Ford’s Santal Blush, introduced last year, is my new scent. Ford describes it as  “…a textured fusion of creamy sandalwood and exotic Eastern spices, enhanced with intoxicating florals and sumptuous woods to create soft, naked glamour with a mysterious spirit of modern earthiness.” It was a winner in Allure Magazine’s Best Fragrance Awards in 2012.

One reviewer says, “Santal Blush is meant for a confident, sophisticated woman who is just as comfortable being strong as she is feminine. I don’t know why, but I envision a woman with some curves, who is not in her 20s, works hard, but the world still thinks she’s sexy without her having to flaunt it.” I agree. 

Another new line is Estee Lauder’s “Aerin.” The granddaughter of Estee, Aerin has grown into a beautiful, sophisticated woman, now in her 40s. Sarah was particularly interested in checking her line out, since it debuted a few weeks ago. It includes “Gardena Rattan,” “Evening Rose,” “Ikat Jasmine,” “Lilac Path,” and “Amber Musk.”  Aerin believes that, “The effect of scent is really interesting; it can create a mood and change a feeling immediately.” 

Amber Musk, an instant favorite of mine, is described as “a warm inviting scent you want to wrap yourself in – like a soft cozy blanket on a cold snowy night. It blends sensual florals, distinctive amber and creamy musk.” No snow here. I’ll wear it when I take my annual trip to Lake Tahoe in January.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Lilac Path “captures the spirit of Spring and makes it last. It weaves a delicate story of crisp greens, rich blossoms and delicate petals.” I loved it. It’s tough to get a true Lilac scent. It reminded me of warm Spring nights in my home town of Chicago. Intoxicating.

Aerin’s fragrances retail for $110 each. Much better price point than Ford’s. But still pricey.  

To round out this story, I did a little research on the overall top fragrances for any time of day. According to Hollywood Life by Bonnie Fuller, some of the top fragrances for Fall 2013 include:

• Chanel No 5: $98

• Valentino Limited Edition Assoluto Oud: $150

• Coco (Chanel): $98

• Allure (Chanel): $85

• Modern Muse (Estee Lauder): $58

Hot Flash Universe is the go-to source for women over 40 seeking insight into the hottest, most current trends, products, and issues. Topics are approached with candor, intellect, and a healthy dose of humor.

Barbara Bishop is President of Santa Monica-based BBPR, Inc. For comments or suggestions, email Barbara.bishop@bbprinc.com.

in News
<>Related Posts

Veterans Tech Group to Launch Los Angeles Chapter with Networking Event

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Founded in San Francisco, VetsInTech operates 20 chapters nationwide and claims more than 60,000 veterans VetsInTech, a national nonprofit that...

Film Review: Jurassic World: Rebirth

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

“The story is simplistic and predictive, and that’s all it needs to be, because the age-old battle to survive the...

Santa Monica Assault Suspect Faces Multiple Charges, Authorities Seek Additional Victims

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

Marbra allegedly assaulted a 52-year-old woman on the Strand in Santa Monica, facing a felony count of assault with intent...

SM.a.r.t.Column: Does the Rand Corporation have a future in Santa Monica?

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

“Although no one said it outright, it is clear to all that RAND is feeling—and will continue to feel—the impact...

County Health Leaders Decry Federal Policy Barring Undocumented from Programs

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The officials argued the policy jeopardizes care for all residents, noting it could deter people—regardless of status—from seeking treatment  Leaders...

County Supervisors Move to Preserve Measure J Amid Charter Error

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Measure J mandates that at least 10% of the county’s locally generated, unrestricted funds be allocated to community investments like...

LA Medical Center Seeks Help Identifying Unconscious Patient

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

He has been unconscious since admission, and staff have been unable to determine his identity Los Angeles General Medical Center,...

Mayor Bass Issues Directive to Protect Immigrant Communities

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The order expands access to city resources for affected families and requests records from ICE, including details on arrests Mayor...

Downtown Santa Monica CEO Andrew Thomas to Step Down

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Thomas, who rejoined DTSM, Inc. in 2022, oversaw the introduction of a private security program, expanded homeless outreach, and boosted...

Conservancy to Tour Historic Miles Playhouse at State of the City Event

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Built in 1929, the Miles Playhouse serves as the centerpiece of Lincoln Park The Santa Monica Conservancy will offer 15-minute...

Sen. Ben Allen Highlights Challenges, Economic Gains for LA28 Olympics

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The remarks came during the first informational hearing of the Senate’s Special Committee on International Sporting Events State Sen. Ben...

(Video) Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

To Sign Up Now, Go To Schoolofrock.com Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars To...

L.A. Louver Marks David Hockney’s 88th with Exhibit

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Hockney, a British artist born in 1937, gained fame with the British Pop Art movement and later became known for...

Suspect Arrested in Shoe Retail Theft Spree Across LA County

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

During the search, police recovered two firearms and a significant quantity of merchandise The Los Angeles Police Department’s Organized Retail...

Suspect Arrested in Santa Monica Pier Arson Incidents

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The suspect, matching video footage from an arcade, was taken into custody Santa Monica Police Department officers arrested a suspect...