Welcome back beauty seekers!
It's been a bit of a random time blogging-wise for me for the last week. I had planned to schedule posts for the week during my downtime following a minor surgical procedure to remove that nasty cyst that has been plaguing my face for so long, however, the surgery resulted in a MONSTROUS headache that kept me away from my computer screen until now. I hate being away from my blog for more than a couple of days! Thought I'd get things rolling along again with another edition of 'Summer Lovin', only this time it's something very different. I don't really do fragrance reviews as I'm not entirely sure I know what I'm talking about but I've been pleasantly surprised by this offering from the Queen of Pop, Rihanna....
'Nude' by Rihanna 30ml* RRP £19.50
I'll be honest here and say that, if this had not been gifted to me at a recent Press Day, I would have avoided it like the plague. I am really not one for celebrity fragrances as I normally find them to be on the sickly side and the packaging a little juvenile in nature. I'll also admit that I am certainly not a fan of Rihanna or her music. She seems to be putting her name to a lot of things lately, not very many of which I've been drawn to, BUT.... I really like this fragrance and have found myself reaching for it a lot recently as a versatile day-to-night Summer scent. My ULTIMATE Summer fragrance has always been Diesel 'Fuel for Life' and this hasn't knocked it off it's pedestal, but it's definite competition!
The fragrance is described as 'Sweet, Floral and Fruity' (and I've Googled this because my nose is useless) and does indeed list fruity notes of Guava, Mandarin and Pear. I think it is the inclusion of Sandalwood, Musk and Vanilla that have won me over and kept it neutral and without being majorly sweet. Sandalwood and Vanilla is an ultimate scent combination for me (as my scented candle collection will attest) and, true to form, my nose fell for it straight away. Nude also brings a floral twist of Jasmin, Gardenia and Orange Blossom to the mix, making it a much more grown up fragrance than those other sickly celebrity fragrances. Guess it goes to show that you shouldn't judge a perfume by the name on it.
I was also impressed with this packaging wise. Once you remove the obligatory sleeve of Rihanna in her bra and shove it firmly in the bin (bleurgh) you are left with a very neutral and feminine-looking bottle which looks very pleasing on one's vanity. I particularly like the silver detailing around the base of the cap shown in the above photo. It just adds a lovely touch.
You can buy this fragrance in 30, 50 and 100ml sizes and it's available from most of the major names in perfume retail. The Perfume Shop online currently have the 50ml on offer at £29.50 with a free bag (Link) which seems like a pretty good deal to me.
Are you sold on celebrity fragrances?? Do you have a particular scent for Summer?? Do you like floral and fruity or do you prefer exotic and spicy??