Latest news with #fragrance
The Sun
an hour ago
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
I tried the £3.50 dupe of Sol de Janeiro's viral body mist — it's identical and £20 cheaper
SOL de Janeiro's signature Cheirosa 62 scent has been a viral favourite for several years now, but it doesn't come cheap. Superdrug has answered beauty fans' prayers by releasing a dupe of the cult body mist, and I put the £3.50 buy to the test. Fruit Caramel & Pistachio Body Mist, £3.49 from Superdrug The premium perfume costs £24 for a 90ml bottle, while Superdrug's version is £20 cheaper for a 100ml bottle. The retailer isn't hiding the fact that its Fruity Mist Caramel & Pistachio Spray is a dupe of the iconic Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 62' fragrance. Even at first glance, the similarities are clear, but does the beauty dupe hold up against the real thing? Spoiler alert: it certainly does. Performance Cheirosa 62' is known and loved for its warm mix of pistachio, salted caramel and vanilla, and the high-street version follows suit with almost identical notes (minus the vanilla). I put the two scents head-to-head to see how they compared, assessing the scent, longevity, packaging and value for money. Fruit Caramel & Pistachio Body Mist, £3.49 from Superdrug BUY HERE Sol de Janeiro's fragrance has a warmer tone, while Superdrug's version smelt slightly more intense, feeling more like a perfume than a body mist. I roped several of my colleagues into blindly testing both fragrances, and three out of four were convinced that Superdrug's version was the more expensive. I roped several of my colleagues into blindly testing both fragrances, and three out of four were convinced that Superdrug's version was the most expensive. As for lasting power, there was still a light hint of both scents on my wrist after a few hours, with Sol de Janeiro's spray lingering ever so slightly longer. However, I'd say both mists require top-ups throughout the day, and it's easier to justify the extra spritzing when a bottle costs less than a fiver. Both give a light, fresh scent that reminds me of being on holiday, and the smaller bottles are perfect for packing on trips away. Comparing the ingredients list, Superdrug has 17 ingredients, while Sol de Janeiro keeps it simple with just eight. Price and packaging Not only is Superdrug's £3.49 spray £20 less than Sol de Janeiro's, but the 100ml bottle is also slightly larger. The packaging of the two models is almost identical — both come in plastic bottles with spray nozzles (which work well for getting the most out of the product). Both contain a similar caramel-coloured formula, but Sol de Janeiro's packaging takes the edge with its signature white branding, which feels slightly more luxe. Superdrug's body mist comes in five scents, and shoppers have noted that the Vanilla and Violet is also a dupe of Sol de Janeiro's Vanilla & Violet mist. Sol de Janeiro's body mist is a regular in Boots' popular beauty boxes. The latest release is the retailer's £55 Love Island Beauty Box worth £290, featuring the trending body mist in the Cheirosa 48' scent. Beauty Bay launched a £35 holiday beauty box earlier in the year, which contained a mini version of Sol de Janeiro's Bum Bum Cream. shoppers were also rushing to pick up Lidl's version of the cult perfume.
South China Morning Post
a day ago
- South China Morning Post
5 inspiring museums to visit in Guangdong for history, jewellery and more
Sweltering outside? Skip the sun and chill out in a world of cool air and culture. From ancient Chinese medicine to immersive fragrance experiences, these fascinating museums in Guangdong offer the perfect summer escape. 1. Guangdong Chinese Medicine Museum, Guangzhou Guangdong Chinese Medicine Museum in China. Nestled within the Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine in the Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, this museum provides a deep dive into the rich legacy of Lingnan traditional Chinese medicine . Its most striking feature is a soaring 'crystal palace' of over 600 herb specimens suspended in liquid, spanning three floors. Visitors can explore themed halls dedicated to ancient medical tools, acupuncture, herbal therapies, wellness regimens and more, each weaving together stories of healing traditions from Neolithic stone needles to Qing dynasty bronze models. 232 Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Panyu District, Guangzhou. Free admission, reservation required via the museum's official WeChat account 2. Xuelei Fragrance Museum, Guangzhou Xuelei Fragrance Museum in Guangzhou, China. Photo: Handout This is the world's largest fragrance museum, an immersive 75,000 sq ft space blending scent, technology and art. From ancient Egyptian incense rituals to Song dynasty court aromas and the rise of modern perfumery, this museum takes your nose on a time-travelling adventure. Visitors can sample over 300 unique scents, interact with digital scent installations and marvel at a treasure trove of aromatic artefacts. 1 Ketai 2nd Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou. Tickets cost US$14, book via Meituan or Dianping 3. Guangzhou Thirteen Hongs Museum The Guangzhou Thirteen Hongs Museum in Guangzhou, China, looks at the legacy of the area's hongs, or merchant houses. Photo: Handout In the 18th and 19th centuries, during the Qing dynasty , Guangzhou was the sole Chinese port engaged in foreign maritime trade. The Guangzhou Thirteen Hongs Museum, located on the original site of the bustling trading zone, brings this golden era to life. With more than 5,000 artefacts and rare documents, including Cantonese porcelain, reverse-glass paintings, ivory carvings and other export treasures, the museum vividly showcases the prosperity and global connections of the area.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Shoppers race to buy 'magic' item with 8,000 strong waitlist: 'It's giving five-star hotel vibes'
Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more A 'sultry and provocative' new fragrance - so hotly anticipated it amassed a waitlist of 8,000 shoppers before its release - has just launched, to the delight of its eager fans. Aussie brand Recreation Beauty has taken the fragrance world by storm with the release of its sought-after new perfume, aptly named L'HÔTEL. The clean fragrance wasn't even on shelves yet when customers began pleading with the brand to find out when it would be available to buy. During its recent EOFY sale, Recreation Beauty teased fans with its new 'magic' scent by including samples of L'HÔTEL as a gift with purchase - a genius marketing move that sparked overwhelming demand. 'The best perfume scent I've ever smelled,' one shopper who received an early sample enthused - adding that they were 'setting an alarm to buy it.' Another fan compared the new fragrance to a high-end brand priced at $350, saying: 'I'm very picky but the L'HÔTEL is one of the best vanilla scents I've smelled, definitely the best 'clean beauty' vanilla. Hands down my favourite.' The day has finally arrived, and the new release - described as a modern floral vanilla fragrance, that is 'equal parts sophisticated and sweet' - is already selling fast. Priced at $124 for a 50mL bottle or $49 for a 12mL travel size, L'HÔTEL features top notes of whipped bergamot and velvety peony, layered with warm Tahitian vanilla, sun-drenched woods and a soft musky rose that lingers from day into night. L'HÔTEL 50mL by Recreation Inspired by the sensuality of a luxury hotel, this floral vanilla fragrance features top notes of whipped bergamot, musky rose and velvety peony. Heart notes of creamy Tahitian vanilla with sandalwood and cedarwood meet a seductive base of musk and amber. $124 'I wanted to create a luxury scent that feels like being wrapped in a cloud of pure, gorgeous indulgence. If L'HÔTEL was a celebrity, she would be Sabrina Carpenter - all sexy and soft, super glam and so luxe,' Recreation Beauty founder Nedahl Stelio told Daily Mail Australia. 'It's the kind of scent you want to wear in a hotel with fluffy slippers while drinking champagne, it's so delicious. L'HÔTEL was born from the idea that a scent can transport you - just like an incredible hotel. 'I wanted to capture that feeling of stepping into a beautiful space that's chic, luxe and a little bit mysterious. It's inspired by that luxurious feeling you can only get from a five-star hotel - that undone glamour you find in the world's most divine places. 'It's not just a perfume: it's a mood, a memory, a moment you want to stay in forever.' Not only does L'HÔTEL smell 'divine' but Nedahl also said the price point makes it affordable compared to designer brands on the market. 'We create our perfumes with world renowned perfumers so they are incredibly premium. You're getting a designer quality fragrance that is also clean,' she said. 'There are no nasties in our perfumes which means you can spray all over and feel good about wearing fragrance. And it's a gorgeous pinky purple colour, we wanted to recreate that luxury hotel room feeling in a bottle - and it really does that.' The former magazine editor said she couldn't believe the waitlist the perfume attracted in the weeks leading up to its launch. 'We're an Australian brand battling it out in a sea of giant designer brands, it's surreal to be able to say we have so many people around the world who are loving our scents,' Nedahl said. Shoppers who have already bought L'HÔTEL have given it a glowing five-star rating. ' L'HÔTEL is my new favourite. Delicious, fresh, feminine and young, but with a hint of mysterious complexity. I love that I can wear the perfume any time without worrying about the artificial fragrances or (harsh) chemicals, often found in luxury perfumes,' one customer raved. 'This fragrance feels like strolling through a hidden rose garden at Versailles. Smooth sweet vanilla and enchanting pink flowers. Heavenly,' another shared. Social media feedback has been overwhelmingly positive in the weeks leading up to the launch, with one fan raving: 'Such a beautiful scent. Smells so expensive… nailed this one.' L'HÔTEL 12mL Travel Size Take L'HÔTEL on the road with you with the compact 12mL travel size. Sultry, provocative and powerfully mysterious, L'HÔTEL is not just a fragrance…it's a mood. A presence. A little danger wrapped in silk… the quiet confidence of knowing you smell amazing. $49 Shop The award-winning clean fragrance house was inspired by the sensuality of a luxury hotel for their latest launch. 'This is the scent of late checkouts and whispered secrets. Feminine, refined, and effortlessly sensual - L'HÔTEL turns every moment into a five-star experience,' the brand said. 'Sultry, provocative and powerfully mysterious, L'HÔTEL is not just a fragrance… it's a mood. A presence. A little danger wrapped in silk… the quiet confidence of knowing you smell amazing.' The scent features top notes of bergamot, musky rose and peony, heart notes of creamy Tahitian vanilla with sandalwood and cedarwood, and a seductive base of musk and amber Recreation Beauty was launched in 2019 after Nedahl saw a gap in the market for clean, non-toxic luxury fragrance. 'Perfume is one of the worst offenders but there was no clean, luxury perfume on offer. That's when I knew I had to create something that was as safe as it was beautiful and luxurious,' she said. The award-winning fragrance house based in Bondi Beach, Sydney has grown rapidly over the years - with celebrities and Influencers amongst its fans. 'Our fragrances take more than two years to design because we spend a lot of time working with our perfumers and creating designer quality scents without the toxic chemicals,' she said. 'Everything is created with international perfumers and then we make the perfume here in Australia, manufacturing everything in our Sydney HQ.' The Aussie-born brand has become so popular that a UK warehouse was recently opened to meet growing global demand. 'We've just launched in the US and the UK and have had incredible reception so it's really just the beginning for us,' she said. Recreation Beauty is the brainchild of former magazine editor Nedahl Stelio, who launched the brand in 2019 to fill a gap in the market for clean, non-toxic luxury fragrance All of award-winning clean fragrance house Recreation's ingredients are ethically-sourced, vegan, and cruelty-free with no animal products used All of Recreation Beauty 's ingredients are ethically-sourced, vegan, and cruelty-free with no animal products used. 'If you've never tried Recreation Beauty, think of it as your invitation to experience fragrance differently,' Nedahl said. 'We're a clean fragrance house from Bondi Beach, creating perfumes that smell incredible - luxurious, addictive, unforgettable - without the toxins. Our scents are designed to make you feel amazing in your skin, and they last. 'It's for people who care about what goes on their body but refuse to compromise on smelling extraordinary.' One of their fragrances, At Night We Dance, a spicy musk with notes of orange, magnolia and vetiver, won Best Perfume at The Green Edit awards in 2022. Another standout, This Love of Mine, a summery white floral blend of jasmine, gardenia, sandalwood and vanilla, has earned nearly 400 five-star reviews and remains one of the brand's consistent bestsellers. Fans of the brand also love the discovery sets, where they can trial eight scents in 2.5ml sample sizes for $50, and receive a $20 credit to put towards their favourite when they're ready to purchase a full size bottle.
RNZ News
2 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
The New Zealander redefining what luxury means
business life and society 42 minutes ago Every day, millions experience a bit of Kiwi creativity thanks to Christopher Yu. He left New Zealand for London 25 years ago as a tax attorney, but after being made redundant, he followed his nose to a new role, leading companies that transform perfume and candles into experiences of storytelling and design. Now, after decades at the center of Europe's luxury fragrance world, and with some encouragement from his mum in Lower Hutt, Christopher Yu is coming home to help redefine Kiwi luxury.
Harpers Bazaar Arabia
2 days ago
- Business
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
Oman's Most Iconic Perfume House Amouage Launches An Arabic Website
From Muscat to the world, the brand nods to its roots with its digital expansion Born in Oman and sold across nearly 100 countries, it's safe to say Amouage has earned its place on the global fragrance landscape. But while its reach is international, the luxury fragrance house has always belonged, first and foremost, to the Arabian Gulf. Now, with the launch of a dedicated Arabic website and Instagram account, Amouage is coming even closer to it's home region, through the language, the visuals, and even a newly revealed Arabic logo. The new Arabic-language website offers the full Amouage universe, tailored specifically to the expectations of the region's unmistakably fragrance-forward clientele. Providing a journey that goes from discovery to delivery, the newly launched digital spaces continue to tie the region's love of scents. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amouage Arabia (@amouagearabia) Founded in the Sultanate of Oman in 1983, Amouage was originally conceived as 'The Gift of Kings'. Over the decades, the brand has redefined Arabian perfumery through bold creativity and refined craftsmanship, developing a loyal international following while remaining grounded in the rich traditions of its birthplace. Today, Amouage fragrances are available in nearly 100 countries, with 16 standalone boutiques in cities including Muscat, Dubai, New York, Shanghai and Kuala Lumpur. Despite this global status, the launch of these new Arabic platforms reminds us of where the brand's story began.
