Daisyvision

If you find Midnight Rose initially too sweet, cloying or fruity - stick around a while longer. It loses some of its fruitiness and gives way to a more sultry, spicy and mysterious vanilla-laced rose (as its name suggests). For me, it is powerful in both sillage and longevity, a small amount goes a long way.

The opening has the same offputting and pungeant sweetness as black licorice & root beer. Luckily, it quickly settles into something a little more spicy and complex. There is almost a 'damp' or dewy quality, like the mustiness of old books or vintage clothing you'd find sitting untouched in the attic after decades - like stumbling on a lost treasure. It's so very '80s, and so very dark, alluring and bold - It could easily be the signature scent of one of Patrick Nagel's white-skinned, red-lipped & dark-haired '80s beauties.

Eau Secrete is a little less vanilla, and a lot more citrus. The citrus is juicy in its opening, but bitter in its drydown. I'm afraid I can't say much more than that - as it takes almost no time at all for this one to start fading away. Though it's a pleasant scent, it's not quite Dior quality, and not reminiscent enough of its predecessor. Sillage and longevity are quite weak, as well. All I can conclude is that though Eau Secrete is just not worth its pricetag.

My first impression of this went something like, 'Ah, a nice & bold vanilla scent, but is it really hypnot- ohhh. There it is!' Something in this concoction tickles the very back of your nose and gives you a lightheaded sensation, similar to that satisfaction you feel after a good sneeze.

It's got a boozy quality, as well (I was certain it had to be bourbon vanilla before I read the notes more closely). To me, this smells almost exactly like Yves Rocher's Vanille Noire (which somehow, I discovered first). Lastly, this juice packs a serious punch - it lasts all day. Absolutely deserving of its name.

I was immediately struck by the commercial for Untold. I just loved that song (which strangely still pops into my head on occasion). I googled all over the place to figure out who or what it was (to no avail). At the time, I didn't care much about perfumes. I had a couple drug store staples and Bath & Body Works mists. I sung along with the song when it happened to come on TV, and otherwise forgot all about it.

Well, one of those drug store favorites had been discontinued for some time, and the price on eBay is only getting higher and higher. While browsing around online, I remembered that commercial.. that song. Untold! I should see if it looks as magical as the commerical made it out to be.

I first bought a mini. Initially, I could smell nothing but pears. I had never even tasted a pear before - but every time I wore Untold, my teeth would chatter and my mouth would water and I just wanted to bite something, haha! I ended up going to the grocery store to buy a pear, and ate one for the first time in my life. Now, I love pears!

And, I also love Untold. I got ahold of a large bottle (for just $10 on eBay!), and quickly began to appreciate its other notes. While pear has the leading role here, the florals sure soften it up, the amber and musk provide warmth and creaminess, but my favorite part is that subtle spiciness! Ugh, just delightful, understated, delicious! It may not be as bold as most of my favorites tend to be, but man, it's a truly remarkable scent in an utterly gorgeous bottle!