Graduation Gift Ideas: Fragrances

Graduation is one of the ultimate symbols for new beginnings – what a better gift than a new fragrance to go along with this new chapter in your loved one’s life.  

We’ve put together this list of women’s fragrances that we think truly encompass the personality of graduates and would make great gifts for recent grads (whether its high school, college, grad school, wherever!)

Marc Jacobs Daisy 

60704Marc Jacobs has been on a roll with his fragrance collection. He just won the 2009 FiFi Hall of Fame Icon Award, and last year at the FiFi’s, his top selling fragrance, Daisy won Women’s Luxe Fragrance of the Year Award.  In 2008, Daisy also won the CEW Award for Best Women’s Scent.

Back in August 2007, Jacobs told Teen Vogue: “What I really wanted to do was take the joy of youth and put it in a bottle…I love the notion of daisies. But they don’t have a scent. So I had to craft something that reflected the spirit of the flower, with all its heady, whimsical, and sweet connotations.” 

Graduation can be a nostalgic time.  Daisy is perfect as your recent graduate looks back on some fond youthful memories.  

Described as a “floral bouquet” with hints of strawberry, red grapefruit, violet leaves and musk, Marc Jacobs’ Daisy is available as an Eau de Toilette in 1.7oz and 3.4 oz, as a Body Lotion, Body Butter, and Shower Gel.  Combine two, three or all to complete the perfect grad gift!

Vera Wang Princess and Rock Princess

66313Vera Wang’s Princess chas been a best seller and editorial favorite ever since it launched in 2006. The scent won for favorite women’s fragrance in 2007 in Allure Magazine‘s Reader’s Choice Awards. And, Vera Wang herself, was given the same honor that Marc Jacobs just received at the 2008 at the FiFi Awards (Hall of Fame Icon Award).  Princess is self-proclaimed, “Playful. Unpredictable. Fearless,” three qualities that should envelop the personality of any recent grad.

With the success of Princess, Vera Wang began launching limited edition spin-off fragrances from the original. Last year, the first spinoff was Flower Princess, this year it’s Rock Princess.

67551Rock Princess is a great graduation gift because the vibe of the entire fragrance from the ad campaign to the rebellious smokey gray bottle design, to the smell itself embody an attitude and personality.

Lori Singer, the Group VP of Global Marketing for Coty Prestige Designer Fragrances told WWD, “The scent brings a hip, rebellious side of the princess to counter…we think every girl can find her own princess.” The brand encourages buyers to do just that. On the perfume’s official website,  you can literally become your own princess. You make up a name, pick out what your castle looks like, and join discussions with other “princesses.”

Vera Wang Princess comes as a Eau de Toilette spray in three sizes (1oz, 1.7oz, and 3.4oz) It’s also available as a Body Lotion, and Body Butter. Discount Beauty Center also has a Four Piece Vera Wang Princess Gift Set, that includes the spray in two sizes, 2.5 oz of the Princess Body Lotion, plus the Princess Foamy Body Polish. Rock Princess is available in 3.4 oz.

Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy

65941-1“For Juicy girls who want it all,” this fragrance was an automatic best seller. In fact, sales were down for the Elizabeth Arden fragrance line before Viva La Juicy was launched. According to Barron’s it received the number one market share of new fragrance launches during the 2008 Holiday season, which was surprising considering the economic downtown.  Viva La Juicy also just tied with Gwen Stefani’s Harajuku Lovers Fragrances for Favorite new Fragrance in the Allure Magainze‘s 2009 Readers Choice Awards

Don’t expect a fancy website with the bells and whistles like for Vera Wang’s Rock Princess. Viva La Juicy sells itself. It’s a blend of various fruity scents including wild berries, madarins, honeysuckle, and jasmine.

Viva La Juicy comes in two sizes (1.7oz and 3.4oz)

New! L’Oreal Extra Volume Collagen Mascara

extravolumeJust when you thought that your lashes couldn’t get any more volume, think again!  L’Oreal Paris has recently introduced their new patented mascara technology with the Extra Volume Collagen Mascara.

Not only is this mascara wand twice as big as their traditional volumizing mascara brush, but the mascara itself is formulated with hydra-collagen, which helps thickens lashes (without the clumps!)  

L’Oreal’s Extra Volume Collagen Mascara comes in three basic colors: black, blackest black, and black-brown.

 

Click on the video to see the commercial for L’Oreal’s Extra Volume Mascara featuring Eva Longoria Parker.

Father’s Day Gift Ideas Part 4: Shaving Essentials

Shaving products – definitely a safe bet for Dad considering that about 90% of all adult males shave at least once a day.  We’ve put together a men’s shaving essentials checklist for Dad.  Do some snooping, find out what he’s missing, and you will be smooth sailing.

Exfoliating Face Wash

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It is important that before a shave, Dad washes his face with an exfoliating face scrub.  Ideally, he will shave right after the shower too.  These two things open pores, and make hair softer, which ultimately prevents razor burn and ingrown hairs.  We recommend Lab Series Face Scrub, which actively exfoliates the skin’s texture, prepping it for shaving.  If his skin is a little more sensitive, he may want to try Woody’s Exfoliating Pre Shave Cleanser, which is specifically design to exfoliate without irritating the skin.

Shaving Cream

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Dad probably has some version of shaving cream already, but a good one should be designed to lubricate the skin while also protective from razor burn, nicks, and cutst.  We recommend Ahava for Men Foam Free Silk Shave Cream, which is designed especially to provide the smoothest, irritant-free shave possible.  For extra sensitive skin, we also recommend the best selling Lab Series Maximum Comfort Shave Cream, an extra-creamy formula that’s both fragrance-free and oil-free.  

Another great product is Murad Man Cleansing Shave Cream.  It’s a combo cleanser and shave cream all in one, creates with Murad’s exclusive beard softening complex.  

Shave creams should be applied with a proper shaving brush, like the Luxor Professional Shaving Brush, which is made with badger hair, the widely accepted most effective type of bristle for shaving brushes.

Shave Gel

Shaving gels have become more popular recently because they are easy to apply and create an even smoother surface for razors.  However, because shave gels are thicker than shave cream, they are more likly to be greasy and to clog pores.  One shave gel we’ve found that won’t leave any greasy residue is Clubman Smooth Shave Gel.

Razors/Blades

48253There are a few kinds of razors Dad can use.  A basic safety razor can come with anywhere from one to five blades.  But if he wants a really close shave, he can opt to use a professional razor, like the Luxor Professional Barber Shaver or the Diamond Edge Razor. Traditional blades like these create the smoothest possible shave, free of razor burn or bumps.  Just make sure Dad knows how to use it! These blades are sharp and can be dangerous if not used properly.

After Shave

ralph-lauren1After shave is extremely important when shaving. Dave should apply it after shaving to help healing small nicks that that can’t always be felt or seen right away.  Many after shaves are alcohol based and can dry out the skin – so make sure that Dad pats it on gently.  Ralph Lauren Polo Original After Shave Splash is one of the most popular after shaves.  Ralph Lauren also makes Polo Blue, Polo Black, and Polo Explorer After Shaves.

Men’s skin care lines are now seeing the effectiveness of a good after shave lotion, and have created specialty products that are formulated specifically to cater to skin irritations.  One that we discussed a few months ago, is Tend-Skin Liquid, the most effective formula we’ve found to protect skin from ingrown hairs and razor burn.

Another great product is Murad Man Razor Burn Rescue, which helps treat and fight razor burn by unclogging pores and adding moisture with a combination of healing antioxidants like Vitamin E and Panthenol.

Shaving Kits and Travel Sets

If you’re still unsure of what to get Dad, we also have several complete Shaving Kits that include travel sized versions of everything Dad could ever want for the perfect shave.  

Caswell-Massey Sandalwood Smooth Operator Shave Kit (a $90 value for only $59.49)

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Caswell-Massey Sandalwood Shaving To-Go Set (a $37 value for only $25.49)

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Clubman Shave Club Travel Pack (only $8.99!) – All clubman products are formulated with aloe vera to help sooth skin and prevent razor burn and irritation.

Further Reading

On Lab Series’ Official Website, they provide an excellent “Guide to the Perfect Shave.”  Perhaps print out a copy and include it with Dad’s gift!