In store scentsation
Smart girls are spending on fragrance for Christmas now, says Paul Healy, cosmetic supervisor at Debenham’s Patrick Street store. “Gift sets are clever buys,” he advises. “If you’re paid monthly, then there are only two cheques to go, and sets offer fabulous value. The smart shopper is buying already and we’re seeing gift sets moving. Buy wiser, start now!” he laughs.
So what’s he tipping the nod to, scent-wise? The biggest olfactory trend in perfumery in recent years has been for the fruitichouli category; sweet, vanilla-soaked accords with lots of sugar that appeal to younger customers. Located on bustling Patrick Street with lots of footfall and schools nearby, the store is tapping into that youth audience. “Justin Bieber is flying out the door, Harajuku Lovers is massive as is Diesel’s new Loverdose, Paco Rabanne One Million and DKNY Golden Delicious,” reveals Paul.
Debenhams isn’t all about doing it for the kids, though. “Getting nearer to Christmas, we’ll sell a lot of Coco Chanel and No5, and Aramis will do well too,” he anticipates. Paul’s also hotly tipping Prada’s Candy scent, Elie Saab’s Le Parfum, Fan di Fendi and Valentino’s hot new Valentina juice as big hitters for autumn winter. “It’s a way for girls to buy into a brand. If they can’t afford the shoes or the handbag, then they can have their bit of designer luxury without the price point.”
Fancy a new scent style? With oodles of brand new options glittering on beauty counters, here are five to try.
Created by the perfumer behind the kooky Escentric Molecule brand, this floral spritz has knock-out packaging and is reminiscent of Narciso Rodriguez’s Essence. It’s a really wearable floral blend that includes tiare flower, magnolia and rose.
A real nod to old-school scent for guys, this has the all-important nuzzle factor thanks to bright citrus notes that turn warm and creamy on the skin once it’s settled.
Couturier Saab is most famous for his fairytale gowns and this smooth, full-bodied floral is a good bridal bet, too, thanks to lots of jasmine and florals. Grown up and elegant.
Adorned with the classic handbag motif, this screams fashion. Chunky glass packaging houses a fruity floral fragrance that’s got accents of tangerine and leather on the dry-down.
A sugar-laden oriental floral, the perfume opens with star anise and mandarin on an oriental base of amber, vanilla and woody notes. Not for the faint-hearted, this is for outgoing party girls.
The iTunes store abounds with brilliant free beauty apps for iPhone and iPad. Entertainment and education options are well catered for and here are three essential downloads.
Glamour Fast Beauty for iPhone (free)
This clever little app gives bite-size, well-filmed and edited video tutorials on a range of simple — yet often tricky — beauty skills. Learn the best desk-side mani, get quick tips for the perfect red pout and teach yourself how to master eyeliner and the smokey eye on the go.
L’Oréal Paris Beauty Confidential for iPad (free)
This magazine-style app is beautifully-produced and showcases all the brand’s latest launches along with insider tips and tricks. A special spread is a boon for fans of Cheryl Cole and even shows you how to get her style too.
Hair Makeover for iPhone (free)
Providing laughs and inspiration, Hair Makeover allows you to try on hundreds of hairstyles for size before you go for the snip. Either select a self-portrait from your memory card or use the phone’s camera to take a new one and get busy dropping curls, bobs and razor-cuts on top to see what’ll work!
Elie Saab at Debenhams and department stores; Diesel at Debenhams and department stores; Fendi at Debenhams and department stores; Samui 17 Drawbridge Street, Cork, 021-4278080; Sisley at Brown Thomas, Cork.
