It was raining cats, dogs and ripped umbrellas in New York City on Monday evening. But I really didn’t care, as I schlepped to Dylan’s Candy Bar to meet Lipstick Jungle’s Lindsay Price for a Degree Fine Fragrances blogger event.
We were greeted by a breathtaking floral station where rununculus, gerber daisies, white roses, cherry blossoms et al stood fresh and flawless in their glass vases. We each got a bouquet of our choosing, and why not? Degree was launching their Fine Fragrances collection: a set of three anti-perspirants and three compatible body mists in Delicious Bliss, Sexy Intrigue, & Classic Romance.
(Lindsay handpicked flowers for her bouquet)
Lindsay Price told me that she really believes in these fragrances, especially in the current economy. According to a Degree survey conducted in February 2009 among 516 women, small indulgences are non negotiable in this economy. Here’s what women won’t do without:
1. Beauty (56%) over sweet treats (yup, women will sacrifice chocolate for their beauty routine)
2. Morning coffee or latte (35%)
3. Chocolate cravings
Degree partnered with Lindsay because she’s passionate about “smart shopping.” Here are some of Lindsay’s tips:
(Here is my “romantic” themed bouquet…guess my fave fragrance of the Degree trio??)
1. Save on accessories (shop vintage)
2. Get your high quality scents for less (ahem….Degree anyone?)
3. Splurge on good makeup that’s for keeps
4. Reassess your style strategy (shop sample sales…don’t spend a million to look like a million).
(Lindsay and moi)
An Interview with Lindsay:
BD: Do you really like Degree Fine Fragrances?
LP: I really do. And I feel I can’t lie about fragrances. I’ve tried everything, you know. When I was in Lipstick Jungle we got so much stuff.
BD: What products won’t you skimp on?
LP: I won’t skimp on makeup brushes and foundation. I can always replace eyeliner, mascara…the perishables. And the drugstore brands are totally fine too…they’re great.
BD: What foundations do you like?
LP: I love Cle de Peau, I use it all the time. I really agrees with me. And the makeup brushes, I’m all over the place, but i really like the ones my makeup artist makes.
BD: Any products you can’t live without?
LP: Apart from the brushes and foundation, I really stock up on my cherry chapstick and I love eyeshadow. In my regular day to day life I don’t use eyeshadow, but I have one good smoky look that I love to create. And the lips, it’s all about the stain lipstick because you can just wear it once and never have to worry about reapplying again like lipgloss.
The Degree Fine Fragrances Collection:
Delicious Bliss: This is a body mist and deodorant that combines fruity notes and a hint of musk. It’s perfect for a tropical getaway or a beach vacay. It has notes of magnolia, jasmine, hyacinth, muguet, apple, peach and raspberry.
Sexy Intrigue: This has “date” fragrance written all over it, because it’s designed to stimulate the senses. Notes of jasmine, rose, blackberry, strawberry and pink grapefruit are the main notes. Vanilla comprises the middle and base notes.
Classic Romance: This is my personal favorite and least overwhelming of the three choices. It has floral notes of peony, muguet, bergamot and orange. The middle notes also include muguet, peony and rose. I’d wear this all day long…at work (because it’s unassuming) and even into the evening.
At www.degree.com and all drugstores nationwide starting March 2009. $3.99 each.