Tonks' Perfumery: Personal Collection

In recent months I've accumulated more than my share of perfume - here's a look at all of the bottled concoctions that make up my current fragrance collection!

Justin Bieber - Girlfriend: I love this as an everyday fragrance. It's sweet but not coyly so, and the mandarin adds the perfect hint of tartness. A lot of people don't give it a second look (or sniff) because it's got Bieber's name on it, but this was produced by Elizabeth Arden and as a company they're known for pumping out extremely popular celebrity scents. I've gotten a compliment every time I've worn this around anyone! Here is the description from Fragrantica: Top notes are designated to represent a "Chance" in love and provide an exciting splash of mandarin, blackberry, pear and strawberry. The heart is marked as "Dream" and includes accords of pink freesia, star jasmine, apricot and orange blossom. The base is a "Kiss", containing sensual notes of vanilla orchid, luminous musk and white amber.

Lady Gaga - Fame: I remember the first time I smelled this, not long after its release - my roommate and I were shopping around at a local department store and I laid eyes on the display at the closest fragrance counter. I didn't know what to expect - black liquid, intense packaging...I thought it would be some sort of crazy liquorice cocktail. I was so pleasantly surprised with it! I think it's deep and fun and I love to wear this when I go out. Here is the description from Fragrantica: The fragrance is built on three main accords: dark accord, sensual accord and light accord. The dark accord includes poisonous flower Belladonna and incense, which evolve into the sensual and opulent wave of honey drops, saffron and apricot. A floral veil of Sambac jasmine and tiger orchid embody light and beauty.

Rihanna - Nude: This is another scent I love to wear every day. It's aptly named, too - it wears down to smell like your skin but better. It's fresh and has a nice amount of warmth for me. Here is the description from Fragrantica: Fruity aromas of guava, mandarin and pear are located at the opening of the composition. The heart is blended out of white flowers: gardenia petals, velvety Sambac jasmine and creamy orange blossom. The base consists of sandalwood, vanilla orchid and "second skin" musk.

Givenchy - Play for Her: This was the first Givenchy perfume I fell in love with. It's feminine and has a bit of a sporty feel to me, and both of those things are reflected in the packaging. I really love the men's incarnation of this as well. Here is the description from Fragrantica: Top notes include pink peppercorn and orange blossom, followed by the heart of amyris wood, Tiare flower and orchid, wrapped with the base of sandalwood, patchouli, Tonka bean and benzoin.

Givenchy - Ange ou Demon: Probably the most unique fragrance I own - perhaps due to its powdery nature. It's quite strong; I like to dab it on my wrists or behind my ears. Here is the description from Fragrantica: Sweet freshness of the top notes of mandarin, white cumin and saffron opens the way to the opulent floral heart: the strong lily note in alliance with casual notes of Maxillaria orchid and exotic ylang-ylang. The trace is dominated by two woodsy notes: creamy rosewood and dense oak moss absolute, while the powdery and sensual Tonka and vanilla end the composition.

Givenchy - Very Irresistible: Romance in a bottle. I wear this quite often and I think with spring coming up it will wear even more nicely. I have such a penchant for roses! Here is the description from Fragrantica: Irresistible, modern, floral fragrance. This incredibly feminine fragrance was created of five variances of roses. The opening note of anise, delicately-fresh, brings in an original modern nuance in the classical floral harmony. The sharp and piercing beauty of rose has become milder, even warm and comfortable.

Aquolina - Pink Sugar: This is something I like to spray and go. To me, it's a very low-maintenance scent - something I like to pair with little makeup or if I'm just going to get groceries. It's very light, obviously very sweet, and I think it's very pleasant! Here is the description from Fragrantica: It is a very sweet fragrance that smells like fruity candy floss. The top notes are bergamot, Sicilian orange and green nuance of fig leaves. In the heart, a thin lily of the valley note enjoys the company of liquorice blossom and red fruits. The gourmand drydown is composed of vanilla, caramel, woodsy and musky notes.

Viktor and Rolf - Flowerbomb: This perfume is special to me - my parents gifted me this pink-boxed treasure, knowing I'd wanted it for so long. This feels very elegant to me! Here is the description from Fragrantica: Top notes tingle with fresh and sweet accords of bergamot and green tea. A heart is floral and opulent with intensive, sweet and pure Sambac jasmine, seductive Centifolia rose, freesia and Cattleya orchid. Musk and patchouli in a base wrap us with an oriental scent, while its milky and powdery notes gently fondle our skin.

Do you have a signature scent?

♥ Sarah