Finding A Favorite Fragrance: Etienne Aigner for Women

When I first started my Hunt for the Perfect Lipstick, I mentioned I'd found my ideal foundation (M-A-C Studio Fix) and my ideal mascara (Urban Decay Skyscraper Mascara).

That said, I'm a major perfume junkie. Thank a very close friend of mine who was once fragrance department manager at a high-end department store for this addiction. Fragrances rule, and she kept me in supply until she changed jobs and now manages the Laura Mercier department at a DC-area Bloomingdales.

My first review in this new feature is a parfum by one of my favorite designers, Etienne Aigner's "Aigner Black for Women".


Candidate: Etienne Aigner's "Aigner Black for Women" (Etienne Aigner International)

Purchased: 99Perfume.com

Cost: $55.00 for 4.2 fluid ounces

Brand Info: Etienne Aigner International
Italian fashion designer Etienne Aigner, who designed a line of handbags used by Christian Dior and other 1950s European designers, launched his own business in 1959. Today, Etienne Aigner is synonymous with quality Italian leathers shoes, gloves, handbags, and more.

The Bottle: Short oval black glass bottle, large oval top with gold rim and black leather insert with "Aigner" on the lid. Remove the lid to spray the parfum

The Fragrant Notes: Incense, Mandarin, Vanilla, Rose (Damascone), Musk (black), Leather (Cashmere). An intense blend of scents that's not for everyone.

The Application: Goes on bold and strong. Warms up well. Last hours.

The Wear: The florals and vanilla keep the fragrance from turning sour, the opposite of many fruit-based fragrances. Also, you just can't go wrong with Damascone Rose Water.

The Verdict: Really for winter, feels "heavy" and probably would not work in the spring. That said, it's well worth a try if you're into Vanilla, Rose, and Musk.