Dana's Fragrance Blog

Keep checking this page for fragrance information and other tips direct from Dana herself!

Dana Classics – Love’s Baby Soft: The Baby Soft Fragrance With A Grown Up Appeal.

Posted on May 25, 2013 by Dana

The fashionista’s fascination for everything ‘vintage’ has once again led to a revival of cosmetics and fragrances, borne out of the retro years. The spirit of innocence, free love and playfulness influenced many a fragrance of the 60′s, however few survived the couture class of the 80′s and 90′s. One of the few exceptions was Loves Baby Soft – now one of the most popular vintage House of Dana fragrances. Often described to have a playful, powdery youthfulness to it’s aroma, Love’s Baby Soft is a-typically a nostalgic sweetener harking back to an innocent era; many noting how it’s candy-like scent reminds them of childhood or pre-teen years.

Diverse Demographic Appeal

The distinctive baby pink liqueur and pale pastel packaging may scream little girl innocence, however Love’s Baby Soft was actually designed for the 20-something woman in 1974. First connotations of the name may allude to baby-powder, yet Love’s Baby Soft is less baby, and more powder-fresh. Think along the lines of a subtle floral, slightly sweetened with a hint of parma violets; a crispness that lifts the fragrance from a simple musk, and you’d be on the right track.

A Buoyant Blend

Key to Baby Soft’s consistent popularity has been the delicate nature of it’s fragrance. Base notes of light musk, patchouli and vanilla provide a sweet, powdery fixative for the addition of jostling florals such as lavender, geranium and jasmine. Lavender in itself is immensely powerful as a top-note, therefore vanilla takes the edge off with a sweet linen-like crispness any ‘girlie girl’ would love.

Love’s Baby Soft denotes a youthful fragrance with a playful texture, and it certainly lives up to ultra-feminine expectation. But rather than being the over-powering sickly sweet scent one would associate with adolescents wanting to be noticed, Baby Soft is surprisingly silky and subtle. Musk and patchouli have long been used by perfumers to enhance the longevity and sillage of a scent. It’s perhaps for this reason that many concur Love’s Baby Soft to be a subtle, stay-put fragrance that doesn’t fade after the dry-down. Nor is reapplication required every 2-3 hours. The sillage is subtle, yet sweet, therefore very noticeable if applied to the pressure points (e.g behind the ears or décolletage.)

Modest, Yet Alluring

Despite it’s abundantly powdery discern, Love’s Baby Soft is far from a weak or misty scent. Created to essentially capture feminine innocence within a bottle, the slight hint of musk and patchouli ensures that the fragrance works with the skin, and remains consistent throughout the day. It’s the captured kind of playful innocence that encourages people to second guess, look a little closer, lean in a little further just to breathe in such sweetness. It certainly lives up to it’s 1974 advertising slogan: “Because innocent is sexier than you think”!

Baby Soft fanatics tend to be of united agreement when it comes to the nostalgic power of this fantastical fragrance. It harks back to a carefree age when girls could be natural, undefined and free to explore their femininity. The soft twist of lavender adds a floral tartness, that connotes lazy summer days spent playing wild and free in rural fields. By contrast, the simmering base notes combine to give Love’s Baby Soft a gentle kick in the grown-up direction.

Love,

Dana

Posted in General Advice, Perfume, Women | Leave a comment

Dana Classics – Love’s Baby Soft: Because Sweetness Is A Weakness

Posted on April 15, 2013 by Dana

The smell of fresh cotton wafted by a gentle spring breeze. The scent of jasmine along a country lane. The earthy fragrance of a wooded copse. The candy sweet smell of sugary lip-gloss and teenage fantasies. Love’s Baby Soft conjures such personal memories for so many users, that trying to define the scent for just one aspect of nostalgic value is virtually impossible. The classically rubenesque bottle, decorated with girlie candy hearts and pinkness is a reminiscent nod to the vibrant 70′s, when color defined and individualized.

Versatile Sweetness

Clean, contemporary and bearing a wonderfully natural aroma, Love’s Baby Soft represents a fragrance with versatility. Dress it up with the ultra-feminine Love’s Baby Soft Body Wash, or All Over Body Mist for a truly noticeable sweetness; or simply spritz upon the pulse points for casual wear, and a gentle, gradual sillage that will permeate the air around you throughout the day. The beauty of this baby-gentle fragrance is it’s conformity – it can be whatever you choose it to be, and unlike many fragrances, can be layered to achieve just the right level of noticeable aroma.

Laced with the subtle sweetness of jasmine; a soothing hint of rose, and an underlying base note of patchouli; Love’s Baby Soft is delightfully feminine, yet with a musk the 20 plus woman will find quite mature. Herbaceous patchouli is actually a member of the ‘mint’ family, and renowned for it’s woody, spicy notes. Conversely, vanilla takes the edge off what would otherwise be an Opium-like strength of scent, and really boosts those subtle floral notes. The sugary essence that many attribute to Love’s Baby Soft’s gorgeously gentile aroma stems from a delightful infusion of rose to the powdery scent (often likened to strawberries) – surely one of the subtlest finer ingredients to this free-as-a-bird fragrance.

Old vs. New

Those who have been using Love’s Baby Soft since it’s inception in 1974, will no doubt be aware the original fragrance was the product of M.E.M – responsible for the equally popular Love’s Cosmetics, which went down a storm with both teens and twenty-somethings. Love’s Baby Soft proved to be as iconic – the delightfully simple fragrance layers contributing to a clean-cut scent that embodied the innocence of childhood, and the transition into maturity. Women loved it’s youthfulness and subtle sexy undertones – must be the musk!

The present day formula for Love’s Baby Soft remains unchanged from the vintage original, still bearing those essential notes which made the fragrance ripe for it’s time. Today, women love Baby Soft for it’s casual femininity, strawberries and cream overtones and a longevity which transcends from day, to night. Unlike many subtle fragrances whose sillage eventually erodes down to nothing, Love’s Baby Soft becomes a lingering musk reminiscent of freshly washed or moisturized skin, yet with more depth . Immerse yourself in the scent of love, and an innocence befitting of your womanliness.

A Male Perspective

If there’s one thing that a large proportion of Love’s Baby Soft fans will unanimously agree upon, it’s that their men love this fragrance. There’s something about the cool, sweet scent that men find both endearing and sexy, however out-going or confident the woman in her life. Deep down, beneath the swagger and the smile, is a woman with a girl’s heart. Some call it ‘cuteness’, other’s call it real femininity, but a woman wearing Love’s Baby Soft is agreed to be a woman who still embraces her ‘girly-ness’ to some degree.

Posted in General Advice | Leave a comment

Dana Classics – Tabu: The Forbidden Fragrance For Every Femme Fatale.

Posted on April 10, 2013 by Dana FragranceExpert

Exuberant, witty, perhaps even a little ostentatious; Dana Classic’s timeless Tabu fragrance is a multi-faceted aroma that exudes sultry attitude, with just a hint of seductive earthiness. Tabu is not for the floral-seeking feminist who wants to add a little ‘flower-power’ to her day. It’s a statement fragrance. One that announces your arrival before you enter a room, and one that will linger upon your departure – as dramatic a personality, as the woman who dares to wear it.

That’s not to say that Dana’s Tabu isn’t feminine. In fact, the dusky soul-notes of oakmoss and patchouli are often thought to be surprisingly subtle, as the waft of jasmine and orange flower first arouse the senses. The smoky woody basenotes (created from a blend of musk and amber) add a slightly masculine element to the scent – which itself is classified within the ‘Orientals’ of perfumery. Sandalwood adds that spicy kick, off-setting the sensuous undertones of cedar and musk – as beautifully exotic and mysterious, as Jean Carles first intended back in 1932. Indeed, if myth be true and Carles was instructed to build a perfume for a morally loose woman, he clearly did so upon his own interpretations of the glamorous French ‘demi-monde’. Demure, yet thought-provoking; beautiful, yet charismatic. The heady scent encapsulates everything a glamorous woman of the 1930′s ought to be, yet hinting at a concealed ardour and passion that are integral to her mystery.

Tabu’s personality is such, that many women’s opinions contradict. While some find the musky, woody scent to be instantly noticeable; others find that the floral high notes are by far more ambient. Differing opinion seems to stem from the diverse age-range of Tabu’s fan base. Maturer ladies, whom perhaps nostalgically recall Tabu’s release upon a far less impacted market, are inclined to notice the deeper, more sensual base notes because they hark to a period when women were far less opinionated, and far more showy.

The 1930′s were a time within which men ultimately had the high-ground, both within business and in social realms. Women relied upon glamor, expression and styling to both define themselves, and to some degree, communicate their personality to the opposite sex – so it made sense, that a combination of musk and floral base notes complimented one another, and expressed an edginess that contradicted the pretty exterior. For that reason, Dana’s Tabu defines an era for many of it’s long-term fans.

Younger enthusiasts, and those whom have never worn a Dana Classics fragrance, are often surprised at how slowly the scent unravels. They are also more likely to notice the citrus and floral top notes that define it’s feminine allure, because they are accustomed to the omni-present chypres on the market (which to all intents and purposes, tend to be indistinguishable from one another.) Full of vivacity, warmth and spice, Dana Classic’s Tabu embraces the unisex divide, as the girlie, floral notes eventually make way for a musky, second-skin fragrance. This is definitely one that won’t dissipate through the course of the day!

Tabu, one of the debuting fragrances for the ‘House of Dana’ has long held a reputation as a signature scent, not least because of the infamous vintage ‘violin’ bottle of the 1930′s. Such stark curvature of the design instantly attracted the eye of women who adored the kind of Art-Nouveau trinkets, befitting of an elegant dressing table. The nostalgic among Tabu fans will be pleased to learn that Dana still produce the fragrance with the trademark bottle, as the ‘Tabu Classic’. Keen not to alienate their younger audience, Dana have also refined the design of their modern Tabu Pure Spray Cologne – now an elegantly curved pear-shape, and ideal for the modern woman’s perfume cabinet. Tabu – still a fragrance with multiple personalities!

Posted in Perfume, Women | 1 Comment

Dana Classics – Love’s Baby Soft: Because Sweetness Is A Weakness

Posted on March 24, 2013 by Dana

Versatile Sweetness

Old vs. New

A Male Perspective

Posted in General Advice, Perfume, Women | Leave a comment

Dana Classics – Chantilly: Orientals and Lace

Posted on March 3, 2013 by Dana

Dana; a name synonymous with beauty, and also attributed to some of the most timeless fragrances to be found on the international market. Houbigant; one of Paris’ oldest fragrance houses (1775), Napoleon’s personal perfumer, and the creators of many a surviving vintage eau de parfum. Houbigant contrived fragrances for both French royalty, and the aristocracy for over a century, which goes some way to explaining why Chantilly conjures the kind of luxury one would associate with couture.

Dana Classic are synonymous with enduring fragrances, both of their own inception, and the acquisition of vintage greats. Chantilly has proven to be a perpetual coup for Dana, ever since the company acquired the sumptuous oriental in in the 1990′s, with a ‘lifetime’ consumer base who continue to adore the warmth and vitality of this charismatic fragrance.

Love and Lace

It is thought the original naming of Dana Classics Chantilly was inspired by a village just North of Paris, renowned for fine porcelain and lace-making. Chantilly lace is decadent, elegant and delicate – much like the personality of Chantilly itself. For a fragrance of the ‘oriental’ family, Chantilly is surprisingly sweet, belying an accord designed for a true lady of the 1940′s. Having said that, Chantilly is no powder-puff weakling. In fact, many agree that the fragrance is ideally suited for evening wear, due to the spiciness of its basal notes. Laced with a beautiful combination of moss and sandalwood, the overall accord is involving, inviting and seductive.

Classy, But Contemporary

Chantilly is a classic floral oriental, however the inclusion of orange blossom to the composition creates an edgier, fresher accord with a hint of sweetness. Rose and carnation combine to induce a powdery lightness, not all that dissimilar to bestselling Love’s Baby Soft, however Chantilly is grounded by amber-like base notes and that distinctive sandalwood that takes it from sweet and innocent, to sultry and seductive. It is possibly why many of Chantilly’s long-time fans wear it as a ‘day-to-night’ fragrance, and remark widely upon it’s versatility.

Some modern oriental fragrances are reported to be such an eclectic melange of notes, that the harmony of the fragrance is disrupted. Instead of a gradual sillage, florals, citrus and woods jostle impatiently for space, within a composition that becomes almost sickly to the nose. Chantilly on the other hand, is an eau de parfum with a deliciously melodious composition. Those musky, spicy base notes act as a spring board for the building of additional note groups, boosting each as the fragrance wears throughout the day.

The Chantilly Woman

The woman who wore Chantilly during the 50′s was undoubtedly elegant and highly refined – indeed the fragrance epitomizes luxury, so one cannot help but feel classy wearing it. But she was also delicately feminine, perhaps even demure in character. Deep down, she was also sultry, seductive, perhaps even playfully provocative too. Chantilly captures that playfulness, while maintaining an inherent feminine floral that defines a true woman’s heart. Soft, yet alluring. Spicy, yet warm. Chantilly allows a woman to express her true nature, through a scent that evolves with her mood and style. Whether she’s casual in combats and a t-shirt, or ascending the steps to her prom, a young woman can feel grown up, sexy and classy. Maturer ladies will love the light feminine florals of this capricious scent, which dry down to a musky undertone that exudes sexuality. Chantilly; for the woman you really are!

Posted in General Advice | Leave a comment

English Leather: A Cologne With Class

Posted on February 16, 2013 by Dana

The heritage of English Leather is often reported to be part and parcel of it’s continued success; it’s very creation standing for a time when fragrances really defined an individual. English Leather is a daring, provocative cologne that really personifies the charisma and masculinity of a man. A distinctly citrus first accord; English Leather gradually evolves into a scent less femininely fruity, than many of it’s chypre class. The zesty lemon actually enhances an already strong, aromatic blend, with clean cut top notes and an invigorating bite.

Sandalwood continues to be one of the most defining elements of Dana’s English Leather composition. The distinctly woody, almost pine-like smokiness of it’s aroma is often compared to herbaceous scents such as mint, yet the inclusion of coriander to compliment this rich accord may have something to do with it. Some liken the vintage nose to the kind of barber shop fragrances used in the 50′s; an out and out compliment since the cologne’s inception was allegedly a result of such influence.

English Leather, For The ‘Real’ Man

Dana Classics English Leather has long been associated with a particular male stereotype, perhaps one that now, many aspire to. Strong, outgoing and an all-round sporting gentleman, the muse for English Leather clearly typified the classic English gentleman, who enjoyed nothing more than a spot of horse-riding, golf or shooting. One would assume he was also a rural gent, given the distinctly green and woody undertones of this charismatic cologne. In contrast to many fragrances of ‘chypre’ categorization,

English Leather is sweetened by the inclusion of oakmoss, which bears a very subtle saccharine note in addition to the ‘woodiness’.

English Leather is often favored for it’s nostalgic value – many likening the scent to their first experiences with cologne; that first shave, first date or prom. Younger consumers often purchase English Leather for pure reminiscent value; the cologne reminding them of a paternal figure or role model. Fragrances like Dana’s English Leather are powerful enough to evoke many memories, but not so overpowering it becomes unbearable. As with any cologne of a pure concentration, the key is to use sparingly, and in the right areas.

A Classy, Yet Classic Chypre

The classic chypre concept indicates a family of fragrances built upon a relatively simple note pyramid, however many modern colognes are packed out with additional heart notes (from florals to musks), to add layering to the scent. Dana Classics English Leather is an exception. A relatively simple infusion of citrus, sandalwood vetiver, oakmoss and leather combine to form a rich, musky accord that personifies masculinity. English Leather is composed to allow the zing of citrus to linger, even once the usual 30 minutes is up. As the top notes dry down, a heady spice of herbaceous notes ensue, subtly infused with a sweet tang, to take the edge off that classically strong sandalwood.

English Leather is a cologne built to last the entirety of the day. Unlike many of it’s counterparts, it has a tendency to remain beyond the average 5-hour time-frame. Many state the latter stages of the fragrance to be the most appealing to the women in their lives, since it fades to a gentle, yet spicy musk, whilst somehow remaining crisp. With this in mind, the English Leather wearer can be assured of a cologne that will transcend , from day to night.

Posted in General Advice | 2 Comments

Dana Classics – Canoe: Putting The Zing Into Every Morning

Posted on February 7, 2013 by Dana

Dana’s slick, suave power-boat of a male fragrance is regarded somewhat a veteran of men’s aftershave for it’s survival of seven decades. Born out of the debonair 1930′s in glamorous Paris; Canoe is yet another of the classic early Dana fragrances to have been created by acclaimed perfumer Jean Carles. It’s timelessness accounts for it’s popularity among both older gents, and a decidedly new and younger audience, many of whom are experiencing the sophistication of early 20^th Century fashions the second time around.

Canoe is an oriental with a riddle-like list of complimenting fragrances, yet the discern is far from overpowering. If it had to be defined, many would concur that Canoe is a subtle spice with a hint of citrus, and an underlying patchouli kick that adds to it’s masculine musk. Dana’s Canoe is often described as belonging to the “aromatic Fougére” family of fragrances, all of whom are characterized by a ‘fern-like’ base-note combination of fern, lavender and oakmoss. Instilled with the essence of the richly aromatic South American Tonka Bean; a first nose of Canoe yields a heady waft of spicy cinnamon, sweet vanilla and even almonds! Cedarwood, slightly milder and woodier than sandalwood, influences a distinctively soothing base note, enlivened by the citrus zing of lemon, and the energetic blend of clary sage and lavender to top it off.

Canoe: The Personality

Fans of Dana Canoe Cologne are uniformly divided in their opinion of the musky fragrance, with some agreeing the lively citrus burst and subtle sweetness dry down to a distinctly energetic, and sporty style of fragrance. Conversely, some users concur that Dana Canoe is a subtle spicy musk, with very gentle floral overtones, even likening it to some of the limited summer fragrances which reappear annually. Bourbon Geranium could have some influence upon the floral notes, since the indispensable aromatic oil is often likened to the scent of roses. Rather than impact the fragrance with feminine tones, Bourbon Geranium contributes to the sweetness of spice and smokiness, that many regard as the finest characters of the fragrance.

Canoe: The Man

With a suave, citrus burst upon first splash, Dana Classics Canoe is undeniably a fresh and awakening scent. Jean Carles (the perfumer behind the third creation from the House of Dana) was an iconic fragrance enthusiast, attributed with the grouping of base notes into specific combinations and categories – a system which is still in use today. Aside from his more scientific achievements, Carles was also an expert in the creation of a fragrance for a particular profile or personality.

With Canoe, the target was to create a fragrance that could be worn from day to night, by the suave, sophisticated outdoor sporting gentleman of the 30′s. His creation certainly lived up to the brief. The complex blend of contrasting spice, citrus and sweetness combining to offer an energetic, yet slightly sultry aroma, designed to withstand strenuous sport and still exude a noticeable sillage at the close of the day.

Timeless Versatility

Canoe fans are unanimous in verdict that the cologne sets itself apart from many modern counterparts for one reason – versatility. Colognes ARE meant to be noticed, yet not to the extent of some brands whose emphasis upon packing in the patchouli leads to an eye watering, throat tickling vapor. Canoe is fortunate to have been created at the hands of one of France’s premiere perfumers, whose defining work in the field of experimentation led to a striking balance of top and base-notes. The subtle floral infusions, combined with spice and nutty notes contribute to a fragrance with that morning zing and masculinity, that dries down to a musky, woody scent that works with the body throughout the day.

Posted in Cologne, General Advice, Men | Leave a comment

Dana Classics – Tabu: The Timeless Temptation

Posted on January 18, 2013 by Dana

Few perfumers have ever been able to capture the vital ingredients of fantasy, femininity and tenacity within a fragrance that oozes sexuality. Yet the House of Dana have been doing so with one of their best selling scents for over 75 years! Dana Classics Tabu is considered one of the most timeless aromas, whose composition has remained relatively unaltered since it’s inception.

An Understated Evolutionary

Tabu was never intended to be a subtle spritz. Indeed many of her wearers actually attest to choosing Tabu for it’s ‘notice-me’ factor. Warm, spicy, yet with delicate floral accents, Tabu’s tonal depth is an ambush upon the senses – dramatic, enticing and yet without that candy-cane sickly sweetness, that many report to be an overpowering negative of many modern perfumes. The ‘Forbidden Fragrance’ is intended to be a romantic scent, with a musky base that inherently boosts it’s modern appeal. Today’s woman seeks versatility, even evolving qualities from a fragrance, and few review so well as Tabu.

Defining ‘Woman’

When Jean Carles masterminded the creation of Tabu Eau de Cologne back in 1932, his brief was not to create a sumptuous fruity number that would further embellish the classic stereotype of femininity. Instead, he drew upon the glamorous women of France for inspiration. An admirer of their coy, yet confident charisma; he created Tabu to embody real women – complete with the mystique, elegance and occasional whimsy that really captured the attention of the opposite sex.

Wearers of Tabu identify closely with Carles’ aim; it’s intensity alone indicative of the fragrance’s intention. Some report Tabu to be instantaneously overwhelming, although these tend to fall within the category of first-time testers, who rarely can wait until the dry-down nose develops. Those who know and love Tabu have become used to it’s superfluous changeling character – in itself part of it’s timeless allure. Boasting a heady three-note layering; Tabu transforms from an elegantly floaty day-wear fragrance to something far darker, and rawer. The hint of musk is superseded by the tangy scent of woods and spice, coupled with a delicious base note of patchouli which really emphasizes the strong, sexy demeanor of the fragrance. Again to mimic the sultry, unspoken power of a woman.

Timeless Design

Tabu’s reputation and personality are such that it needs little in the way of introduction, least of all loud brash packaging that would detract from the product itself. Packaged within an elegant white box, a simple red-stripped black label denotes the fragrances in a surprisingly modern font for a fragrance of Tabu’s age. The beloved violin shaped bottles launched during the 1930′s debut are still a key allure for many maturer customers, whom purchase Tabu often for nostalgic reasons. For them, Tabu connotes a time when fragrance defined a woman, be it a mother, sibling or friend – the sense of smell being a wonderful tool for reviving old memories.

Tabu has retained the classical bottle shape, although less curvaceous than the collectible ‘vintage’ bottle. But such simplicity in aesthetic design has been hailed as a positive move by the House of Dana, since the cologne itself is the real character.

The generational popularity of Tabu Eau de Cologne is still as prominent as ever. Women as young as twenty are actively seeking out this timeless fragrance – more often than not because they associate the scent to strongly with their mothers or guardians. And yet to a new generation, Tabu holds more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Once again, Tabu is becoming a fragrance by which women can submissively express their mystery, their darker desires and their seductive side, luring men into a fantasy. But as the iconic slogan states – it’s not her fault, “Blame it on Tabu”!

Posted in Cologne, General Advice, Men, Perfume, Women | Leave a comment

English Leather: The Cavalier of Colognes

Posted on December 28, 2012 by Dana

Often considered the cavalier of colognes, Dana Classics English Leather has been gracing the fragrance stage since 1949, and never failed to live up to expectation. It’s reputation as a patrician amongst even the higher end aftershaves of todays market, proves that a cologne can enjoy a time-defying stint alongside even the couture creations of recent years.

Considering the era into which English Leather was born, many find the fragrance surprisingly contemporary and innovative. An innovation because, despite being over sixty years old, it is still versatile enough to carry over from work to play, and contemporary, because the cologne’s aroma is that clean-cut, it never goes ‘off-trend’. Described as a subtle musk, yet distinctly fresh in character thanks to the explosion of citrus top notes; the ‘leathery’ heart of the cologne is often likened to the smell of untreated, classic leather – itself quite an earthy accord.

A Lifetime Appeal

Ask any English Leather enthusiast why he sticks with the Dana Classic, and you’re sure to be met with a response relating to the ease of wearing, or nostalgic properties of the cologne. That classic smell of leather for many, conjures memories of the 70′s when leather was more than ‘á la mode’ – it defined a generation. From punks and mods, to dads bomber jackets; that beaten leather scent was inescapable. English Leather carries on that nostalgia with a heady base-note of oakmoss, and a subtle sweetness that likens it almost to the real thing.

Another factor that many users concur defines English Leather, is the distinct diversity of it’s notes. The compilation is actually a relatively simple note pyramid, however, it is the manner by which each accord seems to distinguish itself from the rest, during each stage of the dry down. The crispness of citrus is buoyed by the deliciously subtle, yet warm sandalwood, which seems to gradually increase in sillage as the fragrance wears. Typically, the top note of a cologne tends to last around an hour, however many Dana Classics English Leather fans purport the top note sillage to have lasted up to 4 hours. The warm, ambient tone of sandalwood tends to creep up upon the wearer as it develops, and lingers, combining with the woody, herbaceous oakmoss for a truly masculine musk that can last up to ten hours.

A ‘Man’ For All Seasons

English Leather may be characteristically warm with a spicy kick, however that does not mean it is solely ideal for the winter months. That lively citrus overtone is a distinct accent that opens up the colognes suitability for year-round wear, while the cologne’s accord too is not as heavy to relinquish it to warming up those winter days. English Leather fans often agree that the sexy sandalwood aspect is particularly agreeable to female company on warm summer nights, as the heat of the skin tends to infuse with the spicier notes of the woody fragrance.

Revival and Revolution

English Leather cologne has enjoyed consistent rave reviews since it was revived in the 1990′s by Dana Classics. Little of the original character or design has changed since it was first released onto the market, however the bottle was updated to a squarer, more masculine design. Interestingly, the continued success of English Leather prompted the House of Dana to expand the range, with the release in 2007 of English Leather Black. Similar in masculine nature to the original, the ‘Black’ version features a wider variety of base, heart and top notes, including edgy bergamot, coriander and floral accords. The Lime sequel also carried over the distinct citrus bite of the original, morphing it into a sublime day-time, summery cologne. For every man, every season, and every occasion; English Leather surpasses expectation!

Posted in Cologne, General Advice, Men | Leave a comment

Love’s Baby Soft: The Lure of Love

Posted on December 28, 2012 by Dana

Cool, crisp, clean and covert; Love’s Baby Soft from the House of Dana is one of those few soft florals that never really wanes in appeal, maintaining a consistent popularity with those who enjoyed it during their teens and twenties, back in the 70′s. Even today, those fans are using Love’s Baby Soft as commonly as they did in it’s hey-day. Why? Because few fragrances bottle the emotive freedom, playfulness and gentle spirit that many liken to Baby Soft, contributing to youthful, yet timeless fragrance suitable for the young at heart.

If ever there was a fragrance that embodied the free-thinking laid back attitude of the 70′s, Dana Love’s Baby Soft is surely it. The almost psychedelic pink heart design of today’s packaging has changed little from that of old – simple, yet fabulously kitsch in aesthetics, as only the 70′s could inspire. Baby Soft’s ergonomically chic bottle was, and still is an alluringly feminine pink creation, with a rotund body and domed lid. Such simplicity matched the contemporary tastes of both 30 years ago, and the modern day, capturing the female love for all thinks girlie in the process. Aside from dressing table décor, Love’s Baby Soft has realized a far greater importance to women whom both grew up with, and are only just discovering it’s allure.

Edible Scent, Floral By Nature

The ‘gourmand’ classification for certain fragrances is a relatively new category, and is usually attributed to those with a food-like scent, (e.g vanilla.) Although Love’s Baby Soft technically falls within the soft florals, the majority of users define it’s discern as somewhat fruity and edible. Strange, given that the heart notes are an efflorescent blend of lavender, jasmine and geranium. With such rich heart notes, one would also expect Love’s Baby Soft to be a somewhat heavy fragrance – and yet it consistently receives rave feedback for being one of the gentler fragrances ideal for casual wear.

Love’s Baby Soft is often likened to the scent of ‘baby powder’ due to it’s inherently clean aroma; the first mist being an appetizingly fresh culmination of lavender and saccharine vanilla, with woody undertones thanks to the addition of musk. The romantic inclusion of rose essence influences a decidedly tender floral, which is probably why many liken the scent to a talcum powder of sorts. But the dry-down leaves a gorgeously light, delicate sillage that can be noticeable if applied to the pressure areas. Of course if subtle is more your thing, a simple spritz or two would be more than ample to sweeten your day.

The Evolution Of Innocence

While the margins of social acceptance have shifted greatly since the 1970′s – women now having more equality, strength and impressionability than ever before; there is still a unanimous belief in the sexiness of innocence. Love’s Baby Soft is for the woman who has blossomed, yet who still yearns for the innocence of a nostalgic youth, or perhaps even retains some semblance of it. Soft, silky, with a gentile dusky draw; Love’s Baby Soft has the innate ability to lure that special someone closer, to breathe in the scent that many have likened to ‘love’ itself.