Nordstrom.com Beauty Sale: Get On This!

Nordstrom is having a ridiculously amazing online beauty sale, and I didn't want y'all to miss out on these steals and deals! Here's just a sampling of the markdowns:

Laura Mercier Crème Brûlée Duo
Was: $40 Now: $29 (save 25%!)



MAC Lipglass and Lustreglass Set
Was: $29.50 Now: $22.90 (save 20%!)



MAC Miracles Happen Viva Glam Lip Kit (sold out on MAC website)
Was: $22.50 Now: $17.90 (save 20%!)



MAC Magic, Mirth, & Mischief - Do the Trick Brush Bag (sold out on MAC website)
Was: $49.50 Now: $38.90 (save 20%!)



Philosophy The Cookie Exchange Collection
Was: $30 Now: $21.90 (save 25%!)



Bobbi Brown Goldstone Long Wear Eye Palette
Was: $40 Now: 31.90 (save 20%!)



Jo Malone Bath Oil Collection
Was: $85 Now: $67.90 (save 20%!)



Hanae Mori Paris Butterfly Deluxe Set
Was: $75 Now: $55.90 (save 25%!)



Smashbox Eye Wish Palette
Was: $44 Now: $32.90 (save 25%!)



Philosophy Classic Cookbook Gift Set
Was: $35 Now: $25.90 (save 25%!)



Fekkai 'Golden Shimmer' Gelée Mist
Was: $20 Now: $9.90 (save 50%!)



Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Sweet Obsession Eye Color Collection
Was: $48 Now: $35.90 (save 25%!)



Lancôme Holiday Juicy Tubes Set
Was: $39.50 Now: $29.50 (save 25%!)

Jo Malone Vanilla & Anise Cologne

If you surveyed the perfumes on my vanity, you'd surely notice that the common thread amongst my favorites (the half empty bottles) is vanilla.

Most days, I smell like some variation of vanilla. But as I get older, I'm constantly searching for a more sophisticated take on the scent. I love vanilla, but I don't want to smell like cake frosting 24/7.

So I was thrilled to recently make the acquaintance of Vanilla & Anise, the latest fragrance from Jo Malone - a spicy, modern interpretation of my favorite flava.

The Composition

Top notes: Sicilian Bergamot, Tunisian Neroli, Wild Fennel Flower, Star Anise
Middle notes: Oleander. Tuberose, Frangipani, Purple Vanilla Orchid
Base notes: Madagascar Clove, White Amber, Vetiver Bourbon, Vanilla Bourbon Absolute, Tonka

The Vanilla & Anise collection consists of a 1 oz Cologne ($55), a 3.4 oz Cologne ($100). The fragrance is available at Jo Malone shops, jomalone.com, Bergdorf Goodman and select Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue stores.

DO Hold Your Breath: Prada Infusion de Fleur d'Oranger

I am hopelessly devoted to Prada Infusion d'Iris. In 2007, when I gifted Mama Spoiled Pretty with a bottle for Christmas, I was seduced by its charm, and I've been wearing it ever since. In fact, I carry a full-sized bottle in my handbag. Yeah, I'm crazy like that. So when I recently learned that Prada would be releasing a new incarnation of the fragrance, Infusion de Fleur d'Oranger, I was beside myself with excitement.

Well, this past Saturday on a trip to Bloomingdale's, I stopped by the fragrance counter to see if the perfume was worth the wait. I misted Prada Infusion de Fleur d'Oranger on a tester card, haphazardly catching a few of my fingers in the spray. And when I caught a whiff, I immediately cursed my bad aim.

I was expecting something modern and light, like my beloved Infusion d'Iris. Instead, I found the perfume to be an offense to my nostrils. I'm no fragrance expert, so the best way I can characterize the scent is cloying and grandmothery. It's so strong that it would be the last perfume I'd think to spritz on in the warm summer months that are right around the bend. And while I recognize that fragrance is a very personal thing, I can't think of one person I know who would willingly wear this perfume.

Infusion de Fleur d'Oranger eau de parfum is available in three sizes: 1.7 oz ($74), 3.4 oz ($100), and 6.75 oz ($135). The line also includes a 8.5 oz Hydrating Body Lotion ($52) and 33.8 oz Perfumed Bath and Shower Gel ($50). But I personally wouldn't buy any of these products, even if Prada was having a BOGO promotion.

So I'm just going to stick with my Infusion d'Iris. And if the Orange Blossom mood strikes me, I'll pick up this perfume by Jo Malone.