Finding Your Fragrance with L’Artisan Parfumeur--by Allyson

You undergo a rite of passage when you find your signature fragrance. This is the scent that people will sense before they see you and the one that will linger in the air after you leave the room. Your fragrance can give others a good idea of the type of person you are before they even meet you. If you wear a light, fresh perfume, then you might be a person who enjoys simplicity and beauty. If you wear a darker, spicy perfume, then you might be one for late night adventures with one foot over in the wilder side of life. However, the search for your signature fragrance can be difficult and overwhelming. Here at Jackson & Hines, we carry the lovely L’Artisan Parfumeur line that, with its multitude of fragrances, caters to all types of people. We are sure you can find your fragrance here.

Perfume is built like a pyramid with top, middle, and base notes. The top notes are the ones you smell initially, like citrus. They last for a few minutes before fading into the middle notes. These are sometimes called the “heart notes” because they make up the core of the perfume, like florals or spices. Then, finally, there are the base notes, like amber or musk, which are the longest lasting scents in the perfume. They will remain for up to 8 hours on the skin. Because there are these multiple layers to every perfume, they mix with our skin chemistry and can change depending on how long you wear them, morphing into a new and completely personal fragrance.

There are generally five categories to the L’Artisan fragrances: fresh, floral, fruity, spicy, and woody. A lot of the perfumes in this line cross boundaries to become fresh and spicy, or fruity and woody. A good way to better understand each category is to think of a song that can represent it. Perfumes can tell a story in a similar way that a song can.

Each category evokes a certain type of feeling just like a specific genre of music. So, with each category, their is a fitting song (click on the titles to listen). Now, let’s get to know each perfume, to better help you on your journey to finding the one.

Fresh:

If you are looking for a bright, young fragrance, then these are the ones for you. Each one is reminiscent of the sun. Hear Colbie Caillat’s “Brighter Than The Sun” when spritzing yourself with any of these perfumes. 

1.) L’Eau de L’Artisan: Translated to mean “The Artisan’s Water,” it is the signature scent of L’Artisan. Made up of lemon, verbena, mint, and basil, L’Eau de L’Artisan leaves you smelling like sun-drenched, green fields.

2.) Mure et Musc: “The Blackberry Musk,” made up of lemon, blackberry, and musk, conjures the whole experience of picking blackberries under the sun to eating the fresh baked pie at the end of the day. You can almost smell the blackberry vine and the aromatic dirt it grows in.

3.) L’Ete en Douce: My personal favorite. This translates to mean “Sweet Summer,” and what an accurate translation that is. The major notes in this perfume are mint, orange, lime, hay, and woods. Recall those days where you spend hours outside in the sun barefoot. As the sun begins to set, you finally go inside for a shower. This fragrance captures the scent of that refreshing shower that can’t quite wash off the smell of the outdoors.

Floral: 

These perfumes capture a classic, but unique floral scent. The song that comes to

mind for these is “Liz on Top of the World” by Marianelli from Pride & Prejudice.

4.) Thé Pour un Été: This fragrance, “Summer Tea,” is made up of notes from lemon, peppermint, and jasmine, which is very strong making this a definite floral fragrance. Imagine steeping bags of peppermint and lemon tea in a large jar, and leaving it in a sunny window for a few hours. Refreshing and fragrant, this perfume is perfect for a summer girl.

5.) La Chasse aux Papillons: “The Chasing of the Butterflies.” Isn’t that beautiful? And that is exactly what this fragrance is, beautiful, reminiscent of a springtime flower shop. This perfume smells the way that a May wedding should smell. It should come as no surprise then that La Chasse aux Papillons is one of our best-sellers here at Jackson & Hines.

6.) Drole de Rose: I love this perfume for what it reminds me of. Picture this: an eight year old little girl awake late at night playing with her dolls. Suddenly, she hears high heels and the whisper of a dress on the kitchen floor downstairs. She quickly, but gingerly, puts her dolls away, turns out the light, and slips into her bed. She pulls the covers up to her nose and squeezes her eyes shut. Her mother appears in the door, silhouetted by the hall light. She enters the room, quietly so as to not wake up her little girl. Her gown graces the carpet as she makes her way toward her daughter. “Goodnight, my love,” she says, and places a kiss on the little girlʼs forehead, leaving a pink lipstick mark behind.

This fragrance smells like that lipsticked kiss! With notes of rose, almonds, honey, and leather, this perfume evokes the memory of goodnight kisses after mother and father return from their late night gala.

7.) Fleur de Liane: This fragrance, which means “Vine of the Flower,” smells like orchids in the rain. Imagine an English garden, filled with ivy, orchids, jasmine, and hydrangeas, speckled with rain drops from the quick storm that passed by three minutes ago.

Fruity: Each of these fragrances satisfies a more adult need for a sweeter scent. Think of Ingrid Michaelson’s “The Way I Am” or even Kylie Minogue’s “Can't Get You Out Of My Head” when wearing any of these. People really won’t forget you with these perfumes.

8.) Premier Figuier: This is a special one because it is the first ever fig fragrance. It paints pictures of Italian fig groves, and picking them in flowing, white, cotton dresses and straw sun hats with no shoes on. Premier Figuier is very rich so be careful not to drench yourself in it, as much as you’ll really want to.

9.) Mechant Loup: “The Naughty Wolf” will get your mouth watering with its notes of pepper, honey, and various woods. It has a powerful, alluring scent that is perfect for either men or women to wear. This perfume would be perfect for a late night, rooftop soirée with friends and that special someone you want to impress.

10.) Bois Farine: Along with a fruity smell, this perfume has a nutty tone, with its fennel seed and almond notes. Bois Farine translates into “Flour Wood,” fitting because it has a powdery finish to it that is reminiscent of a tiny, local bakery.

11.) Poivre Piquant: It means “Fiery Pepper,” but it doesn’t smell as fiery as it sounds. In fact, it smells sweet, like a fresh pie. This fragrance is made up of notes of berries, milk, and honey.

Spicy:

These frangrances are more sensual, deep, and have a dark kick to each of them. Think of Feist’s “The Bad In Each Other.” Deep undertones, heavy bass notes. With each of these perfumes you are in for a fun, alluring ride.

12.) Navegar: This fragrance is another one of my favorites. It translates into “Traveler.” Breathe in and find yourself transported to the sea. With notes of ginger, rum, pepper, wood, and sea salt, it reminds me of standing on a beach in a far away place. Navegar is great for both men and women.

13.) Fou d’Absinthe: Yes, there is absinthe in this perfume, and it smells like it, along with various other alcohols and a dash of pine. This fragrance is like a great cocktail. Imagine Paris, the twenties, and late nights with the little green fairy. You are bound to attract some attention when you walk in a room with this spritzed lightly on your neck and wrists.

14.) Timbuktu: Transport yourself to Africa with this sexy fragrance. Made up of notes of pepper, wood, and incense, this perfume is great for both men and women. It has been called a love potion because so many people who wear it attract attention from that someone they have been eyeing the whole night. Wear this on a nighttime date and see what happens. You really won’t regret it.

15.) Dzonghka: This spicy fragrance has notes of tea, incense, and leather. The very first thing I thought of when I smelled this for the first time was Ernest Hemingway travelling abroad in Africa, writing away by candlelight, and dreaming of women lost. This fragrance is really nice for men.

16.) L’Eau d’Ambre: Made up of notes of patchouli, amber, and musk, this “Amber Water” reminds me of an adult baby powder. It has those sweet undertones of powder, but then there is something dark and sensual lurking underneath.

17.) Passage d’Enfer: Translating to mean “The Gate to Hell,” this fragrance smells as dangerous as it sounds. Rose, ginger, wood, and musk all combine to create this deeply alluring scent. This is another one of those date night perfumes. Spray this on the hips and see where the night goes.

Woody:

If you are looking for a simple, almost vintage scent, then these fragrances are for you. Listen to “The Dreamer” by The Tallest Man on Earth to more fully grasp what the woody fragrances might feel like.

18.) Dzing!: This name is meant to represent the crashing of cymbals. The fragrance has notes of ginger, musk, woods, leather, and coffee. Dzing! is when you are sitting in a coffee shop, reading the perfect book, nestled in an old, leather, wingback chair, when a handsome stranger drops his phone number in your lap. Dzing!

19.) Havana Vanille: With notes of vanilla, wood, leather, and sand, this fragrance transports you to 9 o’clock on a Cuban beach. The wind that rustles your skirt and hair is captured in each bottle of Havana Vanille, and leaves you feeling silky and sultry.

20.) Coeur de Vetiver Sacre: Another coffee shop regular, only this time, it’s fall. Notes of ginger, orange, and musk create memories of crisp air, crunchy leaves, and warm apple cider in fingerless gloves.

Hopefully you can jive with one of these categories and find the right fragrance for you! There are thousands of perfume lines out there, but L’Artisan Parfumeur, a high quality, beautiful line, has found a way to create a signature scent for everyone.

If you have any questions about L’Artisan, the fragrances we carry, or anything else, we would love for you to call us at 585-385-6995. We love helping you with your beauty product needs!

Balancing Act: Mind, Body & Soul

I had the pleasure, nay, the privilege, of attending Elena O'Connor's (co-owner of Jackson & Hines) break-out session at this year's Women for Women Conference.  She was, as  always, her stunning self and her presentation was spectacular. As seen in the title, her presentation was addressing the difficult "balancing act" performed by women today (everyday...always!).  It is more than just a balancing act; it is juggling while balancing. It is essential to step back and re-evaluate your life. Are you neglecting one (or more) aspect(s) of yourself? Even Rosie the Riveter would struggle to find and maintain that center, the balance of all external and internal forces. However, her motto still rings true: "We can do it!" I wanted to share a few of my thoughts from her presentation, but please note that I am far from my ideal balance. These are points that I took away to apply in my life.

Mind: As a mom, this is an area that I make a concerted effort to maintain. Granted, my "Mommy-Brain" rears it's forgetful face every now and again. (Thanks to my husband's relative for pointing out that it is a result of the brain cells you lose from having babies--yeah, thanks!) Still I try to read and learn as much as I can given time constraints.  A challenge that I face is finding time to even ORGANIZE my thoughts, let alone evaluate or analyze.

Elena mentioned journalling as a way to be able to examine our thoughts, feelings, and emotions in a concrete way. I find myself getting too caught up on the appearance of a journal; I want it to be the "perfect" (a dangerous trend in my thoughts) cover for my informal autobiography.  What good are my thoughts and daily record of my life, if the vessel is--well, just a notebook?!  This is something that I am going to work on this year--a new New Year's Resolution in May.  I think that this is a great way to organize my thoughts and have an uncensored look at my mind (scary, I know).

She also discussed something that connects mind and body: the confidence you have when you feel you are looking your best. We need to get past the idea that we have to be "perfect" (that word again!), to be the "complete package." Elena shared the story of a very beautiful and brilliant executive who found a humidity-caused-bad-hair day to be a seemingly impenetrable obstacle in a business meeting. At the end of the day, she is still a brilliant businesswoman, just with slightly volumized hair. :) Maybe this is a rant coming from watching "Mad Men, " but wouldn't it be nice if men could feel the same pressure?

Body: This brings us to body and a very helpful tip from Elena's presentation: don't eat Cheetos for breakfast! It is crucial to be careful of what you put in (and on) your body. Aside from finding baby shampoos that loaded with chemicals and carcinogens, we are beginning to pay attention to our eating habits and ingredients. Documentaries like "Food, Inc." and "Forks Over Knives" provide great investigative journalism into the world of factory farming and the obesity epidemic. I enjoy finding more blogs dedicated to finding healthy alternatives to what is widely available in processed foods. 

There is so much cross-over from these three categories. We all know that exercise is as beneficial to our brains as our waistlines. I also know that I have far more patience and a more positive outlook on the day after a Zumba class or Yoga class or mowing the lawn with a non-self-propelled mower. You feel good and you look good--there is no down-side here. :)

Jackson & Hines is dedicated to women's overall health. The latest test results and studies concerning harmful ingredients in beauty products are staggering. An article from the wonderful blog, "Chic and Green," discussed the growing list of lipsticks with traces of LEAD found in them. You know the stuff that goes on your lips--yeah, it has lead in it. Not to mention the harmful chemicals in the creams and products you apply to the more porous region of your body--your skin. Everything you use on your skin is absorbed into your body, which is why we promote organic and all-natural skin care products.


Soul: At the beginning of her presentation,
Elena passed out mini Gratitude Journals. She encouraged everyone to find beauty in everyday life, specifically in the fickle Rochester weather.  Sure, we Rochesterians could complain about snow in the beginning of May, or we can realize that most of the country is in drought right now--we're not. Even little things can boost our "Debbie Downer" days. My gratitude journal filled up very quickly, and is a helpful reminder to focus my energy and attention to something worthwhile.

Which leads perfectly into another point from the presentation. Elena discussed what her music and singing means to her. It is her moment of ecstasy, of transcendence. She urged the participants to find their "calling" in life. Finding your personal niche and pursuing your talents enriches your life, and in most cases, blesses others. She mentioned the ability to reach her audience through her music in a way that could not happen any other way. One of the fabulous women from the audience shared a story about a cast-iron skillet that had been in her family for a very long time. She loved cooking and entertaining, and when she used this skillet it was a connection to her past and the people that she loved. It was a beautiful story and truly inspired me to make sure that I am not the only one to benefit from my gifts and talents.

This was an incredible experience for all who were in attendance, including the rush of people anxious to talk to Elena and get her autograph at the end of her presentation. :) Great job, Elena!

Fall and Winter Skincare Guide

As the seasons change we take special care to winterize our homes and yards. The dropping temperatures and harsh elements can also wreak havoc on our bodies, thus the need to “winterize” our routines is just as important. One of the most common beauty-related ailments in the fall and winter is dry, lackluster skin. Fortunately, with a few simple changes we can maintain a healthy glow even in the dreariest of days. As you reevaluate your routine, make sure that you include these easy fixes.

A morning cleanse is an essential way to begin the day. The warm water helps to awaken body and mind as it relaxes the skin and opens the pores, allowing a deeper cleaning. Using a gentle press-and-roll motion, you remove waste, not just on the surface of your face, but through your lymphatic system as well. Part of the Dr. Hauschka philosophy is that you should scrub your bathroom floor, not your face. Use a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser like Dr. Hauschka’s Cleansing Cream or Cleansing Milk. We now also carry several gentle organic cleansers from Eminence Organics, so stop by our store or website to find your perfect match. Finish your cleansing session with a cool compress to reduce heat-induced inflammation and to close your pores. Continue with toner and moisturizer. You can find your skin-type appropriate moisturizers on our website or by visiting our store. As you go through your daily skincare routine, be conscientious about what you are putting on your face; although outside might be white with snow, we can always find ways to live “green.” All of the lines that are carried by Jackson & Hines are striving to maintain and enhance our inner beauty and environment.

Our lives are hectic, but we are never too busy to take care of ourselves. Your schedule for the day is daunting so before you rush out of the house grab a reusable water bottle. Awakening Beauty: the Dr. Hauschka Way explains,
"You use a moisturizer to keep water inside your body, but you’ve got to replenish
that water regularly in order to support your body’s most essential needs. Bodies need water to conduct every biological function. Many people experience poor digestion, sluggish thinking, and fatigue because of a lack of clean pure water. Water is one of the secrets to beautiful skin, in part because it helps eliminate waste from the body and thus removes a burden from the skin."
Our busy days often result in poor choices and the illusion of convenience; we rely on our sugar-packed beverages and caffeine-induced consciousness, while neglecting what our bodies and minds really need. Try introducing a few more water breaks into your day. Start a water stash; if it is readily available, we have no excuses. Keep a pitcher of filtered water with a few slices of lemon on an eye-level shelf in the refrigerator, while you move the sugar concoctions to the back. When you are running out of the house, grab your water bottle before you get your purse. It seems so simple, but it is a necessary lifestyle change. Maintain your healthy glow by regularly flushing toxins out of your system and continually replenishing your body’s water supply.

Although water is an important part of preventing seasonally dry skin, you must have the proper tools to combat the result of harsh weather conditions on our bodies. There are a few essentials that should be kept within reach at all times. Lip moisturizer that works with your body rather than temporarily coating the surface is one such tool. When you go through the checkout at the grocery store, you see a variety of lip care products. They are conveniently placed because we need more—we are constantly searching for the one. Unfortunately, in most balms and sticks, the common ingredients include camphor and alcohol, which over time dries skin. While the skin on the body is thicker with many layers, our lips are very thin with very few layers of natural protection, thus resulting in the need for more protection. Regular balms and sticks work, for a while, by coating the lip, but by merely coating the skin on our lips, the protection is short-lived. We eat something, drink something, pull on a sweater, wrap a scarf, and in an instant our protection is wiped off. For long-term relief, we look for something that works with the body and not on the body, like the Dr. Hauschka’s Lip Balm and Lip Care Stick. These products help your body by naturally promoting skin renewal and protecting without dependency. They are not going to dry the skin and are absorbed to prevent the need for constant reapplication. You can also find gently lip exfoliants that help to remove dead skin cells, like Smahsbox Emulsion Lip Exfoliant. If you exfoliate your lips, be sure to have the Dr. Hauschka Lip Balm to naturally assist the restoration of the skin.

Moisturizing for the new day is essential and should not be missed in your morning routine; however you should not use moisturizer at night. While we sleep our bodies are in a naturally healing and revitalizing state. If you are using a heavy moisturizer at night, you are preventing your body’s natural processes. Your nightly skincare routine should include cleansing and an occasional (weekly) mild mask. We have a wide variety of masks from Dr. Hauschka and Eminence Organics. When using a mask, apply after cleansing the face, leave on for the prescribed amount of time, and then gently rinse or wipe off. If you would like something to assist your nightly natural processes, you can safely use Dr. Hauschka’s Rhythmic Night Conditioners. The Rhythmic Night Conditioner helps your body’s natural healing and eliminating processes, and makes a difference after one use. By allowing your body to naturally manage oiliness, your skin will self-correct during these dry months. A heavy moisturizer is unnecessary and can shift your body’s natural balance.

Lastly, get plenty of restful sleep. The last little tip seems just as simple as drinking more water, but it is crucial for your health and healthy glow. It is not a surprise that your morning routine takes much longer when you have not received adequate sleep. You have to hide the signs of neglect; the dark circles and dull coloring are tell-tale signs that you did not allow your body enough time to recharge. During these winter months your health is of vital importance, especially with cold and flu seasons. It is not a coincidence that when you’re feeling under the weather, all you want to do is sleep. Sleep is nature’s remedy with no adverse side effects. So, it makes sense that we need adequate sleep to maintain our overall health and well-being. It should be easier to get a little more sleep with shortened days and colder temperatures; it is the perfect time of year to curl up in a warm blanket and rest.

For the perfect winter look, try healthy and vibrant skin. Incorporate a few of these changes at a time and begin to see a difference. For more information and products, check out our store (4 North Main Street in Pittsford) or our website.