Celebrity fragrances are flooding the market. Which one will you choose?
Experts argue that the current trend stinks of cleverly devised marketing campaigns – young starlets more interested in capitalising on their fame then anything else.
Sure enough, most people who purchase these products are likely to do so because they want to be associated with the personality behind it.
In fact, it seems that these fragrances perform well despite fledging careers. Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez and the Beckham’s are amongst those who have more then one fragrance on the market.
In fact, sales are so popular that they constitute a staggering 40% of UK fragrance sales. This amount is bound to increase as more and more celebrities spill into the market.
Three of the most talked about perfumes at the moment are Kate Moss’s signature scent Kate; Gwen Stefani’s debut fragrance ‘L’ and Sarah Jessica Parker’s second offering ‘Covet’. Another one to watch is Sean John’s (aka P Diddy) ‘Unforgivable Woman’ which promises to be as big a hit as his best-seller Unforgivable for men.
But what do they smell like?
I ventured into the perfume gallery at Selfridges to start my search for the sweetest scent. Staggering as it may seem, they apparently do not “do” celebrity fragrances although Sean John’s range was the exception (and Coleen’s in Manchester apparently). Boots and Superdrug did have plenty on offer though. In fact, some gift packages were available too. Boots are also running a competition that could have you win a L.A.M.B. handbag worth £500 and if you purchase Kate online you get a free clutch purse.
Kate Moss crossed from clotheshorse to fashion designer by launching her label at high-street phenomenon Topshop. Despite huge success, she has been panned by critics for merely recreating designs from her own wardrobe. I was wary of the fact that this just might be another cash-in on the tween market. The packaging was simple and the bottle itself nothing unique. The ad campaign is best described as an attempt to capture her ‘rock and rose’ spirit. “When I put it on I want to feel fresh and light and as the day goes on I want to feel sexier,” said Moss. I was pleasantly surprised. The notes for Kate Moss Kate include rose, patchouli, pink pepper and musk. I liked it from the moment the mist settled on my skin - floral with darker undertones. At least then, the fact that it is already the number one seller on the high-street can be attributed to more then her model status.
Available in 30ml, 50ml and 100ml. Prices start from £21.
Gwen Stefani is a style icon. First spotted in No Doubt for her lyrical talent and edgy street style, Ms Stefani has since flourished as a solo artist. Her clothing label L.A.M.B has also gone from strength to strength, with her recent showing at New York Fashion Week receiving a standing ovation. I had only seen the packaging and I was already in love. In true Stefani fashion it exudes glamour, a gold capped container and an advertisement featuring her wearing her trademark red lipstick. "For me, it's another thing you can wear and another thing I can be part of creatively. I created it for myself - it's like me shrunk into a box." The scent started with sweet peas: Stefani has fond memories of them growing in her mom’s garden. Other notes include lily of the valley and frangipani blossom which makes for a fresh and light fragrance. If you’re looking for something with huge personality, you may be disappointed. This is more wearable than unique and is Stefani’s attempt at a classic before experimenting with other fragrances.
Available in 30ml, 50ml and 100ml. Prices start from £23.
Covet is the second fragrance by Sarah Jessica Parker. Unlike Lovely, her first, this follow-up aims to be more rebellious. The ad campaign tries to capture this with its catchy tag line “I had to have it”. The notes included are geranium leaves, lemon and chocolate. “If I get the opportunity, my next scent will be genderless. Fuller. Riskier.” Despite remaining true to her word, SJP disappoints here. I am not a fan of the sharp notes or the plastic topped bottle.
Available in 30ml, 50ml and 100ml. Prices start from £23.
Within the next month we’ll see two divas take centre stage as both Christina Aguilera and Mariah Carey go head to head. Other stars rumoured to have something in the pipeline are Jessica Simpson, Carmen Elektra, Nicole Richie and Lindsay Lohan.
Can’ figure out which one to go for? Why not pop along to The Celebrity Fragrance Event from 7-27 October hosted by Debenhams in Oxford Street. It will help you decide and you can also benefit from a £5 gift voucher when you make your purchase. Makes scents to me!
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