When we arrived in Hawaii the other day, my sweet mum-in-law greeted us at the airport with tuberose leis. Tuberose are small, fragrant, tube-shaped flowers with a light rosy fragrance I strongly associate with Hawaii.
But you don’t have to visit the islands to experience the fragrant tuberose. Just head to your nearby Nordstrom Estee Lauder counter and ask to test the Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia Eau de Parfum ($65-120), a white floral combining the scents of tuberose and gardenia.
There are subtle transitions between the top, middle and base notes.
Aerin Lauder, granddaughter of Estee Lauder, originally developed the fragrance for herself and for friends.
Fragrance notes
Top notes: tuberose
Middle notes: gardenia
Base notes: carnation
Estee Lauder used the following elements to create the fragrance: neroli (a plant oil similar to bergamot), lilac, rosewood, tuberose, gardenia, jasmine, white lilies, orange flowers, carnation, vanilla, bourbon
To closely match the scents of flowers in nature, Lauder used a fragrance technology they refer to as “Nature Intact,” and with it the perfumers really hit this one on the nose (pardon the pun). Wearing the scent makes me feel like I’m wearing a tuberose lei.
I’ve been “visiting” this scent at the Nordie’s Estee Lauder counter near my house in Marin, practically dousing myself in it for the last month, but I’d been on the fence about purchasing it because of the price. The lesser expensive eau de parfum version (1 oz bottle) will set you back $65; a 2.5 oz bottle runs $120. A 1 oz bottle of the more concentrated perfume version, which I haven’t smelled, comes in a beautiful jeweled-top bottle and costs $300. Yes, you read that correctly: $300.
Since tomorrow is my birthday, and to commemorate this trip, I think I’m going to take the plunge and treat myself to the $65 eau de parfum. Hopefully, back at home in Marin, when I wear it I’ll think of Hawaii!
Estee Lauder Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia Eau de Parfum Spray
Price: $65, 1 oz bottle; $120, 2.5 oz bottle
Use: A light, white floral fragrance reminiscent of Hawaii
Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A
Try Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia at Nordstrom Estee Lauder counters or look for it online.
Yesterday, I spent the day in sunny Waikiki after watching the Kamehameha Day Floral Parade, the second oldest parade in America, and the only one to celebrate a king. I didn’t expect the parade to be as interactive as it was. Members of the audience would run out to meet, shake hands with and to hug and take photos with the parade participants as the floats passed by. I was told by people in the audience that Hawaii has a lot of parades. I guess there’s always something here to celebrate.
After the parade we headed to the Elks Club at the foot of Diamond Head mountain to hang out by the pool and to watch contestants come in from a kayak regatta. We finished the day with a trip to the Honolulu Aquarium. I wasn’t able to go surfing because the waves were just too big for me (eight footers!) and, hello! — I am way too wimpy to handle those bad boys.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Grab your cup o’ Kona coffee, kick back and relax with the best of this week’s posts from the lovely ladies of the Beauty Blog Network and Splendicity.
The Beauty Blog Network
Lilan from The Daily Cookie gets the low-down on Nordstrom Beauty Director Joelle Russo’s Dior must-haves for your makeup bag.
Raging Rouge is totally stumped about what to buy Dad, until she stumbles upon these perfect Father’s Day Gifts.
A Touch of Blusher’s guest reviewer reports on the new Thierry Mugler makeup line.
The Beauty of Life bares it all with Bobbi Brown’s new Yogi Bare Lip Balm!
Beauty Anonymous invites you to Peach-a-Boo! from OPI.
Looking for a cool beauty gadget? Bionic Beauty absolutely loves her PedEgg for summer pedicure preparation!
Intergallactic glamor! Roselyn from Makeup Makes Me Happy does an amazing tutorial andrevamps the smokey eyewith the Solar Bits from the latest M.A.C. Solar Field Collection!
Beauty Banter spent the day on location for a new NBC TV show… and she raided the hair and makeup trailer! Find out all the beauty tips from her day spent on-set (these are too good to miss)!
It’s All About the Men this month!! Beyond Beauty Basics tells you how to take care of your guy’s skin with these simple skincare products in their Father’s Day Men’s Special!
Makeup Loves Me lashes out and gives you the 411 on two of the much-buzzed about new tools in for eye lash curling and separating.
The Makeup Divas reviews and tells you about a great mattifying product that Carmindy and professional make-up artists use and recommend.
What’s Beauty Blogging Junkie using to achieve Valley of the Dolls Hair? Find out here.
15 Minute Beauty Fanatic continues to add to her summer bright nail polish options with Essie’s Summer Neons!
StyleBell discusses Redken’s fab tips on how to do the perfect blow out for your hair!
The girls over at Beauty in Real Life are having such an amazing giveaway…your lips will thank you if you win!
Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog shows you how to get a silver and pink eye look with eyeshadows from MAC Cosmetics.
Scandalous Beauty shows youhow to easily and effortlessly cover Acne, Blemishes and Skin Discolorations. This is a video you don’t want to miss!
Toya of The Life of A Ladybug introduces you to Laura Mercier’s Bronzing Duo in Pink Bronze , another in her “Bronzers for Brown Girls” series!
Makeup Moxie reviews the new Hourglass Bronzer Duo.
Kitiya from Mischo Beauty invites you to enter her SPINLASH giveaway!
Cybelesays picks their favorite springtime flower-scent products.
Kyle at Face Candy loves Boots No. 7 Quick Thinking 4 in 1 Wipes.
Are Escada fragrances too sweet for your liking? Kia of Yummy411 recommends another fragrance you are sure to like!
The Beauty Bug previews new products that have just hit counters and shelves this month.
Pursebuzz.com interviews Ford Model’s Johnny Lavoy. Spend an hour with us as we talk about his start and his secrets to fabulous hair and so much more!
Beth from Beauty Junkie in SF found a way to flirt with boys without getting into trouble. Genius!
The Mineral Makeup Blog reviews and loves Cosminology’s Mineral Concealers!
Michelle from All Lacquered Up shares her latest nail polish obsession, a gray lacquer she’s dubbing the next “it” color.
This week, Kim Kardashian revealed some more of her beauty secrets. What are they? Visit Spoiled Pretty to find out!
The Splendicity Network
BEAUTY
Teri from Aging Fabulous has been testing the Lancome Absolue Premium bx Cloth Masks and the results are in.
Viva Woman takes a look at sunscreen ingredient Helioplex from Neutrogena and compares its Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch with La Roche-Posay Anthelios containing Mexoryl.
Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog shows you how to get a silver and pink eye look with eyeshadows from MAC Cosmetics.
Beauty and Fashion Tech tries the Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Foundation, Concealer, and Powder and loves them!
Beauty Secrets Revealed is Giving Away Bramble Berry’s DIY Eyeshadow Kit Worth $45.
A Touch of Blusher’s guest reviewer reports on the new Thierry Mugler makeup line .
Youthful skin is IN! Beauty Banter dishes on Jurlique’s new anti-aging collection! After all, who doesn’t want to look younger?!
Raging Rouge gets lipstick tips and tricks from the Lipstick Queen herself, Poppy King! You won’t want to miss her advice, or information about her new book!
Krizia from Beauty Match Network highlights her Interview with Lancôme’s makeup artist and Beauty at Every Age Expert.
15 Minute Beauty Fanatic continues to add to her summer bright nail polish options with Essie’s Summer Neons!
Steeping Beauty rediscovers the Pleasure of a Japanese Bath with Shu Uemura.
The Scented Life can’t believe that Lindsay Lohan is finally going to launch her own perfume!
FASHION
Style…a work in progress’s husband has found his summer muse…but can they find the right pants? Find out why she says No white after Labor Day (and not much before either).
Snarkstress doesn’t recommend taking Office Wear style cues from the ever-so-classy Amy Winehouse, but notes there are moments when the fashion forces of Kat Von D may take over – right, Charlize?
Petite Fashionista is all shiny and new and invites you to check out all the new features, plus to celebrate there will be lots of contests|http://petitefashionista.blogspot.com/2008/06/contest-time.html]]”>contests in the next few weeks!
The Space Between My Peers describes three color combining techniques for blondes who want to wear black.
SHOPPING
Over at NY Spender, Bullitt the cat points you to some great online deals. This week he has found some cool bermuda shorts!
Shopalicious has found a place to score cute summer dresses for under $50!
Her Accessories is loving the vintage style of these metal and enamel pendants from designer Peggy Li.
Indie Style File is is looking for a brave soul to try these Hammertime Pants.
ShopDiary has invites to The Top Secret, a private online sample sale site.
Eye4style tells Lucky readers how to get their hands on an iconic piece of Sex and the City movie memorabilia.
STYLEnosh asks readers to weigh in with their opinion on 5 Under $50 Father’s Day gifts to show Fathers how we appreciate and love them this Father’s Day.
The Latest Luxe is playing Lady in Red with the Donna Karan Crossover Gown.
Your hair looks so nice in the picture. I think the Fekkai spray is working for you. The parade looks fun, I’ve never been in one before.
$300 for the parfum version? It’d better be distilled gold or something. But on the other side, you won’t use so much of the concentrate version anyways. It’s good to have perfume for your birthday, it lifts your mood somehow 🙂
Happy birthday girl! Wish you all the best!
You’re such a cutie!! I bet you’re a blast to hang out with!
ooh, I SO envy your tan Karen! Have a great birthday tomorrow! 🙂 omigosh, you lucky duck, celebratin’ your birthday in Hawaii, lol.
That sounds like such an amazing day! I bopped around Union Square with my friend today! I managed to resist buying anything ’cause I’m still saving my pennies for Cool Heat! I got to swatch some of the colors today and they are super fabuloso!!
A fragrance souvenir is the best! Be sure to spritz yourself with it every day while you’re there so it will always remind you of being in Hawaii! 🙂
I wish I can go Hawaii for my birthday too. I hope you have a great day tomorrow!
Happy birthday, Karen!
Christines last blog post..Make Up For Ever – HD Powder – High Definition Make Up
Happy Birthday Karen!!!! 🙂
I hope you have a wonderful day (and treat yourself to that Tuberose Gardenia 😉
Karen Bs last blog post..We all float
Hi Dao,
Oh thanks! Yeah, I’ve been having some good hair days with the Fekkai. I’ve been combo-ing it with another product from the summer hair line called “Beach Waves” which I’m currently testing out. It’s great so far.
I know, the $300 price tag hurts! I’m all about the budget version, LOL.
Thanks again for the birthday wishes. I hope this year is a good one. 🙂
Hi Vivien,
Aww, thanks, girl! 🙂 We’d prolly have a lot of fun together if you could handle some serious goofiness! Have a great week!
Hi Jousy,
Thanks! I am a little grumpy about getting older, but hey… can’t fight that fate. 😉 I got a lot more sun today despite my layers and layers of sunscreen. I have a feeling I’m coming home extra crispy, because I plan on doing lots more water and beach stuff. How was your day?
Hi Glosslizard,
Fun! Did you go with your BFF, Paula? Yeah, I swatched some colors, too. Me likey! I’m going to try really hard to do a modified version of an FOTD on Thursday with it.
I will be tempted to spray myself every day with it! I did bring along Estee Lauder’s Bronze Goddess (it’s a given if you’re going to the tropics, right?) so I’ll have to alternate between the two.
Have a grrrrrreat day tomorrow! 🙂
Hi Miss QQ,
Wouldn’t it be great if we could all meet here and just have a massive girls trip?
Thanks for your wishes! I will try to do my best to make it a good one. 🙂
Hi Christine,
Thanks hon! Have a wonderful week 🙂
Hi Karen B.,
Thank you, friend, for the well wishes! I hope you get to smell it someday… it’s a very beautiful fragrance.
Good luck on your tests!
🙂 I hope so too.
Thanks, I just got home from my exam. It was okay. Not as good as was wished for but not as bad as I feared. With a bit of luck I’ll pass.
Karen Bs last blog post..We all float
Hi Karen,
wow your holiday looks amazing I definately have to make it there some day! I love buying fragrance on holiday to bring back nice memories every time you spritz!
I had the best makeup shopping trip ever on friday although I did spend wayyy to much money! I bought a couple of things from Dior which I am really impressed with actually, its not a brand that i have ever really been a fan of probably mainly because of the dated packaging but I got a shadow pallet which is fabulous and a great eye shadow cream base which is so nice i have worn it every day since! I also got some MAC solar bitz which i really like!
I picked up a few of your reconmendations too which im loving: laura mercier secret brightning powder, dior concealer,my second pot of moisturlush eye (!!),the MAC covered lip brush and a new NARs blush i think they are now officially my favourite brand for blushers!
Hi Holly!
Nice haul! Hope everything is going great for you right now! 🙂
Hi Karen!
I went with another long-time friend of mine! I’ve recently helped her develop a raging obsession with skincare! It’s really fun to see her getting so excited about everything!
I can’t wait for that FOTD, you’re in the perfect place to pull off a bright, tropical look with all those amazing colors! Are you gonna use the Tropic Glow slimshine? 😉
Alternating is good! You and El Hub have a fantastic day too! 🙂
Girl that looks so fun and beautiful…and I knew that you were going to have to pick the EL up. I still find myself reaching for it all the time!!! It’s great!
Oh and Happy Birthday!!!
Hi Glosslizard,
Im absolutely loving all my new stuff i spent WAY too much money but i figured i deserve it to reward myself for getting through my finals with a tiny bit of sanity remaining!
If you are ever near a Dior counter in the near future have a look at the shimmering eye base its called ‘eyeshow’ it is fantastic, the texture is much nicer than the MAC paint pots and it lasts just as well and never creases! I have literally worn it every day since i got it either as a base or on its own during the day!
Hi Karen B.,
Great! I hope you pass, too! *crosses fingers* Are you done with all your tests?
Hi Holly,
WOOT! A big fat yay for your wonderful haul! What palette did you get? Details, girl! I think I know which cream base you’re talking about… it’s the one in the pot, right?
Have you tried the Dior concealer and the LM Secret Brightening together yet? AMAZING!
Hi Glosslizard,
Ahhh, fun! What did you help her pick out? I hope Shiseido 55 was up in that mix, homie.
Of course! If one is in the tropics then Tropic Glow is a given.
Hi Megan,
I soooo gotta give you props for introducing me to this scent. I ended up getting it as one of my birthday presents, so it’s coming home with me! It’s the perfect summer scent. 🙂
And thank you so much for the birthday wish!
Hi Holly!
Whoa, you got through finals with sanity??? You DO deserve a good haul! 😀
I will check out that eyeshow the next time I’m out and about, thanks!
Hi Karen!
She’s loving the Skyn Iceland line right now! I do keep bugging her about sunscreen though! 😉 I made her try out a Guerlain bronzer and LM metallic creme eye color. She splurged on a Jo Malone fragrance she’d been wanting for some time and grabbed beaucoup samples! I just tagged along since Cool Heat has my wallet’s undivided attention at the moment! 🙂
Yay! I can’t wait to wear Tropic Glow!
Karen, those pictures are so cool.