Citrus or Sweet? Donna Karan vs Liz Earle

We have here two amazing fragrances competing with each other today. Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Liquid Nude and Liz Earle Botanical Essence No 1.

Lets begin with Donna Karan First. You must have heard of the ever popular Cashmere Mist range of fragrances and body products that Donna Karen has developed since years. Well the Cashmere Mist Liquid Nude (£52 for 50 ml) is a EDP and is just an extension of their Cashmere Mist range, deviating from the original fragrance that's stronger than this. This carries the same aura in my opinion, just in a slightly relaxed manner.

I like the way the carton's designed in shades of baby pink and gold, quite elegant.

The container itselt is a pretty nude pink transparent bottle with a gold nozzle.

Coming to the fragrance itself, its meant to be "A bouquet of sun-kissed orange flowers and pink cyclamen petals are laced with a whisper of lily of the valley. Then comes the intoxicating touch of Sandalwood, Ylang Heart and delicate Moroccan Jasmine, blended with the potency of woody Labdanum and pure Indian Jasmine Sambac. At the base lies the airy warmth of White Amber and Skin Musk mixed with velvety Suede, exotic Tonka and a hint of Benzoin. The result: a sweet caress of touchable, lasting sensuality."

Now you do know that each fragrance smells differently on every person after settling on one's skin and mixing with one's smell. On me I can immediately smell the Sandalwood and Jasmine, which is pretty pleasant to be honest. It quite a 'safe' fragrance I would say. It's highly unlikely that any body will find it offensive or dislike it like its Mugler counterparts.

It's not an overtly sweet fragrance too, its a softly sweet and sophisticated smell if that makes any sense. I would categorize this as one of those luxurious fragrances that we come across on the perfume isles hence the name 'Cashmere'. I like how its smell lingers around me the entire day building a cozy atmosphere. It's definitely one of those warm feminine fragrances, one which I would reserve for the evening.

Available on the 16^th August 2010 Exclusive to John Lewis

Available nationwide from 6^th September 2010

Liz Earle Botanical Fragrance No 1 (50ml for £39.50) is the only fragrance that the company makes yet it still manages to be so popular.

This unique fragrance has been lovingly crafted using some of the most precious botanicals from around the world. High-altitude lavender from France, damask rose from Turkey, Italian bergamot, and spicy patchouli from Indonesia are just a few of the ingredients in this complex blend. I hope you love our vibrant, naturally active fragrance as much as we do.

When I spray this, what I can smell at first instance is crisp notes of Orange and Lemon, which after a good few minutes warms down to Lavender, Patchouli and Cedarwood. However it does take quite a bit of time to warm down and the Orange and Lemon may not appeal to those who are not citrus-y smell fans.

I myself don't owe a Citrus fragrance yet, this being my first one but I am quite enjoying using this as the list of ingredients (14 botanicals!) used in creating this perfume are so vast, there has to be something you like the smell of. I discover a new smell every day I spray this on you know. To top it up, it consists of 98% naturally derived ingredients so yayy for that!

It is a very unusual fragrance I have to say. Its floral and musky at the same time yet not overpowering enough to put you off. It works really well to perk one up when you're feeling blue or to kick start the day. This has to be my everyday wear fragrance (after Thierry's Angel of course).

The drawer like box that it comes with is super cute to store this baby in, just like a wardrobe for it. The bottle itself is very prettily designed to look elegant yet simple, keeping in mind Liz's brand design.

uk.lizearle.com

Competitors then? Nah! Both the fragrances are completely different in their own ways. The choice is yours to make.

Citrus or Sweet?