First of all, let me declare my love for the visual ad of this fragrance. I LOVE the simplicity of this ad and I happen to think that classic white shirts really represent elegance and a ‘quiet’ sensuality. The ad campaign, shot by world renowned photographer Craig McDean, features all Estee Lauder spokesmodels: Gwyneth Paltrow, Elizabeth Hurley, Hilary Rhoda and Carolyn Murphy, each sporting a crisp white shirt and very little else 😀 Aerin Lauder, Senior Vice President and Creative Director, Estee Lauder, said “The advertising was inspired by the belief that women at every age can be sensuous. The women in the ad project a natural, modern sensuality in their own unique way.” About the white shirts in this ad, Aerin Lauder explained “There’s a bit of mystery behind the shirt – you don’t know if it’s hers, her boyfriend’s or her husband’s.”
I just can’t think of a better visual for a perfume called Sensuous!
Ok, enough about the ad, let’s move on to the juice! 😀
Sensuous is developed by perfumer, Annie Buzantian, and features notes of ghost lily accord, magnolia, jasmine petals, molten woods, amber, sandalwood, black pepper, juicy mandarin pulp and honey. Ria Wulandari, Estee Lauder Indonesia’s Training & Communications Manager told me that Estee Lauder is aiming to break down the stereotype about woody fragrances, that are usually marketed for men. “When creating Sensuous, we wanted to re-invent the idea of feminine woods and change the texture and sensation of woods for women.” says Karyn Khoury, Senior Vice President of Corporate Fragrance Development Worldwide, Estee Lauder Companies.
I think they’ve done it successfully because Sensuous has a woody accord that is fluid, warm, inviting and distinctly feminine.
The opening of Sensuous is quite sweet but it settles quickly into a rich and warm honeyed amber, mixed with woods, floral and a little spice. It’s not as strong as I thought. After the middle notes appear, Sensuous just sort of stays close to my skin so it’s actually very suitable for daytime use. The lasting power is quite good, as most Lauder perfumes are. I wore it from about 9 am and only needed it to spritz again when I’m heading somewhere for an afternoon meeting or dinner. I find myself reaching for this bottle again and again because I just can’t resist the warm and creamy blend of all the notes in Sensuous. I think this fragrance suits women like me, whose idea of sensuality is all about confidence, timeless grace and strength, instead of emphasizing too much on appearance only.
If you’re not familiar with woody fragrances and think that you won’t like it, I suggest you give it a try. You might be surprised because I do think that Sensuous isn’t at all dark or ‘manly’. It’s actually quite feminine, smooth and well…sensuous 🙂 so it won’t ‘scare’ people who are more familiar with floral fruity types.
Sensuous Eau de Parfum is available in Estee Lauder retail counters nationwide and retails for Rp. 550.000 (30 ml), Rp. 660.000 (50 ml) and Rp. 990.000 (100 ml)
Also available in Satin Body Lotion and retails for Rp. 500.000 (200 ml)
By the way, here’s what the spokesmodels say about when they feel most sensuous:
Hilary Rhoda “It depends. Sometimes it’s when I’m wearing really comfortable clothes and feel very natural. Other times, when I’m going out at night, I will wear something sexy and have a little bit more makeup on.”
Carolyn Murphy “The most sensuous I feel would probably be in the evening just before bed, maybe after a hot bath. I think it’s a time that’s really cozy and much more quiet and intimate.”
How about you ladies? When do you feel most sensuous?
