Paris Hilton Tease

The hotel heiress, who rules a billion-dollar perfume empire, debuts her 10th fragrance this month, and it’s inspired by blonde bombshell Marilyn Monroe.

“Tease is all about being sexy like a true Hollywood goddess,” explains Hilton. “I found inspiration in the playful glamour of one of my favorite screen icons in an ‘off camera’ moment. In [the marketing campaign] shoot, I am all about being alluring, but with a wink and a fun, fresh take on all that is enticingly feminine about a woman today. I want to give women permission when they wear this fragrance to tease their man with all that flirting allows.”

Can a celebrity-endorsed fragrance really make women feel as effortlessly sexy as Monroe famously mastered? Tease does please with its decadent violet glass packaging, but it’s the welcoming bouquet of white floral that unleashes one’s come-hither spirit.

Tease delightfully opens up with breathtaking white peach nectar, providing a touch of sweetness wrapped around a faint sea mist accord. The heart of Tease, a union of night blooming jasmine and Hawaiian frangipani, is a dominating, powdery aroma that makes a powerful statement with only one spritz. Tuberose, another white flower often found in cologne, tones down the sophisticated feminine notes, standing out from Hilton’s past candied collections. Once Tease dries on the skin, expect woody, blonde notes like warm sand and amber, resulting in an enticing release that gentlemen often prefer on their ladies.

Whether you think Hilton is “hot” or not, Tease is a must-have for this summer to make a grand entrance because “everyone’s a star and deserves to twinkle.” —Stephanie Nolasco



Illume

Warm weather is here, and happy feelings are in the air. But do you smell good? Check out the new Happiology line, Illume (illume.com). The company, known for their boho chic candles, has released a shower line, featuring crisp Yuzu Mint shower gel, certified organic body butters, like the lemony Bamboo and Agave, and white lily-infused Sunshower sugar scrub.

The endorphin-releasing line includes a rollerball perfume, fashion tin candles for your dorm and celebrity favorite, pillar candles. Kick off the summer with positive energy!

Illume is available at USC University Hospital, Gelson’s and Whole Foods Markets. —Erica Carter



Jessica Simpson’s Fancy Nights

It’s been years since Jessica Simpson has released a pop hit, but between breakups and hookups, she’s managed to remain fancy in the fragrance world. Following up Fancy and Fancy Love, the singer reveals Fancy Nights, a new scent meant to “evoke scenes of a sparkling moonlight fantasy.” While shoppers may scratch their heads wondering what Simpson is attempting to sell, Fancy Nights is, like her music career, not much of a stretch. Does the third strike mean she’s out of the celebrity bandwagon?

“My newest fragrance, Fancy Nights, gives me the chance to express a more romantic side of my personality,” says Simpson. “It’s sexy and has that captivating, glamorous sense of enchantment that every girl wants to feel.”

Those who’ve already experienced Simpson’s previous collections are familiar with her urgency to explore love with creamy caramel and blush champagne. As part of her series, Fancy Nights also features a vintage-inspired bottle in a jeweled emerald hue, a treasure for any woman’s vanity table. Yet, it’s the aroma we hope could be the it-scent for summer nights.

While Simpson’s new fragrance starts off on the right note, the final product is a great expectation that doesn’t satisfy. Fancy Nights, a collaboration between Simpson and renowned perfumer Steve De Mercado, is “floriental,” a blend of citrusy bergamot, with a zesty, refreshing accord fit for beating the heat. However, the union of other overwhelming notes is questionable. Green Egyptian papyrus, Indonesian patchouli, Bulgarian red rose and night blooming jasmine make Simpson’s new aroma an exotic fusion that’s too powerful for hot days and steamier nights. Together, the ingredients linger endlessly. As the perfume settles on the skin, Fancy Nights transforms into a marriage of musky vanilla and sandalwood, both intensely spicy for the season.

Fancy Nights is, unfortunately, a summer romance that is over before it even begun. Considering her love life, perhaps Simpson should explore a new theme she’s more successful at. Her candied collections are her specialty and more preferred than anything worldly by her standards. We’ll stick to sundresses over evening gowns. —Stephanie Nolasco