A couple of weeks ago I was invited to discover a new fragrance by Estée Lauder in Amsterdam. Fragrance, Amsterdam, Estée Lauder, .. I know a good reason to take a day off when I see one. I spent the day shopping with my friend Lisha (from the blog Joliette), and in the late afternoon went for a cocktail with the Estée Lauder team. I was very excited to try their new scent Modern Muse for the first time - Instagram has been buzzing with pictures and there's nothing like a good word of mouth buzz (and let's admit it, a very pretty perfume bottle) to make you want to try something. This fragrance already launched in many countries, so we're pretty late to the party... But it's still a fun party nonetheless.



Modern Muse is a fragrance all about the powerful, modern women of today. We're all inspiring muses in our own way and that's wonderful - something to embrace. The scent itself is pretty interesting: instead of the classic use of  top, middle and base notes, the perfume consists of two accords that each have their own meaning - they call this 'dual impression'. The first accord (symbolising creative energy & femininity) is a jasmine accord and blends exotic mandarin, tuberose, fresh lily, honeysuckle, dewy petals and two Arabic jasmine extracts. The second accord is an elegant woods accord (symbolising elegance, sensuality & strength) and blends two patchouli extracts, Madagascar vanilla, soft musk and rich amber wood. I usually lose all interest in anything at the mention of patchouli (seriously, those incense sticks give me proper headaches), but it's very well balanced in this fragrance and doesn't overwhelm at all. Or induce headache. The Eau De Parfum lasts a long time on my skin - I'd say all day, but it does fade in strength after about six hours. I've been wearing this scent a lot since I got it, which pretty much tells it all. I think this is a classic in the making and a perfect gift for any woman you admire and love.

Estée Lauder's Modern Muse Eau De Parfum retails for €51,72 for 30ml, €74,48 for 50ml and €102,41 for 100ml. It's already been launched in the US, Canada, the UK and more countries last year (thanks for the info, Kim), but it has just launched here in Belgium and some other countries across the world this month. So not so new to many of you, but it is to me!