Calvin Klein Beauty

Last week, I was invited to the launch of Calvin Klein Beauty, the latest fragrance to join the Calvin Klein range of scents.

Created by perfumer Sophie Labbé (she also created one of my favourite scents – Hugo Boss Woman), this fragrance is centred on the lily.

According to the brand:

A new interpretation of a lily – a neo-lily – is the heart and soul of Calvin Klein Beauty.
A sophisticated flower that is the essence of femininity, the lily is also radiant and powerful.

Besides lily notes, this perfume also contains top notes of spicy ambrette seeds, heart notes of jasmine and base notes of cedar wood.

As can be expected of Calvin Klein fragrances, Beauty’s bottle design is simple yet attractive. Featuring smooth lines and clean aesthetics, curves sit atop a glass base encircled by a metallic silver ring, while a sculpted metallic silver cap completes the look.

There’s meaning behind the design: The ring represents a woman’s ongoing strength and confidence, while the golden liquid reflects her luminosity and inner beauty.

Every fragrance worth its dry down has a celeb rep and the face of Calvin Klein Beauty is actress Diane Kruger. I absolutely love her defined yet natural makeup in the ad visual. Her visage is flawless too!

The event was held at 1-Altitude, apparently the world’s highest alfresco bar. Setting new heights, are we? ;)

Guests were greeted by these belles in white who gave out calla lilies with a smile. They make such a pretty picture with their virginal appearance and I like how their frocks set off the green stems and ivory satin ribbons.

The event locale (on the 63rd level, of course!) was decorated with the same lilies, as well as ad images of the fragrance.

I loved how the water cascaded down the fragrance visuals, lending them a fluidity that was très apt, considering the subject of the event.

The view from the topmost deck of 1-Altitude was breath-taking, of course. It also took away my land legs – lily (ha!)-livered me was shaking the entire time I was standing up there. One would think that my shortness of height would render me fearless (a low centre of gravity + my weight should = stability :P) but no, I was too chicken to go near the glass panels…hence my sorry photos of the spectacular view.

Interestingly, mobile phone lines apparently switch to Indonesian and Malaysian telcom operators up there. I know for a fact that Singtel users were frustrated with their phones not working. Starhub users, on the other hand, were able to tweet and message merrily away! ;)

Here I am with Kas, my acrophobic fears somewhat assuaged (thanks to her, I was able to teeter and totter around somewhat safely!). Can you see that glint of relief in my eyes? I was so happy to finally be seated! I still didn’t dare to venture near the glass panels though. :P

It was a relaxing event where guests were pretty much left alone to enjoy the panoramic view. Kas and I passed the languid evening chatting and bonding over canapés. The perfume girls eventually came to our table and we were able get a whiff of the scent. Our verdict? It’s very floral and feminine.

The scent is a little too strong for me but I’d imagine that women older than myself (my mummy and my mum-in-law, for instance) would like it. I do like its dry down – although it has base notes of cedar wood, the floral tones carry all the way through. There is a whiff of modernity (like a classic floral scent made new) and I prefer its softness – after it has had time to dissipate – to its robust smell at first spritz.

I’d placed the fragrance card in my bag and the scent spread to my cardigan and other items inside. As testimony to its tenacity, the card and my cardigan still bear the scent, several days on. I’ve taken to smelling the cardigan these past few days because of the pleasant smell. Wonderfully, it remains clean and doesn’t degrade into something mal-whiffy!

Kas and I, once more. We had a lovely time talking about beauty and our lives.

Here are the prices of the Calvin Klein Beauty collection in Singapore:

• Calvin Klein Beauty Eau de Parfum Spray (30 ml) S$91
• Calvin Klein Beauty Eau de Parfum Spray (50 ml) S$112
• Calvin Klein Beauty Eau de Parfum Spray (100 ml) S$143
• Calvin Klein Beauty Luminous Bath & Shower Crème (200 ml) S$67
• Calvin Klein Beauty Luminous Skin Lotion (200 ml) S$82

Available from end-October 2010, Calvin Klein Beauty can be found at all Calvin Klein counters located at:

BHG Bugis, Isetan Scotts, Metro City Square Mall, Metro Paragon, Metro Seng Kang, Metro Woodlands, OG Albert, OG People’s Park, Robinsons Centrepoint, Robinsons Raffles City, Takashimaya, Tangs Orchard and Tangs VivoCity.

Image sources: Coty Prestige, Calvin Klein Fragrances and Lifestyle Asia