Recently Cosmopolitan Magazine has undergone a bit of a shake-up and is in the process of reinventing itself with a definite emphasis on targeting "young women forging careers, developing their individual style and finding their place in life". I have to say that this process does not stop when you no longer meet Cosmopolitan's definition of "young", but there it is.
Now the Cosmopolitan brand is moving into the fragrance market and has just launched its signature scent called, unsurprisingly, "Cosmopolitan". Even back in 2009, research showed that Cosmopolitan readers accounted for £1 in every £12 spent in the beauty market so it's no surprise that Fragrance is now in their sights.
The packaging is understated and subtle, a plain white box with a dash of hot pink and orange ribbon but the bottle inside is a pleasant surprise.
Almost art deco in design it is a multi-faceted glass bottle with the 'C' logo on the sides - a single 'C', otherwise comparisons would have to be drawn with Chanel and this is a fragrance which lacks the subtlety of many of that brand's scents. The bottle is supposed to give off a pink and orange glow, which is does and it would look lovely on a dressing table.
What we have here is a powerful and heady fragrance which is quite an exotic mix of notes. Cosmopolitan describe the fragrance as follows:-
"The Cosmopolitan woman’s zest for life is captured in fresh sparkling top notes of mandarin, bergamot and red berries. Then comes the surprisingly seductive heart: hypnotic night- blooming jasmine and the powdery sweetness of heliotrope. Pimento berries give it a rich shot of spice, while carrot seed offers something earthy and unexpected. The base will linger on your skin long after you’ve sprayed, with powerful patchouli, comforting vanilla and the tobacco-like qualities of tonka."
If anything it reminds me of a Britney Spears fragrance and has more in common with the celebrity scents than with the classics. This is no bad thing but it is a fragrance that shouts "look at me" rather than "come closer and inhale my perfume".
The top notes are pineapple, bergamot, cardamom, mandarin, nectarine and red berries with base notes including patchouli, musk, sandalwood, tonka, vanilla and caramel.
The Cosmopolitan Fragrance is definitely a perfume for those who want to be noticed. Personally I find it too heavy for day / work wear, but it is a great evening fragrance and one which lasts far longer than some of its rivals.
The price point is mid-range, starting at £28 for 30ml of EDP and two gift sets (including a shower gel, body lotion and a purse spray) will be available later this year.
Cosmopolitan The Fragrance is available exclusive at Boots.
Further information is available at www.cosmofragrance.net, on Facebook and on Twitter.
* A PR sample was received for the writing of this post. The opinions expressed are my own.
