Elizabeth Arden products have been a long time favourite of mine as they evoke memories of my mother and aunties. When I was 5 (I'm almost 50 now!) I was a bridesmaid for my auntie, I recall being allowed a dab of her Blue Grass as it was a special occasion, even now the scent reminds me of that lovely day!! This particular fragrance was first developed in the 1930's and has undergone a revival having been re-introduced in 1989. Fragrances of this style have never really been out of fashion.
**History and Background of Elizabeth Arden (December 31, 1878 - October 19, 1966)* *
Elizabeth Arden, originally
named Florence Nightingale Graham, was born in Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada. She was the fourth of five children of a Scottish grocer. She worked a host of odd jobs before she started to realize her true mission and profession at age 30. The young woman had always been an innovator and experimenter, imbued with the idea that from many common substances, mostly medicines, salves, and herbs, could become beauty aids. She went to New York in 1908 and started anew the experimentations she had originally performed in the kitchen the house where she grew up. With the help of a chemist friend she virtually originated the concept of a "beauty cream". Her first products were promoted through her Fifth Avenue Beauty Salon, she soon outgrew this single establishment and because of the popularity of her products, she began to make her range available to other outlets for resale, worldwide. Cosmetics soon followed skin care and her first perfume, Blue Grass, was launched in 1935.
**The fragrance.**
A rich, yet fresh, cool, floral bouquet fragrance. Top notes of lavender, bergamot, orange complement the base notes of sandalwood and vetiver making it a clean fresh perfume. The first scent you notice when applying this particular perfume is the floral lavender, the scent seems to mature on the skin to bring out the spicy woodland base notes of the vetiver and sandalwood. This is an excellent frangrance for any occasion, evening or everyday use. The fragrance is long lasting being an Eau de Parfum. A perfume or eau de parfum consists of a 15-30% concentration of perfume essence and is the strongest fragrance available. This means that not only do you need to use less, but also that the fragrance lasts longer, typically for up to 6 hours, depending on skin type. Eau de Parfums cost more than Eau de toilettes, but as less of the fragrance is needed this does not necessarily mean the parfume is an expensive option, quite the reverse infact. Like all perfumes, Blue Grass is best stored in a cool, dark place, preferably in the box. Unopened perfumes have a long shelf life, once opened they can deteriorate.
**The packaging**
The fragrance is presented in a white box with a blue/green design and the Blue Grass name in embossed lettering. A stylised almost art deco image of a white horses' head with flowing mane, silhouetted against a blue/green background, appears on both the box and perfume bottle. The bottle is a classic retro design in clear glass with a silver lid. Being clear, the pale yellow/lemon perfume is visible and the whole image of this perfume is one of timeless, elegance and classic and under-stated style.
**The range**
Unlike some popular fragrances Blue Grass does not have a vast array of additional produts. Matching products in the Blue Grass range include dusting powder, body lotion and gift sets.
**Availability and price**
The RRP 30ml £13.00 100ml £25.00 Blue Grass Eau de Parfum for her can be obtained at most High Street perfume stockists. Amazon, E Bay and Fragrance direct all offer this fragrance at cut prices.
**Conclusion** This is a timeless, classic fragrance, it is a good quaility perfume which lasts well and would appeal to those who enjoy a floral fresh fragrance. I would recommend it to consumers, but stress that like all fragrances they are a very personal choice and it is always best to try out a sample instore before purchase. After a short time on the skin, fragrances can alter and what suits one person will not nesscessarily suit another.
Further details of Elizabeth Arden Products can be found on the company website:- www.elizabetharden.com/
c.brittle1906. April 2008
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
(+) Often on special offer - suitable for day or casual evening use (-) Not elegant enough for formal evening wear or seductive enough for romantic liasons
Apr 17th, 2008
(Apr 18th, 2008)
very helpful by (100%):
