Eye on beauty : The Scents of Autumn

Eye on beauty

This blog tackles the quest for natural beauty in Alaska. From hair color and styles, to make-up artistry, to skin treatments that nurture despite winter's chill and summer's all-day sun. Bring us your questions and take away news you can use.

Contributors

Geneva Cowen

With 16 years as a stylist and over a decade as a master colorist, Geneva finds inspiration in her environment, from the urban culture of the street to the raw open spaces of Alaska, where she was born and raised. She believes fashion happens organically, with influences that can come from anywhere.

Molly Hutchins

Molly Hutchins has been doing makeup professionally for the past five years. Born and raised in Alaska, she has worked in print, bridal, runway, film and editorial mediums, as well as for a large cosmetics retailer.

The Scents of Autumn

Posted by Molly Hutchins

Posted: September 29, 2008 - 3:42 pm

By know my love of the fall is no secret, not only are the textures and rich colors inviting and cozy, the scents are spicy and familiar. My summer scents have been put away for the year- no more citrus, fruit or floral. It's time for the likes of vanilla, cinnamon, pumpkin and cranberry and my cozy little condo has been smelling like a sweet treat since the first time I saw my breath outside (which was admittedly a little sooner than I had hoped for).

Vanilla Bean NoelOne of my favorite self-indulgent fall traditions is my annual Bath and Body Works order. This usually occurs around the same time that Starbucks switches to their festive red cup, and my drink order ceremoniously defaults to a Soy Peppermint White Mocha. Every year B&BW has some of the most decadent scents that I wait for with bated breath. I always stock up on my all time favorite- Vanilla Bean Noel. It's only available around the holidays and it's a hot commodity around my house. It's a vanilla scent, but to it's hedonistic maximum with notes of caramel, burnt sugar, tonka bean and musk. Also give the Twisted Peppermint and Winter Candy Apple a try! Layer the lotions with a coordinating body splash to keep the scent lasting all day. I'm anxious to try their new Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin as well!

The Body Shop CranberryThe Body Shop didn't disappoint with it's seasonal offerings in '07. I was a big fan of both the Vanilla Spice and Cranberry body butter, although I wasn't exactly sold on Sugar Plum. Maybe it's because The Body Shop had it's French name on the label, and for awhile I thought it was "Prune" scented. Funny how the mind plays tricks on the olfactory senses! I'm excited to see if they'll be adding anything new to the lineup this year.

Philosophy- Pumpkin Spice MuffinIn my searches for all things autumn, naturally I was quickly lead to Philosophy's website. Best known for their sinfully scented body wash (which doubles and triples as a bubble bath and shampoo), they have some holiday scents that will knock your stockings off. I'm fighting the urge to run to Nord's as I type- imagine waking up every morning to Pumpkin Spice Muffin or Carmel Apple body wash. Nothing like a calorie-free indulgence, much unlike my cherished Soy Peppermint White Mochas.