Cosmetics from Asia win the contest for most creative packaging hands down, especially when it comes to cute, girly packaging. An online ad for Harajuku Lovers Fragrances, starts with “Enter the land of fatal cuteness”. Exactly!
Harajuku Lovers Fragrances comes in a range of more than 20 scents, each represented by a different little dolls that are the container. There are 5 scents that are constants, and a several limited edition scents that change every year.
When I’m working as a focus group moderator, I usually have to travel to get to my projects. I like to bring perfume with me, but since I’ve become a beauty blogger, my little quart bag of liquids and gels has gotten really full. So, when I noticed Harajuku Lovers Fragrances among the impulse items at line to the cashiers at Sephora, I had to have one. A solid perfume in a subtle scent. Perfect, it doesn’t have to go in the plastic bag at airport security. And of course, I love the packaging!
I bought the Baby scent that definitely fits its name: it smells like a high-end baby powder. One of the fragrance websites describes it like this: “The fresh, floral aroma comes from an expert mix of bergamot, freesia, heliotrope, jasmine, orange flower, tiare, violet and white rose. The powdery softness comes from notes of soft woods, vanilla and white musk.” It’s a great scent to wear while traveling or working, where you want something subtle and inoffensive. My only complaint is that it’s not the most long-lasting fragrance, but it is fun to take out the compact and apply more.
Since purchasing Harajuku Baby, I’ve discovered that, in spite of the fact that the box is covered in Japanese writing and the packaging looks Japanese, the brand was the brainchild of American singer Gwen Stefani, introduced in 2008 and produced in conjunction with Coty. Shock. The brand was inspired by Gwen’s fascination with Japanese pop culture and street fashion. The characters are representations of Gwen (the blonde-haired G line) and her four backup dancers: Love, Angel, Music, and Baby.
Because I bought it at Sephora, I paid full price, $25, for the 0.04 oz. solid perfume. But it’s available for much less at the discount fragrance websites. I just saw it for $12.99 on fragranceX. The eau de toilette sprays that are full-size dolls sell for $20 and up on the fragrance sites, in two sizes: 0.33 fl. oz. and 1 ounce. There’s also a large size, 3.4 ounce glass bottle.
Like the Princess Etoinette and Dear My Blooming Lips Talk from Etude House and Heart Ful Moisture from Holika Holika lipsticks that I’ve reviewed, I think the Harajuku Lovers Fragrance line makes a great gift for daughters, nieces, granddaughters, or any woman who likes cute, girly, attention-getting cosmetics packaging.
So, what do you think about this kawaii (adorableness) fragrance line? Do you own any of them?
Hi Allison: Can you recommend a lipstick with SPF?
Great question, Miriam! These days there are lots of lipsticks with SPF in the 15 range. Here are a few suggestions in a number of price ranges: Yves St. Laurent Rouge Volupte SPF15 $34, Yves St.Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Pure Color Lipstick SPF15 $34, Vincent Longo Lipstain SPF15 $23, Lorac Breakthrough Permance Lipstick SPF15 $22, Stila Lip Balm SPF20 (I wear this: comfortable, hydrating, but not a longlasting color), Paula’s Choice Sheer Cream Lipstick SPF15 $10.95, Sonia Kashuk Satin Luxe Lip SPF16 $9.99 Target, L’Oreal Colour Riche Lipstick SPF15 $8.95, L’Oreal Colour Riche Lip Balm SPF15 $7.99 and there are even more than this. I know you like Chanel, and they offer Chanel Aqualumiere Lip Shine SPF15 for $42
LOVE the container!!!
That’s why I had to have it, Sue!
thought I’d outgrown playing with dolls, but these are too adorable. Thanx
Yes, they are too cute, Nancy! Maybe one will have to follow you home next time you’re in Sephora 😉
I want it just for the container 🙂
Paula recently posted…Beauty 101 – Learn How to Reduce Pimples
It’s soooo cute! You’re right, it’s worth it just for the compact.
These are really cute! I wonder if I have room on my dresser for one more bottle of perfume?
Monica.
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Always room for one more, lol! Or one of these little purse-size solid perfumes might fit the bill