Spadaro House of Fragrances is my pick for National Fragrance Week! #NationalFragranceWeek

Kim Spadaro - BeautyPress Spotlight Day 2014, Photo Credit: Tracy Iglesias

I was originally introduced to Spadaro House of Fragrances in 2014 at a Beauty Press Spotlight Day event. Press the link to read my original introduction to the brand. (The photo above is from BeautyPress Spotlight Day 2014, I was right on time with this shot with the sunlight shining in from the window!)

Beauty Press Spotlight Day was a well curated event that brought the best of skincare, cosmetics, fragrance and more in one place and invited Editors/Bloggers/Influencers to learn more about each brand up close and personal, and in many cases I had the pleasure of interviewing the Founders of each brand.

With it being National Fragrance Week, I just had to be sure that Spadaro House of Fragrances was on your radar.

I honestly haven't met a scent in her line I didn't fall in love with. I had a chance to sniff the bulk of her line at that specific event, but there is a recent scent that I just had to try and that I really want to put on your radar!

The Founder, Kim Spadaro is a literal dynamo in every sense of the word. She credits her mom for encouraging her creativity, and her fragrances are inspired her world travels. She donates a portion of her proceeds to the The Spadaro Foundation which was created as a tribute to Kim's mom wo passed away on 01/11/11. You can hear her speak on it via realTV films Kim Spadaro Interview on The Spadaro Foundation via RealTV Films Youtube.

With our world in flux right now and travel still off limits I personally am turning to the things that 'transport' me - and for me those things include books, fragrances, music and photography!

I love changing up scents seasonally, I can't say I follow the advice out there about matching the fragrance notes that best represent the season, but I normally would just hit a beauty counter and see what resonated. That's definitely not an option for me right now.

Just before NYC went on lockdown I had a mini makeover at Sephora to get me ready for a networking event - and I now wonder when the next time will be that I get to indulge in playing with makeup and sampling scents at a Beauty Counter due to Covid concerns. (Which by the way I was finally able to get the first of the two Vaccines this weekend, been talking about it on Facebook!)

I had the opportunity to try Kasmaran Privé, and I just had to put this entirely unisex luxury scent on your radar!

I have spent a lifetime blending scents to make something that felt like me and I remember clearly when CK One came out, it was OK, but I wore mostly men's cologne's when I was younger, and that is still where my nose gets attracted to, but I've widened up my variety of women's perfumes quite a bit since my teen years.

It was via a random online discussion on Facebook that I was able to re-connect with Kim, I mentioned that one of my all time favorite scent's was CASMIR by Chopard, and she let me know about her new scent Kasmaran.

Kasmaran Privé is a Spadaro Luxury Fragrance (inspired by Bali) that truly blew me away! It truly exceeded my expectations. If you notice you haven't seen very many ode to perfumes posts here and most of you know why - when it comes to lipstick and scent I rarely wear them straight out the tube/bottle - I do a little alchemy to make them more uniquely me. And I started doing so as a teen. Oddly enough if you read the About section on the Spadaro House of Fragrances website, Kim her sister and her mom would experiment with essential oils, herbs and floral essences picked from their home garden. I absolutely love that we have that in common. (not to mention love of travel!)

 "Kasmaran...the scent of the exotic Indonesian island of Bali. Bali, the mysterious Island of the Gods and a Thousand Temples, is a distant and exotic world that was instantly captures and the inspiration behind the Kasmaran fragrance. Explorations through magnificent gardens, coastal rich mountainous land and bucolic scenery were focal points of admiration. The Balinese people captivate with their warm hospitality, peaceful prayers and sacred offerings which became the inspiration for the mystic scent of Kasmaran" ~ Kim Spadaro, Perfumer 

When I tell you I am wearing something that I didn't feel the need to change or customize, it is the highest praise I can possibly give.

My Take: This versatile and unisex scent gives me just the right warmth (Indonesian Musk Pepper) and for me has been the scent that got Oud right - not so overwhelming that you can't detect other notes, but it definitely doesn't get lost either, you know it's there but it's not clawing at you. It is warm, sensual and evocative in all the right ways. I am happy with how long it lasts on me (scents usually dissipate on me right away) and I get a TON of compliments while wearing this one from both men and women! It's a bit chameleon like, men are drawn to it because it's familiar to them, but women still smell feminine wearing it (I attribute it to the powdery notes). This one is a winner and you won't regret taking the chance!

Notes: Agarwood (Oud), Musk, Indonesian Pepper, Coriander, Frangipani, Vanilla, Lemongrass and Exotic Spices.

While writing this, I simultaneously wrote my very first review on Fragrantica so their users would know this fragrance is one they should take a chance on. Online reviews are becoming so much more important as we don't really have the ability to try before we buy like we used to.

The packaging is completely stand out, and if you are thinking of gifts for any upcoming special occasion, Mothers Day, Grads and yes Dads, 60% of Spadaro Fragrance customers are MALE, this would be an amazing gift. A gift that will transport their senses each and every time they wear it.

For me scents that give me an incense vibe in some way are always a favorite of mine, they literally feel like they are taking away negative energy and clearing the atmosphere of both myself and my home. And always remember spray slightly above you and in front of you and walk through the scent mist. I also like to spray just a touch on my hairbrush liner and let it dry and then put the liner on my brush. It kisses your hair with scent. Do you know why they tell you this at the beauty counter? Perfume over time can be very drying to your skin where you apply it and can cause wrinkles to appear, so put the scented lotion on your skin to keep it moist and wrinkle free and spray a mist that you walk into to preserve the youthful appearance of your skin. (and spray in an open area, not over your wooden dresser, you don't want to mar your wood by doing this).

While I have been doing this all along since Ascending Butterfly's inception in 2008, I have been trying my best this year to spend more focus on women and minority owned brands. It feels more important now than ever.

I can tell you that social distancing has been an instant and immediate reminder to all of us that home and self-care are critical now more than ever. While I know everyone wants you to 'Kondo' and make more space and organize and toss everything, I am here with a different message - take that extra long hot bath,(trust me the dishes, the kids, the spouse, the pets, the Netflix can all wait a few more minutes), spray the perfume (the one you hide from yourself that you only use on date night or girls night out), experiment with your makeup, not because of zoom meetings or skype calls or facetime, use the pretty lingerie (yes even if you are like me currently single), paint your nails, do the face mask for no other reason at all but that you are worth it. All your pretty things that you worked so hard to acquire? Spend time enjoying them all. But if you are in toss mode because it's spring, please try to donate what is in good condition instead of just tossing.

I hope this National Fragrance Week Post not only puts an amazing scent, Kasmaran on your radar, but that it inspires you to focus on what makes you feel good about yourself, what brings out your confidence and femininity. Perfume and my signature red lip are like a cape to a super hero. Once they are on, I am in the zone and ready to take on the world.

Let's keep lifting each other up, and be sure that it doesn't stop when the world 'opens up' again. Let's look out for one another everyday!

Readers Sound Off: Leave us a comment with your favorite/signature scent! Is it one scent or do you layer a few to get something a bit more personal to you?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post, all opinions are 100% my own! I received a Press Mailing that did include the Fragrance. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway & Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. Things that lure this butterfly out of her cocoon: Technology, Travel, Fashion, Beauty, Spirits (Sparkling, Champagne, Prosecco, Sake, Bourbon, Craft Brews), Foodie Fun - really I'm such a *simple girl*.

Not so #WordlessWednesday with @SenteursdOrient and @ElilaFullFigure + Focus Phrase Time! #WednesdayMotivation

Getting my "NEW" on for New Year's Eve + FOCUS PHRASE TIME!

2018 was probably the second worst year of my life, so I decided I was breaking all New Year's Eve patterns completely.

Well maybe not *ALL* of them.

I kept the champagne.

I kept the eating something sweet during the 12 second count down. This alternates each year depending on what I have on hand, sometimes grapes or sometimes chocolate. During that time I read from a list of New Years Wishes - things I want to manifest during the New Year. So I start my countdown at 12 seconds before the new year so I can read off 12 wishes - one for each month of the year.

I normally wear red underwear because I am an Aries and Red is my "Power Color" And it has always been my tradition to do so.

This year I did not do red. I did a most divine plum instead from Elila Full Figure.

And I even changed my soap, using a brand new to me Senteurs d'Orient!

The above photo I edited with Ribbet and the insta art below I did with Corel Paintshop:

FOCUS PHRASE FOR 2018 - You know I have mixed feelings about 'resolutions', I am more partial to the idea of 'goal setting' for your birthday. That is when your personal year actually resets, not December 31st. But my phrase last year was "Self Care" and quite frankly butterflies, I failed MISERABLY at it.

So it is my phrase for this year as well.

Self-Care is and can be so many things.

MY TAKE:

If you remember I first met Elila Full Figure when I was covering Curve Expo, you can get a great description of the brand and see a model wearing Elila in my Curve Expo recap coverage post: HERE

I plan on covering Curve Expo again this year and will definitely be making a beeline directly to Elila's booth to see their new styles. I am obsessed with them now. They need to put a ring on it and make me an official ambassador!

The soap, Senteurs D'Orient I actually won from a Blog Contest being hosted by a blogger via instagram, it is definitely one of my favorite discoveries, I love the rich lather and the amazing scents offered by Senteurs. I haven't tried them all, but definitely love the Amber, and the Almond Exfoliant so far the best.

Both of these would be lovely for VALENTINES DAY or GALENTINES DAY! And this DSLR Photography Enthusiast is always up for creating custom Art Photos/Prints or Posters like the one displayed above, so DM me via Insta (@Ascending1 - this is also the blog Twitter) or email me directly here if you want a custom art piece for your walls.

Hopefully I can get Elila and Senteurs to come back and do something fun for my butterflies.

Readers/Butterflies Sound Off: What is your focus phrase/word for 2019? Do you have an underwear color preference for New Year's Eve?

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FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received, and all opinions are 100% my own!  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Where #Art #Photography #Foodie Fun and #Fragrance Collided, a #SCENTsational #SniffaVoluptuary @maisonten

Sniffapalooza Presents Voluptuary: An Afternoon of Sensual Pairings at MAISON 10 in New York City

I had to immediately open the email, based on the name of the event alone. When you receive an event invite with this title, the curiosity factor alone makes you open the email and entices you to RSVP for it.

Sniffapalooza celebrates perfumery as an art, and they love to create unique experiential events where the olfactive universe is explored with kindred spirits, combining fragrance with other sensorial pursuits. This event was an interactive multi-sensory journey, an evening of sensual delights... fragrant, culinary, artistic and cinematic pairings... created for the voluptuary in us all!

THE SPACE:

The event was a "meeting of sensory minds" held at MAISON 10, NYC's stunning new concept store and gallery space in the heart of Manhattan's exciting NoMad district and was the brainchild of Stephen Dirkes, a Perfumer, filmmaker, multi-media artist, founder of  EUPHORIUM BROOKLYN an innovative niche perfume brand. To celebrate Euphorium's latest fragrance creation, the Voluptuary Trio Set, Dirkes collaborated with Chef Tessa Liebman and Photographer Tal Shpantzer to reinterpret and pair the fragrances in edible and visual format. And quite frankly I have never attended a Fragrance Event that interpreted Scent in quite this way before.

THE SCENT:

The Voluptuary fragrances -  Suédois, Pétales and Chocolatl - were designed with a focus on sensual, decadent and romantic aspects. The intricately layered relationship of fragrance, flavor and imagery in the stories behind the collection came together to find perfect expression in this event.

THE VISUALS: PHOTOGRAPH SERIES

The fragrance Pétales was inspired by Tal Shpantzer's series of photographic portraits, The Petal Series, which Stephen Dirkes brings to life as a perfume. The Petal Series was on view at the event. The photo above is one of the photographs in the series - and that oversized Gorilla Statue is certainly a unique backdrop!

THE EATS: INTERPRETING FRAGRANCE THROUGH FOOD

Chef Tessa and CHOCOLATL

For Chef Tessa's interpretation of CHOCOLATL  she conjured up a Mexican chocolate meringue base with red wine and Piloncillo stewed prunes with a creme fraiche. It was a rich and decadent treat that totally nailed an edible interpretation of the fragrance!

Chef Tessa's challenge was to create an edible that mirrored the notes of Petales, orange blossom, black pepper, honey, ambergris, indole, and galbanum and her creation, the elegant Pavlova pastry was her edible answer!  I loved catching Photographer Tal Shpantzer taking a selfie with Chef Tessa!

The pastry combines grapefruit curd and orange flower water which Chef Tessa dusted with rose petal powder and mixed with rose pink edible glitter to give the effect of petals shimmering in the moonlight which is part of the story of the fragrance.

Close Up of Petales Pavlova Pastry

I wasn't fast enough to nab a shot of the edible interpretation of SUEDOIS (suede) which is a soft leather scent that is part of the trio. The fragrance has notes of  Indonesian sandalwood (you guys know just how much I am drawn to Sandalwood!), raspberry, raisin, labdanum, vanilla cream, and tonka musk which paired perfectly with Chef Tessa’s Suedois Cream Puffs with a Ylang Ylang Profiterole Shell and Tonka Bean and Sandalwood Bavarian Cream, and Raspberries. I love the smell of Leather and Suede so this scent was definitely an appealing one for me.



Stephen introduced a special sneak peek screening of Voluptuary #535, the short film he created in collaboration with Tal which will be premiered at La Jolla International Fashion Film Festival 2017.

Above: From Left to Right: Far Left: Stephen Dirkes, Perfumer, filmmaker, multi-media artist, and the founder of Euphorium Brooklyn, Photographer Tal Shpantzer, Karen Dubin, Sniffapalooza and Far Right: Chef Tessa Liebman

Another Spotlight Scent:

Be Careful What You Wish For 4160 Tuesdays London

I don't want to steal the limelight from Petales, but another scent I was introduced to at the event stayed in my head called "Be Careful What You Wish For" by 4160 Tuesdays a fruity oud that you won't soon forget and I now need in my life!

A Little Lifestyle:

There were a variety of Lifestyle Products on display including these handbags!

A few 'Adult Themed' items were on display as well.

You know I love Zen art/décor accents and the Thompson Ferrier Buddah Candle stopped me in my tracks! WANT IT!!!

Above: From Left to Right: Far Left: Chef Tessa Liebman, Photographer Tal Shpantzer, Stephen Dirkes, Karen Dubin, Sniffapalooza, and Henri Myers and Far Right: Tom Blackie who are the Founders of Maison 10

From a photographic standpoint I love snapping a group shot when the group is looking at a different photographer, for some reason I have always loved doing this - so it's posed and not posed at the same time.

The Gallery:

Here are TEN things about Maison Ten:

01. is an exciting new concept store and gallery space
02. showcases 10 carefully curated items across 10 categories
03. donates 10% of every sale to one of 10 different charities decided upon by the customer
04. features bags, books, candles, fragrances, gifts, homewares, jewelry, men's accessories, and well-being products
05. has a 10th themed category which it rotates every 10 weeks
06. exhibits 10 works of art for each 10 week period
07. changes everything apart from one top-seller in each category every 10 weeks
08. celebrates its new artist, designers and range of products every 10 weeks with a great event
09. is also online at www.maison10.com
10. LOVES YOU! :)

Above: Some of the guests in attendance pinched hit and rotated as "Guest Bartenders" this is Angus of The Container Globe as guest bartender pouring The Domaine Carneros Brut Rosé Cuvée de la Pompadour.  I borrowed this from Wine.com, but I just had to include it:

"The Domaine Carneros Brut Rosé Cuvée de la Pompadour, celebrates the life and times of Madame de Pompadour (the great courtesan and mistress of Louis XV) who is credited with introducing Champagne to the court and was an influential tastemaker in the matters of art, architecture and philosophy–famous for her comment,

"Champagne is the only wine a woman can drink and remain beautiful.""

MY TAKE:

This event was so "New York" to me in a good way. It was almost too hip for it's own good, I love the sensory interpretation and back story to the Voluptuary Trio by Euphorium Brooklyn. It was a treat for the senses combining sight, sound, scent, and amazing edibles.

Another Fragrance from Euphorium Brooklyn that stood out for me was CILICE, it is not part of the Voluptuary Trio, but notable none the less.

Other Sniffapalooza Events we have featured on Ascending Butterfly:

http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/2015/07/the-cosmoproflv-beauty-b2b-trade-show.html

http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/2013/12/sniffapalooza-moltonbrownusa-in.html

Keep up with upcoming Sniffapalooza Events HERE

Happy Sniffing Butterflies!

Readers Sound Off: What are YOUR favorite fragrance notes? What type of scent appeals to you most? Do you stick to the same fragrances or are you always trying something new?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post, press access was granted for Editorial Consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR Part 255  Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising see our  Disclosure Page for additional information.

Things that lure Ascending Butterfly out of her butterfly cocoon of fabulosity: Electronics/Technology (yes I am a Gadget Geek first!), Fashion, Jewelry, Bubbly/Spirits, Foodie/Restaurants, Photography and Travel. And remember Ascending Butterfly does NOT have children, please do not pitch her toys (at least not those that are intended for children).

Unless it's charity related, If a campaign doesn't pay, this butterfly won't want to play.

Smile if you got this far, twirl around twice and sing Mariah Carey's Butterfly. Still here? Now go make someone happy today.

I kissed @Pitbull at @Perfumania but promise you won't tell anyone! #PitbullMiami {#SillySunday}

Welcome to a first edition of #SillySunday!

Before you ask this is NOT sponsored, I was walking by my local Perfumania store and saw this huge Pitbull cutout through the window, being the inquisitive butterfly that I am I went in to investigate, and saw that he was there as part of an instagram contest and despite the fact I had on no makeup and was not quite feeling my most 'photo ready' I decided to enter anyway!

I am under NO obligation to blog about it, nor does doing so give me any extra entries, I just thought it would be fun to do it, and share it, here is my entry photo:

Pitbull Miami for Woman Fragrance

"Miami has inspired me on every level. The culturally diverse city has taught me that although people may be different, we are a lot more similar than we think, especially when we come together to play. I wanted to capture that energy and spirit into scents for every man and women to wear," ~ Pitbull. 

Pitbull Miami for Man Fragrance

WIN:

This is part of an instagram contest hosted by Perfumania to win a 4 Night "Pitbull Inspired" trip to Miami and 5 'runner-ups' will receive a $100 Perfumania Gift Card!

How to enter:

1. Visit a Perfumania Store

2. Take a Photo with the Pitbull Cutout

3. Log into your Instagram Account and post the photo with the hashtag #PitbullMiami

4. Visit Perfumania.com/pitbull and login and upload your photo from Instagram to be entered to win (you can 'login' with any of your social accounts to make it faster, it will scan them looking for the photo, when it finds the one with the hashtag, PRESS on it until you see a check mark on the photo, THEN hit submit) - It really is EASY PEASY!

MY TAKE:

This Latina Lifestyle Blogger would love to win a trip to Miami to meet Pitbull! If I win I am going to tweet that #TheOfficialTwitterPartyDJ finally met #Mr305, #MrWorldwide in person and definitely will post a side-by-side instagram of me with the cutout and then me with the real Pitbull! I'm already packing my bags, I have never been to Miami and can't wait to see all the cool things Miami has to offer. I have been suffering from a severe case of Wanderlust lately as I didn't get to travel anywhere this summer and am thinking this trip would be a great belated summer getaway for me.

Can you tell I really want to win?  Are you going to visit your nearest Perfumania and take a photo with the Pitbull Cutout? HURRY! You have until 11:59 AM on Saturday, October 3rd to get your entry in! What is your favorite Pitbull Song?

If you win, take me with you for giving you the heads up! 



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FTC Disclosure: This is a NON -compensated post, no monetary compensation has been received. All my opinions are 100% MY OWN. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

{Recap} @ElementsShow NYC - Brand Highlights - It's #Beauty, #Makeup, #Perfume #Nails #Cosmetics GALORE!

Elements Showcase is the definitive marketplace for established and emerging visionaries in the world of Beauty and Fragrance Design. They are the most innovative curated fragrance tradeshow in the industry, linking the best in fragrance and apothecary with top tier press and buyers from boutiques, major retailers and key independent storefronts. The aesthethic of Elements Showcase is unlike any other tradeshow, featuring an open floor plan, special projects, and intriguing art installations at an incredible location in the heart of New York City.

And while it's meant for Press to experience it across multiple days, I can normally only attend one day (more like a few hours of that day too boot), so I have to maximize my time, sit down with a list of exhibitors and figure out my plan of attack very early on.

Here are the amazing products and brands I met with during Elements Showcase in mostly alphabetical order:

Adornia Jewelry

I loved their creative display and had to stop and take a few extra pictures to get better close up details:

Adornia Jewelry

Adornia Jewelry

Ulrich Lang New York presented his fifth fragrance, Aperture

“Introspective and intoxicating Aperture Ulrich Lang New York is a wood-spicy fragrance for the new age,” 

Introspective and heady is the best way to describe Ulrich Lang's Fifth Fragrance, Aperture, it's a bit woody/spicy with top notes of pink, black and white pepper, Mid Notes of Tobacco, Jasmin, Cedarwood a hint of Muguet (another name for day lily - nothing to do with Lord of the Rings I promise) and Dry Notes of Musk, Vevier, Ambergris, Animalic Notes and Amber.

Arts&Scents - as the packaging indicates, these are young, fresh and different perfumes.

I can never have too many make up brushes!

Unhinged by Bliss Lau

Unhinged Jewelry Creative Directed by Bliss Lau

Calming Park Candles come in scents including: Fig-Bamboo, Sequoia, Cashmere (which includes precious balms like incense and myrrh making it my personal favorite), cactus and spa de provence.

As you can see there is also a CD! The CD shown above is Calming Park No 7, and you can hit HERE for the full Track Listing.

Common Good featured at Elements Showcase in New York City, February 2014

Common Good Products are safe to use around kids and pets! I would definitely love to test all of these as I am asthmatic and do have allergies!

Condense Paris by Nathalie Lamande offers a wide range of Natural Skin Care Products!

The range is structured by skin type so you can get  truly targeted care that fits your unique skin and skincare needs.

Detaille 1905 Paris offers Skin Care, Perfumes, Essentials Oils, Powders, Room Fragrances and you can order samples sizes to try them all out before you commit to a full size product purchase!

Dude Wipes - who feels if you are still wiping with just toilet paper, you're a chump and your ass hates you for it. Any red-blooded American knows Dude Wipes are something you never leave the crib without. (They are *Also sweet for your face, hands, pits, and of course dude regions.) And for those of you who need some grooming aids for areas up North (C'mon folks I mean your HAIR) try HairBond haircare products.

With makeup only tested on SuperModels, Ellis Faas offers a wide range of lips, eyes, skin, and one of the most unique holders I've seen to house your skincare treasure trove . The Ellis Holder and Ellis Clips make your makeup arsenal something to akin to a bullet! Stylish with a dash of Urban Cool!

OK so my hand played supermodel for a day testing out some of Ellis Faas range of colors, I really liked this one!

I love when approaching an exhibitor booth gives you a sense of anticipation!

Sydney floral designer Saskia Havekes presented the Fragrances inspired by Magnolia and using the same name as her floral design business, Grandiflora. Two visions of Magnolia were created, Magnolia Grandiflora Michel and Magnolia Grandiflora Sandrine. A third Grandiflora fragrance will be based on Madagascan Jasmine and will be called Stephanotis Floribunda. I'm going to link you guys directly to the Stockists page on their site so you'll know exactly where to buy it.

The Trade Show was sectioned by 'Elements' and as you can see ILLUMINUM was in the Gold Elements area of the showcase.

Scent Testing area, it is super hard to pick a favorite!

I will say that I have worn the scent 'Bergamot Blossom' most often this spring and do not fail to receive various compliments when I am wearing it! Its notes include: Bergamot Calabria, Neroli Tunisia, Pimento Berry, Black Pepper and Thyme at it's heart and base notes of Labdanum, Musk and Oak Moss. Other standouts were Rajamusk, Arabian Amber, and of course Piper Leather (very masculine, but I tend to find 'leather' scents appealing).

Eco Beauty Brand Indie Lee was in the Mercury Section of the Showcase!

I would love to try the Clear Complexion Kit as I hear such wonderful things about the Squalane Facial Oil that is included in that kit!

Isabelle Ariana Parfums Paris display at Elements Showcase. Their range includes: Magic Amber, Mystic Wood, Rose Sultance, Ombre Sublime, Ombre Coquine, Reine de Saba and Oriental Blossom.

I would definitely love to try the full sizes as it's hard to gauge on the test strips how it will smell against your own body chemistry.

We were happy to see Joya return, as we had featured them the last time they did Elements Showcase in New York City, in case you missed our original feature on them, press HERE

Couldn't resist getting a closeup of this candle in honor of the Famous Katz's Delicatessen, a NYC institution since 1888, 3 generations in my family got to enjoy their corned beef sandwiches that's for sure!

Kjaer Weis Eco Make Up was also on display at Elements Showcase in New York, their website is currently under construction, in the meantime you can connect to them via Facebook intead.

k/ller collection was back again. Last time we featured their Brass Engraved Nail Shield Sets, if you missed that post, check it out here.

I love bold statement necklaces and these definitely caught my eye!

Londontown's KUR: Nail Treatment System caught my eye as all the products in the system work in unison to repair, strengthen and hydrate the nail and cuticle! I also loved their lakur: enhanced nail colors as well.

MD Solar Sciences offer a wide array of  'ProVention-R' Skin Care and MDSolarSciences Sun Care Products - offering sun damage prevention while diminishing many of the signs of photo-aging.

Meow Meow Tweet offers Vegan + Pure + Crafted by Hand small batch natural apothecary products based in Brooklyn, New York. And let's face it, anything that says 'tweet' catches my eye!

Meow Meow Tweet Tea Tree Rosemary Liquid Soap

Bellegance Perfumes premiere fragrance Midnight Promise, a beautiful Eau de Parfum, gets five out of five butterflies for both the beautiful butterfly packaging and the beauty of the scent. It's Top Notes include: Sparkling Red Mandarin and a whisper of Tangy Cinnamon, a Heart Note of Red Moroccan Rose and Base Notes of Vanilla, Amber, Incense, Fresh Vetiver, Patchouli, Sandalwood and Musk. (Which as many of you might remember, when I got the opportunity to do a 'custom scent' my notes were strikingly similar to these. I have been alternating wearing this scent and the Bergamot Blossom by ILLUMINUM referenced above and get tons of compliments on both of these!) This is a perfect gift for any butterfly lover in your life! With Mother's Day Coming Up Soon, I urge you to keep this one in mind!

MINE Luxury Nail Lacquer is handmade using the finest raw minerals in the world! Each exclusive color is richly pigmented, hand-mixed and poured into a hand-crafted Austrian crystal bottle. They are fnished with a custom brush and application requires only one coat. These are designed by a jeweler and it certainly shows! 

I got the 24K Graphite Crystal Top Manicure ($325) using the GRAPHITE & GOLD Lacquer and a Crystal Top Coat. My mani brings all the boys to the yard.....LOL (This was definitely a five out of five butterflies rating, best manicure ever! Just wish my nails were longer!)

This is literally perfect for the mom that has it all, turning her nails into 24K works of art? I would say that will definitely bump you into favorite status!

Portland General Store is an apothecary with a little something for everyone!

They have a ton of neat stuff for men and the TSA Compliant Dopp Kit on the upper right hand of the picture would make a wonderful Father's Day Gift!

Cirque Colors is a New York based beauty brand that specializes in hand-blended nail lacquers. The name 'Cirque', meaning ring or circle, represents the color wheel and endless color possibilities in the continuum. They also have a color called 'AU' made with real 23k gold leaf flake at a much more budget friendly price than MINE!

Ray Simons of Amsterdam big smile and welcoming display drew me in! RAYMAN is a 100% natural and organic Skincare line for men - Skull, Face and Shave Oil with NO chemicals, NO synthetics, only Botanicals!

I adore the packaging!

This is definitely another great choice if you are shopping for something unique for Dad for Father's Day, trust me, he'll appreciate THIS way more than a tie!

It was also nice to see Rouge Bunny Rouge Back Again, we covered them the last Elements HERE

sans[ceuticals] - New Generation Beauty presented their products for skin and hair at Elements Showcase New York City, February 2014

Suleko definitely gets my vote for most unique bottle packaging, even their website opens up to words by John Keats, and the scents are certainly as unique as their packaging. These are like mini works of art for your vanity, dresser, or night table! Enjoy!

It was great to see tenoverten back at Elements Showcase New York City, I got a really great manicure from them the last time, here is a link to my past tenoverten mani and coverage of them.

I spotted some great colors for Spring!

I was very happy to spot Thymes as I am quite familiar with their products!

Thymes Natural-Smelling Fragrances have been a long time hit with me, the only hard decision is settling on just one, and they even offer a sample kit on their website to help you do just that!

Union Fine Fragrance Collection was developed by an eclectic group of friends to offer truly British fragrances that contained ingredients sourced from the shores of the UK.

uslu airlines is a Berlin based luxury cosmetics brand, (not an airline!)

You know I can't resist a display of lipsticks! How I love my red lippies!

vbeaute is a vegan, gluten free, paraben free, fragrance free, nut and oat free line made for all skin types!

Verso Skincare offers the first non-prescription high dose Vitamin A derivative that can be used safely in the daytime.

w3ll people knows that our skin absorbs 60-80% of what we put on it, and that drives their mission to create innovative cosmetics of quality, integrity and purity to achieve not just external beauty but also healthy results on the inside!

w3ll people utilizes Organic Aloe infused makeup to help sooth, nourish, moisturize and heal the skin.

My Take:

Elements Showcase definitely delivered a great mix of brands. But I will say that Midnight Promise with that memorable and delightful scent AND in the perfect butterfly packaging and the MINE Luxury Nail Lacquer Manicure were definitely my top two highlights!

Butterflies which brand resonates most with you? Which one would you most like to try? Let them know you saw them featured on Ascending Butterfly so we can hopefully come back with something fun for YOU too!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post, it is an event recap, I attended Elements as a member of the Digital Press. This is NOT a sponsored post and all opinions are 100% my own!  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.