Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2 stars

COST: $22 for a rollerball

THE SKINNY: I have to giggle when I read Sephora's description of Elizabeth and James' Nirvana Black, brought to you by Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen.

"Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black is an addictive blend of alluring violet, sensual sandalwood, and rich vanilla that strike the perfect balance between masculine and feminine," according to the Sephora website.

To me, it's none of those things. Instead, it reminds me of the heavy incense used in Catholic churches during the high holidays.

That's really not a scent I want to wear -- heavy and sweet.

On a good note, the scent lingered for a whole workday.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss. This one isn't for me.

CHECK IT OUT: See all the bottle sizes available at the Sephora site.

-- Tested by Shay

Gucci Guilty Diamond

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $80 for 1.7 ounces

THE SKINNY: Proving that you can’t judge a fragrance by its name, Gucci Guilty Diamonds is a medium-bodied spicy powdery scent that’s not too floral interesting enough to make me take notice.

Do I love it? No. But I was surprised that I like it.

The notes are lilac, cardamom and pink pepper (How a colored pepper is supposed to smell, I don’t know). The pink pepper adds the spice that I like in the scent and tones down the floral notes.

KEEP OR TOSS: This one is a toss up for me. I like the scent but I don’t know that I would wear it every day.

CHECK IT OUT: The Gucci Guilty Diamond bottle comes with a sparkly “G,” of course.

-- Tested by Shay

Chloe Love Story

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2 stars

COST: $75 for 1 ounce

THE SKINNY: Chloe Love Story is very classic scent that’s not for me. It reminds me of a fresh cut bouquet with some roses in it, even though the official notes include orange blossom oil, jasmine and cedar wood.

This is a heavy scent that lingers in your nostrils, so a little dab will go a long way.

KEEP OR TOSS: I like perfumes with citrus or woodsy scents, so this much floral isn’t for me.

CHECK IT OUT: Love Story's bottle design is based on the locks used throughout the Chloe brand.

-- Tested by Shay

Tory Burch

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2 stars

COST: $28 for a rollerball

THE SKINNY: You know those "find your perfect scent" tools or quizzes you can fill out? When I do one, Tory Burch's fragrance always appears at the top of the perfume list that's generated.

I didn't like it, although you'd think otherwise if you look at the list of scents that blend together to make Tory Burch's signature fragrance.

Orange blossom. Grapefruit. Jasmine. All of my favorites.

But I found this perfume to be overly sweet in an almost turn-my-stomach sort of way. Instead of citrus, the tone is much more flowery.

It was a disappointing experience for me.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss. I love the idea of this perfume, but not the actual scent.

CHECK IT OUT: If you do like Tory Burch, it comes in perfume, lotion and shower gel.

-- Tested by Shay

Ralph Lauren Romance Fragrance

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $50 for 1 ounce

THE SKINNY: When you see the pale pink packaging and hear the name "Romance," you assume this is going to be girly. This Ralph Lauren fragrance fits that bill for sure, but in a way that I did not mind at all.

From Ralph Lauren: "Romance is the women's fragrance that evokes the timeless essence of falling in love -- discover the sensual essence of velvety woods, extravagant florals and seductive musk."

I don't know if smell is enough to make you fall in love, but this is a nice everyday scent that is feminine but not too overwhelming.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: You can buy the fragrance, gift sets or other Romance items at department stores or direct from Ralph Lauren.

-- Tested by Carrie

Vince Camuto Amore Eau De Parfum

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $78 for 3.4 ounces

THE SKINNY: With the big flower on the package, I was quite skeptical of Vince Camuto Amore Eau De Parfum. But I was pleasantly surprised.

The fragrance was feminine and light but not too flowery.

From the manufacturer: "Our newest scent is inspired by undying passion and romance. Be the woman you wish in this sweet and tantalizing perfume. Fruity top notes mix with the organic smell of freshly picked flowers"

That description seems a little over the top, but the fragrance works for a day at work without being overwhelming. One downside is that the fragrance does not seem to stick around all that long.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: This limited editor fragrance will only be around for a short time from Vince Camuto.

-- Tested by Carrie

Clean Cool Cotton

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2 stars

COST: Starting at $20 for a rollerball

THE SKINNY: Clean's Cool Cotton fragrance is a light, fruity scent that would probably be better as an air freshener than a perfume.

The top notes are orange, apple and lemon, and it's almost an off-putting combination.

Luckily, the scent doesn't overpower and fades fairly quickly.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss. It's not for me and probably not for winter, either.

CHECK IT OUT: Explore all the sizes available at the Clean website.

-- Tested by Shay

Demeter Pixie Dust Roll On Perfume Oil

RATING (out of 5 stars): 1 star

COST: $2.50 for a sample, $25 for 4 ounces

THE SKINNY: If this is what pixie dust smells like, Tinker Bell can keep it to herself.

At the same time, this is exactly what I imagine Tinker Bell to smell like -- candy sweet.

This really isn't perfume for anyone over the age of 6. It came in a recent Ipsy bag, which is a little disappointing.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss.

CHECK IT OUT: Somehow, Pixie Dust Roll On Perfume Oil is in the "top 30" of Demeter's scents.

-- Tested by Shay

Calvin Klein Reveal for Her

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $24 for a rollerball, $70 for 1.7 ounces

THE SKINNY: I sniffed a lot of perfume samples in the final weeks of summer. Now that fall is here, I want to transition my scent from something light  that blends citrus and floral to something a little more spicy.

My choice is Calvin Klein's Reveal, which is warm, feminine and perfect for sweater weather.

I have to laugh at the scent notes on the Ulta website though: Raw salt, various shades of pepper plus sandalwood, musk and  a whole bunch of other things I'd need to google to explain.

I think of the scent as a little spicy and a little musky and rather subtle.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep. Ulta sells this scent in a rollerball, which is the perfect size to get me through winter.

CHECK IT OUT: If you opt for the larger size, Reveal for Her comes in a really cool bottle.

-- Tested by Shay

Lollia At Last Perfumed Shower Gel

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2.5 stars

COST: $22

THE SKINNY: Lollia At Last Perfumed Shower Gel had a bright fragrance ... or was I just imagining that because of the yellow bottle?

Either way, this shower gel smelled really nice. Summery and light, but without a lingering smell on your skin; so go ahead and wear that perfume.

It had a great bubbly lather and felt super silky -- probably in part because of the shea butter and jojoba oil formula. It was nice, but a little pricey for everyday use.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep, but I won't buy this one.

CHECK IT OUT: Lollia come in the August POPSugar Must-Have box. (This service is awesome if you love mail and a variety of fun products every month.)

-- Tested by Carrie

Viktor&Rolf Spicebomb cologne

RATING (out of 5 stars): 1 star

COST: $90 for 1.7 ounces

THE SKINNY: Viktor&Rolf's Spicebomb is the cologne designed to match the company's Flowerbomb perfume.

Sephora describes the scent as "explosive." I describe the scent as "Christmas." If my man wore this cologne, I would send him back inside to shower.

Don't get me wrong. The scent is nice and heavy on the cinnamon and what I thought was licorice. But this is the scent of a Christmas candle, not a person.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss. I just couldn't stomach the scent.

CHECK IT OUT: Spiecebomb cologne also comes in a deodorant stick, if you're so inclined.

-- Tested by Shay

Katy Perry Killer Queen

RATING (out of 5 stars): 1 stars

COST: $49 for 1.7 ounces

THE SKINNY: Katy Perry should stick to singing. Killer Queen is a fragrance mistake.

It's difficult to describe the scent other than "ugh." It's a mix between something my grandmother wore and those fragrances that used to come with Barbie dolls.

Do yourself a favor and spend the $49 on an actual premium fragrance.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss.

CHECK IT OUT: The Katy Perry Killer Queen website is kind of fun if you want to learn more.

-- Tested by Carrie

St. Tropez Dispenser Smell Bent

RATING (out of 5 stars): 1 star

COST: $45 for 50 ml

THE SKINNY:All you need to know about St. Tropez Dispenser Smell Bent is that my boyfriend actually BANNED me from ever spraying it again.

It smells just like advertised -- sunscreen -- times 1,000.

Don't you usually try not to smell like Hawaiian Tropic unless you are on the beach? The smell was just too much. And where would you wear it other than the beach or pool ... when you already have that smell a'la sunscreen?

And it's really pricey too. What were they thinking?

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss.

CHECK IT OUT: You can learn more about Smell Bent from St. Tropez.

-- Tested by Carrie

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $72 for 1.6 ounces

THE SKINNY: This might just be my new favorite fragrance. Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue will definitely be my go-to scent this summer.

The super light, and somewhat feminine, fragrance is simple enough for a work day and light enough to not bother other people at the office.

It includes a hint of citrus and apple. Then you catch a little bit of floral ... jasmine, maybe? The overall effect is quite nice and I am looking around for another sample.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: Look for Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue at department stores or Sephora.

-- Tested by Carrie

Burberry Brit Rhythm for Her

RATING (out of 5 stars): 4 stars

COST: $53 for 1 oz.

THE SKINNY: This was the first time I’ve ever gotten a perfume sample that came as temporary tattoos, which makes me think this fragrance’s demographic is a lot younger than my 40+ years.

Note to Burberry: No one wants a temporary tattoo shaped like a bottle. (The tattoo is the black rectangle thing in the picture.)

But I love the smell of this perfume, made with jasmine and orange blossom. It's light and powdery with just a hint of spice.


KEEP OR TOSS: Keep. I ordered a bottle.

CHECK IT OUT: Burberry Brit Rhythm is available as both a women's and a men's perfume (although I haven't smelled the men's version).

-- Tested by Shay

L.I.L.Y. by Stella McCartney

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2 stars

COST: $80 for 1.7 ounce eau de parfum spray

THE SKINNY: L.I.L.Y. by Stella McCartney is a light floral fragrance that has a lot of (for lack of a better word) texture.

There are a couple of nice aromas in there that aren't too overpowering. It does though have a hint of something that smelled a little grandmother-ish to me. Not a lot of it, but it was there.

But the overall smell was nice. It did not hang around long though, which is why I am really docking it a star or so. A fragrance at this price point needs to last.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep. I might try it one more time.

CHECK IT OUT: This is a relatively new fragrance and Sephora has it in a lot of sizes. You can even try a small spray for $25. (That's my favorite way to buy fragrances ... does anyone ever use a whole bottle?)

-- Tested by Carrie

Our Moment by One Direction

RATING (out of 5 stars): 1 star

COST: $49.50 for 1.7 ounces

THE SKINNY: I am about to make every girl under the age of 14 really upset, but the premier scent by One Direction stinks.

My first impression of Our Moment by One Direction was a strong smell of rubbing alcohol. I sprayed (and sniffed) again. Same smell.

After a couple of minutes the scent shifted to something floral mixed with baby powder. Not attractive. Not grown up. Not something I will ever spray again.

Thankfully, the scent disappeared quickly.

It was so bad, that I actually laughed out loud when I saw the price. So sad.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss.

CHECK IT OUT: Learn more about Our Moment by One Direction or find it at Ulta (if you dare).

-- Tested by Carrie

Atelier Cologne duo

RATING (out of 5 stars): 3 stars

COST: $18 for the mini set, $60 and up for full sizes

THE SKINNY: One of my favorite winter scents in Atelier Cologne's Rose Anonyme, so I was really pining to try the brand's Orange Sanguine and Vanilla Insensee. Both are good, but neither scent lasts a long time. For fragrance this expensive, it really needs to linger more than it does.

I thought I would like the Orange Sanguine the best because I do gravitate toward anything orange. It's spicy and warm, but it doesn't make me as happy as it should. There's something slightly off about the scent. It has notes of jasmine, geranium, amber and sandalwood. (I'm guessing the geranium notes are what's throwing it off for my nose.)

The Vanilla Insensee was the real surprise. It's amazing and heavily vanilla without being sweet. It's made with lime, jasmine, oak and amber. I like it better of the two.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep.

CHECK IT OUT: I found this cologne at Sephora.

-- Tested by Shay

Clean Skin Eau de Perfum

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2 stars

COST: $38 for 1 ounce

THE SKINNY: I can barely smell this perfume, which I guess is the whole point of the line. But I can barely smell it all day, so that’s something in its favor.

It seems to smell vaguely like a mixed drink. It's very odd.

Clean Skin uses notes of honeydew, lotus blossom, white musk and vanilla. You'll really have to smell it yourself at the store.

KEEP OR TOSS: Toss.

CHECK IT OUT: Find Clean Skin and all the other fragrances in the line on the Clean website.

-- Tested by Shay

Bliss Soapy Suds Body Wash + Bubbling Bath

RATING (out of 5 stars): 2 stars

COST: $18 (bought on sale for $10)

THE SKINNY: Bliss had me at "blood orange and white pepper." I can't turn down anything that promises the scent of orange and spices. It's my favorite.

Bliss Soapy Suds does smell heavenly, exactly as I imagined it would. The scent is strong in the bath, but fades quickly so it doesn't mess with any perfume you want to wear that day.

But as a soap, I'm not impressed. The suds are lackluster, and I've tried everything: a bath pouf, a fancy bath sponge, a washcloth. I don't find the soap moisturizing (my normal liquid bath soap is either Ivory or Dove), and it doesn't give me any confidence that I'm actually getting clean.

And as bubble bath? Forget about it.

Use it for the smell on days when you aren't really that dirty.

KEEP OR TOSS: Keep. I do love the smell.

CHECK IT OUT: Bliss offers a variety of bath products in the blood orange and white pepper scent. I might try something else.

-- Tested by Shay