By now, you all know that I am a firm believer that Lisa Hoffman (name sounds familiar? She’s Dustin Hoffman’s wife) is reinventing the way we understand and use fragrances. Based on the ingenious concept that the same fragrance is not appropriate and/or wanted at all times of the day and night, Variations offers 4 -yes, you guessed it! – variations on 1 scent: Morning, Daytime, Evening, and Bedtime.
Why do I need a different fragrances for different times of the day? you find wondering. Well, consider the fact that, for example, when you go to bed you a gentle, not overwhelming, scent. During the day, because you are running up and about, you want a slightly stronger scent that can keep up with you… Here’s what Lisa Hoffman says about the variations:
“Variations’ Fragrance Collection featur[es] four precious pulse points oils designed to complement a woman’s changing olfactive sensitivities throughout the day.
- The Morning variant is light and refreshing, subtly scented so as not to overwhelm the morning nose.
- The Daytime variant is rich and dimensional for when women are at their peak activity.
- The Evening variant is deep and sensual to accompany a night out on the town or a romantic evening at home.
- The Bedtime variant is gentle, powdery, and softly subliminal when the nose is at rest.
Unlike many fragrances that claim natural elements in their names, Variations actually smell like the essential oils and the the plants they were extracted from.
First there were 3:
French Clary Sage (possibly my favorite!) is a fresh and clean blend of linen and cotton accords mixed with subtle Sicilian Bergmot and French Clary Sage. The Bedtime is relaxing and calming, with a burst of sage enveloping your sleep.
Tuscan Fig – perfect combination of rich ambers, warm woods, sensual musks, jasmine, honeysuckle, osmanthus, vanilla bean, gardenia, tiare flower, and Tuscan fig, this is a great earthy scent.
Tunisian Neroli – subtle orange blossoms provide the underlying tone to this marvelous, delicious fragrance. French Ylang Ylang, Golden Amber, Italian Lemon and South African Buchu Leaf add a delicate yet lushous touch.
And then there were 2 more – 2 that were nominated for a FIFI Awards!
Japanese Agarwood – imagine lemon, cardamom, bergamot, Japanese agarwood Accord, jasmine, spiced ginger, muguet, cedarwood, musk and amber coming together in incredibly green scent, perfect for the hot summer months ahead. 
Madagascar Orchid – alluring with blends of Madagascar Orchid Accord, lemon, cloves, lily, tuberose, neroli, jasmine, ylang ylang, mimosa, pink peony and woods, this is the only fragrance in the collection that is a bit powdery.
But what I really love about Variations is that you mix the oils to create your own unique routine. I love mixing Morning and Evening when I’m meeting friends for breakfast or have an early morning meeting. Or wearing Bedtime when I go to Yoga class. I simply toss them in my makeup bag (though they do come in a beautiful leather wallet, I prefer to simply carry them in my makeup bag) and apply on the go.
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