I couldn’t think of a better way to commemorate Valentine’s Day than with an interview celebrating one of our most sensual and romantic senses; the sense of smell. Fragrance is memory, story and promise; the memory of a past romance, the love story you are creating and the promise of future pleasures. It is MY pleasure to welcome Kristina Vogel, founder of Bath Bar to my column.
Kristina, a leading Hollywood makeup artist for the past 18 years, has created a line of natural, biodegradable, paraban free, cruelty free lotions, scrubs, perfumes and MORE. All Bath Bar products can be custom scented to your liking. With over 100 different fragrances to choose from you are sure to find the right blend to make your Valentine swoon.
It’s Valentine’s Day what’s brewing over at Bath Bar for the most romantic day of the year?
Sticking with the romance of Valentines two things come to mind for me, Chocolate and Champagne. Okay Okay, Flowers are nice too. So for a little spoiling we are recommending this three fragrance combinations.
Fig and Chocolate:Fig a sparkling cassis and green vines highlights luscious fresh fig notes, and Chocolatethe ultimate indulgence, without the calories.
Black Currant and Chocolate: Black currant fragrance oil is simply an amazing fragrance with strong top notes of black currants, strawberries, and mulberries; middle note of granny smith apples with bottom notes of rose and jasmine. Coupled with chocolate makes this a truly delicious fragrance.Both of these chocolate fruit combos are amazing scents that are very pleasing to the senses.
Champagne and Lily n Asian Pear: This scent smells so much like the real thing that you would swear the bubbles are tickling your nose! This is a slightly sweet, effervescent fragrance. Blended with sweet nashi pear and apple with soft notes of lily of the valley, rose petals and jasmine. Base notes include pear nectar, musk and peony blossoms. This combo is truly romantic and lovely.
What fragrance combinations would you recommend for this time of year?
With the weather as crazy as can be. One day it’s warm the next day it’s freezing. I would stick with a couple of my favorites for any time of year. Our Signature scent Zen Milk is alluring, sexy and mysterious with a little bit of Musk, Vanilla, Sugar and Floral. One of my other favorite combos year round is Black Currant, Coconut, Fig and China Musk, this combo is a showstopper for sure and is truly sensuous. I also love the masculine combo of Tobacco, Vanilla and Orange but beware you might just want to be alone with yourself or your partner.
What smells do find most appealing for men/women?
For A great unisex fragrance I would stick with: Frankincense, Orange and Vanilla
For her try any of our signature scents:
Magic Blossom:A cocktail of Gardenia and White Blossoms with a narcotic twist to transport you to tropical climbs.
Pom Star:Let your skin drink up the tasty aroma of pomegranate, tea and amaretto. This fragrance is truly delicious!
Lazy Daze: This sweet relaxing blend with Lavender and Vanilla will lull your senses into dreaming.
Zen Milk: A musky scent with rich deep notes, a hint of floral, vanilla, and sugar, that seduces the senses of men and women alike.
For Him:
Kristina Asked me to share my favorite Bath Bar secnt:
Francis Xavier: Indi Sandalwood and Frankincense is the blend Kristina made for me and I love it! I use it everyday and each time I am floored by how perfect the mix is; masculine and woody but not overpowering.
Can you talk a little about the science behind “mixology?” How exactly would you explain the process to someone who knows nothing about it?
One thing I have learned is that very often people are good about knowing what they like. I think the best way to create your own scent is pick a couple of scents that you are most drawn to, anything that smells good in any of our categories, and than add something in that’s unpredictable. On our website we offer the customer up to 3 fragrances, but it is not necessary to pick 3 in order to come up with something that is appealing. I will always call a customer and talk to them about a fragrance if I think it could be an iffy combo.
What does using organic and natural ingredients offer that other products do not?
Less toxic to you and the Environment.
Can a fragrance tell a story?
Yes a fragrance can tell a story like the clothes you choose for the day… changing with your mood a fragrance can make you feel beautiful, sexy, comfortable, outgoing, romantic, shy , fresh, sporty etc... that’s one of the great things about creating your own scent you can change it depending on how you feel.
What are three of your favorite Bath Bar products/fragrances and why?
Tobacco, Orange, Vanilla: Tobacco is daring and dangerous, Orange is uplifting and refreshing, and Vanilla is sexy and comforting.
Do you notice any trends in scents? If so, what are you noticing now in your customer’s requests?
I think people want to be unique rather than wear a popular fragrance. I am also making more fragrances that our unisex.
Favorite Valentine’s Day getaway/treat?
A big spa bath for two (or one)….with a glass of champagne and some Fig and Chocolate Sooth the Mood Salts (spa tub safe) With our Butter Me Up Lotion also in Fig and Chocolate for afterwards.
What does being brave mean to you? Going for something you really want even though it might be risky, uncomfortable or not the easiest path I think that being brave means going for what you want in your life even though you might have to step out of your comfort zone to do it. When you have a dream, or want to accomplish something and you can make the opportunity happen, you should go for it. I have been a Make-Up Artist in the film and television industry for most of my adult career. I have always tinkered with making fragrances and natural bath products. I have also had opportunity to meet many wonderful people and see people under a huge amount of pressure, myself not excluded. People often need pampering and a little something special for themselves to make them feel good. I realized for me and many others that the act of bathing with amazing cleansers, lotions, perfumes etc… can turn an ordinary task, into a relaxing, enjoyable, transformative experience. For some it might be the only quiet moment in the day and I want to help make that time special. One of the moments I enjoy most is coming home and relaxing in the bath. Which has brought me to where I am today with Bath Bar.
What’s next for you in 2012?
I am looking forward to finding a great location for my brick and mortar store. As well as designing a great fragrance Bar where people can come, hang out and mix their own fragrance cocktails.
.Where can my readers find you online?
To shop and mix fragrances: www.bathbar.com
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