PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: TOVA TOVA SIGNATURE BEVERLY HILLS EDP

Here's an initial review on TOVA TOVA SIGNATURE BEVERLY HILLS EDP

PRICE: 4000PHP

PLACE BOUGHT: SOMERA, GLORIETTA 5, MAKATI CITY

OTHER LOCATIONS: ?

THE VERDICT:

I've been searching high and low for this perfume. I've been to different malls, but my search is always a failure. I even resorted to paying exorbitant miscellaneous fees through online ordering out of desperation because I've been itching to try this perfume for a year now.

And one fateful day, I walked in to a store named Somera in the new Glorietta 5. And lo and behold, a huge sign was right in front of me, saying: TOVA ON SALE.

Finding your favorite perfume on a huge sale. How great is that???

If my memory serves me right, this Tova perfume is originally around 5k. And I'm so happy to have saved a thousand bucks, which is enough money to buy me a good meal to celebrate an accomplished mission.

A bit of a background: Tova, according to some perfume blog sites, perfume store sites, etc. that I've visited, this American brand has been famous since it's inception. "A SCENT LIKE NOTHING ELSE", as other would put it. And for the last 25 years, Tova has been equated to elegance, sophistication, and style.

I've been reading blogs as well that says some, or all of the Tova perfumes have undergone reformulation to suit the modern woman, but at the same time, still retain the scent that is Tova.

There were also blogs and reviews about negative brouhahas regarding the loss of the scent of Tova that has captured women of different ages.

I have no right to say anything about the old formula because I didn't even exist yet during the time this perfume was made and established. So here's my two cents worth on this perfume.

As for the packaging, the bottle is quite heavy, but it's not burdensome like my D&G La Lune bottle, which is like carrying a huge jar in my bag. The simplicity of the bottle and the design reminded me so much of the bottles of Chanel perfumes. Tova has this quality like Chanel's. Simple yet alluring. There's this curiosity that lingers inside you that makes you wonder how one perfume in a plain and boring bottle is able to capture the hearts of perfume afficionados.

And once you try it, it is indeed, a liquid gem in its own right!

Tova is a stand- out amongst my collection of fancily decorated perfume bottles. The simplicity makes it easier to spot, and the slender nature of the bottle makes this a definite space- saver.

Tova Beverly Hills is a concoction of the following notes: middle notes: lavender and jasmine; base notes: sandalwood and musk.

Frankly speaking, I might have been carried away with too much reading. That's the problem when your expectations are too high. In the end, all you'll have are your unmet expectations. The scent reminded me of a popular perfume. As much as I don't want to think of it, but after having my first whiff, it smelled totally like Avon's Sweet Honesty Perfume, which is definitely waaay cheaper than this one.

Errr...

The Sandalwood scent is very dominant. Second would be Jasmine, which gives a womanly appeal to this perfume. This is definitely not what a teeny bopper would wear after the first whiff. But for old souls like me, it works. I like mature scents. I didn't quite smell the Lavender, but when it settles, the musk scent takes over.

I was saddened by the fact that it disappointed me big time because it smelled like an average perfume. I've thought to myself: "There must be some sort of consolation to this!"

And true enough, I did get the consolation that I was looking for. When this perfume settles on your skin, it smelt beautiful! Wait, let me re- type that. IT SMELT BEAUTIFUL. It settled down to a light, musky, floral scent that is like no other. I would even describe the scent as heavenly. It reminded me of a white linen dress, white flowers, puffy clouds on a clear blue sky, and birds chirping on tall and abundant trees. It smelt clean and summery, which makes it perfect for a stroll in the mall, or a cup of coffee with friends. The mature scent makes this a perfect perfume to wear on summer night- outs, whether you're on a date, or you're simply hosting a dinner at home for someone. Whether you choose to wear this day or night, it's perfect this summer!

Hubby told me that my Eclat D' Arpege is the most beautiful- smelling perfume that he has ever smelt on me. And this is the second. He would even say with conviction "ANG BANGO MO BOO!" every time I'm wearing this perfume. I even get compliments from friends too. Hours ago, Hubby was hugging me in the cinema while we were enjoying Clash of the Titans. Every time he'd give me a kiss on the cheek, he would always say "Hmmm... Bango." So it is true, that if you want to be remembered, find a good perfume. I'm just so happy that he likes it.

But the consolation will only last you for two hours. Though the formulation is EDP, the staying power is that of an EDT. So I suggest that you spray it on your pulse points, where the perfume will last longer because the pulse points are the warmest parts of your body, and the warmth helps the perfume stay longer.

Well, I could pretty much say that I'm torn between liking it and not liking it. The fact that this is priced at a hefty premium should mean that this should have a great quality, or at least, good staying power. I like it, because it does smell good. However, the staying power sucks, and that's what's important. I don't want to spray this after every hour because this perfume is quite costly!

I will never buy this again. I've finally fed my curiosity on Tova. That's it.

Oh well, so much for my lemming...