Launching: Pink Friday EDT by Nicki Minaj

There's not too much that can get me out of bed to be at Selfridges for 8:30am.. but a Nicki Minaj fragrance launch can. I must admit that when I found out I was invited to this launch, it was part for the fact that I love her music, and my curiousity as to what kind of fragrance she'd make, but part of it was for the anticipation of something outrageous.. let's just say I got my fix. What an experience.



The UK launch was in Selfridges on the 15th of March where Pink Friday will be sold exclusively until April when it will be released nationwide. Alongside her fragrance (which I'll speak more about in a bit), Nicki's gone the extra step and made a clothing line for her bust-shaped fragrance - Couture by Minaj. To my understanding, they're releasing 4 designs of which only 100 of each are made. Not exactly my cuppa tea, but I saw it first hand - the Barbz (apparently that's what Nicki Minaj fans are called) went mental. Here is the line in 'life size'..

Duchess of Pink

Whip it Like Minaj

Starships Minaj


The Barbz invaded at 9:30am when the shops opened - stampeeeede! 

So on to the fragrance itself. Now I love Nicki Minaj's music but when it comes to her clothes, I can't quite say I'd want her wardrobe so I was curious as to her taste in scents. I think I expected something heavy and sickly sweet, but to my extremely extremely pleasant surprise - she had gone for a floral musk.

Top notes: Starfruit, Italian Mandarin, Boysenberry - "thirst-quenching sweetness"
Heart notes: Lotus Flower, Jasmine Petals - "whipped with pink shades of floralcy"
Base notes: Vanilla, Carmelised Pear - "creamy indulgence"

Personally, I love it. I think it initially smells like really fresh berry juice you'd have by the poolside, and then it kind of melts into this warmer kind of strawberry cream-like scent (I realise it's not in the ingredients so my nose is just making stuff up..).

Now I did have a few friends smell it, and some liked it while one said that the initial freshness was too artificial - perhaps like detergent or washing up liquid. Having heard that, I kind of get it - the sweetness is definitely nothing nuanced or sophisticated. But as with any perfume, it's the base note that stays and that is definitely the sweet, creamy smell with the hint of berry.


Now the bottle - you'd imagine it's a love or hate thing, but personally I'm in the middle. One of the reasons why I think celebrity perfumes often look tacky is because their bottles are so cliche but made cheaply. There is literally nothing cliche about this bottle (except the slight Gautier vibe when you take Nicki's head off). That being said, it's not very practical for travel and I'm not 100% sure I'll like it on my vanity.. we'll see, but at the moment I'm appreciating the uniqueness more than berating the outrageousness.


And of course - here she is with her Starships costume. I'm loving her necklace too. Bask in the outrage ladies, bask in the outrage.

All in all, I'm very very happy with Nicki Minaj's Pink Friday. It's a great scent, and whether you like her Couture by Minaj concept or her extremely out-there bottle design, you have to admit it's a story, and that's more than most celebrities can say about their fragrances. It's been an experience attending the launch and I feel like Pink Friday really does go a long way to explain her artistic mindset.
 This fragrance is definitely an expressive artwork, and I'm happy to own a part of that - and actually like it to want to use it!

Keeping in mind her massive 'Barbz' following, I suppose this makes sense - the whole concept seems like it's aimed at the existing fans rather than trying to win new ones over. In a way, it's refreshing to see someone make something for her fans who will appreciate her kookiness, rather than just trying to make some extra dosh on the side by making an identity-less, boring perfume *cough* Kate Moss *cough*.

Pink Friday has launched in Selfridges 15th March and will launch nationwide on the 1st of April 2013.

Prices: £39 100ml; £29 50ml; £24 30ml.

What are your thoughts on Pink Friday and Nicki?

<3yu

Comments

  1. It was so nice to see you at the launch! I have actually worn this perfume a few times and its amazing how many people like it once it has settled down but it is sweet be great for summer :) xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lovely to meet you Ellie! I haven't worn it yet, I'm saving it for the warmth.. if it ever comes!

      Delete
  2. I definitely want to try this fragrance, I am a Nicki fan!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. The smells sounds nice, but I'm not a Nicki fan, so I completely hate the packaging haha

    A little bit Unique - Blog // Facebook // Bloglovin



    x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hahaha yeah I can see how it'd grate on people!

      Delete
  4. This sounds like exactly the kind of perfume I'd wear... really want to smell it now! x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's lovely Ali, you should definitely go check it out :)

      Delete

Post a Comment

Popular Posts