Hundreds of fragrances were released in 2010 and it’s impossible to recall all of them , let alone test them. But I try. What follows is a highly subjective look at my highs and lows in the world of perfume this year. Please feel free to weigh in with your choices.

Most Innovative Fragrance Idea: Lush Gorilla Perfumes

Launched with a unique “scent experience,” LUSH created the Gorilla perfumes for both the connoisseur and the layman. Those in NY and London could explore (for free…in a creatively-constructed thematic art gallery) this line inspired by music and travel. Gorilla Perfumes is a delicious adventure in new and old scents and offers surprising names with genuinely moving stories, like Scent of Freedom. Many of the fragrances are highly affordable and come in travel size sprays.

Best Use of Celeb Spokesperson- Clive Owen for Bulgari

We’ve seen several celebrity fragrances over the past year, but none that really resonates with us as much as Clive Owen for Bulgari Man. Not only does the association make sense, it seems refined and not “overdone” or over publicized as several others seem to be. Classy? We like to think so.

Most Over-hyped Fragrance Idea: Justin Bieber Scented Dog Tags

Bieber is everywhere and his first foray into fragrance got covered by everyone including BeautyStat. Why? I wish I knew. But get ready for round tw0: next year, he is bringing us a girl’s fragrance.

Worst Fragrance Video/Commercial- Beyonce Heat

I am really over seeing Beyonce gyrate anywhere, but this jumped the shark. Seeing her rub her steamy self did not one thing for me, but her fragrance sold gangbusters.

Best Perfume of the Year – Annick Goutal Ninfeo Mio

A glorious blend of citrus, green stems and lush Mediterranean gardens. This floral lasts long and is not quite like anything out there. We love it because it’s an unusual, not too “in your face” blend.

Best Unisex Fragrance – Tom Ford Azure Lime

More masculine than feminine but in the hottest summer on record, it was a welcome blast of citrus and cypress that was bracing and wore so well in the heat. You just want to inhale it.

Best Charitable Initiative- Mary J. Blige My Life

One dollar from every bottle of My Life sold with benefit FFAWN, the Foundation for Advancement of Women Now, which Blige co-founded.

Best New Niche Perfume Line – Atelier Perfumes

An independent brand that came along to tweak the traditional idea of “ cologne,” (citrus blends) that have been around for centuries. These are gorgeous, and last really long which is highly unusual for a citrus. The line recently released smaller 1 oz bottles as well.

Most Unique Bottle and Best Use of Social Media: Womanity by Thierry Mugler

Part metal totem sculpture, part perfume bottle, Thierry Mugler’s Womanity is contained in a carved glass flacon with a chain attachment to add to its unique look. We also love the way the brand used crowd sourcing to market this fragrance. One for the display table .

Best Scent for the Non Scent Lover: DKNY Pure or Calvin Klein Beauty

Both of these are super light and soft with powdery edges; perfect for anyone who wants just a hint of scent.

Least Appealing Fragrance Name- Mariah Carey Lollipop Bling

I don’t care if it was inspired by her husband’s proposal! If someone asks what perfume you are wearing, do you really want to answer, “Oh its Lollipop Bling”? Our Runner Up is Ralph Lauren’s “Big Pony.” I like Ralph’s men’s fragrances a lot, but “Big Pony”? That’s the best they could do?

Biggest Disappointment: Helen Rubenstein’s “All You Ever Wanted”

This fragrance represents a welcome back to the US market for Helena Rubenstein , a legendary name in beauty, but this Demi Moore fronted fragrance failed to live up to it. This is basic floral, nothing exceptional and it didn’t seem to catch on with the public either.

– Diane Artzberger, The Beauty Alchemist

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