To the High Court of Cosmetics:
I would like to submit the following brief conversation, which I had with El Hub at 8:30 p.m. last Friday night (30 minutes before the nearest Sephora store was closing), for inclusion in the Official Record under the heading, “To Restate the Obvious.”
EL HUB: Do you really need to go to Sephora right now?
ME: Yup.
EL HUB: Really? Right now? Aren’t you sick of makeup?
ME: Nope.
There I was, cruising the aisles, looking for a quick fix, when I came across this cool fragrance fountain.
They call it “The Source,” and no, it’s not some kind of alien technology (as far as I can tell). It’s for refilling bottles of Thierry Mugler’s Angel and Alien fragrances.
If you bring an empty bottle of Alien or Angel to the store, an associate will give you a refill right then and there.
But unlike Coke or Pepsi, the refills aren’t free.
According to the lovely associate I spoke with, refills of Angel are $49 for a 0.8-ounce bottle (versus $80 for a brand new bottle) and $79 for a 1.7-ounce one. Alien refills are a little cheaper. $49 for a 1-ounce bottle, $79 for a 2-ounce bottle (which normally sells for $120 new) and $94 for 3.
Getting the refills at Sephora also saves a little money over getting them at Nordstrom, where the 1.7-ounce refill of Angel goes for $100, versus the $79 is costs at Sephora.
Kinda cool! I love gadgetry. I’m not a big fan of either of these scents (they’re a little too sweet for me), but if I was, I’d totally do this.
Lulle says
I had a good friend whose signature scent was Alien. Whenever I see these fountains I think of her… (friend living in another country, re: today’s Monday poll!)
Melissa says
Alien is my go to winter fragrance! My favorite mac MA turned me on to it a while back. It’s a really unique smell. Kinda like a mix of grape soda and fresh laundry…weird, I know. Guess the name fits, lol. I have to use it sparingly or it can trigger a headache but I still love it.
Erin says
What a great idea! I’m happy to see these, I hope other brands will follow suit!
Sylirael says
I love the refill concept. I don’t throw away expensive perfume bottles anyway, they’re usually too pretty… 🙂
Take note, Elie Saab! You too, Hermes!
Cindy says
I would love to try different perfumes but I always stick to my signature scent Chance by Chanel. It’s an everyday luxury <3
http://www.cindyslittblackbook.com
May says
Karen, did you know that Mugler has a make up line? If not, CHECK IT OUT!!!
Angel, is my scent. I do not like Alien and Womanity. I have a lot of Angel products because I go to all the Angel events (get tons of free stuff…including a cute bracelet which has little charms of the different fragrances by Mugler). *Please note* that not all of Mugler’s bottles are refillable. If it is the spray then you cannot refill it. Check with the sales person before you purchase the bottle.
Other favorites include Chanel Noir, Chanel Mademoiselle, Guerlain’s Shalimar Initial, and most recently Michael Kors Glam Jasmine (the Sporty Citrus is equally nice). I have many more but my go to is always Angel and Chanel Noir. I guess, it helps that I work part-time at a department store.
Sylirael, I love Elie Saab too but it is way too strong for me. I tried the sample I was given but ended up with a massive headache.
😀
Ankita@corallista says
Love the concept! I wonder if they have this outside of the US.
May says
HI Ankita,
Where are you located? I will ask a Mugler Rep. if I run into one.
hanna says
It seems really interesting.