R&B Fragrances, Review of Perfumes and Colognes from R&B Singers

Rhythm and blues has been labeled baby-making music for quite some time. Unlike pop music or singing rappers, R&B focuses on making every single note as clean as the last one and is much friendlier to ladies. Collaborations have been made with R&B artists and hip-hop artists, and every once in awhile we run into an artist who is equally talented in both genres (ex. Missy Elliot, Queen Latifah, Erykah Badu, Andre 3000). Both R&B artists and hip-hop artists have taken up interest in branching out in other ventures, including owning their own fragrances.

Have you checked out perfumes and colognes from your favorite R&B and pop artist?

Fergie: We know about Fergie's humps, but now Avon shoppers can check out what perfume she's "outspoken" about with the new Outspoken by Fergie fragrance. Fergie, who is the lead singer of The Black Eyed Peas and sold six million copies of her solo CD "The Duchess," wears a silver heart around her neck in the ads. If Avon shoppers like the jewelry, they can get it, too, in the perfume set. The fragrance has a powdery, flowery, feminine smell that's perfect for casual and formal events. I highly recommend this one. I left the Avon location at 7062 N. Clark in Chicago knowing full well I'd be back. If you're in Chicago, check out Emma Sosa's store.

Outspoken: Iced Berry, Tuberose Absolute, Black Leather

Keri Hilson: R&B singer Keri Hilson, best known for songs like "Knock You Down" and "Turnin' Me On," has joined the perfume industry with an Avon exclusive fragrance. Imari Seduction doesn't stand out to me. It smells a lot like potpourri and the top notes are really strong. After awhile the perfume warmed up to me though. It's not one I'd like to wear, but the base notes settled in and the feminine fragrance tamed down a bit. This perfume is probably best for formal events, but beware of putting on too much. It only takes a couple of sprays before it's overkill. Is it seducing? Seduction can work both ways, it can be subtle or it can be really strong temptation. The name might be best for a man to judge.

Imari Seduction: Luscious Plum, Purple Orchid, Warm Vanilla, Amber, Musk

Beyoncé: She shot to the top of the Forbes list as one of the wealthiest women in the music industry and was a member of super group Destiny's Child for years, but she's definitely made some questionable decisions-like trying to rap (ex. "Diva" and "Video Phone"). Although her acting wasn't very good in "The Fighting Temptations," "Dreamgirls" or "Carmen," she showed how much practice makes perfect in her excellent role in "Cadillac Records." When she slips, Beyoncé always comes back stronger, but with her new perfume Heat, this was an automatic winner. The Macy's Chicago display of Heat perfume came out just in time for Valentine's Day and was in a festive red to match. This perfume is about as sexy and feminine as she is, and I'm quite a fan of the scent.

Heat: Red Vanilla Orchid, Neroli Orpur, Magnolia Delavayi, Blush Peach, Honeysuckle Nectar, Almond Macaroon, Crème de Musk, Giant Sequoia Milkwood, Tonka Bean, Modern Amber

Jennifer Lopez: Although the former "In Living Color" Fly Girl has done more pop songs than R&B, hip-hop and R&B lovers swayed to the beat and loved her collaborations with Ja Rule, like "I'm Real" and "Ain't It Funny." She's also been in over 30 TV shows and films, but her best role was the star of "Selena." A close second would be her surprisingly hilarious appearance as the opener for "Lopez Tonight." Known for her beauty as well as her body, both perks were used in creating her perfumes' shapely bottles. But what was inside of the perfume bottles was what counted, and Sunkissed Glo and Glow were both five stars.

Glow by JLo: Vanilla, Orange Flower, Pink Grapefruit, Neroli, Rose, Sandalwood, Soft Amber, Jasmine, Musk Orris

Sunkissed Glo: Ruby Red Grapefruit, Pineapple Juice, Orange Flower, Water Lily, Hot Sand, Cashmere Wood

Mariah Carey: My eyes rolled in the top of my head watching her dancers pick her up like royalty far too many times on "Lopez Tonight." She admitted to some diva moments on CNN's "Larry King Live," but no matter what you think of her personally, no one can deny she earned her butterfly name for singing those high notes well. Mariah Carey has collaborated with multiple rappers, including Busta Rhymes and ODB, but it's her solos that leave her fans in awe. And now you can be breathless checking out four of her perfumes-some hits, some misses. Luscious Pink and Forever are the best.

M by Mariah Carey: Marshmallows, Tiare Flower, Amber incense

Ultra Pink: Tiare Petals, Cherry Blossoms, Wild Berries, Sun-Kissed Woods

Luscious Pink: Sicilian Bergamot, Ocean Breeze accord, Bellini Accord, Tiare petals, Lily of the Valley petals, Sandalwood, White Musk

Forever by Mariah Carey: Tuberose, Gardenia, Neroli, Lotus Blossom, Dewy Green Apple, White Musk and exotic woods

Usher Raymond: Usher's back on the scene with a new CD "Raymond vs. Raymond." Comedian and talk show host George Lopez interviewed Usher on April Fool's Day and said Usher is the new Michael Jackson. Although Usher played an April Fool's joke on him, Lopez was dead serious with his comparison. While some may agree or disagree, the fact remains that Usher specializes in singing and dancing just as well. He's always had a perfect blend of rhythm in R&B and bluesy songs, in addition to a slim hint of hip-hop in a whole lot of soul. Acting is definitely not his calling (i.e., "Light It Up"), but when it comes to music, he'll always be a front-runner. His colognes are a prime example of how he's always in touch with what works, including the cologne he won the FiFi award for. He also has a perfume in stores.

Usher He: Verbena, Pineapple, Melon, Blue Lavender, White Pepper, Violet Leaf, Vetiver, Amber Wood, Black Suede, Sandalwood, Sensual Musk, Guaiac Wood

Usher She: Red Currant, Pink Freesia, Apple Bloom, Caribbean Frangipani Flower, Apricot, Jasmine, Rose, Amber, Sensual Musk, Vanilla, Incense and Cashmere

Usher UR: Sea Water, Fruity Notes, Nutmeg, Bay Leaf, Basil, Artemisia, Guaiac Wood, Cashmere Wood, Sandalwood

Usher VIP: Bergamot, Tangerine, Kumquat, Nutmeg, Violet Leaf, Lotus Flower, Saffron, Vetiver, Oakmoss, Suede

Check out the latest hip-hop fragrances.

Additional Notes: This entry was published by the Chicago Fragrance Examiner. To check out her fragrance reviews, visit the Examiner link.