Winter smells vol 4 - Elizabeth Arden Red Door Aura

I am sure most have smelt the original Red Door from Elizabeth Arden - it is a true classic, a scent that has been around (and a best seller) since 1989. While it is, no doubt, a beautiful, heady, feminine and very seductive fragrance, I know a lot of (younger) women find it a bit too mature. Enter Red Door Aura, the newest launch from Elizabeth Arden. I discovered it a couple of weeks ago and have been raving about it to anyone that'll listen since.

"Youthful, optimistic and sophisticated Red Door Aura was launched in 2012. The seductive and very feminine composition is signed by perfumer who signed the original version - Carlos Benaim.

The new, more modern version is given vibrant citrusy notes that open the composition along with orange blossom. Italian bergamot is in perfect harmony with whitish orange blossom sweetened with voluptuous notes of ripe raspberry, announcing a rich floral bouquet at the heart adding rose flowers and elegant jasmine. The base provides a peaceful, warm and creamy blend of such notes as sandalwood, musk and warm amber.

The new edition Elizabeth ArdenRed Door Aura arrives in strong pink glass flacon shaped like crystal block".

So yes, this is the more modern, a lot more youthful version of Red Door. I am one of those people who loves to smell the original on others but find it a bit too much on myself. With Aura, I don't have such problem. This is an enchanting and a soft scent that opens with a blast of raspberry and citrus. It is juicy and zesty and, dare I say it, slightly playful. That somewhat brash and fun opening mellows down after a while and Aura becomes much creamier and richer. The heart and base are seductive, warm and rich - sandalwood and amber are just perfect together. There are sprinkles of rose and orange blossom in Red Door Aura, and the dominant raspberry note never really fades that much - even in the drydown I can still detect it though it is less loud and is pushed into the background by the creamy notes.

Red Door Aura is a very welcome addition in Elizabeth Arden's fragrance line. This will, I imagine, appeal to both, younger and mature women. It is definitely easier to get along with than the original but it is also definitely still as feminine and as sensual as Red Door. The sparkling accords - citrus and raspberry specifically - make it fun and flirtatious, while amber and sandalwood guarantee you'd turn quite a few heads if you were to wear Aura to a function/on a night out.

Elizabeth Arden Red Door Aura Eau De Toilette is available from EA counters nationwide now. Prices start from £25 (30ml).