Sarah Jessica Parker – Lovely: Overview, Smell, Notes & More!

It’s fair to say that a lot of people aren’t the least bit glad when a celebrity releases a beauty product.

Case in point: Sarah Jessica Parker. 

When she released her first fragrance off the back of the final season of the wildly popular Sex and the City series, many had their doubts.

Known for her role as “Carrie Bradshaw” in the comedy-drama, Parker, in cooperation with Coty Inc, developed the fragrance with the help of perfumers, Clement Gavarry and Laurent Le Guernec. 

Fifteen years later, she’s managed to turn most of the doubters into fans.

Of the many celebrity scents on the market, this scent is known to be one of the highest rated to date.

Sarah Jessica Parker Lovely: Overview

• Brand: Sarah Jessica Parker
• Fragrance: Lovely
• Release: 2005
• Gender: Women
• Perfumer: Clement Gavarry and Laurent Le Guernec

Fragrance Notes

• Top Notes: Lavender, Martini, Bergamot, Mandarin Orange, Palisander Rosewood
• Middle Notes: Patchouli, Orchid, Narcissus
• Base Notes: Musk, Woody Notes, Cedar Wood, White Amber

What Does It Smell Like?

One thing you can be sure of is that it does smell “lovely” (bad pun, I know).

A silky, white, amber fragrance, it’s fresh, woody, and sweet and comes in an egg-shaped bottle. 

Despite containing some of the elements present in feminine fragrances (i.e. cloying scents), it has a prominent woody foundation that lends a masculine feel to it.

Some even feel it should be more of a unisex scent.

When applied to the skin, the first spray opens with a burst of citrus and a prominent woody scent.

The apple martini is not as prevalent as one may think, but the lavender combination does bring out the warmth of the perfume.

This top is followed by a floral middle and finishes off with some beautiful, natural woods.

They’re complemented by a rich, earthy musk and a soft, warm amber.

How Long Does It Last For?

As an EDP, you would expect it to last a long time, which is exactly what the perfume is known for.

It can linger for about six – seven hours on your skin but can be smelled for even longer if it’s tailored to your body chemistry.

It does have a nice sillage and is neither too overwhelming nor overpowering.

The light, soft, powdery nature is a huge contributor to this as despite being highly concentrated in aromatic oils, the fragrance is still light enough to last the whole day without triggering your sinuses.

When Should You Wear It?

Aside from winter, the fragrance pretty much suits all the other seasons.

Spring is the most suitable with summer following close behind and fall being something of a gamble; sometimes it works well, sometimes it doesn’t.

Daytime is the most suitable time to wear it.

Unless you plan on spending the whole night out, then a more short-lived fragrance with similar sweetness will be best for evening dates and events.

Where Should You Wear It?

Owing to its longevity, the perfume can be worn when out for extended periods.

It smells lovely in an office environment and is safe enough not to choke your workmates at your desk!

It’s also great for outings, like business trips or long-distance journeys, where you can carry a smaller sized bottle in your bag, as well as occasions like seminars, weddings, and conferences.

Presentation and Value For Money

For anyone who’s not seen the commercial, a barefoot Parker is presented in a pink, primarily silk, almost Cinderella-type dress.

The scenery is supplemented by some smooth jazz in the background as Parker flashes a series of coquettish smiles.

It’s a simple commercial that echoes the target audience of the fragrance – the polished, classy, sexy lady who finds solace in elegance and simplicity.

It should be noted that the perfume won the FiFi Award for Best National Advertising Campaign / TV in 2006.

It’s still one of the most accessible celebrity fragrances, not to mention a perfect blind buy or gift.

A 100ml (3.4 oz) bottle can go for $35 to around $70, providing great value for money for such an “expensive-smelling” fragrance. 

Just be wary of those who sell it at discounted prices as some might be fake.

The Bottom Line

Yes, it’s a celebrity fragrance.

However, this product is one I honestly wouldn’t trash without trying first. 

The pros far surpass the cons (if any), and once you try it, you’ll be sure to at least remove it from your “to discard” list if not make it your signature scent.

Perfumes that Smell Like Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker

1. Narciso Rodriguez For Her Eau de Parfum

A familiar scent, the 2006 release is known to be woody while also possessing a sweet structure and prominent musk.

It’s not necessarily cheaper, so in most cases, people may prefer Lovely.

However, if you’re looking for a like-for-like scent, this is the closest out of the other fragrances.

2. Narciso Rodriguez For Her

From the same brand as the one above, the 2003 release is a floral, woody scent with a clean musk.

It opens with a citrusy top that is followed by a patchy heart and ends with a pleasant base of vetiver, vanilla, and patchouli.

3. Lovely Liquid Satin (SJP)

Released in 2006, a bottle of this feminine, aromatic fragrance contains similar smells, such as lavender, mandarin orange, and apple.

The middle is floral while the base has a musky, woody aroma.