July 30, 2008

Benefit B Spot Review

I recently got my greedy hands on Benefit B Spot while I was at Macy’s and although I wasn’t intending to buy after one sniff I knew I needed to have this.

I originally blogged about this but didn’t really think I’d indulge as I knew of a few other fragrances I really wanted to try prior to shelling out my cash for this particular scent however I sure am glad I decided to stop and sniff.

It’s simply gorgeous. I really should have know as such since Benefit’s Maybe Baby is such a roaring success with the Muse (and the Muse’s sister who possibly loves it more than me!).

The Muse’s stash of Benefit goodies!

Yay Benefit we have another winner!

I do so admit to thinking the notes on this particular scent were a bit wonky. I mean mangoes, freesia, peony and sandalwood sounds like ALOT to take on. Turns out they all work rather well together in a nice neighborly fashion to create Benefit B Spot.

I’m not great at explaining scent as you maybe noticed from my previous posts about perfume and such but I’ll do my best. The scent is very calming, very fresh, and very potent. The freesia is the most prominent note in the blend and it dominates however the edge of the sandalwood plus the floral and fruit take away from the cheapness freesia note to create a very unique and interesting blend. Freesia is a lovely scent however it does hold a certain cheapness about it simply because it’s used in so many body sprays around and after a while you begin to associate freesia with every $5 buck body spray you see hanging out on drugstore shelves.

However, the blend is very, very interesting and unique. It’s quite fresh but it holds a certain seductive feel about it. Interestingly enough spraying this on certain areas of your body will heat the fragrance and allow it to release the scent as your body temperature warms.

Benefit has always successfully created quality Eau de Toilette that holds well, lingers, and creates fantastic throw all day long. The lasting power on this is brilliant. It’ll take you from morning till night with absolutely no touch ups in between and in the case of Eau de Toilette that’s saying ALOT. The scent just lingers on and on!

Recently I was sitting in the back seat of the car with a colleague (and friend) from Chicago who asked what I was wearing. This was saying something as I had sprayed myself with B Spot at 5 AM and here it was going on 6 in the evening and I was obviously still smelling wonderful if she noticed! At $38 USD for 1.7 oz this is not alot to spend on a good quality fragrance that offers considerably long wear.

I think Benefit has ALWAYS excelled at creating super fragrances as Maybe Baby can attest to that.

Benefit B Spot gets a big rave from the Muse and a seal of Muse Approval for purchase!

Definitely head in to your local counter and try it yourself! I guarantee you won’t be able to walk out of the store without buying one for yourself!

Can’t wait? Click over to Benefit’s website and purchase one for your very self!

Wanna try it but not sure you wanna buy it?

No problem!

Contest time!

This one is easy enough I’d say maybe a bit tricky too!

I’m sure you all know the translation tool Babel Fish correct? I use it constantly as I am always browsing different Japanese, Korean, French, Etc…websites! When my nifty translation widget I have installed in my browser fails me I turn to the popular Babel Fish to do all my translating for me!

So here in lays the quiz question for your chance to win!

Where does the name and the “concept” Babel Fish originate from? Hint: Look to my profile and you’ll notice a hint and a clue that may help you solve this little puzzle!

What’s to win?

I have three small sample sprayers of Benefit B Spot to give away to those who comment correctly!

Comments will not be posted until Friday so if you comment and your answer does not appear right away that would be why!

Each person who guesses correctly will be entered for a chance to win a small sample sprayer of Benefit B Spot!

Good Luck!

If you’re loving Benefit B Spot check out the invite below celebrating this new fragrance from Benefit!

Check out dates and listings below to see if your area is having a Benefit B Spot event! You’ll receive a complimentary makeup lesson plus a free gift if you spend $65 USD or more on Benefit cosmetics!

Happy Shopping!

Click the image and print the invitation!

Enjoy some past posts about fragrance by clicking below!

Love Potion Magical Perfumeire Review

Beauty on a Budget: Twice as Clean Perfume Gift Set

Demeter Fragrance: The Tootsie Collection (Review Coming Soon….)

Bath and Body Works Twisted Peppermint Shimmering Body Spray Review

The Muse’s Obssession with Bnever Perfume

46 Comments

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Lucy

    agghhh, the computer just ate my answer. Naughty computer.

    Babel fish….from the Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Universe, by Douglas Adams (brilliant!). Originally from the Bible (not bad) and the Book of Genesis. Arthur was given a babel fish, which was able to translate alien languages in a very Tardisesque manner. Gotta stick it in your ear though, unlike the Tardis. Just as well really.

    Lucy x

  • oldergirlbeauty

    Howza ’bout I take a guess and say “The Hitchiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”?

  • Decorative Diva

    I think that Babel Fish comes from Douglas Adams, in Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy?

  • kchang

    Babelfish comes from the biblical story of the tower of Babel where people spoke different languages and couldn’t understand each other. Hope I’m right! 🙂

  • Asta

    It comes from the Hitchhiker’s Guide the Galaxy, of course! I’ve loved these books since grade school. Now I think I have to go reread them…

  • Kat

    Keeping my fingers crossed.

    Babel Fish is a character, or a made-up species rather, from The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series by Douglas Adams. It’s a fish that can translate any language to any other language. Kinda wish I had those talents too.

    Love,
    Kat

  • Stephy

    I did a little research on yahoo about Babel Fish about its name and its concept, here it is!

    The Babel Fish is a creature in the book The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. When placed in a person’s ear, it allows him or her to understand any and all languages spoken.

  • Heather

    Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy! The Babel fish can translate any language in the book.

  • Anonymous

    Hi Musey! It's been forever. I know what Babel Fish means! It's a creature from the book The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. When placed in a person's ear, it allows them to understand any & all languages spoken. It's a fab concept and has helped me out a ton- the website not an actual creature in my ear, lol.

    Best wishes!

    Sincerely,
    Sarah

  • Victoria

    The origin of the name and the “concept” Babel Fish comes from the biblical Tower of Babel, and God punished the creators by scattering people and mixing up their languages. Also, 42 is the answer 🙂

  • Dao

    Interesting question Muse! Since I’m not a Christian, I rely on Mt. Google for my answer:

    Apparently, the Babel Fish got its name from the story of the Tower of Babel in the Bible (Gen 11: 1-9.) At that time, human beings were arrogant and decided to build a tower that reached heaven. And God punished them by creating language barrier so they could not communicate with each other.

    Now, the Babel Fish was created to bridge the language barrier. It is an automatic language translation tool that allows users to translate one language to another for free! I think it is cool but sometimes it’s kinda awkward. One time a friend of mine used it to “write” his own German assignment and it did not come out too well.

    Anyways, that’s my answer and I want that sample! Please, the Muse, give it to me! I wanna!

  • Abby Bageant

    Babel fish come from the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy books… they are fish that can translate one language to another instantly.

  • Tanya Annette

    I had to do a little bit of searching, but I got it 🙂

    According to Wikipedia, the Babel Fish translator webpage is named after a fictional animal used to translate languages in “The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy” series of books.

    And, also, after looking at your profile, “The Restaurant at the End of the Universe” is a book in the “Galaxy” series 🙂

  • xisa

    Oh wow I love contests XD

    The Babelfish’s name and concept originate from the fictional animal used for instantaneous language translation from Douglas Adams’ books The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.

  • Postpet2

    Hi Muse!

    I’m here to win the Benefit scent.
    And i love babelfish too. Not the best translator around. But its there when i need it!

    On your question of the origination of BabelFish, my answer is:

    The Babel fish is a fictional species in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series by Douglas Adams.

    It is introduced in the first novel of the series as a species of fish that can instantly translate any language to any other language.

    Regards
    Postpet2

  • Shari

    Oh, I know that one!!! 🙂 It’s from Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy…it’s a little yellow fish/leech thing that feeds on brainwaves! DH and I watched the film a couple of months ago.

  • Anonymous

    Kayvid([email protected]): The concept of Babel Fish originates from “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”(created by Douglas Adams). There was also made into a movie in 2005.

    In Mythology, Babylon had people from all over speaking one language and building the tower of Babel to glorify Man. God decided to get the people confused by making them speak different languages. Hence translation tools are often referenced to as “Babel” something or the other.

  • Sarah

    Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy! I adore that series! The babel fish is a little fishie that goes in your ear and lets you understand other languages. Being the language geek that I am I always got a giggle out of that one – if only! I love your blog Muse, you really give us all such valuable info, please keep up the fantastic work so we out there in internet land can tell what’s hot and what’s a bust.

  • wen

    hey musey!
    haha ive got no idea what’s freesia!
    and u got me intrigued.
    altho i’ve used bablefish for yrs. like before it became a yahoo tool as well, cos i was learning french and japanese, ive nv wondered whr that concept came from.
    hehehe. i googled, of couse.
    is it the hitchhiker’s guide to the galaxy, and the city of babel?

    im looking forward to ur answer! haha~
    take care =)

  • Jennifer

    Haha the right answers are no doubt flooding in!

    But okay, I’m game…the babel fish is from Douglas Adams’ books, right from the gitgo with Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, so our intrepid hero can understand alien languages. (Lots!) It’s a squirmy little thing that you pop in your head to osmose the understanding of foreign tongues you hear into your brain.

    I read the first two books but never finished the series due to my finding Frank Herbert’s Dune series…

  • Marta

    I think Babel Fish comes from The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. I remember there was a fish from the future that made translation to any language, it was like a earphone …
    That’s really geek, congratulations..

    Besos!!

    PS. Just an advice, don’t trust too much on automatic translation widgets, usually the resultant traslations are wrong and more than funny …

  • Ann*

    the hitchhiker’s guide to the galaxy! a tool that help alien races to communicate.

    originated from the bible story.. the tower of babel.

  • Rocketqueen

    Ooooh, I thought you would love B spot! Nice review!

    Babelfish, it’s the little translator fish (small, yellow and leechlike if I remember correctly – yes I am a geek) in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy! It appears in the fifth chapter when Arthur and Ford are trapped with the vogons. Some thinkers have even seen the Babel fish as the proof of God not existing! Lol, I adore it!

  • Lottie

    You learn something new everyday!

    Babel Fish originates from Douglas Adams’ Hitchiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series. It refers to a small fish that is capable of translating all spoken languages.

    Thanks for the contest and the great review, always love catching up on the latest beauty goss here xx

  • the Muse

    hiya lucky!

    lol! I understand the feeling!

    Fantastic good guess (and correct) and you are completely correct and entered to win 😉

  • the Muse

    hello there oldergirlbeauty!

    Correct my dear girl 😉 You’re entered to win!

  • the Muse

    hiya kchang 🙂

    yak no..I’m so sorry. It was a reference to Hitchhikers Galaxy I was looking for 🙁

    The babel fish was an actually fish that got popped into a person’s ear thus making it possible for Arthur (the main character of the story) to understand any and all alien languages!

  • the Muse

    hiya Asta!

    indeed you are correct 🙂 Ditto on the grade school 😉 I read them when I was in the 6th grade and have probably read them 100 times after 🙂

    Good luck! Entered you to win!

  • the Muse

    hiya kat!

    You got it! 😉 Good luck!

    Me too hehe! Actually wish I just had a babel fish to stick in my ear 😉

  • the Muse

    hiya heather!

    DING DING 🙂 Correct! Good luck you’re entered to win!

  • the Muse

    helllllllllo sarah!

    Good to see you 🙂

    CORRECT!

    LOL 😉 Ditto! the website as well as the fish that lives in my ear but of course 😉

    Hugs!

  • the Muse

    hi Victoria!

    I was actually looking for the fact that the babel fish was from HHGTTG but since you went right ahead and told me 42 is the answer 😉

    I’ll enter you to win!

    lol!

  • the Muse

    hey dao!

    I was actually looking for the answer that babel fish was a translating “fish” used in the series Hitchhikers guide to the Galaxy 🙂

    Tis a geeky question that didn’t have anything to do with religion 🙂

    LOL great idea 😉 Translate a paper into german using babel fish..oh lord that must have been a mess!

    LOL I’ll def enter you to win missus 🙂

  • the Muse

    hey tanya 🙂

    Fab! Good research darling! Entered you to win 🙂

    It is indeed 😉 VERY good research!

  • the Muse

    hi xisa!

    hehe 🙂

    Correct my dear 🙂 Entered you to win X-)

    GOOD LUCK!

  • the Muse

    hello postpet 🙂

    Perfect answer my dear girl 🙂

    I’ve entered you to win!

    Hugs!

  • the Muse

    hi Kayvid

    Good work!!! it is indeed from hitchhikers guide to the galaxy 🙂

    That’s the answer the Muse was seeking 🙂

    Good job!

    Good luck I’ve entered you to win!

  • the Muse

    hi sarah!

    Exactly! Me too 🙂

    Thank you so much Sarah I’m so glad you enjoy reading my babbblings!

    Thanks sweetie! I truly appreciate it 🙂

    MWAH!

  • the Muse

    hello wen!

    LOL! It’s a floral scent 🙂

    Good googling skills my dear 🙂 You’re correct! it’s from hitchhiker’s guide 🙂

    I’ve entered you to win 🙂 Good luck!

  • the Muse

    hello jennifer 🙂

    You’re correct 😉 Good answer! Entered you to win!

    Good luck!

    Dune is simply amazing but you must finish hhg for the hysterical factor!

  • the Muse

    hi Marta!

    Correct 🙂 Good answer! I’ve entered you to win!

    LOL I’m def a geek!

    Oh I totally agree they are beyond hysterically bad lol!

  • the Muse

    hi linn!

    It smells gorgeous!!!!!

    Good answer :0 Entered you to win!

    GL!

  • the Muse

    hi Lottie!

    Correct!!!!!!!!! 🙂 Hehe! Congrats now hopefully you’ll win! GL!

    Aw thanks 🙂 You’re most welcome! It’s my pleasure to review for you guys!
    Thanks for reading!

  • Alison

    How did you get the samples? Not two weeks before you posted this I was at Macy’s in Boston asking for a sample of this and was told they weren’t going to make fragrance samples.

  • the Muse

    hi alison.

    I just walked up to my macy’s counter, purchased b spot and the SA gave me three small samples. I don’t know why they told you they didn’t have samples.

    Sorry. Try another counter.

    Hope this helps!