Beyoncé Knowles: Queen Bey of the fragrance world

By Ashley Kowalewski

What do Elizabeth Taylor and Beyoncé Knowles’ have in common? Well, besides the beauty, the curves, the charisma and the talent? Why fragrance of course.

In fact, Queen Bey has officially surpassed the success of Taylor, a pioneer in the celebrity fragrance game. Today, Queen Bey takes the crown as her Heat fragrance franchise surpasses the long-standing Elizabeth Taylor White Diamonds as the top of the celebrity fragrance food chain.

THE SALES

This number-one positioning was recently reported by NPD, IRI and Nielsen market studies. In fact, the House of Beyoncé Fragrances has generated $400 million in retail sales globally since its launch in 2010. And success came early. Knowles inspired stellar sales right out of the gate: a personal appearance at Macy’s resulted in the store generating $75,000 in one-day sales.

THE STORY

Knowles’ first Heat fragrance launched in 2010 and embodies the entertainer’s trademark sexiness. The fruity floral spritz combines top notes of magnolia, neroli, red vanilla orchid and peach; a heart of almond macaroon, honeysuckle and crème de musk; and a base of sequoia milkwood, tonka bean and amber.

A zestier, fruiter Heat Rush was the follow-up. Then came Midnight Heat: a fruity floral gourmand. Dragonfruit, starfruit and plum open the scent; purple Mokara orchid, Queen of the Night black tulip and purple peony define the floral heart; and amber, patchouli and sandalwood create a warm, dry finish. Not to mention Beyoncé Pulse and Beyoncé Pulse NYC scents.

THE LATEST

With Knowles’ world concert tour in full swing (and to amplify her newfound Mrs. Carter persona as wife of Shawn Carter, aka Jay Z), the latest Heat is Beyoncé Heat The Mrs. Carter World Tour Limited Edition Fragrance, a fruity floral with mangosteen, organic acai pulp, pink pepper, Brassia edua loo orchid, violet petals, jasmine sambac, Madagascan vanilla, sandalwood and organic Indonesian vetiver. But you’ll have to snag this one fast. Like Bey’s long locks, this one won’t be around forever.
Beyoncé Heat EDP, Heat Rush EDT, Midnight Heat EDP and Beyoncé Heat The Mrs. Carter World Tour Limited Edition Fragrance EDP are available from $20 (30 ml), www.shoppersdrugmart.com