If given the option to own a smidge of what Shakira exudes on a daily basis – gorgeous looks, stunning body, sultry dance moves and a killer voice – many women would gladly accept in a heartbeat. The Colombian singer has a fragrance empire to prove it, too, and is launching her third scent, Elixir, in September.

With this latest perfume, Shakira notes that she wanted to create a fragrance that became "a part of you," like a second skin. The striking aroma embodies white flower, peony, apricot skin, white cedar wood, amber, sugar cane and musk. We reached out to Shakira to discuss Elixir and her current projects, but apparently the singer is on holiday with her new boyfriend, soccer player Gerard Pique, so she responded to our questions via email.

What was your inspiration behind Elixir?
After my first two fragrances, S by Shakira and Eu Florale, I wanted to do something different, a little more exotic but still really natural, like a second skin. I think with Elixir we've really accomplished that. I'm proud of what we've created with this scent; it still smells perfect to me and I'm a tough critic!

Why did you choose to release a new fragrance that, as you said, is more sensual and exotic? Do you feel more sensual at this point in your life?
I don't know that I would say I feel more sensual or exotic than before, but I'm definitely in a great place in my life, and I hope that translates in my work, both with the fragrance and the new music I'm working on.

Is the new fragrance in relation to new music?
I actually do think the process is similar for me. When I'm working on music, I need to find that perfect balance. I do the same with the fragrance – it needs a little more of this, less of this, etc. Fortunately for me, though, I have great partners and work with a wonderful team of chemists who take my notes, re-work it and make magic. In the studio, the pressure's all on me to do that!

How do you combine these two creative entities?
I don't really combine them, per se, but they're both an extension of me. As an artist, I tend to be very involved in all of the creative aspects of my career, so whether that's writing and producing a record or developing a scent, it usually speaks to where I'm at in my life and what I'm feeling at that moment.

You have accomplished so much in your life and career, what are your future aspirations?
I've been working for years on providing education to disadvantaged and displaced children in my country, Colombia. We're currently building our sixth school and bringing our experience to projects in other countries, such as Haiti and South Africa., as well as promoting Universal Education on a global level. I think I'll be truly satisfied when every child in the world has access to a quality education and I hope I'll be able to see that day during my lifetime. It's something I am truly passionate about and I am convinced it is the answer to eradicating poverty, violence and economic struggle.

With my career, I'd really just like to continue to grow as an artist, a songwriter and producer and hope that my music continues to allow me to tour the world and perform for my fans. That's probably my favorite part of my job.

Is there a particular artist and/or person that inspires you?
Right now I'm really inspired by dance music and what's going on in the DJ electronic world, but my roots are more rock & roll and folk – I've always drawn inspiration from Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, amongst many others.

What would you hope people can take away from all of your creative endeavors?
I hope I can make my fans happy, make them dance, inspire them and accompany them.

Will you be touring anytime soon?
Yes, I'll likely tour next year. I don't like to stay off the road for too long.

What are you currently working on?
I'm currently working on my new album and hope to share some new music with everyone really soon, and it’s taking up just about all of my time!

Source: www.rollingstone.com/music/blogs/thread-count/shakira-discusses-her-exotic-new-fragrance-20120730
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