Showing posts with label fragrances. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fragrances. Show all posts

Saturday, 7 January 2012

Beauty Feature: I'll show you mine if you show me yours...my vanity that is!

What does your vanity mean to you? And I'm not talking about your outer appearance. I'm talking about your space, your quiet place, your escape where you can lay out all your pretty things and slather on your most favourite beauty products. That's what my vanity means to me. There's something to be said for everything having its place. 

For a long time, I used large computer desks as a vanity. Why? Because it was not only functional and cost effective, but because it was big enough to lay out all my makeup. It was neither pretty or full of character, but it worked. 

This here is my dream vanity. A little much? Maybe, but I think it's beautiful! It's so classic, feminine, and in my favourite Parisian style. One day, but for now my current vanity isn't so bad.



My vanity is one of my favourite spaces in the house. I love sitting here in the mornings getting ready for the day and staring out the big window. I like to gather my thoughts here and write out my to-do list (which I haven't been doing lately!). Instead of going with something big and clunky, I chose a smaller, traditional size vanity table. I hate sets so I opted just to get the table (which I hopefully plan to give it that cracked old shabby chic look). I was going to go with a chair, but because I don't have much drawer space, I chose to go with a ottoman stool that can be used for storage. I have a few beauty items that I reach for everyday in the drawers.


It's very roomy and fits my large makeup bag, a medium sized one and a small makeup bag plus two of my sunglasses in their case. These are the products I use on my self on a daily or when I'm going out somewhere. If I want to use more products I just pull from my Zuca and my clear storage drawers which are in the walk-in. This way, my desk stays clean and clutter free. I chose a metallic bronze shade. I think it compliments the desk pretty nicely.





































Your vanity is a great way to express your individual style and to showcase all the pretty things you love. One of my favourite gifts was this Parisian-inspired mannequin jewelry holder. I love layering my favourite necklaces there. It's a great statement piece. I found our old wooden hand sculpture packed away that we use to display on our bookshelf. This was perfect for displaying some of my rings (I clearly need more!). I love the look of books on display. Here I have Ines de la Fressange's style guide to Paris, Parisian Chic and two Chanel press books from the Fall and Spring 2012 collection. They are so pretty and full of product shots and beautiful photos from the collection's inspiration. I love my little friendship jewelry box which was a bridesmaid's gift. I hold little trinkets and jewelry items in there. I bought a silver tray to display all my favourite perfumes. Perfume bottles come in all lovely packaging and make for beautiful eye candy. I also laid out two lipsticks - Chanel Rouge Coco shine from the Spring collection (review to come!) and my YSL Rouge Pur Couture Golden Lustre with my name engraved on it.

And there you have it. I'm still thinking of displaying my makeup brushes in a cute holder (maybe the one from Topbox?) and getting a table mirror. I will have to re-arrange things to make space. I love having a space that's all mine with my own stuff. Having two kids, your space can be taken over with toys and books, so my vanity is my little get away from all the kid clutter!

What does your vanity look like? I'd love to see! I always love getting ideas and seeing how other makeup junkie's display their favourite beauty items. Email me some photos and I will feature yours on my blog!

Monday, 21 November 2011

What I'm Wearing: Fall Fragrances To Love Right Into Winter


When your pregnant, perfumes can do all sorts of bad like make your head spin to the point of up-chucking. Yup, not a pretty picture. So, my favourite perfumes sat on the shelf being ignored and unloved. Now that baby is here, I can spritz without feeling nauseous! Hooray! 

Fragrance is such a personal thing. The scent of a woman can reveal a lot about her sense of style and who she is. My signature scent is something that is exotic and sultry. My body chemistry just compliments muskier scents better. Anything too floral or fresh smelling gives me a headache.

These 3 perfumes have been on rotation and all will take you right into winter. Every time I spray them, I get a feeling of warmth and coziness!

Jo Malone Vanilla and Anise Cologne ($55 USD, 30 ml): If I'm going to do a floral, it has to have some spice to it. This is one of my favourite scents. It works beautifully in the day and for a night out. Jo Malone scents are also long-lasting. It wouldn't be hard to go overboard with this perfume so spritz lightly. At first spray, it can smell strong but once it settles smells just divine. Jo Malone is a luxury brand so if you feel like splurging this is one to get! A full bottle goes for $100 USD.

Top Notes: Sicilian Bergamot, Tunisian Neroli, Wild Fennel Flower, Star Anise
Heart Notes: Oleander, Tuberose, Frangipani, Purple Vanilla Orchid
Base Notes: Clove, Tonka, White Amber, Creamy Musks, Vanilla Bourbon Absolute, Vetiver Haiti

Marc Jacobs Lola ($22 - 88 USD): This one is an oldie but a goodie. Another floral yet musky scent. You'll notice a lot of the scents I adore have vanilla, creamy musk, and amber undertones. I love Marc Jacobs and my love affair with his scents began with original perfume titled after the genius himself. Lola is more playful and flirty and I absolutely love the design of the bottle. Some have said they find the plastic-rubbery top kind of cheap, but I think it's very hip and cool. It's a scent that again works for day and night. 

Top Notes: Pink Peppercorn, Pear, Ruby Red Grapefruit
Mid Notes: Rose, Fuchsia Peony, Geranium
Base Notes: Vanilla, Warm Tonka Bean, Creamy Musk

Lancome Tresor Midnight Rose ($58 - 94 CAD): My love for Lancome perfumes have surprised me. I first fell in love with Tresor in Love - reminded me of a scent only to be worn in a getaway to Paris...ahh to dream. Midnight Rose is like the older sister who is a little naughty and mysterious. I also love the purple rose detail with the black leaves. It's really a pretty bottle. Even as a floral, it has a more exotic scent thanks to sweet smell of Black Currant. Some of you may prefer this only at night, but I love it during the day. I only spritz my wrists so it's not overwhelming.

Top Notes: Raspberry and Black Currant
Middle Notes: Rose Absolute, Jasmine, Peony
Base Notes: Vanilla, Musk, Cedar

What's your signature scent? Have you tried any of these lovely perfumes?

On a side note, wrapping up my Fall favourites and will be featuring my holiday gift guide soon! Stay tuned!

Lancome and Jo Malone perfumes sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them.

Monday, 7 November 2011

Fall Beauty Review 2011: Calvin Klein Forbidden Euphoria Is Pure Seduction...


Looking to snag that sweet someone? Sure, you need some killer confidence but a memorable scent will make you utterly irresistible. Calvin Klein's newest star, Forbidden Euphoria, is truly intoxicating but not in the headache-y kind of way. It's a fresher, younger, sexier version of the original. The only thing forbidden is not wearing this!

Notes:
Sparkling Mandarin, Peach Blossom, Iced Raspberry, Pink Peony, Tiger Orchid, Jasmine, Cashmere Woods, Patchouli Absolute, Skin Musk.

I usually gravitate to deep, musky fruity, vanilla, or flowery scents because it just works with my body chemistry. As soon as I opened it, my husband took one whiff and wanted me to spritz it all over! I would wear a scent like this during the day, but if you usually don't wear muskier scents save it for a night cap. If you're in the market for a scent for fall that you can wear into the winter this is definitely one to add to the list. 

If you want to try it for yourself enter the "Forbidden Euphoria Giveaway" contest on the Scent Society Facebook Fanpage! Between now and November 21st, Scent Society is giving away TWO daily Forbidden Euphoria rollerballs. They are giving away 30 rollerballs twice a day!

Contest is open to all Canadian residents. To enter, click on the link below and register once a day.
https://www.facebook.com/ScentSociety?sk=app_236495976405641

What's your signature scent? Have you tried Forbidden Euphoria? 

Calvin Klein Forbidden Euphoria retails for $45-80 USD.

Product was sent for editorial consideration and I truly love it.

Tuesday, 26 April 2011

Spring Beauty Review: Love Is In The Air For Reese Witherspoon!


As spring graces us with its presence, love is in the air! Maybe that’s what Reese Witherspoon was
thinking when she recently launched her new fragrance “Love to the Fullest”, exclusively for Avon.
“Love to the Fullest” has a very fresh scent, with black cherry, sandstone, and evening primrose notes.
It’s a very versatile perfume as it isn’t too strong or musty. Throughout the day, I noticed it every now
and then, but it definitely wasn’t overpowering.

With a seafoam green colour theme, the bottle and packaging are relatively plain, and not as eye
catching as many other fragrance bottles are these days.

This eau de toilette spray is exclusively available through Avon retailing at $25 USD for 1.7 fl. oz. It’s just one
of three in Witherspoon’s Expressions Collection. The other two fragrances are called “Live Without
Regrets” and “Laugh Often” which are set to launch separately later this year.

Have you tried this fragrance? Love it? Hate it? Want it? 

http://avon.com/

by Brooke
 
Product was sent for editorial consideration.

Wednesday, 22 December 2010

Holiday 2010: All I Want For Christmas Is...LAVANILA Deluxe Mini Roller Set!


Fragrances for me can be a little iffy. If a scent doesn't sit well on me, I immediately get a headache. So when I find one that smells divine and doesn't make my head spin, I hang on to it! I've always wanted to try Lavanila products so I was excited to receive this mini holiday set. I think this would be a great set for anyone since Vanilla is a pretty likeable scent. I've always been a vanilla lover - it's warm, cozy, inviting, and yummy!

This mini roller set includes: 
  • Vanilla Lavender
  • Pure Vanilla
  • Vanilla Coconut
  • Vanilla Grapefruit
These scents will not only make you smell good but they're actually good for you too! These lovely scents contain all natural, skin-friendly ingredients that are free of parabens, sulfate, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes, and petro-chemicals. The fragrances are infused with pure essential oils which makes for a long-lasting scent. At the end of the day, I can still smell it the vanilla all over me. The roller ball and deluxe size make it easy for applying on-the-go and for carrying around in your purse. I especially love roller balls for precise application like behind the ears.
My favourite two that I always reach for are Pure Vanilla and Vanilla Coconut. Every time I wear either scents, my lil' guy can't help but sniff me. He immediately thinks of cake or cookies. I sometimes layer the two for an extra vanilla scent. The Vanilla Lavender is more floral with a hint of vanilla. It's a calming scent but I like it better when I layer the Pure Vanilla over top. The Vanilla Grapefruit is surprisingly not too sweet which I like. I reach for this when I'm in a more fruity mood. 

LAVANILA Mini Roller Ball Set retails for $40 CAD and is available online at The Shopping Channel.