Pretty packaging

Fragrance – Prepping For Summer

- Vicki Leave a comment
NEW Summer Fragrance

NEW Summer Fragrance

I use the change in seasons as an excuse to switch up my beauty routine especially my fragrance. I like more of a fresh, light scent as we head into Summer, one that reflects how much I enjoy this time of year. I can already tell you that one of these scents has already won me over and is set to become very much a signature scent for me. Scents are able to evoke memories and take us on a journey so picking a new scent is important and can stay with us for years.

I have two beautiful Summer appropriate scents to share with you, I’d love it if you let me know in the comments what perfume you like to wear during the warmer months.

Givenchy Live Irresistible Perfume

NEW Givenchy Fragrance

Givenchy Live Irrésistible EDP délicieuse

This beautiful fragrance comes packaged in a pretty pink box which depicts a classic Parisian scene. The tall triangular bottle is very striking with an etched studded pattern on two sides. Givenchy say it is a contrast between elegance and modernity.

This Délicieuse version of Givenchy’s best selling Live Irresistible scent is a sweet mix of edible gourmand notes and a floral bouquet which make it a really fun, youthful fragrance. The original offering had more of a zesty, floral scent and although this latest version keeps its Rose heart notes I think it will appeal to people that like their fragrance to be more sugary sweet. It contains notes of,

  • Top Notes: Madeleine Accord, Cherry
  • Heart Notes: Rose Essentielle, Orange Blossom
  • Base Notes: Tonka Bean, Iris, Bitter Almond, Vanilla, Caramel

This fragrance is like Summer in a bottle. A delicious cocktail of sweet, floral and warming caramel notes give it a juicy scent. At first the smell is quite intense and you can really smell the zesty, tart notes but once it settles down the Almond and Caramel notes come through which give it depth and more of a warming but still quite sweet scent.

If you are looking for a Summer scent with a flirty, fun & youthful feel to it I 100% recommend this latest Givenchy release. It’s sweet, juicy & floral cocktail make it the perfect fragrance for those warm Summer days.

Favourite Summer Fragrances 2017

Gucci Bamboo Perfume

Gucci Bamboo Limited Edition EDP

This classic Gucci fragrance is the same original sexy woody floral scent but now comes in a stunning limited edition bottle. This updated version comes beautifully packaged in a pretty dusky pink outer box with drawings of a bamboo garden scene. Whilst the bottle itself is a gorgeous blush pink with its art deco inspired silhouette and silver bamboo stopper. It looks and feels extremely luxurious and the packaging really reflects the strong, feminine Gucci Bamboo scent.

I think this perfume is very modern, sexy and has a refreshing sophisticated feel to it. The mix of woody, floral and sweet notes work really well layered together and I adore the citrus twist of the bergamot which adds such a Summer vibe to the scent.

  • Top Notes– Italian Bergamot
  • Heart Notes – Casablanca Lily & Ylang-Ylang
  • Base Notes – Sandalwood

I like that this isn’t an overpowering scent which works well for Summer, you like your perfume to be more fresh and uplifting in the warmer months. The floral notes make it just ideal for Summer and it’s woody notes settle down to give it a sophisticated feel. I do also like that there is also a juicy sweetness to it whilst the Sandalwood and Bergamot add a rich contrast and once it settles down it’s a juicy, refreshing but sophisticated scent. I adore it.

Luxurious GUCCI Bamboo Perfume

Two very different scents for Summer but both are feminine and very pretty. I would say the Gucci Bamboo has stolen my heart and has become my go to fragrance. I think this scent suits me more than the Givenchy Live Irrésistible Delicieuse only because it is less sweet and I tend to gravitate towards more woody scents. Although I am enjoying the lighthearted feel to Givenchy Live Irrésistible Delicieuse and have been wearing it as more of a day scent.

Let me know what scent you have added to your Summer line up this year & if you’re tempted by either of the scents I have been wearing.

  • This post is in collaboration with Fragrance Direct

YSL Beauty Brow Wardrobe

- Vicki 1 Comment
YSL Beauty Brow Wardrobe

YSL Beauty Brow Wardrobe

YSL Eyebrow Products

YSL Beauty Brow Wardrobe

I’m very excited to introduce you to some fantastic new releases from YSL Beauty, they have added four new products to their brow range and created the YSL Brow Wardrobe. Everyone has their individual way of filling in their brows whether you prefer a simple look or a very bold brow I think you will find at least one product from the YSL brow range that you will love.

Couture Brow Palette in 02 Medium to Dark

This comes in that class signature gold YSL packaging which looks and feels luxurious and it has a very handy mirror so it’s a fantastic palette to take with you in your makeup bag. It also comes with just the cutest mini YSL tweezers and a brow brush which despite their teeny tiny size work very well to tidy up any stray brow hairs.

So cuteness aside you also get 3 powder shades which are nicely pigmented and blend beautifully. You can use them individually or mix them together to create your perfect brow shade. The powders are easy to blend and work with and have great staying power. For me powder gives you the option to be quite precise and also have the flexibility to create a soft look or build it up for a more bold brow. This is a beautiful product and a stand out from this collection.

Dessin Des Sourcil (Eyebrow Pencil) in 04

This dual ended precision brow pencil comes in four shades & has a fab brow spoolie on one end and a pencil on the other. I found the pencil quite hard but the colour worked well and looked natural. I would say that a pencil allows you to get very precise strokes and if you wanted to just fill in your brows quickly with minimal fuss then a pencil is ideal & also great to travel with. Out of the four products this is the one I use the least but that is because I’m so used to using a powder that I find using a pencil quite awkward.

Luxury Makeup From YSL

NEW YSL Eyebrow Products

Couture Brow Marker in 02 Dark Brown

I have never tried a brow product like this before, it looks like a chunky marker pen with a angled felt tip style nib. After a few attempts I found this worked best for me for filling in a few sparse patches and also to outline the shape of my brows. It isn’t too pigmented which means you can achieve a natural look though your brow but a big plus point for me is, once you apply this there is no budging it (YSL promise 12 hour wear). Initially I thought the large nib would be quite hard to use but after a few goes I’m pleased to report I’ve become a dab hand and I’m able to get quite a nice sharp, defined look. I almost wrote this product off but I am converted to the Brow Marker & recommend giving it a go.

The only downside is this Couture Brow Marker only comes in two shades, light brown & dark brown and the lightest shade is not very light at all.

YSL Couture Brow Shaper Mascara

Couture Brow Mascara in 01 Glazed Brown

Out of the four products this tinted brow mascara is without a doubt the product I’ve used the most. This adds a nice amount of colour and texture to your brows and I also like that you can use it alone for an effortless look or on top of your powder to set your brows and add a little more colour. The brush is a fantastic size and shape, it allows you to put just the right amount of product through your bows without getting it everywhere. It’s gel consistency doesn’t give you the dreaded crispy brow and it’s buildable formula means you can go as natural or dramatic as you like. It is a fantastic product to add to your collection.

YSL Couture Brow Wardrobe

I feel like brows products have had such a resurgence since Cara Delevingne reminded everyone full brows are OK and I’m totally cool with that because my brows are a little unruly and naturally super thick.

What brow product do you like to use the most? Also let me know if any of the new YSL Brow products have caught your eye.

All of the YSL Brow Wardrobe products are available now from yslbeauty.co.uk

* This post contains PR Samples

YSL Beauty Releases

- Vicki 2 Comments
YSL Beauty

YSL Beauty

YSL Black Opium Floral Shock Eau de Parfum

This is the fragrance to accompany the mascara and it is a modern more youthful twist on such an iconic scent. Not only have YSL updated the scent but the glitter encrusted bottle has also had a revamp. The bottle is just as luxurious as the classic version but it now has subtle frosted pretty pink hues but it still looks just as glam rock!

  • Top notes – Bergamot Essence, Pear Accord, Freesia Accord
  • Heart notes – Orange Blossom Absolute, Golden Gardenia Accord, Solar-floral accord
  • Base notes – Coffee Accord, Sandalwood Accord, Vanila

The fresh mix of fruity and floral scents work really well together and the addition of coffee is unusual but gives the scent a warmth that is quite sexy. Whilst the vanilla and sandalwood offer both sweetness and luxury. I am in love with it and I think if you find the original a little too heavy and heady, this Floral Shock version will feel more fresh and youthful but still with that edginess you expect from YSL Opium.

YSL Touche Éclat Blur Primer

This is very lightweight, not sticky at all and it sits so well on the skin. It instantly visibly smooths, blurs pores and brightens the skin. It has tiny (very tiny) gold flecks which help give your skin that subtle glow without looking like a disco ball. It gives the skin a subtle matte finish without looking flat. I am one of those people that tends not to wear a primer on a daily basis but for a special occasion this is the perfect product to help your makeup look flawless, last for hours and help your skin look fresh. If you’re feeling spendy and looking for a new primer then this is a great one to try.

YSL The Shock Mascara

YSL The Shock Mascara

Off the bat I have to say the packaging isn’t as glamourous or what I would have expected from YSL, it doesn’t look or feel as luxurious as the price tag but if you’re willing to overlook that the product itself is pretty amazing. It has quite a long, slim wand and its helix shape helps give volume and drama to your lashes without having to apply layer upon layer of product.

It does have a tendency to clump but if I apply whilst doing that magic trickery of wiggling the brush through my lashes it helps separate my lashes and ensure the product is applied evenly from root to tip reducing the clumping and giving the ultimate high impact look. I love the jet black formula and think this is a fantastic mascara for evening and making the most of your natural lashes without the need to apply falsies.

• This post contains PR samples

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Bloom

- Vicki 4 Comments
Viktor and Rolf Flower Bomb Bloom Fragrance

Viktor and Rolf Flower Bomb Bloom Fragrance

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Bloom* 

I wrote a post a couple of weeks ago about switching up your scent for Spring and if this had landed on my doorstep at the beginning of March this would 100% have been included. I adore the original Flowerbomb fragrance, it is such a recognisable, cult scent and for me, it evokes so many happy memories. I have repurchased it countless times since it was first released back in 2005.

This latest release from master perfumers Viktor & Rolf is a lighter more refreshing take on the original scent, it has been called the sister scent (I like that).

  • Top Notes: Pomegranate Accord, Bergamot, Mandarin Oils
  • Heart Notes: Freesia, Rose, Jasmine, Pure Air Molecule
  • Base Notes: Musk, Vanilla, Patchouli

What I enjoy about the Flowerbomb fragrances is that they are a beautiful mix of floral and sweet. With neither being too overpowering, also once the scent has settled it has a very flirty, youthful musk undertone, which I love.

The bottle is not too dissimilar to the original, it is a little more slender but still, diamond cut and looks just as pretty.

It is described as another chapter in the Flowerbomb story and if you’re a fan of the original you’re going to really enjoy this new airy, fresh, Spring offering.

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Bloom is available now from Boots, Escentual, Debenhams and John Lewis in 30ml – £45, 50ml – £58 and 100ml – £80

*PR Sample