New Fragrance Launch | LK Bennett Signature

*this post contains press samples and affiliate links

The similarities between Kate Middleton and myself begin and end with both being a fan of LK Bennett footwear - but perhaps we can now add the fact we've been wearing the same perfume as each other to that list?

Earlier this year LK Bennett launched their first ever fragrance, simply named Signature retailing for £35 and available to buy in their store celebrating their 'timeless heritage'. The fragranced is housed in typical classic LK Bennett style and I was impressed just by the weight of the lid - often used to what looks luxury what crack simply from over zealous pulling off of the stopper.

The scent of Signature is interesting and not something I would typically be drawn to, nor if I'm honest is it one I favour with top notes of citrus, pepper and rhubarb, heart notes of rose, jasmine and ylang yland and base notes of warm woods, dry amber, musk and vetiver that create something of a heady scent which I can't easily pinpoint to sweet or floral.

My sister-in-law was visiting when this arrived and she immediately loved it and once I had taken the necessary photos I allowed her to be tester for me and give her thoughts and she is still a fan and enjoyed wearing over the Summer. She commented on how impressed she was particularly that as the day went on she could always pick up the scent and it hadn't dissipated as they often do.

I believe the fragrance should be available to buy on the LK Bennett site but I've been unable to find it and I'm quite taken by the 'exclusivity' they're giving it that you can only find it for sale in their stores but I'll be interested to see if that changes to reach a wider audience.

Are you an LK Bennett fan?

2017 Fragrance Favourites

If you were to ask my holy grail fragrance it would be Chanel Coco Mademoiselle but two favourites this year that always make me smile and bring about a waft of memories are those that I reach for as the seasons change.

As the leaves turn orange and a chill in the air beings I bring out Jo Malone Ginger Biscuit and I am instantly ready for the fun that Autumn brings and indeed the festive season. Original released in 2013 as part of the Sugar and Spice Collection it was an instant hit but alas Limited Edition. Thankfully my prayers were answered when it was added to the line up of returning fragrances available only in London's Regent Street store.

I defy anyone to not find themselves licking their lips at the description of Ginger Biscuit from Jo Malone website 'Just-baked biscuit. Spiced with ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon, melting into caramel. Butter crumbly with roasted hazelnuts. Warmed by tonka bean and vanilla. Irresistible.' literally good enough to eat.

This scent certainly has a sweetness but with an spiciness that makes it mature and warm and just perfect for this time of year. It's strong without being too overpowering and lasts well into the evening after it's first spritz. I am slowly coming to the end of this bottle so I will look forward to marking the arrival of Autumn this year with a trip to purchase a new bottle.

Summer still seems so far away but when it does indeed arrive I will be jumping straight back onto the Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess bandwagon. I first picked up a bottle two Summers ago and have finished off one bottle already but I'm lucky enough to have a new bottle lined up ready to go but will once again make a plea that they offer a travel sized version.

It's everything cliched about scent for the Summer months yet with an anything but cliched finish. Again like Ginger Biscuit it's different from the fragrances I'd usually wear but it just works so perfectly for the warmer months and reminds me now of so many holidays I have been on.

What scents have you loved in 2017 or indeed are you looking forward to trying in 2018?

*this post contains affiliate links

The Power of 3 | Hawaiian Tropic Fragrance Mist

Did you know I have triplet aunties? Rather great especially if I tell you one is married to a twin but as fabulous as this little bit of trivia about me is it does prove problematic because come Christmas or Birthdays everything seems to be done in threes. Of course they are well of the age when quarrels wouldn't occur if one got something the other wanted but still, sticking with something of a theme always helps.

Of course I love 3 for 2 offers but also giftsets also come in handy as often I can split the products between my aunts (or indeed any family and friends celebrating) and maximise the gift budget for them, such is the case with the Hawaiian Tropic Fragrance Miss Giftset* I received this week.

Whilst I know the leaves are turning brown and falling from the trees and if we were all playing drinking games every time someone mentioned how 'Autumnal' they were feeling or that they'd just picked up a Pumpkin Spiced Latte we'd all be needing a detox clinic but I'm still not quite ready thanks to my trip to Florida next month and as such loved receiving the 'scents of summer'.

I will admit I wouldn't necessarily head to the shops and think 'oh I need to buy a fragrance mist' or body spray as I have a healthy perfume collection and that ticks the box for me, but thanks to press samples I receive as a blogger (which this is) I do find I often have a body spray of some description lurking around which I reach for on weekends when lazing around in pyjamas or of an evening post bath when I climb into bed so maybe in the future it is something I would seek out.

The Hawaiian Tropic collection of fragrance mists are indeed all pleasant to use and then scents do provide, depending on your preference for the fragrances, a significant wear time with a smell that isn't too synthetic or heady.

Golden Paradise* is perhaps my favourite but I think it is very much due to the 'creamy coconut' scent that will instantly transport you to any Summer holiday you've had. Sunkissed Dreams* fggg feels like your more traditional perfume thanks to lotus flower and sheer musts and Summer Dreams* will be one favoured by those who love scents of passion flower and mango.

As I've said these aren't products I would typically reach for or indeed the type of scent I favour in a perfume spray or mist but they are quite enjoyable and I will definitely be ensuring I keep one for myself for those lazy days when I need to perk myself up.

Are you a fragrance mist user?

*this post contains press samples and affiliate links

New In Beauty | October 2017

As I mentioned in Monday’s post whilst things have been quiet on these pages I have been behind the scenes putting some new and old products through their paces and two old favourites are Vaseline Intensive Care Spray Moisturiser in Aloe Sooth* and The Breath Co Toothpaste. 

The former is the perfect for lazy girls like me those in a hurry who don’t enjoy the laborious process of applying body lotion but still want to feel the effects of using one. I can leap from the shower, running late for me train and still find time to literally ‘spray & go’. Whilst I can forgive a sticky body lotion if I have time on my hands or indeed am simply climbing into bed, when I’m pulling on a pair of tights I do not want a battle on my hands so I’m grateful that Vaseline Aloe Fresh is not sticky at all and does dry quickly without making skin feel drying. Again often spray bottles struggle when manipulated, or just simply upside down but again, I have no battles on my hands and whenever I use this bottle I question why I bother with anything else. 
Recently I decided it was wholly unnecessary to have numerous small tubes of toothpaste sitting in my travel sized stash so decided to use those I had up (leaving one to be used and replaced as needed). I wish I could not appear so sad to ‘miss’ a toothpaste but I did notice the absence of The Breath Co. Toothpaste which I have used and repurchased many times since I was first introduced to it. £9 is ridiculously extortionate and I always look out for it when it is on offer and at a reduced price because love can only go so far. 
I’m a big fan of citrus scents but sadly in the form of Aqua Citra Perfume* it wasn’t for me. This is not through fault of the perfume itself, I’m neither a fan of Jo Malone Lime Basil and Mandarin as I prefer something a little more woody, musky and even manly. If you are fan of this type of scent then I’m sure will like this as did a friend who was able to benefit from my passing over this fragrance which has enjoyed wearing and smells delightful on her. 


As I’ve said when I’ve previously mentioned this is the least ‘toothpaste-y’ toothpaste I’ve used and not one that offends the taste of the first drink you have post brushing yet as a smoker I find it tackles all the things it needs to for my filthy habits. 

Superdrug Natural Radiant Glycolic Toner* has caused something of stir recently as it's been hailed as yet debated as impossible to be a dupe of the blogger favourite Pixi Glow Tonic. Obviously the biggest draw is the more affordable price tag (currently only £2.95 at Superdrug) but is it any good? 

I will not claim to be a skincare guru but thanks to my experiences with testing various products for my blog I do have some amateur knowledge and have found that glycolic acid is a saviour for me, especially as someone that can be slack with their skincare regime, particularly at times when I should be more diligent. 

Simply put glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliator that can be used on a daily basis depending on your skins tolerances and needs and will help any dullness to the skin for a more radiant appearance. I have dehydrated skin and throw in a hangover or two and my skin can become almost snakelike but the morning or even a day or two later a sweep of glycolic acid can start to repair the damage I have caused.

I find that 'at my age' and due to my skins tolerance I can and do prefer more hardy glycolics but that is not any way a critism for Superdrug Naturally Radiant Glycolic Toner which is a comfortable dose for daily use and still performs to a high standard. In fact, before I layer on serums and moisturisers using the glycolic toner immediately shows a positive change in my skin - and I'm all about immediate gratification. 

If you're new to glycolic toners and chemical exfoliation then this is a great way to test the waters for only a few pound. 

It was only yesterday a friend at work and I were commenting how we will push our beauty treatments to the extreme; hair should be cut in six weeks, oh I'll give it eight. Such was the case recently when my balagye was taking on a brassier colour and dry as a bone and I was debating on which hairdresser to visit. Luckily I received Lee Stafford Coco Loco Hair Oil* to help me push my hair to its limit.

Despite my balayge making my hair dryer I am still somewhat reluctant with oil so I ensure to concentrate on on the ends. Coco Loco Hair Oil is fabulous both for its size, scent and pump applicator. It isn't messy and I don't find myself wiping my hands after I've run it through my hair.

The old greasy haired brunette I once was still worries about using an oil in my hair but the difference it made to the appearance, sleek and shiny and almost like I just stepped out of a salon. Having since had my dye job refreshed I reach for the oil sporadically when I feel like things need an extra hand although I find the oil lighter enough I could reach for it ever day and not overload my hair. 

*this post contains press samples and affiliate links

New In | Summer Fragrances

Yardley London state in their about me page that they are famous as a purveyor of luxury fragrances and soaps and admittedly that would be why I would dismiss them, as someone I'd only visit to purchase talc and soap for older relatives at Christmas time but that is about to change with the arrival of Yardley London English Freesia to the Floral Classics Fragrance collection.

My first instinct was that I would not be a fan of to a scent from a 'floral collection' but English Freesia is, as Yardley describe 'a refreshing light citrus floral fragrance' which from first spritz I've enjoyed and thought it another great scent for Summer and as English Freesia is the flower to both celebrate 7th wedding anniversaries and friendship a great gift idea.

Yarley London English Freesia* is a sweet scent and perhaps younger than what I would think from Yardley London but that's once more my preconceived ideas of the brand and these sweet floral scents but thanks to a musky amber background it's something I find quite wearable. As an Eau de Toilette it's not the longest last fragrance and I find myself needing to spray once or twice a day but for under £10 it's not something I mind and quite enjoy the refresh. I also have the complimenting English Freesia Nourishing Hand Cream* which I'd refer to as a 'vanity hand cream' and by that I mean it doesn't keep hands soft and smooth for hours after application but I favour it for that very reason. The scent isn't overwhelming and ideal for sitting on my desk in the office for multiple reapplications throughout the day.

Another fragrance I've been wearing in recent weeks is IXXI Cosmetics Tonnelle Gourmande Fragrant Water* which has notes of fig, blackcurrant, freesia popping up once again and many other notes that I wish I could explain in a more authoritative manner. Once again this isn't the longest lasting scent but during Summer I find I'm prone to reapplying perfume more often if only to protect from the sweaty smells that can linger from some passengers on the London Underground. It's slim bottle is reminiscent of the rollerball perfumes that many stockpile on trips to Sephora but for some reason haven't reached the UK but for me, it's the fact it is a spray and not a rollerball that gives it the thumbs up from me.

What is your favoured Summer fragrance?

*this post contains press samples and affiliate links

New In Beauty Haul | January 2017

It's ironic that as I say I do not purchase, or am at least trying not to purchase as many beauty products whilst I use up those I own I was recently sucked into a number of purchases that whilst I wanted to try them, justified hitting buy now purely by their aesthetics and how well they would photograph together alongside the one gifted press sample.

Starting with one of my favourite and holy grail products, the Wet Brush Pop Fold Pink which is literally as it's named, a full sized Wet Brush which folds for travel. For holidays I would usually take along an old Wet Brush which I could discard on my return but that isn't ideal as despite my love for The Wet Brush the bristles do suffer and do not travel well, especially in a brush whose bristles are already struggling. With the foldable option the 'intelliflex' bristles are protected by the closure option so this would be ideal.

In my handbag I had been using the Denman Hairbrush Compact purchased after an overnight stay in a hotel where I found I didn't have a hairbrush and had to take some tips from Ariel and use a fork from my late night room service. Whilst the Denman Compact Brush is a more affordable £3.29 compared to The Wet Brush at £13.99 it really is too small and not sufficient for even my head of hair.

The full sized and foldable Wet Brush has been purchased and saves any future worries about my hair look unkempt whatever the occasion. First impressions are that it is a little stiff both to unfold and pop out the bristles. I found myself really having to put in some effort to push them out and I'm interested to see how I fair once I have acrylics or gels reapplied and if that makes any difference. Otherwise the brush is what I would expect from The Wet Brush and I'm very happy with my purchase even if it's full size, even when folder is on the large size and won't be fitting in any small clutches.

I love Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water for removing my eye make up before going in with my cleansers so I was keen to try the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Gel Wash and see how it compared. As my reservations may attest I really didn't think this purchase through. The Garnier Micellar Cleansing Gel Wash is that, a wash and advises you to concentrate on the eye and lip areas to remove make up. I reach for a micellar water either as a first stage in cleansing or for evenings when I flop into bed and feel the short walk to the bathroom to use a flannel and running water too much so to use the Cleansing Gel would require my being in the bathroom and if I'm in the bathroom I would reach for a cleansing oil or similar. That said how would this affordable option compare to what are often my high priced variations in the bathroom.

In honesty I prefer a cleansing oil to remove my make up, or simply the micellar water for eye make up remove in the first instance. I don't often wear heavy make up so whilst of course cleansing is necessary and I do dabble in the double cleanse there is only so much attention I need and Garnier Micellar is 'nice' it's not something I'd be rushing to repurchase. My skin isn't left dry after use although I have been following up with a luxurious Kypris cream cleanser and then heading straight into the rest of my regime.

One point of note that has surprised me most is that it actually stings my eyes on occasion which the micellar water does not. It was literally like I had got soap in my eyes. If you're looking for a first cleanse to remove make up and want an affordable option to combine with a higher end 'on the face' cleanser then you could look at this. Just proceed with caution if you have sensitive eyes.

Moving on to dry shampoos and the ridiculousness of purchasing two new cans when there is a plenty already at home, but as I said, it fit the theme. First is Batiste 2 in 1 Dry Shampoo which I thought I'd try after dabbling with  Batiste Instant Conditioner*.  Recent months I've been able to find more success with dry shampoos in-between washes thanks to my blonde balayage and it's really the darker roots which need some more attention. Also being at home by myself more often in recent months due to my redundancy I'm less inclined to wash my hair and reach for a can of dry shampoo. This is a sweet scent, a little more powdery than I usually expect but it does indeed refresh my roots and I love the cocoa and cashmere scent.

Moving onto the newer dry shampoo brand on the block and the fresh release from Colab, Paradise Dry Shampoo which has been doing the rounds and I'm sure those of you who know me won't be surprised that I 'had to have' the flamingo print can.

Flamingos aside I am a Colab fan, particularly the Extreme Volume range I wanted to give this a try and it's another scent, more mature than Batiste sweeter offering, that I have enjoyed. For only £1.73 this is such a good product and whilst I still prefer the Extreme Volume range and will soon return I'm sure to reaching for dry shampoo to give a little oomph and texture to my hair it does indeed help allow my day or two from washing. 

Accessorize's newest perfume release is Love Lily* is a great scent which you can buy from Accessorize branches or The Fragrance Shop. Firstly if you have smelt this fragrance and you can help tell me what it is that it reminds me of and I can't put my finger on - it's driving me crazy.

I've been enjoying the fruity and sweet fragrance which is unlike me but perhaps I'm ready for Summer and preparing for my holiday to St Lucia in seven weeks. I always imagine sweet perfumes are for the younger crowd and I'd suggest the bottle is young without being twee and it's pink flower in the lid doesn't look offensively out of place next to my Chanel bottles. If you're looking at budgeting in 2017 and want a fragrance for under £20 then this is worth checking out.

What new releases have made their way into your shopping basket?

*this post contains press samples and / or affiliate links

Christmas Gifts for your teens

Whilst I can always think of some beauty essential to add to my Christmas list as a beauty blogger and with an abundance of products already at my disposal I do miss my younger days when there would be an array of beauty gifts I'd be wishing for and sitting with the Boots catalogue circling products I neeeeeded.

I've rounded up a selection of beauty favourites that have come my way during the festive season which might be ideal for any of the younger ladies on your Christmas list, starting with the Magnitone which in fact you don't need to be a teen to enjoy. The Magnitone Precious Collection* is perfect for the holiday season in its jewel tones, in my case I have the Glitter Gold version. Cleansing brushes garner mixed opinions but despite being cautious when I first tried the Magnitone out in the Summer I'm really enjoying it. The Magnitone range is more affordable than many options and if you're looking to encourage a cleansing routine this is a good place to start.

There were worries that a cleansing brush such as the Magnitone would be too harsh, the horror of purging but I find it simply gives me skin a thorough clean and is no less abrasive than using a flannel. I use mine a couple of times a week, especially finding it useful on days when I've been lax in my usual routine and skin needs some extra attention.

Sticking with the skincare, Dermalogica is a brand I've used a lot during 2016 and the Dermalogica Clear Start* kit is great for those with oily and acne prone skins. A festively packaged set of three products that calm and rebalance the skin leaving it clear and refreshed.

A Cleansing Wash, a moisturiser for day and an overnight formula to go to work on a congested complexion in decent 15ml sizes that will allow you to try before you commit to larger sized products.

If in doubt make up can always be a hit Studio London* at Superdrug has many products in their range and I love the set of three sparkly nail varnish which can be worn alone or over the top of your existing nail colour ready for Christmas Day or planning ahead to your New Years Eve celebrations.

A sure fire hit with an hit is a product from on of our more famous YouTubers and the Tanya Burr 'It's Kissmas' Lip Gloss Duo* is already en route to the US to be opened by a special younger lady I know.

I love my Beauty Blender but it's not the most affordable option so I was intrigued to see how the Flutter Make Up Sponge* for only £1 would fair. Ok it's no comparison, it's certainly firmer than the beauty blender and is smaller in size but it works and it's been performing adequately when the former needs cleaning. This is a great stocking filler, especially with its cute packaging.

My final offering is Tribe Eau De Toilette* which if you're in your thirties like I am may remember, especially as they were sponsors of one of Take That's tours 'back in the day'. I was a regular wearer of this scent in my teens and I was transported straight back when I received a bottle of the scent making a comeback. If you want to share some memories with one of your younger charges this is a lovely gift to evoke some nostalgia.

What is on your teens wishlist this year?

*this post contains press samples and affiliate links

Perfume | The Perfect Christmas Gift

There's nothing that says Christmas gift to me more than fragrance gift sets. I'm sure I've received a bottle of perfume in one form or another every Christmas since I can remember, even back in the days when I wore the likes of LouLou.

At this time of year the fragrance gift sets come out in full force and Monsoon have joined the ranks releasing the Rose Gold Gift Set* which is accompanied by a scented body lotion for the festive season.

You may remember I first sampled Monsoon Rose Gold back in August and was once again surprised by the quality of high street fragrance contenders. Monsoon Rose Gold is a floral fragrance and not something I would typically choose but its a scent that I enjoy. Perfumed body lotions can be hit and miss but I'm happy with the Rose Gold offering. I might be wearing thick jumpers by day but at night the arms are out and I'm enjoying matching and adding to the scent with this body lotion in those areas. The festive season can often be spent enjoying food, lots of food so the heavy scents I lean towards would often be too overpowering so it's been nice to enjoy a more subtle option although I will be saving some of this bottle for wearing in the Spring when for me it'd be more suited.

Another surprise hit and a perfume I've been often in recent weeks has been By Invitation, the newly released fragrance from Michael Buble. If you have any women in your life that are a fan of Mr Buble I'm sure they'd love to open up his scent on Christmas morning. This too is floral but a warmer and more oriental scent that Monsoon Rose Gold and is the scent I'll choose if I'm out for lunch but perhaps that occasion might lead to drinks in the evening and I want a scent to last.

And in my opinion, if ever in any doubt, Chanel, always Chanel for a Christmas, for me particularly if you're wondering! I'm lucky to always receive a piece of Chanel here and there whether fragrance or something from their beauty line. I posted last year some of my Chanel picks for the holiday season and always a plus point is their gift wrapping. Chanel has a number of fragrances from the iconic Chanel No 5 or perhaps you know someone who'd like to try the new, more modern and lighter Chanel No 5 L'eau. Trust me, anyone who sees a Chanel gift bag under the tree will be very happy. Well I hope so as someone might be getting a gift from there.

If you're worried about choosing the right fragrance for someone then can I direct you to The Fragrance Shop App*. If you know at least one of the fragrances your friend or relative wears, or the type of scent they like you can enter details into the app and will be given suggestions on alternatives. I've spent hours on the App playing around trying to find new perfumes to try.

What fragrance is on your Christmas list this year?

By Invitation | A Michael Buble Fragrance

It feels rather unseemly to publish a review of Michael Bubles' new ladies fragrance, By Invitation when his family are going through a rather difficult time but as I was lucky enough to be sent a bottle and it's such a great scent I'm keen to share it with you so decided to hit publish.

By Invitation has burst onto the blog scene and I'm sure if you're a regular blog reader you will have stumbled across at least one review. Celebrity fragrances are coming a long way from their early beginnings and I've come across one or two in recent years which I've been both surprised by and enjoyed but By Invitation with Michael Buble is on another level.

There's a great marketing campaign from the Michael Buble Perfume team and wonderful quotes from Michael himself about how it's 'love in a bottle' and he wanted to create something special for his fans to enjoy and celebrate love but how does the fragrance match up.

In my opinion it's surpassed any expectations I might have had for it to be 'nice' and it could easily become a favourite of mine. This fragrance is as described stunning and elegant and perfect for the season.

It's a warm scent which is modern floral oriental scent and long lasting, I've been wearing this for a number of weeks now and every time someone has commented on the smell (positively I might add!) and that is late in the day when I first applied. Its crisp and light enough to be warn by day but has enough fragrance to carry you through till evening.

My only complete is the bottle design, whilst pretty to look at I find the 'gold' element or the 'bracelet' is a little bit too 'plastic' for my liking. My bottle was actually damaged in transit so my lid is cracked and the atomiser detail is snapped off which the eagle eyed will notice in the photo. Obviously this doesn't effect how it sits on my dressing table but perhaps I would've preferred they concentrated on the glass bottle rather than the extra details.

If you know a Buble fan and struggling to know what to buy them for Christmas this is a great pick. Visit michaelbubleperfume.com to see more.

*this post contains press samples

Chanel Beauty Haul

I don't need much convincing to hit the Chanel counter and when there is an array of new releases and I'm roaming the World Duty Free Beauty Halls it's safe to say purchases will be made.

My mum wears Chanel No 5, I wear Chanel Mademoiselle so I expected that the reboot of Chanel No 5 for a younger and more modern audience would pass me by. Of course walking past a Chanel counter I gave it a spray and hours later I was enjoying the scent of Chanel No 5 L'Eau so with a few leftover Euro's on my return from Ibiza I decided to treat myself. When I returned home it ended up in my photography pile unworn. I decided then to save it for my trip to Las Vegas with mum so that we could both wear it for the first time and associate the memory of it with that trip.

Chanel No 5 L'Eau is a lighter fragrance and whilst I won't go into all the notes and so forth as I'm afraid my nose isn't that specialist I can tell you that they have changed the tones and accents. It certainly has a scent of Chanel No 5, on spraying I am reminded of my mum but it doesn't feel as heavy or overpowering as the original whilst still packing a punch that I could go day to night wearing it.

One of my traditional duty free purchases is a lipstick so the new Chanel lip product launch, the Ink Matte Liquid Lip was well timed with my trip to Las Vegas. Predictably I went for a red, the shade Libere. So how did Chanel fair jumping on the matte liquid lip trend? For me it was a thumbs up and I really enjoyed wearing this during my trip, though it wasn't perfect depending on your preferences.

It's a very wet formula that is a little messy to apply and I would've benefited from a lip liner. It takes some time to dry down so be careful of stray hairs or the like which can leave you smearing lipstick across your face. It's also not particularly matte. The wet formula and the fact it doesn't dry down to quickly means it has more of a glossy finish than you would expect. That said it wasn't something I didn't enjoy and also it does mean that your lips forgive you for prolonged wear unlike the Sephora Lip Creams for example.

As always my smoking habits give a long lasting lipstick a challenge to start with but I commend Chanel Lip Inks for putting up a good fight. It was my inner lip that posed the problem and the only reason I would have to be conscious of reapplication.

As for packing it's a big thumbs up. A petite lipstick sized tube with frosted glass showcasing your colour of choice and a black lip emblazoned with the Chanel name and double C's. I found I was able to slot this in my Chanel WOC whilst strolling the Las Vegas strip alongside my iPhone.

My final purchase was made a risky purchase after a not so great shopping experience. I heard about Chanel Le Teint Ultra Tenue Ultrawear Flawless Foundation, their newest foundation release on Beautezine and after an a quick Tweet to Jane at British Beauty Blogger discovered it would not be released in the UK until the new year. This discovery meant it was the perfect 'affordable' purchase to make in the Chanel Boutique during my Las Vegas trip completely justifiable as being 'for the blog'.

Mum and I dived into the Chanel Boutique at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino and after swooning over various bags settled for the beauty counter. I love and wear the Chanel Les Beiges foundation range so when asking about Chanel Le Teint Ultra Tenue I referenced shade 30 as my usual shade. I was told that the shades, whilst named the same to do not marry up to the Les Beiges range. Why do brands do this? The sales assistant unfortunately wasn't very confident as she tested out different shades to match me up, Shade 30 would be too warm in the new formula and others varied from too light, yellow, pink so there wasn't a perfect match for me. In the end as I had no confidence with the sales assistances musings I decided to go for Shade 30 which was a little paler than my current skin tone although with winter on the horizon and ability to warm up with bronzer I went for that. As it happens the colour match seems to have worked perfectly for me so I would urge some time if looking into this foundation to make sure you are happy with the right shade for you.

Since I have returned home from Vegas I have been reaching for this foundation a lot. Nights out or occasions when I'm in London all day rushing about on the underground this has been my foundation of choice and I'm impressed with it's flawless full coverage finish which lasts all day.

I liken it to L'Oreal Infallible Matte Foundation (I used the US version) with more staying power or Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation although less flat due to a light diffusing complex that creates natural luminosity. As Beautezine references this is not the easiest foundation to apply. My Real Techniques Brush left things a little streaky but the Beauty Blender works much better for me. I'm finding as I get older and have a busy day ahead I like to use a fuller coverage foundation and this ticks all the boxes for me without feeling heavy or like I'm wearing a mask. As with all Chanel products there is a scent which can offend some and irritate others but for me it's not an issue. It's definitely one to grab a sample off when it's released next year.

Are you a Chanel Beauty fan?

*this post contains affiliate links

A Rose Gold Beauty Haul

As bloggers we’re well versed in the justification for our spending being ‘but it’s for the blog’ although I learnt long ago that I had neither the means or ability to keep up with every new beauty release. That said every so often one or two products slip through this invisible net especially when paired with the other excuse that ‘the blogger made me do it’ and today’s post is showcasing those.

It’s only fair to start with the product that started my small spending spree, Monsoon Rose Gold Perfume* which ironically as my asterix tells you was a gifted product. My parents are kind enough to take delivery of my press samples (my dad doesn’t quite understand and believes I have some sort of online shopping addiction) and even nicer is that my mum will drop them off throughout the week so I can admire then when I arrive home from work. Monsoon Rose Gold Perfume was one of those products she had delivered for me and it’s rather beautiful packaging, a white and rose gold box sat atop my desk waiting for its photo shoot at the weekend whilst I enjoyed a spritz here and there.

I had always considered myself a perfume snob in so much as my favourite perfumes are often from the well-known brands such as Chanel but having tried the 007 Fragrance for Women I knew that was no longer justifiable so I was keen to sample Monsoons offering as well as giving them a pat on the back for playing on the trend for rose gold.

The fragrance is more floral than what I would usually lean towards but light enough that I have enjoyed wearing it. I find it’s more suited to day and reminds me of Liz Earle No 20 Botanical Essence. It’s combination of top notes such as rose, tuberose, neroli and cyclamen combined with the base notes of Eastern woods, vanilla, mosses, musk and balsamic amber create a feminine fragrance which belongs in the modern world. In fact I took into work with me yesterday to share with a friend who immediately commented positively and said she too isn’t a lover of floral scents but finds this one to be appealing.

Moving on it is often the case with products I receive throughout the week I will spend my time musing about how I will feature these on Florence and Mary. Will it be an individual review? Do I have any other products that will compliment and create a feature and on it goes. On a trip to Superdrug which I will explain my reasons for later I stumbled across the newly installed Make Up Revolution stand. Top tip for London dwellers, if you want to look at beauty products without dirty stands and testers hit branches in the City area as they tend to be better kept than West End branches. My eyes were immediately drawn to the Vivid Baked Highlighter in Rose Gold Lights. Did I need it? Of course not and having just purchased the Jaclyn Hill Champagne Pop Palette it was hardly necessary but then I thought oh what about a ‘Rose Gold Beauty Haul’… for the blog.. featuring this and the aforementioned perfume. Job done and the highlighter was mine. And I’m oh so glad I parted with that mere £3 because I’m a lot in love with this product.

It does look a little scary in the pan but do not be afraid because Rose Gold Lights is a beauty. I have a post on my highlighter collection coming up soon and it’s still an area I’m learning about and find myself leaning more towards blushers with a satin finish or a little shimmer for my cheeks. This fits the bill perfectly and is ideal for wearing to work and not blinding anyone with highlight in my meetings. So taken am I with this product I’ve text all my friends immediately and shared the love as I did on Instagram yesterday. Whilst this is not a dupe for Rose Spritz in the Jaclyn Hill Champagne Pop Palette if it is a shade you’ve been lusting over and want something more affordable I would recommend you check this out.

I alluded earlier in my post that there was a reason for my jaunt to Superdrug and that I was already armed with the excuse ‘the blogger made me do it’ and that blogger was Lydia Elise Millen. I along with many saw her Snapchat on how she was creating a ‘false lash effect’ with two mascaras; L’Oreal Volume Million Lashes So Couture Mascara and L’Oreal Paris False Lash Sculpt Mascara. which you can see on my Instagram today. I wanted to investigate for myself knowing I was already a fan of the L’Oreal Superstar Mascara and its ‘false lash effect’. I can confirm that this mascara duo is a good one although I feel like I need to put in a little more practice but as someone who lacks the time or inclination for false eye lash application this is a worthy alternative. On first use I really appreciate how long my lashes appeared and using the Lash Sculpt meant you could see ‘individual’ lashes rather than a more clumped appearance that others would give.

Of course the photo tells you that I didn’t stop at L’Oreal mascara and in fact took advantage of the 2 for 3 offer in Superdrug on L’Oreal Make up and came home with a rather lovely new red lipstick. Once again did I need another red lipstick? Of course not but something drew me away from the L’Oreal Sexy Balms I originally had in mind to the Gold Obsession Collection.

I had no prior knowledge about this collection and I cannot find much online since, aside from a sneakpeek from Really Ree nor any links to Rouge Gold the shade I chose. Ree mentioned this was a collection launching in the US this month and it appears one or two products have snuck their way into UK stores and I’m pretty happy to have discovered them. There was a gorgeous purple shade which I have my eye on for the Autumn season but from what I can see of the nude and pink shades I would love to try them out too.

I don’t believe I’ve had much experience of L’Oreal lipsticks before but I want to change that after this experience. Rouge Gold is a traditional bright red with a shot of gold shimmer running through that makes lips glisten rather than glitter. It’s something I would look at on paper and think it’s not for me but it translates so well. It’s perfect for the Summer but will translate so nicely to cooler months and I can’t wait to rock this at Christmas parties. I also tend to ignore any thought towards longevity on the lips because as a smoker I expect my lipstick to disappear quickly and require regular application but I’ve found myself impressed on this occasion. I managed to arrive at work after my morning cigarette and commuter coffee with the lipstick still intact which is almost unheard of.

And that brings my small, but successful rose gold haul to a close. What do you think of my purchases.

*this post contains press samples and affiliate links

Duty Free Haul

I’m sure the reason I love airports so much is that they usually involve going on holiday and if that’s the first then the second is Duty Free. Once I’m through security I’m like a woman possessed acting like someone with a Khardashians bank balance, throwing anything and everything into my basket. Please tell me I’m not alone in thinking that Duty Free spending isn’t like ‘real life’ spending.

When I hit Duty Free last month the top item on my list was Estee Lauders Bronze Goddess. This is a very clichéd Summer fragrance but in defence of jumping on the bandwagon I did resist for a long time as this scent is wheeled out every year and bloggers rave about ‘summer in a bottle’. I must have given Bronze Goddess a sniff on many occasions over the years and decided it wasn’t for me. I tend to favour heavy scents so it’s no surprising this ‘eau fraiche’, the most diluted version of a fragrance didn’t spark any joy… until now. A few weeks ago I was strolling through House of Fraser and gave it the cursory spray and wandered off once again unimpressed. Hours later I would keep getting wafts of the scent and realised how much I loved it. Interesting Ben turned his nose up when I was making my purchase but later in the holiday he commented on how he actually now liked it so if you haven’t found love in first spritz do try it on your own skin and see how it settles later in the day.

There’s little I can tell you that every other blogger and fan has; sun, sea, sand, coconut, memories of laying on a beach, yes it is all true and all there. It’s a whooping 100ml, glass bottle which makes me wonder would they not have been more successful bringing this out in a more travel friendly option such as the Chanel Purse sprays. It was the perfect scent to wear on my Menorca trip but I’ll be slightly reluctant taking it to Italy with me next month due to my luggage allowances.

And if one bottle wasn’t enough my mum has just returned from holiday and given me another bottle, not realising I had already purchased for myself. Clearly I mentioned this a lot recently. At least I’m stocked up now for the next couple of Summers.

Elizabeth Arden Eight House Cream Lip Protectant was one of my most used and repurchased items years ago. If I was travelling through Duty Free I would pick up this and an YSL mascara but as my beauty blogging grew and I discovered other products this little ritual disappeared. Did I need another lip balm, and certainly a pricey one at that not really but sometimes you just think why not.

The Elizabeth Arden Lip Protectant is £20 on the high street (£16.65 in Duty Free) and available in clear, my preference, and sheer tinted versions which I’ve never tried but would perhaps lend themselves well to current trends. It has the same properties as the Eight Hour Classic products and if like me you don’t like to apply product with your fingers to lips then this is a better choice. Containing skin softeners, sunscreen and Vitamin E it works from Summer to Winter. Whether you need to protect lips from sun exposure or dry and chapped lips this product will see you through. I’ve really enjoyed this rediscovery and am questioning why I ever stopped using it, it really is one of the best products and is saving the day when wearing matte lip products.

No trip to Duty Free is complete without swinging past the Mac Counter, my usual purchases are make up brushes, often adding to my stash of Mac 217 and 239. This time I needed to replace my 266 Small Angled Brush which for some reason is the brush I’m forever loosing. I always have a list of lipsticks and eyeshadows that I’m keen to investigate but depending on time and how many others have the same goal plays a part in whether I explore further. Continuing with the blogger clichés my list included Velvet Teddy, the lipstick that received notoriety when it was rumoured that Kylie Jenner was a fan. I also had Whirl and Soar Lip Liners on my list. I asked the sales assistant which she thought was a better match. After confirming I preferred a pink rather than brown nude she suggested Soar.

I’m still ‘new’ to nude lip colours and I’m definitely finding that the more pinks suit me better than browns and Velvet Teddy is definitely on the browner side and it’s matte finish, whilst with a creamy edge, isn’t the most flattering I own. I also found that Soar was very similar to the shade Dervish which I already own and perhaps are brown liner would’ve been a more complementing match. I’m still experimenting with it and I’m glad it’s in my collection, just perhaps Summer isn’t the right time for it to come out to play.

Finally I returned home with a new perfume, YSL Black Opium which was available for an additional 20% discount on my Easyjet flight. I think the discount and lack of exiting Duty Free purchases on my outbound journey meant I was easy prey. Admittedly I had seen this scent doing the rounds on blogs and it was ingrained in memory after smelling in store and enjoy it’s scent. This is more of my traditional style of fragrance than Bronze Goddess with a sweeter hit for Summer. I can’t deny I love the look of the bottle too.

Rather a nice little Duty Free haul there for me, I just need to decided what I’ll be buying on my next trip now. What do you recommend and do you have any traditional duty free purchases you make?

Products I've used up | April 2016

A small selection of products to talk through today starting with the Scruples Pearl Complete Recovery Treatment Masque*.  A treatment to be worked into clean damp hair and left for between 1 - 10 minutes before rinsing or 1-10 minutes depending on how intensive a treatment you would like.

It both smells lovely and will aid dry and dull hair. Ironically I used this prior to colour treating my hair so I can't speak for how well it would work on that. But as a regular hair treatment even on my natural colour ensured that hair was in a healthy condition.

GLAMGLOW Youthmud Tinglexfoliate Treatment was one of my first 'blogger influenced' purchases and reviewed way back in 2013. Whilst this mask has a cult status and is a great product I'm still not sure, as I was three years ago whether it's worth the huge price tag. GLAMGLOW share a list of fantastic benefits for it's use, 'glowing complexion in just 10 minutes' to 'tighten, tone and lift the skin' and I can't deny that it does provide those. That said I find similar results from many of my clay masks, not least the more affordable Mask of Magnaminty from Lush. Complaints about price point aside the biggest bug bear for me is the 'debris' in this mask that just slips of skin and makes a mess everywhere.

Two perfumes climbed into my empties pile this month, Britney Spears Rocker Femme Fantasy* and Chanel Coco Mademoiselle. Britney's fragrance was a surprise hit as I had the usual judgements in advance of using it. The perfect scent for summer with it's fruity mix with a musky edge it's worth having a sniff if you come across it. You'll also find it on The Fragrance Shop half price at the moment and with a free gift as well.

It's oh so cliche but Chanel Coco Mademoiselle is one of my favourite and signature scents which I won't apologise for. I often have moments when I want to 'try something new' but it's always this I return to this. Will I repurchase? I already had one on standby!

Next is not so much an empty as a dried up. Often the case with these gel type top coats I went to use eyeCANDY Gel Top Coat* one day and the lid came off but the rest was set in stone in the bottle. Often you don't find out how good something really is until you use other products (I previously claimed it was better than Seche Vite) and the topcoats I've turned to recently have made me miss this. The others don't seem to have the same shine nor the extra added wear I need constantly typing in the office if not at home on the laptop. I think I'm lucky enough to have another in my stash but otherwise I will repurchase.

A product I'm sad to see reach it's end was the Limited Edition Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish in Sweet Orange and Mint. Why oh why did I not buy more of these or at least this in it's larger size? Regrets, I've had a few... melodramatic of course but it was a favourite to use. My 'use what I have mantra' for 2016 means I must first use the cleansers I already own but I know I will be returning to Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish one day soon.

Ending with another skincare item, Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+* a lovely oil to fit into your skincare that's certified organic an 100% natural. Plenty of ingredients that do wonderful things for the skin and if you're worried about sunspots try this out - especially if they're telling on the hands. Find out more in my original review here. 

*this post contains press samples

Jo Malone Ginger Biscuit is Back

I don't know who it is I have to thank for telling me Ginger Biscuit had returned to Jo Malone but as I do know as soon as I heard I planned a trip to the Regent Street store to treat myself to a bottle. There's the snag, it's back, but only in the new London flagship store along with nine other favourites.

Ginger Biscuit was part of the Sugar & Spice Collection way back in 2013 and was an instant sell out and only available in their smaller 30ml bottles. Favouring the scent at Winter, and let me tell you it's the perfect fragrance for the holiday season, I was able to avoid using it too quickly but now with an 80ml bottle in my position I can use with wild abandon.

This was a surprising hit for me as I'm not usually a fan of sweeter fragrances and Ginger Biscuit 'captures the scent of just-baked cookies spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger and dipped in caramel' so that is certainly a list of ingredients good enough to eat.

For an extra £4 you can pick your own choice of bottle top. There are all manner of colours but I couldn't resist copper as I felt it matched the scent perfectly.

What is your favourite perfume for the Christmas period.

Beauty Empties | October 2015

Along with my late October favourites, so too is that month's empties. In fact empties have fallen by the wayside more that any other posts of late so there are few jumbled posts that will appear but for now let's focus on what has recently made it's way into the pile.

Quite a few of this months empties have already been repurchased and that includes KMS California AddVolume Shampoo and Maybelline BrowDrama. Both these products are staples and ones I can rely on. For different jobs obviously. KMS California AddVolume Shampoo* isn't the cheapest product but I love the volume it gives my hair and I recently found a bottle at a reduced price in my local Homesense so I couldn't resist picking it up. See my review on more KMS California products here.

Maybelline BrowDrama I've discussed many times. Day to day I'm too lazy for penciling in individual hairs, even with products that make that easy. Instead a quick swipe from this Brow 'mascara' and I'm happy with the look. I have of course replaced already and am tempted to try other versions for comparison but I always resist preferring to stick with what I know. 

Two favourite skincare items ended up in the pile this month, Vichy Idealia Eyes* and L'oreal Age Perfect RefreshingToner. Both of this affordable items hold their own against luxury brands. Vichy is one of my go to high street brands, particularly the Idealia range. The products are perfect for my 30plus skin that I don't always treat as well as I should. With dreadful sleeping patterns and habits dark circles can be a problem for me but Idealia Eyes makes me look more awake than I feel. Toners are always difficult to talk about for me, this isn't the 'refreshing' spritz, nor the tingly acid tone type but it's one I like for those inbetween days when you want something more than just the refreshing spray but not too much for exfoliating toners. There is a lovely masculine scent to this toner which I enjoy and I always feel like my skin looks better for using this.

Unfortunately the Nanokeratin System Re-Vive Invigorating Shampoo and Conditioner* was not as much as a favourite as KMS was. Nothing to dislike just nothing to love either - especially for the price point and from a salon brand. Despite being specially formulated for 'virgin hair' like mine it never gave results that I couldn't get from cheaper alternatives. I do have another couple of sachets of this product to use so I will try again and see if I notice better results.

Another month, another hand cream and Vaseline Intensive Care Healthy Hands + Stronger Nails* is perfect for this time of year and a great size for those of you like me who use a lot of hand cream and an even better price. This isn't the fanciest of hand creams but it keeps hands moisturised, isn't greasy and has a subtle scent. 

Even before we reach the end of 2015 I think I can safely say 007 Fragrance for Women* was my surprise hit of the year. As I talked about in my initial review I had a slightly snobbish opinion of what I would class as a novelty fragrance and was proved very wrong. The 007 fragrance became as loved as my Chanel classics and for a much more affordable price. Perfume is something I usually request for Christmas or might treat myself to in duty free but this is one I could easily justify treating myself to 'just because'. 

If you saw this instagram post then you'll be aware of my love for Sure Maximum Protection deodorant. It literally won't let you down, or me at least. I've dabbled with other deodorants, as much as recently in fact and they just don't compete with this favourite. Sexy it isn't but I'm a sweaty betty and have spent years tackling wet patches under the arms and trying every deodorant known to man and this is the first that ticks all the boxes. My only complaint is I seem to go through them sooooo quickly. 

And finally is a boring product but one I mention for a number of reasons. Firstly, I was introduced to The Breath Co via a press sample and secondly it's important for me that my readers see that I will continue use products beyond the 'freebie' and purchasing with my own money - especially in this case when I could by far cheaper versions. This is a toothpaste that I recommend for anyone who doesn't like that minty toothpaste flavour. Minty it says but it has none of that overpowering flavour that would make you gag if you took a sip of orange juice. If you're interested keep an eye on the usual Boots offers, you can usually get it discounted. Read my original review here. 

Did you spot any products you use in my trash?

*this post contains press samples