Sales, sales, sales.....

January is a difficult month for my mild shopping addiction. You can't seem to walk around anywhere without noticing the huge SALE signs trying to lure you in, making it impossible for me to resist all the amazing bargains! And then these days it's not only on the street we have to resist temptation from, no, also the web shops are doing their best to tempt me to spend, spend, spend! FeelUnique recently had their big winter sale and I ended up caving to their 30-50% discounts and got the following beauty purchases!

Kérastase - Ciment Thermique

St Tropez - Gradual Tan

Narciso Rodriguez - For Her 

Kérastase Resistance Ciment Thermique Heat-Activated Reconstructor Milk (link) is an oldie but a goodie! I used to always use this product pre-blow dry on my hair but the last year I have hooked on Argan Oil. When I spotted this product in the sale it made me want to go back to an old favourite for a while. I seriously love this product! All I do is squeeze a small (coin size) amount in the palm of my hand, I then rub my hands together and run them through my hair to distribute the product. Then I just brush it to untangle and blow-dry as usual. Ciment Thermique a heat protector but also makes your hair shiny, smooth and super healthy looking! Oh and it smells pretty damn good too :)

The fragrance 'For Her' by Narciso Rodriguez (link) is one of my all time favourite perfumes. I always make sure I have a nice big bottle stashed at home but it's also convenient to have a smaller version that you can put in your handbag to refresh yourself with when on the go. For when I go out at night time I usually bring a perfume atomizer, which fits into my clutch nicely, but this 30ml bottle will be perfect to carry around with me anytime!

I wasn't so fond of the little white ghost I kept seeing in the mirror looking back at me in the recent months (Ahhh I need myself some SUNSHINE!) so I decided I could do with some gradual tanning lotion to give me a bit more of a healthy glow! I apply St Tropez Gradual Tanning Lotion (link) in Light/Medium about 1-2 a week only to my chest, arms and face area. Hey, its not like I'm parading around in a bikini anytime soon right...? I love this gradual tan because it doesn't have a very strong smell and doesn't stain my clothes but helps making me look a bit less vampire like during these cold winter months. 

Did you buy anything in the recent online beauty sales?

Skyfall & 007 Fragrance giveaway!

Have you seen the latest James Bond movie Skyfall yet? I've always loved myself a bit of Mr Bond so I was rather excited to see the third movie featuring the handsome and mysterious Daniel Craig. I loved him in Casino Royale but have to admit that Quantum of Solace was rather disappointing. I'd read great reviews for Skyfall and I can happily say it lived up to its (high) expectations. I loved the movie!

I loved it that lots of scenes took place in London; my current home town. Skyfall was full of action, passion and back in this film was some of the typical 007 style wit and humour! The only thing lacking for me maybe was a bit more passion and romance - c'mon we all secretly fantasise a little about being a Bond girl ;)

Did you know that our favourite secret agent has been around for 50 years already?! In 1962 Sean Connery starred as Bond in the first movie, Dr. No, and now a special fragrance has been created to celebrate this milestone anniversary. Most men want to be James Bond, it's probably got something to do with the girls, guns, girls, gadgets, and, um, girls!) and now they can actually smell like the super spy!

The tag line is 'Dangerously Sophisticated' and this classic and unmistakably masculine fragrance blends smooth vetyver, sensual lavender and crisp apple for a fresh, powerful twist. The fragrance launched in August exclusively at Harrods and sold out in a matter of days! The 007 fragrance is now available nationwide and in the USA Kohl's will be stocking the range of 007 products.

The studded, rectangular bottle is equipped with a top secret swivel nozzle (designed by Q, we can only assume), and is available as a 30ml and 50ml eau de toilette natural spray, priced at £19.50 and £24.50 respectively. The 007 Gold Limited Edition comes in 75ml and is priced at £36.

Now I'm giving you the chance to win this sexy and suave perfume for the Mr Bond in your life! All you need to do is follow me on twitter and tweet me who from the 6 actors that have played 007 in the last 50 years is your favourite? Here is a reminder of the handsome James Bond's over the years...

For me it's probably Pierce Brosnan or Daniel Craig! So who's your favourite? Enter below now; entries are open internationally and close Friday night. Good luck! X

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This will be your night - BOSS Nuit Pour Femme

One of my favourite parts of going out is the anticipation and getting ready for the night! After choosing the right dress, shoes and your hair and make up is all done, the final touch is spraying on your fragrance for the evening! I have a few staple perfume favourites but at the moment I am loving Hugo BOSS Nuit Pour Femme.

The campaign for BOSS Nuit Pour Femme is fronted by the beautiful Gwyneth Paltrow and the scent itself is based on the most iconic symbol of feminine style – the little black dress (we all have one!)

The bottle, like the perfect little black dress, is classic yet sexy. The perfume has top notes of white peach and wet aldehydic, heart accords of jasmine, white flowers and violets, and the base notes include warm woods, sandalwood and crystal moss. Gwyneth says the fragrance is a sensual and feminine perfume “For me, BOSS Nuit pour Femme is a very sensual, feminine perfume. It’s the perfect night time perfume because it’s very alluring but very elegant at the same time.”

As always, Gwyneth looks flawless and beautiful! The little black dress that Gwyneth is wearing in this video is actually available to purchase form Hugo Boss stores. I am definitely loving BOSS Nuit Pour Femme at the moment as the finishing touch to my evening preparations, ensuring I feel 'perfectly put together' for my night out :)

The BOSS Nuit Pour Femme products range from £20-£59 which means there’s something suit almost everyone’s budget. Are you a fan of Hugo Boss perfumes?

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Capri Collection

Yes it’s that time of the year again where in the lead up to summer, Estée Lauder launches their annual Bronze Goddess collection! I absolutely love their Bronze Goddess products so was very excited to get to preview the 2012 collection last month in London. You can read my review of the 2011 Bronze Goddess ‘Soleil’ Collection here (link) This years collection was inspired by the seductive beauty of the Isle of Capri.
The Capri makeup look is sexy yet sophisticated including warm, glimmering gold and metallic hues and sun-kissed tones, complemented by rich brown and bright white. I think the collection definitely captures the feeling of summer, can please take me on a holiday there now?? ;)

Every year the collections includes their popular ‘Bronze Goddess’ fragrance plus a brand new limited edition. The Bronze Goddess Capri fragrance has a gorgeous warm summery but fresh scent which reminds me of being on holidays by the ocean.

The fragrance includes top notes of Lemon Leaves, Mandarin and Cassis, heart notes of Peony and Jasmine Samabac and base notes of creamy vanilla, amber wood, patchouli and musk.

 I adore the smell and also love the styling of the bottle. On recent sunny days I have sprayed myself with the stuff to get me in summer spirit and I am definitely packing this for my sunshine holidays this year.

NEW Bronze Goddess Capri Eau Fraiche/Skinscent, 100ml £40.00

Also in the Bronze Goddess Capri collection in the Pure Colour Illuminating Powder Gelee in Shimmering sands which is a gorgeous bronze shimmer powder for a beautiful warm sun-kissed glow. With clever prisma shine technology, featuring a tri-brid formula of liquid, powder and gel, the luminescent formula delivers a naturally radiant finish.

You can apply the product dry (as bronzer or highlight) or wet for a more vibrant look for example as an eye shadow or blended out on your collarbones for a sexy golden glow on your chest area.

Swatched: Top; dry and bottom; wet

The limited edition nail lacquer from the Capri collection is ‘Molton Lava’

Its a deep purple taupe with pinkish gold shimmer that runs throughout vanish! See some great swatches here (link). Think this will look especially smashing on my toes over summer time :)

The full Bronze Goddess Capri Makeup Collection includes: 

For Face:
NEW Pure Color Illuminating Powder Gelee in Shimmering Sands, £28.00

Bronze Goddess Luminous Liquid Bronzer, 30ml £21.50
Bronze Goddess Soft Matte Bronzer, £27.00
Bronze Goddess Soft Shimmer Bronzer, £27.00
Bronze Goddess Soft Duo Bronzer, £27.00

For Lips:
NEW Pure Color Gloss in Shimmering Mirage, £16.00
Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in Tiger Eye, £18.50
Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in Urban Auburn, £18.50

For Eyes:
NEW Pure Color Five Color Gelee Powder EyeShadow Palette in Bronze Sands, £35.00
NEW Pure Color Intense Kajal Eye Crayon Duo in White Sands/Molten Lava, £18.00
Sumptuous Waterproof Bold Volume™ Lifting Mascara in Black, £19.50

For Nails:

NEW Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Molten Lava, £14.00

Another standout item from this collection for me would be the limited edition Five Color Gelee Powder EyeShadow Palette in Bronze Sands. I love last years eyeshadow palette from the Bronze Goddess Soleil collection (read my review here) and I use it all the time! I like using a bronze/golden shade all over the lid and then popping a bright blue on my lower lash line.

I also really like this 'pop of aqua' look I created last summer; you can read the full post here (link)

The Bronze Goddess 2012 Capri Collection is available at Estée Lauder counters nationwide and at www.esteelauder.co.uk now. So what do you think of Estee Lauders' Bronze Goddess Capri collection this year; are you eyeing up any pieces in particular? xoxo

Smell AND feel good with Tous H20

Yes, now there is a fragrance that won't just make you smell good, buying it should hopefully also make you feel good as TOUS has released a new fragrance that has created a union between beauty and sustainability. 

For every bottle of the eco-chic TOUS H2O perfume sold, they have promised to donate a percentage of annual sales from the perfume towards water projects in countries where the non governmental organisation Oxfam is working. It is said that each bottle of perfume sold will allow Oxfam to provide 15 litres of water (that is enough for 10 days!!) to a person living in a situation where safe water is not easily accessible.

Inspired by a single drop of water, Tous H2O is zingy, refreshing and oh-so-chic. With base notes of amber and cedar and top notes of organic lemon and lavender, it smells divine and very 'aquatic'.

The fragrance actually reminds me of my teenage days when I used to wear 'Davidoff Cool Water'.

The fragrance is housed in a lovely glittering briolette-cut bottle which is made from 25% recycled material and it 100% recyclable. And the eco-fun doesn't stop there, even the handling of the fragrance and its packaging is carried out by the Arco Iris Foundation, a non-profit organisation working to integrate disabled people into society and the workforce. Plus all the cardboard used in the packaging is certified by the FSC and components of the fragrance are 'Ecocert' certified. So, all round, a great choice if you’re concerned about your impact on the environment.

This means you can now treat yourself to a lovely new fresh fragrance and feel great because you are doing your bit to to give back by helping Oxfam & the environment; a win-win situation I say! :)

So far TOUS has delivered on their promise by donating £132,000 to Intermon-Oxfam and they’re hoping to hit their target of £200,000. The fragrance comes in 30ml (£26), 50ml (£36) and 100ml (£46) bottles and is available at Debenhams nationwide and at the moment on sale online.

Diane and 'Be the woman you want to be'

When an invite arrived a few weeks back to attend the launch of Diane Von Furstenberg's new fragrance in London, I was beyond excitement! Why, because turns out she would actually be there to promote the new scent herself. So last week I headed out to the West End to the DVF Boutique in Bruton Street to meet Diane and I have to admit, I was a little nervous to soon be face-to-face with this amazing fashion icon. 

First off I have to start by saying that as soon as I walked in I fell in love with the DVF store! It is so beautiful, intimate and the clothes, oh don't get me started on the clothes....I wish I could have walked out with every single item in there! 

So colourful, so timesless, so beautiful, so elegant, so powerful.....basically just so 'Diane'! :)

Now onto the amazing lady Diane von Furstenberg herself. I was completely blown away by her personality, charisma, elegance, beauty, style and intelligence. What an inspirational woman!

She spoke so passionately about her life, her career and what inspired her to create this fragrance. 

Apparently, Diane's experience in fashion has helped her observe the power of fragrance and the fact that according to Diane “People forgot about the power of perfume and the magic of perfume. Perfume has been used since antiquity to seduce. It is about emotion; it is memory and addiction."

This is the reason that inspired her to create a new fragrance, a fragrance which will capture the essence of beauty and seductiveness. Diane von Furstenberg told in an interview that: “Everything I saw and everything I do is all about the same thing: Be the woman you want to be. It’s all about empowering women.”

Diane said on the day 'in this bottle I have put all my knowledge, all my seduction tricks and all my power. So this is quite something" OK I am sold, where do I sign up? ;)

So now last but not least onto the fragrance 'Diane'. 
"Created by and for an independent woman, for those who are full of life, power, passion and subtle complexity. Much like the iconic wrap dress 'Diane' envelopes the body to give a woman glamour, shine and confidence." Floral notes of frangipani and violet are “the yin and the yang,” as D.V.F. puts it; flowers that contrast, which is the way she sees women.

The Diane fragrance was created with the help of Chantal Ross and crafted by Aurelien Guichard of Givaudan and the frangipani and violet flowers are fused with base notes of murrh, musk and patchouli which add a touch of warmth and power to the scent.

I have to say, I love this fragrance, it's beautiful! It's a real classic, womanly, sexy and sophisticated scent. If you are a typical young, sweet and fruity kind of fragrance girl this might not be for you. It's more a woody floral fragrance which I believe will be a real classic and hit for woman that are early to mid 20's and upwards. It's powerful and classic yet fun and fresh at the same time! All I can say is, go smell for yourself and be swept away by Diane's new fragrance. 'Be the woman you want to be' 

After Diane's talk to us all about the new fragrance, she circulated the room, sharing the fragrance and tying scented ribbon around her admiring audience's wrists. This is when I got my photo opportunity! OK it's a terrible photo of me but who cares, I am standing next to Diane von Furstenberg. A moment I will remember for a long time....

The fragrance 'Diane' will launch exclusively in Harrods and DVF boutiques from 16th October 2011. It will be available nationwide from early 2012. Prices start at £47 for the Eau de Toilette and £64 for the Eau de Parfum.

The Scent of Summer with Ted Baker

“This bud of love, by summer’s ripening breath, May prove a beauteous flower when next we meet”.
William Shakespeare

T H E  S C E N T  O F S U M M E R

'Waking up with light streaming through your window, the sound of the ubiquitous ice cream van, a barrage of BBQ invites, fresh strawberries and cream, warm afternoons well spent outside and long conversations held late into balmy nights. However brief, an English summer brings with it a delight of expectation.' 

I have to say, I loooove summer time! Waking up to the birds chirping, sun streaming in, picnics, BBQ's, summer dresses and I could go on and on :) 

Inspired by his new spring summer collections, Ted baker has released a new limited edition version of his fragrance called 'Woman'. This lovely summer Eau De Toilette features top notes of Bergamot, and Lily of the Valley which dry down into a sandalwoody/ylang ylang and musk base. On the way you will experience the heart notes of basil, rose and orris. Perfect for hot days and warm nights!

I think this is a lovely fresh scent, perfect for a day in the park. It's a bit like summer in a bottle :)

RRP £24.00, 100ml Eau de Toilette.
Available at selected Department stores, Pharmacies, Perfumeries and online at Tedbaker.com

Smell sultry and sweet like Kim K!

Last Wednesday, the one and only, Kim Kardashian was in London to promote her new fragrance 'Kim Kardashian'. Here she is at Debenhams in Oxford Street looking usual her glamorous self! 200 lucky people that purchased the perfume actually got to meet her and receive a signature, pretty cool right?

Unfortunately I was unable to make it to Debenhams that day to see Kim but, lucky me, I did get a bottle of the fragrance to try!! I like the simple design of the logo, bottle and mix of purple & pink on the bottle.

'A beautiful blend of feminine and sensual notes, the debut fragrance captures the many sides of Kim's personality and glamorous lifestyle. Floral top notes of mandarin, honeysuckle and orange blossom reflect Kim's captivating nature; while at the heart pink jasmine, tuberose, sensual spices and lush gardenia evoke her femininity. The last impression of tonka bean, jacaranda wood, vanilla orchid, sexy musk and creamy sandalwood add warmth to represent Kim's softer side'

♥ My thoughts:
I have been wearing Kim Kardashian all weekend and have to say I like, I like! Initially when I sprayed it, I thought, wow this is quite a strong and heavy smell but it softens very quickly to a lovely sexy but sweet smell at the same time. It’s definitely a very white-floral smelling perfume and you can pick the jasmine, tuberose and gardenia as the high notes. The fragrance has excellent staying power, smells like a more sultry version of gardenia’s and I think it’s a heavy white floral scent that is perfect for night but also suitable for daytime (depending on your personality). I have read that it’s very similar to Michael Kors but I'm not familiar with that fragrance so I can’t judge! If you like a mix of sultry and sweet and want to smell like the gorgeous Kim K, then go check it out and decide for yourself :) 

The fragrance can be purchased exclusively at Debenhams (online here) in June but will be available at all leading retailers from July. Kim Kardashian comes in 30ml (£22.95), 50ml (£29.95) and 100ml (£39.95) Eau de Parfum in beautiful deep purple glass bottles.

Want to meet Kim Kardashian?

Well UK girls (and boys?) this is your chance! Kim Kardashian is coming to London next week to make her first UK public appearance at Debenhams for the launch of her debut fragrance, aply named 'Kim Kardashian'

Kim Kardashian is a beautiful blend of feminine and sensual notes that captures the many sides of Kim’s personality and evokes Kim’s glamorous style. Developed with master perfumer Claude Dir of Givaudan, Kim created a modern fragrance for the modern woman.

Kim has said that “when I started developing my fragrance, I really look inspiration from the feminine, pretty things that surround myself with – I thought about what makes me feel confident and special, and translated that into a scent that all woman can enjoy”

Kim Kardashian the fragrance is available to buy as of 10am, when doors open, but make sure you keep your receipt as the first 150 to purchase the fragrance will receive a pass to meet Kim and a signed autograph. Kim will be there between 12.30pm and 2pm. I bet she will be showing off her massive $2 million dollar rock of an engagement ring!!! (Jealous.....)

Location: Debenhams, Oxford Street, London W1
Date: Wednesday 8th June
Time: 12:30-14:00
 
The Kim Kardashian fragrance is exclusive to Debenhams stores until the 4th of July, after which the fragrance will be rolled out nationwide. So always dreamed of meeting Miss K? Here is your chance! Wish I could go but probably won't be able to make it due to work commitments! xoxo

Smelling great on the go...

Have you ever wished you could have a quick freshen up when you're out and about?
Well, recently while coming through duty free I picked up this great little gadget:
Travalo, the refillable perfume atomizer!

♥ What is it?
A pocket sized perfume spray bottle that refills in seconds directly from a big fragrance spray bottle.
No funnel, no spills, requires no skill to refill and it will last for 50 sprays.

♥ How to use it?
Travalo fills directly from almost any fragrance bottle with a removable spray head. Take your Travalo straight out of the pack and it's ready to use immediately. Simply remove the spray head from your perfume bottle. Place your Travalo upright on top of the nozzle peg, and repeatedly pump it up and down to fill. You can tell how much is in your perfume atomizer bottle by the fill level indicator window. And tada, it's refilled with your favourite perfume (check mine out here) in seconds!

Now you can pop it in your handbag, clutch, jacket pocket or gym bag and you can smell lovely where ever you go! Love it :) I got mine at Gatwick Airport for £10 but I believe you can buy these on amazon or worldwide at airports and certain fragrance stores. xoxo

Viva La Juicy on the Go!

"Since Juicy girls are always on the move, they should always have their Juicy Couture wherever they go." That’s why Juicy Couture created two adorable little Eau de Parfum travellers, complete with the juiciest strawberry or yummiest cupcake charms...so now your Juicy Couture spritz, is always at your fingertips!
They created them for their famous fragrances 'The Juicy Couture' and 'Viva La Juicy'

I was so very lucky to be sent one of these gorgeous little travellers to take with me on holiday this Easter:

Viva La Juicy is a sweet and fruity fragrance. The top notes are of wild berries and juicy mandarin. These are the scents that will initially reach your nose and it is fruity but not too strong. The middle notes are of jasmine, gardenia and honeysuckle, all sweet scents but nice and mellow. The base notes include amber, vanilla, carmel, sandalwood and praline. These rich tones give balance to the sweetness, making it a full and complex fragrance. It has a light scent and is not at all overpowering. You won’t want to stop smelling it. The scent is long lasting, and it will bring joy to your mind and body. If you are young at heart and love life, you will love Viva La Juicy!

I have loved wearing this frangrance and the handy little traveller size is perfect to take on holidays or pop in your purse for a night out on the town! Viva La Juicy is a really nice glamorous and fabulous smell, love it :)

Juicy EDP, 30ml Travellers priced at £39.50 / €51.00

Available UK wide from 12th April 2011 in Selfridges, Harrods, Debenhams , Harvey Nichols, The Perfume Shop, The Fragrance Shop, selected House of Fraser and John Lewis stores, Brown Thomas and Arnotts in Ireland.

Keira Knightly - Chanel Coco Mademoiselle >

After months of teaser clips and campaign stills, the full commercial for Keira Knightley's latest Coco Mademoiselle fragrance commercial is finally here! The new mini-movie was directed by Joe Wright (known for Atonement & Pride Prejudice). The vid features a sultry Knightley in a beige catsuit riding through the streets of Paris before heading to a photo shoot with a hunky photographer.

Joe says the ad is begins as a "story about the male gaze, but becomes about the female gaze. The idea is the artifice of projected sexuality." As for what makes the British actress so appealing to film, he added: "It's like being asked why you love your wife, and it's rather bland to say she's talented and beautiful and bold, because it's such a subjective thing. On a purely superficial level, she just gets more beautiful - which is very fair on the rest of us as we all get to admire her." Check out the video below:
Song: It's a Man's Man's Man's World by Joss Stone
Coco Mademoiselle is definitely one of my favourite perfumes (check out a post about that here). I think the ad is cute, sexy and love the choice of song. What do think of the new Chanel commercial??

I am back in London again after my overnight stay at the lovely Country Club Hanbury Manor this week. It was really nice being out in the country, but then again didn't see that much of it because was pretty much stuck in a Boardroom for about 11 hours of the day...Here some quick pictures I took on my iPhone while at the hotel.

Am so happy it's Friday - it's been a long week! Bring on the weekend. Hope you all have something either fun or relaxing planned? xoxo

What a night! Christmas, Champagne & Perfumes $

Last week I was so lucky to get invited to my first ever London blogger event! L'Oreal Prestige & Collections hosted a fabulous evening at the gorgeous Soho Hotel for us to get a preview of their Christmas Fragrance collection. 

There was a range of delicious smellies on display which we all got to sample whilst sipping french champagne and enjoying canape's! I think Christmas is the best time to buy fragrances because I love how you usually get stunning gift sets.  Some of the brands on display that night were: Ralph Lauren, Georgio Armani, Diesel, Stella McCartney and Cacharel.

♥ The Victor & Rolf 'Flowerbomb' Gift Set, the bottle comes in a unique décolletage case with the Bombalicious Shower Gel & Body cream. SUPER cute! Flowerbomb is one of my all time favourite perfumes!

♥ Getting into the Christmas spirit with all the fragrances on display - even in the Christmas Tree!

♥ And me and the lovely Natalya of FilthyGorgeousMakeUp

After sampling all the fragrances we got to choose one to take home! After a lot umming and arring I choose Emporio Armani Diamonds because I really loved the smell and the design of the bottle :)

Emporio Armani - Diamonds eau de parfum
"Diamonds is a symbol of audacity, of sexiness with elegance. Sparkling and brilliant, the signature of a strong, confident, sexy woman living life to the full. Featuring the freshness of raspberry and lychee, and invigorated with the pure femininity of rose and the sensual rhythm of patchouli and amber. A unique indulgence for your senses."

I've loved wearing this fragrance the last few days, so yum! The best thing about wearing a new perfume is that you can actually smell yourself hehe! The Christmas gift sets are for sale now at most department stores. Have you got any smellies on your Christmas wish list? xoxo

My favourite perfumes +

Because I am still new to the blog thing only just discovered the website polyvore today! The stuff you can design on this site is so cute! So thought I would give you a collage of my all time favourite perfumes.
(Seems I have a thing for pinky coloured bottled fragrances ♥)

♥ Victor & Rolf - Flowerbomb

♥ Jean Paul Gaultier - Le Classique

♥ Coco Chanel - Mademoiselle

♥ Narciso Rodriguez - For Her

♥ YSL - Paris
♥ Joop - All about Eve
♥ Chloe - Chloe

Oh how I love perfume!
What are your top 5 fragrances?