May Empties

• Philosophy Aloha Colada body cream - got this from a set from Macy's NYC. Lovely reminder of a lovely trip. Smells divine, but I've never seen it anywhere else to repurchase. I'm sad this is gone although I have a tonne of body cream to get through.
• Nivea Pearl Beauty mini deodorant - found in a travel bag and finished it up. Okay but nothing worth noting. Prefer Mitchum.
• Dior Addict Perfumed shower gel and body lotion -  can you tell I'm making a effort to use up these fragrance related bath/body freebies?  Love the Addict perfume and these are really heavily scented with the fragrance, which I like. Although I did wonder if I would have a reaction to it (I didn't). I can't honestly say that I will buy these as individual products, but I'll certainly use them up if I buy them as part of a fragrance gift set.
• Haus of Gloi Hearth bubbling scrub - lovely warm scent to this scrub. Loved the consistency.  Will repurchase more HoG when I have depleted the stash a little more.
• L'Occitane Vanilla Flower shower gel - LOVE this! Same as above...
• Smashbox Photofinish primer - got this in a kit from QVC and I'm not really a fan.  I can't say that I noticed anything outstanding when I was using it, no extra wear from my foundation and I'm not really fussed on the texture. Not for me.
• Clinique Take the Day Off makeup remover - this mini size was included in my Sephora Lash Stash. I liked it, but I think there are other (cheaper) make up removers that do the same job. Might consider a repurchase, but not for the time being.
• La Roche-Posay Effaclar M - I really enjoyed using this sebo-mattifying moisturiser. Effective yet gentle and a great base for make up.  Just noticed it is part of the 3 for 2 in Boots at the moment, so a repurchase is potentially imminent. 
• Jo Malone English Pear and Freesia perfume sample - I have the full size of this, so when I found the sample size it was thrown in my handbag and used up at work.  I love the perfume and it was a total godsend in a stuffy office. I love Jo Malone perfume.
• No7 Beautiful Skin cleansing water - another micellar solution for make up removal.  It was nice enough. Loved the pump action dispenser.  May consider a repurchase, but giving the Vichy version a try out at the moment.
• Fan di Fendi perfume sample -  I thought I'd give the sample a shot after I read about the composition of notes, but it isn't for me.
• Tresor Midnight Rose perfume - I have adored this and it has been quite a surprise to me, just how much I have loved the perfume considering its a rose based scent.  Will repurchase when I have made space.
• Dior Addict perfume - one of my all time faves.  I actually felt quite sad when it came to the last spritz.  I think this is one perfume that  I will always want to have in my collection.  I'll put this on the list and as with Midnight Rose, repurchase when I've used a few others up. Maybe I'll be able to swoop it up in my Boxing Day Bargains *crosses fingers*

• L'Occitane Cocoa Flower hand cream - you know I love this hand cream and the cocoa flower scent is really lovely. I'll get this one again, although I already have back ups...

• Avon Beyond Colour concealer - not sure where this was unearthed from.  It's gone now, never to return.  
• Max Factor Mastercover - another concealer that is pretty meh, in my opinion.  I didn't really rate it so I would not repurchase.
• Thierry Mugler Alien EDT perfume sample -  love Alien EDP and it was nice to have a sample of the EDT. Not currently in my collection, but will repurchase the EDP at some point.
• Herbal Essences Hello Hydration mini shampoo and conditioner - not sure why I brought these back with me from my last trip, as they were almost gone.  I quite like this scent. Reminds me of holiday's.  I my pick these up, for travel sizes they are great.
• Blistex Intensive Moisturiser - lip staple.  Love the medicated/menthol smell to this. Super cheap, works wonders.
• Blistex MedPlus lip balm - really liked this variant.  Very moisturising and the scent reminded me of cherry flavoured Tunes.  Mmmmmm.

Well that's me done for another month.  What have you used up last month?

Springtime Scentsations!

You know I don't generally subscribe to the perfume rules.  I take great pleasure in wearing what I want, when I want.  However, I have been veering towards specific scents in the mornings. I guess Spring must really be in the air!  Except for today of course, when it is lashing down. It's grey and rainy.  Horrible!  Might have to go and spritz myself with one of these scents to cheer me up. I think it's safe to say that I'm craving warmer, sunnier weather. 

• JLo Miami Glow -  I have literally had this perfume for years, so if there is a perfume in my collection that I keep for Spring and Summer use - this is it.  It's a lovely beachy scent that has a real warmth to it, that I really like and it kind of reminds me of holidays. They say  "A sexy blend of tropical fruits, shimmering floral notes, and sultry amber and musk, this sensual scent is as hot as its namesake, and comes adorned with a colourful beach bracelet finished with a bronzed flip-flop charm" The tacky bracelet is long gone, but this happy, sunny scent remains in my collection.

• Christian Dior Addict Shine (sadly discontinued from a quick Google search) -  I'm not usually a straight on floral girl, but this certainly dries down and mellows into something a touch more woody on me.  Which is fortunately right up my street.   They say  "A flower bouquet fondles with seductive notes of sweet raspberry, exciting and intensive sweet-silky gardenia aroma and balmy woody cedar notes"

• BOSS Orange  - I got this as a Christmas gift in 2010, possibly?  I found it in my perfume cupboard a few weeks back and decided to bust it out of hiding.  This is a really nice, light perfume.  Not usually something that I gravitate towards, but pretty none the less.  They say "BOSS Orange Woman opens with an uplifting burst of sweet apples, a subtle and light-hearted middle note of white flowers but with a soulful base of creamy vanilla and olive woods." 

• Givenchy Play (which I now think is officially called RWD PLAY FFWD - what a mouthful!!) - I picked this up in a Boxing Day Bargain shopping expedition.  I originally wanted the Intense version (which I also now own!), so when I saw this on sale in Boots I thought I'd give it a try. They say:   "The lighter and more delicate of the sister Play For Her fragrances, the surprising top notes of pink peppercorns, fruity white peach, bergamot and sweet pea give way to captivating middle notes of precious amyris wood, tiare flower and magnolia flower, whilst the sensual dry down of sandalwood and musks linger on the skin seductively"

• Diesel Loverdose - My addiction to this scent is well documented, so much so that has fast become one of my favourite fragrances.  Which is good really, because I think Contradiction is coming to an end.  They say: "An addictive & unique fragrance with top notes of mandarin & star anise, followed by the two key notes of liquorice & rich vanilla followed by a base of sensual dry woods. The stunning Loverdose bottle is an edgy, multi-faceted heart with a dagger through the middle. It represents a beautiful but deadly weapon of seduction"  I'm sure it sounds like a winter fragrance to some people, but I wear this all year round. 

• Eccada Especially Escada* -  I'm not usually a rose kind of girl,  that is Nic's arena.  Although this perfume and the one that follows are about to make a liar out of me.  They say: "An intense and sparkling top note of pear is paired with the muskiness of Ambrette Seeds at the opening of the fragrance, which ideally introduces the core scent of the dewy rose. Soft Ylang Ylang adds an uplifting facet to the romance of the rose, while light musky notes in the dry down create a naturally positive aura"    This is clearly a modern take on a traditional rose scent.  The addition of juicy pear and musk make this more appealing and wearable to my nose.   I wouldn't personally choose to wear something like Jo Malone Red Roses - as that is far too traditionally rosy and it would be way too L'eau de Interflora for me. However, this I like.  At the moment Escentual.com currently have 15% discount on Escada fragrances, so now may be a good time to invest! 

• Lancome Tresor Midnight Rose - Like it's predecessor, this rose scent took me by surprise.   They say:  "Trésor Midnight Rose is a colourful, upbeat and joyful fragrance. It embodies mischievous femininity: rose becomes playful, driven by deliciously tangy raspberry tones, wooden shimmers and voluptuous vanilla notes"  As with Especially Escada, I find this rose based perfume much more appealing with the introduction of fruit.  On first spray, it's a blast of berries (smells like blackcurrant to me) that literally makes my mouth water. The rose is always there, just lingering in the background and that is just perfect for me.

Have you got any Spring/Summer fragrance favourites? Any surprises?

*PR Sample

The Scent of a Woman: Dior Addict EDP and Addict Shine EDT

.

Yet another sultry, sexy fragrance from my collection.  I really like Dior Addict EDP (Dark blue bottle).  I find this is another fragrance has such an amazing longevity on my skin. I'm not sure if that would last like that on everyone's skin, but it certainly does for me.  Most people would keep this for evenings only - not me though. I wear this all day, all year round and in fact, its been hauled out of the drawer as the weather has got a little more chilly. I am loving it all over again.  It reminds me of Christmas and I'm really not sure why. Yes, I'm weird. I know this.

Anywhoo, the Dior website says: 

A sophisticated oriental fragrance with a floral heart, for the passionate, intuitive woman who ignores dictates and follows her own rules. The Dior Addict attitude is best incarnated by its compelling heart note of the Jamaican " Queen of the Night " a rare and elusive flower that blooms only for a few hours and is considered the soul of enchantment. Intensely seductive.

And the he Boots website says:

TOP NOTE: All Mediterranean countries grow mandarin trees, but the best mandarins are produced in Sicily. The different colors of mandarin, yellow, green and red, correspond to the different stages of ripeness. Essence of mandarin is a citrus note, offering fragrances a fresh and fruity accent. Mandarin is the exotic top note of Dior Addict Eau de Parfum.

HEART NOTE: The "Queen of the Night" flowers of the Selenicereus cactus open only at night. These large flowers with long, thin outer petals generally bloom in the summer. The flower only opens once, from night-time to dawn, giving off a powerful fragrance. The exact origin of the Selenicereus is unknown but probably comes from Mexico, Brazil or the Greater Antilles.

BASE NOTE: The white vanilla flowers produce a fruit that ripens in 8 to 9 months. Vanilla beans are harvested just before they are ripe and undergo a ripening process for 34 months. Their fragrance develops and vanilla crystals form to unfold vanilla's sweet and spicy accords. This serene, sensual scent is featured as a base note in Dior Addict Eau de Parfum.

Dior Addict Shine (large pink bottle) EDT was a duty-free present from the Parental Units quite a few years ago.  To be honest, I don't like this one quite as much at the original Addict, its a bit floral for my liking and doesn't meet the criteria of my fragrance analysis . That's not to say that I hate it, I certainly don't. But there are other fragrances that I will reach for before Addict Shine, such as its big sexy sister Addict (ooooh that sounds just like me! LOL!) . Needless to say, I never look a gift horse in the mouth!! Thank you Parentals, but if you are buying me perfume on a whim, I've got a list as long as my arm for you to choose from... ;o)

The Boots website says:

Inspired by the Dior Girly collection, this tangy fruity-floral incarnates a bubble of optimism and mischievous femininity for the innocently sexy girl. High-energy yet soft and playfully seductive, this fragrance sparkles with notes of citrus followed by a heart of delicate freesia and grenadine and a subtle white musk drydown.

Grown in southern Italy, the essence of bergamot is obtained by cold expression of peel. It brings a distinct, sweet freshness to fragrances and adds a special radiance to citrus notes.

Freesia is a delicate plant with a radiant floral fragrance of jasmine and orange blossom. Its delicateness and freshness feature as the heart note of Tendre Poison and Dior Addict 2

Have you tried either of these Dior Darling's?  What do you think?


Coming next: Benefit So Hooked on Carmella

Leanne’s 10 products that she can’t live without!

      Perfume.  Now this may seem a bit strange to some, but I have worn perfume every single day for as long as I can remember.  It began at Duty Free shopping at the airport. Mum would treat herself to a bottle of something lovely and I would get something too!  It’s a tradition that I still perform to this day and rest assured, as long as the airlines/American government allow it – I will be purchasing a lovely new scent on the way to New York.  I never did like the “Charlie”, “Exclamation” or those perfumes aimed at teens and I hold my Mother fully responsible, when one Christmas I was treated to a bottle of Sun, Moon, Stars by Karl Lagerfeld.  I smell it now (although it is not so easy to find on the High Street anymore) and it takes me right back to that Christmas morning.  Scent is such an evocative sense.  And I love it when people tell me “Oh, you smell nice”.  Every woman has her own signature scent, mine being Contradiction by Calvin Kline.  I spray this perfume and I’m enveloped in a cloud of happy memories of fab nights out and feeling of total contentment.  Even the name is so me! A total contradiction.  That being said, I wear LOTS of other scents from different perfume houses.  My family dutifully purchase Boots vouchers for me at Christmas and I will brave the sales to stock up on my perfume quota for the year.  My Dad thinks I’m crazy, I think I’m frugal.  I’m game for trying pretty much any scent, as long as it’s not too floral.  I prefer the heavier, muskier blends.  Other particular favourites include Dior Addict, Calvin Kline Euphoria (Thanks LWM for introducing me to this!),  YSL Cinema and Givenchy Ange Ou Demon and yes, I do wear these in the daytime.  I know that would not be to everyone’s taste as many people would think these are evening wear. But hey, didn’t I say I was a Contradiction?!!

2.       Lip Gloss/Lip Balm.  Ok, so anyone reading this who knows me will know everything I am about to say is the truth.  I am addicted to lip gloss/lip balms! I just love them and my handbag is never without, hmm lets think, at least 6 variants of gloss – What? A girl needs choices!  A bit cliché I know, but I love Lancome Juicy tubes! I like the semi-stickiness that some people seem to hate. I find that it has quite a bit of staying power.  I’m not a snob though. I will literally try any lip gloss/balm going.  Other faves in my vast collection are the Stila Lip Glaze and Philosophy (hell yeah, I’m a Philosophy Girl) flavoured lip shine.  They both come in a variety of colours and flavours, so I’m totally spoiled for choice.  For lip balm, I don’t go to sleep without a layer of Body Shop lip butter (currently using Nut butter) covering my lips and providing a moisturising treat overnight. Well, that’s if The Boy doesn’t get to it first!  He always wants to kiss me when I’ve just put that on...

3.       Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment.  I love it, FACT.  I really should approach QVCUK about receiving commission for the sheer amount of people I tell about this.  I buy it for my friends as presents, I let them have a try of mine when they come and visit me (that was how I got Caroline hooked!) and yes, I have been known to tell random strangers how much I wouldn’t be without this product.  I just think it makes such a difference to my hair.  It’s softer, shinier, and smoother once I have had the Ojon treatment on.  I sometimes sleep in it (although not if I’ve got decent bedding on my bed!) and I can feel the difference when I come to wash it out. I have used other products from the Ojon range, usually from the TSV’s. And whilst they are really nice, the one thing I go back to time and time again is the Restorative Hair Treatment. Try it and tell me you don’t love it!

4.       No7 Microdermabrasion Scrub.  God bless Boots for their £5 vouchers, ensuring that I have never paid the full £10 odd for this product!  I really enjoy a good scrubby scrub and I know that’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but I think this is one of the best on the High Street.  I purchase others from time to time (although I do love the Philosophy version, I’m not prepared for pay the £50 for it!), try them and still reach for the No7 one.  It’s like Ronseal, does exactly what it says on the tin and I wouldn’t be without it. 

5.       Bare Escentuals Flawless Definition Mascara.  This was another part of a kit purchased on QVCUK and Alison Young raved about it.  I was a bit “meh” about trying it when it arrived, but wow, I’ve been converted.  Glossy, black, separated lashes that look perfect for day, or can be amped up for night.  I think that £21.50 for a duo is a bargain. I’ve spent more money on High Street rubbish; I’ll be putting in an order when I’m due for replenishment.

6.       Eyelash Curlers.  As I was talking about mascara, seems the perfect juncture to add this in.  I use the Body Shop ones and find them to be really good at providing a decent amount of curl. They are less than a tenner and I really think that make a huge difference in opening up the whole eye.

7.       Philosophy Purity Cleanser and The Great Mystery.  I have to include these both together, as I love them both equally.  Purity is just a great all round cleanser. It takes off eye makeup, it doesn’t make my skin feel tight, just really, really clean.  As for the Great Mystery, it’s the one minute facial. I use this in the morning with a muslin cloth to wake up my skin. It smells divine and really fresh.  I’m Normal/Combination skin type and I think both these products suit my skin’s need perfectly.

8.       Body Cream.  I get quite dry and skin on my body, particularly my elbows, so I love a rich body cream.  Current favourite is the Body Shop Monoi Body Balm (the smell reminds me of Elemis!) but I am also very partial to L’Occitane Shea butter body cream.  As always, the Body Shop body butters are still in my top 3, proving that you don’t have to spend a tonne of money for gorgeous, smooth skin.

9.       Philosophy high foaming shampoo, bath and shower gel.  These have long been an essential in my house and the source of much controversy when smelly boys have been using my lovely shower time goodies to wash themselves with!!  What the hell happened to Lynx?!  Because these gels are so beautifully fragranced there is no disputing their usage as soon as the bathroom door opens.  The Boy, Bro and Dad (when I was still living at Home) have all had a go with whatever I was foolish enough to leave in the bathroom.  Silly old me! Anyways, I love all the Philosophy range, especially the food scented varieties.  Special mentions must go to Pumpkin Spiced Muffin, Vanilla Birthday Cake and Chocolate Covered Cherry.  You can usually get a matching scented lip shine to accompany the shower gel – Bonus.

10.   Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer.  Normal/Combination skin + hormones = occasional breakouts ;o( this little pot of magic covers the little buggers and enables me to face the world, even with TOTM skin!

Apologies for the War and Peace style post. I just got a bit carried away!