The Scent of a Woman: An Introduction

No, not the film. I'm talking about fragrance.

As I have said many times, scent and fragrance is such a personal thing. It's also highly evocative, what other sense can take you back to a place, person or moment in your life? The sense of smell, is a very powerful gift that we quite often overlook.

 I never leave the house without perfume and will almost certainly be wearing some kind of scent, even if I am not setting foot over the door.  Its like getting dressed for me and my daily routine would be incomplete without selecting an appropriate fragrance to suit my mood.  And that is essentially what I do, I say to myself "how do I feel?" "what is happening today?" and make a selection based on my answers. Some days I need to be comforted, others I need an extra shot of confidence. And like any woman, there are times when I will use a scent to make myself feel sexy, not like that always works of course! But I try!! 

I don't subscribe to any particular kind of rules.  I don't keep certain fragrances for specific seasons, I just go with the flow and what I feel like wearing at any particular time.  I'm also fascinated by fragrance and it's reaction to individuals pheromones and skin. I think it's amazing that 2 people wearing the same perfume, can smell totally different. 

 A particular occasion when this occurred was a shopping trip with Parental Unit Number One (that's my Mother, to you).  We were mooching about the beauty counters in Debenhams when a particularly over zealous sales assistant  jumped into our path brandishing the latest offering from Christian Dior (which I believe was Hypnotic Poison). 

 The original Poison that most people will know and probably dislike, was a particular favourite of my Mum's back in the day. I remember, as a child, her coming to give me a kiss before she and Dad went out, enveloped in a cloud of Poison.  Its one of the scents that I still associate with her to this day, although her fragrance preferences have changed somewhat since then.  Anyway, we decided to break my  own rule and let the SA spray the perfume on our SKIN, yes skin, not a little card, our very own SKIN!!  Now, I know that would be the proper way to test a perfume, but I hate people randomly spraying scents on me.  I prefer to take a card and if I like it, on another occasion I will return and spray it on my skin.  But until that decision is made, back away from me lady and take that perfume bottle with you!!! This is probably something that I have learned as I have gotten older,   in this story, I was young and foolish teenager and eager to have Dior's latest offering to test.

  Unfortunately for my poor Mother, the fragrance smelt vile on her. Something akin to "eau de chippy", which was not in the least bit hypnotic, unless you fancied a take away that is. Mum was repulsed by how it reacted to her and asked to smell it on me.  Being a good daughter, I offered up my arm for her to sample.  Low and behold, it didn't smell horrendous on me.  This is a perfect example as to why you should test perfume yourself and why it can be such a minefield to give the gift of fragrance, unless you are 100% sure it is something that they already wear, or have mentioned that they like.

Whilst thinking about my obsession with perfume and searching about the subject on the internet I came across Marie Claire's Fragrance 101 which explains the intricacies of choosing a signature scent.  Fragrance families, tones and notes are all explained in a very logical way.  They also provide help in the form of a Fragrance Finder. If you are a total perfume novice, answer a few quick questions and they will suggest some fragrances for you to try.  I thought I might do this as a bit of fun.  I know what I like.. So I thought I would see what they came up with. 

 You can see the results below. And I have to say, they were pretty spot on!

You might like Oriental Fragrances

Fearless and slightly mysterious, you're drawn to things that are unique, luxurious, and sexy. You like to be in-the-know when it comes to trends, and you're always up for trying something new. This means you need a statement-making fragrance that is rich and instantly recognizable. The sensual notes in oriental scents like amber, patchouli, musk, and vanilla stand out because they're warm and rich. These fragrances are often mixed with bold flower scents like tuberose and jasmine, and can be enhanced with spices or sweetened with sugary notes

Recommendations:

Burberry, Burberry Brit

Jean Paul Gaultier,  Classique

Armani, Armani Code for Women

I like and have owned all of these fragrances however, I do prefer JPG Classique and Armani Code to Burberry Brit.  

You might also like Woody Fragrances

You seem like the calm, nurturing type who makes others feel at ease. You have a self-confidence that's extremely attractive. Your boho-chic aesthetic is more glam than granola, and you always look great in an effortless way. This indicates that you might like a scent that's sexy yet earthy and unconventional. Classic woody fragrances are dominated by notes of cedar, patchouli, pine, sandalwood, and vetiver. Some newer versions are blended with exotic oriental notes, fresh citrus and lush green leaves, or feminine flowers.

Recommendations:

Donna Karan Cashmere Mist

Clinique Aromatics Elixir

Estee Lauder Sensuous

I certainly agree with the second section of the analysis and have been pondering if I should purchase Sensuous, after I received a sample size and loved it!  I cant say that I have ever encountered Cashmere Mist, but I do like other DKNY perfumes and Aromatics Elixir is a scent that I can't make my mind up over, do I like it, or not?  Its something I go back to sniff in Boots or Debenhams and ultimately walk away from.  I'm still undecided, so the jury is out on that one!


What I can divulge, are the perfumes that are in my possession. I'll take you through my current perfume collection and tell you about the fragrances I love.  Feel free to jump in an make some recommendation's to me, if you think I am missing out on something fabulous and I shall hot foot it down to Boots for a sniff.  I've got a stack of Boots vouchers burning a hole in my handbag!!


 Where to begin? As Maria sings in the Sound of Music "lets start at the very beginning. It's a very good place to start"  So I will start with my very own signature scent: Contradiction by Calvin Kline.

Do I see a pattern??

As it's a Bank Holiday weekend and I am totally skint until payday on Tuesday (yup, bummer I know!) I have been enjoying a very relaxing (and cheap!) weekend in my PJ's.  Its given me time to catch up on lots of boring jobs at home such as cleaning and laundry etc, but I've also allowed myself a little me time.  So as  I was sat in the bath flicking through the September issue of Glamour magazine and I noticed this section with interest, entitled "Your new beauty best friends".  

One of the product recommendations was the Per-fekt Eye Perfection Gel (£38). Notice anything familiar?? Looks like metal tips are the applicator of choice for any product that relates to the eye area. In addition to Per-fekt,  brands such as Garnier are using a metal roller-ball as the applicator for their Eye Roll On with Caffine. As is Laura Geller, who I posted about recently. 

I've been using the Laura Geller Banish N Brighten for a little while now and I love the cooling sensation of the  Palladium tip. Its not in the least bit scratchy or irritant around the eye area. Its smooth and cooling on the skin. Its actually a very odd sensation.  No matter how long you leave it on the skin, it never really warms up to body temperature.  In fact, I really like gently running it around the eye area without the concealer. I use it (sans concealer) in the mornings after an application of eye cream to encourage a bit of de-puffing.  The concealer is ok. Its just a bit thin for my liking.  I would imagine it would be ok to use as a luminizer, but I haven't tried it like that yet. 

It does make sense why companies would embrace this application technique, as I certainly think the cooling metal does help de-puff the very sensitive eye area.  But thinking about it, wouldn't a cold tea spoon do the same job? What say you? Are these innovative eye products worth investing in? 

My skin on trial

I feel a bit all over the place at the moment. Work is a bit stressful and I'm sure that it is taking its toll on my skin.  My skin is very far from perfect and I'm sure that stress and hormones are wreaking havoc at the moment, which is in turn getting me down.  So I've decided to make a commitment to my skin.

When it comes to new products, I'm not the kind of girl who is set in her ways, knows what she likes and what works for her.  The kind of girl that doesn't like change..  No, I like to mix it up,  road test new products in my hunt for the ever elusive "Holy Grail" product that will make me realise what I've been searching for all the long.  The kind of product has the archangel choirs singing Hallelujah! Dramatic analogy? Of course, but that is the kind of semi religious experience I am searching for.  And that search usually revolves around my skin. If I don't see the kind of results I am expecting to see, then I get bored. And to quote Jay-Z, "its onto the next one". I need to point out that its only products that I have this flighty attitude with.  I'm generally the person who sticks with it through thick and thin, in all areas of my life, except with skincare!

This may come as a shock to some, but I would quite happily never wear a scrap of make up ever again, if I could ensure that my skin was perfect and flawless for the rest of my life.  I am in no way afflicted with any debilitating skin condition.  I just want my skin to be better.  Sure, I get bad skin at the time of the month, who doesn't? I surely cannot be alone in the desire for perfect skin.  What I'm actually beginning to realise, that my skins sensitivity and reactivity my be all my own doing.  The years of carefree abandon, when I have switched about face washes, scrubs and serums could have potentially been the problem all the long!

So now, a month into my 30th year on this beautiful planet, I have decided to simplify my routine and product use in relation to my skin.  And this brings me onto the No7. Radiance Boosting Hot Cloth Cleanser. I have had this for a little while and it has been languishing at the back of my stash.  Nic actually asked me on Saturday (for about the 4th time) had I started using it yet. To which, of course, the answer was no.  I bought this as a comparison to Liz Earle's iconic Cleanse and Polish (C&P), which I used a number of years ago.  I can't say that I didn't like it, because that would be telling a lie. There are many things I like about C&P.  But it certainly didn't wow me as I had desperately wanted it to. I love the concept, so it was with quiet optimism that I threw the No7 cleanser into the basket.

I have decided that every night without fail I will use this cleanser, until it runs out, or I have some kind of horrible reaction to it.  Its likely to run out first, its been tested and is, according to the packaging hypo-allergenic. I need to prove to myself that: I can finish this cleanser. That I can give it a total road test to see how it works out for my skin and if I, and my changeability in the use of products, are the root cause of my skincare issues. I think kids, its time for a back to basics routine.

Tonight, I have begun the regime and cracked open the No7. Radiance Boosting Hot Cloth Cleanser. The first thing I noticed was the smell.  Its a very different scent to the C&P, its more floral and less herbal.  And although I'm not generally a floral kind of person, I quite like it.  The cleanser was very creamy and luxurious, again very similar to the C&P.  However, the big plus for me was the muslin cloth that came with the product. I seemed to really slough off the dead skin and I was left with a very smooth surface. This maybe due to the fact that the cloth is new new and it will soften over time, but I hope not!   When I exfoliate, I like scrubby scrubs such as the No7 Microdermabrasion which my skin responds well to.  The Liz Earle muslin cloths always seemed a little fluffy for my liking and nor really akin to an effective exfoliation.  So I am glad to report that the No7 cloth is different. This just suits me and my skin, it may not suit everyone.  On the whole I like it.  I will keep you posted on "skingate" and my thoughts on the cleanser in general.

Wish me luck!!

Obsessive Cosmetics Disorder - Beachy Funday

 I met Nic for Starbucks and mooching yesterday and this Bare Escentuals lip gloss set caught my eye. Its called Pink Delicious.  I thought it maybe an early release for Breast Cancer Awareness, but apparently the SA in Debenhams assures me they have something special being released just for that!

The blurb on the back says the set is inspired by cakes (although I thought of apples) and contain an "infusion of 100% pure bareMinerals, Jojoba, Sesame and Sunflower oils and Cupuacu Butter". They are very moisturising and have a really nice vanilla scent, which I obviously love. They do however have a bit of sparkle in them, I know that is not the everyone's liking.  I can tell you that they are in no way gritty, as some glosses can be. I love the colours and the consistency. They are a total winner for me!

Anyway, it was a nice day for a change, so The Boy and I decided to take a stroll down to the beach. I wanted to show you all my new purchase, so I thought I could get some fun pics down on the beach.

The colours are (L-R) Cupcake, 7 Layer Cake, Birthday Cake and  Strawberry Shortcake


Ok, so I'd better explain the next pics in advance.  We live near the famous art instillation by Antony Gormely called "Another Place".  I personally call them the "funny little men".  I absolutely love these statues. There are 100 life size figures all looking out to sea.  They remind me of the film "City of Angels", quietly standing on the beach observing all.  I find them a very calming influence.  So I thought that the Gormleys would be a fun and artistic way to show off the bareMinerals glosses.

And so, to prove how weird my life can by at times. I'm walking down Broadway towards the Flatiron Building, with The Boy.  He's temporarily distracted by the Big Apple BBQ Cook-out happening in the park right next to this pic, but all I could see was my old friend, Gormley. In the middle of freakin NYC, I ask you! How random!?!? Later on I found there were a few selectively placed Gormely's on top of buildings (including the Flatiron), only after I was taking a pic and thought there was a jumper....very scary couple of seconds!!!  So here he is, Mr Gormley NYC. 

However, I digress. Back to the lip gloss.  I've even included lip swatches, see, now I am getting brave!!

Colours (top to bottom) on my forearm  Strawberry Shortcake (baby pink), Birthday Cake (fuchsia), 7 Layer Cake (nude) and Cupcake (lip colour, but a little darker).  

1. Strawberry Shortcake
2. Birthday Cake
3. Cupcake
4. 7 Layer Cake

Now, as you can see from the forearm swatches, Cupcake swatches much darker than on the lip. It appears to sheer out the colour on the lip, making for a nice neutral lip colour. I love them all, but I really like Birthday Cake.  This whole kit is very usable and as they are all mini sizes (2.5ml) they will fit into any size handbag. 

I love them. What do you think? Have you tried bareMinerals lip gloss before?

Laura Geller TSV - Looking on the Bright Side

So I succumbed to the Laura Geller On The Bright Side TSV (as predicted!), I had it delivered to my folks, so I only had possession of it last Friday. So I'm excited to finally have a look at it.

The kit included Balance N Brighten in fair/light. I chose this option as I have been using the regular shade over the summer, although I can't say we have seen that much of one at present! But the regular shade is a little dark for me in winter.  I just about get away with it in summer!   I'll be honest, I don't usually use this a my foundation.  I find that it doesn't give as much coverage as I would like. So generally I use it as a finishing powder and take it to work with me for touch up's.   I suppose it is quite similar to a MAC Mineralize Skin Finish. Some people choose to use those as foundation, some as finishing powder. It depends on the individual. I still think this maybe a little dark for winter, but we shall see.

The Baked Sateen eyeshadow/Eye Rimz in Fresco Pink and Mystic Sea is gorgeous.  The whole purpose of the kit is to make you look "fresh, vital and radiant, in a matter of minutes".  The Fresco Pink is designed to be used as a wash of colour all over the entire lid, to make your eyes "pop". Whilst the Mystic Sea Eye Rimz is a dark teal that will enhance the whites of your eyes, making you appear more awake. That's got to be a good thing!  I like that the Eye Rimz can be used wet or dry, depending on the density of colour required.  However, I'm not usually a pink kind of girl.  So I will have to see how I get along with Fresco and report back.

This is a combo of the Ethereal Rose radiance face powder and Blush N Brighten in Sateen Subtle Berry.  I don't suppose that needs any further info from me.  The info that comes with the kit advises you to use them separately, but I think I'll just swirl the brush over the whole thing, me being the rebel that I am.  You might find that I retract that statement at a later date, but for now, that is how I think I'll use it!

The last 2 products are the I-Care eyeliner in Bone and the new Banish N Brighten concealer.  I really like the I-Care eyeliner, its water resistant and can be used on the waterline or as a brow highlight.  I think they have chosen to include Bone as I imagine it is a very flattering shade for everyone.  When I have tried to line my lower waterline with white, it looks too harsh and almost clown like! I think a colour such as Bone or Benefit's Eyebright, which is a baby pink shade,  work better against the skin tone.  I think this product will get a lot of love from me.  Its probably something that I will use on a daily basis.

The Banish N Brighten intrigued me from demonstration on air.  Laura said that the Palladium metal tip would feel cold on the skin.  Now, I haven't actually tried the concealer yet.  I've been having a weekend at home and make up free!  But I did try the metal tip against the eye area and it feels amazing.  I thought the words metal and eye, were something that were just not meant to go together.  But the fact that the very smooth tip of the application remains cold is a real treat for tied eyes  Its an ingenious idea.  Just using the applicator around the area was nice enough, so I cant wait to give the concealer a go tomorrow!  I really, really hope I'm not disappointed with the actual product now. That would be awful.

So, there we go.  That was the On The Bright Side collection.  I've used quite a lot of Laura Geller's range before, so I kind of know what I'm getting.  And its always nice to be introduced to new products from the range.  I optimistically ordered my TSV on Auto-Delivery. Therefore, in January and April I should receive 2 additional kits.  The main items of Balance N Brighten, Banish N Brighten and I-Care remain unchanged, whilst the eyeshadow/Rimz and the Blush N Brighten will change to allow Laura to colour forecast for Winter and Spring.  I think I will see how I get on with the current kit, safe in the knowledge that I can cancel the Auto-Delivery at any time. Big thumbs up to QVC for this.

Urban Decay Book of Shadows Vol III has arrived!

So here it is, my Urban Decay Book of Shadows Vol III and it is every bit as lovely as I anticipated.  I Love the colours. It makes me long to be back in Times Square (see pic below), which I got to visit in June.  I'll make sure to put the swatches up here soon, so check back.

Have to say, I am very impressed with Debenhams.com and their service.  I ordered on Saturday and it arrived this morning.  With my order was a few random samples, mainly of perfume/aftershave but there was also a luxury sample of Bare Escentuals foundation, which came with the cutest little kabuki brush.  Now, I already use Bare Escentuals products and they sent the foundation shade medium beige.  QVC reliably inform viewers, if you don't know what shade you are, go for medium beige. Its the most popular colour, however, I use shade fairly light! Just to be awkward!

 If anyone wants to try this foundation, which I totally recommend, and you think that the medium beige shade would suit you, then email me at leanneocd@gmail.com, with your address and I will post it out to you. Doesn't matter where in the world you are.  Unfortunately, there is only one sample, so be quick.  It will be first come, first served. Early bird catches the worm and all that!! ;o) **** The BE sample and the baby kabuki brush have now found a new home with Lauren. Let me know what you think of it!****

All that is left to say for now,  is that I Heart NYC.

Oh no! I'm out of Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer....

I have really loved this product.  I find it has great coverage and seems to work on both blemishes and under the eyes. The big question is, do I stick with it and re-purchase or can someone recommend something else I can try??

(P.S Yay for me, finishing another product!! I'm getting good at this ;o) )