As beautiful and rich as they are, fragrances are the hardest items to shop for whether it’s for yourself or others. What makes one person feel sexy can choke another. What some consider a classic, others never want to see again.
To truly capture the essence of a fragrance, you have to go beyond the top notes and wait for the perfume to settle. “A fragrance is a chronological composition that evolves with time,” says perfumer Frédéric Malle. “The top notes function for about 15 minutes, then leave way to the heart of the perfume, which is its real personality.”
That said, if you’re looking for a scent, spritz a bit on your wrist and walk away. Walk around the store for a bit and come back. Why? Because the top note can be off putting but the dry down is absolutely fantastic.
“Some fragrances also change from one skin to the other,” says Malle so don’t think that if it smells ahh-mazing on your best friend, it’ll be the SAME EXACT way on you. It won’t but it certainly doesn’t hurt to use your friends as a resource.
Below are six fragrance - and in some cases, sets - I have a deep and personal love for and you might too!
PS: I was given samples of a few but that doesn’t affect editorial integrity. Trust.
So here’s the deal: I was asked to be part of Glam’s Beauty Board and considering I review beauty products for a living fun, I decided - what the hey! Why not!?! When I received the package, not only was I shocked at the abundance (how was I to test it all!) but I was pretty excited (nail polish, hand creams, and perfume — everything a gal wants and needs!) But do they work?
Eyes:
Long name aside the Almay Intense i-color Liquid Shadow Color Primer allows you to wear it as a shadow alone or underneath similar colors to make a bigger impact. I received the shade for green (I have brown) but the color is a pretty shimmery tan (oily skin beware as it creases). Almay Intense i-color Powder Shadow looks great for creating a natural, everyday look whether layered over the primer. For something that packs a bit more punch and fills the “OMG, what makeup do I pack” conundrum, Too Faced’s Glamour to Go Spun Sugar Edition is your go-to! The colors can give you a neutral eye or smokey eye look for night. Not to mention it has highlighter and bronzer for a full face look. No eye makeup look is complete without mascara and Buxom’s Lash Mascara has quickly made its way into my everyday makeup bag. The unique thing about this mascara is its “S” shaped wand that applies the vitamin-rich formula to lashes. Lashes are somewhat evenly coated and fans out lashes for bit of dramatic look. Do not be afraid of the brush at first! It was a bit intimidating when you look at it but applying is a dream and it packs a punch for sure.
Hands & Nails:
These China Glaze Polishes SCREAM holiday fun and are the perfect colors to wear to holiday bashes. China Glaze Pizzazz is a burst of glitter and With Love is beautiful red that takes one coat for full opaque look. A new staple in my handbag is Burt’s Bees Ultimate Care Hand Cream. Hard to believe I never used this before but I’ve quickly become reliant on this since it’s been helping my severely dry skin these past few days. A non-greasy formula, it quickly absorbs into skin and leaves me able to text and type within seconds (nothing is worst than waiting for my lotion to skin in or I leave little smudges all over my keyboard and screens - sexy).
Face:
Start of by cleansing with Goldfaden MD Pure Start Gentle Detoxifying Facial Cleanser (what’s with the long names, ha!) is a clear gel that becomes a thicker lather with a really nice scent. For those seeking even an even skintone, Vichy Laboratoires ProEven promises to reduce the look of excess melanin and leaves skin looking luminous.
For the face, Philosophy’s Full of Promise Dual-Action Restoring Cream is said to lift and firm skin - I didn’t see this but then I also don’t need anything to be firmed or lifted (yet). It’s a pretty rich cream that doesn’t leave you feeling greasy nor does it leave your face tight and begging for more hydration in the cold.
For makeup, I fell head over heels for the Physicians Formula pH Matchmaker. This blush is high impact, ladies! I applied a little bit - with the brush that comes with it since it wasn’t bad quality - and my face looked radiant. Not too pink or fair, it really made my face look like I just stepped off the slopes (if I were the skiing type, y’know?).
Misc.
Hair: Umberto Beverly Hills Repair Treatment Masque a thick mask that is applied to wet hair then washed for hair that is left softer and shinier. Scent: The infamous Philosophy Living Grace Perfume This fragrance was formulated to help center a woman’s mood, enabling her to fully embrace the beauty of living in the present moment each day. While I tend to prefer the fresh, clean scents in the summer and heavier scents in the winter but with Lily of the Valley and Warm Musk this is a lovely scent for day and totally work appropriate. Susan Posnick Color Essential Moisturizing Lipsticks were a surprising addition as I’ve never tried any products from this brand. A bit on the sheer side but buildable these two lipsticks were a great addition. I applied London, a bronzed berry color that’s wearable and flattering on just about every skin tone. Santa Fe is a coppery color with golden undertones that makes for a great nude for women of color.
Disclosure: This post includes products that were provided by Glam for consideration. It also may contain an affiliate link, a link that gives us a small commission if you purchase the item.
Try Philosophy’s Amazing Grace 4 oz. Firming Body Emulsion with any $25 purchase at Sephora. For Beauty Insiders only (seriously…if you’re not a beauty insider, why haven’t you signed up yet??)
My computer sucks so that’s as big as it gets =(
Can’t see this clearly?? Click here to print. Or you can enter MDAYGRACE at checkout.
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and quite honestly I’m tired of the same old same old. Diamonds are old. And what about that “I’ll ease up on chocolate this year” resolution…yeah, I did’ forget! For those who celebrate, why not give a gift that a) doesn’t expand the waist size and b)can be used over and over without having to worry about having too much bling.
Don’t know what to get your significant other (or in my case…myself)? Don’t worry, I’m two steps ahead of you: Love by Killian
The gift of fragrance is personal and intimate; the gift of By Kilian is luxurious and thoughtful. Kilian Hennessy (grandson and named after the founder of the LVMH Group and heir to the cognac fortune…lucky guy), has a gorgeous collection of seven fragrances that’d be perfect this Valentine’s Day. The actual bottles are simply gorgeous luxe and bourgeoisie. What makes By Kilian even more perfect for Valentine’s Day is the perfectly named titles of each scent: Love, Don’t Be Shy; A Taste of Heaven, Absinthe Verte; Beyond Love, Prohibited; Cruel Intentions, Tempt Me; Liaisons Dangereuses, Typical Me; Straight to Heaven, White Cristal; and Prelude to Love, Invitation.
Naughty, non?
NARS The Love Set We all know of Orgasm.
The blush.
Well here’s a kit featuring Orgasm (blush) as well as other NARS favorites Pillow Talk (lip gloss) and Sex Machine (lip pencil).
NARS The Love Set is packed with pinky peach hues that impart a natural glow all packed within a sleek, black box. Put them all together and you’re guaranteed to score big.
Wink by Lilly Pulitzer
Single this year? Don’t pout! Enjoy every moment of it with Lilly Pulitzer’s delightfully pink, pretty and flirty celebration of feminine style and gusto. The fragrance unfolds with notes of sparkling pear nectar, watery pink freesia, and lush gardens, while a bouquet of rose, lily blossom, and sun-drenched violet reveals the scent’s enchanting heart. The party wraps up with warm amber and sensual musk. So wear this with your shortest dress and catch the eye of a guy or two (or three…) Huzzah!!!
Candy Hearts Lip Duo
Pucker up with Philosophy’s Candy Hearts Lip Duo. These glosses pack a mega shine, moisturize your kisser like nobody’s business and taste wickedly awesome. The two flavors are pink bubbly and angel food cake and practically glide on your lips and give a sheer sheen.
Remember a kiss says it all
Edward Bess Lip Wardrobe A second great suggestion for perfectly puckered puckers (say that three times fast…) is one of Edward Bess’ elegant and chic makeup products. Guys take note.
Lipstick Wardrobe is comprised of ten lipsticks and five lip glosses perfect shades for any pout from barely there nudes to timeless deep reds in high gloss. Names include Secret Desire, Pure Impulse, Natural Seduction, Deep Lust, Eternal Passion, Soft Whisper, and on!!
So why not give your lady some Sweet Desire on Pure Impulse while showing some Natural Seduction…
Pick-Up Liners Ladies, get the attention you deserve with these water-resistant liners that glide on smooth for a perfect application.
Always on point this little trio doesn’t disappoint! The colors include Romeo (smoky gray), Don Juan (deep black), and Casanova (rich brown) and comes with it’s own sharpener.
Carry these throughout the night for easy tough up!
Love by Harajuku Lovers
With a name like Love how can you resist?? Armed with a cute, striped mini-dress and fashionable red kicks, this perfume is packed with spunk and pizazz.
Notes of pink pomelo, rose, and creamy vanilla orchid dance in your nose while you dance the night away with your special guy. Romantic and sensual, Love makes sure to hit the right spots.
Happy Valentine’s Day!!! I’ll be spending it curled up on my couch with a bag of Oreo cookies and chocolate chip ice cream whilst watching my Breakfast at Tiffany’s DVD on repeat.
