Fragrance Friday #7

Hello Lovelies,

How are you all today? Good I hope :) I'm currently sat on my bed completely exhausted from a rather busy day volunteering. I also need to cram in some Uni work before I go to bedfordshire! I would much rather be doing something that being sat around all day though:) Without further ado, it's time for another Fragrance Friday post.

Today I will be reviewing...

Dreams Unlimited by The Body Shop

This perfume was actually part of a gift set for Christmas a few years back. Its a fairly different scent to what I would normally go for however I still use it when I fancy something really fresh and light to wear.

Packaging

I don't dislike the packaging although it isn't overly fancy. I personally like really girly detailed perfume bottles although some of you may really like the simplicity of this one. It is a lovely curvy bottle with a sturdy silver lid. Nothing to write home about, but lovely non the less.

Price

This is a bargain at £14 and its an Eau de Parfum! I simply cannot fault the price as, like most Eau de Parfums the scent stays on the skin for a long time. Total bargain!

Scent

I actually really enjoy this scent although it isn't like the sweet and fruity perfumes I normally go for. I would describe this as a very fresh citrusy scent with a hint of melon. It is described as a fresh, white scent on The Body Shop website which I would have to agree with. It also has Green Chilli in it which I think is pretty cool. This is definitely a day time Summer fragrance.

Final Thoughts

Overall I find this perfume a lovely fresh Summer fragrance when I fancy something a little different. The price is fantastic and it has a lot of staying power. Perfect for the beach and a lovely, fresh zingy scent :)

Do you have a favourite Summer fragrance?

Much Love

Lou

xx

Fragrance Friday #6

Hello Lovelies!

I'm about to head into Leeds to go and see The Phantom of the Opera at the Grand Theatre eeepp! I'm so excited aha. Before I do though, I thought I'd post a Frangrance Friday for all you lovely folks out there :) I've been utterly busy recently as I have been to both the Olympics and Edinburgh Fringe since getting back from my holidays around 2 weeks ago. Mental! Anyhoo, I will be popping up some photos from those events soon. I also have lots of posts in the pipeline ready for when I go back to Uni!

This week I will be reviewing...

Per Una by Marks and Spencer

Now this can be described as nothing short of the perfume I have worn almost every day for the last 4 years! Crazy I know, but I am literally on my 3rd bottle of this. I love it so much I even have a little handbag size (picture shown:)

Packaging

The packaging for this isn't amazing although it is pretty cute. It is a simple cylindrical bottle with a lovely pink floral design (the floral design is a recent addition and is much nicer than the old bottles) It has a sturdy silver lid with the Per Una hearts embossed into the top. A very simple, practical and girly design.

Price

This is an absolute bargain at £15 for 50ml and around £3 for a handbag size. I have just checked the website and I think this particular version is discontinued:( although I imagine this may be the repackaged version for just £12.) I cannot fault the price as although it is only an Eau de Toilette, at this price you can afford to be spritz happy :)

Scent

This is a lovely sweet floral scent that is light enough to wear everyday yet still noticeable on the skin. It is described on the box as 'A sensuous feminine fragrance with fruity top notes of bergamont and orange with a hint of violet leaves. Centred around a floral heart of rose and jasmine, enriched by sweet caramel and warm rich woody base.' A long yet very accurate description.

Final Thoughts

This is the perfect everyday affordable scent. Feminine enough without being too much and also very affordable.

Do you have a perfume you have stuck with for years?

Much Love

Lou

xxx

Skincare Routine: Dry/Sensitive

Hello Lovelies,

I have a video for you today on my current skincare routine. I filmed this a while ago but never got around to editing it *oops!*

I have very dry, sensitive, eczema prone skin, yet I have large pores around my t-zone area (graphic but true.) Aside from this, I am very lucky as I rarely get spots, other than the occasional hormonal break out. I have really been focusing a lot more on my skin recently and trying to form more of a regimental routine that I am trying my best to stick to:P. Since filming this video I have added Bioderma Crealine H20 to my skincare, along with a few other things which I will post more on soon. All the information about where to get the products I mentioned is in the info bar on Youtube :)

Hope you enjoy the video.

I would also love it if you went and commented on my videos and subscribed to my channel :)

Much Love

Lou

xx

Fragrance Friday #5

Hello Lovelies,

This week I will be reviewing...

Lovely Prism by Givency

(Sorry for the rubbish photo!)

I bought this years ago and have a little bit of a love hate relationship with it. I think the scent is nice but it might be a little old for me so I dont wear it all that often. It was also a gift from my late Grandmother when I was very young, so it holds sentimetal value.

Packaging

I actually really love the packaging for this. Im not so keen on the reflective box, but the bottle itself is lovely. I really like the subtle geometrical shape that ties in nicely with the givenchy logo. It feels very sturdy and it looks really nice on display.

Price

As I've had this for literally years and years (I think it was my first perfume) I have no idea of the price. Although it is an Eau de Toilette so I don't imagine it was hugely expensive.

Scent

There is nothing special about this scent to me. It is a lot more floral than I normally like which I think adds to the fact I think it is slightly old for me. I do like it although I would describe it as an expensive soap smell. So very fresh and clean, but not something I would normally choose in a perfume. That is personal opinion though, some of you may find this your perfect scent.

Final Thoughts

Overall, this is a nice perfume with lovely packaging, although nothing special. It is slightly too floral for my taste but if thats what you normally look for in a perfume you would probably enjoy this :)

Much Love

Lou

xxx

Boxing Day Sales

Hello Lovelies,

Being the dedicated shopper that I am, I dragged myself out of bed at 8am Boxing Day and tootled off into Leeds City Centre to brave the sales. Boy o' boy am I glad I did:)

Not only did I get to spend (too much) of my Christmas money, I also managed to pick up a few things I really wouldn't have expected to buy. (I may also have picked up a few cheeky 'non sale' items :P *oops*)

I'll start with the beauty related items as I feel this may interest you most.

My first stop was LUSH, equipped with the £15 voucher from my parents. I was so excited to find all of the Christmas gifts and products 50% off. I picked up a £35 box containing 12 things, for only £17! Amazing right?

It's called the 12 days of Christmas.

All of the products smell delicious, there isn't even the usual 'not as nice as the rest' suspect.

I also picked up an extra Cinders bath bomb :)

My Second stop was Harvey Nichols (with my £20 voucher) to visit the MAC counter. There was no sale on here, but I haven't been to MAC in ages so picked up a few items that the makeup artist (who was amazing) recommended. Everywhere else in the store was madness though, I'm talking middle aged women fighting over PRADA handbags crazy :')

I then went to Superdrug and picked up one of the Rimmel lipsticks from the Kate Moss collection and two new nail polishes.

327 Heart on Fire

520 Camouflage Chic

Lipstick 008 (I couldn't see a name)

My surprise item of the trip was actually an extra Christmas gift from my mother. I've been in need of some sturdy winter boots for a really long time as my current boots are starting to deteriorate after three loving years. I decided to go for something a little different this time. Take a look at these beauties...

How frickin' cute are they!! Now I know many people will hate these, but they are honestly so so versatile and incredibly girly of course. Its amazing how many things they go with (post soon.)

I also found these cute (slightly less daring boots) in the sale at new look for £30 (down from £70) and thought they were amazing quality for the price.

I also picked up a new handbag(pictured with docs) for £6 and an adorable jewellery stand from NEXT for £4.

This jewellery stand was originally £10 and I have been eyeing it up for ages, but could not justify the price. I jumped at the chance to buy it in the sales XD. It looks so beautiful with my earrings displayed on the mantle piece :)

Phew!:)

That was a very long post.

It seems I went a little mad on the shopping front ;)

If you made it this far, congratulations and if you would like any in depth reviews on the items mentioned just let me know.

Did anyone else pick up some bargains in the Sales?

Much Love

Lou

xxx

Fragrance Friday #3 & an Apology

Hello Lovelies,

First of all, I think an explanation as to my absence is in order. All I can really say is one thing...University. I have just finished my first term and my oh my have I been busy! I'm studying Biochemistry (as you may have noticed:P) so naturally its a lot of hard work! That, combined with making new friends and living away from home makes for a very very busy Lucy! Quite frankly, amongst all of the madness, blogging has had to take a back seat. I have missed it, I even contemplated trying to start up again (then yet another assignment reared its ugly head.)

Anyway, enough of that! I am currently on my 4 week Christmas hols so I thought I would take a break from revision, relax and get my lil' ol' blog back up and running. What better way to start, than to continue with my Fragrance Friday posts. (As, the first two are probably way too long ago to remember, I will link them here and here...Oops :P )

This week I will be reviewing...

Miss Dior Cherie by Dior

This particular perfume was a present from my Mum. I didn't go on our family holiday last year, yet she was lovely enough to buy me this and another perfume from the duty free. :) I literally squealed with excitement!

Review:

Packaging

 This has to be one of my favourites by far when it comes to the design of the bottle. It is simple, elegant and incredibly girly. I'm a total sucker for anything with a bow on it, (although I'm sure I'm not the only one!) It is definitely one that I display proudly on my dressing table.

Price

 As this was a gift I had to look up the price (which i feel slightly awkward doing I must add.) The 30ml bottle retails for £44 here (I have the 50ml version.) I personally find this on the more expensive side of perfumes however, it is a strong scent and due to it being an Eau de Parfum, a little goes a long way.

Scent

This is yet another sweet and fruity smelling perfume. It is a very romantic scent, with hints of musk and citrus fruits. It settles on to the skin nicely, emphasising the notes of musk and patchouli. I would describe it as a very summery scent, although I have started wearing it a lot recently as it is suitable all year round.

Final Thoughts

Overall, although expensive, I think this perfume is definitely worth it. At this price you should not have to compromise on any aspects and for me, this ticks all the right boxes. It adds a hint of luxury to my morning routine :)

Thank you to everyone who has continued to read and comment on my blog while I have been away. It really does mean a lot to me. :)

Much Love

Lou

xxx

Fragrance Friday #2

Hello Lovelies :)

Welcome to the second edition of Fragrance Friday. I've had a lovely week, really happy and relaxed. I even got around to starting my youtube channel, finally :)

This week I'm reviewing:

 Ricci Ricci by Nina Ricci.

I actually mentioned this in my Fall Loves tag video as one of my favourite autumnal perfumes :) I really do love this one, it was another duty free purchase and its just so pretty!

Review:

Packaging

I think this is one of my favourite perfume bottles. It's a lovely rich pink, the bow is gorgeous and it fits really ergonomically in the hand. It's also very sturdy and well made.

Price

This one is fairly pricey at £39.50. This aside, it is an Eau de Parfum(so it lasts longer on the skin) and it is 50ml. This has lasted me just over a year and I have around 1/5th left.

Scent

The scent is very floral and sweet smelling. It has hints of Bergamot, Sandalwood and Cinnamon. It's a very deep rich scent that almost feels cosy when you spray it. Definitely A/W appropriate.

Final Thoughts

I adore this perfume. The simple fact that I have nearly used it up shows that. I find that it is a fantastic evening scent that makes you feel girly and glamourous for anight out:)

Much Love

Lou

xxx

Fragrance Friday #1 (an Introduction)

Hello Lovelies,

 I seem to have accumulated a fair amount of perfume over the last 2 years. My favourite part of my morning routine is choosing which scent to wear for the day, so it is only fitting that my perfume collection seems to keep expanding.

 I was admiring the beautiful bottles on my mantle piece this morning and decided that each lovely scent deserved its own review, that's when I came up with 'Fragrance Friday'.

 From now on, I will do a review of a new perfume I own every Friday (until I run out!)

Bare in mind I actually don't have a specific fragrance or scent that I stick to. If I review a sweet perfume, don't presume the rest will be! Stick with me and there may be one that suits you:) If not, I hope you enjoy the read anyway.

Also let me know if you have any suggestions for new perfumes I should look out for.

Anyway, without further ado, first up is...

 Paul Smith 'Floral'.

Now this perfume is really nostalgic for me. It was the first 'proper' perfume I was ever bought. By proper I mean from a perfume shop (more specifically Manchester airport duty free:P) as appose to the supermarket.

My mum bought me this before we went on holiday a couple of years ago as a present for doing well in GCSEs. I was allowed to choose any perfume I wanted and I was just drawn to the beautiful white tin with a vibrant pop of colour.

You may be thinking 'wait one minute, the picture shows it in a box!' and you would have a point.

The limited edition tin version ran out a long time ago (although I do still use the tin as storage,) the box pictured is actually a farely recent purchase.

I was tootling through the Debenhams sale around a month ago and spotted this for just £11! How could I pass up that opportunity? I suppose I could justify it as letting you guys know it smells good enough to repurchase :P

Enough of the rambling, on to the review...

Packaging

For me, this would get a 10/10 if it weren't for the annoying wobbly and small plastic nozzle. It makes it really awkward to spray making me terrified of breaking it. Other than this I think it is gorgeous. The design is wonderful and bright without being garish and actually looks very stylish sat on my mantle piece. The bottle itself is also very elegant and I love the way it curves out at the bottom.

Price

Well, £11 that's all I'm going to say...

Scent

Despite the name I actually find the scent to be quite sweet and fruity. There is definitely a big wham of florals, however it is an incredibly fresh type of floral. It has quite musky undertones yet is still very light and citrusy.

Final Thoughts

This is one of my favourite perfumes as due to the whole nostalgia thing it will always have a special place in my heart, for that reason alone. I do however recommend this to anyone who likes a nice fresh scent and would love to be reminded of long summer holidays, every morning! A wonderful perfume (personally my Summer scent) that can be used all year round.

Have you tried Paul smith Floral?

Do you like light fresh scents, or do you prefer something a little heavier?

Next Week: Ricci Ricci by Nina Ricci

Much Love

Lou

xx

Beautiful Bottle, Beautiful Scent...

Evening Lovelies :)

During my annual Summer Holiday with the family, earlier this year I spent a long, long time in the wonderful duty free at Gatwick airport. This glorious haven of reduced beauty products is where I discovered this...

Ricci Ricci by Nina Ricci

I sprayed this onto my wrist at Gatwick and left it to settle. I wanted it. However, I could not justify spending that much of my Holiday money before we'd even stepped onto the plane. So, off i trundled to Croatia!!

On the way back I just so happened to take a quick look in the minuscule duty free overseas. Having spent very little during the 2 weeks, I spotted this and decided to go for it. It cost me around 500 kuna  (around £32) I then skipped on home very very pleased with myself for this tantalizing find :D

Anyway, onto the review.

Looks

I think the bottle is just beautiful and the packaging certainly drew me in, almost as much as the scent itself. The bottle is of lovely quality and I adore the way the lid is part of the ribbon, so delicately wrapped around the bottle itself. Of course another bonus is its luxurious deep pink hue so it looks gorgeous sat on my dressing table next to all my other perfumes.

Scent

On the website this is described as 'The new mischievous fragrance by Nina Ricci' it also says...

''Glamorous and audacious, Ricci Ricci embodies a new urban heroine in the Parisian and sophisticated universe of Nina Ricci. Her power lies in her ribbon she plays with to colour and beautify the world with fantasy and poetry.

Fragrance

Ricci Ricci is a fresh and sensual floral built around the Beauty of the Night flower.

Full of contrasts, the fragrance is easy-to-wear, branded and extremely feminine. It is designed for an optimistic and self-confident woman.

Daring, the sparkling top notes of Rhubarb and Bergamot bring a modern freshness. The middle note is floral, glamorous and feminine. It is built around the Rose Centifolia and the Indian Tuberose, and is enhanced by the Beauty of the Night, a unique and mysterious flower that reveals Ricci Ricci’s personality. Sensual and elegant, the base note comes with warm, deep notes of Patchouli Fraction and Sandalwood.''

I must say, I totally agree with this description. To me, when spritzed, the scent is quite strong and musky with a hint of spice that makes me feel all cosy and wintry. Then, as it settles it sits well on the skin and takes on more of a floral note, not too overpowering and non offensive to anyone sat near you. Its staying power is brilliant as being an Eau De Parfum the scent lingers all day.

Overall this is one of my favourite perfumes coming only second best to my beloved M&S 'Peruna' which is a purse loving £15 for 50ml.

I would definitely recommend giving this a go when you are next in boots. Why not let me know what you think? Do you own this already? Would you purchase it?

Until Next Time

Much Love

Lou

xxx