Estee Lauder Modern Muse Eau De Parfum - Perfume Sample Saturday

Modern Muse Eau De Parfum  is the first major perfume launch from Estee Lauder since 2003's Beyond Paradise. Once again I was drawn in by the advertising, the model in the campaign and the face of the fragrance is the stunning Arizona Muse (how apt is that name!) and I am delighted to say the fragrance doesn't disappoint .

Estee Lauder say

Experience the new fragrance that captures your style, your confidence, your creative spirit. An alluring contrast of sparkling florals and sleek, sensual woods.

A Chic New Vision of Femininity. Containing a dual -accord structure, as complex and fascinating as the woman who inspires it. 

Sparkling Jasmine Accord: Capturing the creative energy and magnetic femininity of a modern woman. The luminous texture of two extractions of Jasmine Sambac with dewy Citrus Fruits combine to achieve a multi-faceted, unforgettable sensation.

Sleek Woods Accord: Her sleek style, strength and sensuality are expressed in this unique treatment of two Patchouli essences wrapped in the creaminess of Madagascar Vanilla, rich Amber Wood and soft Musk.

Top note

• Exotic Mandarin

Heart notes
• Honeysuckle Nectar
• Dewy Petals
• Jasmine Sambac
• China Absolute
• Tuberose Fleur Fir Nat
• Fresh Lily

Base notes
• Patchouli Coeur
• Patchouli Crist
• Amber Wood
• Suede Musk
• Madagascar Vanilla SFE

My thoughts

Modern Muse is an absolutely beautiful and glamorous fragrance that sits perfectly within the Estee Lauder brand, the scent is powerful but not heady. I have had many Estee Lauder fragrances over the years and this reminded me a lot of one of my favourites - Dazzling Gold. It has the same richness and depth that exudes confidence and femininity and pure pleasure when wearing. Modern Muse is Jasmine heavy so if that is not a scent that appeals this perfume will most definitely not be for you. However, if you are searching for a sensual floral fragrance to take you into Autumn with a delicate base of warmth then this is well worth a visit.

Modern Muse EDP costs £44 for 30ml 

Glitter & Bows - Nail Art Nails Of The Day

These Nail Art Nail Tattoos dropped through the letterbox on Saturday and I couldn't wait to give them a go.. My hands and nails are quite small so I mostly avoid nail art as it would be far too fiddly so these sticker tattoos for nails are ideal (although I still can only really use them on my thumb nails).

Using the Models Own Artstix Duo in Cloud Drops I painted my base colour in the gorgeous cream shade Cloud 9. I waited for the polish to dry completely before peeling the super cute bows from the backing and simply sticking them onto my thumb nails. You will need to apply a top coat so they don't lift off but it really is as simple as..

I completed my nail art by painting the tips of my fingers with the glitter side of the Artstix Duo - Dew Drops the effect is so pretty as the light catches the gold glitter strips but I had trouble capturing its sparkling beauty with my camera. I think it would also look fab with a strip of fine glitter but this was my Glitter & Bows Nail Art

Nail Art Nail Tattoos cost £5.99 from skinartuk.com - this pack came with bows, fly away birds, sparkling diamonds, dotty hearts, grungy crosses and a leopard print that will look amazing over gold polish! Contains 60 stickers.

*PR Sample

Percy & Reed Eau My Goodness Shine and Fragrance Spray For Hair - Review

Years ago I used a shine spray for my hair and loved the effect it gave my hair so much so I am not sure why I stopped using it! I was just about to go on the hunt for one when a press release came in about Percy & Reed's Eau My Goodness Shine and Fragrance Spray.

Percy & Reed say 

This airy green, delicate fragrance evokes the smell of a rose in the early morning, sprinkled with dew. Spray it over your locks and not only will you smell glorious, you'll also have intense, dazzling, glossy shine.

To use - 

Shake well before use. Hold the can 10cm away and mist onto dry, styled hair. Wait for 15 seconds before touching your hair.

My thoughts 

First of all I LOVE the design on the can, gorgeously pretty and girly, this has the all important bathroom shelf appeal. The fragrance is a very delicate rose scent and boy does it give shine. Fabulously easy to use and gives great results. Brilliant. A wonderful product when you want to get your shine on, great for evenings out.

In this picture taken in the daytime I am not using a flash and yet there is mirror like shine on my hair and it looks blonde!!

Percy & Reed Eau My Goodness Shine and Fragrance Spray 100ml costs £22

*PR Sample

Estee Lauder Metallics Nail Lacquer

Passing by the Estee Lauder counter I was drawn to the new Metallics Pure Color Nail Lacquers and I was even more impressed when I swatched a few that caught my eye...

Chocolate Foil 

It actually applies really smooth, unfortunately I had already tried a polish on this nail (from another brand) and it had smudged so I had tried to remove it..hence the lumpy appearance! Chocolate foil is an attractive chocolate/purple shade.

Rose Gold

Pretty champagne pink shade

Brushed Gold 

Brushed Gold is one of the best gold polishes I have ever tried. Such a fabulous colour that is flattering on all skin tones..

All of these shades needed just one coat for opacity and give high shine and long wear

Estee Lauder Metallics Pure Color Nail Lacquers cost £14.50 each and comes in 8 shades.

Makeup Inspired By A L'Oreal Advertisement

Flicking though a magazine I came across this L'Oreal Advert and it pretty much sums up my favourite makeup look. It is so chic and polished. I liked it so much I thought I would give it a go...

The products I used to recreate the look -

Base

No7 Stay Perfect Liquid Foundation in Cool Vanilla
Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Flawless Wear Concealer SPF10
Burberry Warm Glow Natural Bronzer in Summer Glow

Contour & Blush

Smashbox Blush Rush in Silhouette
Cargo Blush in Tonga

Eyes

Palladio Herbal Eye Shadow Trio - Chocolates

Benefit Peek-a-Bright Eyes Eye Illuminating Kit
Clinique Quickliner For Eyes Intense in Intense Chocolate
Paul & Joe Eye Liner WP and Eye Crayon Duo 001 St Tropez (cream shade for waterline)
No7 Stay Perfect Mascara in Black

Lips

No7 Nude Rebel Lipstick (ltd edit)
No7 High Shine Lip Crayon in Daydreamer

The finished result 

What do you think?

Fashion House Reiss Launch His & Hers Fragrances

Last week British Fashion House Reiss launched their debut his and hers fragrances. Created by award winning perfume designer Azzi Glassser with the help of the founder of Reiss, David Reiss. Ingredients were handpicked to create unique and luxury scents that represent style, design and elegance which are all at the heart of the Reiss philosophy. With this in mind, I think this has been achieved.

Grey Flower 

The 'female' scent is housed in a simple but not insubstantial gold mirrored bottle. This is not your usual feminine floral or sweet scent, boasting the finest of ingredients this is a warm and juicy fragrance that is rather sensual and mysterious, smelling like nothing I have smelt before.. as a result I truly think that this could be a unisex scent.

Top notes - Armoise and Pimento Berry
Heart notes -Sequoia Wood, Jasmine Noir and Cocoa Leaf
Base notes - Olibanum, Amber Crystals, Patchouli and Baies

Black Oudh 

Out of the two fragrances this was my favourite, whereas the women's fragrance is in a gold bottle this is in a classy silver mirrored bottle, Black Oudh is most definitely masculine. I fell in love with it from the first spray. A gorgeously seductive scent that sums up man for me. A wonderful blend of the fresh and green with the peppery scent of the Vetiver, drying down to a deliciously alluring musk/woody base.  Magnetic!

Top notes - Laurel Leaf and Cypress
Heart notes - Sequoia Wood, Clary Sage and Vetiver
Base notes - Black Oudh, Black Musk and Amber

Until the 3rd of October you can get personalised engraving on a 100ml bottle for free at Selfridges. As you can see from the above I dedicated mine to my husband of seven years, he loved the gesture. Most importantly the male scent was a hit with him too, and I have to say it smells incredible on him.

Reiss Grey Flower For Women Eau De Parfum 100ml £49, 50ml £35, 30ml £25
Reiss Black Oudh For Men Eau De Parfum 100ml £49, 50ml £35, 30ml £25

Available now exclusively from Selfridges. From the 26th September it will be available also in Reiss stores nationwide and online at www.selfridges.com

Grey Flower and Black Oudh are available in Reiss stores nationwide and online at www.selfridges.com from 26th September. 

*PR Sample

Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede Cologne - Perfume Sample Saturday

This is the gorgeously floral and stunningly pretty in pink three page ad campaign for the new Jo Malone scent - Peony & Blush Suede Cologne.

Jo Malone say

The essence of charm. Peonies in voluptuous bloom, exquisitely fragile. Flirtatious with the juicy bite of red apple and the opulence of jasmine, rose and gillyflower. Mingling with the sensuality of soft, blush suede. Luxurious and seductive.

My thoughts

Sweet, light and unmistakably floral this is a beautiful and appealing, feminine scent. Opening with a short burst of the fruity freshness of red apple, the sweet florals  soon come to the fore to gently blend and rest with the warmth that I am guessing is the hint of suede. Delicate, sweet and yet clean. I can see this being a very successful addition to the Jo Malone cologne collection.

A perfect transition to Autumn.

Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede Cologne 30ml costs £39

Models Own Colour Lip-Stix In Ravishing Red

Wearing red lipstick is one of those things that I love the idea of but tend to shy away from as it is quite a bold statement..or at least it can be. However when I tried Models Own Colour Lip-Stix in Ravishing Red I was delighted to find a red that suited me and felt comfortable to wear during the day as well as taking it into the evening.

In the now popular lip crayon packaging, this chunky stick is easy to apply with its crayon style nib. Itgoes on smoothly and evenly in just one application thanks to it being super pigmented. This is a delicious tomato red with a creamy, matte/satin formula finish. What really impressed me however was its staying power, it remained on when I was drinking and eating and faded evenly long after most lipsticks would have disappeared. Very impressive for just £5.

Swatch 

Wearing Ravishing Red

Models Own Colour Lip-Stix are available in 8 shades and cost £5 each

*PR Sample

Boots No7 High Shine Lip Crayon - Berry - Easy Way To Embrace Autumn Trends

No7 High Shine Lip Crayon in Berry shade is the perfect product to dip into the A/W trends for a warm and wearable berry lip without committing fully..

I love lip crayons and this one is really good, featuring just the right amount of pigment and glossiness to enhance the lips without feeling heavy and sticky. The berry colour is very flattering tone.

Swatch of Berry 

Wearing Berry 

Boots No7 High Shine Lip Crayon - £9

*PR Sample

L'Oreal Paris Skin Perfection 15 Second Miracle Cleansing Oil - Review

I am pretty thorough with  my cleansing and skincare routine and I will spend a reasonable amount of time morning and evening in doing so however I have been known to be lazy on occasion (who hasn't!), whether that is from a late night out or otherwise... and this is where L'Oreal Paris Skin Perfection 15 Second Miracle Cleansing Oil comes in very handy.

L'Oreal Paris say 

High performance cleansing for all skin types. Instantly dissolves even waterproof make-up, skin feels perfectly clean with a non-greasy finish. The oil formula helps to re-balance skin's natural oil production for healthy-looking skin. Dermatologically tested.

To use 

With your fingertips apply 2-3 drops onto dry skin, massaging over the lashes, lids and lips.
Then, rinse well with warm water.

My thoughts 

As the name suggests this is fast, effective cleansing. The oil smells absolutely wonderful, it feels light on the skin. As it mixes with water it becomes milky and is easily rinsed off the skin. It leaves my skin clean and feeling beautifully soft to the touch. The oil is a fantastic cleanser and it works particularly well on removing and making light work of my eye makeup.I sometimes just use it on my eye area (if I have been wearing heavy eye makeup) as it is so gentle. 

I like it a lot.

L'Oreal Paris Skin Perfection 15 Second Miracle Cleansing Oil 150ml costs £7.99

*PR Sample

Cheeky - Vamp It Up - Winter nails

Loving this shade from new brand Cheeky (COWSHED's little sister) - Vamp It Up is a rich and intense aubergine colour that is bang on trend for this Autumn/Winter. Outside it was cold, wet and really rather miserable so I was instantly drawn to this perfectly autumnal hue. Glossy and gorgeous.

Cheeky will have 21 colourful nail polishes in the collection but this is the one that stood out for me today at the Superdrug Press Day.

Available from the end of October 2013 in 25 Superdrug stores.

A Poem - I Thought Of You

I wrote this poem today in memory of those who lost loved ones in the terrible attack on the Twin Towers in New York City on this day in 2001.

I Thought Of You


I thought of you last night
When I wrapped the duvet tightly round
I remembered how a battle would ensue
As we both lay there, neither of us willing
To give up our carefully carved out ground


I thought of you last night
As I wiggled my toes and stretched out my arms
Assuming a star position and embracing the space
I reached out to feel you, a touch of your leg
Remembering how I had fallen for your charms


I thought of you last night
As I lay there awake, desperately trying to sleep
I recall how you would fall asleep as soon as
Your head hit the pillow, why couldn't I do the same
Alert now, those memories I will keep


I thought of you last night
Looking far into the distance and seeing
Lights twinkling, was this our future
A brightness that would never die out
You made me complete, a whole being


I thought of you last night
Adored & cherished, I don't want to ever forget
We took it all for granted, that surely is true
For your light's turned out too early
Extinguished our love, consoled we had met

An original work of fiction - all rights reserved 

Vaseline Lip Therapy Paint The Town Red Lip Tint - Limited Edition

The latest Vaseline Lip Therapy is a red lip tint called Paint The Town. It claims to have a spiced berry flavour and combining moisturisation and a subtle red tint.

It also warns on tin that the product stains and to wash your hands after... which worried me a little before use! However, it is a fab limited edition, it smells so good, a sweet berry scent that bears more than a passing to Wine Gums sweets. It feels moisturising, is glossy and despite looking quite scarily red in the tin translates to just a hint of colour on the lips.

Wonderful

Limited Edition Vaseline Paint The Town 20g costs £3.49

*PR Sample

No7 Stay Perfect Long Lasting Volume Mascara - Review

No7 Stay Perfect Long Lasting Volume Mascara in Black 

No7 say 

Mascara that lasts through whatever life throws at you, it's:

• smudgeproof
• flakeproof
• sweatproof
• humidityproof
• tearproof

...pretty much life-proof.

But when the day is over, simply hold a cotton pad soaked in hand hot water over your eye to gently release the tubes of colour.

No panda eyes, no smudging, just beautifully clean lashes all ready for your beauty sleep.

My thoughts

Stay Perfect Mascara comes in a YSL gold mirror style case. The wand is rather curious, one of the smallest I have ever seen and the rubber brushes are teeny tiny short. However, this really works, the effect is really similar to the Benefit They're Real Mascara, perhaps not with the lengthening power but certainly with the volume and thickening ability. I really like the look and effect of this mascara on my lashes and it doesn't budge. No flaking or clumping. 

I haven't tested out its claims on sweat or humidity as the weather has turned distinctly cooler.

It is a marvel when taking off, the mascara comes clean away in tubes. Very clever.

Before 

After 

No7 Stay Perfect Mascara is available in two shades - black and black/brown and costs £12.95

*PR Sample

Seventeen Back Lash Mascara in Blackest Black - Review

Seventeeen Back Lash Mascara is the newest mascara from the brand promising 100% more lash impact. Claiming you can have it all - volume, length, definition and lift.

Before 

After 

My thoughts 

Back Lash has a more traditional looking mascara brush/wand and this makes it really easy to use and handle. There is no doubting the definition and lengthening properties of the mascara, I think the results are very impressive. I would have liked to have seen thicker looking lashes personally, however I did like that there was no clumping and no flaking for the entire duration of wearing this mascara.

Seventeen Back Lash Mascara comes in two shades and costs £6.49

*PR Sample

MUA Colour Blast Eye Shadow Tints - Review

Another beauty steal today. MUA Colour Blast Eye Shadow Tints. I wasn't expecting much from these eye shadow creams and in fact I was very pleasantly surprised.

Swatches

MUA say

Get a long-lasting tint of colour with this smooth cream eye shadow. The easy-glide formula can be blended or worn alone for cool, block colour eyes.

Encased in a handy chubby pencil the applicator rolls up for ease.

My thoughts 

As I said above I was really impressed with the quality of the eye shadow tints vs the price. Creamy and smooth to apply, non messy with no fall out. What is not to love?

I was sent two shades -

Diamonds - which is a shimmery light pink - Although this swatched really nice, unfortunately it didn't show up on my skin tone at all in the same way. It came across a bit gritty looking and didn't even work as a highlighter.

Bring It Back  - I loved this, it applied so smoothly and evenly. The light brown shade really suited my colouring and made my green eyes really stand out. As an all over lid colour it is lovely and it is thin enough to apply it precisely as a liner on the lower lash line if you want too. What impressed me was the lasting power, this lasted all day on me without fading and I didn't use a primer. Fantastic.

MUA Colour Blast Eye Shadow Tints are available in 6 shades and cost £3

*PR Samples

SEVENTEEN Quicker Slicker Nail Polish In Pink Glitter

Bargain of the week!

My Nails Of The Day come courtesy of Boots SEVENTEEN  - Quicker Slicker Nail Polish in Pink Glitter

This is insanely sparkly, like a sequin clutch bag. The photo really does not do it justice, this is fab, fab, fab!. I adore this shade. One coat achieves coverage and it dries in 50 seconds. Yes this would be perfect for party season but I reckon any day you  need some cheering up it would be ideal.

Boots SEVENTEEN Quicker Slicker Nail Polish in Pink Glitter costs just £2.99 but is currently on offer for £1.99!

*PR Sample

Royal Albert Afternoon Tea Tour Is Back For September!

Exciting news!!

The Royal Albert Afternoon Tea Tour is back for September, so if you haven't popped along before to these delightful events now is your chance, and if you have been before then here is another chance!

Dates & Locations -

September

Friday 6th and Saturday 7th – Spitalfields

Thursday 12th and Friday 13th – Bloomsbury Square

Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th – Parsons Green

Pop along for free tea, macaroons and cupcakes all served in beautiful vintage style Royal Albert Tea Sets

Bettina x

Limited Edition Impulse and Models Own Kits & A Blogger Challenge

It has been a long time since I last used a body spray and of course it had to be Impulse. I had a few of their fragrances over my teenage years., one of my favourites was the golden/bronze bottle of Musk. I am sure we all remember the changing rooms and how they would be filled with the essence of Impulse..

Well when information came through about some Limited Edition Impulse kits containing Models Own polishes to wear with it and a nail file all for a bargainous £4, I had to find out more and revisit my younger days!

First of all, the fragrances and the packaging have undergone a transformation, the sprays now have a twist top instead of a lid and the designs are appealing and attractive. The fragrances are bang up to date and smell gorgeous.

Impulse & Models Own Very Very Pink nail varnish, file and fragrance kit

Very, Very Pink features a deep blend of bitter orange and white wood, resulting in a musky citrus scent this spray comes with Models Own dusky pink shade Utopia. 

Impulse & Models Own Very Pink nail varnish, file and fragrance kit

Very Pink features a sparkling blend of pink grapefruit, roses and a base of vanilla, I was not at all surprised to find this was my favourite, delicious. This pack includes Models Own shade Gun Grey for a statement nail.

Impulse & Models Own Sweet Smile nail varnish, file and fragrance kit

Sweet Smile is an exotic, fun and fruity scent featuring pear and Jasmine, with undertones of sandalwood and amber. This had to be paired with Models Own shade Coral Reef!

The Blogger Challenge

Impulse challenged bloggers to personalise our own bottle of Impulse and create some nail art inspired by the Impulse Collection.

Here is the nail art I designed. I wanted the nail art to reflect my personality, I am not into fuss and intricacy. I want to look good but like to keep things practical :-) 

With Coral Reef/Sweet Smile I chose to add gold and bronze diamontes. I think these shades are complimentary to the coral and look amazing as it reflects in the exotic reflection of the Sun. Bring on the carnival!

With Gun Grey/Very Pink I added a couple of coats of Models Own Sea Spray (from the Blue Spray Artstix Duo) A very simple effect but so impressive. A real statement for nails that sparkles giving a nod to the sparkly nature of the fragrance Spray. The silver strands and chunks look incredible against the dark polish, so hard to capture its beauty in a picture.

With Very, Very Pink I added a single large pink diamonte flower, this scent oozes femininity and softness and I wanted the nail art to reflect this. I picture a girl with long, wavy hair left to dry naturally and flowy clothing. Effortless style.

My Personally Designed Impulse Bottle 

As I said before I like things to be kept simple. I hate overly fussy designs, clean chic and classy is what I look for, so I am hoping that with this in mind my design reflects this.

I love lace and I absolutely adore diamonds so I went with a black lace bow and adorned the bottle with diamontes flowers in a simple design through the centre with golden drops on the sides.

*PR Samples