The Library of Fragrance | Amber

6/29/2015 11:14:00 am
It takes a lot to seduce me in an olfactory kind of way. I have very specific thoughts on scent, and not enough words to describe them. In essence, I like what I like. And lately I’ve been liking something very much. The Library of Fragrance, Amber. That’s it. Nothing fancy. Just Amber. And it is all kinds of sexy heaven. I officially heart it. It’s that little bit of sexy within many fragrances that I have that I just wish I could amplify. And guess what? Now I can! This is perfect to deepen the mood of other perfumes, to wear alone, or to really create a bit of scent alchemy with!
My tastes tend to be dark and deep, but can venture to sugary sweet on the occasion, but this one captures the rounded sexiness. All in all, I’m terrible at describing this, so let’s throw the gauntlet over to The Library of Fragrance themselves, who have a more complete, and terribly accurate description.

“Envelop yourself in our version of this exotic and alluring scent.
Amber is fossilized tree resin that has taken millions of years to form - in fact, most of the world's amber is thought to be between 30-90 million years old. The scent of this aromatic resin is recreated in perfumery by blending vanilla, benzoin and labdanum and it is used to add a sweet, woody and creamy depth to fragrances. Labelled an aphrodisiac with mystical powers, this rich, honey-like, scent is gently dusted with earth and sensual oriental hints. Warm and aromatic, it evokes a subtle, spicy atmosphere of twilight.”

If you like deep, sensuous scents, this is the one for you. If not, I’ve a review of Moonbeam coming very soon.

Much love, Ani x

Joy | Sculpting

6/17/2015 06:30:00 am
In make up terms, nothing gives me more instant gratification than those days when I pull of a master contour. The true story is that I do contour every day – I love it beyond words – with a variety of different products from fairly subtle (I don’t go too subtle) to full on how’s your father, in your face type contouring. Now, every day I do a fair job of the contour game – but every so often, maybe once a week, it just looks spot-on. The mix of products, a little patience, and a beautiful brush all come together, and all the planets align in order to gimme those cheekbones I so covet!



The products.

Topshop Cream Contour in Swerve
I love this. To be honest, I love Topshop make-up: such beautiful quality at lovely prices that include a student discount. Truth be told, I wanted both colours of this contour cream, but the second was out of stock – but never fear, that will also be mine. A little swirl of this cream, and a direct brush-tip application right under the cheekbone never fails me. Blend up for subtle or add more for pow, and you’re contour base is done.

Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder in Medium
My second of these. That’s love right there. Just a wonderfully soft, grey-toned powder that can be built up right from the softest of a shadow-kiss, up to the harsh drag-style lines that I can’t pretend I don’t favour sometimes! An investment, but one that lasted me around 2 years the first time.

Make Up Revolution Eyeshadow in Delicious
This is the one I turn to for that little added pop of drama. Super soft, super blendable, but highly-pigmented, this cool-toned brown is perfect for creating extra shadow.


The Brush.

So, bold claim coming up, but I do believe this is the best contour brush ever. A 99p dupe of the Nars Mie Kabuki Brush. Beautifully tapered, but chubby on the sides, wonderfully light, and brilliant to use with all of the above. After writing this I will go straight onto the seller’s ebay page and purchase firstly another of this brush, and then some others I have had my eye on!

Much love,
Ani x

On returning | And empties

6/15/2015 06:30:00 am
To be honest, I don’t really know what happened. I suppose I got busy. I suppose I didn’t make time. For blogging. But now I have supposed to be back. Or, what I should really say is that I want to be back, and therefore I am! I thought I’d start with a little look back at the things I’ve finished, and my thoughts on them.



Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment

I liked this, I really did – a retinol in a super soothing base, with pretty good results. But I won’t be repurchasing, only because another retinol has stolen my beating heart. We’ll get onto that at a later date. Definitely a brilliant purchase for those of you with sensitive skin, but pigmentation and wrinkly issues that you want sorting. Definite results within about a month.

Alpha H Liquid Gold.

My old love. Such a staple in this household, used by all three women here, of 2 different generations and 3 slightly differing ages! Basically, a sting-ish feeling liquid, wiped over the visage with a cotton pad (you can go back over stubborn issues), almost like a toner. Note the almost: it is definitely not a toner. Used every other night, or 3 times a week it helps to heal the skin, giving it back some firmness and a generally clearer look. Used any more, and you’ll start to notice your skin looks a tad stressed. Already repurchased. One in a 100ml, and one in a 50ml. The 200ml was out of stock. Best place to buy? QVC.

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish.

Once upon a time I hated this stuff. I could have quite literally sworn an oath saying it did nothing for my skin. But once upon a time, my skin was just complete of out whack. Fast forward about 5 years, and after a heavy night out, this came to my rescue at my wonderful friend Rach’s house, and I was hooked again. Beautiful in the morning. Beautiful in the evening. Thick, luxurious. Good for a super quick cleanse. Good for a prolonged massage-with-cleanse. Perfect for removing the layers of make up on both my every day and occasion-wear faces! Already repurchased in the full size pump, and a teeny 30ml for any visits I may partake in.

La Roche Posay Toleriane Fluid.

Purchased exclusively for it’s soothing benefits, I have to say I didn’t like it. It didn’t soothe any of my eczema, nor did it feel like it was compensating for anything. Finished, but I think I might go for the Hydraphase next time.

Good Things Cleansing Oil.

Actually a beautifully thick cleansing oil, that emulsifies perfectly, taking with it all of the make up around my eyes (I use a flannel to take everything off). Not repurchased, but only because I managed to get the Shu Uemura one super cheap on a blog sale. 

Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner in Addiction.

Used down to the very nub. These liners have been my favourite for about 5 years, and I don’t think that favour is being transferred any time soon. Super creamy, perfect for wearing along, but also acts like an adhesive for any lipstick that you fancy following it with. This colour is a soft nude, leaning slightly brown. Definitely need another.

Soap & Glory Peaches & Clean.

I have been eeking this bad boy out like you wouldn’t believe. At some point, and this is true of every bottle of this I have ever had, about 2/3 of the way down, the pump no longer likes to pump. This then involves unscrewing the lid and slapping it on the fleshy pad of your thumb until the magic formula emerges. After a while, even this doesn’t work, and water must be added to make a concoction that will pump again! Today I got myself a new one (hard work, it’s been out of stock everywhere), and it’s a larger size! Time shall only tell if the pump action is any better.

And that, as they say, is that! See you (hopefully soon) around these parts for another installment!

Much love,
Ani 

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