Fragrance Hauling 2013 Part I

Hi hi...... yes, it is a little late for 2013 greetings. Despite not blogging for quite a long time (yes, procrastination is my greatest enemy) , I have not forgotten to haul.

This time round, I hauled not just a few bottles of lovlies rather, a whole bunch of them which I think some might very well end up joining my "League of Extra-ordinary Fragrances".

I bring thee....... the new members of my fragrance family..... the Chanels.

L-R: Cristalle EDP, No.5 EDT, No.5 Eau Premiere EDP and Coco Noir. 

 The lovlies out of the box (I choose a cloudy day to photograph them as I am hoping to not expose them to too much sunlight- their greatest enemy).

Note: Apologies for the photo, I can't seems to get it "Straighten" up. : (

Chanel Cristalle EDP 100ml - got it during a storewide sale.

If you know my misadventure with its counterpart, Cristalle EDT which you know my heart is still sliently weeping every now and then for the wasted juice (my clumsy self broke a bottle of it). I could have gotten the EDT this time round but decided to try out the EDP which was my first choice when I bought the EDT (It was sold out, so the EDT naturally becomes the next best alternative).

Personally, I feel Cristalle EDP is a different fragrance from EDT. I don't say, dislike the EDP just that the EDT "speaks" to me more. Review of this coming up......

 No.5 EDT 100ml - Splurge on it during a sale as well.

Since I have worn 2 fragrances by Chanel and they impressed me quite a fair bit, I think it is time and makes sense to me to try the legendary No.5. No.5 is significantly pricer than the others in the regular lineup, the reason from what I understand is the quality of the Jasmine used in the composition of No.5. Although it is a EDT, do not make the mistake thinking that it is lighter or weaker, No.5 EDT is none of those.

I think No.5 EDT tells a different story to me versus the No.5 EDP. No.5 EDT is different from No.5 EDP, perhaps like identical twins with very different temperament.

I am a little disappointed during my acquisition of the above 2 Chanel fragrances, not because of the quality of the fragrances but because the lack of knowledge of the sales advisor attending to me.

First thing first, I am no fragrance connoisseur neither am I a Nose nor I can detect "hints of Iris, Jasmine, Ambergis". Everything is based on preference and gut feel. However I am rather certain that No.5 EDT is not the lighter version of No.5 EDP, the former is not the diluted version of the latter. Maybe some fragrances are formulated in that way, but No.5 isn't.

To be fair, not everybody is a fragrance fanatic or addict but to insist on something you don't even know is another thing altogether. Not dissatisfied with the service rendered but a tad disappointed that nobody there "speaks" my language. So, I did my thing.....be a good customer, pay and go.

 Chanel No.5 Eau Premiere EDP 125ml - Snagged it Tax-Free at the Airport.

Ah....... this beauty, while I have gotten No.5 EDT at a sale, when I chanced upon this quiet beauty I knew I couldn't possibly pass it up, especially at a good price.

Eau Premiere surprises me in a good way. Love it. Glad that I bite the bullet and bought the bigger bottle.

 Coco Noir EDP 100ml - Last minute buy at the Airport.

This is totally unplanned and I exceeded my fragrance budget because of this dark beauty. A last minute decision to flash my card at the counter before I board the plane. Still sitting on the fence, undecided whether to like it or not.

I imagined it to be dark, mysterious, smoky, wicked, sinfully, whatever that one can associate with the seductive dark side BUT...... not really. Will test drive it a few more times before reaching my verdict.

Total Damage: I don't dare to think about it. Yes, I like to live dangerously...... on bread, water and wind. Haha.....

Note: Yes, the scare of the EU banning Oakmoss or Tree moss in perfumery is one of the contributing factor for the splurge but no regrets here at all. : ) What can I say, I one happy but broke camper.



Fragrance of the Moment: Chanel Cristalle EDT

It has been quite a while since I did any Fragrance of the Moment. Well, I figure this would be a good time for it, to give credit for the fragrance that I was drawn to unexpectedly.

Now, I believe that the latest news regarding the banning of ingredients that would trigger allegry reactions by the European Union (IFRA) has set many Fragrance fanatics' heart thumping in anxiety and alarm. The latest ingredient to be banned if the legislation is to be passed would be Oakmoss or Tree moss. Rumour has it, it will come into effect in 2014. Yes, my heart thumped especially hard, simply because nearly half or possibly more than half of my favourites contain Oakmoss. This spells ARMAGEDDON to me and I am not kidding you.

Ok, coming back to the topic...... yes, Cristalle EDT.

This is the fragrance that I have walked pass the Chanel counter countless times and it has never occurred to me to actually spray it, sniff it and ponder over it. My attention has always been captured by those housed in the signature Chanel glass bottles.

I have always been an avid fan of Coco Mademoiselle and the Les Exclusifs line, so you can imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon this gem when I was contemplating on my next favourite-to-be.

The history and notes of Cristalle can be easily found, you can click on this to find out more

http://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Chanel/Cristalle-12.html

My first impression of Cristalle is its crisp and clear opening , a sober and fresh feeling that never fails to wake me up to face the day. Having said that, Cristalle is not a harsh fragrance, on the contrary it is smooth, soft, comfortable yet crystal clear to me. If Cristalle is a colour, it would be a light forest green with hues of blue.

As time works it's magic, I get to know Cristalle better... the softer side came through. I detect floral notes (sorry, I am not capable of identifying them like a perfumer though I wish I can someday), the green remains strong, the two are seamless together and also some earthly woody scent.

It is the perfect scent for the day, especially to work. I find it very appealing to wear to the office, professional yet not boring, it is simply beautiful.

All in all, I have never expected to fall so deeply into Cristalle so unexpectedly. Yes, I was about to finish an entire bottle of 100ml EDT in a record 3 months when I lost my grip and broke my bottle of Cristalle (with the remaining 20ml all lost to the floor). I let out a scream so loud that my parents actually came rushing to my room. I was more concerned about the lost of the fragrance than the danger of the glass shards cutting my hand (which fortuantely it didn't).

Totally loss sleep that fatefully night over it and I swear to get a brand new bottle as soon as I woke up the next morning.

                                                         Chanel Cristalle EDT 100ml.

                                          
                                         

                                        Picture of my first bottle when I was 1 month plus into it.

To know more about Oakmoss, you can click onto this

http://www.fragrantica.com/news/Oakmoss-in-Fragrances-2981.html

Priced at S$124.00 for 100ml EDT, available at all Chanel Counters. The EDP version of Cristalle is somewhat different which I will do a separate review later. It retails for S$144.00 for 100ml EDP, available at all Chanel Counters.

Get it if your life depends on it and stock up on in the face of the eventuality of reformulation. I know I would be, but would you?

Review and FOTD: Burberry Light Glow Natural Blush in Blossom

Hauling... there are just some days that you feel like nothing but to haul.

Okie, here's my most recent cosmetic hauling, a very small but quality haul. : )

I present Burberry Light Glow Natural Blush in No. 5 Blossom.

                                Burberry Light Glow Natural Blush in Blossom, 7g or 0.24oz.

                                                         Light Glow in No. 5 Blossom.

                                                  The iconic design, velvet-like pouch.

                                The details that the people at Burberry pays attention to.... : )

                                                                       Just Gorgeous.

                                                                 A Close look at the blush.

      The brush that comes with the blusher is not too bad, good if you are touching up outside.

                                                 One gentle swipe with my MAC129.

               After a whole day's work (8 to 9 hours later), i used 1 swipe on each side of the cheek.

Note:I usually go for the neutral and "try to have good complexion" kind of look as my company would not take certain look too well.

                                           The troop of makeup that i use in the morning.

The bases (L-R): RMK Pressed Powder in 04, RMK Smoothing Polished Base, RMK Liquid Foundation in 104 and Creamy Makeup base in 02.

Stila Eyeshadow Palette (forgot the name, it's a neutral palette), Clinique Lash Power Mascara in Black Onyx, The Bodyshop Brow & Liner Kit in 02 and Maquillage.

                        Highlighter: Chanel Empreinte de Chanel (used on top of the cheeks sparingly).

L-R: MAC 219, MAC 217, The Bodyshop Liner Brush, Shiseido Perfect Foundation Brush and MAC 129.

Well... well... well, i have heard so much rave about the quality of Burberry's makeup line and so now here's my humble take on the Blusher (the one item that interest me most, and the liquid foundation would come a close second).

Packaging is something that Burberry did very well in this aspect, the cloth cover and the metallic casing with the house's signature design simply ooze high-end, especially the lid is held closed with magnetic strip.

In terms of texture, the blusher is extremely soft and well...... buttery. It makes the picking up of powder a breeze, a very gentle swipe of my brush and what i get is well enough for 1 application. Impressive.What's more, the plaid design does not disappear that easily, i have been using it almost everyday (except my off-work days), it is still very much intact.

Colour payoff is something i would be quite concern about, considering that i am rather tan and most blushers would not show up that nicely on me. I realised my worries were actually unfound. The pigmentation of this blush is WOW. The very first swipe impart a healthy pinkish coral on my cheeks, it has a certain transparency that looks as if it is in my cheeks, not sitting on top of it. Intensity can be built up very easily, yet one does not have to be overly cautious as i do need to be with NARS blushers (yes, i am talking about my beloved Taj Mahal). Again, impressed.

Now, lasting power..... i have oily combination skin. In our tropical hot and humid weather, i would not expect the blush to wear as well on me as our foreign counterparts. I get about 5 to 6 hours of decent wear and by the time i reached home to take a snapshot of my face which is about 9 hours later (apologies of the half face photoshot, i swiped a cotton pad full of makeup cleanser before realising i have not taken a photohot yet). A hint of the colour remains, not too bad. I guess it will stay on better and longer on other skin types.

Overall, i really like how easy it is to wear the blush and the quality of it wow me. At this stage i am very much eager to try another blusher of theirs and probably their liquid foundation too.

So, yah i like it.

Priced at S$61.00 for 7g or 0.24oz, made in Italy. Available at Tangs Orchard.

Note: The Singapore pricing is quite comparable with the US pricing, so it is not necessary to ask friends to haul this for you overseas. Though i do find overseas GWP more generously than Singapore.

Haul:Hauling from my Taiwan Trip

Yes, i disappeared for quite a while...mainly for health reason which has been plaguing me to no end since Feb this year. Hope to recover from it real soon.. : )

I decided to take a break to go travelling and thus my humble hauling from Taiwan. : )

Without further ado, i introduce my haul.......

The "family"that just joined my stash.

A section of it.

My Naruko haul.

The Marjoram and Lavender Brightening Peeling Gel.

(1 for a BFF)

Naruko Narcissus Total Defence set (anti-aging and repair) which was available at a special price : )

Naruko Raw Job's Tear series- meant for whitening, repair and hydration. 

Naruko Raw Job's Tear Whitening Night Gelly- which i have been using for a week since i came back, will do a review of it soon.

Naruko Magnolia Brightening and Firming Night Eye Gelly.

The much-raved Albion Skin Conditioner.

Albion Exage Whitening Lotion I.

Albion facial cotton which is supposed to complement Albion products and i was amazed by it during the try out at the counter. Great customer service too, i say. : )

The free gift - 3 pcs of Exage Whitening Moisture masks.

Majolica Majorca Mascara Eye Gorgeous Wing Neo and Lash Enamel Glamour Volume On. Yes, they are much cheaper in Taiwan.

Lush's Karma.

Karma again (no pun intended here).

The list of ingredients -as the main composition of the fragrance are essential oils, so they must be used within 2 years (stated).

The Nail polishes- how can i forget them? : )

L-R: Fushia Pink, Lemony Yellow, Plum or something and Chanel's Peridot.

This is the only item not from Taiwan (from duty-free at Changi Airport).

A unique colour that i can't help but feel the need to show the pic again.

This is what i picked from Nature's Republic (i got 2 of it, 1 was for another BFF who eats nail polishes like nobody).

This Lemony sunny yellow just made my day, so gotta have it (from Face Shop).

The Pink caught my eye too.

The Nail Gang once again.

Swatches of the nail gang.

Nautical inspired hair accessory.

Fell in love with the detailing.

Handmade hair accessories.

Russian doll inspired hair clip. Caught my eye and seized my heart the moment i saw it.

Nautical hair accessory again. : )

That's all for now.

I will be doing some write ups on quite a number of products that i have been using for a month or so. So, keep visiting and do feel free to comment on things that i can improve on.

Until then, see you : )