Fragrance Hauling 2013 Part II

Part II of the fragrance hauling......

This time round, I have gotten myself, 2 Angels, 1 Royalty and 1 Icon.... haha...

More review coming up.

Angel No.1 Thierry Mugler Angel EDT 40ml - unintentional purchase.

 The comet...... absolutely irresistible falcon, reminded me of "I wish upon a star......".

 The star within reach which rest on my palm.

 Angel No.2 Thierry Mugle Angel Aqua Chic 50ml - Another unintentional purchase, which would just mean that I need to stop doing "unintentional" purchases.

Look at the silver sparkles on the glass, they are firmly "stucked" to the bottle. 

Hoho...... I captured another star. More to come perhaps?

 The Royalty Amouage Jubilation XXV EDP 100ml - my biggest splurge yet.

 Look at the dignified pose.

 A card that lies on the bottom of the box.

 A Thank you note and the signature of the person who handpacked your bottle of fragrance. I wish the signature is in arabic (the regal feel would be stronger, but then of course I wouldn't be able to understand what's written on the card then).

 The Icon Miller Harris L'Air de Rien EDP 100ml - created for she who started the lemming for THAT bag around the world and had that bag named after her.

 Created by Lyn Harris for Jane Birkin, heard she was intensely involved in the creating of it.

Very intriguing scent indeed.

Total Damage: Burying my head under my pillow, denying committing crimes of "unintentional purchaes".

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?

Event: The Grand Bal Dior

Just received this in my mailer.....

It seems to me that Dior started to churn out palettes that resembles a clutch year after year during the festive season since 2009 or 2010. 

This year's palette, Palette Grand Bal Carnet de Maquillage seems to be a tad plain compared to last year's pastel garden theme. Gold, silver and red seems to dominate this season and its not difficult to see why.

And yes, Dior has a upcoming event at Intercontinental Hotel Singapore at Middle Road on 5th October, do rsvp by 24th September if you are interested. 

Review: OPI Vintage Minnie Mouse Collection

Just when you thought what's next after their collaboration with the Muppets, the Pirates of the Carribeans.... what else can they come up with?

Yes, the most recent collaboration would be with our dearest gloved gal friend...... Minnie Mouse.

The entire collection is rather small compared to the ones that OPI churns out every now and then, there are only 4 colours in it, mainly the Pinks and the Reds.

There is a creme based pink polish "If You Moust You Moust", a pinkish semi translucent polish with heart shaped flake "Nothin' Mousie 'Bout It", a shimmery bluish cool tone red "The Colour of Minnie" and "I'm all Ears" which is a shimmery stronger tone of Pink (almost red).

Red is not my colour, although i like it very much but it just does not grow on me, be it on the body, on the face or on the nails.

I got myself just "Nothin' Mousie 'Bout It" as i am drawn to the cute hearts suspended in the translucent pinkish liquid. 

                                                                 Nothin' Mousie 'Bout It.

                                                 2 Coats but with strategically placed hearts......

The quality of this polish did not wow me, like i mentioned earlier its just a matter of impulse buy as i regretted it after eagerly apply it on my thumb the first thing i reached home with it.

The consistency of the polish is slightly thicker than the creme formula but not so thick that it makes spreading of the polish on the nails a chore. Although getting the hearts out of the bottle requires some practice, you would need patience as well as a tooth pick to help you get some hearts out, and placed them on the nails.

The end result is something that is rather cute (definitely not for corporate world), and i almost forgot that i regretted hauling it home with me. It takes 2 coats to get some decent colour on the nail, 1 coat is sufficient if you are layering it over another colour.

Not a must buy from the collection, a must if you grew up singing the Mickey Mouse song and that Minnie Mouse is the only mouse you will not jump on the chair when you see her.

Available at Scape Weekend market for S$10.00.

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.

Fragrance Quest II: Hunting for the Hard to find......

Yes, the quest for the hard-to-find and discontinued fragrances continues......

This time, i am rather well rewarded with my first hunt. I managed to hunt down the long discontuinued Yohji Yamamoto Yohji Homme. Of course, initially i wasn't meant to have it as it was reserved by the shop owner for somebody else.

As fate would have it, when i was about to leave the store empty handed, she called me back telling me that she has 1 last bottle of the precious liquid that i am looking for. Yes, 1 last bottle in the shop and it will not be in stock ever again, so maybe that is the very last bottle of Yohji Homme in Singapore, and yes, i went home poorer but excited about this rare find.

I did not leave the store with just 1 bottle, since i managed to snag Yohji Homme i went on to get a bottle of Gucci Rush which i heard is also discontinued and the few departmental stores i went to do not stock it anymore.

Really excited to wear these 2 rare finds, however i am in a dilemma too. If the 2 fragrances do not grow on me, well that's fine but if they turned out to be something i find myself reaching too more than i would like to, i would be in trouble......

Where am i supposed to find another bottle of Yohji Homme at a reasonable price ? (trust me, ebay is evil bay for some things). As for Gucci Rush, i guess i should still be able to snag a few bottles should i find it to be something i can't keep my hands off.

Well, reviews coming soon too (i hope).

                                     Left: Yohji Yamamoto Yohji Homme, Right: Gucci Rush.

                                               The much sought after Yohji Homme- 30ml.

 I guess the stocks is really old as it is a 1999 fragrance, so some words on the bottle simply flaked away.

 

                     Yohji Homme used to be available in 50ml (it would be housed in a white box).

                                                                    Gucci Rush-75ml EDT .