I'm a sucker for packaging especially around the holiday season when beauty brands go all out in the most exquisite packaging. These scented lovelies are for the friend, mother, co-worker, who enjoy sophisticated elegance.
1. Tocca Florence Bagno Da Viaggio Bath & Body Gift Set ($48 USD): A perfect gift for the woman who loves to travel. Included in this cream coloured box set inspired by old Italian candy boxes are travel-sized Florence shower gel, body lotion, and candelina. The luxurious lotion is very moisturizing and will help sooth dry, sensitive skin. The shower gel gently cleanses the skin while leaving the skin soft and smooth. The popular Tocca Candelinas will fill your room with a beautiful aroma. She'll be able to enjoy the fragrance of the orris rose scent of Florence wherever she goes. The boxed set makes gift giving easy especially for those last minute gifts!
2. Jo Malone Tasting Kit ($110 USD): Want to introduce a fragrance junkie to Jo Malone colognes? The Tasting Kit is a fabulous introduction set for the Art of Fragrance Combining. Jo Malone designed her scents to be layered with one another or worn individually. This kit comes with Pomegranate Noir Cologne (30 ml), and a tasting of three of its notes: Raspberry (9 ml), Casablanca Lily (9 ml), and Guaiacwood (9 ml). Pomegranate Noir is a sophisticated sensual scent that is spicy, woodsy, yet fruity. I usually love a combination of spicy fruity scents, but I'm on the fence with this one. It's a rather strong scent (the husband is not a fan) that sometimes makes me sneeze, but I'm still giving it a chance. The upside is that you have the option of mixing with the other 3 fragrances. Raspberry is just lovely on its own and my fave out of the set. Fragrance lovers will love creating their own signature scent. The leather boxed case alone makes a fantastic gift!
3. Bath & Body Works Signature Collection Radiant Powder Spray in Vanilla Noir ($12.25 USD sale price): Vanilla lovers will love spritzing this on before an evening out. The Radiant Powder Spray will give your skin a kiss of golden shimmer and a sweet hint of Madagascar vanilla. It also leaves your skin velvety soft. My favourite part is the glamourous vintage bottle! How luxe would this look on your vanity?? Love!
Have you tried any of these products? Love 'em? Hate 'em?
Makeup Junkie Holiday Gift Guide 2008: The Gift of Sophisticated Elegance
Calvin Klein Secret Obsession Winner!
Congratulations to:
Thank you for sharing and we hope you enjoy Secret Obsession by Calvin Klein, the coppery/bronze metal charm necklace with a clasp at the back and two handcuffs joined in front, and a Secret Obsession sleeping mask! Enjoy!"My secret obsession would have to be perfume. I just love it! I even take those little perfume samples out of my magazines and save them, I have like hundreds!"
Thank you to everyone that left a comment, but don't worry - there are still many prizes to be won by filling out our surveys!
Makeup Junkie Holiday Gift Guide 2008: The Gift of Scent!
Scent is such a powerful thing. Certain smells can draw you in and others can make you want to run the opposite way. Calvin Klein's new sultry and sexy fragrance, Secret Obsession ($38 - 55 USD), will leave you wanting more! I always thought the original Obsessions fragrance was a little strong for me, but I absolutely adore the exotic oriental scent of Secret Obession. The mix of sweet florals and deep woodsy notes will intoxicate you in only the best way possible. Perfect for spicing up the cold winter months. Some may find it too heavy for day but one spritz is all you need. I find deeper, more sultry scents last longer on the skin and this definitely does. Every time I wear it, the husband notices which means it makes the cut!
Secret Obsession is a definite must for those hot holiday parties or intimate, cozy nights by the fire. Don't be surprised if your secret obsession is being obsessed with this fragrance!
Wait there's more! Makeup Junkie is doing a special give away for Calvin Klein Secret Obsession!
Contest details:
Prize Give Away: One lucky winner will receive a full size bottle of Calvin Klein Secret Obsessions, a coppery/bronze metal charm necklace with a clasp at the back and two handcuffs joined in front, and a Secret Obsession sleeping mask!
To Win: All you have to do is tell Makeup Junkie what your secret obsession is or what your significant other's secret obsession is! Just leave a comment after the post with your email address. The winner will be randomly chosen.
Contest Date: November 21 - 24. Winner will be announced on November 24th at 12 pm!
My secret obsession? Trying on new lip products and taking close-up photos of my lips! Sexy right?? lol Have fun and good luck to everyone!
Beauty Review: Sarah Jessica Parker Is Lovely
No matter how many roles Sarah Jessica Parker plays I will always think of her as Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City. Who didn't have a little bit of Carrie in them? Well, now you can take a little piece of Sarah Jessica Parker with you by spritzing on her utterly feminine, ultra chic fragrance, Lovely ($32.50 - $67 USD). And like her character as Carrie, this scent is classic and timeless. Inspired by her love of layering scents the fragrance is a blend of Fresh Mandarin, Bergamot, Rosewood, Lavender, Apple Martini, Patchouli, Paper Whites, Orchid, Cedar, White Amber, Musk Woods. At first spritz, I found the fragrance a little strong but let it settle on the skin and it really is lovely. Every time I wear it, I feel sophisticated. The scent doesn't fade away like other fragrances.
What makes it even more lovely is that for a limited time and while quantities last you will receive the Blockbuster hit movie and collector's item, Sex and the City with your purchase of Lovely at your nearest Sears location! Canadian residents only - sorry! Hurry and purchase Lovely and receive the DVD before it runs out!
www.sears.ca
Beauty Review: Benefit Wants To Know Where's Your B-Spot?
Benefit Cosmetics always comes up with the most cheeky names and fun packaging. Where's your b-spot? Your inner wrist, behind the knee, neck-colletè, bend of the elbow? Benefit's newest fragrance, B-Spot ($42 CAD), comes with a sexy "body map" to find your b-spot pulse points. This light, fruity-floral scent is seductively girly and flirty. It's a beautiful mix of lush mango, freesia, peony, sandalwood, and amber.
I'm usually sensitive to fragrances but I really like B-Spot. It's the perfect scent for day wear or a warm sunny day. I've received many compliments which means it doesn't make others gag when I walk by or come close to them! The worst thing ever is being stuck in a confined space with someone drowning in perfume or cologne. I find the scent lasts for a few hours then fades on the skin but I do smell it on my clothes and hair at the end of the day.
My b-spot is the inner wrist, neck, and hair. I like to spray a mist in the air and walk my head into it. Sounds weird but it lasts longer! Spritz on B-Spot and let someone else find your b-spot! ;)
Have you tried Benefit B-Spot fragrance? Love it? Hate it?
www.benefitcosmetics.com
Beauty Review: Tom Ford – White Patchouli Fragrance for Autumn
In the spirit of the true autumn season, I spritzed on Tom Ford’s White Patchouli eau de parfum. Although it is a parfum, this one comes in a spray, which I find is nice.
The notes are strong. Wood scented and spicy, this scent danced across my nose in a very intimate way. I am a woman who enjoys the sweeter scents, and although Tom Ford’s fragrance was bold, it was ultimately romantic.
Notes include Coriander, White Peony, and Blonde Woods, but don’t be mistaken - this bottle will be sure to change and adapt to anyone’s body chemicals.
Tom Ford can be found at Holt Renfrew for $165 (CDN) FOR A 50Ml bottle.
Take a little bit of the fall with you, wherever you go.
www.tomford.com
Ahh, the Sweet Smell of Fall!
As soon as we say farewell to August and hello to September the distinct scent of Fall is in the air. I think a lot of it has to do with the memories of going back to school, finding the perfect outfit, the perfect way to do your hair/makeup and of course the perfect fragrance. This Fall, some introductions to the world of fragrance are:
This is a light and fresh fragrance, both sensual and feminine – lovely for those of you who like the smell of perfume without it being too overpowering. The packaging is clean, with a subtle Burberry print definitely not in your face but stylish at the same time.
Notes: Guava, Pear, Tahitian Tiare Flower, Musk, Honey, Patchouli.
This is more on the musky, woody side. This fragrance is for someone who likes strong, rich scents. I love the packaging, Gucci has done a solid square bottle for many of their perfumes but this one looks so classy in chocolate brown with gold trimmings and it comes with an adorable little charm. So cute!
elle by Yves Saint Laurent
Notes: Cedrat, Peony, Lychee, Pink Berries, Freesia, Jasmine, Patchouli, Vetiver, Ambrette.
This fragrance is a mix between floral and fruity, so lovely! It's very light but lasts all day. And the pinkish-purple bottle with gold monogram is hot! Perfect for you fashionistas!
Beauty Review: Father's Day Gift Ideas
Father's Day is just around the corner and thoughts of digital cameras, watches, plasma tv's, and golf clubs are milling about in your head. As a kid, I never used to panic about what to get my father because he was always happy with a cute drawing and lots of hugs. Now that I'm a wife of a husband that is a father, I'm thinking an amateur drawing of us and lots of hugs would be a nice thought but wouldn't cut it lol. If high-tech gadgets are a little out of your budget, cologne and men's skin care is always the next best gift! Here are some gift ideas that will keep him smelling good and his skin looking great!
Tommy Bahama Set Sail South Seas Cologne ($52.50): It's a light, refreshing scent perfect for summer. With a fusion of watery nuances, violets, rum, and citrus blends it's crisp and woodsy scent is fresh but masculine. The scent and the packaging remind me of a beautiful island escape. Every time I smell it on my husband I'm whisked away!
YSL L'Homme Limited Edition Design by Jean Nouvel ($79.50): For the modern man that appreciates style and architecture. The bottle, designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, was inspired from the shape of a test tube or rather a symbol of a man's virility. A fresh, woody fragrance that is both sparkling and sensual!
HydraMen Shave Gel and After-Shave Balm: If your father is an eco-friendly/organic kind of guy, then load him up with HydraMen Shave Gel and After-Shave Balm! Every man has to shave so why not give him something that is nutritious for his skin and environmentally friendly? My husband appreciated the clear shave gel because you can see exactly where you're shaving which means no ugly razor nicks! He also didn't mind the sweet almond scent. The after-shave balm was soothing and didn't leave any residue on the skin. Sounds like a winner!
Lancome Men Energizer Total Gift Set ($65): Most guys tend to neglect their skin and figure that those dark circles and wrinkles will disappear on its own. The problem is men just don't know what to buy so why not make it easier and buy the gift of energized, revitalized and supple skin! This gift set includes 1 Energizer Total, 1 Ultimate Cleansing Gel, 1 Trial Size of of High Definition Shave Foam all packaged in a sleek black pouch.
Happy shopping! Wishing all the father's a Happy Father's Day!
