I stopped by Fashion Island a few weekends ago with Beauty Professor for lunch and beauty shopping. One counter we stopped at was the Byredo counter at Neiman Marcus where I fell in love with their new Blanche Hand Cream ($35 for 30 ml/1 oz, made in France) and Bal d’Afrique L’Huile Parfum Oil Roll-On ($78 for 7.5 ml).
I’ve been a huge fan of Byredo candles, but since I don’t have easy immediate access to the line, it’s a fragrance brand that I tend to overlook because I like to smell things in person before buying. They recently released three hand creams in Blanche, Bal d’Afrique and La Tulipe, all of which have been on my radar for quite some time but I was reluctant to buy because of the packaging. These come in a sleek white squeeze tube similar to the original Stila Lipshines or Aesop Skincare tubes. They don’t keep their shape and seem extremely delicate, but after testing them, I had to give one a try. These are some of the fanciest hand creams I’ve ever seen and the scents are absolutely divine.
On the nails, Louboutin Sweet Charity (review here)
Blanche is a clean lightweight fresh floral with a soft linen feel. The notes include, top notes of White rose, pink pepper, aldehyde, heart notes are Violet, neroli, peony, base notes are Blond woods, sandalwood, musk. The texture is semi thick with an emollient feel and hydrates the hands nicely. The scent is just so luscious and luxurious – I can’t think of a better treat for your hands. That being said, I do think there are hand creams that will do a better job at moisturizing (my favorites here) but the Byredo one is still very good. If the packaging were sturdier I think I could give this a glowing rave review. Due to the delicate nature of this one, it’s not one I can comfortably carry in my purse or makeup bag even though I tend to be very careful with my purse contents.
Bal d’Afrique L’Huile Parfum Oil Roll-On was love at first smell. I opted for the roll on version because I used to use Gypsy Water spray version but found it induced a migraine if I didn’t spray it just right. Bal d’Afrique is a sweet scent that smells slightly fruity with a hint of peach. The notes include top notes of bergamot, lemon, neroli, African marigold, bucchu, heart notes of Violet, Jasmine petals, cyclamen and base notes of Black amber, musk, vetiver, Moroccan cedar wood. My nose doesn’t quite smell all those notes, to me it’s a mix of lemon, neroli and jasmine but the mix is quite unique. I adore this one which really surprises me because it’s on the sweet side and I normally do not like sweet scents on me. This is definitely more of a spring-summer kind of fragrance. I like it right now, but do feel it’s more seasonal rather than year-round. Lasting power is quite good on me, it lasts several hours without fading. I like the convenience of the roll on because it’s easy to apply precisely and also small enough to fit into a clutch or makeup bag.
I received a small sample at the counter of Mojave Ghost and Black Saffron – both of which smell amazing as well and are on my wishlist now.
Do you have any Byredo favorites? If not, what’s your current go-to scent? I’m always looking for recommendations to check out even though I have a super picky nose.
You can find Byredo at select Neiman Marcus stores and online. I’ve also bought items from the line in store at Barneys New York and online from Net-A-Porter.
I can't think of more fun lunch lunch buddies than you and the Beauty Professor. Love both of your knowledge all things beauty and skin care.
Sounds like a great hand cream..
Candice | Beauty Candy Loves
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Black Saffron is my favorite at the moment! Been wearing it for the last 6 months or so.
I love Byredo perfumes. My favorites are Bal d'Afrique, Inflorescence and La Tulipe.
Are you happy with the lasting power of the roll-on? I've loved Pulp and La Tulipe for years but always hesitate with the price tag because spritzes at the beauty counter always disappear from me within an hour! Excited to see La Tulipe is now in a hand cream; I wouldn't mind so much if that wasn't an all-day scent.
Hi Whitney – I really like the lasting power, but I feel the spray versions are a lot stronger with more lasting power on me. I suspect you will probably think the roll on doesn't last long enough – if you can get to a counter, I recommend trying it out first. My friend has the same experience as you with spray perfumes – they fade on her quickly too.
They both sound nice! I like the portability of a rollerball!
I absolutely love the packaging of the hand cream. I've been obsessing over Vermont's Original Bag Balm as hand cream. I've been trying to find a better replacement for it.
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They both sound lovely! I've been dying to try some Byredo scents, but they are hard to find where I live (pacific nw). How did you like Mojave Ghost? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this one!
Hi! Mojave Ghost is really interesting – this is one of those fragrances I'm glad I got a sample of. At the store it smelled incredible. Testing my sample at home seems to be slightly different. It's light and airy with a peach undertone. It's very girly, I think I need something less girly. It's still very unique.
Sounds interesting! I think I'm gonna bite the bullet and drive to the nearest Barneys this weekend… 😀 Thank you for sharing, Sabrina! I always enjoy reading your reviews and seeing your beautiful pictures. You are a true inspiration for me!
Hi Sabrina- what nail polish are you wearing in the photo with the tub of Blanche? Looks like a perfect neutral. I love Byredo Seven Veils (have the 3 spray set) and just tried the Gypsy Water roll-on. On me, the roll-on formula has better lasting power (and easier to drop in my bag) but I think the set of 3 spritzers is the best value (Plus I never get through a full bottle of any perfume).
Hi! I updated the post above, it's Louboutin Sweet Charity, review is here:
http://www.thebeautylookbook.com/2014/12/christian-louboutin-nail-color-nudes.html
Good to know about the roll ons! I also rarely get through a full bottle of perfume and prefer smaller travel sized sprays.
So curious on that hand cream. It seems like a good one which is worth trying out.
Hi Sabrina! I love your blog and have found many great beauty products based on your reviews and recommendations! I love your nail polish in these photos! May I ask what nail polish you used?
Many thanks!
Hi bumblebee – the polish is Louboutin Sweet Charity, full review posted here:
http://www.thebeautylookbook.com/2014/12/christian-louboutin-nail-color-nudes.html
I own La tulips and Accord oud want to buy Blance, Gipsy water. but I like almost all the fragrances by Byredo!
I love Bal d'Afrique. I have the spray and the roll-on. I also adore Bond No. 9 Astor Place and Oyedo (sp?) by Diptique.
Thanks for the polish update. Do you still find Sweet Charity requires 4 coats? I love the color but 4 coats is a motivation to find a dupe. As always, love your blog.
Hi W. – in this mani I used 3 coats of Sweet Charity, it still takes some work but is really lovely. I have a few older Chanels that are similar but also require 4 coats which is definitely a pain. I'm trying to find a dupe – there are definitely similar options for example in the Formula X Sheers range, but they also require 3-4 coats.