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Fragrance

Fragrance Skincare

Byredo Bal d’Afrique L’Huile Parfum Oil Roll-On and Blanche Hand Cream

February 10, 2015

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.

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Diptyque Fragrance Home / Interiors

Diptyque Rosafolia

January 10, 2015

This spring Diptyque has released a the new rose-themed collection called Rosafolia. It includes three new items including the Rosafolia Candle, Scented Oval and a new perfume called Eau Plurielle. I ordered the candle which comes in a beautiful limited-edition white jar with a lovely rose and ivy design. This year’s special rose scent has a new fresh twist on rose. The best way I can describe it is as a green rose.

Per Diptyque, Rosafolia is “a scented candle whose verdure, enhanced by a touch of galbanum, is gracefully diffused at the heart of Turkish rose absolute, the softness of petals sharpened by the understated vitality from a hint of geranium.” There is a green touch to it which rounds out the floral notes. Compared to last year’s Rosamundi, Rosafloria is clearly more green and with a fresher and slightly sweeter touch. Last year’s Diptyque special rose release was a bit more floral and almost powdery in scent.

Rosafolia is bottom line gorgeous. I highly recommend you check it out. I ordered mine from Diptyque South Coast Plaza. It’s also available now online at Nordstrom and Diptyque.

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Diptyque Fragrance Home / Interiors

Diptyque Benjoin and Cuir

January 6, 2015

Beauty Look Book readers know I’m a dedicated fan of Diptyque. So far I’ve loved every candle from the line that I’ve bought or received as a gift. There are some scents that are harder to find because they are either boutique or online exclusives. I have one of each to share with you, one hit and one miss.

Benjoin ($60 for 6.5 oz) is an online exclusive described as “somewhere between vanilla and caramel” with notes of patchouli and Indian cypriol. I had high hopes for this one expecting a well rounded sweet vanilla and caramel candle, something along the lines of Henri Bendel Vanilla Bean (my all time favorite vanilla candle).

When I opened the box I was a bit thrown by the smokey and woody notes that had a slight floral and powdery feel. The good thing about this candle is that it has a very good throw and fills up the room with the scent quickly. In the jar it does smell like a mix of caramel and vanilla, but in a synthetic way that has a plastic feel and the woody notes makes it turn a bit. Since this was an online exclusive, I ordered 2 and burned through an entire candle to test it and see if if would grow on me. My friends really like this one but for me this was a miss – mainly because I was expecting something sweeter and more rounded. I just started to burn my second one to see once again if I could grow to love it, for me all I smell is powder and smokey wood with a very slight hint of vanilla. I think it’s going to be re-gifted very soon.

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Another one I’ve been testing is Cuir ($60 for 6.5 oz) which is a Diptyque Boutique exclusive. It is occasionally listed online but it always seems to be sold out (I’ve bought mine in stores). The description from Diptyque is “this candle evokes the scent of tanned leather with birch bark,
characteristic note of Cuir de Russie.” They say it is “perfect for an
office.”

For me this one has been pure love since the first time I smelled it in store. It does have a leather and birch bark feel but with a very clean feel. It has a freshness that almost reminds me of soap, although the candle isn’t really soapy – it’s hard for me to describe, but if you can visit one of the Diptyque stores, I highly recommend smelling it. It’s very unique and different from most candles. I bought it for my husband’s office, but ended up borrowing it (permanently) from him and have repurchased it twice.

If you haven’t been to a Diptyque store, I highly recommend you put it on your list for the new year. They are beautifully designed with exclusives you can’t find at other retailers. (They have the full range of large and small photophores which are beautiful, one featured here). See my coverage on South Coast Plaza, Maiden Lane and Larchmont.

Have you tried or bought any of the Diptyque online or store exclusives? What are your favorites? If you bought Benjoin online, what did you think?

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Fragrance

Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black Solid Perfume

December 27, 2014

The latest addition to the Elizabeth and James Nirvana line is the Solid Perfume Compact ($48 for 3.9 g / 0.14 oz). I’m a huge fan of the Nirvana Black in both the Eau De Parfum Spray and Mini Rollerball version (previous review can be found here). It has a mix of violet, sandalwood, vanilla making it a warm deep scent I like for date nights and going out. The solid perfume comes in a small but very sturdy mirrored compact. It has the signature Elizabeth and James Nirvana packaging in either black or white with the gold edging. The compact itself is quite beautiful. It comes with a soft black protective pouch you can store it in before placing it into a clutch or pouch if you carry it on-the-go.

The scent of the Nirvana Black Solid is identical to the Eau de Parfum versions although it has a slightly softer feel and not quite as strong throw. It’s still noticeable and lasts just as long as the liquids (at least in the few days I’ve tested it). I think it’s perfect for touch ups and the subtle nature of the solid makes it where you don’t have to worry about your fragrance being overwhelming if you apply in public.

For size reference, in the palm of my hand:

The Solid Compact shown below next to the 1 oz Eau de Parfum Spray and the Nirvana White and Black mini 0.24 oz rollerballs (previously Beauty Insider 100 point exclusives, but you can buy them for a limited time as a Rollerball Set for $20 at Sephora)

I like all three versions, but am slightly partial to the mini rollerballs because they are so cute and easy to carry around with me. Perfume is something I usually forget in the mornings so having something I can have with me in my purse to spray on in the car is really handy for me. The Solid Perfume is cased in a beautiful compact which makes applying perfume a really nice experience. If you’re new to the Elizabeth and James Nirvana line I highly recommend looking into the Mini Rollerball Duo as soon as you can – it’s a great way to try both fragrances at a fraction of the price for the full sized bottles.

The Elizabeth and James Solid Perfumes in Nirvana Black and Nirvana White retail for $48 each and are both limited-edition. Right now they exclusive for purchase to VIB/VIB Rouge Members on Sephora.com but will be available for everyone to purchase online starting next week and expected to be available in stores starting January 2015.

The Elizabeth and James Solid Perfume was provided as a press sample for review consideration. All other items purchased by me, roller ball minis redeemed by me with my own Sephora Beauty Insider Points.

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Fragrance Home / Interiors

Diptyque x Tomas Maier Collaboration

December 7, 2014

Tomas Maier and Diptyque have partnered on an exclusive collaboration. Their collection features three new candles cased in beautiful matte black glass jars and embossed with white palm trees on the front. The three scents are inspired by places that are meaningful to Tomas Maier which include the barrier island of Palm Beach (PB), a coastal north Atlantic island in Maine, West District Road (WDR), and a bluff top lair at the extreme point of Long Island, Old Montauk Highway (OMH). Each candle retails for $65 and are exclusive to Diptyque Boutiques, Diptyqueparis.com and Tomas Maier stores.

 

I ordered these a few weeks ago and have been burning each one to test them thoroughly. I’m in love with each one, but my favorite is Palm Beach. Unfortunately these have been released in extremely limited quantities, they are currently sold out on Diptyque’s website and I’ve been told stores have limited stock. If you’ve been contemplating these, I suggest you call your local boutique or the Tomas Maier Madison Ave store (212) 988-8686 sooner than later to see if they have any left in stock (or ask to be put on the waiting list for their next shipment). It always pains me a little to write about something after it’s sold out, but in case you’ve been waiting for my review, here it is.

Palm Beach “PB”  is described as: humid, tropical, breezy, floral, evokes a walled, tropical garden on a southern Florida barrier island featuring scents of jasmine and iris, lemon and lime trees, salt from the sea and fresh cut grass

This is my one favorite of the three and I’ve been burning this one the most. It’s a refreshing mix of citrus and floral, the jasmine and iris are noticeable but the lemon/lime addition dominates it very uplifting. The salt helps balance out the fragrance preventing it from being too sweet or floral. The throw is medium on this one, it’s not super strong or overpowering, but I’ve found it to be just right.

West District Road “WDR”  is described as: dry, northern, still, woods, reminiscent of the scents on a saltwater farm of a Northern Atlantic island plush with ferns, fir and birch trees, hay, wild iris and meadow rose, moss and sea mist

There is something raw, green and very much sea-like about this candle. It’s not quite a pure woodsy fragrance, but it’s has that woodsy feel. It’s an earthy green, you can definitely smell the mix of ferns and fir trees inside. The addition of iris and rose soften it up so it’s not too earthy. It burns with a very clean feel. Throw on this is very strong.

Old Montauk Highway “OMH” is described as: moist, heather dunes, windswept, on a bluff high above the roaring Atlantic Ocean featuring scents of lady slipper orchids, black pine, bayberry, heather misted by the salty ocean breeze

This one has a smokey vibe. It has an interesting hint of heather and orchid, but smells like firewood that is lighter with a hint of salt and florals and green mixed in. I find this one to be the most masculine out of the three, but it burns clean and is still more of a unisex kind of home fragrance. If you like girly scents for the home, this one might not be the one for you. However, if you like scents along the lines of Feu de Bois but want something lighter and not as woodsy, this one is perfect. Throw on this is medium-strong.

I ordered my candles from Diptyque at South Coast Plaza and a few more online at Diptyque for Black Friday. Stores received a very limited amount and the website is currently sold out of all three. You might want to call your local stores sooner than later. If they have a waiting list I highly recommend it.

Also if you’re near a Diptyque store, I’d recommend calling to check out if they are having a holiday event soon. South Coast Plaza has theirs this Thursday December 11th from 6 to 9 PM. Call them at (714) 850-9995 to RSVP, ask for Raven or Noa. (As of yesterday, they were sold out of PB, but still have the others WDR and OMH available.)

Have you checked out the Diptyque + Tomas Maier collection yet? What did you think? Which one is your favorite?
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Fragrance

Lumira Paradisium Collection

November 24, 2014

Lumira Paradisium Collection c/o, Scarf by Nordstrom, Bracelet by Tiffany T, Clutch by Truffle c/o, Chanel Card Case

Australian-based home fragrance candle designer Lumira has just released new fragrance and body items in their Paradisium Collection. There is an Eau de Parfum ($90 AUD, 50ml/1.7fl.oz), Candle ($40 AUD, 180g/6.3oz) and Hand & Body Cream ($30 AUD, 100ml/3.3oz), each are exquisite and unlike anything else I’ve ever tried. Lumira kindly sent me samples to try and I’m head over heels in love with the Eau de Parfum. Description from Lumira:

“The Paradisium signature eau de parfum opens with the freshness of Bergamot, Grapefruit and Lemon,
developing into a luscious heart of Fig Nectar and Guava before settling with Vetiver, Sea Moss and Cedarwood. Lumira’s Paradisium Collection pays homage to Earth’s natural abundance, seducing with notes of luscious green fig intertwined with fresh bergamot to produce a light, sophisticated fragrance for man or woman, evocative of a verdant Mediterranean nirvana.”

The Eau de Parfum is a wonderful refreshing and bright scent. The mix of all the notes is really incredible. There is a hint of fig which I adore in candles and shower gels but have never been able to wear in a perfume until now. I’ve found scents like fig to be good for the home, but not wearable. Lumira Paradisum is perfect. The mix of cedar wood and vetiver helps tone down the sweetness and gives it depth and edge. There are bursts of citrus with the Grapefruit and Lemon which make this a fresh lightweight scent. It’s not too youthful nor is it too mature, it’s right in between and although I do believe picking a fragrance is an extremely personal depending on tastes, mood, age, gender, Lumira Paradisium seems to be a fragrance that I feel can suit many. 

I would have never thought the mix of Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon, Fig Nectar, Guava, Vetiver, Sea Moss and Cedarwood would be a good mix. It seems extremely complex and complicated with so many different notes combined. Paradisium is a complex scent but it’s blended perfectly in a way that it’s not overpowering at all. The strength of the Eau de Parfum is really really good, lasting all day and into the evening.

I found the scent of the Body Cream and Candle to be identical to the Eau de Parfum. The Hand and Body Cream is luxuriously moisturizing but not greasy. It has Shea Butter and Macadamia Seed Oil. It makes the hands feel very smooth. I haven’t used it on the body yet, mainly because it’s so incredible on the hands and I want to make it last.

The Paradisium Candle comes cased in a matte ebony black jar with a gold interior. It’s quite luxe. I found it took about 10 minutes of burn time for the initial burn before I could smell the scent fill the room. There’s something classic about the black jar and subtle glossy embossed lettering that makes this very elegant looking. It makes a good decorative accent to the home without being distracting.
Paradisium is more of a spring fragrance for me, but I still think it’s perfect for right now. In Southern California we are wondering if winter will ever arrive. Our summer came very late, it seems winter is stalling here as well – not that I’m complaining. All three items in the new collection are winners. I hope they are not limited-edition because I know I will be burning through the candle very soon and need to replenish. 
You can find Lumira products on atelierlumira.com (they do ship internationally). Additional stockiest listed here. Have you tried Lumira before? If so, what are your favorites?
Many thanks to Lumira for sending me samples for review.
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Diptyque Fragrance

Diptyque Winter Landscapes // Hiver, Épice and Résine

November 11, 2014
Diptyque’s Winter Landscapes Collection for this holiday include three new limited-edition candles in Hiver (Winter), Épice (Spice) and Résine (Pine). The scents this year come in three options: the full 6.5 oz ($68), the mini 2.4 oz ($34) and a trio of 2.4 oz minis ($98). I purchased the full size of each candle. The packaging design is absolutely beautiful this year and all three scents are phenomenal. My favorite is Résine which reminds me of last year’s Pine Bark.


The boxes have an exquisite design, I find them just as beautiful as the actual candle jars:

Up first is Hiver (Winter) which comes cased in a teal blue glass jar, it’s described as a “balsamy world of contrasts, where the biting wind gusts beside the nourishing wood fire.” It’s a unique light and fresh winter scent. This one is the most difficult for me to describe but it smells just like winter. It has a very soft uplifting and soothing feel to it.

Next is Épice (spice) described as “a voluptuous, warm-scented candle filled with vibrant cinnamon rounded with enchanting plum.” This one has a warm spicy cinnamon feel. The plum in it helps smooth and round out the scent with a bit of sweetness. If you don’t like sharper cinnamon spice scents because you find them too strong, this one will be perfect for you. If you want something stronger, I’d recommend you opt for the Le Redoute candle. Epice has a good throw, but it’s not as strong as some of the other Diptyque scents I’ve tried.

Last but not least, my favorite is Résine (Pine) which is described as a “wintery scented candle with notes of generous pine, comfortingly whole amidst bark, crushed needles and resin.” It’s a beautiful scent that I absolutely adore. I stocked up on last year’s Pine Bark but burned through all of them. I was sad when I used up the last one but am thrilled Diptyque released a similar scent. This year’s version of Pine smells a bit softer and greener, more like actual pine. I will be ordering back ups of this one.

All three scents for this holiday are winners in my mind. I find them perfect for the fall and holiday season. The packaging design is absolutely divine this year. I love that they have a packaged trio of minis as a boxed set which will make a luxurious gift. I will be buying back ups and they are for sure on my gift list for close ones I know love Diptyque.

The full sized candles are priced at $68 each, minis are $34 each, trio of minis is $98. All are limited-edition. You can find them now at all Diptyque boutiques and counters. Online at Nordstrom, Space NK, Neiman Marcus and Diptyque Paris.

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