Filed In: fragrance

Prada Fragrance · La Femme & L’Homme

The latest releases from Prada created by Daniela Andrier, La Femme et L’Homme Prada, are blurring the gender lines — a concept which is perfectly captured and epitomized in the brand’s campaign video. With starkly elegant packaging that mimics the texture of Saffiano leather goods, these fragrances are “designed to take the wearer on a voyage through place, memory and time, where somehow there appears a sensual meeting point for these distinct female and male fragrances to consummate an aesthetic relationship through experimentation and tradition” Umm, Okay.

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L’Oréal Paris · Infallible Total Cover Foundation, Concealer/Corrector Kits & Beauty Sponge

February 5, 2017

L’Oréal Paris recently added to the Infallible range with the launch of several new face products, including Total Cover Foundation, Total Cover Concealing and Contouring Kit, Total Cover Professional Colour Correcting Kit and 3 new Blend Artist beauty sponges. I was kindly sent all 12 shades of the foundation to try and while I personally prefer light to medium coverage, I was curious to see how these would compare to one of my faves, the Pro-Matte version.

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Elizabeth Arden · Prevage City Smart, Prevage Anti-Aging Foundation & Always Red Femme

January 25, 2017

Some brands seem to fly under the radar, yet in my opinion, they also happen to release some of the most amazing products out there. Elizabeth Arden is one such brand, and apart from some pretty awesome colour cosmetics (some of their past bronzers are to die for), they also happen to make one of my absolute favourite skincare ranges, Prevage.

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Fragrance Spotlight: Miss Dior Absolutely Blooming

December 22, 2016

Having been trained in classical piano (I even taught for 12 years), I appreciate harmony & composition — two major components that are also necessary for the creation of a fine scent. The latest member of the Miss Dior family, Absolutely Blooming created by Dior perfumer François Demachy, is one such lovely ode … complete with an exquisite bottle to match.

As a sidenote, with Christmas just three days away (OMG), this little jewel will be a big hit for that fragrantista on your list. Oh, and how perfectly delicious is Natalie Portman in the ad campaign image? Which reminds me: must acquire a pink velvet sofa …

Natalie Portman for Miss Dior Absolutely Blooming

Miss Dior Absolutely Blooming (CAN $119.00/50 ml) | The press kit for this fragrance intrigued me from the start:

“Fresh and sexy, Natalie Portman is a timeless, yet different Miss Dior. The camera runs sensually up her legs, revealing the stunning figure of a dancer. Clad in a little black dress, the new Miss Dior teases and casts steamy glances. She is fiery and playful, confidently seductive. As enticing as ever, she stretches like a cat at the window of a Parisian apartment, or lounges on a pink couch. Janis Joplin sings a heart-rending song of love in the background. She is the absolutely irresistible heroine of a new fragrance with a sassy charm”

I think it was the part of the stretching cat … or no, the Parisian apartment that grabbed me. Could also be the pink couch. Basically, this one little blurb was enough to get me going. Then, I tried the scent itself and it I was ooh-la-la-ing all over the place. Without wasting words, this is the floral I always wish I could wear — and now I can (if that makes any sense). The breakdown of notes:

Tangy Red Berries (top notes)
Grasse and Damascus Roses, Peony Accord (heart notes)
White Musk (base note)

As someone who has tended to shy away from anything floral, I initially hesitated to dive into Miss Dior Absolutely Blooming (certain florals have been known to trigger and instant migraine with me) which is why I was pleasantly surprised by how beautifully this fragrance meshed with my body chemistry. The combination of berries, roses, peonies and white musk notes has been masterfully blended to produce a scent that is at once joyous, flirty, feminine, sensual and just a hint rocker … which basically reflects the multi-faceted woman of today. A floral that doesn’t scream syrupy daintiness? Ummmmm …. absolutely.

Available at The Bay, Sephora & select retailers nationwide

PR sample/As always, all opinions are my own

The Loop Duty Free Montréal The Joy of Giving continues!

December 15, 2016

With Christmas only 10 days away (WHAT?!) and with many of us in a flurry of planning a Winter/Holiday getaway, it’s easy to lose track of all the gifts one needs to pick up but if you’ll be travelling from Montréal, never fear: The Loop Duty Free has got your back.

For my loved ones, something I really enjoying giving is fragrance, since not only is this a truly personal touch (particularly effective when you know the person & their tastes well) but one that links scent to so many wonderful memories as well. One thing that impressed me at The Loop from my very first visit, is the incredible array of fragrances available (seriously, there are literally WALLS filled with every imaginable bottle) as well as the visible representation from all the major brands. There are even unique one-of-a-kind gift sets/travel sets that you’ll only find there — now THAT’s an original present — as well as tons of accompanying accessories (body lotions, shower gels, etc) to go with that special fragrance. As always, sweetening the deal even further is the fact that you’ll not only be getting an opportunity to pick up any forgotten gifts (or maybe wanting to indulge in a little something-something for yourself), but you’ll be getting it at a discount: minimum 20% less than downtown retailers, with the exception of MAC at 15% less. One last bonus: you can also pre-order your purchases through The Loop’s website; this way all you need do is show up, pay & go!

By the way, the wide assortment of choice is not just for the ladies; the men’s selection of fragrances is equally impressive and all-encompassing — prepare to be blown away. And unless you already know exactly what it is you want to pick up, plan on spending tons of time browsing through all the goodies (just don’t miss your flight, please).

Follow along to stay “in The Loop” as I continue to explore this amazing store!