Antica Farmacista | Home Ambiance Fragrances & Scented Candle

June 8, 2015

When I was recently introduced to the fragrant world of Antica Farmacista from my friend and fellow blogger Jane of Daly Beauty (aka: the Perfume Whisperer – her knowledge in this field is unequalled), it was love at first sight: then, I looked over this brand’s extensive catalog of room scents, bodycare & hand creams, scented candles, as well as nickel-plated accessories … and I basically melted. Beauty overload.

With their glamorous vintage look, unique scent combinations, and attention to detail – from the labelling/packaging to the actual products themselves – nothing has been overlooked: exquisite craftsmanship, luxurious indulgences, and pampering ideology being the backbone of this brand.

Founded in 2003 by Seattle-based best friends Susanne Pruitt and Shelley Callaghan, they were the first to bring home ambiance diffusers to the US (which now includes over 20 scents) and since then, Antica Farmacista products have made their way into several high-end retailers and luxury hotel markets.

As a beauty blogger, it’s always about the details for me, and surrounding myself with the intoxicating yet soothing fragrances of these products while I work, only adds to my inspiration. There’s something about a lit scented candle that keeps one centred and I cannot begin to describe the sensorial experience of walking into a room that’s been touched by the subtle kiss of one of Antica Farmacista’s home ambiance diffusers.

*Please note that my original product photos seem to have mysteriously disappeared from my computer and I had to retake them all; since I [stupidly] assumed all was fine, I began my testing of the home ambiance diffusers – which should explain the discrepancies shown in the product usage between the bottles.

Antica Farmacista | Home Ambiance Fragrances in Santorini and Vaniglia, Bourbon e Mandarino (tray, my own)

Vaniglia, Bourbon e Mandarino (US $26.00/100 ml includes white birch reeds) | Available in 3 sizes including the one shown here, along with US $66.00 for 250 ml and US $94.00 for 500 ml. From the brand:

‘A delightful twist on a Vanilla-based fragrance. The sweet richness of warm Vanilla is paired with Mandarin of Sicily, a crisp full-bodied citrus fragrance. Rounding out this warm blend is the spicy essence of Bourbon. These combined elements result in something very unexpected and wonderful’

Housed in retro apothecary-style bottles tied with a small satin ribbon at the neck and capped with a cork topper, each home ambiance diffuser comes with its own set of white birch reeds. Once inserted into the bottle, it is recommended to reverse the reeds every few days to refresh the scent. Vaniglia, Bourbon e Mandarino is a warm and sultry scent, made youthful and fresh with its touches of citrus — a perfect combination which prevents it from coming across as cloying. I can get a little obsessive about anything vanilla-scented, although I steer clear of those nauseating artificial fragrances, a far cry from the beautiful and subtly sophisticated blend of this elixir.

Santorini (US $26.00 includes white birch reeds) | Available in 3 sizes including the one shown here, along with US $66.00 for 250 ml and US $94.00 for 500 ml. From the brand:

‘A medley of crisp citrus and green notes artfully paired with exotic spice and natural wood essences. Top notes of vibrant italian bergamot sweet verbena and fresh vetyver are enhanced by the subtle sweetness of rosewood, warm sandalwood and aromatic cardamom’

When I’m not leaning towards orients and warm amber/vanilla aromas, the other fragrance groups I gravitate towards are crisp greens with woody tones; the addition of sandalwood and spicy cardamom adds a whole new level of beautiful to this scent. Then there the name – Santorini – which speaks to the Greek in me (and which also happens to be an island that’s situated across from the one I usually stay at when in Greece).

Lighter and more playful in tone than Vaniglia, Bourbon e Mandarino, Santorini has a mysterious & sensual side as well that that greets you with whisper-light touches, elevating this fragrance above anything traditionally green, and unlike any I’ve come across before.

Antica Farmacista | Scented Candle in Damascena Rose, Orris & Oud

Damascena Rose, Orris & Oud (US $44.00/9 oz) | Brand new from Antica Farmacista and introduced for Spring/Summer 2015, Damascena Rose, Orris & Oud is “an exotic fragrance encapsulating the delicacy and femininity of rose in its many forms“. Housed in a clear glass vessel with platinum leaf details and packaged in a pedestal presentation box (*this collection features exclusive custom packaging featuring rose gold foiling on pearlescent paper), each candle is created from a blend of premium soy and parafin waxes featuring all-natural and lead-free wicks for the cleanest burn, providing approximately 60 hours of scented illumination. From the brand:

‘An exquisite floral fragrance built on fresh Damascus Rose absolute, sensual Violet and rich Tuscan Orris root. Tart rhubarb and dewy apricot add a hint of lush fruit, while the warmth of rare Oud and Amber lend an exotic earthiness. A soft drydown of musk and cashmere result in an intoxicating warmth to this complex floral scent’

As someone who historically stays far away from florals, I am truly captivated by the fragrance of this candle; the combination of earthy Orris root with the hints of fresh fruit round out its floral notes to not only balance the predominant rose scent, but adds a silky modern touch, complex and traditionally accurate at the same time. And seriously, absolutely beautiful.

*As always, never leave a lit candle unattended and make sure to trim the wick after each use to ensure an even burn.

Antica Farmacista | Scented Candle in Damascena Rose, Orris & Oud

White birch reed diffusers and wooden matches

Our sense of scent is the most highly developed of them all, as well as tied in to so many of our memories; therefore it stands to reason that we need to have fragrance in our lives. I personally have had a love-hate relationship with many aromas, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized the importance and difference a scent can make in my own life: some inspire, some soothe, some invite, but no matter what, scent always sets a ‘mood’. Surrounding myself with fragrance in the home – such as with these intoxicating products from Antica Farmacista – completes the equation; setting free my creative juices when I want to work, or enveloping me with a beautiful touch when I simply just wish to relax. The fact that my home smells so amazing, is the icing on the cake.

Find more information by visiting anticafarmacista.com

Press samples kindly provided for my unbiased consideration

Charlotte Tilbury | Cheek To Chic Swish & Pop Blusher in Ecstasy

June 4, 2015

The hype is real, my lovelies: when the Charlotte Tilbury range makes its official debut later this month here in Canada, I predict that there will be a veritable beauty feeding frenzy – with the blushes being some of the first to sell out. And with good reason, if this Cheek to Chic Swish & Pop Blusher in Ecstasy (CAN $50.00) that I was kindly sent to try, is any example.

Or as I like to call it, the bullseye of beauty.

Charlotte Tilbury | Cheek to Chic Swish & Pop Blusher in Ecstasy

Cheek to Chic Swish & Pop Blusher in Ecstasy | With 6 powder blushes in the lineup (although something tells me that more are bound to follow), Ecstasy is housed in a slim profile oval case in the brand’s signature maroon with rose gold detailing. The two complimentary shades are a warm peach (outer ring) and rose pink (centre) and can be worn either separately, or combined for a multidimensional flush of colour. Paraben and fragrance-free, the formula also contains corn & rice starches (perfect for those with oilier complexions, due to these ingredients’ natural mattifying and oil-absorbing properties), as well as:

Light Flex Technology to capture light and re-emit it for a luminous complexion
Colour-rich pigments that are rolled into finely crushed pearls which help smooth & buff the skin for excellent blendability & perfect colour uniformity

This powder is exceptionally finely-milled and so buttery soft, making it feel almost creamy to the touch. With zero kickback upon swirling my brush through the pan, both shades bear enough pigmentation to show up, but not so colour-saturated that they need a careful hand; this is a bonus, as it makes either hue buildable for better application control. The outer ring is large enough for the shade to be picked up on its own, although you’ll need to use a narrower blush brush – or risk picking up the secondary shade as well.

Wanting to recreate that “shimmering, youthful flush of excitement you get when you’re in love [love glow]”, Charlotte set out to create a blush that will “enliven dull skin with just a swish & a pop!” There’s this gorgeous luminosity to this powder – of the variety that merges with your skin to provide that lit-from-within type of glow, and not something that will just sit at the surface level. For a light wash of colour, a quick swipe of the outer ring shade is all you need; more impact is given when the centre hue is then applied to the apples of the cheeks for that ‘pop of colour’. Combining the two yields a unique and customizable shade, depending on how much of each colour you pick up on your brush. Personally, I’ve been wearing Ecstasy in all combos and can’t pick a favourite method – it’s THAT amazing a product. Wear time is approx 8-10 hours over foundation, slightly less on bare skin (albeit still visible at the end of the day).

Charlotte Tilbury | Cheek to Chic Swish & Pop Blusher in Ecstasy (macro)

Charlotte Tilbury | Cheek to Chic Swish & Pop Blusher in Ecstasy swatches (in sunlight)

Charlotte Tilbury | Cheek to Chic Swish & Pop Blusher in Ecstasy swatches (alternate light)

Ingredients:Talc, Mica, Isononyl Isononanoate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch, Dimethicone, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Zinc Stearate, Carprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethiconol, Hexylene Glycol, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Silica, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Red 7 Lake (Ci 15850), Tin Oxide (Ci 77861), [May Contain/Peut Contenir (+/-): Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77491, CI 77499), Carmine (CI 75470), Manganese Violet (CI 77742), Red 6 (CI 15850), Yellow 5 Lake (19140)]

Charlotte Tilbury | Cheek to Chic Swish & Pop Blusher in Ecstasy

And just like that, a new addiction is born: from the very first swipe, I was ~~impressed~~ spellbound and if you’re a blush fiend like me, you’ll be wanting to add these Cheek to Chic Pop & Swish Blushers to your collection. Ecstasy has turned out to be a perfect shade for my skin tone, and while the swatches shown here were done a few weeks ago when my skin was several degrees lighter, both shades work equally well now that I have a tan – without looking muddier or more diluted. I am positively obsessed with the soft glow this blush provides and how radiant my skin looks (think: JLo glow), never overt but totally & vibrantly sexy just the same. Sorcery … beautiful, beautiful, sorcery.

Charlotte Tilbury products are set to launch in Canada on June 24th exclusively at Holt Renfrew (Bloor St.) and July 6th (Vancouver). Find more information via charlottetilbury.com (link provided for convenience)

Press sample kindly provided for my unbiased consideration/post contains affiliate links

Dior Vernis | Sunwashed, Sunkissed & Tie Dye Top Coat, Summer 2015

June 3, 2015

The Dior Tie Dye Collection for Summer 2015 is all about that bohemian vibe (ahhh …those lazy days ahead …), filled with an eclectic mix of both brilliant and diffused colours. The two nail lacquers – 319 Sunwashed & 239 Sunkissed (CAN $28.00 each, with a 3rd shade released in Europe) perfectly exemplify this theme with their sun-faded tone, while the Die Dye Top Coat (CAN $29.00) helps to jazz things up with a splash of translucent colour.

If you’re unfamiliar with Dior polishes, you need to change that STAT, because this formula and brush rank as one of my absolute favourites and definitely sets the bar high for all other brands. The lacquer formula was given an overhaul a little over a year ago and now displays an increase in pigments & colour saturation, combined with a built-in top coat for a long-lasting gel effect shine – all courtesy of advanced resins and Techno-Polymers. The brush is made of unicorn hair, or at least that’s what it feels like (how cool would that be?); dense and rather bushy-looking, the slightly chiselled edge makes application child’s play: with just the lightest pressure, the bristles splay perfectly along the nail bed for a precise and effortless application. As a nail polish fiend, I can’t extoll its virtues enough – trust me on this.

*Note that both the lacquers and top coat are all limited edition.

319 Sunwashed | This is a soft buttercup-yellow shade in a mid-sheer formula with jelly-like tendencies, both in application and its cushiony glossy finish. Displaying a sun bleached and rather weathered tone, it holds that patented Dior ‘secret shimmer’ that’s not very visible to the naked eye (unless seen in direct sunlight), but which adds a lovely overall depth. On shorter nails, full opacity will be reached at 2 coats, while longer lengths will still show a slight nail line – but I personally love this translucent effect, as it makes yellow so much more wearable this way, not to mention perfectly in line with the whole laid-back hippie theme. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

239 Sunkissed | Just when I thought that Dior had created the perfect nude shade with Lady (reviewed), THIS comes along. Bearing a perfect mix of peach, beige, and pink tones in the base, 239 Sunkissed takes things a step further and displays one of the best formulas for a nude that I’ve ever come across. Streak-free, self levelling, über-glossy at the finish and holding traces of ‘secret shimmer’, this shade not only comes to a smooth opaque finish at two coats, but I’ll go on record as saying it will suit basically all skin tones across the board – and that’s not easy to do when dealing with this colour family. Well done, Dior. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

Tie Dye Top Coat | This is a more pigmented and deeper shade of rose than Dior’s Nail Glow, with a cooler-leaning tone due to the blueish tint in the base. This topper can easily be worn on its own, which is my personal preference, actually – and not only because I lack the necessary nail art skills to use it creatively, but for the candy-like look it gives nails: 1 coat provides a healthy wash of colour, with a deeper – but still sheer flush – at 2 coats. The formula falls on the thick side and has a tendency to spring back somewhat during application, but the glass-like glossy finish makes up for that slight drawback. Bonus: Relatively quick drying as well. Coats applied: 2, no other top coat

Applying the Tie Dye Top Coat straight up over 319 Sunwashed, gives the yellow base a peachier tone and due to the nature of this topper, it also provides a natural ombré effect; by varying the pressure of the brush along the nail, you can amplify this look quite easily (middle finger). Or, you can always get creative and use a dotting tool, a thin brush, or even bits of sponge to dab on patterns along the nails and create your own custom look. Finish off with a clear top coat to seal everything in, as well as to provide a smoother appearance.

Applied over 239 Sunkissed, the Tie Dye Top Coat provides a deeper pink colour that also takes this nude shade from warm into cooler territory (but still quite wearable just the same). Once more, you can easily create your own patterns using your preferred method – or experiment with new ways and see what turns up; random attempts usually create some fabulous designs (especially if you’re not a seasoned nail art pro, like me).

Dior surprised me with these; to begin with, I expected the usual brights, vivid, neons, etc and instead, there are just 2 shades in what initially appears to be rather lukewarm colours, and a cheery topper to add confusion to the mix. But looks can be deceiving; the second I began applying these shades, my love of deep hues was basically chucked out the window – they’re THAT fabulous (and I don’t even like yellow. Imagine that). Where things get a little tricky, is with the Tie Dye Top Coat; in theory it sounds amazing and the answer to every nailart-challenged person out there, but the application is not exactly there yet. Still, after playing with it for a few weeks now, I have surprised myself by finding new ways to apply it (not always successfully, mind you) and have realized that I prefer it solo. Please feel free to let me know how you’ve worn this – would absolutely love to hear! All in all, I don’t think it’s meant to take itself all that seriously – after all, it’s a SUMMER collection and that means: anything goes!

The Dior Summer 2015 Tie Dye Collection is available now through The Bay & thebay.com, Sephora & sephora.com, and Holt Renfrew stores across Canada (links provided for convenience). Fine more information via dior.com

Press samples kindly provided for my unbiased consideration/post contains affiliate links

Guerlain | Terracotta 2015 Bronzing Powder 02 Natural Blondes

June 1, 2015

Guardian’s cult-fave Terracotta Bronzing Powder has been given a fashionable new outfit; created specifically for the limited edition Summer 2015 Collection (see preview), the bronzing powders now come with a silicone removable outer sleeve (CAN $62.00) – Riviera Turquoise for 02 Natural Blondes and Sunny Coral for 03 Natural Brunettes (not shown). Often duplicated but never imitated, Guerlain was the first to launch a beauty bronzing powder in 1984 and quickly gained a well-deserved reputation for its ultra finely-milled texture – one that imparts the most incredibly stunning faux glow you can achieve with a powdered product. Seriously.

Terracotta Moisturizing Bronzing Powder in 02 Natural Blondes – Housed in the brand’s signature tortoiseshell-like case, this limited edition version comes with a silicone removable ‘Riviera Turquoise’ outer shell – perfect for transport/travel, as it adds a whole other level of protection (as well as looking very Summery and FUN!). The colour is a rich, almost russet-appearing bronzer shade that leans warm, suiting basically all complexions across the spectrum. Quite pigmented, a little goes a long way and as with all bronzers, Terracotta 02 Natural Blondes will ‘develop’ upon application; what that means, is that the colour will deepen within minutes of initial application as it mergers with your skin’s warmth and natural oils, and so I strongly suggest first applying with a light hand, then waiting about 5 minutes before going back in with more. The result you achieve is also dependant on the tool you use, with a large fluffy brush giving a more diffused look, while a denser-headed brush will provide a more intense, detailed appearance. I actually prefer to use both types of brushes per application, in order to achieve a more realistic and 3D effect upon the skin. With regards to staying power, it’s a little hard to determine an exact amount, as the product evolves over time and becomes a part of your made-up face; what I can say, is that after an entire day of wearing, I can still see colour upon my face, albeit slightly faded.

This moisturizing powder is meant to provide a natural feel to the skin, without any oxidation or settling into fine lines, merging subtly with your natural oils over time. The texture is the secret to its success: so finely milled as to fuse perfectly with the skin, without ever sitting at just the surface level. Then there’s that heavenly scent…

‘The top notes reveal a joyful and cheerful accord of bergamot and mandarin. The heart takes over with the sunny, feminine notes of gardenia, jasmine and ylang-ylang, which play off the lightness of honeysuckle. In the dry-down, vanilla, blended with woody notes, gives this legendary scent all of its character and mystery’ – Guerlain

To my nose, this fragrance is THE very essence of Summer which calls to mind the ocean, walking through the waves lapping along the shore & surrounded by the heady scent of suntan lotion (what can I say? I’m a total beach bunny) and while I personally love it, those with sensitivities should take note and try it at counter first.

For the record, the regular price of this bronzing powder is CAN $60.00 so basically you’re paying CAN $2.00 more for the outer silicone sleeve – an investment that’s actually not bad, considering you can reuse the sleeve on any other similar Guerlain powder, all while providing some extra padding to your compact case.

Guerlain | Terracotta Bronzing Powder 02 Natural Blondes (detail)

Guerlain | Terracotta Bronzing Powder 02 Natural Blondes swatches (in sunlight)

Guerlain | Terracotta Bronzing Powder 02 Natural Blondes swatches (alternate light)

Guerlain | Terracotta Bronzing Powder 02 Natural Blondes

I’m not really sure why Guerlain chooses to group their bronzers as either ‘blonde’ or ‘brunette’ – especially when one considers how many varieties of hair colour exist – but I’m sure they have their reasons. Nothing says Summer quite like a tan, and the easiest (not to mention safest) way to embrace this seasonal shift, is with any of Guerlain’s Terracotta bronzers – products which provide not only that coveted faux glow, but do so without any of the harmful effects of too much sun exposure. On my recent holiday, I had an entire arsenal of bronzing products with me and while all the varieties I brought along have their individual merits, I loved using the Terracotta 02 Natural Blondes Bronzing Powder for an effortless swipe of finishing colour to my skin. Then again, it could be the addictive fragrance … either way, it’s a win-win.

Available through The Bay store & thebay.com, Sephora stores & sephora.com, as well as Holt Renfrew stores across Canada – links provided for your convenience. Find more information via guerlain.ca

Press sample provided for my unbiased consideration/post contains affiliate links

Guerlain | Summer 2015 Colour Collection

May 28, 2015

Of all the Summer beauty offerings I’ve seen thus far, Guerlain has somehow managed to perfectly capture the essence of the season with their Summer 2015 Colour Collection. Calling to mind azure skies, sun-bronzed limbs, and turquoise seas, the pieces feel fun and carefree; the brand’s signature Terracotta Bronzing Powder now sports a removable neoprene sleeve (aqua for the Blonde version, coral for the Brunette option) along with the heady beachy scent of its tiare flower-infused powder, while the lipstick pops up at the push of your thumb. For the first time, Guerlain introduces a waterproof cream eyeshadow formula with a unique new airy-light texture while nails get their vibe on with a shimmery new aqua hue.

Enjoy the following preview – individual reviews of all pieces forthcoming. Note that the entire Guerlain Summer 2015 Colour Collection is limited edition (while the Terracotta Bronzing Powders are permanent, the neoprene sleeves are limited).