It's not often I feel the need to share a beauty offer with you, but sometimes I have to make an exception, especially when the saving is amazing!
For a while now I've been on a mission to find cheap alternatives for the high-end makeup products I love.
To me, this makes sense for three reasons - 1. It feeds my savvy nature and brings me joy 2. I have a much cheaper back-up product once I run out of my favourite and 3. I like 'dupes' for frivolous use. You know using on non-special occasions and for throwing in a handbag without worrying it will get damaged or worn looking.
From my favourite bronzer to endless Charlotte Tilbury products (you can see my huge CT dupe post here) I'm a woman obsessed!
From my favourite bronzer to endless Charlotte Tilbury products (you can see my huge CT dupe post here) I'm a woman obsessed!
So I'm now focusing on the best fragrance dupes, again that I can throw in my bag, spray liberally and use whenever I feel like it because the spend with a perfume dupe is always going to be low!
Below you will find quite a few fragrance dupes for some of the best-selling perfumes that all fit into the 'cult classics' category - I hope you find a dupe for your own favourite perfume here.
Below you will find quite a few fragrance dupes for some of the best-selling perfumes that all fit into the 'cult classics' category - I hope you find a dupe for your own favourite perfume here.
RELATED POST: Ultimate Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick Dupe List
I'm not going to lie, when it comes to perfumes I've spoilt for choice. Not only am I lucky enough to occasionally receive the odd fragrance release but I do like to treat myself to a new scent with every change of season. I also like to ask for something new at Birthdays and Christmas.
As you can imagine that's quite a lot of fragrance for one person! So when I do buy something new it has to be special and get me excited.
Last week as I was paying for my food shopping the cashier asked me if I was wearing Eternity by Calvin Klien... and I was! This half thrilled me but half got me thinking about the perfumes I would instantly recognise on someone else.
This may be a totally boring subject for some but I know that even though I love Ellis Saab La Parfum I wouldn't be able to notice if someone else was wearing it. But if someone walked passed wearing Thierry Mugler Angel I would instantly know, though I haven't personally worn it in years. Which leads me to think that we are drawn to some fragrances or notes in fragrances more than others.
Either way, I always think it's interesting when someone else knows which fragrance you are wearing! So here are the scents I can always pick up on!
Thierry Mugler Angel (launched 1992)
Main Notes - Patchouli, Dark Chocolate and Vanilla
Truly a gourmand fragrance with its sweet distinctive notes this is a scent that grabs my attention when other's are wearing it. With most people wearing Angel fairly heavy this is a perfume that lasts all day and stays on scarves and coats for months so it's fairly common for me to recognise this scent on a pretty regular basis when out shopping etc. Thinking about it, this fragrance is probably the most recognisable scent for me due to years wearing it, as it's a favourite of a family member and nothing else smelling similar! Think rich dark chocolate with a hint of vanilla and musk.
Sarah Jessica Parker Lovely (launched 2007)
Main Notes - Musk, White Orchid and Patchouli
This is a fragrance I've worn for years so I guess it would only be right that I recognised it on others. As I love clean scents, such as Philosophy Amazing Grace, I was drawn to this pretty budget perfume. For me, this is a mix of fresh linen sheets with a powdery edge and a white floral scent that is just perfect for both spring/summer. I don't spot this often on others (I'm presuming it's because it's quite an old celebrity scent now) but when I do it's always... well, lovely! Such an uplifting light scent for summer.
Calvin Klein Eternity (launched 1988)
Main Notes - Carnation, Lily and fresh green notes
This is a scent my mum wore on and off as I was growing up, and one I've often have a cheeky spray off as I liked it so much. So it's no surprise the scent has stuck with me. I also picked it up for the first time last year and have been enjoying wearing it ever since. The scent is an instantly recognisable pleasant fresh floral scent that is nonoffensive yet noticeable on the wearer. The main notes I get from this perfume as that of carnations which is quite a sharp floral smell that I absolutely love... actually I don't think I've ever come across someone that doesn't like this fragrance. If you haven't smelt Eternity but love your fragrances then take some time to hunt it down when next in Boots to find out why it's been around for nearly 30 years and is still loved by so many!
Prada Candy (launched 2011)
Main Notes - Caramel, Musk, Vanilla
Another gourmand scent here that although not at strong as Angel is quite unique and recognisable for that reason. Sugary and caramel are how I would describe this perfume with a powdery edge. When owning this fragrance I found I had to be in the right mood to wear it because it was purely gourmand and seemed a bit too much sometimes. However when I smell this on others I still enjoy it, and it instantly makes me think of other Prada scents and does seem quite luxurious. Not for everyone but another unique foodie scent that I can always pick up on.
What fragrance would you be able to instantly recognise on someone?
Fee xo.
All year round I'm a fan of fragrance, but when it comes to selecting my summer scents I feel like a child in a candy store - so much choice and so many wonderful scents! Below just three of my absolutely summer favourites that I will be alternating with from now until around September time.
I'd love to know what your own fragrance of choice is this summer!
Escada Turquoise Summer
30ml EDT £21.99 - Fragrance Direct here
When it comes to fruity scents I often let down my how 'juicy' and 'fruity' they actually are. I can never seem to smell the individual notes or pick of different fruits in the scent. But thankfully this years Escada fragrance lives up to my expectations of a true fruity fragrance. This is a beyond juicy scent that has strong notes of strawberry, pineapple and watermelon. Certainly a scent to wear on hot days that will be noticed. I feel like a summer fruit punch when wearing this! Also when purchasing this scent from Fragrance Direct you receive a free makeup/beauty case (above link)!
Philosophy Amazing Grace
60ml EDT £32.00 - Boots here
Another scent I love to wear come summer is this stunning Philosophy fragrance. Unlike the above scent this is a purely floral scent that is subtle and ultra feminine. In fact this reminds me of clean linen with a less powdery edge. There are similar scents to this, Sarah Jessica Parker 'Lovely', instantly springs to mind but this is the most refined light floral scent I've come across. If you love clean floral scents that make you feel perfectly feminine then make sure to have a try of this when in Boots next.
The Body Shop Moringa
30ml EDT £8.50 - The Body Shop here
This specific scent has been a favourite of mine for the last few summers as it's floral yet sweet - a lovely everyday scent. Moringa isn't something I'd come across before but to me this is a white floral scent with a perfect hint of sweetness; think summer flowers in bloom. I also find this scent to last especially well on clothing and doesn't change in smell as you wear it. I also like that The Body Shop offer a whole range of Moringa products, from hand creams to a wonderful body oil. I will certainly be picking up a few products this summer to enhance the scent of this perfume. I really can't recommend The Body Shop line of perfumes enough!
Savvy Tip - If you are going to buy a new fragrance, make sure to take a little bag of coffee beans with you. After smelling a few scents your sense of smell will get totally confused and fragrances won't smell accurate at all. But a sniff of coffee beans sorts that out!
Fee xo.
When it comes to fragrances I'm a tad obsessed! I love and own so many perfumes but to be able to treat myself to even more I love to seek out cheaper scents especially in summer.
From body mists to perfume oils there are some great budget fragrance options out there. Here are 5 of my favourite scents this summer all under £15.00 and all something special!
Sarah Jessica Parker Lovely
£14.65 EDP/30ml - Amazon here
This perfume has been a long time favourite of mine due to the wonderful fresh linen scent that has a perfectly powdery touch to it. Also the price point is great so I never feel I need to ask for it for Christmas/Birthdays - I can just buy it when I run out. Never will I be without this in spring/summer. Also love the delicate looking bottle.
Victoria's Secret Coconut Passion Body Mist
£7.87 240ml - Amazon here
After a lot of hype around the VS Body Mists I decided to have a look on Amazon and came across this lovely coconut scent that was great value for money especially as they normally retail for $12 which is roughly £7.15. Though the longevity of body mists isn't great their size does make up for that and I really feel I can spritz this as much as I like. So glad I went for this scent now as it's such a lovely creamy coconut smell with the added tough of vanilla.
Ted Baker Sweet Treat Purse Spray - Mia
£15.00 10ml - Superdrug here
More of a compact scent here that currently lives in my handbag. Ted Baker is one of my favourite fashion brands (obsessed with their bags!) so I was interested to see how their beauty and fragrance range would turn out. Mia is one of many purse sprays and even though it isn't my favourite... I feel it's the most grown up and 'fragrance' like of the range, I still love the look, size and longevity of the entire range. Favourite of the range has to be 'Polly' which is super sweet and fruity.
Happiness Is Vanilla Swirl Cupcake Hydrating Body Mist
£3.99 250ml - Tesco Beauty Department (larger stores)
I was so pleased when I came across this new brand in Tesco last month (it is actually a U.S brand I believe) and spotted their interesting range of body mists. I decided to go for a sugary sweet scent as they aren't as common as body mists and I loved the scent name 'Vanilla Swirl Cupcake'. This does wear off quite quick however I still love it and for the price it's such a steal. The scent is just what I expected; yummy sugary goodness that actually does smell a bit like cake! Will definitely be trying out a few other scents I spotted.
The Body Shop Perfume Oil
£7.50 15ml - The Body Shop here
Perfumes Oils from The Body Shop have always featured in my perfume collection because they are just amazing! Perfume oil for one just last on the skin and due to it being an oil you use so little... making the small 15ml bottles excellent value for money. Over the years I've had so many favourite scents but this year I've definitely loving Japanese Cherry Blossom. The Body Shop Body Mists are also worth checking out!
Another favourite that I forgot to mention is 4711 cologne... certainly not for everyone but worth a sniff in Boots as it's incredibly cheap and also unique (you can find it with the cheap teen/celeb fragrances!).
What cheap summer scents are you in to?
Fee xo.
After a few recent fragrance purchases I decided to re-organise and re-house my perfume collection. For months they had been collecting dust is a rubbish looking beauty box as I didn't have the space for them on my makeup desk
But my new purchases of some pretty perfumes bottles that deserved to be displayed nicely prompted me to clear a shelf that would become my new fragrance shelf.
With a bazillion perfumes I decided to edit down my collection and just display the ones I'm currently wearing: basically all my summer scents.
Placing my perfumes solely on the shelf would look a little bland so I decided to keep a framed Ohh Deer card from ASOS just behind my grouped together scents and a key cabinet that I use as jewellery storage. Plus a few other bits and bobs that filled the shelf and made it look pretty.
At the front of my perfume collection I decided to display a few miniatures I've been using and loving recently. From left to right: Calvin Klein Eternity, The Body Shop Coconut Perfume Oil, Maurer & Wirtz 4711 and Salvatore Signorina Eleganza.
Spring scent of my shelf would be Sarah Jessica Parker Lovely and Paul Smith Rose, also Vivienne Westwood Cheeky Alice as I feel it's both a spring and summer scent. For summer scents, which I have been purchasing like a crazy woman recently, I decided to display Britney Spears Circus Fantasy (impulse purchase in Bodycare because it was £5.99), Estee Lauder Sensuous, Cavalli Just Cavalli, Vera Wang Princess, Jimmy Choo Flash and Guerlain Insolence.
However my current favourites would have to be Vera Wang Princess which I recently treated myself to after spotting a huge 100ml bottle on Amazon for only £24.65 here and Guerlain Insolence as it smells just like Parma Violet sweets, again currently a bargain on Boots at £29.99 for 30ml here.
From an overflowing box of perfumes sat on my makeup room floor to an edited elegant shelf of fragrances. A 10 minute task that made such a difference!
Where do you store your perfumes?
Fee xo.
Come a new season I love to treat myself to a few new fragrances, but with the price of most high-end perfumes it would be quite indulgent of me! So over the last few years I have been opting for more purse friendly perfumes and asking for more luxury scents come birthdays and Christmas.
So here are my personal top 10 favourite budget perfumes for spring/summer that I currently own or have tried in the past... all with a savvy price tag!
Side note - Please bear in mind that I'm awful at describing scents.
Sarah Jessica Parker Lovely 30ml/EDP (£9.95 - Amazon here) - Without a doubt my go-to spring scent. This has been a favourite of mine for years now, due to the wonderful powdery floral scent of it that you literally want to describe as 'lovely'. Feminine and floral and just perfect for spring.
Bronnley Orange & Jasmine 100ml/Eau Fraiche (£6.99 - Amazon here) - A surprising good bitter sweet perfume here that is excellent value for money. The scent smells exactly like freshly cut open oranges with slightly floral notes to balance it out. When I wear this it just smells so fresh and uplifting. Doesn't last amazingly well but for under £7.00 for a huge 100ml you really don't need to worry about how much you use.
Paul Smith Floral 30ml/EDP (£12.99 - Boots here) - I'm such a fan of Paul Smith fragrances which are generally more expensive but this seems to have always been under the £15 mark. Not my favourite scent as there is so much going on with floral notes and citrus ones but this really does remind me of a garden in summer with all the different scents combining. A young scent that is perfect if you want something heady for summer.
Vivienne Westwood Cheeky Alice 30ml/EDT (£16.00 - Amazon here) - A sharp and sparkling floral on first spritz with this one that soon dies down to a warm sparkling floral thats great for everyday wear in spring and on cooler summer days as it just smells so clean.
Maurer & Wirtz 4711 25ml/Ea de Cologne (£4.97 - Amazon here) - Maybe one of the most unique fragrance I have ever tried and one my nose should probably not like but it just does. This is super fresh with notes of lemon and orange but also aquatic which gives it a energising feel and also a unisex edge. Whenever I wear this in summer I feel like it's such a unique perfume that stands out... definitely worth having a smell of in Boots (always positioned with the cheaper/teen perfumes and body sprays).
The Body Shop Atlas Mountain Rose Perfume Oil 15ml (£7.00 - TBS here) - Perfume Oils from TBS have to be one of my favourite ways to layer perfume and create a scent that truly lasts all day. This is a beautiful dusky rose scent that I apply to my pulse points and then apply Paul Smith Rose over the top of it to create the most amazing rose scent that lasts all day. I also do this with TBS Coconut Perfume Oil and Estee Lauder Sensuous.
The Body Shop Moringa Body Mist 100ml (£7.50 - TBS here) - A perfect white floral/gardenia scent here that smells like freshly cut meadow flowers. So fresh and uplifting, making it perfect for spring and in to summer. Other scents in The Body Shop Body Mist range are also worth checking out.
Jennifer Lopez Sunkissed Glow 30ml/EDT (£9.95 - Amazon here) - A dry scent for hot summer days. The bottle may have you thinking of a fruity tropical scent but for me this is a warm floral/fruit scent that is perfect for hot summer holidays and without any coconut for once!
Yardley Royal English Daisy 50ml/EDT (£4.99 - Fragrance Direct here) - Yardley isn't a brand I'd ever thought I'd like but this cheap scent surprised me! Think a fresh meadow in summer full of sweet flowers and grass. Yes, this smells grassy but that makes it so perfect for spring. Another scent that is definitely worth having a smell of in Boots on that dodgy cheaper perfumes shelf.
Cath Kidston Rose & Peony Body Mist 150ml (£8.00 - Amazon here) - Super light and floral, this is a scent I like to spritz all over my clothes to make them smell nice... in fact I even use it on towels as it's such a good sized bottle. This doesn't have the best staying power but the floral scent is perfect for spring and I love the bottle design.
For dupes of more expensive fragrances Next and Lidl are worth checking out! Plus TK Maxx is great for discounted scents.
Would love to hear recommendations of any budget fragrance in the comments!
Fee xo.
I have a specific party season scent for you today! Yes, I may be enjoying it way ahead of the holiday season but this sweet floral perfume is fast becoming my daytime favourite.
You see I am a true lover of sweet perfumes - Guerlain Insolence, Thierry Mugler Angel, Prada Candy, Harajuku Lovers G.... and now Jimmy Choo Flash.
For me there are two types of sweet when it comes to scents - gourmand (yummy) sweet and floral sweet and this is definitely the later with notes of white flowers making up the floral part and the sweet coming from notes of tangerine and apparently strawberry, which I really can't smell.
When the fragrance settles down the white flowers of lily and jasmine stay along with a slightly peppery scent that gives it that sophisticated edge. This also comes with great staying power for around 6-7 hours on me and spritzed on to a scarf it just doesn't fade - well done Jimmy!
As for the bottle the idea behind it was for it to look like paparazzi flash bulbs, which I actually think it does and gives it a very glitzy look. I also love that it's cubed shaped and textured, really different from everything else in my perfume collection.
Who would I suggest this to? Anyone that likes a sweet slightly sickly fragrance, of course in a good way! Also someone that is looking for a perfume that they can spritz all over themselves before a night out that wants a strong girly scent. However for some reason I really couldn't see this working in summer heat... it would be too much.
You can find the 40ml EDP for £30.50 from Fragrance Direct here which isn't too bad I don't think.
I feel I should probably be wearing this as a more evening scent as it's quite glamorous but I really am addicted to how sweet it is!
Fee xo.
With a change of season I always start to change up my fragrances, relying on old favourites and treating myself to something new. I haven't decided what that something new is quite yet as I haven't been shopping but I have already started wearing my scent of choice from last A/W and love it soooo much I thought I'd write a review on it.
Secret Obsession by Calvin Klein is a fairly low priced fragrance that in my opinion couldn't be more suited to the autumn and winter months. So much so that this is the one perfume that sits gathering dust once spring arrives until September/October.
You can find the scent on... Amazon - 100ml/EDP £19.88 here, Amazon 50ml/EDP £15.99 here and 30ml for around the same price as the 50ml... so not really worth the smallest size. You can also sometimes pick up a miniature size from eBay (shown below) or in CK mini perfume gift sets.
The reason for this is that is has a warm sultry spice to it that is perfect for cold weather; both day and night. The top notes in this are - Plum, Rose and Nutmeg, The middle notes - Tuberose, Jasmine. Base Notes - Amber, Sandalwood and Vanilla. However my own nose can only really detect the Nutmeg, Jasmine, Amber and Sandalwood to make up the smokey almost boozy smelling scent. This really is a hard fragrance to describe but if you can imagine a scent without sweetness or gourmand notes but a scent that is warm, sultry and full of oriental spice..... yes, I'm really no good at describing scents.
Compared to my other fragrances which are either sweet, floral or 'yummy' this really sits on its own as it's quite mature and deep. But that is why I love it so much! It feels like my unique winter perfume and I absolutely love the caramel toned brown glass of the bottle.
Like all fragrance reviews I highly recommend just having a smell of this at a perfume counter/Boots... on your own skin and not on a piece of paper! As all perfumes smell different person to person and it a good way to find out how long the scent will last on you. I personally find this to be a very long lasting scent as this lingers for days if I spray in onto a winter snood or scarf.
So it you are look for a dry wintry scent then this may be one to have a spritz of when next shopping.
Would love recommendations for a new Autumn/Winter perfume that is under the £20 mark!
Fee xo.
As my brain has been in an autumnal mood for the past week I thought I would share with you a recently acquired fragrance that is ideal for less warmer months or as an evening scent.
Paco Rabanne has long been a fragrance range I purchase from, mainly for my love of Ultraviolet Woman (it's now quite an affordable fragrance due to how old it is but still amazing) and then 1 Million which is actually a male scent and also the most popular from the brand. However due to the mass popularity of 1 Million, Lady Million was born and is just as wonderful and luxurious as it's male counterpart.
Firstly on to the gold diamond shaped bottle - I personally love it, from the square spray top to the weighy feel and the light reflecting top. However from the images alone I can see how this could look like a tacky bottle for the price. So definitely a perfume that will have divided opinions - I'd love to know what you think of the bottle?
As for the most important aspect of the fragrance - the scent, this is a really well blended grown up scent that smells rich and sophicated. As this is so well blended it is hard to pick out any notes but I will say that it's a slightly spicy honey perfume that is warm yet strong. But as I say this is more of a combined blended scent that just smells sophicated and well made.
I personally can imagine wearing this spritzed onto a scarf or snood come Autumn as the scent really does last... I'm talking a good 6 hours or more here. Or when going out at night as this is glam enough to work at an evening scent.
Of course all perfumes smell different to each nose and skin but if you do like your more grown up perfumes that aren't overly heady or have liked 1 Million in the past then this is one to definitely try a tester of.
You can find Lady Million at Essential Fragrances for £36.50 for 30ml here or £49.50 for 50ml here.
What is your go-to scent for autumn/fall?
Fee xo.
Come summer my 'fragrance wardrobe' without a doubt expands. I find summery scents a lot more enjoyable to wear and I love finding new perfumes to enjoy each summer.
Here I have selected my top 5 summer scents that I am totally in love with. Whether it's to spritz on around the house, for long sunny days or warmer summer evenings.
If you are looking to grow your perfume collection with some summer scents then I would highly recommend opting for 30ml bottles, as this size will last you the entire summer and it will be small enough to carry in your bag. However if you are planning a holiday then refillable travel sprays are great and you can find some super cheap 'Travelo' style sprays on eBay for only £1.69 free p&p (here).
Guerlain Insolence
Eau de Perfum 30ml - £27.00 Boots here
Insolence is without a doubt my favourite fragrance and I have been wearing it for years. Unlike a lot of higher end perfume this has one clear note - violet. But as this is teamed with other notes it has more of a sweet parma violet scent to it, which I love. This is girly, sweet and strong without smelling cheap at all. I do wear this sometimes during the day in summer as I can't get enough of it but this is more of an evening perfume due to it's strength. (Full review here).
The Body Shop Moringa Body Mist
100ml - £7.50 here
Recently I popped into The Body Shop on a mission to purchase a body mist in time for summer. I was actually impressed with all the different scents and it was quite hard to choose just one but eventually I decided upon the Moringa scent due to the fresh and uplifting nature of it. I'd never heard of Moringa before and still don't know exactly the origin of the scent however for me it's quite a gardenia/white floral scent which is perfect for summer. I should also point out that there isn't a hint of the alcohol in the scent at all. Along with a generous size and non-cheap smelling scent this makes an excellent, affordable summer fragrance.
Estee Lauder Sensuous
Eau de Perfum 30ml - £22.95 Fragrance Direct here
This aptly named scent is the most perfect summer evening fragrance I have come across. For me it encompasses everything that I want from an evening fragrance - it is warm, but sweet, it lasts and matures well on the skin, it is grown up, people notice this scent and of course it is sensual and sexy. The top notes of honey, amber and sandlewood create such a lovely blend of warm and sweet that works perfectly in the summer warmth.
Vera Wang Princess
Eau de Toilette 30ml - £34.00 Boots here
Vera Wang's Princess is my fairly new go-to perfume for spring which I am sure will care on through summer on those days that feel a bit breezy but still sunny. I say this as it is such a pretty floral/gourmand scent that is just beautiful when there is a breeze in the air but a summer dress can still be worn. The notes in this are vanilla, dark chocolate and tuberose which creates a fragrance fit for a princess.
Escada Cherry In The Air
Eau de Toilette 30ml - £20.99 Fragrance Direct here
Out of my 5 picks this is the most fruity one and rightly so as it's a cherry scent. But this isn't just any cherry scented fragrance, this smells like freshly picked black cherries that have that sour edge to them. As this matures on the skin the sour cherry scent is still very much there but alone side some warmer notes that make it a very enjoyable summery scent to wear. This is a young fragrance but with an edge that will definitely grab people's attention. (Full review here).
What is your go-to summer scent?
Fee xo.
When it comes to summery fragrances I love nothing more than fruity or floral scents. Anything juicy smelling in summer really floats my boat. I also love anything to do with cherries so I was eager to try Escada's new limited edition Cherry In The Air fragrance.
Unlike Escada's past summer fragrances this is a mixture of floral and gourmand notes make it ideal for spring/summer day use and is a little more grown-up. On first spritz the sweet/tart black cherry and raspberry notes are instantly noticeable. As it dries down it becomes more creamy and slightly peppery but still the tart black cherry note linger like a freshly baked cherry pie!
This is without a doubt a fragrance to wear with a cute summer dress when the sun is shining as it is fruity, fresh and uplifting. Also for an Eau De Toilette it is quite a strong scent that lasts for quite a few hours, especially when spritzed on clothing.
Another huge appeal with this summer scent is the affordable price. You can purchase the 30ml size with a cute vanity case for only £19.99 from Fragrance Direct here or £21.25 from Escentual here (50ml size shown in this post) which I think is the ideal size to last you over summer, especially as it is limited edition. You also receive a sweet free cherry elastic ring/hair tie on the neck of the bottle.
If you like fun, sweet, fruity scents then this is definitely one to try out before we get into summer.
Fee xo.
When it comes to celebrity fragrances I am definitely not a snob and when I actually think about it I have purchased more celebrity perfumes than any others. The reason why this probably is, is price. Celeb scents are just cheaper but also I like them because they have a clear top scent to them and don't actually just smell like 'perfume'.
That may sound a bit odd but I love Gwen Stefani's Harajuku Lovers 'G' because it smells of vanilla and coconut. I also love Sarah Jessica Parkers 'Lovely' as it smells clean like cotton and fresh sheets.
However Lady Gaga 'Fame' isn't your typical celebrity frangrance as such and it's not even what you would expect Lady Gaga to come out with. The main notes for me are apricot and a blackberry scent but there is also an incense/herbal edge that give it a warm finish.
I do actually like this fragrance a lot but due to the incense like smell I tend to wear it as more of a night time scent or use it in the day in winter. As for longevity it isn't that great but I think most celebrity fragrances are similar in this area.
The most enticing element of this fragrance has to be the bottle design and the amazing black liquid that turns clear when airborne so not to stain the skin. This is just such a unique idea and really does look beautiful in the bottle. Perfect for Lady Gaga fans but also great if you are a lover of perfume and want something new and unique. It does make me wonder if we will see other companies coming out with coloured fragrances in the near future! I definitely hope so.
Of course with all perfumes you do need to try out a sample first, either via eBay with a little vial or in somewhere like Boots or Debenhams.
This isn't my most favourite celebrity fragrance however I do enjoy it for how unique it is. Definitely worth a sniff when you are out shopping to see what you think and to check out the black liquid in the bottle.
What is your favourite celebrity perfume?
Fee xo.
Over the past 5-6 years I have tried/owned so many perfumes. Right now I do have quite a large collection which I try to rotate but I always go back to one fragrance and re-purchase it time and time again - Guerlain Insolence.
Insolence doesn't remind me of a certain time or memory but I feel the fragrance sits really well on my skin and also suits my personality. It is definitely a young feminine scent that doesn't smell cheap in any way. It is also very sweet and smells strongly of violets (like the parma voilet sweets!) which I really love. So for that reason it does make it a love or hate perfume... though I have found most people do really like it thankfully.
Guerlain Insolence is described as...
Insolence from Guerlain is a fruity floral surprising, audacious, feminine fragrance. Succumb to the sparkling and unexpected sensuality of Insolence. This fruity floral is a daring blend of brilliant red fruit and a beautiful, luminous iris that reveals surprising notes of violet. This is a new, radiant and high-voltage violet, a triumphant violet that registers at the opposite end of the spectrum from the shy whisper usually used to treat this flower in half-shades and shadows.
Another reason why I love Insolence is the longevity and sillage of the EDP fragrance is really great. I love how this lingers on clothing and scarfs and how I can still smell it on my skin even towards the end of the day. Also who couldn't love the bottle either!
I would actually say there is quite a big different between the Eau De Toilette and Eau De Parfum versions... I feel the EDP matures a lot more nicely and lasts so much better, so I always go for the EDP. Boots may currently have this on sale in-store but online the fragrance is pretty much sold out! You can purchase it however from Feel Unique for £42 - here. Also there is a lovely gift set on the John Lewis website for £27.75 - here and I can confirm that the body lotion is really lovely to use and does intensify the perfume.
Insolence won't be for everyone but I feel it suits me really well and I can't imagine ever going off it unlike other perfumes in the past.
Do you have a signature scent? If so, what is it?
Fee xo.
I would actually say there is quite a big different between the Eau De Toilette and Eau De Parfum versions... I feel the EDP matures a lot more nicely and lasts so much better, so I always go for the EDP. Boots may currently have this on sale in-store but online the fragrance is pretty much sold out! You can purchase it however from Feel Unique for £42 - here. Also there is a lovely gift set on the John Lewis website for £27.75 - here and I can confirm that the body lotion is really lovely to use and does intensify the perfume.
Insolence won't be for everyone but I feel it suits me really well and I can't imagine ever going off it unlike other perfumes in the past.
Do you have a signature scent? If so, what is it?
Fee xo.
A few weeks ago now the kind and generous people at KMI Club let me into a bit of a secret about a new product... actually they didn't, they just teased me with chocolate! By sending me three mini bars of dark chocolate - Voilet, Jasmine & Rose.
Now being the Sherlock Holmes I am, I did wonder if the three flavour were three new Ted Baker scents.... and I was right!
This morning I received a lovely jar of sweets (which made for a very healthy breakfast..) and amongst the sweets contained a purple and rose gold cake slice shaped box!
Yes, Ted Baker have a lovely new trio of fragrances out!
The three scents are all 10ml Eau de Toilette purse spray priced at £15.00 and will be available in Boots stores nationwide, in selected Ted Baker stores and on the Keep Me Inspired website. I can already see these being a huge hit, especially at Christmas (yes, I'm already thinking about it... even started my shopping!).
The three fragrances that make up Ted's Sweet Treats range are...
Cate - Top notes of peach, apple and orange. Heart notes - voilet and jasmine
Vida - Top notes of grapefruit and raspberry. Heart notes - wild rose.
Polly - Top notes of mandarin, red berries, and peach. Heart notes - white jasmine, honeysuckle and peony.
Here is what 'Cate' is described as...and what KMI thought suited me best (each scent has a personality to go along side it which is a nice idea).
Cate: a power player who's the very last word in elegance.
Whether you're running an empire or falling in love, a spritz of Cate with notes of peach, apple and orange - melting to a heart of voilet and jasmine - is everything you need for instant confidence.
Gracefully compose with a rich, woody depth, Cate is always punctual and rules with a potent mix of condour and charm. Indeed, she's a force to be reckoned with.
Now I'm not 100% sure Cate is similar to my personality as I'm definitely not punctual... nor am I running an empire! However anything that has notes of peach and voilet in has me instantly sold.
When this is first sprayed you can definitely smell the fruity top notes of peach and apple and it seems quite a fresh, young scent. However it does mellow down into the heart notes of jasmine with a hint of voilet and it more of a warm autumn scent but it's still quite bold & strong, which I really do like. Also more grown-up which I am pleased about.
A lovely new range from Ted Baker and isn't the rose gold on the bottle to die for! More brands need to jump ofn the rose gold train I think, as it just looks so luxe and pretty.
I'm now trying to tell myself I don't need another Ted Baker Ikon Bag (here is the one I really want) to match with this new perfume!
Fee xo.
So I am back... and won't be going anywhere for quite awhile! Over the last few months I have been a bit on the slow side with Makeup Savvy but I have decided I need to get my ass in gear. Though I may be extra busy as I will be launching (ooo doesn't that sound good) Makeup Savvy Extra this week or next - all depending on setting up the domain name. If you haven't got a clue what I am talking about then not to worry as all will be revealed next week!
Today though I thought I would talk perfume as we all seem to become more interested in fragrances in summer. For once I haven't bought 3 or 4 new perfumes just because it's summer.. I have just bought the one (well I received it as a gift) and I also think I will be trying out the Lidl £3.99 dupe of Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle plus one of the new fruity Body Shop Body Spray.
Cartier Delices de Cartier Eau De Parfum 50ml (as part of set)
Feel Unique £48.45 - here
This is my newest scent and one that I am just in love with. I discovered this scent by buying the Cartier Fragrance Discovery pack from Escentual.com (£13.50 - here) which contained so many samples from the Cartier fragrance range. The reason why I decided to purchase it was because I was looking for a more unique fragrance that not many people wore and found Delices de Cartier was perfect for me - plus how beautiful is the bottle! If you like sweet floral scents then this is one for you - it's very sweet with hints of cherries and a slight pepper to give it a kick. Just lovely.
This is my newest scent and one that I am just in love with. I discovered this scent by buying the Cartier Fragrance Discovery pack from Escentual.com (£13.50 - here) which contained so many samples from the Cartier fragrance range. The reason why I decided to purchase it was because I was looking for a more unique fragrance that not many people wore and found Delices de Cartier was perfect for me - plus how beautiful is the bottle! If you like sweet floral scents then this is one for you - it's very sweet with hints of cherries and a slight pepper to give it a kick. Just lovely.
Katy Perry Purr Eau De Parfum 30ml
Amazon £16.75 - here
For the price I think this is excellent value for money.. I mean £17 for any Eau de Parfum is pretty amazing. This is definitely a fun playful scent with notes of peach and coconut but there is a note of something else there that makes it quite strong and heady. For some reason this kind of reminds me of the type of fragrance the Harajuku Lovers perfume range is - just fun and nothing wow but just nice, especially for summer time.
For the price I think this is excellent value for money.. I mean £17 for any Eau de Parfum is pretty amazing. This is definitely a fun playful scent with notes of peach and coconut but there is a note of something else there that makes it quite strong and heady. For some reason this kind of reminds me of the type of fragrance the Harajuku Lovers perfume range is - just fun and nothing wow but just nice, especially for summer time.
Vera Wang Rock Princess Eau De Toilette 50ml
Amazon £29.25 - here
This was a scent that I received at Christmas and even though I did wear it a little in winter it didn't seem right as for me this is a more summery evening perfume. Now I actually had to go find out what the notes were in this as I just knew I couldn't describe it well at all except for saying that is was sweet. But after looking at the notes I can definitely tell now that it contains rose, jasmine and has quite a spicy edge to it. I don't this this would be for everyone but if you do like punky sweet perfumes then it is worth a look!
This was a scent that I received at Christmas and even though I did wear it a little in winter it didn't seem right as for me this is a more summery evening perfume. Now I actually had to go find out what the notes were in this as I just knew I couldn't describe it well at all except for saying that is was sweet. But after looking at the notes I can definitely tell now that it contains rose, jasmine and has quite a spicy edge to it. I don't this this would be for everyone but if you do like punky sweet perfumes then it is worth a look!
Sarah Jessica Parker Lovely Eau De Parfum 50ml
Cheap Smells £19.45 - here
I have talked about this perfume many times as I have purchased it before in a smaller bottle and also as a lovely roller ball pen (don't think you can really buy that now though). The reason why I always go back to this scent is because it's just none offencive and soft which makes it very wearable for the daytime and also for that reason I would class it as a spring/summer scent. To describe it I would say it's definitely a powdery fresh scent that is clean and subtle... if you like your more powdery scents and haven't tried this then I would highly recommend you have a spritz of this when out shopping. A really pretty, feminine fragrance.
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On a perfume related note I have wrote a guide to fragrances over on She Said Beauty which some of you may find hand if you are looking to buy a new scent for summer. You can find the article here.
Also if you are wondering where you can purchase the skull and also the star scarves from (not that you can see much of them in the pictures) I actually got them on eBay from a UK seller for an amazing £2.49 each with free p&p - here.
Fee xo.
So I said I would do a quick review on the Latest In Beauty Fragrance box as soon as my order was delivered as I really don't know how many there are, so I wanted to show you the box quickly before the box became out of stock.
Basically because I think it's a really nice idea and also handy for spliting up and giving as little extras at Christmas or even putting in Christmas crackers or just treating yourself to!
Basically because I think it's a really nice idea and also handy for spliting up and giving as little extras at Christmas or even putting in Christmas crackers or just treating yourself to!
I won't repeat myself... so if you want to know all the details you can view this post that I wrote about the box last week when I ordered it. But basically if you cannot be bothered reading it, the box is £4.95 including delivery and you receive 6 samples... well I actually received 5 samples but one of them is a full sized product worth £20!
All the fragrance boxes contain the same products - Elie Saab Le Parfum 1ml spray, Yardley Royal English Daisy 1ml vial, Liz Earle Botanical Essence No1 2ml spray, Space NK Laughter 15ml miniature spray, L'Occitane Peony 5ml mini bottle.
On the Latest in Beauty site it does state that the contents may vary... but it did also show a Miller Harris sample which I didn't receive and also from viewing other reviews on the box no one else did either. Postage took around 4 days and it comes in a handy box that fits through the letterbox so no chance of missing it!
From least liked to favourite it has to be... Liz Earle (didn't like at all), Elie Saab (nice but not amazing), Yardley (so impressed, will actually be getting this!), L'Occitane (perfect summer fragrance, so I'm glad it's quite a big sample), Space NK (not tried this as I want to give it as a gift.. but it does retail for £20 in Space NK!).
The Yardley Daisy perfume is the sample I am most impressed with as it is a fragrance I know of but haven't seen it in Boots so I haven't had the chance to try it. But it seriously is lovely... really soft and so perfect for Spring. Plus for a 50ml bottle I am sure it's around £8! What a bargain?! This is such a good scent to give to mums or grandma's this Christmas - trust me and have a smell!
All in all I am very pleased with the box... there is nothing I dislike and all are ones I have been wanting to try but haven't as they aren't all available to try in say Boots or The Perfume Shop etc. 100% worth £4.95!
You can purchase the box - here.
Fee xo.
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