Fragrances -Parfums M.Micallef - Note Vanillee
LeslieCZ 4/26/2010 10:32:00 PM
This is MY perfect vanilla scent. It's boozy, but not too much so, sophisticated, complex and not too sweet. It has just enough diversity of notes not to be a plain jane, yet the vanilla definitely dominates. I am in love with this fragrance and the totally gorgeous bottle it comes in, too. It also has excellent lasting power. DH loves this one, too, which is always a good thing! I found the following description on a fragrance blog and it sums up my personal sense of this scent perfectly: "Perfume of Parfums M. Micallef Note Vanille is like a symphony of a grand perfume orchestra. At first there is subtle Mandarin and Hesperide.The heart note is based on Jasmine and flowers. These create the very special Perfume Note of this Scent. Santal, Amber, Bourbon-Vanilla, Cognac and Rum round off the whole composition. A new Masterpiece is born." I agree completely, this is a masterpiece!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Sunscreen -Revive - Filtre de Soleil Visage SPF 45
LeslieCZ 4/21/2010 10:15:00 PM
Filtre de Soleil Visage SPF 45 is a new moisturizing, sheer sunscreen from ReVive's Dr. Brown. It feels really nice on my dry skin and doesn't leave even the slightest white cast although the product itself is pure white. This sunscreen provides a unique blend of both chemical and physical sunscreens to create a dual action broad spectrum barrier that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. It combines minerals which act as physical "blocks" with synthetic compounds which act as chemical sun filters. The combo works very effectively with no fragrance or irritants to my sensitive, rosacea prone skin. I love the hygenic, easy to use pump dispenser, too.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Edward Bess - Blush Imperiale
LeslieCZ 4/21/2010 12:32:00 PM
This is Edward's first powder blush release (with more to follow I am told). The color is 01, Soft Orchid. The depth and intensity of this blush is similar to Chanel Narcisse (soft, sheer and not shimmery), but this is more blue based than Narcisse. It's not too purple though. It's a delicate, pale mauve toned pink. It's matte (no sparkle) and goes on sheer, evenly and smoothly. It's very pretty and flattering on my fair skin with blue undertones but I don't think it'd be so great for warmer skin tones. The container is not the finest quality from the Edward Bess line considering some of his totally spectacular prior packaging. However, it does come with a very usable, good brush and a large mirror. UPDATE: I have now tried this blush in another newer color, Desert Blush, a neutral sandy pink which I also love.
11 out of 12 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Perricone - Cold Plasma - Face
LeslieCZ 3/29/2010 10:57:00 PM
I have used a number of Perricone products over the years (including his much touted Neuropeptide Facial Conformer for several years at almost $600 per bottle which did nothing major for me). I've found the line to be good, but not as "revolutionary" as alot of its claims. However, this new product IS quite amazing (after one month of use along with my regular regimen). It's not a moisturizer, but a treatment that can be integrated with other brands and products. I am currently using it with Kanebo Premier at night and Natura Bisse Inhibit Tenso Lift for day. Cold Plasma Face is relatively new and claims to represent Dr. Perricone's most comprehensive findings to date based on five years of research and development. It says it targets a variety of concerns and allows your skin to "react" AS NEEDED to whatever problems you have. I have personally noticed it visibly decreases redness, increases firmness, lightens brown spots and increases radiance and clarity, all of which are MY chief concerns. For that reason, I will buy it again and will keep using it. The NVP product claims per the literature are as follows: *Delivers optimum cellular nutrition to achieve healthy, glowing,youthful skin via a pure patented phospholipids delivery system that releases actives into the skin cells *Delivers powerful anti-inflammatory effects to help slow the visible signs of aging with advanced neuropeptide technology *Lifts and firms skin with DMAE, which helps to stimulate nerve function, causing the muscles under the skin to contract and tighten to prevent and reverse skin sagging *Helps brighten skin's appearance with L-tyrosine, an amino acid *Preserves skin's youthfulness and provides superior hydration with DHA, a powerful essential amino acid." This product retails for $150 for a 1oz jar. I'd prefer a pump bottle for hygiene as well as to control the dispensed amount since it's fairly thin and liquidy. Nonetheless, it comes with a nice spatula so you can measure it and a little dab does go a LONG way. Your five years of research paid off, Dr. NVP!! This is an EXCELLENT, versatile and effective product.
10 out of 11 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Guerlain - Mitsouko
LeslieCZ 2/8/2010 4:10:00 PM
I have worn Mitsouko as one of my "basic staple scents" for years & years (I am 61 so that's A LOT of years). It's a classic woodsy, fruity chyphre. My grandmother and my mother both wore it so it brings back many memories. I love the Vintage Parfum (pre-reformulation) with its ultra expensive (and now elusive) oakmoss ingredient because it's NOT sweet and also has incredible sillage (the new version is sweeter and far less long lasting). Apparently, the reason oakmoss is not being used in the recent re-formulation is because it causes allergic reactions in some people. Oddly, it doesn't cause me any problems or reactions even though I am ultra sensitive with tons of allergies. The oakmoss note is a big part of what makes Mitsouko what it was designed to be in 1919. I don't like the reformulation and wouldn't buy it. Mitsouko Vintage Parfum (with oakmoss) is fortunately still around for sale (on ebay and through a few obscure niche boutiques), but it's somewhat hard to find and very pricey. And, of course, vintage fumes can sometimes be spoiled over the years by exposure to air, light and heat in which case the juice doesn't always survive perfectly (depends a lot on how it's been stored and that's hard to know when buying on line). So, it's a bit of a risk to buy the vintage version. For me, it's a risk I am willing to take to fulfill my life long scent sense of Mitsouko memories with its original, exotic and elegant perfection.
15 out of 18 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Lorenzo Villoresi - Teint De Neige Profumo (pure perfume)
LeslieCZ 1/31/2010 3:07:00 PM
This is an awesome and unique perfume. Although it's soft, delicate, slightly floral and very powdery, the sillage is totally incredible. It literally lasts in its same soft, classy, warm and wonderful state for hours and hours. It smells a lot like the EDT (which I sampled), but the depth and sillage of the Profumo are much more MAJOR. This scent reminds me of something that might be worn by a classic Geisha. It has a unique combination of understated elegance and sophistication with just a touch of exotic glamour and mystery.
4 out of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Amouage - Musk Abyadh
LeslieCZ 12/9/2009 10:54:00 PM
This is a really unique and interesting Amouage Attar recommended to me by MauraK1203. I have, totally LOVE (and have reviewed) Amouage Homage Attar, which retails for $350 in the US. Musk Abyadh, which as far as I know isn't available in the US, except through a couple of sites, sells for quite a bit less. It comes in the same lovely, gold lettered 12ML glass bottle with a great dabber. Musk Abyadh has the same oil base as other Amouage Attars. It is a combination of vanilla and sandalwood with no animal ingredients, yet it smells exactly like "real" musk. It's very long lasting, sensual and sexy. Not quite as complex or intense over time as the more expensive Homage, but it's VERY close, and it's A LOT more affordable! And, I really LOVE this one, too! Great discovery (thanks Maura) and something I definitely want to buy again and again.
7 out of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Palettes -Edward Bess - Jet Set Collection
LeslieCZ 12/2/2009 7:03:00 PM
Although this isn't really a "palette" it was the closest category I could find in order to share my review of this gorgeous new EB collection just released for holiday 2009. The collection comes in a chic, perfectly sized for your purse (flat and small) fine quality black leather trimmed makeup bag. Inside the bag is a beautiful eye shadow trio, Island Escape, with 3 versatile colors that literally go with everything: pale nude shimmer, medium taupey brown and intense deep, matte brown. Also included is a petite, (but actually functional) dual ended shadow brush (not the usual sponge) in a lovely compact with EB's initials on the slim, shiny black case. The compact is as beautiful as the colors! The collection also includes a retractable, self sharpening nude lip pencil that glides on easily, along with a gorgeous deep pink/rose sheer cream lip and cheek color, Island Rose. Jet Set describes this collection perfectly. It's small, elegant, and perfectly designed with everything you need "on the go" but there's just enough room in the great bag to add another product or two if you want (I am adding EB concealer, mascara and one of his lipsticks). This is another Edward Bess 'MUST HAVE' release that's well worth the $125 price tag. UPDATE: After reading the subsequent less than stellar reviews on this release, I want to add that I am ONLY using this as a travel bag, so I haven't used the prods extensively, just for touch ups. All the same, I haven't had any problems with my particular kit (the colors or the packaging). But, if the quality of the overall line deteriorates (due to using cheaper materials and/or low cost "overseas" labor) that would not bode well for this beloved niche brand's upscale image or its future.
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Fragrances -Amouage - Homage
LeslieCZ 11/11/2009 10:56:00 AM
The prior reviews describe the details of this Amouage Limited Edition Homage Attar very well. In fact, doree -001's review is one the reasons I decided to try this. I will try not to repeat what she wrote. But, because I am in LOVE with this, I am writing my own review to add my personal ultra positive reaction to this unique fragrance....it's a long lasting, exotic floral oil....a magic elixir on my dry skin! Since its an oil, it works beautifully as a layering base under my other fragrances or it can be worn alone. It's incredibly beautiful and lingering (due to my skin being so dry, a lot of scents don't last at all on me) and has a womanly, sensual "air" about it, making me feel feminine, chic and glamorous while wearing it. The 12 ML square glass bottle is lovely and does not seem quite as small as I expected. It has an easy to use dabber to avoid waste and you really only need a couple of tiny drops on pulse points to smell fabulous all day or all night. It's very expensive at $350, but worth it to me. It's certainly not an every day item, but for special occasions this is a PERFECT, elegant addition to my fragrance collection and I am 100% thrilled with it. Homage Attar Notes: Rose Taifi, Silver Oud, Silver Frankincense, Jasmine, Amber, Citrus, Sandalwood
7 out of 9 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Serge Lutens - Chypre Rouge
LeslieCZ 9/30/2009 3:55:00 PM
This is a fragrance that's extremely MAJOR. It's full of exotic spices, sweet fruits and woods. It's one of Serge Lutens' Haute Concentration series. As with many SLs, this is not for everyone. For some it could be overwhelming and perhaps even a bit odd due to the spices (as prior reviewers have commented), but, for me, as a layering component, it's absolutely great, works with all my other SL frags (and I have quite a few). On me it doesn't smell like Indian food either (as someone said it did on them). The notes include thyme, pine needles, pecans, fruit gums, honey, beeswax, jasmine, patchouli, amber, vanilla, moss and musks. I can't say it's my personal favorite SL (thus only 4 lippies), but I do find myself using it often in a variety of ways and combinations and I especially like it layered with Feminite du Bois.
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Serge Lutens - Feminite du Bois
LeslieCZ 9/16/2009 4:29:00 PM
Thanks to msd67 and Parfumesse for encouraging me to try this relatively obscure SL frag. It was a little harder to find and a bit more expensive than some SLs, but I AM TOTALLY IN LOVE WITH IT. It's JUST GORGEOUS!!!! It's a soft melange of woods, slightly spicy and slightly sweet notes and absolutely decadently and uniquely divine in that certain way only Serge does scents. As with all SL frags, the dominant notes* (see below) somehow don't come together to be what I'd expect; every SL blend is MUCH better than the individual components sound. For reference, I also love Chene, Fumerie Turque and Un Bois Vanille, but FdB could become one of my new top drawer SLs!. Highly recommended! Main notes* cedarwood, orange blossom, rose, violet, honey, plum, beeswax, clove, cardamom and cinnamon.
9 out of 12 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Chanel - Ultra Correction Lift
LeslieCZ 9/15/2009 11:28:00 AM
I am very fond of Chanel colors and foundations, but usually not so entranced by their skin care. Ultra Correction Lift is a new product release from Chanel designed to target loss of firmness in aging skin. I received generous samples of the products in this collection including a serum/concentrate (for both day and night), SPF 15 day cream and a night cream. I wasn't expecting to be impressed by these prods, but they are quite lovely and DO give a very nice lifting, smoothing and firming effect. UPDATE: After several days of using these prods AM & PM, I experienced the onset of an itchy rash and something like hives. It appears there's too much of the stimulating plant extract in this series for my rosacea and particular allergies. So even though I can't use this collection personally (except for perhaps occasionally), I still think it's an impressive product concept and a very effective product line, just not for ultra sensitive users like me. If not for my specific allergies, I would definitely have bought full sizes. So if you're not sensitive, but looking for a nice lift, I'd suggest giving this product group a try! Chanel's own product description: At the heart of the collection: elemi PFA*, an exclusive, ultra-pure, ultra-powerful ingredient that stimulates the production of tensin, an age-defying protein abundant in young skin, giving it its inherent firmness, lift and shapely contour. The result: Skin achieves a visibly firm and revitalized look. Facial contours appear redefined and lifted from within.
8 out of 9 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lips -Chanel - Rouge Allure Laque Phoenix 78
LeslieCZ 9/14/2009 7:35:00 PM
I just received a tube of LUMINOUS SATIN LIP LACQUER in Phoenix 78 as a gift for participating in a magazine online forum. The first reviewer describes it very well, so just want to add my mostly positive thoughts on this FUN new formula. This particular shade is a dramatic intense deep rose red - eye catching, but not gaudy. I think this is the ideal shade for dressy evenings. The one negative for me is you do need to be extra careful to keep the color between the lines and not use too much product, especially when you're out with a tiny purse mirror. This is a thick, wet product with a wand type applicator and if you put on too much, it can bleed. Once you get it on right though, this formula covers really well, isn't drying at all and lasts a surprisingly long time, especially for something SO shiny. The name Lip Lacquer is perfect as it's really an ultra glossy lip paint. UPDATE 9/20/09: This product is featured at the top of page 60 in Editors' Favorites in the October, 2009 issue of Allure with a swatch of this particular shade. It looks to me (when I hold the actual tube next to the photo) that Phoenix is actually the third shade on the far right (not the really red one in the center as the order of names indicates).
6 out of 8 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments -Sisley - Suprem˙a
LeslieCZ 9/12/2009 8:19:00 PM
As much as I love most Sisley products (and many other 'overpriced' high end skin care miracle prods as anyone who has read my reviews knows), this one was a big disappointment for me. I got several nice sized tube samples (not little packets) from NM since I've bought ALOT of Sisley products there. So, I expected alot, but honestly saw no visible results. Sisleya Elixir @ $535.00 worked immediately and very, very effectively for me so it's not about the brand, I love Sisley. Maybe I am so dry that this particular product is too light for my skin type.The listed ingredients didn't impress me all that much and the results on my skin weren't even close to MAGICAL enough to justify $750.00. I will try anything and everything at my age, but this isn't IT for me.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Serge Lutens - Chergui
LeslieCZ 8/30/2009 7:55:00 PM
The prior reviewer is 100% correct. The American (aka "green") version is NOT the same as the authentic (brown) French version she mentions. I've had the good fortune to try both types within a few days of each other so I could literally compare them simultaneously. Don't get me wrong, the green version does NOT smell bad. But, it definitely doesn't have the same longevity or intensity as the authentic French (brown) version. The "REAL" one is exceptionally long lasting for an Eau de P and it is beyond lovely! Chergui could be my NEW favorite SL fragrance. Vanilla, amber, hay, a few subtle spices and a vaguely soft smokiness in the autumn sun...neither too sweet nor too sharp. Chergui encompasses everything I love about Serge Lutens. It's a distinctive, unique melange of compelling and sensual notes that is totally MOI!
13 out of 14 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No