Fragrances -Unlisted Brand - People of the Labyrinths Luctor et Emergo
celeste_85 2/1/2009 8:53:00 PM
There has been a lot of hype surrounding Luctor et Emergo, but I think it is warranted. It's one of those fragrances that polarizes people- some love it, some hate it. I happen to love it- but probably for the very reasons some hate it. I find it strange and inconsistent, and at times it does smell like a cheap cherry thrill at a dive bar or a trashy air freshener. But it can also be the most perfect blend of hay on a hot summers day and the cherry cigarillos I used to smoke in high school. Or it can be sweet, doughy and edible like a pastry. These offbeat, unexpected changes are what makes the scent so multi-faceted and addicting. I'm not sure if it is blended to purposefully behave in that manner or it was a fluke- either way I don't care: it's something special and I enjoy the eccentricity. It lasts well, especially on clothing- one spray clung to a coat of mine for over 2 days. I would love to smell this on a man and can't wait to see how it wears in humid summer heat. In terms of packaging, the red flocked box, silk scarf and beaker bottle are all great and very much in keeping with the scent. However, I hate the lid on the bottle! It is flimsy (I could squash it between my thumb and forefinger if I wanted) and could surely be improved.
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Fragrances -Serge Lutens - Louve
celeste_85 8/21/2008 1:43:00 PM
Knowing that my impressions of SL's tend to change over the course of a few weeks, I've tried this one three times now, and I can now definitely say it's not for me. I wish the almond notes were more prominent, but instead they are overpowered by that strangely synthetic, almost nose burning, medicinal cherry syrup scent. It also really reminds me of that milky pink cherry handsoap that is common in public restrooms. The name is also really misleading, this scent is in no way reminiscent of a 'she-wolf'. All in all, a disappointing mix of snippets of scent memories I want nothing to do with. I do still love Serge though.
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Fragrances -Montale - Amande Orientale
celeste_85 8/21/2008 1:32:00 PM
I am currently searching for a good almond scent so I decided I had to try this one. The first spritz reminded me so much of this awful DEET (a nasty kind of poison) bug spray I used to have to wear when I worked in the forestry industry that I was instantly taken aback. Instead of scrubbing though, I decided to keep it on and properly review it. After the initial bug spray/urinous notes, it transitioned into a softer, sweeter scent. It reminds me more of marzipan or an almond cookie than bitter almonds or natural almond extract. I also found it more on the vanilla side, which was not what I was looking for. In the end I decided this one was not horrible, but neither was it good. I could never wear this because my associations of the first notes with bug spray ruin the experience. In a way this one reminds me of SL's Miel De Bois. If you like that one, maybe you'd appreciate Amande Orientale
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Fragrances -Serge Lutens - Fumerie Turque
celeste_85 6/30/2008 4:09:00 PM
Fumerie Turque is a sultry, narcotic, addictive scent. I cannot stop sniffing my skin when I wear it, and find I get a bit irritable when, at the very end of the day, it has faded away. Initially, I was not taken with the scent as I found it rather linear and masculine upon first sampling. But, as with many Serge Lutens scents, I knew not to judge it based upon my very first reaction and persisted. I truly fell for it probably the third time I sampled it, I knew it was full bottle worthy because I could not stop smelling my wrists and it was actually distracting me from conversation! A beautiful concoction of initially bitter leather and smokiness which is eventually tempered by a powdered sweetness. It is a great contrast of sweet and bitter, reminiscent of the duality inherent in the qualities one might associate with a stripper: an over the top, almost put-on femininity edged with a street-wise tough side. The darker cousin of Habanita and a distant, kinkier relative of Chergui. Lovely, phenomenal and never boring!
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Fragrances -Serge Lutens - Ambre Sultan
celeste_85 3/16/2008 7:09:00 AM
Every time I have worn this perfume, someone has commented positively on it. I am so glad it works with my skin chemistry. Once, an extremely handsome man said, "You smell like.......pure sex." To me, that is a great description of this scent. It is strangely alluring, sensual and warm. Use with caution! Do not wear this around anyone you do not wish to entice.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -MAC - Impassioned (Amplified)
celeste_85 3/14/2008 5:21:00 AM
I am not normally a lipstick wearer..but when I saw how bright this one was, I thought it might be time to finally try lipstick. I applied a generous coat of this recently and trotted down to the local hardware store to pick up a few things. My oh my, the stares! It is a blazingly feminine color, that is sure to be noticed. The only thing that I dislike about it is it tends to be slightly drying on me. Otherwise, I like the formula. No gross sparkles or shimmer! Edit: taking off a lippy because it is really quite drying and it makes my lips flake, even if I layer it with lip balm.
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Moisturizers -Unlisted Brand - Extra Virgin Olive Oil
celeste_85 3/14/2008 5:08:00 AM
After seeing all the wonderful reviews on olive oil for the face, I decided to try it. It definitely helped with some of the flaky skin I had on my nose, but unfortunately, it also broke me out. I would not recommend this for the face if you are acne prone, but you never know, it has worked for some and you must try it for yourself to find out. However, as a body scrub this stuff is pure gold. I mixed it with coarse brown sugar and a few drops of patchouli oil (to cover up the salad dressing smell) and used it in the shower. My skin is unbelievably soft! It can get a bit messy, but the results are worth it. You may want to use an old towel for drying off. My skin looks beautiful and even toned!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Sunscreen -Clinique - Super City Block SPF 25
celeste_85 2/9/2008 7:07:00 PM
I have used this for four years now, I am rarely loyal to products and compulsively try new things, but I have been so consistently happy with this product that I have stuck with it. I have combination skin with a tendency to break out and this product does not aggravate my skin, it provides effective sun protection and is relatively inexpensive for the quality of product IMO. I use it everyday and have never noticed the tint of the product rubbing off on my clothes. It also helps my makeup last longer. The only bad thing about it is it sometimes causes my skin to feel a tad dry, but that is easily taken care of with a bit of moisturizer. Overall, a great sunscreen and a staple for me!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No