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Hey girls!
Aren't you glad winter's finally buggering off?
The first day of spring was officially the 1st, so I reckon it was a merry twist of fate that it also happened to be the day that Estee Lauder's new super spring-y scent arrived at my office – Pleasures Bloom EDT, R385 for 30ml.
Now, if you're a fan of the original Pleasures, you'll know it's a sparkling, fresh floral. This version, however, despite being called 'Bloom', which would make you think it's even more 'flowery', is actually a lush fruity-floral. (Its notes feature grapefruit, litchi and raspberry that mingle with violet, pink peony, musk, patchouli and vanilla). The result is pretty, sweet and very wearable. My only whine? It's staying power isn't all that great. Come 4pm, it's gone. Still, this gives you an excuse to pull it out of your bag for round two – and to have everyone 'ooh and aah' at the gorgeous bottle.
Just look at that big-ass flower. How can you not just love it? It's so 'Gabrielle' from Desperate Housewives. Just looking at it makes me want to wear kitten heels, have the girls over for margarita-fuelled 'book club' and have my way with a seventeen year old garden boy... (Okay, maybe scrap the last bit...) But you get my drift.
Another big fragrance launch you should know about? Thierry Mugler Womanity EDP, (R595 for a 30ml refillable bottle). Now will you get a load of THAT bottle?
I have to admit, I reckon it's a vile mask o' evil and pulled it out of the box to show a friend its nasty horror, but she was completely disagreed with me. "OMG! It's soooo beautiful! It reminds me of Moulin Rouge!" she shrieked, while trying to rip it from my grasp. So, vive le difference!
As for how it actually smells, it's an interesting blend of sweet and savoury in that it contains milky fig notes that play (surprisingly well) with... wait for it... caviar! Interestingly, I found it to be rather demure in comparison to its older sisters. While Angel and Alien are divalicious and really divide their would-be wearers straight down the line (as in you either love them or hate them), Womanity, is merely precocious – and you'll forgive her for it because she's just so darn... well, sweet (but not migraine-inducingly so). All the sugar is balanced by a woody dry down that reminds me of a softer, more chilled out Alien.
To find out more about this strange, engaging scent you could easily Google it, but nothing will beat going into a store, sniffing it for yourself and making up your own mind.
Now, remember I told you I was going to get some lowdown regarding the new pink ghd? Well, I've finally got it! Behold, the brand new limited edition pink styler,
R2 280, available as of this month in selected salons.
Don't you just love its gorgeous pink plates? (I reckon if Barbie – or Patricia Lewis – had a ghd, this would be it). It comes complete with a Chanel-inspired pink raffia bag and adorable white compact mirror. Also for every styler sold, R100, will be donated to the Cancer Association of South Africa. So know you can look (damn) good while helping other's to feel better.
Another new product to get excited about? Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Mineral Bronzer, R230!
A while back, Arden created a stir with the most awesome mineral powder foundation. Did any of you try it? I loved the packaging! For those of you who missed it, let me fill you in.
Often, I'm put off by 'mineral' products – the finely ground powders in particular – because the moment you open those little pots, they just 'phloof' everywhere creating a seriyas powdery mess. Arden's mineral foundation are dramz-proof, however, as they come in pressed powder form with a 'grinder' mechanism. Every time you use it, you just twist the packaging and it literally just shaves off a little of what you need.
Genius, right?
They've now used the same twist 'n shave packaging to create their mineral bronzers made from microlight minerals that don't clog pores and are enriched with sea water complex, aloe and vitamins A, C and E!
It comes with its own folding kabuki brush, but I wouldn't recommend you use it – it's simply too small to create the big, sweeping movements you need to create a natural-looking glow. Instead, if you're feeling flush, invest in one of Arden's ultra-luxurious big face powder brushers or pick up a super-versatile QVS Powder Brush for a mere R59,95 from Woolies.
Now on that bronzy note, I'm off to break out the self-tan. Tomorrow's looking like dress weather!
Love, love
Leigh
P.S. Heard about The Body Shop's new rewards programme Love Your Body? It's free to join and you get an I Love Your Body card which allows you to earn points every time you shop at the store. I reckon it's worth it if you're a TBS regular because, if you spend R500 within three months, you'll get a rewards voucher as well as other lekker incentives – things like invites to special members only events and a gift on your birthday. Want to read more? Click here.
Aren't you glad winter's finally buggering off?
The first day of spring was officially the 1st, so I reckon it was a merry twist of fate that it also happened to be the day that Estee Lauder's new super spring-y scent arrived at my office – Pleasures Bloom EDT, R385 for 30ml.
Now, if you're a fan of the original Pleasures, you'll know it's a sparkling, fresh floral. This version, however, despite being called 'Bloom', which would make you think it's even more 'flowery', is actually a lush fruity-floral. (Its notes feature grapefruit, litchi and raspberry that mingle with violet, pink peony, musk, patchouli and vanilla). The result is pretty, sweet and very wearable. My only whine? It's staying power isn't all that great. Come 4pm, it's gone. Still, this gives you an excuse to pull it out of your bag for round two – and to have everyone 'ooh and aah' at the gorgeous bottle.Just look at that big-ass flower. How can you not just love it? It's so 'Gabrielle' from Desperate Housewives. Just looking at it makes me want to wear kitten heels, have the girls over for margarita-fuelled 'book club' and have my way with a seventeen year old garden boy... (Okay, maybe scrap the last bit...) But you get my drift.
Another big fragrance launch you should know about? Thierry Mugler Womanity EDP, (R595 for a 30ml refillable bottle). Now will you get a load of THAT bottle?I have to admit, I reckon it's a vile mask o' evil and pulled it out of the box to show a friend its nasty horror, but she was completely disagreed with me. "OMG! It's soooo beautiful! It reminds me of Moulin Rouge!" she shrieked, while trying to rip it from my grasp. So, vive le difference!
As for how it actually smells, it's an interesting blend of sweet and savoury in that it contains milky fig notes that play (surprisingly well) with... wait for it... caviar! Interestingly, I found it to be rather demure in comparison to its older sisters. While Angel and Alien are divalicious and really divide their would-be wearers straight down the line (as in you either love them or hate them), Womanity, is merely precocious – and you'll forgive her for it because she's just so darn... well, sweet (but not migraine-inducingly so). All the sugar is balanced by a woody dry down that reminds me of a softer, more chilled out Alien.
To find out more about this strange, engaging scent you could easily Google it, but nothing will beat going into a store, sniffing it for yourself and making up your own mind.
Now, remember I told you I was going to get some lowdown regarding the new pink ghd? Well, I've finally got it! Behold, the brand new limited edition pink styler,
R2 280, available as of this month in selected salons.
Don't you just love its gorgeous pink plates? (I reckon if Barbie – or Patricia Lewis – had a ghd, this would be it). It comes complete with a Chanel-inspired pink raffia bag and adorable white compact mirror. Also for every styler sold, R100, will be donated to the Cancer Association of South Africa. So know you can look (damn) good while helping other's to feel better.
Another new product to get excited about? Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Mineral Bronzer, R230!
A while back, Arden created a stir with the most awesome mineral powder foundation. Did any of you try it? I loved the packaging! For those of you who missed it, let me fill you in.
Often, I'm put off by 'mineral' products – the finely ground powders in particular – because the moment you open those little pots, they just 'phloof' everywhere creating a seriyas powdery mess. Arden's mineral foundation are dramz-proof, however, as they come in pressed powder form with a 'grinder' mechanism. Every time you use it, you just twist the packaging and it literally just shaves off a little of what you need.
Genius, right?
They've now used the same twist 'n shave packaging to create their mineral bronzers made from microlight minerals that don't clog pores and are enriched with sea water complex, aloe and vitamins A, C and E!It comes with its own folding kabuki brush, but I wouldn't recommend you use it – it's simply too small to create the big, sweeping movements you need to create a natural-looking glow. Instead, if you're feeling flush, invest in one of Arden's ultra-luxurious big face powder brushers or pick up a super-versatile QVS Powder Brush for a mere R59,95 from Woolies.
Now on that bronzy note, I'm off to break out the self-tan. Tomorrow's looking like dress weather!
Love, love
Leigh
P.S. Heard about The Body Shop's new rewards programme Love Your Body? It's free to join and you get an I Love Your Body card which allows you to earn points every time you shop at the store. I reckon it's worth it if you're a TBS regular because, if you spend R500 within three months, you'll get a rewards voucher as well as other lekker incentives – things like invites to special members only events and a gift on your birthday. Want to read more? Click here.
