Makeup lately. This is a lot for everyday but it shows up nicely in pictures and videos. I like using colours that pop and lipliner. Even a neutral lip liner makes a huge difference. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Blush Wand in Peach Pop and Pillow Talk liner in Walk of No Shame. Fenty Cheek’d Up blush duo. Make Up For Ever Liner in no 20.Thank you to the person who asked the question!
Makeup Lately: Fenty, Charlotte Tilbury, Rare Beauty
Chanel No. 5 Eau de Cologne Vintage

When I asked people to tell me about their bedtime perfumes, so many people said that Chanel No. 5 was their choice, and so it’s mine tonight. Who am I to argue with the experts?
It might be surprising if you’re not a perfume wearer because No. 5 has a bit of a buttoned up reputation, but if you’ve worn a lot of perfume then Chanel No. 5 just smells like an old friend. We’ve smelled this kind of DNA so many times that you can sleep knowing it won’t bother you. The civet in this version is just animalic enough to make the perfume seem alive, warm, living.
Phlur Tangerine Boy Perfume Review

Smells exactly the way you thought it would: Satsuma from The Body Shop.
Guerlain Bois d’Armenie Perfume Review
For today, and every day that there’s a chill in the air, there’s Bois d’Armenie.

It smells just like the Papier d’Armenie but before you burn them. This is a benzoin-vanilla but I wouldn’t call it gourmand, it’s a similar vanilla to Shalimar with a creaminess that feels effortless. It’s not mouthwatering sweet and it has a richness to it, a woodiness that reminds me of the paper without being so obvious.
Bois d’Armenie reminds me of Bois d’Argent from the Dior Privee line but stronger and with vanilla, so if you liked that but maybe it wasn’t quite the one, this should be on your sample list. I also get similarities to Coromandel, but Coromandel is heavier, more textured and with more layers which makes sense.
The L’Art et La Matiere line is supposed to focus on singular materials and this is a study of benzoin more than anything else. This is like having the finest cashmere underwear. It’s cozy and soft, finely knit and see-through, but you’re the only one who knows it’s there.
Australian Cancer Council Sunscreen
We are getting robbed out here with our sunscreen options.

My friend went to Australia and picked out this sunscreen for me, and it’s one of the best I’ve ever used with a texture that’s unlike anything on our markets right now. It’s smooth and slippery, like a gel, but it goes on like a cream. Yes, it’s tinted, but you can see in the second slide that the tint is not overly dark or pigmented, and this really lets your skin show. I’d call it very lightly tinted, not even close to being a foundation, which is fine with me.

Also, did you see the brand? It’s the Australian Cancer Council that puts out this sunscreen, meaning that it’s an affordable but good option, hopefully making sunscreen a bit more accessible to everyone. I’ve included a picture of the ingredients on the back of the bottle so you can see waht they are – they include sun filters that we don’t have which means that there are more options with the kinds of formulas they’re able to make. It’s no suprise that this sunscreen is hydrating but also very light, and it’s able to be more on the matte side (I wouldn’t say that it’s completely matte, and that’s ok).

If I could get this here, I would.The picture is me drinking my coffee this morning. Got your attention. Nobody wears enough sunscreen, not even me.
Shalimar eau de Cologne
A summer Shalimar, this eau de Cologne is taking me to the end of the season and into fall. My favourite thing about the vintage versions is that they’re more interesting than the vanilla bomb that Shalimar is known for being. The citruses are amped up to mouth-puckering levels, the smokiness of the vanilla creates a shadow of a leather. But this is still a summer perfume and meant to be spritzed on generously. Even the sprayer refuses to spritz a concentrated dose and diffuses a generous mist that’s best directed at your whole body so as to catch the most of the cloud of scent. I get it now: the comparisons to Le Lion make sense, but the Chanel’s have their own amber accords and the Guerlain’s their own.
5 Things to Keep Under Control to Ensure You Don’t Have Breakouts on Your Wedding Day

Acne is something that we want to leave behind in the past as a haunting memory of puberty. Unfortunately, breakouts are persistent little pests that can plague women well into their adult years. In fact, Harvard Health has found that adult women are more likely to get acne after 20 compared to men.
For brides-to-be, a breakout is the last thing you want to mar the joy and confidence warranted on your wedding. Thankfully, you can prevent a breakout by preparing your body in the months or weeks before the big day. Just make sure you know what factors to keep under control.
Your Eating Habits
What you eat and how much you consume is a major contributor to adult breakouts. A study even found that people who have diets that are heavy in sugar and fat are 54 per cent more likely to get acne. So, the best thing is to minimize your intake of food that is high-fat, processed, and full of sugar. Of course, you shouldn’t completely cut out healthy fats from your diet.
You also need to maintain a good level of glucose in your body for your skin to stay healthy. It’s actually a myth that simply eating greasy food will automatically result in a breakout. It’s just about maintaining a diet that doesn’t have too much of anything. Balance is your friend when it comes to getting the nutrients you need and preventing acne.
Your Level of Stress
Stress is a huge trigger for breakouts. Aside from steering clear of other external stressors, you also need to think about the actual wedding. Wedding planning is already one of the most stressful things you can go through, so you’ll need to make the process as pain-free as possible if you want to have clear skin on the big day.
A wedding planning guide on 77 Diamonds suggests that brides start mapping out all their costs, venue arrangements, and suppliers months (if not a year) ahead to avoid the delays and crunchtime challenges that can crop up. The more time you give yourself, the less pressure you’ll feel to get everything smoothed out right away. It’s also a good idea to look into wedding insurance, so you can get reimbursed for any incidents or delays that affect your wedding. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that being prepared for sudden or unexpected postponements is a must.
Your Self-Care Regimen
One of the best ways to avoid a wedding breakout is to indulge in self-care. Give yourself ample time to recharge, relax, and feel rejuvenated. Even as things get busy, don’t let your skincare routine slip up. It’s not only good for your mental health to maintain a self-care regimen but also a key part of your anti-breakout plan.
If you’re already having some acne trouble, consider integrating some niacinamide serum into your routine. The formula developed by Neutrogena does wonders in hydrating your skin and alleviating the redness and swelling you can get from acne. Of course, you shouldn’t change up your skincare if you’re just a week away from your wedding. Make sure you have ample time to see how your skin reacts to new products.
You should also avoid certain products that can actually worsen acne, such as vitamin E products, exfoliants, and heavily oil-based stuff.
Your Makeup Routine
Either minimize how much makeup you generally wear or make sure you are using products that aren’t causing breakouts. Avoid products that have dyes, parabens, and fragrances as much as possible. Try to cut back and slowly reintegrate products into your makeup routine to see if you have any products that might be triggering flare-ups.
It’s also best to do a look test for your wedding day makeup way ahead of the actual date. This gives you time to make any adjustments to see what makes you feel most beautiful and check how your skin reacts to the products you’ll use. A popular choice is Luminess as it carries an airbrush foundation line that looks smoother and lasts longer, making it perfect for a long wedding all the way up to the reception. It’s also super buildable, so an early test can help you see how many passes you need to achieve the look you’re going for.
Your Sleep Schedule
If you’re not getting enough sleep, you are increasing the risk of acne (and inviting a whole bunch of other health concerns.) When you lack sleep, you are more likely to have cortisol spikes, which can eventually lead to overproduction of sebum. Should these clog your pores, you then get the ever-dreaded breakout.
Simply put, you need to get those restful winks in if you want to avoid blemishes on your big day. CNET also reveals that your sleep position plays a part, as having your face rub up on your pillow or bedding can irritate your skin. There’s also a build-up of bacteria that can trigger a breakout if your face is exposed to the fabric for prolonged periods of time.
Summer Incense Perfumes

Incense two ways, each of them perfect for these crisp late summer days. It’s 8 degrees in the morning and 22 in the afternoon, so I don’t want to wear a fresh perfume but I also want something too heavy because I know I’ll regret it by the time it’s lunch.
Today I wore Jaiselmer, from the Comme de Garçons incense series because that dry spicy palo santo felt just right with the crunch of fall leaves. Yesterday I wore Breath of God because I wanted the cedar and sandalwood to accompany me on my walk through the hills.
I’m enjoying the cool weather that’s here, but it’s still not very cold…
Straightening 101: Mistakes to Avoid for Hair Perfection
Ah, the allure of silky, straight hair. Many of us have faced the trials and tribulations of achieving the perfect straightened look. But sometimes, despite our best efforts, the results are less than stellar. From frizz to unwanted damage, the quest for pin-straight locks can go awry. If you’ve been facing issues with your hair straightening routine, this guide is for you. Let’s explore common mistakes you might be making and how to avoid them for hair perfection.
The Prep Work: Starting on the Right Foot
Before you even plug in that straightener, the preparation phase is crucial. Good prep ensures you have a smooth canvas to work on.
Wet Hair Woes
One of the most common mistakes is straightening damp or wet hair. This is a major no-no. Wet hair and heat are not friends. The intense heat can boil the water in your hair shaft, leading to damage and breakage. Always ensure your hair is completely dry before straightening.
Skimping on Heat Protection
Just as you wouldn’t venture into the sun without sunscreen, don’t expose your hair to heat without protection. Always apply a good-quality heat protectant spray or serum. If you’re on the lookout for a trusty tool that’s gentle on hair, the GHD new original hair straightener is a worthy mention, designed to give you a sleek finish without excessive heat damage.
The Straightening Process: Technique Matters
Getting the technique right is half the battle won. Even the best tools won’t deliver results if you’re making these mistakes during the straightening process.
Overloading Your Hair
Less is more when it comes to the amount of hair you work on at once. Working with smaller sections ensures even heat distribution and a smoother finish. Overloading your straightener can lead to unevenly straightened hair and require multiple passes, causing more damage.
Too Many Passes
Going over the same section multiple times not only wastes time but also exposes your hair to more heat than necessary. Aim to get it right in one or two passes.
Incorrect Temperature
While it might be tempting to crank up the heat to the highest setting, it’s not always best for your hair. Thin or damaged hair requires a lower temperature, while coarse or thick hair might need a bit more heat. Always find a balance that works for your hair type.
Post-Straightening Care: Lock in the Sleekness
You’ve achieved that gorgeous straight look, but your job isn’t done just yet. Post-straightening care is essential to maintain that sleekness and protect your hair.
Touching It Too Much
Your hair might feel irresistibly smooth, but try to avoid running your fingers through it constantly. The oils from your fingers can make your hair greasy faster.
Skipping the Serum
A lightweight hair serum or oil can add shine and reduce any static or frizz, ensuring your straightened look lasts longer.
Common Missteps to Watch Out For
Not Cleaning Your Straightener
Over time, product build-up can accumulate on your straightener’s plates. This residue can snag or pull hair and reduce the efficiency of your tool. Make sure to give it a gentle wipe-down regularly.
Storing Your Straightener Immediately
Let your tool cool down completely before packing it away. Storing it while it’s still warm can damage the cord or the tool itself.
Avoiding Regular Hair Trims
Even with all precautions, regular heat styling can cause some wear and tear. Regular trims help get rid of split ends, ensuring your hair looks healthier and straightens better.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Straight, but Protect the Hair
Straightening your hair can elevate your look, giving you a sleek and polished appearance. However, it’s crucial to approach the process with care and knowledge. By avoiding the common pitfalls and ensuring you use the right tools and techniques, you can achieve that perfect straight look without compromising on hair health. Always remember, your hair’s health should be a priority—because healthy hair is always in style!





