Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk and Pillow Talk Intense Lipsticks

Posted on May 23, 2022 by Henna

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk and Pillow Talk Medium lipsticks.

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So many brown women have told me that the regular Pillow Talk washes them out, but it’s actually pretty close to my natural lip colour so I like it. The Medium shade is more mature-looking on me. I might wear it if I want to feel dressed up but otherwise… no.

The finish is satiny, verging on matte. They both go on very creamy and are easy to apply. There’s no taste which is another plus. These are definitely staying in my makeup stash for now.

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Valentino Donna Born in Roma Review

Posted on May 23, 2022 by Henna

This is one of my most-saved Instagram posts, so I guess this review really piqued people’s interests, and they’re probably going to go to the counters to smell it now.

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I got gifted this bottle of Valentino Born in Roma, and I’ve been delaying wearing it. I’ve sprayed it on paper, and kind of thought about it here and there, but I just couldn’t bring myself to wear it. I tried it on a sweater, and then had to change my clothes because I couldn’t stand this. I sprayed on a scent strip again, and it gave me a head-ache so I had to throw it in the garbage, and I still couldn’t get rid of the scent. I really wanted to give it a fair chance this weekend, but Born in Roma is just so syrupy sweet, with that generic sweet base note that all perfumes seem to have these days.

Apparently, the notes include black pepper, blackcurrant, and jasmine but I couldn’t make out much other than the syrupy sweet vanilla. Maybe this would appeal to someone younger, or someone who is anosmic or not as sensitive to those base notes, but I can’t wear it and I don’t think I’d like to smell it on anyone else either.

We will see… maybe I’ll put it on my desk next week and see if anyone tries it on or asks for a decant.

Anyway, what do I know. An SA told me that this is a best-seller.

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Dawn Spencer Hurwitz Colorado Review

Posted on May 19, 2022 by Henna

This is for your friends (he/she/they) who have half a dozen tattoos and those cute micro-piercings filled with little twinkling gemstones. They don’t shop at those big box stores but that’s ok, because the corner store stocks all the best-sellers from Costco anyway. They play guitar, or at least a ukulele, and once a month pile into a friend’s car for a trip to the mountains. Colorado by Dawn Spencer Hurwitz is for them.

I don’t have tattoos or a ukulele, but when I wear Colorado, I’m eating lunch with those kids.

This smells exactly like a trip to the mountains in the spring sunshine. Bright citrus in the opening, immortelle, pine needles, dried bark, crisp dried sap. You’re on a hike as the snow melts and you can smell possibility in the air.

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Most Complimented: Le Labo Santal 33

Posted on May 18, 2022 by Henna

TextOne of my most compliment scents, so not one that I can really hate, but compliments never compel me to get anything.

No need to describe Santal 33 since everyone has heard of it or smelled it. I’ve gone through more than 1 sample of it but never felt a need to buy it. This is such a ubiquitous, heavily-copied scent that even if I don’t have it, I find myself smelling it here and there.

Do you own this? Have you smelled it?

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Favourite Skincare Balms

Posted on May 17, 2022 by Henna

TextThree balms that I’m using right now. I just have them available all over the house and I love them.

Murad Intense Recovery Cream which is a moisturizer more than a balm. I use this at night.

ChanV Hemp Ointment smells like lavender and tea tree so I like it on my cuticles and hands more than anything else.

Ren Skincare Overnight Recovery Balm which is a little oily but my skin absorbs it so nicely. It’s labeled for sensitive skin but truly sensitive skins should beware that it is scented.

I use these at night especially if my skin is peeling or dry. They seem to be gone in the morning.

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Gucci A Winter Melody

Posted on May 16, 2022 by Henna

TextMy sister got me a present – Gucci’s A Winter Melody is one of them. It’s a super-pretty, very light mist of a fragrance. No sillage or projection, hardly any staying power, but it’s charming with a blend of bergamot, cypress (almost camphorous, very green) and rose. I apply it on repeat and enjoy for as long as it’s there… and then I apply more.

Available at Holt Renfrew in Canada for $275.

This is part of Gucci’s The Alchemist’s Garden collection – have you tried anything from the line? Do you have a favourite?

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Serge Lutens Datura Noir Review

Posted on May 13, 2022 by Henna

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My picture came out blurry, but I’m wearing Datura Noir by Serge Lutens. More of a gourmand tuberose thanks to the bitter almond, tonka, coconut, but it’s still not too sweet… kind of reminds me of sunscreen and summer, and yes, it’s perfect for a crisp spring day. Makes you hopeful…

Did you wear perfume today?

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Chanel Beige Review

Posted on May 11, 2022 by Henna

TextA light medley of honeyed florals, Chanel Beige is feminine, sweet, and innocuous. The freesia in this stands out immediately and reminds me of Hawaii, or of Bath and Body Works plumeria lotion – anyone remember that one? This is a little soapy and clean, and I can imagine it as a body wash. It’s easy to wear if florals are your thing. So pretty and unassuming.

Is this the colour beige? Beige implies something boring that fades into the background, and this doesn’t seem beige to me. It wears more pastel yellow.

Part of the Les Exclusifs line, this is available online or at Chanel boutiques.

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Artisanal Perfumes

Posted on May 10, 2022 by Henna

TextI hear so much from people who say that perfume doesn’t work for them. They’re not against it, but there’s nothing that speaks to them at their regular shopping outlets – either it all smells the same (the truth is a lot of it does), or it gives them a headache (my mom complains of this too!). Sometimes it’s arranged in such a gendered, binary way that even shopping for a perfume is a turn off. Sometimes, it’s that the sales associates just point you towards the best-sellers no matter what you’re looking for.

If that sounds like something you’ve encountered, this year (and always), try turning to something different. These are three “artisinal” perfumes in my collection – artisinal just means that they’re made by hand, usually by the perfumer who conceived them.

There are tons of options out there, but I’ve got Buen Camino by Chronotope Perfume, Gardener’s Glove from St. Clair Scents, and Colorado by DSH Perfumes.

I’m not going to lie, these options are pricy, especially ordering to Canada because you get charged duty on top of the exchange rate, but these are so unique and interesting scents that there’s no replacement for them. If nothing else, spring for a sample set so you can see what’s out there, what beautiful art is being made.

Do you have a favourite perfume nobody’s heard of?

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Empties: Bumble and Bumble, Aveeno, Vichy, Fable and Mane, Tarte

Posted on May 9, 2022 by Henna

Things I finished this week. TextLittle mini Fable and Mane hair mask. This is a nice moisturizing hair mask that doesn’t feel like it’s full of silicone, but the scent of it is disgusting, like warm vanilla baby food 🤢.

Tarte Cosmetics loose setting powder. Loved this and I can’t even remember the last time I finished a powder. I have to say that it doesn’t really keep shine at bay for a very long time. I’ve started using another powder instead.

Vichy LiftActiv SPF30. Loved this sunscreen. And it smells so good that it reminds me of the summer.

Bumble and Bumble BbGlow Bond-Building Styler. I loved this! I would use it again. It’s a thick shimmery styling cream that works for blow-drying or air drying your hair. I also use it to take frizz when my hair is already dry. I love this whole collection.

Aveeno Ultra Calming cleanser. This foams but it’s so gentle. I have a lot of cleansers to use right now so I won’t be getting this again.

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