This is the new Tatcha Kissu Lip Mask in Wisteria. This is a light purple glossy lip balm that hydrates and keeps lips soft. I will admit that I don’t always use the spatula that it comes with. Gorgeous skincare that’s meant to be enjoyed on every level, not just to be useful.
A while ago, when Rihanna was still putting out music and touring, other celebrities would always comment on how amazing she smelled. When asked, she said that the perfume she wore was Kilian Love,Don’t be Shy, a sweet but relatively expensive perfume that, objectively, does smell pretty good. But the perfume launched for her brand is completely different, a blueberry, rose, and patchouli number, really a fruity-patch. The perfume is a study of paradox – we realize that we know almost nothing about the real Rihanna, but also that it would be like Rihanna to give us what we weren’t expecting. We’re surprised but not surprised that we’ve been surprised. Whether or not Rihanna wore this was besides the point; Rihanna had a hand in creating it so everyone wanted it. Let’s not forget the hype created around the launch of the perfume. Online only, then limited stick in stores, and now ubiquity. If you want a bottle, you can get it.
The scent profile fits into a Sephora but also seems to offer something different – the patchouli in this is unisex and leans masculine, and so if the fruity notes dissipate on you, then this will seem quite masculine-leaning. On days that the fruit sticks around, it’s syrupy sweet, almost reminding me of a canned fruit cocktail. There’s a coconut note that nearly gets lost in the fruit and a floral that adds sourness, a soft velvety texture against the paper-like feel of the patchouli. In short, the star that we grew up with in early 2000’s gave us a throwback fruitchouli, but it’s gotten a makeover with a classic, almost anonymous feeling, glass bottle.
It’s a bold perfume with persistence and is meant to be worn by a strong personality. None of this is an accident – this perfume will announce itself and you, and I think we can agree that it’s probably how Rihanna would have wanted it.
You know it’s summer when @diptyque brings back Ilio and their Citronelle candle. 🍋☀️💛
Cute display at Holt Renfrew.
Drake is back in the news and not exactly for the right reasons, but maybe one of the smartest things that Drake did was not attach his name to the line of candles he came out with.
The company is Better World Fragrance House, with Drake serving more as creative director and not appearing in any imagery associated with the candle line and perfume. I’m not one to throw out the baby with the bath-water, so I’m holding on to this 10ml perfume oil that came out a few months ago. It was pricy for a 10ml rollerball oil, but it smells exactly like the Carby Musk candles. The perfume sold out within hours and then was quickly restocked.
As far as celebrity brands go, it’s best not to get too attached to any of them, and enjoy the brand before the celebrity disappears from the spotlight. Carby Musk is a blend of warm musks that smell comforting. There’s an amber base, an ambergris saltiness that reminds me of salty skin, and the clean base of ambrette. If there are any flowers present, I don’t get them. With weak projection or sillage, this is an intimate scent that invites people to come in closer to smell it.
While the Carby Musk candle had incredible throw even when it wasn’t lit, the perfume is in a roll-on oil format that makes it difficult to overapply. As I type on my laptop, I can sometimes smell it on my wrists, and I get whiffs of it every time I tuck my hair behind my ear. Is it worth it? You need to see if it’s in your own budget, but as far as scents go, it’s the perfect warm salty musk and there’s not much out there like it. You either love it or you don’t, but it started out as a perfume oil that the perfumer Michael Carby made for himself and you can tell – it’s pretty special.
Because of its limited distribution – you can only find the perfumes at Celine stores, or high-end department stores – Celine perfumes still seem to be under the radar, and not much known about. The good news is that they sell samples sets on their website, so you don’t have to go in blind. Although they get compared to Chanel because of the packaging and price, they are very much their own, aside from having some twists on classics.
Nightclubbing might be polarizing but it’s still my favourite from the brand – cigarette ash, powder, vanillic warmth. It’s bitter but not unhappy. It’s that older woman you work with who has seen it all and knows it all, but she still greets people with a smile and isn’t afraid to laugh and learn. It’s that food that’s an acquired taste, and you like it because someone cool introduced you to it ages ago. It’s appreciating the past but also living in the present.
Can you pull it off?
Today I’m wearing Fidji edt, which is from the cheapie shelf @shoppersbeauty. If you got in trouble a lot as a kid, you won’t like this one. It will likely remind you of a difficult teacher or aunt. If you didn’t get in trouble, you might not mind revisiting this at a low price. I’ve had the parfum version of Fidji and found it to be better than this edt because it wasn’t as sharp, but for the price, the edt is fine and better for the hot weather. The heavy amount of bergamot and ylang-ylang give this perfume a freshness that’s long-lasting and the moss that comes around is smooth and mellow.
Really, this is an excellent summer spritzer because unlike other freshies, it actually lasts but it’s not a musk or an aquatic. A soapy floral is probably not what anyone would expect from a perfume named after a tropical island, but if you want an escape back to the 70’s then this will do it.
This is not a dupe brand.
With the proliferation of Middle Eastern brands offering a series of “smells like” perfumes, there’s a mistaken idea that anything coming out of that part of the world is a dupe. @khadlajperfumes is not a dupe brand, it’s run by a father-son-daughter trio that works together on the scents.
While some of them have become pretty popular on the clock app, I’m partial to Le Prestige Empress which is a fresh number that has a mouthwatering ginger note, paired with aromatics and vetiver. If you think that sounds pretty versatile, you’re right – this doesn’t smell traditionally feminine and is actually genderless. It’s reviving thanks to the mentholated qualities of the ginger, and earthy because of the rooty vetiver and cedar. It kind of reminds me of the feeling of a woody herbal spa, calming and invigorating at the same time.
Breathe deep – it feels so good.
This is Tatcha’s The Silk Sunscreen
This is the sunscreen you use as a primer, or when you need to wear sunscreen but you don’t want to look shiny on camera. It’s one of the more expensive options out there, but it really does go on like silk and makes the perfect canvas for makeup.
Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen. It wasn’t available in Canada before, but here it is.
And while you’re here, peep the ingredients: yes, it’s completely mineral, so it’s great for sensitive skin, but it’s completely clear on all skin tones. You need to try it to believe it. Worth every penny if you’re looking for a truly clear mineral sunscreen.
Apparently skincare is boring now, coming in dropper vials instead of big glamorous jars, selling us ingredients and formulas instead of a dream… that’s an opinion I came across recently.
I don’t know if we are going back to the era of skincare selling us an image instead of results, partly because social media has given a platform to scientists and those people who are interested in actual ingredients. The success of the “sciency” skincare packaging proves that this is something that consumers want. They want to know what they’re putting on their skin. To call the new packaging boring is to call science boring, which, ok, that’s fair, science isn’t for everyone and if you weren’t a sciency kid in school, you’re not going to be a science-loving influencer, but I think, giving people information has also given them choice, and has ultimately resulted in brands creating some nice products that work.
Pictures: La Roche Posay’s Toleraine cleanser and their B3 serum. The cleanser is a creamy gel that washes away clean. It never foams but it melts away makeup without leaving a residue. The B3 serum is great for tackling pigmentation but gently – B3 is niacinamide so it’s good for barrier repair too. The upside of having a serum with just 1 active ingredient is that if it doesn’t work for you, you’ll know which ingredient that is and you’ll move on. The downside of having lots of choice is that it’s hard to know what to choose, but there’s lots of time to figure it out.
In the vast world of fashion, few items are as essential and universally cherished as the handbag. It’s not just an accessory; it’s a statement, a practical necessity, and, for many women, an extension of their personality. A well-chosen bag can elevate an outfit, streamline daily tasks, and even boost confidence. Let’s delve into how investing in a quality handbag can enhance a woman’s daily life, making it more organized, stylish, and efficient.
One of the primary functions of a handbag is to hold and organize our essentials. Think about your typical day: you’re running from meetings to lunch dates, errands to evening events. A quality bag, with its well-thought-out design and compartments, ensures that everything you need is within reach.
A good handbag has dedicated pockets for your phone, keys, wallet, and other essentials. No more rummaging around a black hole of clutter when you need something quickly. The right bag keeps your items sorted, which means less time spent searching and more time enjoying your day.
Investing in a quality handbag means choosing durability over disposability. High-end bags are crafted from superior materials like fine leather, robust textiles, and sturdy hardware. These materials withstand the wear and tear of daily use far better than cheaper alternatives.
A well-made bag can last for years, often looking better with age as the materials develop a unique patina and character. This longevity makes it a more sustainable choice, reducing the need for frequent replacements and thus lessening your environmental footprint.
Examples of high-quality bags are from Burberry, Chanel, and Celine. These brands are renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship, timeless designs, and use of premium materials, making their bags a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to enhance their daily life with style and functionality.
Each brand offers a unique aesthetic: Burberry is known for its classic British elegance and signature check pattern, Chanel epitomizes luxury with its iconic quilted designs and interlocking CC logo, and Celine stands out with its minimalist, sophisticated approach to fashion.
We highly recommend this Burberry selection available on 24S.com, where you can find a range of beautifully crafted bags that reflect the brand’s rich heritage and contemporary appeal. Additionally, it’s worth considering the other mentioned brands and selecting the bag that best suits your personal style and needs.
Whether you opt for a Burberry tote, a Chanel classic flap, or a Celine box bag, choosing a high-quality piece from these esteemed designers will undoubtedly elevate your everyday ensemble and provide lasting value.
There’s something undeniably empowering about carrying a beautiful, well-made handbag. It’s like wearing a piece of art that also serves a practical purpose. The craftsmanship, the feel of the materials, and the design all contribute to a sense of pride and confidence.
When you invest in a high-quality bag, you’re not just buying a container for your belongings; you’re buying into a heritage of craftsmanship and style. This can translate into a boost in your overall confidence, knowing that you’re carrying a piece that reflects your taste and status.
A great bag is versatile, adapting to different occasions and outfits with ease. Quality bags often feature classic designs that transcend fleeting trends, ensuring they remain stylish year after year. A timeless tote or a chic crossbody bag can seamlessly transition from a business meeting to a casual brunch or a night out.
Investing in a versatile bag means you’re always prepared, no matter the occasion. It simplifies your life, reducing the need to switch bags constantly, and ensures that you always have the perfect accessory for any outfit or event.
Bags often carry more than just physical items; they carry memories and emotional connections. The bag you had on your first big job interview, the clutch you held at your best friend’s wedding, or the tote you took on that unforgettable vacation – these bags become part of your personal history.
Investing in a quality bag means creating a lasting companion that will be with you through many of life’s significant moments. Each time you carry it, you’re reminded of those experiences and the journey you’ve shared together.
Many high-end bag manufacturers are committed to ethical practices and sustainability. When you invest in a quality handbag, you’re often supporting brands that prioritize fair labor practices, environmentally friendly materials, and sustainable production methods.
This conscious choice can make you feel good about your purchase, knowing that you’re contributing to a more ethical and sustainable fashion industry. It’s a way of voting with your wallet, supporting brands that align with your values and contribute positively to the world.
A quality bag isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about functionality. From ergonomic designs that distribute weight evenly to adjustable straps that offer comfort, a well-crafted bag enhances your daily life by being as functional as it is fashionable.
Features like secure closures, water-resistant materials, and easy-to-clean interiors add to the practicality of a high-quality bag. These thoughtful details make a significant difference in your everyday experience, ensuring that your bag works for you, not against you.
While a quality handbag often comes with a higher upfront cost, it’s a wise financial investment in the long run. Instead of spending money on multiple cheaper bags that wear out quickly, investing in a durable, timeless piece saves you money over time.
Quality bags also retain their value better. In some cases, they even appreciate in value, especially if they’re from a renowned designer or a limited edition. This makes them not just a purchase, but an asset that can hold or increase its worth.
Investing in a quality handbag is more than just a fashion choice; it’s a decision that impacts various facets of a woman’s daily life. From practical benefits like organization and durability to emotional and ethical considerations, a well-made bag offers countless advantages. It’s an investment in yourself, your style, and your future.
So, the next time you find yourself contemplating a new handbag, remember that quality truly matters. Choose a bag that will be your reliable companion, reflect your personal style, and stand the test of time. After all, in the world of fashion and beyond, investing in quality is always a wise decision.
