Fidji Eau de Toilette

April 28
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.

April 28
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.

Posted in Perfumes | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Khadlaj Le Prestige Empress

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.

Posted in Perfumes | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Clear Mineral Sunscreen from Tatcha

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.

Posted in Sunscreen | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

La Roche-Posay MelaB3

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.

Posted in Skin Care | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Investing in Quality: How the Right Bag Enhances a Woman’s Daily Life

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.

1. The Practical Power of Organization

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.

2. Durability and Longevity

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.

3. A Boost in Confidence and Style

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.

4. Versatility and Adaptability

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.

5. The Emotional Connection

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.

6. Supporting Ethical and Sustainable Practices

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.

7. Function Meets Fashion

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.

8. Financial Wisdom

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.

Conclusion

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.

Posted in More Than Beauty | Leave a comment

Charlotte Tilbury Love Frequency Perfume Review

If you want a scent that reminds you of Rooh Afza, then the rose in Charlotte Tilbury’s Love Frequency will do it. There’s actually some lychee in the top notes too but instead of being sticky and sweet, Love Frequency settles down into a delightful rose musk that’s fun to be around. It’s perfect in cooler weather because the lychee sticks around longer and the rose-peony just shine. It’s rose and lychee but refreshing. I’ve never been a lychee-rose girl, but now I’m converted.

June 10

 

Posted in Perfumes | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Neutrogena Tinted Mineral Sunscreen

June 10
Yesterday, the news in the NYT was that sunscreen use among Gen Z kids is going down due to the misinformation they are soaking up from influencers. Unsurprisingly, many kids only wear sunscreen when they’re nagged about it, but what’s actually dangerous is that many believe it is dangerous to their health. Honestly, social media aside, many adults don’t wear sunscreen daily either and also believe that the sun’s rays are somehow healing. Anyway, the good news is that sunscreen options continue to be plentiful and there are lots of formulas to choose from these days.

The latest is Neutrogena’s Prescreen Mineral UV-Tint Face Liquid, and I can finally say that I have found a tinted sunscreen that actually matches my skin tone. I use the medium tint and it’s sheer enough that it will work for my skin tones and pigmented enough that it gives me enough coverage that I’m not using a foundation during the day. Check out the bit that’s in my hand, you can see there’s a bit of pink pigment, and I will say that this tinted sunscreen goes on a little pink but then it kind of settles down and looks natural.

There are three colours available (light, medium, and dark), and I can’t comment on whether the dark one will work on darker skin tones, but this tint bests other options that have been available thus far, including the one by Avene and La Roche Posay.

The ingredients that make up this sunscreen are mineral only – this is important because although this does blend into your skin, there’s kind of a cast in certain lights. It doesn’t bother me because I know that in most settings this is fine, but I wouldn’t use this sunscreen if I was going to be in a special setting. Will this sunscreen work for everyone? No. But mineral sunscreens are great for anyone with sensitive skin, and if that helps you use sunscreen then this is worth checking out.

Posted in Sunscreen | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

SmellMaxxing

April 28
Smellmaxxing – the art of enhancing your scent. This past weekend, the NYT had an article about the trend of teenage boys buying, wearing, and collecting high-end perfume – we are talking about perfume that costs over $100 and having more than one bottle. Not only are they buying it but they also seem to be knowledgeable about scent terms like “sillage” and “top notes”.

Clearly, the trend seems more prominent with kids that can afford the perfumes – or their parents can. When one mom was interviewed about the cost, she didn’t tell her kid to find something cheaper, but asked that he do more chores around the house to earn the money. What’s surprising to me is not the trend, but the perfume community’s reaction to it, saying that kids buying luxury perfumes is “too much” and what’s next, a Prada bag? The irony is that Prada bags are so last century – did nobody watch the movie Clueless back in the 90’s. Yes, it was a satire of a rich LA teenager but satires are based on real life.

Truly, isn’t it better that teenagers are more interested in perfume as a means of self-expression? Whether they’re spending $10 or $100, wearing perfume and then smelling it throughout the day is a means of checking in with yourself, of adding another layer of enjoyment to your day, and can even help in times of anxiety. It may be a sign of the times that kids are now into scent – maybe it’s the balm they need, just like it’s what we all need and have already discovered.

Get them started young, I say. The other part of the commentary surrounding the article is that kids are being “influenced” to buy these perfumes and they might not even really know what they’re getting. Clearly, some of these commentators don’t remember being young and impressionable. It’s a time for people to figure out what they like, and what they do in the meanwhile is follow the trends. That’s part of being an adolescent.

My first perfume as a teenager was Ralph Lauren Blue even though my mom tried to hoist her vintage Dior on to me. I said, no! I knew what worked for me. Lucky for me, the Dior is still there, and the Blue was the right thing for that time.

Posted in Perfumes | Tagged | Leave a comment

New Biotherm Bodycorps Collection

April 28
This new Biotherm Bodycorps body serum is $65 at the drugstore, but honestly, I don’t have to use my retinoid on my body anymore, and wonder if it’s a retinoid night, or no-retinoid night, so I’m here for it. I grew up in an era where I could read about acids being a treatment for bumps on your skin, but there was nothing available at the drugstore, but now there is.

April 28
Yes, Biotherm has a new body collection just in time for summer. Sure, you’ve seen a scrub and body oil before but they have a body serum too AND it has actives in it which is why I don’t need to use my retinoid on my body. Specifically, the Biotherm Biocorps Anti-Bump body serum has lactic acid in it which is a more hydrating acid. This makes it perfect for use on your body since your body is typically more dry and needs hydration. I’m using the scrub in the shower, of course, but it’s not so scratchy that the serum burns afterwards.

This is my weekday scrub because I use my harsher coffee and olive oil scrub on the weekends. The serum is a light gel texture that spreads easily, absorbs like water, and then works well with the Biotherm body lotion without any pilling. Both of them set to a non-greasy finish which means that you can get dressed right afterwards or follow with your sunscreen. And because there’s an exfoliating acid in the Biocorps serum, there’s also a recommendation on the bottle that you use sunscreen daily if you are using the serum, and honestly, use sunscreen period. I love the Lait Corporel body lotion but I’d like a huge bottle of sunscreen so I never run out.

Posted in Skin Care | Tagged | Leave a comment

Fueguia 1833 Milano

April 14
I went to Fueguia 1833 and bought nothing. There was just too much to smell and there wasn’t anything in particular I was looking for. But the store was beautiful, and it was nice that all the scents are presented with glass bowls so you could pick them up and smell the scent inside, instead of spraying directly from the bottle.

Posted in Perfumes | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment