Fragrance

OuiPlease Vol. 1.5: Along the Loire Valley

Coco

Since the last box shipped at the end of July and this is a bi-monthly box, I had expected the shipment over a month ago. However, I wasn’t

  • Salome Charly – Trie Bracelet ($50)
  • Concept Provence – Facial Toner ($20)
  • Sencha & Bourbon – Cotton or Cashmere Scarf ($120-130)
  • Historiae – Hameau de la Reine Fragrance ($40)
  • Historiae – Bouquet du Trianon Soap ($10)
  • Savor & Sens – Mustard Walnut Flavor ($15)
  • L’Attelier – Roasted Almonds ($15)
  • La Route des Comptoirs – Perle d’Amour Organic Black Tea ($30)

The value of my box is either $300 or $310, depending on which scarf I received (which I have a hard time believing is over $100). Regardless, it is again disappointing that the value was $100 lower than the $400 value that they promise. However, at least I didn’t see any huge inflation with the products this time. I emailed OuiPlease and they are sending me another “gift” to make up for the ‘missing items’.


salome-charly-trie concept-provence-facial-toner historiae-hameau-de-la-reine 
historiae-bouquet-du-trianon-soap l-attelier-tentations-caramelisees-amandes la-route-des-comptoirs-perle-d-amour
 

The bracelet is slightly different than the one pictured.
Not Pictured: Sencha & Bourbon scarf, Savor & Sens mustard

As for the actual items, surprisingly the scarf is my favorite item in the box. It is super soft and the monogram of my initials is a sweet touch from Sencha & Bourbon. The scarf is not really my style, but I will definitely find a way to incorporate it in my wardrobe.

I am still trying out the other items, but so far I like the facial toner. I definitely did not need more toner but I am still happy to have it. I was glad to not see any more lotion since the last box was overflowing with lotion.

Overall, I was not super excited about Volume 1.5. Even with the over inflation, I feel like the last box was much better but I am trying to stay optimistic about the gift they are sending me.

 

UPDATE: I received the “gift” item that OuiPlease sent to me. I was super impressed that it came to me within only ONE DAY of them responding to my email. And then I opened the box:

 

dynastie_vamp

Marina de Bourbon Dynastie Vamp (100ml – no box) – $160

I am so happy that they sent me this item! I am beyond ecstatic that the item was high value and actually made me meet the $400 value and even pass it!

BirchBox June 2015 – The Tig

Coco

THE TIG: GUEST EDITOR BOX – Curated by actress Meghan Markle, founder of The Tig lifestyle blog, this box is brimming with A-list must-haves for all your summer escapades.

My box included:

  • Real Chemistry Luminous 3-Minute Peel
  • Harvey Prince Hello Body Cream
  • Davines SŪ Hair & Body Wash
  • Oribe Cote d’Azur Fragrance
  • Marcelle BB Cream Golden

I am most excited to try the BB Cream!

Perfume of the Day: Chloe by Chloe Rollerball

Coco

Since I recently acquired this fragrance via the Sephora Favorites Superstars Set, I figured it would be a great Perfume of the Day post (especially since I have not done one in over a year).

Capturing the spirit of women, the Chloé vision is not about one singular woman, but rather about the rich and varied personalities of all Chloé women.

I would definitely agree that the perfume is VERY feminine feeling. It smells mostly floral to me. It is sophisticated and elegant. Clean. I read a review where the reviewer mentioned that the scent reminded her of Paris. Even though I have never been to Paris, I would have to agree. If Paris was a smell, this would definitely be it.

Notes: Pink Peony, Freesia, Lychee, Magnolia Flower, Lily of the Valley, Rose, Cedarwood, Amber, Honey.

The 0.2 oz Eau de Parfum Rollerball is usually $25, but it is included in the Sephora Favorites Superstars Set for $75. And of course, online stores such as FragranceNet always have low prices.

Sephora Favorites Superstars Set

Coco

A $15 off coupon for Sephora arrived in the mail the other day and I knew immediately that I would be making a purchase from Sephora very soon. After some browsing on the site, I decided on the Superstars value set for $75 (worth $225)… which after the coupon, was only $60!!! Not to mention, lots of sample goodies as usual!

This set features bestselling, head-to-toe beauty essentials. With an array of full-size products, from nail polish to styling spray, they’re perfect for every beauty lover. Gift them out to your best friends or indulge yourself with this special holiday treat.

My main reason for trying this set is because I already love Nars Orgasm blush and thought it would be fun to try a few new products. And I have to say… I am way more pleased than I thought I would be! For one, I am actually using the eye liner! And I ALWAYS hated eye liner and Stila. I think this set is definitely a winner and a great gift as well.

I like just about every product in this set and I cannot wait to use them everyday.

This set contains:
– 0.003 oz Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Dark Brown
– 0.25 oz Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional
– 0.10 oz Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real Mascara In Jet Black
– 1.7 oz Bumble And Bumble Surf Spray
– 0.34 oz Chloè by Chloè Rollerball
– 0.4 oz Formula X Nail Color in Ignite
– 0.08 oz Fresh Sugar Rosè Tinted Lip Treatment
– 0.5 oz Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil
– 0.16 oz Nars Cosmetics Blush in Orgasm
– 1 oz Smashbox Cosmetics Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 35 in Light
– 0.016 oz Stila Cosmetics Stay All Day® Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner In Intense Black
– 0.05 oz Urban Decay Eye shadow in Sin

The eye liner surprised me the most. If I keep up with wearing eye liner, I will definitely be purchasing it again. The Argan Oil smells wonderful. And of course, the Nars blush is always a winner.

The jury is still out on the Smashbox BB Cream (I haven’t been a huge fan of Smashbox in the past). And the Benefit POREfessional hasn’t lived up to my expectations, but I will have to use it a few more times to really know for sure.

Regardless, I am very impressed and excited to have this set!

Jimmy Choo EDT

Coco

I walked into Sephora one day and smelled something heavenly. The girl working there mentioned a lady had just been there and went crazy over the Jimmy Choo EDT and sprayed it all over herself. I was immediately in love and did the exact same thing – bathed in it! This was early decemeber, so I still had time before Christmas and my boyfriend Jake bought it for me from FragranceNet (you just can’t beat their prices!).

Jimmy Choo EDT

Announced as “a dazzling aura of glittering femininity”

Perfumer Olivier Polge created Jimmy Choo Eau de Toilette as a modern floral – fruity composition with deep woody base. Its opening bursts with vibrant freshness of ginger, pear and green accords. Exotic tiger orchid, which forms the heart of the original, is blended with tea rose to create a seductive floral aura. The base is woody, but unlike the debut it does not contain patchouli, it contains cedar and vibrant woods.

I had a hard time distinguishing the smells (must go back to my crappy nose) but the most noticeable notes for me are PEAR and ROSES, with a slight woodsy undernote.

I was at Sephora with my best friend when I found Jimmy Choo EDT, and she was actually surprised how much I loved it. I generally go for strong scents like Gucci Guilty Intense to name drop one in particular. And Jimmy Choo EDT is much more… innocent or pure. Compared to my usual sexy and strong scents. Jimmy Choo is light and delicate. Clean and refreshing.

Will I purchase a full size? DUH! Already bagged it for Christmas from my boyfriend. Hooray!

Where to Buy? My two favorite perfume sources: Sephora and FragranceNet as options. FragranceNet consistently provides 15-21% off coupons, so make sure to check RetailMeNot before you purchase. Prices calculated on Jan 6, 2014.

3.4 oz Jimmy Choo EDT

  • Sephora – I couldn’t find the EDT prices online, but I know they sell it in-store. I believe retail it is $85.
  • FragranceNet – $53.19 without coupon

Perfume of the Day: Escada Cherry in the Air

Coco

I have been wanting to test out all of the fragrance samples I have received over the last year, but have not taken it upon myself to actually do it… until now! Honestly, I will not exactly be posting a new perfume every day, but I will be reviewing a lot more perfumes in the future now that I am *forcing* myself to finally do it.

Being as this is the *first* POTD, I plan to post a simple review of my thoughts and then whether or not I plan to purchase.

What perfume spawned this sudden bought of un-laziness you may ask?

Well that would be Escada Cherry in the Air.

I recently received a sample in my latest Sephora online purchase (I am finally trying Bare Escentuals / Minerals again, woohoo). The thing is – I HATE CHERRIES. Venemously. I do not like cherry flavored drinks or raw cherries. I do however like DESSERTS like cherry pie, but that is about it. When I order a sundae or drink that has a cherry… it goes to waste or one of my lucky friends get to eat it.

So when I smelled Escada Cherry in the Air, I was SHOCKED. Shocked that I liked it, and impressed with how good it smelled.

Summer is for fun, enjoying life, and taking in the fresh air as you go. Riding a bicycle in the French countryside, you stop on the way to pick some cherries and share them with loved ones. The sweet cherry taste brings to mind the pleasurable, breathtaking, and out-of-this-world feeling of falling in love, and that special summer when it came about.

Notes:
Black Cherry, Raspberry, Mandarin, Marshmallow, Gardenia, Coconut, Sandalwood, Oakwood.

Style:
Fun. Pleasurable. Special.

I am probably the worst person to do a perfume review since I suck at distinguishing smells and half the time my nose is stuffy and completely useless. But I absolutely love them, regardless.

The most noticeable notes for me are CHERRIES (obviously) but with a more sour quality, MARSHMALLOW, and a hint of RASPBERRY.

This is definitely a youthful fragrance. It made me immediately feel the age of about thirteen but more glam and less pimpley. And at the same time, slightly sexy. That age where a girl is just becoming a woman.

Overall, it is very light fragrance, probably more suitable for the daytime. It plays between the feelings of sweet and sour. It has decent lasting power, not bad but not great either.

Will I purchase a full size? No, simply because it is not “me.” It is a pleasant scent but after I wore it today, I am ready to move on. And that is usually how to tell if you like something or not.

Where to Buy? For future note, I will be listing my two favorite perfume sources: Sephora and FragranceNet as options. FragranceNet consistently provides 15-21% off coupons, so make sure to check RetailMeNot before you purchase. Prices calculated on Dec 13, 2013.

3.4 oz Eau de Toilette Spray

  • Sephora $75
  • FragranceNet $64.19 but as low as $50.71

1.7 oz Eau de Toilette Spray

  • FragranceNet $44.19 but as low as $34.91

0.25 oz Eau de Toilette Spray

  • Sephora $20

Obsessed with Kat Von D’s Fragrances

Coco

I absolutely love perfumes and colognes. I am not one of those connoisseurs who can tell you what notes there are or anything like that, in fact I am horrible at it. I simply enjoy perfumes, and that’s that.

My ALL TIME favorite scent is Sinner by Kat Von D and I happen to own her entire collection because of this.

poetica adora saint sinner
My fascination started with Kat’s collection when I read a review about Adora as being sexy and mysterious… and that is exactly what I wanted to be. After much searching online and at Sephora, I was able to get the whole collection piece by piece – all on sale!

Here is my ranking of the collection:

1. Sinner (2009)

Sinner is my go to scent. I will wear it any time of day or season just because I love it so much. I suppose you could say it is my signature scent at the moment. It is absolutely intoxicating and beautiful. Huge plus? My boyfriend LOVES it!

Click here to see the notes in Sinner.

2. Saint (2009)

Saint ranks very close to Sinner for me, except that Saint is a little more feminine, while Sinner is edgier. It is unique and sweet.

Click here to see the notes in Saint.

3. Poetica (2011)

Poetica is the first scent I owned by Kat. It was my absolute favorite at the time. It is much softer compared to her other perfumes and very romantic, floral, and feminine. I always get compliments when I wear it.

Click here to see the notes in Poetica.

4. Adora (Summer 2010)

I wanted to love it so much but Adora just does not do it for me. In my opinion, it has a similar quality to Rebelle by Rihanna (a fragrance I am not too keen on) but Adora is stronger and in my opinion even less tolerable. According to Fragrantica, a note they share is Amber, so perhaps that is the reason.

Click here to see the notes in Adora.

I hope Kat Von D comes out with a new fragrance someday because I will definitely be adding it to my collection!