Laboratorio Olfattivo Nun Eau De Parfum

Working from home might mean I am not wearing office attire every single day, but I am still functioning as a human being and getting dressed as though I am going to work, even though that means moving from the bed to the sofa with my laptop.  One product I wear daily is perfume, it is almost a robotic action after getting dressed and completing my skincare routine.  New to my collection is a fragrance I had never come across until it was kindly sent to me and I absolutely adore it. Meet Laboratorio Olfattivo Nun.

Laboratorio Olfattivo was born in 2009 when Daniela Caon and Roberto Drago’s love for niche perfumes. Fast forward to 2020 and there is now a collection of Eau de Parfum, Room Fragrances, soaps, sample kits, toiletry collections and more besides.

Like all fragrances, they are created to tell a story, usually through their notes and brand history. This one is no different.  

By this palindrome word, the Ancient Egyptian meant the primordial water, in other words the God Nun. According to the legend, this water gave birth to the Lotus, a flower which was used to hide into the water during the night, to open up again at the sunshine. While blossoming out the flower revealed the Sun God Atum. Hence the symbolism of the Sun God, of rebirth.

This fragrance arises from the Nun and opens up at the sunshine, while its scented molecules spread out into the air. It’s a tribute to this iconic, symbolic flower.

Now if that isn't a story behind a fragrance then I don't know what is. It opens with a real burst of citrus notes - Pear, Bergamot, Lemon and Neroli which individually are quite dominant notes but together, the pear brings about sweetness and allows the heart notes of blossoming lotus, Jasmine and Ylang-Ylang to come into their own. I love a fragrance which has Jasmine as a note, I can guarantee that 90% of my perfume collection is jasmine based as it just works with my skin oils so well. The heart notes are floral notes, they don't allow the top notes to dominate and instead, as the fragrance settles, the base notes of Woods, Amber, and Musk give the fragrance a fresh earthy scent which is just beautiful.

On this skin, this is a fragrance which lasts all day, by that I mean I apply it around 8am and I can still catch its scent around 5pm, though not as strong as it was after application. If I was going out of an evening, then I would re-apply.

I love everything about this fragrance from the outer box packaging to the luxurious bottle with the stylish label to the actual scent itself. Perfect for these warmer days and a definite fragrance for uplifting the mood.

Priced at £90 for 100ml, you can find Laboratorio Olfattivo Nun Eau De Parfum 

at Liberty.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Typology Skincare - Vegan, Ethical and Effective

Popular French skincare brand Typology has just launched here in the UK and boy-oh-boy is it just stunning. Created by Made.com’s co-founder, Ning Li, you can see just how much of an eye for detail he has because what Typology is giving to you is luxurious skincare at affordable prices and I was sent a whole host of products to try.

The brand has seven ranges covering moisturisers, facial soaps, lip care, hair care and you will also find perfumes too, but despite the broad range of products available, each one, as mentioned is affordable, but what the brand really concentrates on is ingredients and sustainability - both of which are important in skincare. The formulas are referred to as minimalist and with everything superfluous having been removed and everything that has remained within the products is clearly explained.

Typology was born out of a mission: to demystify the skincare industry through a simple and honest approach. We make naturally active, effective and sustainable skincare in France.

For Typology staying true to their philosophy of simplicity and transparency means they intend to remain uncompromising in their mission to offer consumers a premium natural skincare alternative. More of this can be ready on the Typology website.

Within my lovely box of products, I have no less than 8 products and they have been sent to be after a brief conversation with the lovely Marie about my skincare, my routine and what I want to achieve from the products I use. This kind of conversation with brands is too rare for me, very few do it and it is important.  Within my box of products, I also have six sample vials of fragrances to try and they will appear in a separate post.

The first product I tried was the Plantes 1002 Solidy Purifying Cleansing Bar (£11.80) also known as the Purifying cleansing bar with nettle and it can be used on both the face and the body. This purifying face and body cleanser is suitable for all skin types, especially combination to oily skin that's prone to blemishes. 

It uses three purifying actives and four botanical butters and oils, so you will find Organic eucalyptus globulus essential oil which helps to reduce the size of the sebaceous glands and regulates sebum production, Nettle Powder which is rich in mineral salts and helps to rebalance oily skin and Organic olive oil which calms skin prone to redness. This Cleansing Bar lathers like a dream, it smells absolutely incredible and during this hot and sticky weather we have enjoyed recently, it brings about a coolness to the skin, which I really enjoyed.

I am a huge fan of Cleansing oils, so was delighted to see the Ten 2002 Cleansing Oil (£14.80). Designed to remove your make-up, this oil is fragrance-free and non-greasy, so when applied to the skin, either by hands or with a cotton pad, it doesn't leave a film after use. 

Made using over 7 ingredients, you will find the likes of Sweet almond oil which nourishes and improves the elasticity of the skin, as well as hosting soothing properties which calm the skin and reduce tightness. Then there is Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate which is an emulsifier derived from coconut and it makes the job of rinsing the make-up remover oil off the skin straightforward.

A product I have never quite been excited about is a Micellar Water, I've tried quite a few and I have liked them, but I've not been excited by them. Now this one changes everything for me and that is quite a huge statement. The Ten 2001 Micellar Water (£11.80) has been developed using only the most essential ingredients and in this case - just 7! 

Suitable for all skin types, you apply the Micellar Water to your cotton wool pad, hopefully, a reusable one, and wipe away the day. Alongside Purified Water you will also find Glycerin which moisturises the superficial layers of the skin and Poloxamer 184 which is described as being a surfactant that removes make-up particles from the entire face.

One product I am never without is a lip balm and from Typology I have been using the Ten 1004 Lip Balm (£9.80). Described as being a minimalist fragrance-free formula which nourishes the lips to reduce tightness and dryness. 

Like other products within the range, this Lip Balm has been made using essential ingredients and within this balm, there are just 9. Some of the ingredients within this balm include Shea Butter which offers anti-inflammatory and nourishing properties and protects the lips from feeling dry, Lemon Extract which offers a cooling, refreshing effect while applying. Plus Sunflower seed oil which is rich in antioxidants and protects the lips against free radicals while nourishing and softening.

Within my collection are two serums, the Lab 1006 Niacinamide 12% (£11.80) and the Lab 1008 Glycolic Acid 10%, both of which I was delighted to see.  Firstly with the Niacinamide, it is an ingredient my skin just loves and it is used to help reduce redness caused by skin inflammation as well as helping to diminish the appearance of pimples and blemishes, whilst at the same time working to smooth and refine the texture of the skin. This serum is really easy to apply, all you need is 3 to 4 drops to your clean and dry skin in circular motions and you can use it every morning and evening. 

I suffer from redness to my skin whenever I am stressed or feeling run down, so I am delighted to have discovered Niacinamide as an ingredient as it does go some way to calming and soothing for me.

Then we have Glycolic Acid (£11.80) an ingredient which is known for its exfoliating properties on the skin as well as its ability in reducing the presence of blackheads, caused by the accumulation of sebum in the pores.  This Glycolic Acid also features Chamomile Extract which is known for its soothing and repairing properties, plus mastic pistachio extract which tightens pores, reduces shine and helps to reduce the appearance of blackheads.

As with the Niacinamide, you need 3-4 drops of the serum, but this is only to be used of an evening and if you do use it, SPF is an absolute must the following day, though you should be applying it anyway. Once on the skin, it is usual to feel a slight tingling and even experience some redness. After using, my skin feels incredibly soft and smooth to the touch and because I have combination oily skin, it does go some way to helping to reduce that shine.

The Typology Raw Collection is one that absolutely fascinates me. Directly extracted from plants, these botanical oils are 100% pure, natural, and almost entirely sourced from organic farming and they are ideal for every part of the skin, these oils can be applied daily to the face, body or hair. From the collection, I the organic Hazelnut Oil.

The Hazelnut Oil (£11.80) is something I had never used anything like before and was really intrigued by it. Described as being the product to regulate sebum production and soften the skin and is therefore ideal for combination or oily skin. It is non-greasy, it doesn't strip the skin and it is ideal for applying before you go to bed, as advised to do so.  

The final product I have to share is the Orange Blossom Hydrolate (£8.80) is one of my favourite products from this entire collection. As well as being refreshing and soothing, this product is also said to offer noticeable radiance to the complexion while regenerating the skin. In aromatherapy, orange blossom hydrolate is one which, thanks to its properties, is known to calm nerves, promote self-confidence, and create comfort, so in a product like this, because it can be used morning and evening, it is one of those oils in which you should give yourself time to use and really take in the scent, because it is just beautiful and a definite in times of stress and need.

If it isn't already obvious, I absolutely love this brand. I love the concept, the story, the use of ingredients and better still, there is still so many products that I really want to try from the brand! I am really excited to see where this brand will be in the next few weeks, months and year! Have any of these products caught your eye?

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

The Perfume Shop’s new range, ME

A few months ago I was invited along to the launch of “ME” the new range of fragrances from The Perfume Shop.  

Me consists of a new range of perfumes, home fragrances and body care products that through the power of fragrance helps you feel Tranquil, Invigorated and Empowered.

“Today we hear a lot about improving ourselves, being the best we can be, and optimising every element of our life. That’s all great, but what if we wanted to take a little time out and ask isn’t it time we were all #HappyBeingMe”

The campaign and the timely launch of these products are all about celebrating the way you feel and your moods. The range is vegan, cruelty-free and is presented in completely recyclable packaging.

Of the three ranges available, I was given a mixture of the fragrances and products. Each of the scents for each range is said to distinctive and individual and within each range, you can find - an Eau de Parfum, Body Lotion, Hand Lotion, Hand Wash, candle, reed diffuser and a shower gel. 

From the Tranquil range, I have the EDP, a unisex fragrance which comes packaged in a hefty weighted clear glass bottle with the name Granquil written clearly in the mint green colour matching the box and it features a wooden lid. 

Tranquil as a range asks you to find peace and serenity with the fresh, green scent.

“The perfect spring floral green scent with a basil top note, a middle note of neroli and base notes of Vetiver and white musk”

As soon as the scent is spritzed they earthiness of the basil top note is immediately recognisable as it settles and it works well with Vetiver but the scent of Neroli which is a citrusy orange fragrance gives this EDP a kick. Priced at £14.99 for 100ml this makes a really good gift.

From the Invigorated range I have the Reed Diffuser and the body lotion and both products are simply divine.

The Invigorated range is described as being on which helps you feel awake and energised with the fresh and floral scents.

“A fresh, fruity-floral scent with a distinctive top note of blackberry, middle notes of bay leaves and a base note of cedarwood”

Looking at the notes for this range it definitely reminds me of Jo Malone and the scent itself is not too dissimilar, for me, it is slightly stronger on the blackberry note but with the inclusion of cedarwood which has a Woody tone to it, it gives the fragrance a more balanced scent.

The reed diffuser is quite potent, I have mine in the hallway and it is a scent you notice as soon as you enter the house. The body lotion is lightweight on the skin but it is also hydrating without being tacky or greasy when applied. 

Finally from the Empowered range, I have the fragranced candle and the soap.

Empowered is described as helping you to conquer the day with its revitalising blend of zesty citrus and aromatic notes:

“A citrus aromatic scent with top notes of lime, mandarin, orange and bergamot. Middle notes of basil, lilac, iris and thyme with base notes of Vetiver and amber wood.

This is my favourite scent of the three and there is something unique about it. I love the sharpness of the citrus notes which are not too strong but definitely noticeable against the earthy tones of the basil, Vetiver and to some extent amber wood. 

The entire ME range is on sale via The Perfume Shop with prices starting at £5.99 right up to the £14.99 price of the Eau de Parfum. 

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

NEW - Urban Decay Naked Ultraviolet Eyeshadow Palette

I am a huge fan of Urban Decay Palettes, so much so I have every single one of the Naked Palettes including the petite versions, finally grabbing the original before it disappeared off the shelves, but hopefully not forever! New to the family, which I saw on Temptalia, is the new Naked Ultraviolet Eyeshadow Palette and I already love it. On sale now!

Photo via Temptalia

"Purple has been Urban Decay’s signature since day one, so we’re bringing you wildly wearable shades with the new Naked Ultraviolet Eyeshadow Palette. Our supercharged lineup is designed to look good on everyone – these 12 intensely pigmented mattes, metallics, and holographic shimmers are a lucid dream come to life. Add a versatile pop of purple to every eyeshadow look, from soft to bold. It’s time to experiment with this futuristic mix of peachy neutrals, trippy lilacs, magnetic violets and blacklight purples.”

The palette features 12 intensely pigmented mattes, metallics, and holographic shimmers and those shades, moving from left to right across the palette are called:

• Trippin’
• Mind Slip
• Dazed
• Hacked
• VR
• Lucid
• Optimized
• Warning
• Cyber Punk
• Euphoric
• Purple Dust
• Digital

I already have my eye on the likes of VR and Dazed as well as Digital and I love that there is a mixture of neutrals and deeper shades.  I love that Urban Decay has kept this palette in the exact same format of the previous palettes and it launches this Summer, though the exact date and price are yet to be announced, I am hoping it comes with an entire wardrobe of lipsticks, purple mascaras and perhaps a new All Night Setting Spray, but until then... has Naked Ultraviolet caught your attention?

Available now in the UK and US

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.