The Library of Fragrance Perfume

If you hadn't guessed by now, one of the most popular items in this household bwteen Beautykinguk and I is something smelly - either a candle or some perfume/aftershave, infact between us, we probably make The Perfume Shop look half empty! When I heard about the new launch of The Library of Fragrance, I was really excited, if you are a US reader then your version is called Demeter. The Library of Fragrance here in the UK has a massive collection of 101 different fragrances to choose from, and secondly, each of the 101 fragrances have been designed to smell exactly like an object and experience from life so imagine my difficulty when it came to selecting a scent!

I looked at each and everyone within the catalogue to choose from and randomly rattled it down to five - Jasmine, Holy Water, Bulgarian Rose, Peony and Rain. All of which to me sounded like scents I would love. That said Thunderstorm, Fresh coconut, Fireplace, Wet Garden and Play Dough are all quirky enough to have caught my attention.  So if you do struggle to select a scent and want to order a few, then you can actually layer these scents one over the other to create your own individual scent - how amazing is that?  This is the first time I have heard of doing something like that and it is definitely something i am going to try.

I was sent the Jasmine scent which happens to be my favourite scent currently and it is every bit as amazing as I was expecting it to be. firstly the packaging, it is such a great rectangular shape that it stands out immediately, then the label which is quite old-fashioned but clear to read, with everything you need to know being visible right on front of you. described as follows:

"Jasmine – exotic, sweet, warm and heady. Our Jasmine fragrance is the experience of the living flowers picked on a beautifully fragrant spring night – at night because this is when the jasmine flower opens its petals and bestows us with its most intoxicating fragrance.

Captivating and seductive, jasmine is one of the flowers most valued by perfumers, and is largely grown in the French region of Grasse, the home of perfumery. Jasmine’s mood-inducing scent is one of the most distinct of all natural odours. If you like your fragrance to make an impact and to announce your arrival, our Jasmine is the scent for you"

I absolutely love this scent and have worn it a lot since it came into my possession, it isn't over the top when first spritzed but it does last a good 4-5 hours before you need to re-apply and given the size of the bottle, it is a handy size for carrying around in your handbag.

You can purchase The Library of Fragrance's scents from their own website, or you buy from selected Boots stores. Each of The Library of Fragrance perfumes are 30ml in size, and cost just £15 each.

What do you think to this concept? Has any of the scents caught your attention?

MasqueBar

MasqueBar is a Korean brand that has just launched at Boots. As the Korean beauty trend seems to have well and truly kicked off here in the UK, I was really interested to see what MasqueBar had to offer.

There are four masks within the range and they are; Anti-Blemish Mud Mask, Brightening Sheet Mask, Pore Refining Creme Mask and Anti- Wrinkle sheet mask. So a little something for everyone.  If you don't like sheets masks, you can use the cream/clay mask and vice versa.

What I love is the bright coloured edges around each mask sachet to denote which one it is, I love little things like this and I love that they are easy to open, yes even with wet hands and if like me you are stingy, you can get a good 2-3 masks out of each sachet, obviously not the sheets ones, but there is plenty inside.

So what do they do?

Pore-refining creme mask - said to minimise the appearance of pores for a more refined even complexion. Using a gentle blend of Coenzyme Q-10 and anti-oxidants to leave your skin feeling balanced and looking radiant.  The key ingrediants for this mask are Raspberry extract to soothe and calm the skin, Lemon Fruit extract to detoxify and clean blemishes caused by excess oil production whilst also brightening dull skin and lightening the pigmentation of acne scars and Vitamin E to protect the skin from environmental pollution and repair damaged skin!

Anti-Wrinkle sheet mask - A collagen-infused facial sheet mask which contours your face to help reduce wrinkles as well as hydrating your skin, leaving it feeling soft and looking refreshed.  The key ingredients here are Green Tea extract which reduced the UV damage to the skin and prevents collagen breakdown and Vitamin E to protect the skin from environmental pollution and repair damaged skin!

Brightening Sheet Mask - Helps minimise the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation for a more even complexion. This facial sheet is effective on all tones, leaving the skin noticeably more radiant.  Key ingredients are Vitamin C to reduce inflammation and promote collagen production and Liquorice Root to encourage a more even distribution of melanin to naturally brighten the skin.

Anti-Blemish Mud Mask - This mask is said to soothe irritated skin whilst helping to control excess oil. This mask is a non-drying formula which purifies and balances the complexion, leaving skin feeling calm and looking clearer.  Key ingredients afe Tea Tree to calm irritations and breakouts, Kaolin to increase the skins circulation, helping to stimulate healing and reduce irritation and Vitamin A to stimulate the turnover of skin cells and increase collagen production.

I have used the pore refining mask and after thoroughly cleanses my face with warm water, you apply the mask using your fingertips, or a brush if you prefer, ensuring you cover the whole of your face (except the obvious) and neck. Then lay back and relax for between 15-20 minutes before rinsing with warm water. 

As I applied the mask to my face, it was quite a thick texture, so it is a case of a little going a very long way. White in colour as it is a creme mask, once applied to the skin it does begin to dry quite quickly, so if you want to remove after those initial 15 minutes it will be dry, but I decided to wait for the full 20 minutes.

After removing the mask did it live up to its claims? Well I don't have large pores so I didn't notice any difference but I do have combination skin which leans to an oily t-zone for me and I did notice that for a few days after using, my shiny head and nose had almost disappeared, so that for me was quite impressive and did my skin look brighter, well it felt much more refreshed and definitely much cleaner, so the answer for me is yes it did.

I am really looking forward to trying the rest of the masques which I was kindly given and put them to the test.  They will be sold in boxes of three at £9.99.

Do you use any Korean skincare products?  Do you think you will try these masques?

Balance Me Super Toning Body Polish

I am  huge fan of Balance Me products, you will see them scattered about my blog full of praise, because they work so well with my skin and are just brilliant.

The Super Toning Body Polish is a new product that I have been using for the last few weeks and it is amazing, described as being:

"An invigorating, tone-enhancing, anti-oxident rich daily body polish with walnut shells designed to firm, plump and smooth as it cleanses and exfoliates. It offers your skina mini work-out each time you massage it all over your body"

Not only is it said to do all of that above but to also encourage good circulation thanks to the unique blend of Juniper, Geranium, Lavender and Bergamot essential oils. Add to that the use of Meadow Foam, Rice Bran and Sweet Almond Oil, all of which are rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins and anti-oxidents to leave your skin look super smooth, energised and smelling simply amazing.

When you use this body polish, the advice is to massage it onto wet skin, focussing primarily on problematic areas such as upper arms, bottom, hips and thighs.  You can also massage it onto the skin and then leave it for a few minutes before rinsing it off so that your skin gets an extra treat as the body polish makes for a really nice deep hydrating mask treatment too.  I find during the current changes in weather and temperature that my skin needs a little extra TLC,specially because I am in a heated environment, then out in the cold, wind and rain before going back into a heated place - my skin becomes quite dull looking, dry and in need of hydration.

For me this body works brilliantly as a body polish, it isn't too abrasive on the skin so it doesn't scratch the skin, it is gentle enough to remove dead and dry skin cells whilst leaving behind an amazing energising scent that really gives you a wake up.  Not only that but as you pat your skin dry, it feels so soft and supple there is almost no need to add any additional moisturiser, though I do.

Yet another brilliant release from Balance Me which you can find HERE.

Have you tried any Balance Me products? Do you have a favourite?

Top 10 Perfume Gift Sets for Her | Christmas Gift Guide

Christmas time for me is a time of year upon which a new perfume is something I look forward too, perhaps the only time of year when I am bought something new.  This year, there are so many perfumes that I have enjoyed using testers of or spritzing when in a store that I have combined them all into one big post - top 10 perfume gift sets for her!

1) Viktor & Rolf BonBon Eau de Toilette 50ml Gift Set. RRP £73

Bonbon, a timeless sensation inviting a pure and absolute pursuit of pleasure. She who wears Bonbon, dresses herself in perfume whilst creating her own story. She is empowered, beautiful and complete. Set contains 50ml Eau de Toilette + 50ml Body Lotion + 50ml Shower Gel

2) Elie Saab Le Parfum L`Eau Couture 50 ml Christmas Set RRP £43

L`Eau Couture, or the unique contrast between the sophistication of a Couture look and the springtime freshness of an Eau. This set contains: L`Eau Couture 50ml and Prestige L`Eau Couture 10ml -

3) Jo Malone London House of Jo Malone London. Set RRP £125

The elegant home of Jo Malone London. Open the doors to reveal our most-loved scents.

Red Roses Glass Decanter Bath Oil 30ml,Blackberry & Bay Cologne 30ml,Orange Blossom Body Crème 50ml,Lime Basil & Mandarin Body & Hand Wash 100ml,English Pear & Freesia Travel Candle 60g,Pomegranate Noir Body & Hand Lotion 100ml

4) Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau de Parfum 50ml Gift Set RRP £62

Discover Black Opium, the new feminine fragrance by Yves Saint Laurent - new glam rock fragrance full of mystery and energy. An addictive gourmand floral with notes of: Black Coffee - for a shot of adrenaline; White Florals - to instantly seduce; and Vanilla - for sweetness and sensuality.

5) Dolce and Gabbana Dolce Eau de Parfum 50ml Gift Set. RRP £62

Dolce is a gentle, feminine mix of white flowers, introduced by the freshness of the Neroli leaves and defined by the White Amaryllis, a South African flower used for the first time ever in scent. A unique and opulent combination of White Water Lily and bold White Daffodil blend perfectly with the full-bodied White Amaryllis. Set contains 50ml Eau de Parfum + 100ml Body Lotion

6) Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Eau de Parfum 50ml Gift Set. RRP £66

To celebrate the end-of-year season, Guerlain invites you in its fairy universe to discover an enchanted Christmas tree, where every decoration is a wink to the House symbols.
This gift set contains a 50ml La Petite Robe Noire Eau de Parfum and a nail lacquer. I am absolutely essential and utterly irresistible.

7) Estée Lauder Small Wonders Gift Set. RRP £32

Surprise her with all of her favorite scents and a mirrored tray to display them on. A gift she`ll love, during the holidays and all year long. Limited-time collection includes five mini Eau de Parfums, all ready to delight in an exclusive gift box:

• Modern Muse .24 oz.
• Estée Lauder Pleasures .12 oz.
• Beautiful .12 oz.
• Youth-Dew .12 oz.
• White Linen .01 oz. 
• Mirror Tray

8) Michael Kors Collection Glam Jasmine 50ml Gift Set. RRP £57

The Michael Kors Collection has a gift set that appeals to the Glam side of every girl. This set features a 50ml Glam Jasmine Eau de Parfum and a 100ml body crème. Packaged in a luxurious pink metallic lizard pattern.

9) DKNY MYNY `The Heart of the City` 50ml Gift Set. RRP £49

This holiday season, in the heart of the city, celebrate in style with the urban, carefree, spirited fragrance for women, DKNY MYNY. With an expression that is as eclectic and passionate as the city we love, treat yourself or someone you love to a sparkling set including DKNY MYNY 50ml Eau de Parfum and 100ml Body Lotion.

10) Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream Eau de Toilette 50ml Gift Set. RRP £54

Light and airy, Daisy Dream is both floral and fruity. The Fragrance captivates with delectable top notes of blackberry, fresh grapefruit and succulent pear. The heart imparts a rich, feminine jasmine, notes of lychee and blue wisteria. A dreamy drydown of white woods, musks and coconut water. Set contains: 50ml Eau de Toilette, 75ml Shower Gel and 75ml Body Lotion.

Vichy Dermablend Powder

Every now and again you come across a product and are not sure about it and this is how I felt about the Vichy Dermablend Powder**. I have had it for some weeks and have had a bit of a love hate relationship with it. As a setting powder, I initially didn't like it the first few times I used it, I didn't like how it worked with my skin or how it worked with my make-up - then all that changed and I absolutely love it.

I have combination skin which leans towards the oily side with my t-zone and I often tend to have blotting paper in my bag for emergencies and a friend of mine suggested using a setting power rather than a spray to see if it made any difference. This for me is there the love hate relationship began because I had been used to using my Urban Decay setting spray (having run out of my GOSH setting powder) and though I quite liked it, it did nothing for my oily t-zone but my make-up did last. So having swapped the spray for the powder, I did feel as though I was slapping talc on my face and I didn't like the feel of it, it felt too thick. So I persevered with it for a few more weeks and then went back to my setting spray, before again deciding to try the powder, only this time, instead using the enclosed powder puff, I decided to switch to my beloved Real Techniques powder brush to apply it and wow, amazing.

This is the first time I have stuck with a setting powder and having hated it and now love it, I use it every day and the difference it has made is just brilliant. Instead of being part way through the oil slick arriving (delightful I know) there was hardly any and all I had to do was apply some foundation powder and everything was good as new, even right through in the evening when I had events to go too, I didn't feel the need to double check my make-up was alright, I didn't feel self-conscious or the need to re-apply anything other than my lippie - which is more of a habit than a need.

So this setting powder is a translucent powder and doesn't change the shade or look of any of the make-up on your face, it states that it has a "16hr hold and resistance to perspiration, bathing and rubbing" and it totally lives up to those claims. It also did a great job of keeping my skin looking matte and prolonged my make-up as i've said. If like me you like products to have an SPF, then you'll love this because it offers SPF30 and it is kind to the most sensitive of skin - winning!

I cannot recommend this setting powder enough, it has totally changed my setting process for my make-up and to say I once really disliked it to now really love it, I hope you can see why! This setting powder from Vichy has an RRP of £17 though Escentual currently have it on offer for £14, so grab it quick!

What do you use to set your make-up and have you tried this 

Vichy product?

Prep your feet for Party Season with Compeed

Did you know that British ladies own 25 pairs of shoes on average? Well I probably do but Compeed have just commissioned a survey with some very interesting results:

So, with party season upon us, invitations flooding the inbox and arrangements being made, the team at the UK's number one blister brand Compeed have collaborated with renowned fashion illustrator Jordi Labranda for a second year running, to create a new and stylish limited edition Compeed Blister Relief Pack and I was very kindly sent a beautifully packaged hamper**.

The Compeed brand is known to me as I occasionally suffer from horrendous cold-sores and as soon as I know one is coming, I use the Compeed coldsore patches to try and heed it away.  The reason I am really glad to see the blister relief pack, is because with party season upon us, it means one thing - fabulouos shoes but horribly painful blisters!

The Compeed blister relief plasters are said to offer instant pain relief and 20% faster healing time than your traditional plaster and the perfect handbag companion and once applied they stay in place for up to 24 hours.  The heel plasters are also cleverly designed to fit just under the Achilles which for me is where most blisters occur with shoes, especially ones with heels. What's more, the plasters are designed so that they are barely visible whilst wearing them and for me this is a big plus because there is nothing worse than ruining an outfit and making an amazing sparkly shoe look ugly than seeing a plaster peeking out!  These plaster retail for around £5 per pack.

Also in my little hamper was the Compeed Cracked Heel Overnight Cream which is said to moisturise and repair dry skin.  Again feet undergo a lot of pressure and strain all year round, but more so for me at Christmas time with the number of engagements I have coming up and where possible I want to ensure they are in as good condition as possible, there is nothing worse than having cracked heels, overgrown toe nails and dry skin in sight, so as with the summer, when you dig out your flip flops, the same level of pampering should occur. This cream retails for around £5.

So for me Compeed have got it covered for party season, with the cracked heel cream to pamper your feet before you are ready to go out and then whilst you are out, the plasters to ensure your night is as comfortable as it is enjoyable.  I loved the little added extras in my pack too

what products do you use to get your feet in tip top condition and have you ever used Compeed?

Isle of Light Candles

It isn't everyday you come across an 18 year old girl who has set up her own business, but I have and i have to tell you, Keeleigh is one very inspirational young woman, whom I am slightly Jealous of because she has managed to set up her own candle making company called Isle of Light Candle Company and I sense big things for this young lady!

Every Isle of Light candle is handmade from start to finish, and using the candles are made using Soya wax which isn't only great for the environment but unlike paraffin wax, can be good for you too! Paraffin wax is known to produce different toxic chemicals when burnt whereas Soy wax is 100% renewable and natural.  Soya Wax candles also burn at a slightly lower temperature which means the fragrances don't burn off as quickly.

When I was asked if I would like to try one of the candles, I said yes, hello my name is Rachel and I am a candle addict!  The problem I had was choosing just one because there are so many amazing scents too choose from, whether you like oriental, woody, citrus, floral, fresh or seasonal fragrances, I can guarantee there is something for everyone.  In the end I opted for Lily Spring, which Keeleigh toldme had been created in memory of her Grandmother - what a tribute!.

"A great burst of floral scent with top notes of Bergamot, coriander and Peonies. Heart Notes of Lily, Jasmine, Rose and a full bodied base of Musk, patchouli, vanilla"

Is the description given and as soon as the box it arrived in was opened, the amazing floral scent was immediately noticeable and I couldn't wait to remove the wrapping and get it alight.  As you can see it comes inside this 3.5oz glass jar and it gives approximately 25 hours of burn time, which is really impressive.

Once alight, I cannot begin to tell you how fantastic the scent is, nothing about it is manufactured or fake, it smells as though I have a room full of fresh flowers and as the scent lingers throughout the house, it is every bit as wonderful within each room.

Priced at just £8 a candle, it gives exceptional value for money and i've currently got my eye on two more candles that I am itching to try.  To find out more about Isle of Light Candles, you can do so by going to the website.  

To Keeleigh, I have to say thank you for sending me one of your candles, it was a delight and an honour and I am wishing you all the very best with your business.