An Impatient Scottish Girl: fragrance

Friday, 25 November 2016

My Christmas Wish List

Christmas Wish List - Beauty Talk With Lauren

Hi guys,

I thought I would put together my Christmas Wish List today. I haven’t been lusting after many makeup items but I am all over home comforts this year such as bath products, skincare, pyjamas and candles. I have added a few beauty items too so don’t worry. This isn’t a huge expensive wish list, infact the majority of items are under £30 so there’s something for everyone, even if it’s little stocking fillers for that special someone in your life.

Hermes Fragrance | Un Jardin En Méditerranée

Hi guys,

I should actually be studying but I sacked it off to do this little blog post instead ha-ha. We all need a break sometimes and this is my down time.

I have been wearing Hermes Un Jardin En Mediterranee (from £59) since I was 18 years old when a colleague of mine, Sam, introduced me to the brand. I think it launched in 2003 and was quite unknown here. Im pretty sure it was only House of Fraser who stocked it back then. Even now, it is quite hard to source online so I always purchase from HoF or John Lewis as I know they arent selling fakes and they are reasonably priced too. Obviously you could source it directly from Hermes, but I wasn’t about the online shopping back then, not a lot of people were to be honest so it was HoF or JL all the way.

As you can imagine, I earned nothing back then, I was only a hairdressing junior so I relied on samples and quick skooshes from Sam as she always had a bottle tucked away in her designer handbag. If truth be told, I think this is where my obsession with designer handbags and unusual scents came from as I looked up to Sam as she was such a good role model plus she was stunning and effortlessly chic. I am 31 now and I still wear this perfume. I always have a bottle and as soon as I know it’s about to run out, I order another one so I am never without.

I have yet to find a similar perfume, I don’t know if I’m not looking hard enough or if there really isn’t anything like this as it is quite unique. It is described as the spirit of a Mediterranean garden which is both sensual and enveloping. It contains aromas of Fig Woods and Leaves, Orange Blossom, Bergamot (my all-time fave scent) and White Oleander. As soon as I had a whiff of this beauty, I was hooked. It really does capture the senses. Liam's step sister commented on it by saying it was the most sexual fragrance she has ever smelled, so that gives you an idea of the scent. I wear this on special occasions or on date nights (it works wonders!) and I am never short of compliments.

This is also a unisex fragrance so any guys out there who love this scent, can get away with it too. I personally think its a little too floral to be worn by men, but if you like it, wear the hell out of it!

A perfect fragrance for all seasons.

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My 30th Birthday Wishlist

Hi guys,

I don't know if you know this, but I am turning 30 on the 6th July so I wanted to put together a little wish list of the things I have been lusting over for the past couple of the months. Before I delve in, I know people might wonder if I am scared about turning the big 3-0 but to be honest I’m not. I did think I would be married by now with a kid or two but life never works that way does it. I am happy to be moving onto another chapter in my life where hopefully I will be finished with University, get married, buy a house and then have children. I feel as though I have done a lot in my 30 years on the planet, although I would like to have travelled more but other than that, I have a great partner in life, a great family and some amazing friends so turning 30 will hopefully include the same people and more exciting adventures ha!

Please don’t think that I am being greedy by asking for everything on this list, I am merely putting together a wish list for some products that I love so if I got one or two things from it, I would be very happy with that. I wanted to start with something big as I want to have something that I can keep so I have added the See by Chloe Lizzie Long Flap Wallet (£155) and also Carat Mini Asscher Border Set Studs (£128) as need a new purse and who doesn't love jewellery!

As far as makeup products go, I could have anything and be happy but I am really loving Nars, Delilah, Charlotte Tilbury and Laura Mercier at the moment so I would adore anything from them including foundations, blushers, lipsticks etc. but I do have my eye on these particular products, Nars Tahiti Laguna Bronzing Powder (£39), Nars Audacious Lipstick in Natalie (£24), Nars Dual Intensity Eyeshadow Palette (£45), Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk (£16), Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide in Ivory (£35), Becca Shimmering Skin Powder in Moonstone (£30), Delilah Colour Gloss in Siren (£22) and Delilah Farewell Cream Concealer (£24).

The scents I have been totally loving recently are the Valentino Valentina Pink Eau De Parfum (£59) and Jo Malone`s Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne (from £42).

When it comes to skincare, I would love such products like Pixi Glow Tonic (£18), Alpha H Liquid Gold (£33.50) and the Emma Hardie Amazing Face Cleansing Balm (£38).

Hopefully I get one or two products from this list and then have a nice night out with friends and family to celebrate. So far my family have booked a lovely seafood restaurant for both me and my sister who is turning 25 on the same weekend so that will be lovely. Then I think my friends have planned something the weekend after which should be fun.

If your birthday has just passed or of its coming up soon, then HAPPY BIRTHDAY from me! I hope you get/got spoilt rotten and have/had an amazing day!

Update: I am in no way bragging but I thought I would let you know what I got. I was lucky enough to get a Marc Jacobs Purse very similar to the See by Chloe one pictured above and some Charlotte Tilbury goodies from Liam. My babe of a pal Siobhan got me the Nars Dual Intensity Eyeshadow Palette and Nars Audacious Lipstick in Natalie. My mum bought me the Mini Asher Earrings along with a few bottles of my favourite, Chateauneuf Du Pape and an amazing custom made birthday cake. I was also gifted with a few bottles of champagne, perfume, flowers, clothes, bracelet, yankee candles and jewellery. I was a very spoiled girl this year. Thank you so much to everyone who wished me well on social media and obviously to all of my loved ones :) xx

My April Favourites

Hi guys,

April sure went in quick didn’t it? I tried to get this post up sooner but I have been studying away and totally neglecting my blog recently as I only have 9 days before I sit the final exam of my HND, fingers crossed I get an A or B but I’m not going to lie, it’s going to be hard.

April was a great month, I had my first ever blogger event, I celebrated my first year blogging anniversary and I got to meet some great bloggers too. This month I have Liam’s 30th birthday so I have a few surprises up my sleeve for him, hopefully he enjoys what I have planned. Unfortunately he will be working for most of May so he won’t be here for his birthday, nor will he be allowed to celebrate it as he will be stuck on an oil rig for 3 weeks! It’s a good thing he doesn't care about birthdays but I do so hopefully he has fun when he comes home with myself, his family and friends. I have planned a night at the dog races for all of our friends and family and also a paintballing day for him and 15 of his nearest and dearest plus an extra surprise just for him, I don’t want to say it just now in case he reads this and it ruins the surprise but hopefully he enjoys his 3 weeks at home with all the little surprises I have lined up.

Back to this post though. The first item I have absolutely adored this month is the L’Oréal Matte Infallible Foundation (£6.99) this foundation is the first in my collection that hasn't had to be set with a powder and has actually lasted all day. Throughout the day, it didn’t budge at all. I will have a full review of this very shortly. Keeping up with makeup, I have also rediscovered my love for the Revlon Colorburst Matte Balms (£7.99), the one I have been reaching for almost every day is the shade Elusive which is a gorgeous pink shade that lasts on the lips without drying them out. As with everyone else, I have fallen head over heels in love with the Max Factor Crème Puff Blushers (£8.99). My favourite is shade Seductive Pink, which gives a gorgeous hint of colour as well as a little added highlight to the cheeks which is a look I am loving at the moment.

Skincare has been my real love this month. I will have a new skincare post up very soon with all the products that have completely changed my skin, for the better. The first thing I have absolutely loved is the Yes to Carrots Exfoliating Cleanser (£6.99). This is so gentle on the skin and can be used as an everyday cleanser, the only thing is, it’s not great at removing every trace of mascara so if you want to purchase, I would suggest using an oil/gel/balm cleanser first and then using this as a second cleanser. Balance Active Formula Hyaluronic 554 Youth Serum (£3.99) and Nip & Fab Dragons Blood Fix Plumping Serum (£19.95) have been the greatest serums ever invented in my opinion, between the two of them, I have had added so much moisture back into my skin which has in turn completely transformed my skin.

Masks have been another favourite this month and amongst them is the facemask, Cupcake (£6.50) from Lush. This mask is something else entirely, it smells like an absolute dream and has also worked at calming down any blemishes I had. Since using it, I haven’t had one breakout so to say this is a life saver is a massive understatement.

I have 2 non beauty favourites this month which are the movies Avenger: Age of Ultron and Big Eyes. Avengers needs no introduction at all, it’s one of the biggest movie franchises out there and brings together some of the most amazing superheroes including Iron Man, Thor *swoons*, Captain America and The Hulk amongst others. If you love superhero films, then I suggest you grab a friend, large popcorn and prepare to be blown away! Big Eyes is a film I stumbled across and stars the amazing Amy Adams and tells the incredible story of artist Margaret Keane and her attention seeking husband Walter Keane. I didn’t expect much from this film to be honest but I was blown away by the acting, especially from Christoph Waltz who plays Walter, there are some incredible scenes from him and in my opinion he steals the movie. Please, please, watch this, it might not be for everyone but I loved it.

I have a lot more in my favourites but if I carried on I would probably have enough material for three blog posts so I won’t bore you but I will tell you another few without too much detail. These are the May Chang Citrus Pocket Balm (£4.95), NYC Liquid Eyeliner (£2.49), Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream (£70), Maybelline Color Elixir in Petal Plush (£6.99), Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream (from £35), Soap & Glory Orangeasm Super Rich Body Butter (£10) and the Laura Mercier Hydrating Foundation Primer (£29).

What have you loved in April?

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House Of Fraser | Beauty Confidential

The amazing Mikee Becman from Laura Mercier working his magic
on Gemma by giving her Kylie Jenner lips.

Laura Mercier Bath

House of Fraser Beauty

Dior Stand

Giorgio Armani

Tom Ford

Laura Mercier

Chanel

Tennents Training Academy

House of Fraser Gifts

On my way to the event. Wearing an M&S Top and New Look Necklace.

Hello guys,

I`ve had quite an easy week as college is finished for a few weeks due to the Easter holidays so I have caught up with my blogging to do list and I’ve also attended my first ever blogger event! I was lucky enough to receive an invite from the lovely Paul over at House of Fraser to attend the Beauty Confidential event on Wednesday night. This was a showcase of all of the amazing brands within HOF including Laura Mercier, Chanel, Giorgio Armani, Tom Ford, Nars, Bobbi Brown and Urban Decay to name a few where we got to check out the SS15 collections.

I love the Glasgow HoF store, the decor is so decadent and extravagant especially with the grand staircases. I used to work in HoF before I met Liam and I always lusted over the beauty counters and enjoyed the many events they held for top celebrities but I adored the makeup counters the most, most of the girls were lovely but there were a few who I would never speak to as they were too up their own arse if you know what I mean.

I was a little nervous about attending as I haven’t met any other bloggers nor have I been to an event before, but I felt right at home by the girls and also the amazing staff at House of Frasers. Meeting fellow Scottish bloggers such as Gemma Agnes, Folklorique, Dusty Pearle, A Life With Frills, The Brantastic Life, Secret Little Stars and Glasgow Beauty Blogger was such a great experience as it was so good talking to girls with the same interests and who also blog about beauty, fashion and lifestyle too. After meeting the girls and having a cheeky glass of champagne in Hugh`s Champagne Bar we then moved on to a chat with Mikee Becman who is a makeup artist with Laura Mercier, this was the highlight of my night as he gave us some great tips and tricks.

As well as filling our champagne glasses and feeding us too many chocolates, Mikee showed us how to achieve the "Kylie Jenner Lip" using the Laura Mercier Anti-Feathering Lip Pencil in Natural Lip (£18.50) and their Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Biscotti Lip Colour (£21). As this is a hot topic at the moment, it was quite good as it really helped me understand how to define my lips without overdrawing them. He then showed us how to achieve a finished eye look by using the Laura Mercier Brow Pencil (£17.50) to create a fuller looking brow without making it too dark and heavy. He also created fuller looking lashes by applying product to the upper lash line and a small coating of mascara. His final look of the night was a bright red lip using Laura Mercier Paint Wash Liquid Lip Colour in Red Brick (£22) which has a demi matte finish and also a little contour action which left Folklorique looking even more stunning.

Once we were finished, we headed down to the amazing Beauty Hall within HOF and it was wild! It was so busy. There were so many great things to look out for such as more champagne (I refrained) cocktails by the Tennents Training Academy (I only had one), kale shots with Nails Inc., cupcakes, demonstrations with Jamie Coombes who is an amazing makeup artist with Dior and a lot more. To say this was a major success is putting it lightly. Not only did we have a great time but everyone was given an amazing goodie bag with a lot of gorgeous products including a full sized Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream (from £39) and a Just Cavelli bag.

HoF are offering £10 off of their favourites buys with any other purchase and if you have a Beauty Recognition card, its double points! I remember all my customers going crazy when they knew it was double points so try and pick up one if you can as it helps towards pricier products.

There are many great products including the Urban Decay Naked Palettes (£37), Bobbi Brown Shimmer Bricks (£34), Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation (£34) and a whole lot more. I ended up buying the Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Concealer (£17.50) which is by far the best concealer I have tried in a loooong time! The Beauty Confidential event is running from now until Sunday 19th April so grab a friend, lover, mother, sister, anyone to go along and check out some of the best brands out there which are all situated under one roof. Also, check out the champagne bar on the 1st floor, it’s gorgeous!

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Christmas Gift Guide | Fragrance Gifts

Hi guys,

I took a little break from blogging as I wasn’t well and it took me a while to get over it. I am back today with a new Christmas Gift Guide and I am focusing on fragrances. If you want to check out some of my previous posts then click the relevant post:

Christmas Knitwear

Make Up Gifts > £50

Make Up Gifts Between £20 - £50

Let’s get on with my top 10 fragrance gifts and hopefully you find something that will make someone very happy.

Dolce and Gabbana Miniatures (£39)

Gift Set includes: set of 5 eau de parfums including The One, Desire and DG Dolce, all 5ml, Pour Femme and Pour Femme Intense, both 4.5ml

Gucci Miniatures (£35)

This gift set contains: Gucci Guilty, Gucci Guilty Black and Flora Gucci Gorgeous Gardenia 5ml Eau de Toilettes and Flora Gucci and Gucci Premiere 5ml Eau de Parfums

My Burberry Gift Set (£95)

This gift set includes: Eau de Parfum 90ml + Moisturising Mist 100ml

This is also available in the 50ml for £68

Fragrance Notes: Top Notes: sweet pea, bergamot. Heart Notes: geranium, golden quince, freesia. Base Notes: patchouli, rain-tipped damask, centifolia roses.

Viktor and Rolf Flowerbomb (£73)

This gift set includes: Eau de Parfum 50ml, Body Cream 40ml and a Shower Gel 50ml

Fragrance Notes: Top Notes: Bergamot, Tea. Heart Notes: Jasmine, Freesia, Orchid. Base Notes: Centiflora Rose, Patchouli.

Giorgio Armani Si (£64.50)

This gift set includes: Eau de Parfum 50ml + Shower Gel 75ml + Body Lotion 75ml

Fragrance Notes: Top Notes: Sicilian Bergamot, Mandarin Oil, Liquer de Cassis. Heart Notes: Rose de Mai Absolute, Neroli Absolute, Egyptian Jasmine Absolute. Base Notes: Patchouli Oil, Blond Woods, Amber, Orcanox™, Vanille Absolute.

Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream (£47)

Gift Set Includes 50ml EDT, 75ml Body Lotion and 75ml Shower Gel

Fragrance Notes: Top Notes: Blackberry, Grapefruit, Pear. Heart Notes: Jasmine, Lychee, Blue Wisteria. Base Notes: White Woods, Musks, Coconut Water.

Stella Gift Set (£52.50)

Gift set includes: 50ml EDP + 100ml Body Lotion

Fragrance Notes: Top Notes: Mandarin Essence. Heart Notes: English Rose Accord. Base Notes: Amber Accord.

Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Collection (£68)

Pomegranate Noir Cologne (30ml), Pomegranate Noir Body & Hand Wash (100ml) and Pomegranate Noir Body Crème (50ml)

Jo Malone Cologne Collection (£68)

Lime Basil Mandarin Cologne (9ml), Blackberry & Bay Cologne (9ml), Peony & Blush Suede Cologne (9ml), Amber & Lavender Cologne (9ml) and Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne (9ml)

Tom Ford Black Orchid (£52)

Black Truffle, Ylang, Bergamot, Black Currant, Lotus Wood, Patchouli-incense, Vetiver, Vanilla,

Balsam and Sandalwood

I hope you enjoy these gift ideas and I hope you have a great Christmas when it comes.

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Christmas Gift Guide | My Wish List

Hi Guys

As you know I have been posting some Christmas Gift Guides which you can find here. But today I wanted to put my wish list up as it may give you some inspiration. People seem to think I am hard to buy for, but I disagree, buy me makeup and I am one happy lassie. I am a typical girl to be fair so I love all the normal things that any girl would love. I hate getting gloves, hats etc. because I buy them myself as its freezing from October here and I normally have a decent stash but give me a cookbook, book, pyjamas or some baking gear and I will be over the moon.