Perfumers' Vocab: A Scent Glossary

NOTES
The top, middle and base notes are different parts of the scent journey. Top is the first scent to hit your nose experiences followed by the smell of the middle and the base notes as the perfume dries on your skin.

TOP NOTES
The first impressions of the scent when sniffed or applied to the skin, Usually the most volatile of the ingredients.

MIDDLE (HEART) NOTES
The core of a perfume that gives the scent its character, the middle notes tend to dictate the family group.

BASE NOTES
These are the final notes that mingle with the heart notes to create the body of scent. They linger the longest after the other notes evaporate.

STRENGTH
The concentration of scent is determined by the ratio of its base. The higher the concentration, the more long lasting and intense it will be.

PERFUME
Its highly concentrated and contains the highest percentage of base, so just a dab or two will do.

EAU DE PARFUM
This can be applied more than just perfume. It gives more depth and will last longer on the skin than EDT.

EAU DE TOILETTE
This is a lighter scent. It can be spritzed throughout the day to add to the intensity.

AFTERSHAVE
For is after shaving. They generally have antiseptic properties.

FAMILIES
Scents are grouped into families according to the major characteristics they exhibit. Sub-families are the blending of two families.

CITRUS
Scents that are characterized by the fresh elements of lemon, orange, grapefruit, bergamont or pomelo.

Floral
These scents possess the characteristics of a specified flower or blend of several flower notes, such as jasmine, lily and rose.

FRUITY
Where the scent has a noticeably fruity element linked to berries, apple blossom, lychee or others.

ORIENTAL
Often using spices associated with the Orient, they're scents associated with evening or winter wear.

WOODY
An odour that is linked to the aroma of freshly cut, dry wood, or fibrous roots such as sandalwood or vetiver.

TECHY
ACCORD
The blend of the three or four notes which, by losing their individual identity, creates a new scent.

EVAPORATION
The process of changing from liquid to vapour

Layering
The use of two or more scent forms, usually starting with a fragrant product in the bath or shower.

Reblogged from, SCENTS brought to you by The Perfume Shop 

Facial Sunscreen - Bioderma Photoderm Spot Cream SPF50+ 30ml

Sunscreen Cheat Sheet

1. If you are exposed to the sun for more than 15 minutes a day, even if the weather is cloudy or over cast you need to apply sunscreen.

2. Always look for a suncare product that displays the UVA symbol in a circle or clearly states that it’s a Broad Spectrum formula. This will give your delicate skin protection from both UVA and UVB rays (ones that age and ones that burn) reducing your skin cancer risk and also preventing lasting, ageing sun damage.

3. No!!!!!! you cannot rely on the Spf in your foundation. Ideally for your entire face, neck and de-collate  you should be using a teaspoon amount every time you apply.

**if you are suffering with hyperpigmentation, you should be applying a higher factor spf every single day.**

Protect skin with localised hyperpigmentation and sun spots with the Bioderma Photoderm Spot SPF50+.

The formula is also suitable for skin that has been treated by laser, or scarred complexions. It offers maximum photoprotection with a wealth of specific active ingredients that minimise the risk of further pigmentation. The maximum anti-UVB protection and unrivalled, extreme anti-UVA performance protects the skin from sunburn, sun intolerance and premature ageing.

Created especially for facial skin, it guarantees optimum protection from the sun with its patented Cellular BIOprotection® complex. The melting texture of the cream leaves the skin feeling comforted and very soft.

Apply Photoderm Spot generously before sun exposure, and reapply frequently. Colourless when applied, the cream leaves no oily film or white marks. Non-comedogenic, water-resistant, photostable and fragrance-free, Photoderm Spot ensures excellent tolerance.

Available at Escentual.com RRP £15.50

YES!!!! you must wear suncreen every day my lovelies.

Wash day - July 13th 2013

This wash day was very very simple. the method as well as product usage. First I finger combed my hair to remove any loose hairs, next I detangled using my wide toothed comb. I applied some of my Ojon Damage Reverse Restorative Conditioner to the length and ends of my hair for about 10 minutes. 

                                                                        

                                                          

I shampooed my hair using a a 50/50 mixture of the Ojon Damage Reverse Restorative Shampoo and water. (the water & shampoo was mixed prior) I needed to shampoo my hair 3 times this wash day, to get it as clean as I liked. After rinsing out the shampoo after the third wash, I blotted my hair a bit to remove some of the excess water. 

                                                                    

For deep conditioning , I used  a mixture of the Ojon Damage Reverse Restorative Hair Serum (basically Almond oil) and the Ojon Rare Blend Deep Conditioner . Since the Ojon Rare Blend Deep Conditoner is a bi -phase product, I only used a little bit at a time, mixed in my my palms to melt it all together. First I applied  Ojon Rare Blend Deep Conditioner to my ends. Then I got a bit more product rubbed my palms, to mix it together and applied down the lengths of my hair. I also sectioned my hair into 4 parts and applied some of the Ojon Rare Blend Deep Conditioner product and applied some of the product in areas around my crown. 

                                                         

After 20 minutes I rinsed out the deep conditioner combo, my hair felt really soft and nourished. This was my first time using the Ojon Rare Blend Conditioner. I would need to use it a few more times before I recommend purchasing. I blotted my hair with a towel and let my hair air dry for an hour. After the hour had passed I applied some ORS Incredibly Rich Deep Moisturizing Hair Lotion to my ends and full length of hair and then  with the heat setting on my blow dryer turned OFF I blow dried my hair out . As a heat protectant the ORS  Hair lotion was not bad, I would not use this all the time though. The day just called for simple efforts. As we all know less is more sometimes. 

Hair Stats
Current length: Line #2 on my length check t shirt**
Last Relaxer:  June 29th 2013
Next Relaxer: September 28th 2013
Short Term Goal: line #3 on my Length check T-shirt by June 2013
Long Term Goal: Bra Strap Length by December 2013
Wish List: Phillip Kingsley Elasticizer, Grapseed Oil
Recent buys: Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayonnaise, Organic Root Stimulator Incredibly Rich Moisturizing hair lotion, Waitrose Baby Bottom Butter

Style File - Jack Wills Theydon Wash Bag

For all my festival goers, glampers and weekend stay over lovers, this is the product for you. The Theydon Wash bag is the perfect size to fit your handy travel sized/Miniature products to make sure you do not have to rough it while not being at home. Voila it all fits. 

NAVY with Union Jack on the reverse

BRILL PINK

I love the  Theydon wash bag in brill pink, 
however I do not think I would be looked upon too favorably for purchasing it. 
I will sit this one out my lovelies. 
Happy shopping. 
xx

Graduation Charm Edit

Graduation Season is upon us, another season of gift giving. This is just a little edit I have put together of the charms available in the graduation theme. Guys/brothers/husbands/boyfriends this is the post for you. If you are stumped on what to get for the women in your life, to celebrate their graduation day.

Links of London charms 

Graduation Owl 2013 Charm 

Congratulations - you did it! Celebrate the culmination of years spent at university with our wise Sterling Silver 2013 Graduation Owl Charm, complete with a 18Y vermeil heart year of graduation and mortar board.

Degree Scroll Charm

"Whether you get the grades or pass with flying colours, this sterling silver degree scroll charm celebrates important academic achievements."

Graduation Charm 

Celebrate graduation day in style with this sterling silver mortarboard charm, complete with a gold plate tassel.

Graduation Bear Charm

Our sterling silver graduation bear charm will become your favourite furry friend to wear on your wrist as a reminder of the day you graduated!

Fun fact from the guys and dolls at Links of London this cute teddy is named Professor Plumage, he was named by a fan in a competition.

Pandora charms

Study Book Charm

Graduation Cap Pendant Charm 

Thomas Sabo charm

Thomas Sabo Charm Club - Doctoral Cap charm

"Mortarboard" pendant made from 925 Sterling silver, black-enamelled. The original is regularly used at graduation ceremonies at high schools and universities. 

**My brother got me this Thomas Sabo charm to commemorate my graduation, for obvious reasons it is my fave.

Congratulations Class of 2013.

Be happy and enjoy this moment,

 you will remember it forever.

The Skincare Edit - The Budget Friendly Version

The idea for this post struck me today when I was at work. One of the ladies and I were speaking about the summer sales and items we could purchase now to use as gifts for birthdays/Christmas.

 It came to me that with all the hype about the Emma Hardie Cleansing balm, the P50 exfoliating toner and the PIXI glow tonic. Where are the options for those who want to try these products but just do not have the money to buy the cult products. 

I recently posted my Skincare edit (which is subject to change so there will be updates soon), so I am writing this the Budget friendly version of my skincare edit. This would have been my skincare edit a year ago when I was a student, strapped for pennies.

Makeup Remover - L'Oréal Paris Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution 

Cleansing Oil  - L'oreal Cleansing oil (please remember this does have in mineral oil)

Cleanser morning - Neutrogena 2 in 1 cleanser & Mask 

Cleanser evening - Botanics 97% Organic Hot Cloth cleansing Balm 

Exfoliating toner - La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Lotion 

Hydrating toner - Botanics 100% Organic Rosewater Toning Spritz 

Serum - Avene Soothing Hydrating serum 

Sunscreen - Bioderma Photoderm Spot Cream SPF50+ 30ml, 

or Avene very high protection mineral suncreen spf50+ for very intolerant skin 

My current skincare edit is £125 in total. The budget version above total costs equal £85, at the moment a lot of these products are on reduced price offers, so the total would be even less. I recommend when purchasing skincare you buy one item at a time. eg when your cleanser finishes, then purchase a new one,  not before. Do the same in turn with each skincare item. Unless your skin is in a bad way, I would never suggest purchasing an entirely new skincare regime at once.  I love a bargain and the frugal person in me would never let that happen. I will stick to purchasing one at a time as items finish.  I hope that you guys find this post useful. 


Comment below and let me know if you have used any of the products above in the past. 

Happy Wednesday,

my lovelies.

xx

Vaseline Spray and Go

    While I was pursuing my Boots Magazine yesterday I came across an advertisement for the latest offerings from Vaseline. Vaseline presents Vasline "Spray and Go" Moisture care line, is a line of quick, convenient continuous spray lotions. They moisturize DEEPLY AND absorb on seconds to leave skin instantly soft and not greasy or sticky. 

     

Total Moisture 

Aloe Fresh 

Cocoa Radiant

    I had a trial on my lunch hour today and both of my arms still feel soft and moisturized 4 hours later. If you are intrigued give them a go. They are currently £4.99 each exclusively sold at Boots. I think that these should have been launched right at the beginning of Spring, but that is just me. 

B- curious,

my lovelies

xx

What to wear to work - Blue/ Purple Structured Dress

This dress is an anomaly, to my naked eye it is blue, however it photographs purple. On the Website it was described as purple so *throws hands in the air.*  

   The best thing about this dress is the simplicity. The design features a high neck, small pockets on the sides,   cap sleeves and a V in the back. The versatility of this dress means that it can be easily styled this with a cardigan (white), a blazer or short jacket with rolled back sleeves, a necklace if wearing the dress on its own or a wide belt to accentuate the waist. 

 The fit of the dress is neither tight, nor clingy. so no worries about it splitting or bursting seams if you have to make a mad dash or two across town on your lunch hour. 

                                "Fashion fades by Style remains eternal." - Yves Saint Laurent

Dress - Dorothy Perkins

Shoes - Dune

I hope that you have been enjoying the sales, my belles.

xx

Style File - Jack Wills Wyndham Large Shopper

The Zara Plaited shopper is my first love, however I know that is not to everyone's taste. The Jack Wills Wyndham Large shopper is another great item up for picking up in the Jack Wills summer sales, a tote bag for when you just want to throw in all your stuff and go. The Wyndham Large Shopper is available in everyone's favorite neutral tan, a bright pink and a brilliant blue.

Jack Wills: carry it all in the Wyndham Tote Bag. This large leather bag is perfect for books, shopping trips and it looks great too. Unlined. Jack Wills patch on one side.

100% leather

Brill Pink 

Bluebell

Tan

Photos: Jack Wills 

The Current Skincare Edit

Internal Skincare: 2 x Flaxseed oil tablets (1000mg), 1.5l water daily

Makeup Removers: Boots Botanics Makeup Remover, Bioderma Micellare Solution

Cleanser: Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm

Exfoliating /Clarifying Toner: PIXI Glow Tonic

Moisturizing Toner: Clarins Enegizing Toner

Serum: Avene Soothing Hydrating Serum

Moisturizers: Botanics Hydrating Night Cream, Origins GinZing Moisturizer

SPF: Nivea spf30 

       In that order *Mama Dee voice*

Happy Saturday my lovelies .

xx

Style File - Jack Wills Fairhaven Makeup Bag

The Jack Wills sale is on and there are few items which are worthy of purchase. A new makeup bag is always needed by any young professional,  fashionista, or beauty enthusiast. These Fairhaven makeup bags will be a fun keeper for your makeup bits and bobs, and the bright colours will make for great conversation. They are not overly large but the length is makeup brush friendly. 

Jack Wills: Manage your make-up in the Fairhaven Make-Up Bag. Fabricated from laminated cotton, it will withstand water and stand up to stains. 100% Laminated Cotton

Size: 20 x 9 x 4.5cm

Fairhaven Makeup Bag - Blue Floral

Fairhaven Makeup Bag - Fluoro Pink 

Fairhaven Makeup Bag  - Water Ski

Fairhaven Makeup Bag - Jack Wills Navy/Pink 

 Photos: Jack Wills 

         

 Summer Sale sound off

Happy shopping my lovelies

xx 

Relaxer Touch Up - June 2013

My stylist used Organic Root Stimulator lye relaxer in normal strength on my new growth. She applied the relaxer in 4 sections, starting with the back right section. For the two  sections at the  front she relaxed the left side first and then the right. Application of the relaxer took about 10 minutes overall. The smoothing process took another 10 -15 minutes. 

 After rinsing out the relaxer from my hair, she neutralised my hair using Organic Root Stimulator Neutralising Shampoo. Then she applied Sta fro hair dye in the colour dark brown. I went under the dryer for about 20 minutes to help the colour  set properly. Then my hair was rinsed, shampooed with Luster's Pink oil Moisturizing Shampoo and then the Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Conditioner was applied. I was then back under the dryer for another 20 minutes. Organic Root Stimulator Wrap/Set Mousse along with the Organic Root Stimulator Incredibly Rich Moisturizer Lotion was applied to my hair and then some medium sized rollers. (yes I love roller sets.)

Check the pics below for results of my relaxer day.

Check out my 2 bottles of ORS Incredibly rich hair lotion,
 upside down in the corner of the photo. lol 

Curls 

Curls 

Curls 

Curls and an ear

Curls

Getting ready for bed 

The morning after. 

Products Used:
Organic Root Stimulator Incredibly Rich Hair Moisturising Lotion 
Organic Root Stimulator lye relaxer in normal strength
Organic Root Stimulator Neutralising Shampoo
Luster's Pink oil Moisturizing Shampoo
Sta fro hair dye in the colour dark brown
Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Conditioner 
Organic Root Stimulator Wrap/Set Mousse

Hair Stats
Current length: Line #2 on my length check t shirt**
Last Relaxer:  June 29th 2013
Next Relaxer: August 31st 2013
Short Term Goal: line #3 on my Length check T-shirt by June 2013**
Long Term Goal: Bra Strap Length by December 2013
Wish List: Phillip Kingsley Elasticizer, Grapseed Oil
Recent buys: Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayonnaise,  Organic Root Stimulator Incredibly Rich Moisturizing hair lotion, Waitrose Baby Bottom Butter


to be amended

What to Wear to Work - Black Low Heeled Court Shoe

My current work shoes are coming onto a year old now. They might be aging but they are still full of life. However I would like to add a new work to to my work wear wardrobe. My browsing has lead me to an amazing discovery. A great pair of court shoes, suitable for the office and well as an alternative pair. I am calling it the look for less ---> the shoe edition. 

Whistles Cassini Black Heeled shoe £125

- Made with a soft suede upper

- Classic slip on styling

- Pointed toe

- Slim sole

- Low point heel

Office Vital Court Black Microfibre Shoe £15   

The Vital Court is made up of a black microfibre upper, Leather lining, Leather sock, Synthetic sole and a 6.5cm heel height. 

These shoes both meet my requirements for a functional work shoe. 3 inches or less, leather and a neutral colour. The Whistle's Cassini courts  are pricey,  work shoes just like bags are one area of your work wear wardrobe, where it is worth spending that bit extra. I consider them a good long term investment. My Dune courts were £75 and apart from replacing the tips they are still going strong.  If you are a new graduate/young professional/city girl I would recommend picking up a pair of either shoe. As for me I will be counting my sheckles to purchase the office pair asap!!!! The Whistles pair could be acquired after the implementation of a longer term saving plan. 

"Fashion fades but style remains eternal." - Yves Saint Laurent

Haul: Zara Twill Bermuda Shorts

Fresh out the plastic.

Opening the box

About to rip it

Yayyyyyy 

White 

Beige

Navy 

Shorts!!!!

My lovelies,

 I bought the Zara Twill Bermuda shorts in all three colours, much to the raised eyebrow of my financial adviser. She doesn't think I needed to purchase all three pairs.  We have been having some cracking good weather over here in the UK and I believe these will be put to use quite soon. Also when I go on vacation to hotter climates I need to be prepared. 

 I am a UK 8/US 4, in terms of fit on my body these shorts sit low on the hip, cover my entire butt and end on my upper thigh.  They fit flat against my stomach with no paunching, or gapping. The ZARA Twill Bermuda shorts fit well against the bum, are not tight or restrictive and I can easily move about in them. They do not ride up while I am wearing them neither.

Twill is a type of textile weave with a pattern of diagonal parallel ribs. A twill weave is the second basic weave that can be constructed on a simple loom. Twill is a durable fabric commonly used for work clothing, uniforms and upholstery  it is made to endure numerous washing's and still remain intact. Examples of twill fabrics are chino, tweed, gabardine  serge, denim, and drill.

 (If you are purchasing in store I would recommend walking  up and down the entire length of ZARA dressing room, and doing a few squats.) 

The ZARA Twill Bermuda shorts are made from 100% cotton 
and so far I have been very happy with my purchase.

xx

Leighton Denny Colour & Go Manicure Pen - Pillow talk

    "Manicure on the move without the need for lots of different bottles. The COLOUR & GO MANICURE PEN is a handy double ended pen that contains the HIGH PERFORMANCE COLOUR and the ONE FOR ALL base & topcoat." - Leighton Denny 

 

                 

Pillow talk - A lighter tone than Passion, this red has a touch of dark pink through it.  A luscious berry shade.

As I said in my review last week of the Leighton Denny Colour & Go Manicure Pen, I wanted to try the shade Pillow talk. I managed to find a copy of Harpers Bazaar with this shade in the Colour & Go Manicure Pen at a WHSmiths. I love  a neutral nail with shimmer, such as the Leighton Denny Colour & Go Manicure Pen in Butterfly Wings, but sometimes a girl just needs some colour in her life. PillowTalk is a great colour for the summer months, and can be worn on both fingers and toes. Upon application, after two coats the colour was even,   solid/opaque, a very rich berry. I did not see any streaking, which is sometimes common with nail polishes of a solid colour. 

There is just something about a product that does exactly what it says it will do. In addition to being easily portable, perfect for touch ups while travelling or girls on the go. The Leighton Denny Colour & Go Manicure Pen is one of those products.  

There are a few copies Harpers Bazaar lingering in some shops, supermarkets, and newsagents.  A top coat, base coat and high performance nail colour all in one. This product is worth a try if you are a nail polish lover.

 Have a great day my lovelies.

xx