The Bunnie Hole

Bunnie Loves: Episode #3

2012-02-26T12:08:00.002-08:00

I thought it was about time for another current favourites video so here's a new episode of "Bunnie Loves"...a look at what products have my heart singing recently.

Let's jump into it with the video!

*click to play*

A PHOTO RECAP...

Tony Moly Dual Effect Sleeping Pack

This product absolutely surprised me, I was new to sleeping masks but after receiving a sample of this with an order I was incredibly intrigued. What worried me most was the thick silicone texture of the cream/mask, fearing that it might clog my pores horribly but to my delight I did not have any breakouts but instead was left with glowly well hydrated skin the next morning.

"Friction" by FCUK

If you've read my review on this perfume (HERE), you would already know that I'm head over heels for this summery fruity-coconut cocktail. Just the right amount of sweet fruitiness with a lingering dry-down of sandalwood and musk I think Friction is an unexpectedly well made perfume that will please anyone wanting a flirty sexy scent.

Annabelle Lip liners

Though I am still in the exploratory stages with lip liners, Annabelle's lip liner products stand out as being hard working, flattering and reasonably priced. For the occasional lip liner user, these pencils provide the perfect combination of firmness and pigmentation so you don' have to drag it across your lips to get the right amount of colour. The slighter firmer texture also means the line is less likely to smudge and it was comfortable to wear even when I filled my entire lip area with the pencil.

Maybelline "Pearly Pink"
&
Hard Candy "Girl Next Door"

If you've never been weary of wearing a pearl or frost lipstick, try a combo like the pair I mentioned in the video. Wearing a pinky gloss with a very fine shimmer will tone down the sheen from the lipstick and the added glossy shine will make the look much more approachable. Choose a lipstick with a good amount of opacity/tone is also important, my favourite of the moment is this yummy duo of "Pearly Pink" with "Girl next door" on top.

NYX in "TS17" shadow palette

From first glance this palette was absolutely not my cup of tea. I've always adored the taupey brown eye look that I've seen other people pull off so effortlessly but on myself I felt the cool tones look unnatural. Well in came this palette from a sweet love package and it completely changed my mind. Even though the shadows have a silvery taupey look in the pan, as I hesitantly applied on my eyes the colours just blended together beautifully. The result was an eye look that was different enough from my day to day warm/coppery browns but still neutral enough so I can pair it with any lipstick.

What has been you recent favourite beauty item?
Share it with me in the comments below!

Ciao,

Daily Goods: Pastel lipgloss from Revlon

2012-02-26T09:00:00.000-08:00

I was in the drugstore picking up some photos the other day and saw these cuties. I've always been a fan of the Revlon Super Lustrous lip gloss formulation. They have great pigmentation and a thick but non goopy consistency which I feel is really comparable to many high end lip glosses.

What caught my eye were these three beautiful spring colours (part of the permanent line I believe). The center shade was already a favourite but the other two creme shades are new to me. In fact I was hesitant about the lavender but perhaps it would be wearable over a pink lipstick.

Peach Petal
Pink Whisper
Lilac Pastelle

I haven't opened them because I want to wait a little longer until spring and summer to bust them out but gosh aren't they pretty? If only they came out with more shades I think these would almost top MAC's lip glass for me. They are one of the few wonderful drugstore lip glosses I've ever used.

Do give them a look if you haven't already!

Ciao,

Giveback Giveaway #2 : Skin79 VIP Gold BB Cream

2012-02-24T09:25:00.000-08:00

Hello Everybody,

It's time today for another exciting GiveBack Giveaway. (*Jump for joy!)

This time, it's one of my all time favourite Korean BB Creams.

Amongst all the Korean BB Creams I've tried, this one stands out as being the best over-all, not only does it give light coverage for redness and spots but it actually improved the quality of my skin with continued use. It functions just like a BB Cream is meant to, as a base with skincare functions that helps to sooth and condition your skin as it minimizes what you don't want others to see.

This one easy to use bottle ...

Provides daily SPF25/ PA++ for your skin.
Keeps your skin hydrated all day long.
Allows you to skip moisturizer if you have normal/oily skin.
Works as a base/primer for your foundation to make it go on smoother.
Works to combat wrinkles.
Works to fight hyper-pigmentation and skin unevenness.
Feed your skin an abundance of natural ingredients and vitamins.
I've also done a review on this product before, HERE.

CLICK the video to get the dish on this item!

Please read all the giveaway details below carefully.
I believe you must have Javascript enabled to see the widget!

Qualifications

Be a public follower of my Youtube channel and/or my blog.
Be at least 18 years of age or have parental consent.
Open to everyone : INTERNATIONAL!

How to enter: Rafflecopter

Follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter widget you see below, enter via Facebook login or with your name and email address.
In the widget, answer the question posted for +1 entry, Tweet this contest for an extra +1 entry for a maximum of two entries per person. The Tweet must be done through Rafflecopter so it can be logged, just follow the instructions on the widget. All entries will be recorded in Rafflecopter ^_^
Make sure to use a current email address as that is the method I will be contacting the winner.
**Remember if you are a subbie of mine on Youtube, include your Youtube name as well :-)

A QUICK PHOTO DEMO

This is from a previous giveaway post but I just wanted to show you all how to enter in case you are confused!

Choose to enter via Facebook or with your name and email.

"Log in" and Rafflecopter will keep track of your entries as well as log it in my account so I can review them easily later.

It will ask you to answer a question!
This is the mandatory 1st entry.

Put your answer in the entry box along with your Youtube name if you are also a subbie of mine. After you have answered the mandatory question (which counts as one entry), a second option will appear that says "Tweet about the Giveaway"...click DO IT and it will show you how to log your Tweet.

Your very own bottle!

"Ooooo la la...how shiny"

Ready to go?

Enter in the widget below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

See, that was easy right?

Details

Giveaway ends: March 10th 2012
Winners will be drawn randomly within 1 week after the giveaway ends and will be announced on both my blog and on Twitter.
Winners will be contacted via email (which is why it's important to have a current one when you enter the info below) if there is no response within the week, a new winner will be redrawn.

Ciao,

OPEN: GlymmBox...Feb 2012

2012-02-23T17:40:00.000-08:00

What always seems to perplex me when reading about beauty boxes is not only the variety of products (which companies are paired up with who) but also the speed at which your box is delivered. Although the actual dispatch service by Glymm and Canada Post is always fast I'm always a little envious of beauty box services that send them out early. It makes sense that if this is a February box, shouldn't customers be receiving them at the beginning of February instead of the end?

Well that is something to think about.

My GlymmBox for this month did arrived yesterday and here is what I found inside...a relatively bare box compared to previous openings.

A few quick points on "beauty boxes" and Glymm Box in general.

Available in Canada.

This is a "subscription" service (like you would a magazine)
$10/month (+ tax) + free shipping per month
Receive a specially curated box of deluxe sized beauty samples (often times there is at least one full sized product!)
Products are chosen based on your initial preference survey but it's a box of surprises every single month!
Glymm offers points for each box purchased (more points if you refer friends) which can be redeemed for products on their website.

That's the brief but if you want more details on Glymm as a service,

you can drop by their website HERE.

Of course what caught me by surprise (as I'm sure it did other people as well) was the sparse selection in this months box. I am still grieving the loss of the jelly beans which have been gone since last month which I felt was an unwise move by Glymm but nonetheless I had expected the continuous quality and scale of the products inside.

BURT'S BEES
Natural lip gloss "Tiger Lily"

Gives lips a hint of colour with a soft sweet flavour.
Voted best new lip product by consumers.
Made with 100% natural ingredients.
Full size price: 4.25g @ $7.99CAD

My first thoughts: This lip gloss is one of the two full sized products in this month's Glymmbox however Burt's Bees is not what comes to mind when I think about luxury beauty. With the "luxury drugstore" price tag of $8 it is an expensive item in relative terms but this seemed like a downgrade in comparison to what is advertised to be offered by Glymm. On the bright side, since trying out some of their products during the holidays I am on good terms with Burt's Bees and another lip balm is always welcomed in my purse.

GLAMGLOW

Tingling and exfoliating Mud Mask

Tingles, tightens and lightens in 15 minute.
Volcanic rock, French sea clay and real pieces of green tea.
Full sized price: 50ml @ $78CAD

My first thoughts: Just to be fair monetarily Glymm does include a sample of something ridiculously expensive. As I'm reading the description card, I begin to think how many people would actually pay that amount of money for a 50ml jar of face mask...no many I would think. One jar of this miracle mud is the equivalent of an entire line of well functioning skincare range for me. The product itself doesn't sound immensely appealing either as ingredients like French Sea clay and Green Tea can be commonly found in products costing half as much.

MAI COUTURE
2 in 1 Oil blotting/Bronzing paper

Lightly powdered bronzing paper eliminates oil and gives you a glow.
Easy to carry around in your makeup bag for touch ups.
Full size price: 100 sheets @ $24.00CAD

My first thoughts: These blotting blush/bronzer papers have been previously featured in GlamBag (created by Michele Phan and company) so I was already aware of this product. In fact I was quite enthusiastic about products being produced in different application methods. What came as a surprise was realizing that there were only two pieces of the paper in the bag. How that is considered a deluxe sample I would never quite understand. I'm not aware who decides the quantity of each sample however those included in the GlamBags were much larger booklets although not the full size. I feel that it would be hard to convince people to love a blush/bronzer from two applications.

SULA BEAUTY

Natural eyeshadow: "Blue Moon"

Flirty, fun and easy to use eyeshadow from Sula Beauty.
Long lasting and easy to blend, made with natural ingredients.
Full size price: 0.15oz @ $18CAD

My first thoughts: Having previously tested out a lipgloss from a Glymmbox before, I was curious to try out more products from Sula Beauty. It had always been in my mind that perhaps "natural makeup" won't be as fun or good quality as others on the market. However after a wonderful experience with Sula's lipgloss I was more open to other options. This full sized eyeshadow was packaged beautifully, simple but not boring an easy to open plastic case. Personally the downside would be the colour which is not a shade I would wear often. Perhaps in the future there might be a Sula blush sample!

Overall February's Glymmbox was lackluster to say the least, the most exciting for me being the eyeshadow although it's not a common colour for me (perhaps that is a good thing). I currently have doubts about continuing my Glymmbox and might consider switching to something else (I already canceled LuxeBox).

Please let me know

what beauty box you've been loving!

Ciao,

Bunnie Finds: February Etsy finds {2012}

2012-02-21T09:00:00.000-08:00

I contemplated posting this months Etsy finds on the week of Valentines but then I thought it would be too expected and cliche. While February is mostly about love and hearts, I'd like to think that it is also a good month to think about the coming of spring and the changes taking place. As soon as the heart shaped candies are gone, Easter eggs are popping up everywhere in stores and so there's no reason not to think ahead. So here are my romantic spring themed finds for this month!

Golden Night Brooch

by arisafukumoto

Vintage paper hearts --Pride and Prejudice

by vintagescrapshop

Vintage embroidered cotton handkerchiefs

by twonoels

Stunning 1920-1921 Love letter --from Hazel

by ReginasStudio

1950s Pink Satin Hat

by moonfossil

Vintage chiffon silk orange Scarf

by simplyborrowed

Which item caught your eye in February?

Share it in the comments below!

Ciao,

Daily Goods: Marcelle BB Cream

2012-02-20T13:54:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful surprise it was to find the new Marcelle BB Cream in the drugstore the other day! I had known about this release for a few weeks now thanks to the east coast Canadian bloggers who got their hands on test tubes of this. It had also been available on Marcelle's online boutique but I wanted to wait until it hit stores before making a purchase.

I had known that high end North American equivalents of BB Creams were quickly becoming a hot new item and it's very encouraging to see drugstore options as well. The debate for me was between this BB Cream by Marcelle and the BB Miracle base by Garnier (which I have seen in flyers but not yet in stores). I decided to go with this one first from the swatches I have seen online as well as the colour tone which is yellow based.

At first glance I like the clean packaging of this product, the pump making it very hygenic and the plastic tube making it travel friendly. There is approximately 45ml of product inside and currently retails at $22.95 Cad at regular price. Look out for a review on this BB Cream when I've played around with it on my skin!

Have a wonderful day everyone!

Ciao,

Scent: Lolita Lempicka ~ "L" eau de parfum

2012-02-19T17:31:00.000-08:00

"The Salty kiss of the everlasting flower"

"Elixir of abandon, the oriental freshness of this fragrance caresses the skin with the salty kiss of Everlasting Flower. A delicately spiced Everlasting Fragrance with woody vanilla oriental base notes."

---Lolita Lempicka

"Like a randomly shaped pebble, the aquamarine bottle is in the form of a heart and beckons to be held. This jewelled bottle protects different treasures from the depths of the sea in its golden net…"

---Lolita Lempicka

I picked up this charming jewel in my local drugstore's fragrance clearance section as a blind buy. Though I've heard about Lolita Lempicka's unique fragrances before they are usual too expensive for me to jump in without sampling. Excited to see this on the shelf and realizing the amazing value that it was I was surprised by what I found inside.

"L" is at once a simple yet complex and intriguing perfume.

"After creating a fairytale for women, Lolita Lempicka transports us to a legendary world of a dangerously feminine myth. Between desire and abandon, it reveals an enigmatic femininity, that attracts and bewitches."

---Lolita Lempicka

From the look of the design of the bottles to the promo images, I expected something sweet, girly and whimsical. "L" however delivered something more than just a s simple innocent fragrance. This scent is a carefully concocted combination of mystery and femininity created through an unusual combination of spices.

The Basics

Released in 2006
Top Notes: Cinnamon, bitter orange
Middle Notes: Immortelle, Vanilla
Base Notes: Woodsy notes, Musk

From reading the ingredients list alone "L" appears to be a simple heavy spicy and heady oriental perfume that verges on the edge of masculinity. Cinnamon, musk and woodsy notes often easily dominate a scent taking away from a delicateness which I associate with feminine fragrances.

The Initial Reaction

While the stunning design of the bottle is in itself absolutely brilliant, "L" had many other facades as well. In the first spray, I immediately caught the mistakable kick of cinnamon. To me cinnamon is not an easily welcomed scent, I often find it too strong and pungent instead of warm and comforting. With that first waft I was afraid "L" would turn into a upscale version of "Fancy" by Jessica Simpson which I was not pleased with at all. While the opening notes have some similarities, what surprised me was the slight edge of softness that surrounded the cinnamon... a good dose of vanilla enveloped the cinnamon and together they opened to a mythical land of wood nymphs and waterfalls.

The Wear & Further Contemplation

Like a darting woodland fairy, "L" quickly began to change. In less than ten minutes the predominate cinnamon gave away to a heady sweet floral... the "Everlasting flower" or immortelle as it is also known. It is as if, while chasing the fairy through the lush woods the trees suddenly opened up into a clearing of immortelle, this heavy floral addition which creates a sensual femininity gives "L" an unforgettable allure. The light hints of musk and woody notes that follow cushion the otherwise heady immortelle like wet wood branches underneath your feet. The journey through the this fairytale is quick and fleeting but what lingers is the remissness of something truly magical. In less than an hour what remains is a veil of sweet immortelle woven with vanilla, musk and an ever so slight scent of cinnamon spice which followed on my skin for another four hours or so.

Final Thoughts & Rating

Smells like: a spicy sweet oriental
What stands out most: cinnamon, vanilla, immortelle
I'd recommend this for: 20s and over
Words I'd use to describe this: mysterious, playful, feminine, alluring
Best worn for: everyday for the adventurous or as a night scent
Repurchase factor: possible but Samsara still tops this for me

To call "L" a special fragrance is, in the opinion of my nose, a bit of an understatement. "L" manages to merge elements of fantasy with our own reality, bringing together seemingly masculine elements in an undeniably feminine perfume. What seems like a simple blend reveals layers of mystery and complexity that is truly worthy of it's pretty bottle. What I love most about "L" is how it never gets ahead of itself, each layer is perfectly balanced and there is no confusion or undesirable mixing between the different elements. The only thing amiss for me was that I never quite found the bitter orange but it does fairyland forest I think "L" would impress those seeking a sexy oriental with a sweet and innocent twist.

Have you tried any of Lolital Lempicka's perfumes?
Let me know in the comments!

Ciao,

Review: Skin79 VIP Gold BB Cream

2012-02-12T23:48:00.000-08:00

Hello out there!

Today I bring you a re-review about one of my ultimate beauty must haves (in the category of "I'm-stranded-on-a-dessert-island-omg-freaking-out"). I had initially written brief review on this product about a year or so agao but that was so visually awful that I decided it must be redone!

Here I re-introduce......

Skin79 VIP GOLD BB CREAM

* Everybody all at once now: "Ooooo shiny!" *

If you are unfamiliar with BB Creams (aka "beauty balms", "blemish balms", "beblesh balms"), they are essentially created to be a multifunctional product that combines both skincare and base/foundation properties into one daily use makeup essential. Think hydrating, sun protecting, skin healing, acne treating, wrinkle targeting, spot covering magic in a tube! Certainly different BB creams focus on different age groups or concerns but you can often find any combination of these properties in any BB cream. In a sense, you can call it the the Swiss Army knife of the foundation world...for women and men as well. I have tried a good handful of popular BB Creams from Asia yet this one remains one of my favourites based on quality and overall effectiveness.

The Basic Stats: as from Skin79

Produced by WIZCOZ Korea
Air tight pump dispenser
Lightly scented.
Sturdy weight plastic bottle
Shade: 1 only
SPF 25 / PA++
Claims: Whitening, UV protection, anti-wrinkle, (hydration)
Gold and Caviar extract creates beautiful shiny skin
Sebum control and great adhesion to the skin.
Korean Food and Drug Administration approved 3-functions.
Full size 40g @ approx $17-20 Cad (online/ebay)
Also available from Skin79 North American website HERE.
Other travel sizes/tubes available

Minor changes have been made to the design over the years that I have purchased it but the main look and feel of the product (and ingredients) remained almost identical. It has a very clean, sharp and high end aesthetic that would sit well on the vanity of consumers from any age range. Skin79 markets itself to be a very pharmaceutical brand (along the lines of say VICHY, La Roch Posay and Clinique), producing a wide range of skincare for men and women as well as a number of BB creams. The VIP Gold range is on the more prestigious end of their BB cream selection but they do have many options for various budgets and age groups.

Now we've covered the basics, ready to jump in?
Click the video to watch my review!

Before and After comparison

*click the photo to enlarge*

I must say that my skin has been pretty stable in the past few weeks so you're not seeing me at my worst. However I have have also used this during my bad skin days to smooth out bumps and redness and it works wonderfully. You can see details on my skin statistics HERE.

While it is a shame there is only one shade (poor colour selection is a fault with many Asian BB Creams), you'll be happy to hear that it does do some magical shade adjusting after minutes on your skin. From my experience, BB creams are not meant to be actual foundation but rather an extension of your skincare with some coverage properties and sun protection. Those that are able to find a good shade match may want to wear it solo but others who can't might want to try this as a foundation primer/base (hence less of a colour matching issue).

As you can see from the ingredients below, the composition of this product seems rather complex with your standard slew of foundation/skincare binders and emulsifiers but also a notable list of natural extracts as well. As with all natural extracts, effectiveness is often arguable but I'd like to think they do play an important role in the product. I am always happy to see natural ingredients in my products!

*photo can be enlarged on flickr, just click it*

The Final Breakdown

A daily use all-in-one product, better seen as an extension of your basic skincare but with some bonus foundation properties.

Closest skin tone match: NC20/NW20 - NC30/NW30

Natural / Satin finish if applied sparingly, glossy if applied heavily.

Smoothes over the skin, softening visible pores and fine lines.

Helps skin stay hydrated through the day, increased skin elasticity.

Average lasting ability: 5 hrs (no powder, no primer)

Best for skin types: slightly dry, normal/combination, slightly oily.

Best used as a foundation primer or tinted moisturizer.

A concealer and powder is also available from the same line.

THINGS TO NOTE:

This is not an oil-free product, although it has never gave me spots on my acnegenic skin.
Be weary of wearing this in flash photography, there is physical SPF (titanium dioxide) in this product.
You still need to REMOVE this at the end of the day like you would a foundation, don't sleep with it on.
This version, I feel, feels slightly less dewy than previous releases although I can not be certain if they have changed the product itself.

While you might be put off by the lack of colour selection, I would still highly recommend you give a chance to this BB cream from Skin79. Although many brands claim wondrous results, this is one of the few BB creams that have lived up to the claims and with extended use I have seen real improvements to my skin. And you know what else this would be good for? An exciting luxury feeling gift for your girlfriends or mother that doesn't cost a fortune. Win-Win!

Used this Skin79 VIP Gold BB Cream before?
Share you thoughts in the comments!

Ciao,

HAUL: Spring fabric, crafting goods & makeup books!

2012-02-11T22:48:00.000-08:00

A mummble jumbo of fun items in today's 2 for 1 haul video. That's right, one for beauty items and makeup books and the other for my fabrics and notions. Though you might want a chance of topic once in a while and since I am a crafty bunnie at heart, what better joy to share than some wonderful spring fabrics and sewing accessories.

Let's jump in with the beauty goods!

~ click to play ~

As you can see today's beauty haul had a different twist to it, I am currently in a huge reading/book phase and of course I went hunting for new ones to add to my collection. Two classic beauty items made its way back into my life and I couldn't be more thrilled...

Through all my experiences with beauty products, in the end you realize that when it comes to certain products...it is what it is and boy are these two bottles special. I won't leak too much juicy details right now but you can be sure this is not the last time you'll see of them.

At both Sephora and the Guerlain counter I was gifted sample vials of perfume. Shalimar, which is the other Guerlain legend (next to Samsara of course) and Escada's new release named Sexy Graffiti. It took me a second to realize that the Escada vial came in a stick format which I thought was particularity clever as it allows you to precisely control the application and amount used. Sprays on the other hand, tend to go everywhere!

Well how gorgeous are these faces!

I have been a fan of Scott Barnes products since I first tried it out about 2 years ago but alias it's rather difficult to get a hold of (as it is now discontinued, I think) and the selection is poor from the few places that you can still find them online. I was especially interested in his face sculpting technique and the way he uses it to transform and define the features, quite brilliant I must say and very Hollywood!

And for a little something extra, here's a look at some fabric and trim I picked up recently. A good selection of spring hues, fun lace and yards of crochet just waiting to be incorporated into a flowy sundress.

~ click to play ~

A quick compilation of the pieces themselves, I just love the soft tones and beautiful textures of these fabrics. I'm already thinking a shabby chic blazer and a Laguna Moon inspired denim jumper with crochet trim (Lena was wearing it in VIVI, what can I say?)... if anything happens, you'll definitely see a post!

That's all for today, I will have a review on something awesome posted next so don't forget to check back soon. Wishing you all dream wonderful crafty dreams....

Ciao,

Daily Goods: Paint me softly... Sally Hansen nail polish

2012-02-08T12:09:00.000-08:00

I took this photo yesterday, when it was beautifully sunny and warm (for February anyways) and what do you know, today the clouds rolled in again. Well, at least I can look at this photo and feel a little better.

I'm a huge lover of creme finish nails...perhaps it's a inner rebellion from growing up in the 90s when metallic was all the rage. Or maybe it was the experience of owning my very first nail polish....a metallic rust orange. Either way I've been quite attached to cremes and I've recently added these two to my collection.

(L) Without a stitch

(R) Shall we dance?

The Sally Hansen complete salon manicure series is meant to have everything you need for beautifully done nails in one step; base coat, strengthener, colour, topcoat. But as my previous encounters with do-it-all products tells me, there is a high possibility that they will no nothing at all. (Two in one shampoo and conditioner? Yuck.)

I was especially attracted to "With out a stitch", which I later found out was part of the Prabal Gurung and Sally Hansen collaboration for Spring 2011. It may look just like any plain old nude but upon closer inspection it was unlike any of the nude shades I own. It has a pale yellow "creme brulee" undertone, not beige or taupe...just an almost sandy yellow which may absolutely rock or completely fail with my pale yellow undertone. I will be sure let you all know with a swatch when I get a chance to try this on.

Ciao,

Daily Goods: LE Etude perfumed syrup nail set

2012-02-06T17:46:00.000-08:00

(source)

Ever since I tried out the Etude house Party Gradation nail set, I was hooked on these little minis. With their pretty colour combos and ease of use, there is no more reason not to have pretty sparkly nails again!

This limited edition set features a collaboration with illustrator Annika Wester (blog here) and not just the nail polish either but the the entire Etude House 2010 "Wannabe" winter set!

Wannabe Perfumed Syrup Nails

...doesn't smell (or taste I don't think) like anything sweet so the name is rather deceiving but the colour combo is very sweet indeed! And at price of around $12 CAD (likely even cheaper in Korea), I would consider this a great value.

Of course you can layer this with a opaque base coat (instead of the sheer/pearl white they give here) to create various looks but if you really love glitter then this set looks very promising. I have yet to try it out on my own fingers yet since I'm currently enduring some nail issues but you can be sure a review for the Etude polishes will be on the way.

Sneak peak at the rest of the collection.

(source)

I was incredibly tempted by the LE lipsticks in those adorable little tubes....they are still floating around in the back of my mind. The compact shown is a shimmer powder, likely similar to a MAC beauty powder/pressed powder duo so I skipped out on that one.

Wannabe Sweet like Etude?
The last time I checked you can find these LE items online,
on ebay and also on Colorful Circle (here), (no affiliation).

Ciao,

Daily Goods: PONY's Korean makeup book

2012-02-03T17:19:00.000-08:00

Look what I found in my mailbox!

*waves frantically*

Now in case ya'll can't read Korean (neither can I) and you think I'm a nut, here's a little background information. This is a Korean makeup book penned by one of the most popular original Ulzzangs in the cyberworld...Park Hye Min, otherwise known in the triple-w as "PONY"!

Photos of her can be found scattered throughout the internet but most are traced back to her blog.

PONY cybworld blog: http://www.cyworld.com/jpshop01

(source)

I'm not absolutely familiar with the term but "ulzzang" was a major Korean (and later Asian) trend which roughly translates into "perfect face". Guys and gals deemed as Ulzzang have a certain desired facial beauty (natural, makeup or Photoshop..bring it on!) and are often online models and bloggers. They are, in a sense, everyday celebrities... whilst they are not actors or performers, their day-in-the-life photographs keeps them on top of the Asian blog world.

(source)

I discovered Pony while browsing through a forum on Asian idols (a whole post onto itself..someday) and like most people I was quite taken by her makeup skills, particularly the way that she made even the heavy looks quite wearable. What results from her tutorials are always approachable and perfectly shaded, two qualities that I admire. To date she has released two makeup books and I searched high and low for a copy....

(source)

In the end I tracked one down on ebay and purchased her second makeup book. While I'm quite certain that I am not taking full advantage of her book since I can not read Korean, the abundance of photographs in the pages combined with my basic knowledge of makeup products works out decently and I am quite thrilled with trying out some of her looks.

(source)

Stay tuned for a full review on her makeup book as this book certainly deserves one, I just find her so lovely! I think I might need to go through her products list a pick up a few items that are frequently features and perhaps even share some inspired tutorials...

Let me know what you think!

Ciao,

Handmade: Sweet spring floral bow

2012-01-27T11:41:00.000-08:00

A little something something to dress up your day.

HANDMADE HAIR BOW

Size: 9 inches x 4 inches
Style: Looped Bow
Attachment: Barrette clip

Find it HERE

Ciao,

Review: Hard Candy Glamoflauge concealer

2012-01-25T22:11:00.000-08:00

Meet my new favourite concealer.

HARD CANDY

Glamoflauge heavy duty concealer has a lot going for it, with all the "ooohs" and "aaaahs" from the beauty community since it's initial release everyone was excited to see a concealer heavy weight in the drugstore.

Boasting tattoo worthy coverage and a creamy formulation I was eager to jump in and try this one out for myself. Having gone through a slew of concealers (almost all of the MAC ones, Revlon, Almay, Maybelline) there were very few that performed exceptionally well to hold a semi-permanent spot in my top makeup drawer (most used items). But this one tube might change it all....

Let's start off with the basic stats:

3 colours available (light, medium, tan)
includes one tube of concealer () and a concealer pencil ()
No SPF
available in Walmart exclusively where Hard Candy is sold
Runs approximately $7 CAD

I have here the shade light which I was extremely hesitant on purchasing because it looked rather dark in the tube. The colour selection is small as with most drugstore base products but should fit a range of people between NC15/NC20 to NC40 or so.

Ready for the details?
Click the video to watch my review!

A quick summary...

As you can see from the minimal ingredients list below, Glamoflauge is not here to play around. It doesn't boast any skin-caring, SPF-providing, moisturizing properties at all. Instead it is solely and solidly a concealer and in this aspect is performs superbly well. In fact, I would call it comparable to the concealers by Coverblend (the high end conceal-it-all mega hit) though this is every so slightly powdery and heavier in feel but not by much. The pigmentation alone is worth a look by someone who is interested in a full coverage concealer.

The only major things preventing this tube in becoming my favourite concealer? PETROLATUM.

No it isn't the evil of all beauty ingredients and I'm sure there are likely other things much worse that exists in my makeup products but just the word "petrolatum" or otherwise "mineral oil" in a base product makes me cringe. Maybe it's actually not so bad, certainly on the occasions I have put this on my face for blemishes nothing horrific happened but it is undeniably something that will continue to bother me.

My final breakdown

Truly a full coverage concealer, very little is needed for each application.
Smooth to blend and adheres well to skin, easy to reapply if needed.
Longer than expected lasting ability; 5 hours no problem!
Dries to a slightly powdery finish so you can skip powder.
No breakouts so far with consistent use, no significant clogged pores either.
No SPF means no fears of flash photography.
Best for those with oily, normal/combination or slightly dry skin.
*TIP: Apply this with a synthetic concealer brush, then smooth with fingers for best results.
THINGS TO NOTE:

The mineral oil content should be taken note of if you break out easily with this ingredient, it is the dominant ingredient to give this concealer its smoothness.
Lack of colour selection will be problematic for some, the concealer applies quite a bit lighter than it looks in the tube.

Overall, Glamoflague is an excellent product to try. It is absolutely hard working and deserves every penny! A true drugstore dupe of some high end base products costing 3-4 times it's price.

Hope you enjoyed today's review.
Do share your thoughts on your favourite concealer below!

Ciao,

OPEN: GlymmBox... Jan 2012

2012-01-24T17:39:00.000-08:00

The first Glymmbox for 2012 arrived at my doorstep a few days ago and as usual, I was curious to see what goodies awaited testing for this month. This is my third Glymm beauty box and I have been generally pleased so far with the selection though I have yet to be floored by a particular box yet!

Let's see what hopefuls are inside January's box....

A few quick points on "beauty boxes" and Glymm Box in general.

Available in Canada.

This is a "subscription" service (like you would a magazine)
$10/month (+ tax) + free shipping per month
Receive a specially curated box of deluxe sized beauty samples (often times there is at least one full sized product!)
Products are chosen based on your initial preference survey but it's a box of surprises every single month!
Glymm offers points for each box purchased (more points if you refer friends) which can be redeemed for products on their website.

That's the brief but if you want more details on Glymm as a service,

you can drop by their website HERE.

At first glance...

.... the box contents seemed good but again not "wow" in my opinion (of course this also varies depending on what products that you are interested in). My own preferences generally veer towards skincare and makeup so products in that range tend to excite me more so than others.

Click to roll the video!

A closer look...

ANASTASIA

Clear brow gel

Allure's editor's choice award winner
Keeps brows in order without being stiff or flaky
Full size: 0.28oz @ $21 CAD

My first thoughts: This would have been so much more appreciated by me if it was a tinted version. As someone who has very few brow hairs, I don't need much "taming" but rather I need something to add some colour and shape to them. However I can see how choosing the "clear" version to send would make this a more universal product. On the bright side, Anastasia is a much talked about brand and one I would definitely be interested to invest in given some testing. Generally, I don't just JUMP into a brow investment.

CARGO

Eye Pencil "Black"

Cutting edge formulation, highly pigmented in a smudge free formula.
Easy application with minimal skipping.
Full size: 2g @ $16 CAD

My first thoughts: YES! A black eye pencil! While the point of these beauty boxes are to get me to try out new products, I'm often just not a "colourful eyeliner" type of gal. But a good old black pencil? Well I can certainly appreciate this one! Overall I am very faithful to my Revlon liquid liner but my favourite pencil liner is the MUFE AquaEyes. With a light swatch, I found the Cargo to be quite pigmented although not a deep rich black as I anticipated. I do love the firmness of the product, it has great potential to create a beautiful graphic line.

BURT'S BEES

Naturally Nourishing Milk & Honey Body Lotion

Clinically proven to restore moisture
Milk and Honey soothe, soften and hydrate skin with no greasy feel.
Full size: 170grams @ $12.99 CAD

My first thoughts: I would have preferred this in a tube because once you open this type of paper packing, they dry up fast! Other than that, I'm pleased to receive this Burt's Bee's product. From the couple of items I tried over the holidays their products seem to be solid and I'm taking quite a liking to their lip balms. The price of the full size is a little more than what I would usually prefer to pay for a drugstore lotion (hey, Vaseline on sale is only 2.99Cad) but not over the top.

VASANTI

BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator

Aloe-enriched cleanser brightens with papaya enzymes.
Reveal a brighter, younger looking complexion with micro-crystals for a rejuvenated look.
Full size: 120ml @ $34 CAD

My first thoughts: This is my first encounter with Vasanti although I've seen it been mentioned in other people's beauty boxes previously. I believe Vasanti is a Canadian beauty brand offering both skincare and makeup products. At first glace I was pretty excited about a face exfoliator, it is an essential part of a well balanced skincare routine in my opinion and I have tried quite a slew of exfoliating products over the years. At $34 dollars for a full sized tube (almost the price for a Dior cleanser) this had better perform some miracles.

KAIA NATURALS

Juicy Bamboo facial cleansing cloths

Sweep away dirt, makeup and oil for a clear complexion.
Soaked in vitamins and made with 99% natural ingredients.
Full size: 30 cloths @ $17.99 CAD

My first thoughts: Simply said, I'm just not much of a facial cloth user. I have upon occasions "indulged" in some Dove cleansing cloths which were convenient and fun but not a necessity for me unless I'm traveling. I do like the fact that this is made with 99% natural ingredients but as a makeup removing cloth in general, I would likely just opt for a bottle of grape seed oil and call it a day!

This wraps up my Janurary GlymmBox 2012.
Let me know what was in your beauty box lovelies!

Ciao,

Demo: Sweet Valentine Glitter Gradation Nails

2012-01-19T23:13:00.000-08:00

Hello Everybody,

I've got a sweet simple and beautiful nail look to share with you. If you're not one to get too crazy with your digits but want something fun and different then this will be the perfect style to try out.

The best part?
It's super easy to achieve!

This look was inspired by this absolutely adorable nail set I purchased a few weeks ago from Etude House... I've never had the patience to do many fancy nail designs but this set made it a snap to get glitterlicious nails (ok, so I'm sure that's not really a word....)

Feminine, girly, sparkly.
Think ahead for Valentines!

I'm still trying to get myself around doing "nail swatches" so forgive me for the awkward experimental photos today... must learn from some nail blogs!

Let's take a look at the basics....

I didn't use anything extra other than the basic Etude set along with a base plus a top coat. I'll add in a couple of tips at the end along with different colour variations but first....

Click the video go get going on this sweet nail look.

See, I told you it was quick and painless...

A few tips and trick to look out for when doing a gradation nail

Base Colour: Feel free to choose a sheer or opaque nail polish, a creamy base actually looks very pretty but if you would like to keep the look more natural (like you magically have diamond finger tips) certainly choose a semi-sheer base colour.

Mid colours: Whatever colour you choose (be it glitter or not) make sure this nail polish has a semi-sheer finish, if you are laying an opaque colour over your base it's very easy to end up with an awkward harsh blunt line. *TIP--If you are using a different shade, try applying the 2nd coat when the 1st one is still slightly wet. It will help them blend a little better.

Final shade: Choose a polish with chunky glitter bits for maximum impact and remember to "dot" the polish so the glitter adheres to your nail instead of clinging to the brush like they tend to do.

*TIP-- Remember that you can always use more than 3 polishes for your gradation nail. This is especially helpful if you have longer nails and have more space to cover as this will also help give more room for the colours to blend...more layers, more blend ability.

Try this look with some other colours!
I pulled a few from my collection and quickly gave them a go.
*all combos below do no have top coat...

A pretty way to dress up your spring pastels!

For those who love a classic red nail...

Try this out and have some fun!
Let me know your favourite glitter gradation combinations!

Ciao,

Scent: Friction by FCUK

2012-01-18T22:08:00.000-08:00

..feminine & hypnotic – a tantalizing mix of fruity florals and velvety coconut penetrates the senses and leaves him begging for more...

FRICTION

by FCUK

Advertised as a seriously sexy perfume, Friction hit me a little unexpected but in a very good way... for one thing I was unaware that the promo image for Friction was Lindsay Lohan.

...but FCUK had a few more tricks up its sleeve than Miss Lohan, the intriguing blend was something that I have never encountered before and I was hooked!

THE BASICS

Released in 2011
notes:
pink honeysuckle, apple blossom, red berries, creamy coconut, spun sugar, vanilla absolute, pink jasmine, white vetiver, blonde woods, sandalwood, amber, magnetic musk.

Let's rewind a few and talk about how I came about this fragrance as I do feel that it was rather a matter of luck and ....well, lack of information about the product. I purchased this as part of a boxed FCUK set when my local drugstore was clearing out some out of it's overstock. With no details about the scent at all and having no experience with FCUK scents to begin with I contemplated for a long time before putting it in my basket. My previous experiences with similar brands like GUESS and CK had me worried that Friction would be too musky and deep for my usual floral self. And had I known that this was a coconut based scent, it would have stayed on the shelf...but that's where it begins to get interesting....

THE INITIAL REACTION

The first whiff had me surprised at the distinctive fruity notes mingled with what was undeniably...coconut. Even stranger? I think I like it. In my mind, coconut scents tended to be overwhelmingly sweet, almost too rich and had something cloying about it. (Think left over coconut cream pie.) Yet this was completely different, the honeysuckle opened the scent with a sweet note, the red berries were bright, almost slightly frosty and the creamy vanilla coconut added depth to the fragrance. This unexpected blend was feminine, flirty, playful and might I say...even a little sexy.

THE WEAR & FURTHER CONTEMPLATION

After a good 6 hours of initial application I was still able to catch a waft of FRICTION every once in a while. The majority of the fruitiness has faded, what lingered was a light coconut woven with sandalwood and pink jasmine. This worn effect has a beautiful soft fade on the skin and I suspect....will be a man magnet. The warmth of the base notes, sandalwood and vanilla mixed with the residual coconut makes this the perfect snuggle scent for fireside evenings. (Apparently, according to most magazines food scents are a huge turn on. Pumpkin anyone?) However, I still have no idea what is "white vetiver"....still need to research on that one.

FINAL THOUGHTS & RATINGS

Smells like: fruity floral cream
What stands out the most: honeysuckle, red berries, coconut, sandalwood
I'd recommend this for: women of all ages
Words I'd use to describe this: feminine, flirty, warm
Best worn for: a day scent that dries to something warm & cozy for night
Repurchase factor: most definitely considerable

This fragrance wowed me on so many levels and had I known any of the descriptions ahead of time, I would have surely just walked away. But this fruity floral from FCUK was completely unexpected. Without the heavy muskiness of CK scents (I keep mentioning CK because I try really hard to love their scents), this undoubtedly feminine elixir is a great choice for those shy girly girls who are afraid step out of their everyday comfort zone. It's something familiar with a little extra magic.

Tried anything by FCUK before?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Ciao,

FOTD: Winter berries

2012-01-18T18:04:00.000-08:00

Decided to wear a purple eye look today and thought I'd pair it with a berry lippie, I added things here and there and this is what ended up happening...

FACE

Lancome Teint Miracle foundation
MAC Ombre blush "Azelea blossom"

EYES

KATE Designing eyebrow (Ex-4)
UDPP
Urban Decay "Ecstasy"
Urban Decay "AC/DC"
Annabelle Smudgepaints "Plummed"
Urban Decay eyeliner (brown one)
Maybelline Colossal Volum' Express WP mascara

LIPS

Revlon Just Bitten lipstain "Passion"

I worked on a glitter gradation nail tutorial for you guys...hope it turned out well, I still have to view it on my computer and edit!

Ciao,

Giveback Giveaway #1 : We have a winner!

2012-01-16T15:27:00.000-08:00

A great big thank you to everyone who have particapated in my very first Give Back Giveaway. There were so many insightful resolutions from scoring high on the SAT's to developing a healthier eating style.

The winner randomly drawn for the

Limited Edition : The Body Shop eyeshadow palette was.....

Melanie!

She answered: "i want to be healthier this year and eat more healthy foods"

I think that's easier said than done but we're all rooting for your success!

^_^

Stay tuned for the next Give Back Giveaway...very very soon.

Ciao,

Bunnie finds: Etsy January edition {2012}

2012-01-16T10:00:00.000-08:00

Hello out there!

Today I come to share another round of Etsy finds. It was so much fun doing my previous post (Shabby Chic style) that I've decided to make these posts a regular feature on my blog. I want to share my support for the handmade community and at the same time bring you guys something wonderful in case you are in the mood for gift giving.... just see me as an extra pair of eyes looking out for goodies.

Not sponsored, not paid, just sharing the love like I always do.

Light up my heart and let it burn.

*and I hope it smells like gardenias*

Vintage Paris Wooden Candle Blocks

by CheltenhamRoad

Hot Chocolate Mug Soy Candle

by BandBCandles

Carved Baroque Candle ~ Romantic Memories~

by Prima Candle

Pure Beeswax Big Skull Candle

by Peace Blossom Candles

White Heart Shaped Wedding Bird Candle holder

by ahindle78

Hope you found something worthwhile

even just some eye candy for your day.

Ciao,

Daily Goods: Xtreme wear nailpolish in pastels

2012-01-15T18:13:00.000-08:00

I think I'm going to start posting "Daily Goods" where I'll post up a quick snap of something fun I happen to buy without having to shuffle them all into a large fancy haul video.

Today's item are these cute little nail polishes from Sally Hansen.

They've had these shades for a good while now but right now seems like a good time to get them...you know, in anticipation for spring.

Strobe Light.
Lacey Lilac.
Mint Sorbet.

I also find this to be a rather amusing photo because it was snowing the day I took the photographs even though the colours are so spring/summery.

Ciao,

Style: Vintage quirk at Mod Cloth

2012-01-14T18:05:00.000-08:00

I have a soft spot for old things.

(not the ripped up, green moldy kind)

I love the design, detailing and character of vintage clothing but of course shopping vintage is a tricky business. It's hard to find them in good condition and sometimes they are even more expensive than new clothes.

During my web browsing I've come across this website many times and when I finally curiously clicked on the ad, I was hooked! Now, I have yet to take plunge on any of the items and make an order but I wanted share my browsings from this kitschy, stylish, vintage inspired site!

Mod Cloth mainly retails vintage inspired clothing, jewelery, accessories, housewares and even shoes. What drew me there were the gorgeous dresses and the quirky home decor.

Here are some of my favourite finds!

Can't say no to a coral dress. Ok, well this might be borderline orange but I'd like to think it's coral anyways. I love the lines in this dress, normally I veer towards simplistic styling but I think the crepe fabric and vibrant hue makes this dress an absolute winner.

This is something that I'd choose for a fancy dinner out on the town. Again, there's that bright pop of red/coral in the bodice but that vintage lace gives this an old school appeal. The shape is a classic sheath but who can resist that little peek-a-boo bit at the back?

This top just screams fun in the sun! I love the tangerine leopard design framed by the little black collar. The trapeze shape is rather modern and would go well with some jean shorts and a bright shoe.

Cute romper? Check.

Floral print? Check.

Pockets for mints? Check.

Absolutely darling for the spring? CHECK CHECK CHECK!

A few other titbits that caught my eye...

Mod Cloth also carries some of the cutest home decor items. Everything is such a fun surprise. I think it'll make any home that much more interesting.

A few things I have noticed when looking through their website is the lack of descriptions for materials of the clothing, which (unless you are very good a differentiating via photographs) might be a problem for some. However they do have a "review" section where customers can rate and talk about the item so that is helpful for shopping online. In addition, I really wish they had a petites section as I am rather...small... to say the least.

Mod Cloth is certainly a treasure house of catchy clothing and accessory pieces. I often see myself as the little black sheep in the crowd, I like something a little different than what is generally offered at the mall. If I'm not sewing it myself, I think Mod Cloth is the place I'd be. It'd also be a great place to look for unique gifts for family and friends...okay, I'll stop rambling now...I really think I just need to get something from there...

What's your favourite online place to shop?

Leave me something in the comment below :)

Ciao,

Asia Haul: BB Cream, haircare, skincare and all! (01.2012)

2012-01-14T00:31:00.000-08:00

A quick simple visual post for ya'll today. I love seeing beauty items from other parts of the world so I thought I'd share mine. Keep an eye out for anything you might want a review for, I'd be glad to do one for you ^_^

Well then, let the fun begin!

Quick photo wrap-up...

My focus recently has really been more on skincare rather than makeup. Ya'll know I adore a good foundation/base but I'm always left feeling a little guilty when smothering my face with it. As good as it might look, I want my still to get some benefits while I'm covering up. So of course, back to BB Creams I went as they offer a balance between skincare and base coverage. My favourite is of course the VIP GOLD from Skin79 but I thought I'd also try out THE ORIENTAL GOLD in case it is better.

And on the topic of skincare, this exfoliating peeling gel from B&C had been calling my name for months ever since I saw it first. As much as I thought the Laneige version was effective and "cool", I like the watery feel of this one. It certainly has the consistency of a liquid gel instead of a thicker cream, rather refreshing in my opinion.

Oh my hair....

I am thrilled to report that my hair has started to grow out longer again. Even though it's always such a love/hate relationship with short hair/long hair, I love the romantic ethereal look of long locks. But they don't come easy, especially if you are not working with virgin hair. After the bleaching and dying (I do miss my hair dye...) AND refusing to cut off the coloured bits, my only option is to condition like a mad woman.

Now having long hair doesn't meant that I always have the patience and skill to "style" it properly. I'm always on the look out for easy, quick and effective style products that do not require a degree in hairbrush wielding. Since my natural hair does have some texture to it, I'm looking forward to adapting the technique of "scrunch and spray". I like the slight bit of rump from just rolling out of bed but I'm not a fan of the frizz, hopefully a hair cream will do the trick!

I won't say much about these since they most definitely will be recieving some more attention in a review or something later on, for that I am certain. These are just the cutest nail polish set from Etude House (a Korean beauty brand).

Let me know if anything catches your eye.
I'd be glad to do a review ^_^

Ciao,

Handmade: The new scoodie caplet

2012-01-12T01:03:00.000-08:00

Hello Lovelies,

In the past few weeks, I've been busy sewing up spring items for my handmade Etsy shop. Everything from designing to cutting fabric, sewing and resewing. You can not imagine the amount of fabric bits that get's stuck to carpet. It's a nightmare. However, here is the very first of my spring items to share with you!

*proud face*

This is my handmade hooded scarf caplet.

Denim blue outside, crochet pattern inside.

I had been trying out new ways to update my standard hooded scarf (or scoodie as you many know them as) pattern and thought it might be cute to add a closure to the front so it can be worn similar to a caplet.

This new design is still based on a long scarf so it isn't round like a true caplet but I feel its adds a fun element to regular scoodie. In addition, I've also altered the bottom edges so that they have a curved scalloped shape rather than a straight line cut.

The perfect little piece to go over your spring dresses.

Covering up no longer have to look drab.

Fine this hooded scarf caplet HERE.

All handmade, all by me :)

*Let me know how you like this new design!*

Ciao,

Scents: Fancy by Jessica Simpson

2012-01-09T14:43:00.000-08:00

I'll admit a little secret, until recently I've never been too keen on scents. I'm as skeptical about fragrances as I am about foundations, not that I don't love smelly things but rather because I find that I have a very particular taste that is hard to satisfy. Not that there aren't many "good smelling" scents but I want ones that smell "stunning"!

However, in the past year or so I have gained a new liking to perfumes and would like to share some of my collection with you all. Granted, I still have much to learn in perfumery but I shall try my best at this!

What's this lovely vintage looking bottle you ask?

FANCY

by Jessica Simpson

The Basics

Released in 2008
Top notes: sparkling pear, apricot nectar and red fruits.
Middle notes: gardenia, jasmine, toasted almond and caramel.
Base notes: creamy sandalwood, vanilla crème and amber crystals.

FANCY is one of the array of perfumes launched by Jessica Simpson, along with FANCY NIGHTS, I FANCY YOU and FANCY LOVE seem to tie together a romantic and feminine theme. As the first of the line, FANCY is meant to be a playful and sweet scent which dries down to a soft vanilla/sandalwood whisper on the skin. Normally, I stay away from caramels as they tend to be too nauseating for me yet I was greatly intrigued by the allure of sparkling pear, not to mention I'm a huge fan of gardenia and jasmine. I had no clue what "apricot nectar" smells like, the same goes for "amber crystal".

The Initial Reaction

I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that I was utterly overwhelmed by this perfume when I had my first spritz. What I had expected something sweetly fruity with a warm undertone. What I got (after recovering from the excessively large spritz that one pump seemed to provide) was a heady dose of something a little suffocating, perhaps it was the caramel (it's a sneaky one!) but something in that bottle came on too strong. I had to step away from the area that I just sprayed in order to breathe for a minute. Did I also mention that the first sniff also smelled incredibly similar to a bug-bite ointment which my grandmother used on me for mosquito bites? Oh we are off to a bad start already.....

The Wear and further Contemplation

It takes about a good 15 minutes or so for the initial shock of the perfume to wear off, either that or that my olfactory senses have been numbed enough with shock to get used to it. What I found now was a bit of (what I think is) "sparkling pear" peaking out, the strong undertone of caramel is still present and the sandalwood base note is strong as well but I wasn't able to locate the jasmine at all. Missing from the mix was also the vanilla reference though I suspect it has mixed in with the sandalwood, as those two ingredients are a classic pairing. By the 4-5 hour mark, the majority of the notes have melded into a singular creamy sandalwood with an ever so slight waft of gardenia every once in a while.

My final thoughts & Ratings

Smells like: a deep floral/oriental
What stands out the most: caramel, sandalwood and gardenia
I'd recommend this for: women in their 20's and onwards
Words I'd use to describe this: heady, richly sweet, mysteriously feminine
Best worn for: snuggling or lounging around on a warm day
Repurchase factor: not likely

While this perfume has been labeled as a "floral" scent, I'd personally put this into the deep floral/oriental category due to it's overwhelmingly heavy sandalwood and caramel base notes. Having said that, I think FANCY would be a more preferable choice for a grown up audience, though I'm sure Jessica Simpson is incredibly popular amongst the younger crowd...this is by no means a kiddy perfume. What I would have liked to see is a better arranged display of scents instead of being hit hard on the head with the middle and base notes. Personally, this was a rather disappointing scent and while I do have a soft spot for a few oriental scents, this is definitely not a perfume that I would repurchase again.

Have you tried any of the other variations such as Fancy Nights, I Fancy You or Fancy Love?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Ciao,