NARS Cosmetics Andy Warhol Kiss Larger Than Life Lip Gloss Set Blog Giveaway

Are you ready for the upcoming holiday season? It's probably my favorite time of the year - oh heck let me be honest; it is my favorite time of the year!

As promised, I want to help as many of you celebrate in some sort of Candy Coated Closets style so this time I wanted to hook you guys up with this NARS Cosmetics Andy Warhol Kiss Larger Than Life Lip Gloss Set Giveaway! Check out this video below so you can see the can, colors and basically everything you have a chance at winning.

https://youtu.be/2XESBugF-dU

How to enter:

  1. Simply follow/subscribe to this blog and leave a comment on this post telling me why your thoughts on this collectible. Scroll down to find my subscription box or look to the to right of your screen to follow/subscribe. *Please note – Don’t worry if you don’t see your comment right away. I have to approve most of them :-)*

Contest ends on Thursday, November 3rd, 2016. The winners will be selected and verified at random from our subscriber list within 48 hours of the contest end date. You can only be eligible able of winning if you have completed both steps (followed blog and commented).

Open internationally; 18+, to enter. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received.

Good luck!

xoxo1

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Live Now On Ulta.com: Tarte Tarteist PRO Amazonian Clay Palette & PRO Glow Contour and Highlight Palette; Anastasia Beverly Hills Master Palette by Mario; and the Urban Decay Full Spectrum Eyeshadow Palette

Now Live Now On Ulta.com: Tarte Tarteist PRO Amazonian Clay Palette & PRO Glow Contour and Highlight Palette; Anastasia Beverly Hills Master Palette by Mario; and the Urban Decay Full Spectrum Eyeshadow Palette.

Yesterday, Ulta sent out a 20% coupon that was available on prestige brands (like these) but it expired last night at 11:59pm your local time. You can still try to use it today just in case yours still works (mines didn't).

Extra freebies:

  1. Don't forget to add your free samples at the end of your order.
  2. Check your emails to see if you received a 300 extra point perk offer. I received one this morning (if I spend $60 or more which would be $9 off my next order).
  3. Click here to add 20% off 1 Qualifying Item with Code 402800 (Exclusions Apply. Code may not be valid to new arrivals/prestige brands).

What will you be ordering?

xoxo1

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Versace Eros Pour Femme, Verssace Pour Homme & Michael Kors Glam Jasmine Fragrance Prize Pack (Twitter) Giveaway

Surprise! I told my twitter fam yesterday so they were already prepared for this! I have one full set fragrance set for one of you! The set includes:

Versace Eros Pour Femme

Versace Pour Homme

Michael Kors Glam Jasmine 

To enter, all you need to do is follow me on Twitter, RT my pinned tweet and you’re entered to win! Make sure you tag your friends so they can enter too. 18+ or older to participate. Open internationally.

See you there and remember – we have tons of giveaways across all of the social media platforms so check around!

xoxo1

Miu Miu Eau de Parfum Fragrance Review and Giveaway

I said it once before and I'll say it once again - I am a fragrance bottle junkie! Packaging can really sell a fragrance to me especially since most of my purchases are blind buys (meaning I don't have a chance to smell them before placing an order online for them). And this is exactly what happened when I first saw the ads for the Miu Miu Eau de Parfum by Miu Miu. img_1161-ccc

The bottle just speaks fashion and couture to me so I really didn't care what it smelled like. Luckily, the Prada team did very when composing this. Perfumer Daniela Roche Andrier developed the composition of Miu Miu. As Andrier explains it, its notes include lily of the valley flowers supported with floral notes of rose, jasmine, and green notes, as well as a special ingredient created by Givaudan, akigalawood, which is a powerful peppery note that develops the scent of patchouli and woody aromas of oud.

Now I normally don't favor oud fragrances that are heavily dependent upon the note or a heavier pepper note (TF's Black Orchid and I do not mix at all). You guys know, I love my sweet, fruity and floral scents. So I definitely took a chance blindly ordering Miu Miu - all for the love of fashion and fragrance.

The Packaging Miu Miu’s signature red and quilted baby blue in etched all throughout the box and bottle.

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The Bottom Line I do enjoy it more after it settles and dries down - after about 30 minutes or so. It's a bit more sophisticated than what I normally wear which is actually good to get me out of my comfort zone. The floral notes balance out the pepper, oud and patchouli so they aren't too overpowering on my skin. It does have a soft touch of a deep elegance to it which works perfectly for me for the fall and winter.

Availability Miu Miu Eau de Parfum is available in a 0.33 oz, 1.0 oz, 1.7 oz, and 3.4 oz bottle starting at $68.

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But by now you guys should know that my favorites become your favorites so I’m going to be hooking one of you up with your own bottle of  with a giveaway!

Blog giveaway (One winner) To enter this giveaway, simply follow/subscribe to this blog and leave a comment on this post telling me what you're looking forward to this holiday season. Scroll down to find my subscription box or look to the to right of your screen to follow/subscribe. *Please note – Don’t worry if you don’t see your comment right away. I have to approve most of them :-)*

Contest ends Sunday, October 30th, 2016 at 11:59pm EST. I will choose one subscriber at random from those who commented on this post within 48 hours of the contest end date. The Instagram winner will be chosen separately.

No giveaway/spam accounts. Open internationally; 18+ to enter. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. Good luck to all!

Instagram entry (One winner) To enter this giveaway on Instagram, please head to over to this photo and follow the rules listed to enter.

Good luck everyone!

xoxo1

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Paco Rabanne Olympea and Invictus Fragrance Review & Twitter Giveaway

In light of the upcoming holidays, it might be time to help you start shopping around for gifts! So let's start with this giveaway for Paco Rabanne Olympea and Invictus Fragrance Review Twitter Giveaway.

Paco Rabanne Olympea is an eau de parfum that is based on the idea of a modern Greek goddess that evokes strength, dynamism and conquests. The bottle is shaped like a laurel crown and adorned with a jeweled cap. It is the female counterpart to the masculine Paco Rabanne Eau de Toilette Invictus, which was inspired by the athletic spirit, competition and victory.

To enter, all you need to do is follow me on Twitter, RT my pinned tweet and you’re entered to win! Make sure you tag a friend so they can enter too (I do have 2 sets and all). 18+ or older to participate. This is only open to U.S. residents (sorry babes).

See you there and remember – we have tons of giveaways across all of the social media platforms so check around! xoxo1

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Valentino Valentina Eau de Parfum Fragrance Review and Giveaway

Normally, I would never order a fragrance online without smelling a sample of it and giving it at least 2 hours wear on my pulse points before deciding to purchase a full bottle. Of course, all of that fragrance knowledge and common sense went out of the window the second that I read about Valentino Valentina's Eau de Parfum.

Valentino Valentina first launched in September 2011 and was designed to capture the flavors of Rome and Italy while highlighting the sensual and sweet aromatic feel from the fashion house. I remember the first time that I smelled it - the sweet wild strawberries opened up on me and it made my room smell like I was baking a strawberry shortcake. There comes a time when you just know that a blind buy is going to work for you once you get used to understanding the history and notes of the fragrance. And me being a lover of everything gourmand and floral, I knew that this was the one.

The Notes Top: Bergamot, White truffles Heart: Orange Blossoms, Sweet Jasmine, Tuberose, Wild Strawberries Base: Vanilla, Amber, Cedar

The Packaging Valentino Valentina is packaged in a circular bottle that is decorated with elegant pink, rosey and ivory florals. The Valentino name is etched onto the front of the chrome nozzle that is capped with a safety travel top that is easily removable.

The Bottom Line This is a fragrance that is meant for fruity and floral lovers. Seriously, if you don't like strawberries and flowers then "X" out of your browser immediately. But if you do, then... :-).

Availability Valentino Valentina Eau de Parfum is available in 1.0 oz, 1.7 oz and 2.7 oz bottles with an accompanying body lotion, body oil, shower gel and deodorant at Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom and Saks starting at $88.

But by now you guys should know that my favorites become your favorites and as you can see above, my Valentino collection kind of exploded after getting my first bottle of Valentino.

So I’m going to be hooking you up with your own bottle of Valentino Valentina with a giveaway!

Blog giveaway (Two winners) To enter this giveaway, simply follow/subscribe to this blog and leave a comment on this post telling me why you need this fragrance in your collection. Scroll down to find my subscription box or look to the to right of your screen to follow/subscribe. *Please note – Don’t worry if you don’t see your comment right away. I have to approve most of them :-)*

Contest ends Sunday, October 16th, 2016 at 11:59pm EST. I will choose two subscribers at random from those who commented on this post within 48 hours of the contest end date. The Instagram winners will be chosen separately.

No giveaway/spam accounts. Open internationally; 18+ to enter. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. Good luck to all!

Instagram entry (Two winners) To enter this giveaway on Instagram, please head to over to this photo and follow the rules listed to enter.

Good luck everyone!

xoxo1

MAC Cosmetics is Releasing New Strobe Powders in Iridescent Highlighting Shades

Update 10.13.16 @ 2:22PM EST: We finally have swatches on a woman of color. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BLgyMY8D97f/[/embed]

Just when you thought you had enough highlighters...MAC Cosmetics goes ahead and releases a new set of iridescent strobe powders! Just look at these swatches that we've rounded up for you.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BJ_PShCDkeX/[/embed]

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BE8I6gTN94L/[/embed]

 

Had enough? No? Oh, okay.

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[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BKwes28g0EW/[/embed]

Shades from left to right: Soft Frost, Beaming Blush, Double Gleam, and Show Gold.

These are scheduled to launch in November as part of their upcoming "In The Spotlight" Collection. It is being reported that there are 6 new strobe skin finishes being released that will all be permanent.

Stay tuned...we will keep you updated once we have the official press release and samples.

 

xoxo1

Stila Star Light, Star Bright Highlighting Palette - Quick Review, Swatches & Photos

Star Light, Star Bright First star I see tonight - How I wish Stila Cosmetics got this highlighting palette right. The Stila Star Light, Star Bright Highlighting Palette is a new, limited edition trio of highlighters that was released for the holidays. It includes three radiance-enhancing highlighters with an ultra-smooth formula that was designed to melt into your skin. It is $39 USD and contains 3 x 0.5 oz/ 14.78 mL of product. The shades are transcendence (opalescent pink), Kitten (shimmering nude pink) and Bronze (sunkissed radiance).

The brand says that the formula was created with “ultra-fine, light diffusing particles” that will melt into your skin and give you a natural-looking glow...and that's where I think the problem is.

At first touch, these are some of the softest highlighters I have ever felt. So smooth, creamy and buttery that I wanted to just stand there and rub my finger in it all day. When it comes to swatching or wearing it, it gets a big F from me. The colors are pretty but there was hardly any pigmentation to it for it to show up properly on my skin tone. Below there are swatches taken in store.

When trying to apply this with a brush...well just don't. Please don't. If you want to take the chance, I recommend applying it with your fingers first and then blending it out with a beauty blender. Let me know if this works for you or what you thought about it.

This is available exclusively at Sephora.com and in-stores for $39 USD.

xoxo1

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Versace Eros Pour Femme Fragrance Review & Twitter Giveaway

I was first introduced to Versace Eros Pour Femme during the 2016 Fragrance Foundation Consumer Choice Awards. IMG_7199 copy

It's a powerful floral fragrance with hints of citrus that has notes of Sicilian lemon, Calabrian bergamot, pomegranate accords, lemon, sambac jasmine absolute, jasmine infusion, peony, sandalwood, ambrox, musk and various cedars. When I first smelled it, I immediately noticed the ethereal floral scent that was inspired by the enchanting Greek mythology.

The bottle is designed with gold mythological codes of the classic Versace design - the embossed Medusa and Greek key engraving around the perimeter of the bottle is what truly makes this packaging.

So I wasn't sure how many of you had the opportunity to try Eros Pour Femme yet so I figured why not do a quick giveaway on it for our Twitter community?

To enter, all you need to do is follow me on Twitter, RT my pinned tweet and you’re entered to win! Make sure you tag a friend so they can enter too. 18+ or older to participate. This is only open to U.S. residents (sorry babes).

See you there and remember – we have tons of giveaways across all of the social media platforms so check around! xoxo1

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Michael Kors Collection Spring 2017 Ready-to-Wear Collection Re-See Recap

Only Michael Kors could make me want to go home, walk to my closet, grab everything in it and immediately start packing it away to start fresh. Even as I'm typing this, I'm side eyeing my closet and fighting the urge clear it out to make room for nautical and floral explosion that is the Michael Kors Collection Spring 2017 Ready-to-Wear Collection. I attended the Re-See event on Wednesday at his studios on 42nd street to get a closer look at the collection.

You can see all the looks from their NYFW runway show here. And in keeping with our follow-me-to-fashion-week, I decided to dip into the fragrance collection to showcase (and giveaway) Glam Jasmine - an eau de parfum that focuses on a bouquet explosion of its namesake flower; Egyptian jasmine, jasmine sambac and jasmine petals. It's a warm and sexy fragrance with sparkling citrus notes and woody cedar mixed with black currant, jasmine, sandalwood,white flowers and cassis.

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Blog giveaway (One winner) To enter this giveaway, simply follow/subscribe to this blog and leave a comment on this post telling me which piece from this collection is your favorite. Scroll down to find my subscription box or look to the to right of your screen to follow/subscribe. *Please note – Don’t worry if you don’t see your comment right away. I have to approve most of them :-)*

Contest ends Wednesday, September 21st, 2016 at 11:59pm EST. I will choose one subscriber at random from those who commented on this post within 48 hours of the contest end date.

No giveaway/spam accounts. Open internationally; 18+ to enter. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. Good luck to all!

Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau de Parfum Fragrance Review and Giveaway

Have you ever really listened to someone as they raved about their signature scent? I couldn't quite understand the enamor with finding one scent that truly captured everything about myself; one fragrance that captured that personality, my love, my bubbliness or my passion in a bottle? There was absolutely no way. But then, Yves Saint Laurent launched Black Opium and well...I found my holy grail fragrance.img_3341-cccI was first introduced to this fragrance in October 2015 and it has taken over my life since then - seriously, I think I gave everyone this fragrance for the holidays and I probably will again this year with the re-release of it as Black Opium Wild (the same fragrance in a limited edition wild leopard print bottle).img_3218-cccThe NotesTop: Pink Pepper and Orange Blossom Heart: Pear, Jasmine and Rich Coffee Base: Sensual Vanilla, Patchouli, Cedar, Musk and Sandalwood

The Packaging Black Opium is packaged in a textured glass bottle and covered in glitter that sparkles when the light catches it. In the middle, sits a glass opening with the YSL logo and Black Opium signature. It was designed as a rock'n'roll interpretation (and flanker) to the classic 2010 Opium which is much more spicier.img_3220-cccimg_3255-cccThe Bottom Line This is a fragrance that is meant for floral and coffee lovers. Personally, I don't like to drink coffee but I love the aroma of it. Whenever I smell someone brewing it - especially the french vanilla flavored beans - I am in heaven and that's what Black Opium is to me.

Because of the mix of Vanilla, Patchouli, Cedar and Musk, it makes it a heavier fragrance which is perfect to take you through the Fall and Winter. img_3252-cccAvailability Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau de Parfum is available in 1.0 oz, 1.6 oz and 3 oz bottles at Sephora, Ulta, Saks and Nordstrom from $68 - $115. But by now you guys should know that my favorites become your favorites. I'm going to be hooking 2 of you up with your own bottle of Black Orchid with a giveaway!

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Blog giveaway (Two winners) To enter this giveaway, simply follow/subscribe to this blog and leave a comment on this post telling me why you need this fragrance in your collection (hey you can even tell me your favorite coffee flavor - I'm looking for new ones to smell :). Scroll down to find my subscription box or look to the to right of your screen to follow/subscribe. *Please note – Don’t worry if you don’t see your comment right away. I have to approve most of them :-)*

Contest ends Monday, September 12th, 2016 at 11:59pm EST. I will choose two subscribers at random from those who commented on this post within 48 hours of the contest end date. The Instagram winners will be chosen separately.

No giveaway/spam accounts. Open internationally; 18+ to enter. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. Good luck to all!

Instagram entry (Two winners) To enter this giveaway on Instagram, please head to over to this photo and follow the rules listed to enter.

Good luck everyone!

xoxo1

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DKNY Summer 2013 Donna Karan Fragrance Twitter Giveaway

We're nearing the end of summer and I think I'm more excited than I should be! For starters, it's officially Virgo season (September 18th, woot woot) and the weather is finally going to calm down so I can step outside without feeling like I walked right into the Sahara Desert. So how about a quick Twitter giveaway while I clear out some more products?DKNY giveaway copyDKNY New York Summer (Edition 2013) for women is a luxury fragrance that possesses a blend of raspberry, lily of the valley, cyclamen, orange flower, musk. DKNY New York Summer (Edition 2013) for men is a fruity casual fragrance that features a blend of grapefruit, white pepper, yuzu, geranium and seawater.

To enter, all you need to do is follow me on Twitter, RT my pinned tweet and you’re entered to win! 18+ or older to participate. This is only open to U.S. residents (sorry babes).

See you there and remember – we have tons of giveaways across all of the social media platforms so check around!

xoxo1

Paco Rabanne Olympéa - A Scent Fit for the Gods - Fragrance Review and Giveaway

Rose Gold. I mean...there is a reason that I am obsessed with this color. Just look at Paco Rabanne's Olympéa Eau de Parfum.DSC00084 ccccBeautiful right? The second that I saw the images hit the internet I knew...this was going to be one of those bottles that I collect and showcase in my glam room. From the dusty rose gold to the glistening rose pink and even the warmer copper blend, the packaging is absolutely stunning.DSC00080 cccThe concept for Olympéa is based on the idea of a modern Greek goddess that evokes strength, dynamism and conquests. The bottle is shaped like a laurel crown and adorned with a jeweled cap. It is the female counterpart to the masculine Paco Rabanne Eau de Toilette Invictus, which was inspired by the athletic spirit, competition and victory. When I finally conquered my lust for the bottle, I sprayed it on my wrists for the first time and dare I say it but with that one spritz, I felt like a goddess of love and beauty. Move over Aphrodite!

The best way to describe this fragrance is to understand the unique fusion between a sensual salted vanilla accord and refreshing floral notes that highlight jasmine, ginger lily, citrus, woody and vanilla. On me, I find that it settles into nice white floral vanilla scent with a hint of sea salt that lasts about 7 hours before I need to reapply. 

And given that you guys know that I am completely obsessed with this color, this review would not be complete without giving you a chance to win a bottle for yourself.IMG_2948 ccc

Blog giveaway (One winner) To enter this giveaway, simply follow/subscribe to this blog and leave a comment on this post telling me why you need this fragrance in your collection. Scroll down to find my subscription box or look to the to right of your screen to follow/subscribe. *Please note – Don’t worry if you don’t see your comment right away. I have to approve most of them :-)*

Contest ends Tuesday, August 30th, 2016 at 11:59pm EST. I will choose one subscriber at random from those who commented on this post within 48 hours of the contest end date. The Instagram winner will be chosen separately.

No giveaway/spam accounts. Open internationally; 18+ to enter. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. Good luck to all!

Instagram entry (One winner) To enter this giveaway on Instagram, please head to over to this photo and follow the rules listed to enter.

Good luck everyone!

xoxo1

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Coming This Fall: 'Empire' is Launching A New Fragrance Collection

Empire fans, you knew this was coming. Following on the heels of their beauty collections with CoverGirl and Deborah LippmannFox's hit show is launching its own fragrance collection that is designed for men and women. 

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Lyon's Truth, the sexy Eau de Parfum for women, is a floral blend of Bulgarian rose, vanilla orchid, tonka bean, sandalwood and violet blossom mixed with blackberry and velvet plum. Lyon's Legacy, the sophisticated cologne for men, mixes bergamot, geranium, lemon water, and lavender with bottom notes of warm amber, vanilla suede, and tobacco leaf. 

Both fragrances will be available online on mid September and at Macy's during the holiday season.

xoxo1

Tom Ford Black Orchid Fragrance Review + Surprise Giveaway

It's the scent that started it all. Tom Ford's Black Orchid debuted in 2006, making it the first fragrance from the designer. IMG_2452 ccc

It is a statement fragrance that is described as an oriental chypre - a rich and spicy woody fragrance. It has top notes of French jasmine, black truffle, black currant, ylang-ylang and effervescent citrus. The heart notes hold the spicy floral punch of Tom Ford's black orchid which lead to the woody base noes of dark chocolate, amber, vetiver, vanilla, balsam, patchouli and sandalwood.

As opposed to the brighter and more feminine Velvet Orchid, Black Orchid is a classically dark fragrance that basks itself in luxury. Honestly, it took me a long time to come around to Black Orchid because of its smoldering spicy notes. I tend to favor more fruity and floral notes - more on the sweeter side - and Black Orchid definitely took me on a new adventure with its earthy dry down so for me, this is more of my fall/winter scent because it is so deep.

As usual, the packaging is amazing and I hate that I can never do it justice in the photos. The fragrance is packaged in a fluted black glass bottle with a gold engraved metal plate and gold ribbon around the neck. And here's a fun fact for you - one of the colognes that Michael Jackson was known to love is our very own Black Orchid by Tom Ford.

It is available here in 1.0oz, 1.7oz and 3.4oz but just like with Velvet Orchid, I want to help one of you start (or finish) your Orchid collection with a giveaway!

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Blog giveaway (Two winners) To enter this giveaway, simply follow/subscribe to this blog and leave a comment on this post telling me why you need this fragrance in your collection. Scroll down to find my subscription box or look to the to right of your screen to follow/subscribe. *Please note – Don’t worry if you don’t see your comment right away. I have to approve most of them :-)*

Contest ends Monday, August 22nd, 2016 at 11:59pm EST. I will choose two subscribers at random from those who commented on this post within 48 hours of the contest end date. The Instagram winner will be chosen separately.

No giveaway/spam accounts. Open internationally; 18+ to enter. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. Good luck to all!

Instagram entry (One winner) To enter this giveaway on Instagram, please head to over to this photo and follow the rules listed to enter.

Good luck everyone!

 

xoxo1

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The Sweet Sparkle of Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream Blush - Fragrance Review and Giveaway

-Raises right hand- I'll admit it. I have an addiction for collecting pretty fragrance bottles...but I told you this back in December when we first talked about the launch of the new limited edition blush flankers from the Marc Jacobs Daisy line. My favorite of the new flankers...Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream Blush.

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You see, I've built a relationship with Daisy Dream that has developed quite nicely over the years. When the original Daisy Dream fragrance first launched in 2014, I was drawn to it as it boasted its fresh and fruity, wispy floral notes. In the summer of 2015, Daisy Dream forever was released as an Eau de Parfum enhanced floral and fruity explosion. And now...I'm here to introduce you to it's sparkling little sister - Daisy Dream Blush.

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Encased in this gorgeous, pretty-in-pink bottle, Daisy Dream Blush is an Eau de Toilette with an airy bed of lush floral notes that are blended together to create a sweet, feminine sparkle. It is filled with accords of pear and violet leaves as its top notes, followed by heart notes of water lily, rose and honeysuckle that is rounded up with base notes of clean musk, bergamot, freesia and vetiver.

And now you know it's coming...something this beautiful is, of course, limited edition so grab a bottle as soon as you can. It retails for $78 (1.7oz) / $90 (50mL) for a limited time at Sephora and Ulta.

But I'm ready to hook a few lucky subscribers up with their very own bottle of Daisy Dream Blush with a giveaway here and on Instagram!

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Blog giveaway (Two winners) To enter this giveaway, simply follow/subscribe to this blog and leave a comment on this post telling me why you need this fragrance in your collection. Scroll down to find my subscription box or look to the to right of your screen to follow/subscribe. *Please note - Don't worry if you don't see your comment right away. I have to approve most of them :-)*

Contest ends Sunday, August 14th, 2016 at 11:59pm EST. I will choose two subscribers at random from those who commented on this post. The Instagram winner will be chosen separately.

No giveaway/spam accounts. Open internationally; 18+ to enter. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. Good luck to all!

Instagram entry (One winner) To enter this giveaway on Instagram, please head to over to this photo and follow the rules listed to enter.

Good luck everyone!

 

xoxo1

-Affiliate Links-

 

Guerlain Shalimar Souffle de Parfum Fragrance Review – The Latest Rendition of Guerlain’s 1925 Classic Hit

What if the rain clouds let out a burst of lemon and vanilla during the next summer storm? It's a random idea but that's where my mind goes when I smell Guerlain's Shalimar Souffle de Parfum. IMG_7393 ccc

The house of Guerlain describes Shalimar Souffle de Parfum as an unveiling fresh and light citrusy fragrance with opening notes of bergamot, lemon and mandarin. The middle notes open up to a playful combination of jasmine Sambac from India mixed with with a unique orange blossom water absolute note. Towards the bottom, the notes of the vanilla from India and Tahiti combined with white musk lets out a hidden sexuality of the fragrance which can become quite addicting. 

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Sure, Shalimar has seven other flankers that attempt to make its individuality known in the fragrance community so I had to make sure to give this one a try. Are you a Guerlain fragrance collector? What do you think about this Shalimar flanker?

xoxo1

 

Christian Louboutin's Debut Fragrances - Bikini Questa Sera, Tornade Blonde and Trouble in Heaven

Well, we have all been enamored with Christian Louboutin's luxury footwear and most recently the beauty launches, so it only seems fitting that they make their mark into the fragrance industry.

The French luxury brand will launch their debut fragrances, Bikini Questa Sera, Tornade Blonde and Trouble in Heaven at Neiman Marcus in 80 ml bottles.

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Bikini Questa Sera - "Bikini Questa Sera takes the heat into the night. The heat of the day, sun on hot skin, the voluptuousness of the beach that she doesn't want to let go. Hold onto the intensity, feel the heat and the happiness, there is the scent of the sun and the scent of the sun becomes the scent of the woman as day turns into night. In the cool of the night air, the headiness of the fragrance shimmers still in the moonlight, jasmine and tuberose, opalescent against the skin. Intimate, hot and compelling, she is wearing only her Bikini Questa Sera. She went by so fast; she turned me upside down. I didn't see who she was, but she left all this golden light and luminosity. Was she dancing? I know she was laughing. I can't get her out of my head." With paradisone (Firmenich molecule; radiant floral), green nectars, jasmine, tuberose, sandalwood, vetiver and amber.

Tornade Blonde - "Tornade Blonde, not a colour, but a fragrance and a state of mind. The scent of love and adventure, a gorgeous red rose lies deep in a bed of sweet violet and cassis. Feminine and potent, animalistic yet floral, Tornade Blonde leaves a trail of light like a comet in the night. It is a burst of potent sensuality, an invitation to follow. Tornade Blonde is the scent of desire." With rhubarb, violet leaves, ambrette, cassis, rose, jasmine, orange blossom, gardenia, amber, cedar, sandalwood and patchouli.

Trouble in Heaven - Trouble in Heaven is a fragrance that lights the fire. Mysterious and sexy, for the woman who wants to provoke and is at ease with her provocation. Turn heads, raise the heartbeat, be noticed, make dangerous liaisons. It is both intimate and overt, an intoxicating fragrance to wear close to you, to be loved by others. A second skin of perfect iris, patchouli and tonka absolut, resonates with the dry heat of oriental amber, makes Trouble in Heaven. With bergamot, cascalone (aquatic note), rose, iris, amber, patchouli, tonka bean and labdanum.

Once I smell these, I will report back with my thoughts. Which ones are you interested in adding to your collection?

xoxo1

Tom Ford Velvet Orchid Fragrance Review + Surprise Giveaway

CCC Tom Ford Velvet Orchid FB ccc Oh Tom. You never cease to amaze us. I wanted to do this feature on Tom Ford's Velvet Orchid as an introduction to the Fall 2016 Orchid Collection which was inspired by his two fragrances - Black Orchid an Velvet Orchid.

fall2016_tomfordorchid007 Tom Ford Orchid Collection "Introducing Lip Color, Nightbloom Powder, and Solid Perfume in shades inspired by the elusive Black and Velvet Orchid."

The new nine-piece limited edition fall collection, which is already available online and set to launch at Tom Ford counters this August, includes two lipsticks and two blushes while the remaining five pieces are variations of the Black Orchid and Velvet Orchid fragrance.

  • Black Orchid Lip Color ($60)
  • Velvet Orchid Lip Color ($60)
  • Nightbloom Powder in Black Bloom ($80)
  • Nightbloom Powder in Velvet Bloom ($80)
  • Black Orchid Solid Perfume ($190)
  • Velvet Orchid Solid Perfume ($190)
  • Black Orchid Eau de Parfum ($115)
  • Velvet Orchid Eau de Parfum ($115)
  • Orchid Soleil Eau de Parfum ($120)

So before you run out to buy some new luxe beauty items, let's talk a little bit about one of the inspirational fragrances - Velvet Orchid.IMG_8577 CCCThis fragrance warrants a woman with a unique character that is looking to deliver a powerful floral signature scent that has a bit of spice to it. It opens with an accord of black orchid blended with notes of velvet orchid, turkish rose oil and jasmine.

In order to distinguish it from its older sibling, Black Orchid, Velvet Orchid's team of perfumers packed it full of florientals and citrus notes such as orange blossom and rose absolute. The base of the fragrance is more feminine and warm due to the rich flavors of vanilla, amber, sandalwood and suede.CCC Tom Ford Velvet Orchid cccIMG_8578 ccc IMG_8576 (1) ccc

It is available here in 1.0oz, 1.7oz and 3.4oz but I want to help one of you start your Orchid collection started right now - with a giveaway!

To enter this giveaway, simply follow/subscribe to this blog and leave a comment on this post telling me which other pieces you're most excited to try in the Fall Orchid collection. Scroll down to find my subscription box or look to the to right of your screen.

Contest ends Monday, July 25th, 2016 at 11:59EST. I will choose and verify one winner from all of the comments (must be a subscriber to win) and announce within 48 hours of the contest end date. Open internationally; 18+, to enter. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received.

Plusssssssssssss I would make sure that you head over to the Instagram page because there might just be a giveaway for a bottle over there too!

xoxo1

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The Lure of a Sweet Gourmand: Viktor & Rolf Bonbon Fragrance Review

Melted creamy caramel, dripping Tahitian vanilla and syruped canned peaches. Would you believe me if I told you that I was just describing a fragrance? Sounds scrumptious right? As much as I'd love to eat that right now (um hello ice cream sundae), I'm actually describing Viktor's and Rolf's Bonbon EDP - a gourmand fragrance.

So in case you don't know, a gourmand fragrance is a perfume that has sweet ingredients in it and smells almost edible. Literally, your mouth will begin to water the second that you smell its succulent notes and fade away into the scent of its dessert-like qualities. That's exactly what happened with me when I first got Bonbon.

I ordered Bonbon on a blind buy, of course because of its beautiful presentation, but mainly because it's the little sister to Viktor & Rolf's Flowerbomb - which I've been obsessed with since 2008. Now although this is the little sister to Flowerbomb, I find Bonbon to be a bit more grown up and seductive. It opens with a huge explosive of caramel and sugary sweets surrounding it and as it dies down, the heart notes of peach, orange blossom and jasmine start to take over. Now I find the more grown up and sophisticated part of this fragrance comes in when it starts to settle into the base notes - specifically the sandalwood and cedar. Surprisingly, I love how the earlier sweet notes blend into the woody base to form a more concrete and sultry scent.

Notes includes mandarin, orange peach, orange blossom, jasmine, caramel, cedar, guaiac wood, sandalwood and amber. It has an 8 hour+ longevity and a memorable sillage.

Now for the fun part - our Bonbon giveaway! This bottle is just too pretty to keep at the CCC HQ so I want one of you to be able to win your own. Here's how to enter:

I want to know what tickles your taste buds (as well as your nose). Leave a comment on this blog post telling me your favorite type of candy and why you need this bottle of Bonbon in your collection. I will choose one winner from all of the comments on Tuesday, July 12th at 5:00pm EST. Open internationally; 18+, to enter. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received.

Good luck everyone!

xoxo1

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