Signature Scents of 2012.

I'm all about a signature scent. I may be fickle when it comes to a whiff of the good stuff, but deep down I'm a loyal old soul and always return to a few perfumes. 

The rag tag collection of bottles above are just a few of the scents that have wafted in and out of my life over the past year and they have all served me well. 

When I think of a signature scent, I just can't imagine sticking to one fragrance day in, day out, for every occasion. I think perfume is the final device that when getting ready can really set your mood. I wouldn't dream of spritzing the ever refreshing Origins Ginger Essence for a night out on the town, as I associate it with feeling clean, fresh and ready to face to the day. Similarly with Vivienne Westwood Boudoir, it's overwhelming powdery notes wouldn't feel right in the office .  

This year, Tom Ford has come crashing into my life. Black Orchid has been a dominate player in my fragrance collection and has by far garnered the most compliments. I almost feel like it's a bit of chameleon, it settles well on the skin so it's not too overpowering for daytime, but has dark enough notes to be a sexy night time scent too. If I had to pick the signature scent of 2012 for me, this might be it. 

I've really enjoyed Molton Brown's offerings this year, Valbonne hits the nail on the head when it comes to unisex fragrances and Alpuldre was a summer stallwart. Highly recommended for sure. 

Jimmy Choo EDT rushed in and out of my life like a whirlwind, it's an addictive sweet scent but it hasn't left me craving more once the bottle ran dry. This surely gets a blogger hype award! 

Finally, a recent rediscovery in the form of an excellent Glossybox sample, is Burberry body. I received a sample of this quite a while ago and whilst it was a lovely fresh fragrance, passed me by. The small perfectly formed bottle has re-awakened by love of the perfume. It's fresh, clean and makes the perfect post gym shower scent. If an award existed, it'd be the start of something special award. 

Which fragrances have coloured your 2012? 

Laura xx

Current Favourites.

 Jemma Kidd Blush - Sigma Small Tapered Blending Brush E45 - The Body Shop Super Volume Mascara* -

Tom Ford Black Orchid -Lush Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter 

Just a few current favourites that deserve a little mention. My cuticles/hands have been an absolute wreck over the past few weeks, the cold weather and heating have made them really dry and Lemony Flutter is the only thing that seems to combat it. It's not exactly one to pop on throughout the day as it's thick but applied as an overnight treatment it works wonders. 

Another product that has come back into it's own is Tom Ford Black Orchid. It's the perfect autumnal scent that never fails to glean compliments, my only gripe is that I wish I could see how much of the stuff is left, I don't think I could live a day without it! 

In an effort to use up my ever expanding mascara collection I've particularly been enjoying the Super Volume Mascara from The Body Shop. Interestingly I don't think it gives me extreme volume, but it does deliver a strong separated lash that looks lovely in the daytime. 

My blush of choice recently has been the Jemma Kidd In Vogue Perfect Blush in 5th Avenue. Whether it's swept on or just using the light pink matte colour at the top, I've used it most days over Illamasqua Sob (another favourite, but somehow missed the photo op!).

Finally, I had to include the Sigma E45 Tapered Blending Brush as it's really re-ignited my love of the crease colour. I've been using MAC Jest with Satin Taupe in the crease. Small enough to create a defined crease but fluffy enough to blend seamlessly, it's a great tool for those with smaller lid space.

Which products have you been enjoying recently?

Laura x

Tom Ford Black Orchid.

So, It was my Birthday this week, and I cannot explain how overjoyed I was to finally get my hands on this particular scent. 

I've been stalking various Space NK's and Selfridges Beauty Halls over the past few months sneaking illicit sniffs of this. 

When I first caught a whiff I was immediately smitten, it's rich, deep and almost medicinal, but then develops into a rich almost woody vanilla on the skin. 

I'm definitely not a perfume expert but this had me at hello. 

Black Orchid is definitely a departure from the perfumes I'd coveted previously (I'm talking to you Nina by Nina Ricci & Jimmy Choo) but it has earned it's place. 

Now, it's pricey, but for something so different and luxurious it's worth it. Another key point to add is a little goes a long way. When first applied, it can be a real punch to the nostrils...(?!) but it will sit and linger all day, you won't need to top this up in a hurry. 

Even though it's technically a feminine fragrance, I wouldn't dismiss this as a unisex scent. I can imagine this smelling just as good on a distinguished gentleman. 

My only issue...I now want to explore his other fragrances, and that could be an expensive habit. 

£45 for 30ml, available here. 

Laura xx