FRAZER PARFUM "AFTER THE RAINS"

Hi everyone,

Have you heard of Frazer Parfum??? This is a luxury line of unique parfum created at a small parfum house in Cape Town, Africa. The head of the house is Tammy Frazer her grandfather is none other then Graham Wulff who created the world renowned Oil of Olay. Here is a little back story on Tammy from the website.

"Tammy Frazer as head of the house personally creates all perfumes by hand. As a perfumer Tammy works only with natural and organic raw materials sourced on quality by herself directly from the farmers around the world.

Her ready to wear collection is called Chapters and is inspired by Tammy's expeditions travelling to the source of the raw materials, meeting the farmers and discerning their methods of farming, harvesting and distillation.

These editions retail at the Roja Dove Haute Parfumerie in Harrods London. A private room on the fifth floor of Harrods this room is homage to creative perfumery. The newly launched Annindriya Perfume Lounge in Oud-Zuid Amsterdam has become the second retail environment for Frazer Parfum.

Each Frazer Parfum flacon is hand-blown by local leading glass artist David Reade in Worcester and swathed in silk couture. Frazer Parfum showcases local design to present the best of what we have in South Africa to an international audience while at the same time championing local entrepreneurship. Frazer Parfum cherishes and nurtures workmanship, beauty and traditions.

Alongside the Chapters, Tammy consults privately to clients, creating truly bespoke scents. This process is a patient journey through time analyzing not only the scent families available to compose the single edition but also the history, provenance, travel and life style of the muse. It is as educational as it is rewarding.

Commercially, once in a while, an opportunity arises that compliments the ethics and creativity of Frazer Parfum. Each opportunity is carefully discussed and agreed to only on a case by case basis."

I was fortunate enough to have received a small vile of one of these fine parfum's it's called "AFTER THE RAINS"
"A universal scent recognised as wet and warm, notable both for the nostalgia it evokes and its profound link to nature. The fragrance commences with notes of cucumber, basil and black pepper. The heart is introduced with lime, then mandarin and grapefruit. Further opening sees magnolia and orange blossom - an ode to tropical sweet rains. Drying on the skin, the lasting effect is of sandalwood and violet leaf, rosewood and guaiac wood." quoted from Perfume Lounge

Since I did not receive a full sized bottle for review I found some images on Google to showcase the beauty of this parfum line and the incredible hand blown glass flacon's created by renowned glass artist David Reade of Worcester South Africa

Also available are solid parfume's housed in this gorgeous hand carved African blackwood pincushion compact.

This is such a unique and highly unusual scent combination like nothing else I have ever smelled. I definitely agree there is the balance of wet & warm like the cool rains on warm tropical florals and foliage. There is a sharpness from the pepper and basil, and fresh bursts from the grapefruit, cucumber and lime, but it takes on a clean, deep soulful scent upon dry down really show casing the sandal, rose and guaiac wood. I would say this is a rich, earthy, worldly scent, sure to be appreciated by those more in tune with the outdoors. Its like taking in all the scents of nature in one deep breath.

Because of the nature of the product in its rawest form a 20ml bottle will run you about 255 euro depending on where you purchase from. This is a heirloom and the parfum itself will only get better with age, just like good wine.

You can check out Frazer Parfum's website here

Just remember when smelling parfum to open your nose and your mind

HAVE YOU EVER TRIED A LUXURY OR PRESTIGE SCENT FROM A PARFUM HOUSE??

THANKS FOR READING EVERYONE AND HAVE A GREAT DAY XOXO:)



ITS TIME TO SMELL SEXY PLAYBOY "PLAY IT SPICY" BODY SPRAY

Hi everyone,

       Today lets take a look at the Playboy body mist  called PLAY IT SPICY. I find lately I have been wanting fragrance that smells a little warmer, more mature and less gourmand then I normally gravitate to. So I picked up this body spray on a whim because it was on clearance for $2.

This is a very dark sexy scent that leads with bold impact these are the fragrance notes

Top Notes: Pomegranate, Bellini Cocktail and Pink Berries

Heart Notes: Tiger Lily, Passionflower and Heliotrope

Base Notes: Amber, Sandalwood and Vanilla Essence

I definitely can smell a mix of the sweet berries melding with the warmth of the sandalwood and the vanilla. I find it also upon first spray has a soapy clean scent to it, but takes on a deep sensual vibe during dry down.

Overall I am happy with this purchase and it was a total bargain for 240ml.

The scent lasts for a few hours before fading out on my skin, it catches well on the breeze outside.

There are 5 other scents in this line, some I have smelt and not been crazy about because they tend to lean to much to the floral and suckle sweet side, which does not appeal to me at all. However I am interested in trying out the newest offering called "SUPER PLAYBOY".

Also who wouldn't feel sexy spritzing on a scent from a bottle adorned with the infamous bunny head and bow tie.

You can purchase the body sprays at most drug stores and Walmart in Canada.

You can also check out more on the line at the link below

http://www.playboyfragrances.com/

HAVE YOU TRIED ANYTHING FROM THE PLAYBOY LINE? DO LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS OR WHAT SCENT SOUNDS MOST APPEALING TO YOU IF YOU CHECK OUT THE WEBSITE.

THANKS FOR CONTINUING TO READ EVERYONE

ALSO DON'T FORGET TO ENTER MY GIVEAWAY

STAY BEAUTIFUL XO

                                     

I LOVE EVERYTHING IN "EXCESS" TOKYO MILK DARK PARFUM

Today I am happy to share with you all a parfum line that I have fallen in love with. Its designed by Margot Elena.

Margot Elena has been inspired by beauty and art from a very young age growing up amongst parents who were a classically trained musician and a fine artist. So it was just matter of time before Margot's own creativity would bloom. Now flash forward to present day and Margot has not one line of fragrance but four which you can check out each one here

www.lollialife.com
www.libraryofflowers.com
www.loveandtoast.com
www.tokyo-milk.com

Margot Elena is a niche market that creates small batches of beautifully crafted products and satisfying a specific market of interest, in this case parfum.

Lets get to the review of the Tokyo-Milk Dark Parfum #28 called EXCESS

The bottles to this parfum line are amazing and definitely befitting to my character. I love the solid matte black glass bottle and the simple yet effective white graphics

 

The gun metal cap is also sleek and adds to the edginess of this "Dark" line

 

The packing I give a 10/10. I have heard other reviews about people having issues with the atomizer, but since I have started using it I haven't faced any problems. I think this product looks high end and certainly is eye catching because it's quite unique.

 

The notes that make up EXCESS are as follows

Amber Resin, Blood Orange, Oak Bark and Patchouli

 

The thing that makes this fragrance line even more appealing is that its suitable for men or women. However I have read that some scents lean more feminine so it's just a matter of smelling them before buying.

I on the other hand did a blind buy with this parfum never having smelled it. I know that is dangerous in the world of fragrance, but often times then not I can read what the scent notes are and will know from that if I will love it or hate it. I think I have only bought 2 failed parfumes in the past couple of years working off this method. I have a very acute sense of smell that in some cases can be a gift and a curse.

 

I would say EXCESS does tend to be a spicy warm scent that takes on a rather masculine tone. I love this as I am not a floral flight of fancy type girl, so this works well for me and my overall body chemistry, which plays a pivotal role in parfum purchasing. I feel I really smell a burst of the blood orange on first spray and then it immediately starts to warm up and take on the amber resin and oak bark. As it melds with the oils in my skin and on dry down I get a mild scent of Patchouli, which I am a huge fan of because its very earthy, but I know that this is a scent you either love or hate.  

Don't get me wrong I love gourmand scents like vanilla, cake, apples and coconut, but if its to much then it gives me a head ache. Often times I feel that Bath & Body works can be enjoyable in small doses, but even that starts to remind me of scents associated with teenage girls who want to smell oozy sweet for the boys at school.

 

I think parfum is a very personal purchase and there for I don't like anyone to buy it for me unless I specify exactly what I want. I think it's more important to take your time, spend the money and get a quality product then just any old thing for the sake of spraying on a smell.

 

That's why I probably have one of the smallest parfum collections known to woman because I tend to be extremely selective in this area.

 

Mind you I think that will be changing now that I have hit on Tokyo-Milk. These scents to me say "Mature, but not old lady, sexy, mysterious, desire, sensual, intriguing, curious"

 

I also like that the main notes of the parfum are clearly marked on the bottle so that you can let someone else know if they are interested in what your wearing.

 

There are 7 other scents in this line which are

                                          Arsenic (This is my next purchase)

Bittersweet

Bulletproof

Crushed

Everything & Nothing

La Vie La Mort

Tainted Love 

 

The best part is you are getting 47.3ml of eau de PARFUM, not eau de toilette and its extremely reasonably priced at $36/$38 Cad a bottle

 

I can't wait to experience my next bottle of Tokyo-Milk Dark and hope that you all take the journey one day to in finding your perfect dark scent;)

 

LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS IF THIS LINE APPEALS TO YOU, OR IF YOU ALREADY OWN ANYTHING FROM TOKYO-MILK???

 

Hope you all enjoyed this in depth review on EXCESS from Tokyo-Milk

 

You can check out lots more at the website

http://tokyo-milk.com/t/femme-fatale

 

Thank you for continued support to Makeup'Asylum and come back often

 

STAY BEAUTIFUL XO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ANNA SUI ROCK ME AND SECRET WISH FRAGRANCE REVIEW

Today is the last review I will be doing for a long while on Anna Sui products. So on a sweeter note I thought the last review should be two of her fragrances.

First up is SECRET WISH- This is a fresh fragrance with depth that screams summer time, at least to me any way. It smells of fresh floral's enveloped with sweet juicy essence of melon and lime and lemon tones linger nicely in the foreground of this scent. It has a mysterious tone to it that is a little hard to pinpoint, but is certainly unique.

 

Since I received this eau de toilette I have reached for it most days. I love scents that are not so common. Now a days you can literally pass a dozen people who pretty much smell the same because so many people buy very common fragrance or what ever is popular at the moment.

The bottle is fairly basic, but still looks pleasing with small detailing, geometric shape that can either be stood or laid on it's side and the aqua coloured liquid is a sure hit with me.

If your a fan of a fragrance such a Dolce & Gabbana light blue then this fragrance should be on your list of ones to try.

 

SECRET WISH comes in various sizes and price range from $18-75

This particular 75ml bottle would run you around $70

 

SECRET WISH was released in 2005

 

Moving a long the other scent I received is Anna Sui's ROCK ME- This bottle is a real show stopper with it's girly curved guitar bottle draped with a butterfly, hearts, stars and peace sign motif. So why not channel your inner rock star and give this scent a try.

 

 

I find this to be a very sweet scent with a strong hold on peach at the start and fusing into the honeysuckle, jasmine and waterlily. The dry down then takes on a warmer feeling with the amber and cedarwood marrying with all the other scents for quite the grand finale.

I find that I prefer the "Secret Wish" over this scent and this is not normally a fragrance I would jump to purchase. However this was gifted to me and I appreciate it no less. Even if the fragrance is not one I will use a lot, I will enjoy the aesthetic of the bottle sitting on my vanity.

 

Again there are various sizes for this fragrance and the price range is about the same as Secret Wish

 

This is a 75ml bottle for around $60

 

You can find Anna Sui fragrances at select SHOPPERS DRUG MART locations, as well as Secret Wish is carried at Sephora and you can also see these products on Anna Sui's direct website.

 

www.shoppersdrugmart.ca

or

www.sephora.ca/com

 and

www.annasui.com

 

When it comes to fragrance always make sure to go to the store and use the tester. Make sure to spray near pulse points and actually walk around the store for a while or go finish up your shopping to see how it melds with your own unique body chemistry. Just remember what may not work for one person, may just be the best thing you ever discovery.

 

BOTH FRAGRANCES WERE GIFTED TO ME FOR THE PURPOSE OF REVIEW. ALL MY OPINIONS ARE STILL MY OWN AND BASED ON MY OWN EXPERIENCE WITH THE PRODUCTS.

 

Be sure to come back often, Till then...

 

STAY BEAUTIFUL XO

 

  

***MEN'S MONDAY*** IRONMAN GLORY COLOGNE FROM AVON

HI GUYS,

Here we are back with another edition of MEN'S MONDAY, hope all you men out there are starting your week off right and enjoying the kick off of summer. HAPPY CANADA DAY TO ALL YOU CANADIAN FELLA'S EVERYWHERE.

Today we are going to be talking about the cologne brought out by Avon called IRONMAN GLORY. This scent comes on strong with that big hit of citrus, then as it warms to the skin you will get that beautiful essence of the icy bergamot and then as it dries down you start to notice the subtle notes of cedarwood playing gently in the background and marrying beautifully with the citrus and bergamot notes.

 

I find this a nice clean scent and it certainly is a great summer active scent. For me this evokes thoughts of the outdoors, pine trees, camping, swimming, warming up by a nighttime camp fire. The only issue I have with this cologne is that you may have to reapply throughout the day, as I personally feel it fades, but for the price you can reapply without worry.

 

To me there is nothing more sexy then a warm summer night and a delicious smelling man to spend it with. Scent plays such a big part in how we ultimately feel around someone. If the person is wearing something irritating you may find yourself wanting to run away or punch them in the face LOL, the last part was a joke.....kind of. However if a man is wearing a cologne that suits him just right that can be a huge turn on and will be sure to score points with the ladies in your company, or men if that's what you prefer;)

 

I am going out on a limb here and being a bit brash. I don't mind a guy who can't wear cologne if he is sensitive to fragrance, that's fine as long as you smell fresh and clean from soap and water. A little bit of manly sweat is ok, but if you have a full on B.O funk, that is so not cool in my books and I think I could comfortably speak for many. On the other hand there is nothing worse then a dirty body wearing cologne, if I smell that I will surely gag. So don't bother wearing cologne if your doing it to mask odor, it's just going to make matters worse.

 

So if your looking for an inexpensive summer time scent then grab yourself a bottle of this lovely amber coloured cologne it's worth the purchase.

 

IF YOU HAVE USED IRONMAN GLORY PLEASE LEAVE ME YOUR THOUGHTS IN THE COMMENTS AND TELL ME WHY YOU LOVE IT OR HATE IT

 

I got this for my husband for around $14 CAD

 

The one thing I find is Avon cologne is far better then the ladies perfumes which really struggle in my eyes. Also there is always some excellent offer to be had. So find a rep in your area or you can order on line at

 

www.avon.ca

or

www.avon.com

 

Thanks to those who have embraced my new "MEN'S MONDAY" segment and till next time

 

STAY CLEAN AND FRESH MEN XO

 

****SPECIAL EDITION MEN'S MONDAY******* AVON BLACK SUEDE ESSENTIAL

 For those of you that don't know I have decided to start a new segment on MakeUp'Asylum called "MEN'S MONDAY."

So for all you gals and guys out there that have a spouse or partner that loves facial care, shaving products and cologne then continue reading because that's what this is all about.

Now a days more and more men are starting to take much better care of their skin and making that a big part of their everyday routines. Also we as spouses and partners appreciate our men smelling just as good as we do, but on a masculine note.
That being said that's why I decided to start touching base on this end of the cosmetic world.

The item I would like to talk about on this very first "Men's Monday" is Avon's BLACK SUEDE ESSENTIAL. There are some names of cologne or perfume that are from Avon the minute you hear it you associate it with old or outdated. However rest assured this new take on an old favorite is sure to please a new audience of consumers.

 

So according to my husband he says he likes this cologne and has no complaints. He feels it has good staying power and the bottle is a nice simple yet masculine design that fits well in the medicine cabinet, which is his preferred place to keep his toiletries. The bottle is quite nice and is a deep rich plum purple glass with a thick plastic cap, but doesn't look cheap.

 

In terms of smell both my husband and I really like this. We have read other reviews about this cologne on "FRAGRANTICA" and totally disagree with people saying that its a weak cologne.

I smell rich tones throughout that is warm, but not to overly spicy which can be choky and irritating. I also smell the blend of lavender and faintly citrus. The scents I notice most is a rich musky leather, which I for one am a big fan of, but I understand that's not for everyone. I find this is a mature scent, but not mature as in old, mature as in just age appropriate for those in their 30's perhaps.

My husband said that he would buy this again because its a practical cologne and you get a lot for how much you pay.

So we got a bogo deal on this, I got my perfume free and this cologne is 100ml and was $20 at the time we purchased it.

 

Just remember when purchasing perfume or cologne when you have sprayed it on to make sure to do so on your pulse points and you don't have to drown yourself in it. We tend to think that because our nose has adjusted and we can't smell it that it means its weak, not true. People around you, standing beside you or in passing can indeed smell what your wearing. I like when I pass someone and catch a whisper of what they are wearing, not being hit by a wall of fragrance which in some cases can be horrible and stomach turning.

 

So in closing we will be using different ratings based on what we are speaking about that day. Today on the SMELL OR METER my husband and I give this a 4 outta 5.

 

So if this cologne sounds good to you contact your local Avon rep today. The reps can sometimes hook you up with a sample to try or look out for great offers and buy yourself a bottle.

 

HOPE YOU HAVE ENJOYED THIS NEW SEGMENT AND FOR ALL YOU MEN OUT THERE STAY TUNED AND...........

 

 

STAY GROOMED

 

AND FOR YOU MARRIED FELLAS REMEMBER "HAPPY WIFE, HAPPY LIFE";)

 

 

 

BATH AND BODY WORKS 2013 ESCAPE COLLECTION and more.....

HELLO EVERYONE,

                    Today's post is about the Bath & Body works 2013 ESCAPE COLLECTION this is a collection that has stolen my heart. Anything that is tropical is always a sure hit with me.

Over the mother's day week-end I picked up a lot of different things and got some great deals along the way.

I picked 4 body spray's and 1 triple moisture body cream

The body mist's are BALI MANGO, ARUBA COCONUT AND RIO RUMBERRY. The triple moisture cream I opted for is the companion cream to BALI MANGO. I also picked one body mist from the Bella Italy collection which is VENICE DOLCE BERRY.

Normally I am such a huge fan of coconut and yes I do love the Aruba coconut and I did want the companion triple cream as well but they were sold out at the location I was at. I love anything that smells like a tropical vacation spot or warm skin with tanning lotion on it. I in general love coconut to wear, eat and smell. So if you love it as much as I do then do NOT miss this years summer scent. I do not smell the tones of apple, but on first spray I do catch the essence of mango and nectarine ever so slight and quick. The dry down is richness from warm sandalwood and the vanilla and coconut cream with the sensual smell of exotic musk.

The Rio Rumberry has an interesting scent that seems sweet when first applied and you get that syrupy fruit scent from the Papaya and Tangelo. Then as it lingers it takes on a scent that is somewhat unisex almost like the lighter men's cologne that women can pull off wearing. I definitely smell the Plumeria and tropical fruit tones and once drying down I do sense a mild coconut smell but not as distinct as "Aruba Coconut."

Also in the collection is Bali Mango which actually has turned out to be my favorite of the three. Everything that makes you think of summer is beautifully combined in this scent from the delicious mango to the citrus fruits layered in with sugary tropical flower tones, this scent really speaks to me. When I say flowery tones they are subtle and not over powering as I am not a fan of anything that's to floral. It also is a lasting scent that stays for hours.

Overall I am extremely pleased with this particular collection. There are some scents within B&B that I often wonder how they maintain their popularity because I find them very annoying unpleasant smells, but to each their own. I just hate smells that make me feel headachy and there have been several over the years through B&B that have done just that.

Moving on to the "Bella Italy" line there was only one other scent in this collection that I liked aside from Dolce Berry. That one is the "Capri Seaside Citrus," but I prefer the Dolce Berry just a bit more. I find my nose tends to grab on to very specific smells within a fragrance and that's what I detect the most. So with Dolce Berry I really do catch the blackberry musk, sugar sandalwood and red and black berry tones. I however do not smell the "frosted magnolia." I do detect a mild white iris playing in the background. Some smells though are merely a description to entice our senses into believing that that is what that particular flower or fruit may smell like. I certainly haven't smelt specific exotic flowers, how could I? I live in Canada. So unless you have personal experience with certain fruits and flowers or any other smell it's merely only an assumption as to what it truly might smell like.

I also got two items from the B&B Aromatherapy line. I have some other items from this line from a previous haul which I love, but this next scent is new to MY collection. I was going to go with my usual Lavender/Vanilla scent, but then on the recommendation of a nearby shopper I picked something totally different for a change and I am very glad I did. It is the "ENERGY" line which is orange and ginger.

The shower gel has become a favorite that I have been using everyday since I bought it. What I love about this line is that its more natural and they use pure essential oils which gives you the truest scent within the product. The lotion absorbs in to the skin quickly and does not leave a greasy sheen behind and you skin feels immediately softer. The shower gels in this line are amazing. They lather incredibly and you only need a little bit, so a bottle last quite a while. That combination of orange and ginger is killer it totally does energize me first thing in the morning. I breathe deeply when I am in the warm shower because the ginger is strong and clears the sinuses well. I highly recommend this product it will invigorate you too.

So here is how it worked out cost wise. I purchased the 4 body sprays, 1 triple cream and the aromatherapy shower gel and matching body lotion. They had the deal if you buy 3 you get 2 free. Plus I got the aromatherapy items for a staggering $5 a piece which is a huge saving as the lotion is normally $14.50 alone. Then I used my receipt survey to get $10 off my total, so I walked away with 7 items for $33 WOW.

I could have also purchased the special mother's day tote filled with $120 worth of goodies, but sadly I am not a fan of the "Rome Honeysuckle Amore" which was the main collection offered within this gift package. So I opted NO to that.

I hope you all enjoyed this slightly different review today

more to come at MakeUp'Asylum

STAY BEAUTIFUL

AVON "Totally Kissable" gloss and lipsticks and more.............

GOOD DAY EVERYONE,

I hope all the mom's out there had a great Mother's Day week-end spending time with family or doing what I did one of the days "SHOPPING." Nothing like time to one's self for all the time we lovingly put in for others.

So today I am focusing on AVON. I have been a long standing supporter of Avon for years now and a lot of my first big makeup purchases aside from Shopper's Drug Mart usually came from Avon. I drifted away from Avon for a while and more recently have gained a new found appreciation for some of there products again.

I originally was only purchasing a cologne for my husband but saw some decent deals that swayed me to do a little shopping.

So for starters I bought a couple of the new "Totally Kissable" lip glosses. The first colour is POUT MORE PINK so this time I have posted a picture with the product on my lip along with a hand swatch to switch things up a bit. I find when you see this gloss in person its much richer and brighter in person then the picture. These glosses apply nicely however being that it has only been two days I am not quite sure how I feel yet about the flat thumb like wand to apply with. Don't get me wrong it covers more surface but it seems a little awkward too.

                                           POUT FOR PINK

 

Then I also got a softer lighter pink called PINK PLUSH it actually reminds me of the colour of cotton candy. These glosses have a very faint but pleasant smell. One thing I really like about this collection of glosses and lipsticks is the packaging looks really good. Each gloss comes in a 7ml/.24fl oz tube and cost me $4.99. There are approx. 15 colours to choose from

 

I really like this gloss formulation because it feels like a lipstick on the lips but wears like a gloss, if that makes any sense. So check them out today. They are currently on special on the Canadian website for $4.99 but will be $9.99 after promotion.

from top pink plush and pout for pink

 

 

In this same line is a range of lipsticks as well so I chose LOVEY DOVEY PINK. I will say the first thing I notice with these lipsticks and especially the colours I opted for is that they are very sheer with a shimmer finish they are not extremely saturated colours. So if you like just a hint of colour then these are for you.

 

 

 

 

My other pick is NATURAL GLOW which in every sense of the word is a very true golden nude colour and again very faint colour payoff. These lipsticks were also $4.99 but will be $9.99 and come in sophisticated looking silver tube 3g/.106oz So that is the only draw back they are more expensive and 1 gram less then standard lipsticks and you would have to apply these more often to keep the sheer colour going.

 

 

     I like these lipsticks but I don't love them I give them a 3 out of 5 on the "LIPPY SCALE"

 

Up next is Avon's eyeshadow primer. I haven't heard a lot about this product except for I stumbled upon a woman speaking about them on YouTube and she had very positive things to say about the product so I thought I would give them a try. I bought both shades which are light and warm beige.

                                                      LIGHT BEIGE

 

                                             WARM BEIGE

 

So my first impression of this product is that it applies easily and is very light you can feel that creaminess that comes with silicone based products. I did notice when comparing my bare eye to the one with primer it looks smoother and much more even for eyeshadow application. I did use the light beige today and found overall that my eyeshadow stayed in place very well for the duration of the day. That also includes me sweating from doing a vigorous cycling session. I did notice with the warm beige a slight orange undertone but I plan to use this more during the summer months as my face gets pretty tanned.

I got these primers on a great deal both for $7.99 normally they cost that each. Very nice small glass pot with black lid. 35g/.123oz. They do have a slight smell that is nether pleasant or unpleasant.

 

I am always trying different foundations and it seems that there is a never ending desire to achieve what one might call the "FLAWLESS FACE," but can we really ever achieve that in real life? That I doubt because if your someone like me I will find the most trivial flaws in all complexions even ones that other's would consider perfect. I guess because of years spent dealing with a horrendous case of bad cystic acne I pay very close attention to people's complexions my own included which in turn maybe is my own flaw now.  

That being said I purchased the foundation called "IDEAL FLAWLESS" which states that is gives you an invisible coverage and has an SPF of 15.

So I have been testing this over the past two days now and here is my thoughts.

This product is lovely is goes on beautifully and even when applied with finger tips it does not leave behind a streaky mess. It has a gentle scent upon first application but dissipates shortly after. The colour range is excellent with 17 different shades to choose from and there are really great colour options for you ladies of colour out there.

 

First colour is NATURAL BEIGE which is very neutral and has a mild yellow undertone to even out any redness nicely.

 

 

The following colour is CREAMY NATURAL which is more a light medium colour with a slight pinky undertone, but still very usable for me. The way the lighting and colours came out in the swatches makes them seem so much darker on my hand but they really are not especially once blended out.

 

I feel so far this product is working for me but I would prefer to use it for several more days before giving my final feelings on this. However it does leave a beautiful sheen to the skin and gives you that dewy look and covers redness well. It is not the type of foundation to leave you looking overly done up, just a pleasant glow. I think this foundation would also be idle for more mature skin as we age skin gets parched and this will defiantly give your skin some much needed luminosity. I tend to have oilier skin so for me I do need to touch up mid day, but for drier skin this would be ideal (no pun intended.) If you have the chance give this product a go. Also for anyone familiar with Dior's foundation "Pro Lumiere" Avon's "Ideal

Flawless" bottle is very similar the only difference is that Dior's bottle is frosted glass.

 

So keep your eye out for great promo's like the one I got, I purchased one at regular price for $15 and got the second bottle for $5 what a steal.

 

I purchased two other types of foundation to try the next one is "Extra Lasting" foundation in the shade NUDE. When I first applied this I thought it would be to orange but once you blend it out it seems fine. I can not give you a full opinion about this foundation because I have been to busy playing with the other one. However its always good to have other options and back ups.

 

The one thing that I love that most companies are doing now is offering bottles with a pump on them. I am a big fan of this practice for the purpose of sanitation and it also gives you better control of the amount your using so that your not wasting excess product. One of the best things with Avon's pumps is that they can be unscrewed unlike L'Oreal's pump on the "Visible Lift" which doesn't come off. This in turn leaves for a lot of wasted product that you can't pump out. Also you would have to pry the pump off and risk injuring yourself in the process.

This foundation is suppose to give you 18hours of coverage and stand up to sweat and water and stays fresh looking all day. Will see about that on my oily face;)

$15 for 30ml

 

Last up for face makeup is "SMOOTH MINERALS" pressed foundation in NUDE and comes in a sleek compact. I like to use this for a quick dusting over my t zone once I have applied the ideal flawless foundation and may have to again depending on activity level.

Even though it says this can be used alone like any other foundation I probably would not do that, I prefer using a liquid followed up with a powder regardless if its mineral or not.

 

 

 

One last item I got for free because Avon had a bogo on perfume and colognes is the fragrance called "SECRETS TO KEEP"

 

 

 

 

This perfume is light but sweet. I do smell a berry scent mingling with a jasmine aura. I am not sure I would say strawberry is the berry note I pick up on its more like a raspberry with a more syrupy essence. I don't smell any apple as Avon states as one of the notes. I really can sense the musk and sandalwood which I pick up on right near the end. I wore this earlier today and I think its OK. I have never been a huge fan of Avon's fragrance line some how they always seems to fall short for me. Avon's perfume's for me are either to subtle or dry down to an extremely irritating smell or just don't end up melding well with my body chemistry. I think with Avon's perfumes its critical to ensure you get several samples and use them everyday for several days before you purchase. Fragrance is a very personal choice and what may be awesome to one person may be a total disappointment to another. So no matter the brand always buy in this area with caution. 50ml/$20

 

You can now browse online at the all new Avon website for Canada at

www.avon.ca

or look for a rep in your area. If you live in the Richmond Hill, Ontario area you can contact Lindy for all your Avon needs at avononlocation@gmail.com

 

Thanks again to NEW and returning readers and I hope many of you continue to read my thoughts on all things cosmetic here at MakeUp'Asylum.

On occasion I may also touch base on some fashion items and even throw in a few blogs about cooking in the future.

Just remember it can't be an Asylum unless I throw a few crazy idea's around;)

 

Check back soon when MakeUp'Asylum reviews

 

QUO, DRUG STORE GOODIES, BRONZERS and SEPHORA

 

till then.....

STAY BEAUTIFUL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MY FRAGRANT HEART THE PERFUME REVIEW

T.G.I.F. EVERYONE AND ITS SUPPOSE TO BE A GORGEOUS WEEK END HERE IN THE GTA SO I'M SURE MANY ARE EXCITED TO GET THEIR WEEK END ROLLING AND MAYBE EVEN FIRE UP THE OLD BBQ. 

BBQ! even just thinking of the smell evokes many a memories for most of us of summers gone by. Spending time at the cottage or trailer with friends and family. Those Canada day or Fourth of July celebrations it all starts with a smell.

So today I am reviewing perfume because each and everyone of us has a signature scent, a favorite, a most hated and of course perfumes that bring back memories of our own mothers.

So for me my own mother often wore Tabu or Oscar De La Renta. Every so often I will catch myself wondering where a scent is coming from and an older lady has passed me and surely she must be wearing Oscar De La Renta. It has struck the cord in my memory that remembers my mom in that moment as she would give herself a spritz just as we were about to head out. I have even just smelt a bottle of perfume because I want it to transport me back to a moment I yearn to remember.

I also was fortunate enough to become the proud owner of a still full bottle of Chanel #5 from the 60's, this was a gift from my mother and it is quite the iconic piece of history. However do I like the smell? not at all and sadly iconic or not I don't see what others are seeing with the scent.

I don't own many perfumes but what I do have I  either really love or really hate. I think its time for a purge.

Firstly is actually a dupe for Vera Wang's LOVESTRUCK and its called LOVESICK I have to confess I have no idea what the real perfume smells like as I have never bothered to go looking for it. However I like this dupe and if the real one smells anything remotely close then its a nice fragrance. I definitely smell the warm woody musk of this scent and I also smell a powdery tone to it as well. The real version claims to have citrus which I for one do not smell in this dupe. It also states for the real one that that it has pink Guava, tuberose and lotus blossom. Some of which I can notice in this version as well, but how would I know the difference if I have never smelt a pink Guava?!?!. It is a unique smell and I can't actually pin point what it is but it smells like another fragrance from back in the day. I actually have gotten complimented on this fragrance which is funny because this was only $3 for 50ml at Dollarama. Not to shabby for a knock off.
I like the bottle I would say its very close to the real version but mine only came with a small organza ribbon and no big over the top floral arrangement attached to it. Even the bottle doesn't really look cheap and it is glass, well worth the few dollars.
I do notice the scent fades fairly quick. I like LoveSick but I don't love it.

 

Then we have Yardley ENGLISH LAVENDER. So before anyone starts casting stones and thinking eeewwww old lady Lavender, NOPE not the case here. For some reason I happen to be one of those people that I can wear this fragrance and bring a whole new life to it. Yes even I use to associate Lavender perfume with little old ladies who had their purple hued hair just freshly curled from their favorite salon that has been around for five decades, but get to know this fragrance and its not what you would imagine.
It starts out light and fresh and has a true Lavender smell, but mixed on the skin with the right kind of oils it takes on a more sensual smell and because it is Lavender it gives a relaxing calm as you wear it. Even my husband was a little skeptical when he saw I bought this, but after wearing it he realized how well it works on me. Take Johnsons baby bath that is Lavender and chamomile and take away the chamomile and that's what this fragrance reminds me of. Never judge a perfume until you put it directly on your own skin, you may surprise your self. Who knows maybe I really am an old soul and that's why it works for me lol.

                                                  This is a 50ml bottle and cost about $22

Now moving on to Avon perfumes. I don't know what it is but nothing I ever try from Avon's fragrance line ever seems to really work out. I either somewhat like the smell or just flat out hate it. The worst part is most times you can't smell any of their perfumes which makes it hard to even know what to pick except for a powdery sample on the page. Sadly Avon is nothing like it use to be. Many years ago when I first started ordering Avon you use to get a lot of free samples without having to ask and you never had to go pick up your orders it was automatic they would always come to you. Any way in recent times I have bought two perfumes from Avon starting with INFINITE MOMENT it claims to have top notes of raspberry leaves which I don't smell or maybe I don't know what I should be smelling that would make it apparent that its raspberry leaves. Secondly I do not smell any Vanilla. All I smell is a very feminine floral fragrance with a strong beginning of alcohol. This perfume is wearable but I find it reminds me to much of a highly fragranced hairspray.

                                                    50 ml and I got a deal because I bought the companion cologne for my husband which I might add smells WAAAAYYYY better. This was $10 after discount and I am sorry Avon it is not worth much more then that.

Now for an Avon perfume I absolutely LOATH it is a newer fragrance they released called FREE 02 I personally think it should be called "FREE 2 GO" as in free 2 go in the garbage. I HATE this smell at first you think its starting out nice but as you wear it and it mixes with your body chemistry it changes in to the most agonizing annoying scent I have ever smelt. Its that fragrance you smell on certain people in passing and think "OMG what is that awful perfume that person is wearing" everyone has stumbled upon that type of fragrance at some point in their life and this is mine.
 

"Like a breath of fresh air, it reawakens the spirit. An uplifting expression of refreshing white peach tea, airy honeysuckle and soothing milky musks." This is quoted by Avon. My apologises I do not see this fragrance the same way AT ALL.

                                                    50ml 9.99 on special and I can see why

 

I actually like the $3 dupe of Love Struck better then this disappointment, hope this won't be part of Avon's permanent collection.

 

Ok So enough about the fails lets take a look at two of my very favorite scents which the first one is

Britney Spears MIDNIGHT FANTASY I am actually not a fan of Ms. Britney, but I do appreciate this fragrance. It has a very apparent mix of dark berries that mingle with the iris and freesia. I also smell a bit of plum in there somewhere. Very fruity and sweet like a bag full of Life Saver berry gummies or something of that nature. So if your not a fan of candy scented fragrances then this is NOT for you, but it works for me.

 

I really find the bottle esthetically pleasing to look at. I love the dark purplish/blue glass bottle with the rhinestones set in the glass. Very nice over all packaging including the box it came in. I got this on sale for $20 100ml bottle.

 

My final perfume which is my true love of fragrance because I love sweet gourmand type scents is none other then Auqolina PINK SUGAR. If there was a fragrance ever meant to be made for me this is it, my signature scent. I am crazy in love with this perfume and wear it daily. Layer it with Bath and Body works warm vanilla sugar and you'll be in bliss. 

Its entire ingredient makeup is everything that I love and I truly can smell most of what they describe for this scent. I love the undertone of Bergamot which is also my favorite tea. The sweet berries enveloped by a sugar tone of all things sweet and delicious. When I wear it and it warms with my skin it takes on a crème brulee in cased in burnt sugar. Its like taking a candy apple and eating it covered with cotton candy and yes that is one of the notes within this fragrance.

It dries down to what smells like a freshly baked vanilla sugar cookie, topped with marshmallow fluff. WoW all this is making me hungry;)
Kidding a side I highly recommend this perfume to anyone who loves to smell like a delicious dessert and I am certain the man or woman in your life will thank you.
Oh and yummy scents like this are always big hits with children if your parent. Most children get headaches from fragrance that is to overly floral so take that in to consideration when purchasing if you have little one's at home.

50ml for $18 what a great deal

 

I hope you all enjoyed hearing me rant for the first half of this review about the disappointments I have come across in my search for the perfect fragrance. In the end at least I ended this a sweet note;)

 

Remember to wear your sun screen this week-end because that's how your skin will

STAY BEAUTIFUL XO

 

TILL NEXT TIME....