Spotlight: China Glaze 'Tis The Season To Be Naughty And Nice [Christmas 2010 LE nail polish collection]

#878 Naughty and Nice – deep plum crème
#879 Sugar Plums Plum micro glitter
#881 Phat Santa – deep red crème
#882 Ruby Deer -  red crème
#883 Mrs. Claus – red tinsel glitter in a clear pink base
#884 Party Hearty – glitter top coat has a mix of red, green silver and gold glitter
#885 Mistletoe Kisses – green and silver glitter in a green base
#886 Jolly Holly – green shimmer
#887 Peace on Earth – olive green shimmer
#888 Little Drummer Boy – rich blue shimmer
#890 Midnight Kiss – gold shimmer
#891 Cheers to You – silver shimmer

Review: Forever EDP by Mariah Carey

- - - - - - - - - - -
The fragrance
- - - - - - - - - - -

As I've mentioned in other reviews I'm not a fan of tuberose; I find it overpowering and I nearly always suffer from a headache when I wear it. So it's recently become a challenge to myself to find a wearable tuberose-based fragrance. FOREVER has a fruity opening, so I tried that first as I thought that the fruit notes would freshen and lighten up the florals.


I was right about that; the opening of fresh, life-like lotus and juicy, slightly sweet, yet tart apple notes is gorgeous. It's both energizing and fresh whilst being understated and feminine.

And when the tuberose note does develop, it still seems fresh and juicy. I can also detect the gardenia, but I'm sure there's another fruity note hidden there too; it's hinted at, but is too subtle for me to separate. Maybe they added more apple notes?

I was loving FOREVER until it burnt through to the flat base, I found it very disappointing. Whist the musk does continue the freshness to the fragrance going, it also overtakes the mix of woods. I get a slight note of sandalwood, but that's it. I thought it was a let-down.


- - - - - - - - - -
Scent notes
- - - - - - - - - -

Neroli, lotus, green apple, tuberose, gardenia, white musk and exotic wood.


- - - - - - - - -
The bottle
- - - - - - - - -

Described as art deco; I think the clear bottle meant to resemble an uncut diamond. It's unique and eye-catching. However I don't like the cap, which is taller than the bottle itself.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Other buying considerations
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

It's a light fragrance considering it's a white floral, so the lasting power reflects that. It burns down within four hours. Not great, but it seems average for modern fragrances.

Florals are generally wearable all year round, but the fruity start means I'd personally think of it as a spring/summer fragrance.

FOREVER is great for daytime, both casual [thanks to the fruit] and work [the florals are light, so colleges won't be adverse to it]. I find it too fresh for evening wear, but I suppose it all depends on what you like to do it your spare time. If you go to clubs this could work as you won't suffer any ill effects you get from combining heat and a stronger fragrance.


- - - - - - -
Verdict
- - - - - - -

I felt totally let down by this one. The sweet'sour fruits and the fresh florals are surprisingly complex yet subtle, at least they were until the musk came along and white washed over everything. If you happen to be a fan of musk I'd highly recommend this to you, but for myself this is a no-go.

If your planning to buy someone a fragrance for Christmas I think this a good bet. It's fresh but slightly sweet, isn't too strong and is quite inexpensive for a EDP.


Are you a fan or Michael Kors Very Hollywood EDP? Here's a more purse friendly version.


- - - - -
RRP
- - - - -

50ml £27

Spotlight: Project D EDP by Dannii and Tabitha

Project D EDP received an early launch and went on sale exclusively in Harvey Nichols yesterday.

EDP [50ml]
£34

This enchanting scent has been inspired by the marriage of two very distinct styles - glamour and rock 'n' roll. It is a timeless and stylish addition to the fashion line and each note of the fragrance has been carefully selected to ensure each woman feels utterly glamorous, wherever she may be. The natural top accord incorporates inspiration from neroli, bergamot and ylang ylang gliding through a sense of intrigue and mystery into the whirl wind heart accord of tuberose, Japanese osmanthus, mimosa and purple orchid; whilst the dry down of creamy sandalwood, saffron, skin musks and hot amber oils ignites the senses.



Purse sprays [set of three: 10ml each]
Can be worn individually or layered together.
£25

Dawn
Bergamot, geranium, neroli and ylang ylang.
Day
Tuberose, daisy, Japanese osmanthus and mimosa.
Dusk
Sandalwood, skin musks and hot amber oils.

The closest branch of Harvey Nichols to me is in Manchester and I don't plan on travelling into Manchester in the immediate future, so haven't had the change to test it yet.

I have been looking forward to it's release and the Harvey Nichols website stocks the EDP edition, so I am very tempted to buy it blind, so to speak because I'm very confident that I'll like it based on the listed scent notes. Then again, if I wait to visit the Manchester branch I'll hopefully be able to pick up the purse spray set too - layering them with the EDP to create my own unique signature fragrance is very appealing to me.

                                          [Dannii Minogue and Tabitha Somerset-Webb]

Review: Awakening by China Glaze [Halloween polish set]

All three colours in this set have a jelly base. This means that the formula is semi sheer and dries with a high shine finish.
　
As the base colours for these polishes are a jelly finish two coats aren’t totally solid, but I don’t mind the semi-sheer look. Three coats will give you a solid look. The polishes are smooth to apply despite all of them containing glitter, leaving no bubbles or streaks. I was impressed with the drying time; Five minutes after application it was touch dry and after ten minutes I was rummaging through drawers, there were no chips or smudges. I hadn’t applied a top coat at that point.
　
China Glaze has to be my favourite brand of polish; The different formulas [creme, jelly, metallic, glitter,crome and holographic] are all so smooth and evenly - even the ones that contain glitter. I own 20 + bottles of China Glaze now and have yet to experience any bubbling or streaking from any finish.
　
They use different polymers and resins in their formulas; These buzz words mean nothing to me but the great results speak for themselves. The colour is always bottle true and the dried polish wears well. My bare nails are also looking healthier then they have done for years to, so China Glaze has quickly become my go-to brand.
　
　
China Glaze do not test on animals.


- - - - - - - - - -
The brush
- - - - - - - - - -

China Glaze don't use a 'pro' width brush, so it'll take up to three strokes to coat the nail, but I don't see  that as a huge problem. As the brush is thinner less polish is loaded onto the brush, so the nail doesn't become glooped with product.


- - - - - - - - - - - -
Lasting power .
- - - - - - - - - - - -

Using my usual base and top coats [I've switched to China Glaze from Nails INC] these polishes will last me around 3 days with only minimal wear [and the glitter helps to disguise the war and tear]; but I'm tough on my nails (self powered wheelchair user), so it will probably last longer on other people, for instance my sister loves China Glaze too and can get a week's wear out of it.


- - - - - - - - - -
The colours
- - - - - - - - - -　

ICK-A-BOD-Y
　
This is the ultimate Halloween shade; The polish is a dark green, but the formula is packed with orange glitter. The combination of green and orange just screams "pumpkins" or "jack-o-lanterns", depending on your location. I'm not usually a orange or glitter fan, but the dark green base to the polish prevents the orange glitter from being bright and stops my nails from resembling a disco ball. While I do love the shade and find it perfect for autumn, I don't think I'll wear it for the rest of the year, so it's the least versatile shade in the set.

　
　


MUMMY MAY I
　
I'm a purple polish junkie so most of my stash is purple, yet MUMMY MAY I is still unique. It's a dark, warm, pinky plum shade with flecks of pink micro-glitter that looks so pretty when they catch the light. One thing; I'm not sure how this is a Halloween shade (aside from the name), I'll be happily wearing this all year round.
　

　


ZOMBIE ZEST
　
I'm not a fan of green nail polish, so what first attracted me to ZOMBIE ZEST was the cutesy name and the fact that it's a limited edition - honestly throw those two words at me and I'll be lemming it like nobodies business. Anyway, I'm getting sidetracked. Long story short - this shade of green is something that I've seen in polishes before; It's yellow based and has gold coloured flecks of micro-glitter in. I <3 it, it is indeed very halloweeny AND I can also see myself wearing it in the summer as the yellow base will seem cheery in the bright sun.
　

- - - - - -
Bonus
- - - - - -
This set comes with a full size bottle of China Glaze' FAST FORWARD TOP COAT.
This dries a within one minute of application and helps sets your polish, prolonging the wear. Plus it gives any polish an extra [clear] coat of shine.
　
- - - - -
RRP
- - - - -
　
The sites that offer this set charge £20, but I got mine from Ebay for £14 plus free p+p.
Individual bottle's retail for around £8 each. Sounds pricey, but these are 14 ml bottles.

[photos used property of China Glaze]

Review: Rimmel 60 Second nail polish

­­-­ - - - - - - - -
The claim
- - - - - - - - -

Rimmel say that the new fast-drying formula and updated brush design takes just one stroke to apply, one minute to dry and only needs one coat.


- - - - - - - - - -
The formula
- - - - - - - - - -

As the polish is meant to need only one coat for a bottle true colour, the formula is thick and not very funny, so can take a little time getting used to. The formula still applies smoothly once you've become used to it and it has never bubbled on me though, which is good.
One of my shades [Twinkle] contains micro particles of glitter, yet still applies smoothly and without clumps.

The polish becomes does indeed become touch-dry within one minute - although I find that often need to apply a second coat as the first can dry unevenly and leave visible brush stoke impressions.
A second coat can take a little longer to dry; around three minutes, so I recommend waiting ten minutes after applying top coat before using your hands if you apply a second coat as the polish layers can remain a little soft.

Last week I was looking for one of these polishes at the bottom of my make-up bag and when I found the bottle in question I instantly saw that the polish had glopped up and now had the texture of treacle, whilst I have bottles of polish that are roughly five years old, but still look new.
The bottle was less then a year old [about nine months old] and was fastened tightly. You could use a thinner to get more use out of the polish in theory, but I just threw it out as it's under £4, so not worth spending more money on buying thinner over.


- - - - - - - - - -
The brush
- - - - - - - - - -

Rimmel changed the width of their nail polish brushes a year or so ago; It's now has nice and wide bristles so the nail is evenly coated within two strokes.
Rimmel claim that it only takes one stroke, but I find that I need two the majority of the time. It is still fast and smooth, so I don't mind.

None of my brushes have ever had any bristles fall out, which has been a problem when I've used other drugstore brands.


- - - - - - - - - - - -
Lasting power
- - - - - - - - - - - -

Using my usual base and top coats this polish will last me around two days before chipping. Not one of the longest lasting polishes, however, considering the low price I can't complain.


- - - - - - -
Verdict
- - - - - - -

Rimmel's 60 SECOND NAIL POLISH range of polishes come in a range of creme, metallic and shimmer finishes - not to mention a wide range of colours - so there really is something for everyone.

Most seasons some limited edition colours are also added for those dedicated to fashion, all for under £4. For that price I'll be trying more Rimmel polishes in the future; despite the results being varied and the product having a short shelf life.

- - - - -
RRP
- - - - -

£3.49 [8 ml]

Spotlight: NARS Vintage Nail nail polish collection...

• Mash – Army green with gold shimmer (my swatch here)
• King Kong – Copper brown with gold shimmer
• Midnight Express - Dark navy creme
• Zulu – Dark forest green jelly
• Full Metal Jacket – Gunmetal grey metallic

This collection is limited edition. Stores will sell it for 3 months and NARS will sell it on their website until they run out of stock.

[Source - Vamp Varnish]

Spotlight: NARS Zulu Nail Polish Swatches, Review & Comparisons | Vampy Varnish

NARS Zulu Nail Polish Swatches, Review & Comparisons Vampy Varnish
[All credit goes to Vampy Varnish]

Review: L'Oreal Full Restore 5 shampoo and conditioner

- - - - - - - - -
The claim
- - - - - - - - -

According to the adverts L'Oreal developed this formula to target and treat the top 5 hair care problems we struggle with in the UK.

1) Weak hair
2) Limp hair
3) Lifeless looking hair
4) Dull hair
5) Dry hair



- - - - - - - - -
The bottle
- - - - - - - - -

All of L'Oreal Elvive shampoos and conditioners use the same shape bottle. The FULL RESTORE 5 range has the bottle coloured white with a red cap.

The cap on the conditioner is on the base of the bottle so you can tell it apart from the shampoo bottle instantly, which is good for when the bottle is nearly empty.

The texture of the recyclable plastic bottle is easy to grip in a slippy shower.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
First impressions
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The creamy consistency and pearlessence appearance of the shampoo is very similar to Elvive's Nutri-gloss and Re-nutrition ranges - both of which I love - so I felt confident that this product would give similar results. However once applied to wet hair the comparison ends - This product feels so runny and slippy that I was reminded of the slime thingy in Noel Edmunds House Party. Not nice.

The floral fragrance is very fresh and clean smelling, but is quite strong. This doesn't bother me, but it could be strong enough to irritate some people. Once the hair has been dried the smell dissipates, though I still got the occasional whiff when my hair blew in my face.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
After 2 months of use
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I'll start by stating that I gave this range a fair chance by completely using up to full bottles of the 400ml shampoo and conditioner (during a buy-one-get-one-free I picked up two shampoos instead of one of each, so ended up going back for two conditioners as well. I'm a clever girl).


Did I see the promised results of hair that looked stronger, fuller, revitalised, shiny and silky?

The only thing I noticed was the shine - and that shine was due to my hair becoming greasy on the SAME day I washed it. I would wash it in the morning and by the evening it would be heavy and shiny with grease. My scalp also seemed to itch. As mentioned above I didn't have the conditioner at first, so the heaviness, grease and itchiness wasn't caused by a conditioner build-up. honestly it felt so grubby by the next day that I'd need to shampoo at least twice and I'd stay under the shower rinsing the product out for up to 10 minutes.


** Shampoo **

Using the shampoo on it's own also left my hair knotty, full of frizz and I noticed that there was a increase in strands of broken hair in my combs [no matter how wide toothed] and brushes. Hmmm - I suppose frizz might count as "fuller" hair.


** Conditioner **

The conditioner did solve the above problems - the FULL RESTORE 5 conditioner is good for detangling and it reduced the frizz caused by using the shampoo alone.

I finished the shampoo bottles before the conditioner, so I keep using the conditioner with the Elvive Re-Nutrition shampoo and it seemed like I didn't use a conditioner at all. The limited results I experienced with the conditioner are the same as using the Re-Nutrition shampoo alone.


- - - - - - - - -
My opinion
- - - - - - - - -

I've loved every other Elvive product I've ever used, so it pains me to say that their FULL RESTORE 5 range is pretty much useless. Liking the fragrance means nothing when the results vary from limited to non-existent.

I also felt cheated by L'Oreal when I learnt that the range's spokes-model [Cheryl Cole] wore acrylic hair extensions in the ads (I'm well aware that she has used extensions for years, but L'Oreal lead everyone to believe she was using ones made from human hair by adding a disclaimer stating she was using 'natural' extensions).

If you do decide to try this range then the matching conditioner is something I'd really advise using; That did seem to work somewhat.


- - - - -
RRP
- - - - -

250ml: £2.55
400ml: £3.59

There is also a 300ml hair mask and a 200ml conditioning replenishing spray available.

Rumour mill: Lady GaGa to release fragrance?

The First Fragrance by Lady Gaga Created by Coty Inc!

After a lot of speculation about the first fragrance by Lady Gaga, WWD publishes that a contract has been signed for her fragrance with Coty Inc. The first fragrance for women by Lady Gaga can be expected on the market in spring 2012!

Stephan Mormoris, vice president of global marketing for Coty Inc. states that the contract was signed last week and that Lady Gaga is a 'phenomenon' and a 'fascinating culture force' of today's world scene.

 [Credit: Sandra Raičević Petrović at Fragrantica.com]

 

Interesting. I love Lady GaGa and I love perfume, so my fingers are tightly crossed.
 
This is a highly reliable source, but I'm aware that previous rumours in this vein have been denied by GaGa's camp, so best not to get too excited just yet.
 

Review: Radiance EDP by Britney Spears

- - - - - - - - - - - -


The fragrance

- - - - - - - - - - - -



RADIANCE was released in September 2010 and is described as a fruity/floral. I've not come across any matching body products, which is unusual for a Britney Spears release.





I'd personally say that RADIANCE is way more fruity than floral, which is odd [but a relief] as I'm sensitive to both tuberose and musk - too much of either is usually a migraine trigger-puller. It's sweet on first application, but it's sweet in a fresh and zingy way. I can separate raspberry from the berry jumble, but am guessing when I suggest that the other note is red currant.



The initial fruity blast burns down with ten minutes, but some of the zesty sweetness lingers throughout the fragrance, so maybe they added berry notes in the heart and base of the fragrance too? The floral notes are light and the zingy berries make everything seem sparkly and fresh. The jasmine is the strongest floral on my skin, followed by the orange blossom. I could detect a hint of tuberose, but thankfully it's only brief and soon becomes lost under the jasmine.



The slight powdery note of the orange blossom lingers throughout the base too, but a sweeter scent (vanilla?) over takes it. The musk note is light and clean, so the sweetness has a hint of airiness to it. I usually find musky fragrances too heavy, but this seems 'watered' down.





- - - - - - - - -

Scent notes

- - - - - - - - -



Berries, tuberose, jasmine, orange blossom, iris and musk.





- - - - - - - - - -

The bottle

- - - - - - - - - -



The blue and pink faux crystal bottle is extremely tacky - but in a fun way.



However; I think it's a miss-match to the juice inside; The fragrance is largely ageless, but the bottle is aimed firmly towards the under 20 consumer. A shame - they'll drastically reduced their prospective market.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Other buying considerations

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -



The staying power is not very good, which isn't a big surprise considering this is a Britney brand, mass market release. It burns down in 3/4 hours - whilst that's not great for a EDP, it's not the worst out there.



The fruitiness makes this a good choice for daytime and the light florals mean you can safely wear it to work. I personally think it's too quiet for evening wear, but if you plan on hitting a packed club then the fragrance's lightness could be good for avoiding scent-induced headaches.



Being fruity and light I'd actually class this as being better suited to spring/summer. I think it's too zesty and fresh for autumn/winter and was surprised that Elizabeth Arden chose to release it in September.





- - - - - - -

Verdict

- - - - - - -



I'd describe RADIANCE as a blend of the fruity freshness of Believe and the surprisingly sophisticated white florals found in Curious - It's more adult then the Fantasy range, but the fruits provide a light sweetness, so the younger customers will still enjoy it.



I found it pleasant, but it doesn't appeal to me in this colder weather and it's not unique enough to buy. If I come across it on special offer I might be tempted to get a bottle for casual wear.



I think it would make a good gift choice as it's not a disagreeable fragrance and women of just about any age could wear it.







- - - - -

RRP

- - - - -



50ml: £23

100ml: £28



As it's just been released it is currently exclusive to Boots stores. It will receive a wider release in a month or so.
 
 

Just launched: China Glaze Halloween 2010 LE polish set

China Glaze 2010 Halloween - Awakening Gift Set
[3 Full Size Polishes & Full Size Top Coat]

Zombie Zest - Mossy Green with Gold Flecks of Micro Glitter

Mummy May I - Purple with Flecks of Hot Pink Micro Glitter

Ick-A-Bod-Y - A Dark Green Base with Orange Glitter

Fast Forward Top Coat - Fast Drying Protective Top Coat

New fragrance: Project D EDP by Project D

Recently launched fashion label Project D, the brainchild of Dannii Minogue and designer Tabitha Somerset Webb, is setting its sights on the fragrance world with the introduction of a signature scent this September. Project D by Dannii and Tabitha has top accords of neroli, bergamot and ylang ylang; a heart comprising notes of tuberose, Japanese osmanthus, mimosa and purple orchid; and a dry down of creamy sandalwood, saffron, skin musks and hot amber oils.

Project D will simultaneously launch three purse sprays, each capturing a note from the signature fragrance, which can be worn individually or layered together. Dawn, which carries the tagline ‘Ready to Inspire’, contains notes of bergamot, geranium, neroli and ylang ylang, while Day – ‘Ready to Intrigue’ – is inspired by tuberose, daisy, Japanese osmanthus and mimosa. Finally, Dusk features notes of sandalwood, skin musks and hot amber oils, and boasts the tagline ‘Ready to Ignite’.


According to Somerset Webb, the intention is to allow women to make the transition from day to night. “While our signature scent captures the spirit and essence of the Project D woman, our purse sprays reflect our vision for fashion and style that takes you from day to night, from revitalising, energising scents of the dawn, right through to the rich and sultry notes of dusk,” she says.




I'm a perfume whore so I'm beyond excited about this release. And simultaneously releasing three smaller vials to mix and match to find your own signature fragrance? How ingenious is that?
 
I've not found a promotional shot of the bottles, but here is a screen grab from the recent ITV2 show 'Dannii Minogue: Style Queen' to tide us over.
 

 
 
I'm lea to believe that the fragrance is exclusive to branches of Harvey Nichols upon it's 25th September launch date, but I've seen the Project D clothing range in Selfridges, so I'll see if it's stocked there too.
 
Either way; I'm confident it'll receive a wider release in time for Christmas.