YSL Beauty Releases

YSL Beauty

YSL Beauty

YSL Black Opium Floral Shock Eau de Parfum

This is the fragrance to accompany the mascara and it is a modern more youthful twist on such an iconic scent. Not only have YSL updated the scent but the glitter encrusted bottle has also had a revamp. The bottle is just as luxurious as the classic version but it now has subtle frosted pretty pink hues but it still looks just as glam rock!

  • Top notes – Bergamot Essence, Pear Accord, Freesia Accord
  • Heart notes – Orange Blossom Absolute, Golden Gardenia Accord, Solar-floral accord
  • Base notes – Coffee Accord, Sandalwood Accord, Vanila

The fresh mix of fruity and floral scents work really well together and the addition of coffee is unusual but gives the scent a warmth that is quite sexy. Whilst the vanilla and sandalwood offer both sweetness and luxury. I am in love with it and I think if you find the original a little too heavy and heady, this Floral Shock version will feel more fresh and youthful but still with that edginess you expect from YSL Opium.

YSL Touche Éclat Blur Primer

This is very lightweight, not sticky at all and it sits so well on the skin. It instantly visibly smooths, blurs pores and brightens the skin. It has tiny (very tiny) gold flecks which help give your skin that subtle glow without looking like a disco ball. It gives the skin a subtle matte finish without looking flat. I am one of those people that tends not to wear a primer on a daily basis but for a special occasion this is the perfect product to help your makeup look flawless, last for hours and help your skin look fresh. If you’re feeling spendy and looking for a new primer then this is a great one to try.

YSL The Shock Mascara

YSL The Shock Mascara

Off the bat I have to say the packaging isn’t as glamourous or what I would have expected from YSL, it doesn’t look or feel as luxurious as the price tag but if you’re willing to overlook that the product itself is pretty amazing. It has quite a long, slim wand and its helix shape helps give volume and drama to your lashes without having to apply layer upon layer of product.

It does have a tendency to clump but if I apply whilst doing that magic trickery of wiggling the brush through my lashes it helps separate my lashes and ensure the product is applied evenly from root to tip reducing the clumping and giving the ultimate high impact look. I love the jet black formula and think this is a fantastic mascara for evening and making the most of your natural lashes without the need to apply falsies.

• This post contains PR samples

Berlin Travel Photo Diary #1

berlin photo diary

Berlin Photo Diary

Berlin Graffiti

Titanic Chaussee Berlin

Titanic Chaussee Berlin

Berliner Dom - Cathedral

Memorial to Members of German Parliament Murdered by the Nazis

Berlin TV Tower

Berlin Architecture

Humboldt University Berlin

Equestrian Statue of Frederick the Great in Berlin

Pariser Platz Berlin

Sinti and Roma Memorial in Berlin

The Reichstag Berlin

I have visited Berlin a few times & I lived in Germany for 14+ years so Germany holds a very special place in my heart, the last time I previously visited Berlin almost 6 years ago and have been eager to go back for a while now. I wasn’t planning on booking a European trip but after browsing trips in the UK & realising I could go abroad for less I thought what the heck lets go to Berlin.

I got such a great deal & went from Monday – Friday flying from Liverpool to Berlin Schoenefeld (which is without doubt THE worst airport I have ever been to). We stayed at a relatively new hotel called Titanic Chaussee – they have a pool and spa facilities as well as a lovely restaurant, bar and lounge area. I would stay there again in a heartbeat. We found it very well situated for public transport and also it is walking distance to a lot of the major tourist attractions like Alexanderplatz, Checkpoint Charlie & Brandenburg Gate.

We had previously visited most of the major sites so we spent most of the trip just taking our time and exploring, walking around the side streets and popping in and out of cafes. It was beyond freezing, I know it can be cold there as we last went in March and that was bitterly cold but I thought going at the end of April we would be a little more lucky with the weather but it snowed and the temperature was -2, I just used this as an excuse to drink lots of warm drinks in cute coffee shops.

Alot of the major attractions are quite close to each other so we spent the first day walking to Alexanderplatz, Museum Island, Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag. We have been inside the Reichstag already so didn’t need to revisit but this is one spectacular building and always worth seeing. I remember when I lived in Germany I visited in 1995 and the glass dome was not finished, it looked very different.

There are quite a few streetside memorials and galleries throughout Berlin dedicated to the thousands of people who lost their lives during Nazi Germany and quite honestly the whole city has such a rich history so you will never run out of things to do. The architecture in Berlin is imposing but beautiful and so many of the buildings still have bullet holes and very visual reminders of a violent past.

  1. Berliner Dom – This is the beautiful Berlin Cathedral and is on Museum Island
  2. Street Art – Berlin is full of street art
  3. Titanic Chaussee Hotel – This is the hotel lobby
  4. Titanic Chaussee Hotel – This was our double room & I loved the pops of yellow
  5. Berliner Dom
  6. Memorial to the Murdered Members of the Reichstag – This is in front of the Reichstag
  7. The Fernsehturm – This is the famous Berlin TV Tower also St Mary’s Church which is one of the oldest churches in Berlin
  8. Rotes Rathaus – Berlin Town Hall
  9. Humboldt University in Berlin
  10. The Equestrian Statue of Frederick the Great
  11. Brandenburg Gate
  12. Memorial to the Sinti and Roma Victims of National Socialism
  13. Reichstag

Products Currently In Use #6

Skincare Currently in use

Skincare Currently In Use

Yes To Tomatoes Mud Mask*

If you have oily/problematic skin then you need to try this mask. It is incredible for treating and preventing breakouts and drawing out toxins. It contains salicylic acid and a blend of tomato, aloe, watermelon, pumpkin and chamomile extracts. I apply this with a clean foundation brush so I get an even coverage & leave it on for 10 – 15 mins before rinsing with warm water. It leaves my skin feeling incredibly clean, exfoliated and refreshed. It also soothes angry blemishes and draws out dirt and sebum keeping your skin balanced and less prone to breakouts. I really love this brand because their products are super affordable and they have a huge range of products that target specific skin concerns.

DHC Olive-Corn Body Scrub Polish*

I like my body scrubs to be really exfoliating and have a high concentration of scrubbies. This DHC one is not only a great scrub but its also very moisturising. It contains natural corn cob granules in two sizes which effectively remove the dull & dead skin without causing irritation. The inclusion of nourishing olive oil and vitamin E hydrates and lavender oil stimulates the senses. It’s a great way to energise your skin and get Summer ready, I also like to use this before I use my gradual tanner it helps my tan applies evenly.

Decléor Micellar Oil

I have already used up a bottle of this & I am excited to have it back in my skincare routine. It is such a gentle but effective makeup remover and the fact it is an oil means you can really massage it into your skin to break down all the dirt and makeup. It contains Sweet Almond Oil which is rich in essential fatty acids and will help strengthen and soothe skin & it also contains Vegetable Squalene which is derived from Olive Oil and helps maintain skins optimum hydration levels and leaves skin feeling supple and radiant. My last bottle lasted for ages and I highly recommend trying this.

Davines MELU Shampoo

This is my goto shampoo when I want my hair to look voluminous and bouncy – it is a shampoo that won’t weigh down your locks. It is infused with amino acid-rich Lentil Seed Extract, it nourishes your hair leaving it soft and shiny. It also helps to restore and prevent breakage and split ends. I like that the product is lightweight and easy to wash out & it smells so good and fresh.

Have you tried any of the products I’m currently using?

  • This post contains PR samples

Viktor & Rolf Bonbon Spring Summer Fragrance

vikor rolf bonbon springsummer

Viktor Rolf Bonbon Spring Summer Fragrance

Viktor & Rolf are one of my absolute favourite perfume brands, I’ve reviewed quite a few of their releases on my blog over the years. I’ve also been a loyal wearer of their original Flowerbomb scent for almost a decade, it is a scent that holds so many happy memories for me. I get excited when they add a new scent to their range and this beautiful Bonbon Spring Summer addition is something very special. The original version was extremely popular and is more on the sweet side so this more citrus based version is different but still as beautiful.

Viktor Rolf Bonbon Bottle

Viktor & Rolf Bonbon Spring Summer* 

If you like the sweetness of the original Bonbon fragrance, then I think you will appreciate the more refreshing, subtleness of this limited edition offering. It is the perfect scent update for Spring Summer and although it is still quite sweet like the original it is a little warmer and zesty and I think it is my favourite Bonbon scent to date.

I think this new Bonbon release is a more sophisticated version, the mix of citrus, wood and floral notes work so well together, and they give you such a beautiful feminine scent. Although this limited edition version is more Spring appropriate and lighter, it is still long-wearing.

Viktor and Rolf Bonbon Spring Summer Fragrance

Bonbon Spring Summer contains some of my favourite notes including cedarwood, musk and blackcurrant,

  • Top notes: grapefruit essential oil, tangerine essential oil, orange essential oil, blackcurrant
  • Middle notes: icing sugar accord, orange blossom absolute, sambac jasmine absolute, peach accord
  • Base notes: musks, guaiac wood essential oil, cedarwood essential oil, caramel accord

Spring Summer Perfume from Viktor and Rolf

NEW Viktor and Rolf Bonbon Spring Summer Perfume

As with all Viktor and Rolf fragrances, the bottle is just as stunning as the perfume itself. The outer cardboard packaging (which I can’t throw away) is a bright fuchsia pink, with the classic black V&R faux wax seal at the centre of a pretty ribbon effect. The bottle itself is just gorgeous, it is lighter than the original and comes in a pretty frosted luminous, pearly pink ombre effect bottle which feels very luxurious and heavy. It is shaped like a wrapped sweet (candy), it’s very feminine and looks pretty sat on your dressing table.

So if you’re looking for a scent that is perfect for the warmer months then I recommend trying this fresh, warm, citrus scent. It is a great twist on the original but perfectly updated for Spring Summer!

Viktor & Rolf Bonbon Spring Summer EDT 50ml – £58

 

*this post contains PR samples and affiliate links, If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.