If you follow me on Twitter then you might have seen me mention the fact that I'm going to Italy for two weeks.
This is my first visit to the land of vino, Gucci and gelato and I can't wait. I've always wanted to go there. And yes I am using this post as an excuse to post some images of Gucci's gorgeous jewel coloured collection for Autumn/Winter 11!
Image from letmeseeyourwears.com
We'll be staying with my boyfriend's family near Portofino and have also got trips to Milan and Venice booked. I'll tell you all about it (and probably the 'one or two' purchases I 'might' make) when I get back. While I'm away I'm going to leave my blog in the capable hands of some of my favourite bloggers and tweeters. Enjoy! x
P.S. If you've been to Genoa, Milan, Portofino or Venice I would love to hear your reccomendations for places to visit.
On the first of September, Burberry launched their latest fragrance, 'Body'. As opposed to solely relying on the 'traditional' route of glossy advertisements in magazines, Burberry have really upped their game with the latest campaign. Last month they launched an innovative sampling campaign via Facebook. If you 'liked' the Burberry Facebook page (and an extra 500,000 people did in the space if a week!) and entered your details, Burberry offered you a sample of the new perfume. They even posted a video of the company's Chief Creative Officer, Christopher Bailey inviting Facebook fans to sample the fragrance. And apparently 250,000 people worldwide took him up on the offer.
Now I don't know about you, but in the past I've requested a sample of a perfume only to be sent a cheap looking postcard with a small tab of the perfume on the back. In my opinion, samples like that are hardly worth the effort, on the company's part or mine, and so now I never bother to complete my details when offers like that pop up.
However, Burberry's sample could not have been more different. Not only was it a 4.5ml sample, but it also came in really nice packaging with a 'thank you' note from Burberry.
Burberry often reference the company's heritage in their product packaging, e.g. incorporating the check design they are famous for in some way. I think this has been done with varying degrees of success in the past. However with Burberry 'Body' the reference is really subtle, with a check design on the gold top of the bottle, which is encased in glass.
The perfume has top notes of absinthe, peach and freesia with floral heart notes of rose absolute and iris enriched with sandalwood. The base notes are cashmeran, vanilla, amber and musk. I haven't had an opportunity to wear this fragrance properly yet, but just from smelling the scent on my wrist I really like it. I will let you know my thoughts once I've worn the fragrance a bit more.
In addition to the Facebook campaign, Christopher Bailey also directed a video of the campaign's face (or should that be body?), Rosie Huntington Whiteley which was debuted on YouTube. If only looking like her was as easy as donning a trench coat and spraying myself in this scent.
To me it makes perfect sense for brands to be communicating with their consumers via social media. More and more people are engaging with brands on Twitter and Facebook and so if a brand is using those channels then they are more likely to connect with consumers than with just a host of advertisements in a magazine.
Did you get one of these samples? If yes, what did you think?
One of the most anticipated launches every season in the beauty world is Chanel's latest collection. Whilst their whole range of products are much coveted, the ones which garner most of the attention and waiting lists, are the nail polishes. Ever since Uma Thurman first applied a few coats of 'Rouge Noir', Chanel polishes have been setting the nail polish trends. Despite the love that I've had for all things nail polish-related since my teens, it is only in the past two or three years that I have really paid much attention to Chanel nail polishes. No, I can't explain it either! If you've read a beauty magazine at all during the last couple of years, then it's safe to say that you will have come across at least one of these polishes: 'Particuliere'; 'Nouvelle Vague'; 'Paradoxal'; 'Black Pearl' and Mimosa. For me these have had varying degrees of success. I absolutely love 'Particuliere', but really didn't get along with 'Nouvelle Vague'.
This season's collection is entitled 'Illusions D'Ombres de Chanel' and contains a range of products in a shimmering spectrum of bronze, plum, green, gold and silver. After seeing some pictures of the range, I initially had my eye on the nail polish in 'Peridot'. In the pictures it looked beautiful: a gorgeous beetle-wing effect of blue, green and gold. However when the blog posts started appearing, the reviews weren't exactly 100% glowing. In the pictures I saw, it looked gold and had none of the effect I wanted, and looked like people had dipped their fingers in gold paint. Therefore I decided to use my Debenhams Beauty Card Reward Points and try the nail polish in 'Graphite'.
At first glance, this shade looks very glittery in the bottle, and I did wonder whether it would be too grainy as some glitter polishes can be. However I needn't have worried, as the polish applied really smoothly. I probably could have got away with one coat if needed, but applied two coats to ensure total coverage. This polish can look very different in different lights. Sometimes it looks silvery, although a darker silver as opposed to a white-ish silver. At other times I notice the green and gold flecks in it more. It is a gorgeous mix of metallic and glitter finish and looks beautiful when it catches the light.
I was very impressed with the longevity of this polish too, as it lasted four days with no chipping at all. In short, I LOVE this polish. I am very tempted to purchase another one (or at least put my reward points towards), and am now also eyeing up the 'Quartz' shade, the other nail polish in the collection. I know that this nail polish is expensive, but for me it is a little treat and a bit of luxury for everyday. It is also the closest that I will get to owning a Chanel 2.55 anytime soon. Yes I admit it, my name is Louise Hartrey, and I have a love for all things Chanel. Although sadly I don't have a closet full of all things Chanel.
Have you tried any of the Chanel polishes this season? What did you think?
I recently discovered the Konjac Sponge Company via one of my favourite blogs, Get Lippie. I usually cleanse my skin with a Clarisonic, but as Get Lippie said she combined her Clarisonic cleansing routine with using the sponge in the morning, I decided to give the sponges a try. And it was definitely a a good choice on my part.
Here's what the company has to say about the sponges:
"Konjac is reputed for its health giving properties & used by the Japanese for over 1500 years, having originally been used as a medicine in the sixth century
100% Natural Sponge
100% Colouring Free
100% Additive Free
100% Biodegradable
Naturally Sustainable
Environmentally Safe
A naturally moisture rich plant fibre which is by nature alkaline, and thus balances the acidity of the skins impurities and oils.
The unique net like structure of the sponge, gently massages the skin and stimulates blood flow and new growth of skin cells. Leaving the skin extremely clean and refreshed…..naturally! No need for additional cleansers or soaps unless you really want. Should you chose to use additional cleansers or soap, you can use a fraction of your usual amount, as the sponge will generate more bubbles and spread the cleaner further than usual. Better for your skin, better on the environment and your finances!"
The sponges are packaged in plastic packaging and are therefore fully hydrated. After using the sponge, let it dry and then re-hydrate before using the next time.
I have used both the Original Konjac Sponge and the Bamboo Charcoal Sponge, and have been very impressed with both of them. I use it in the morning, as I like to use my Clarisonic in the evening to ensure a deep-cleanse. You can use the sponges with just water, or you can use your normal cleanser with it. My skin feels really soft and smooth after using the sponge, and the Bamboo Charcoal Sponge seems to help mattify my skin.
I will definitely be re-purchasing one of these when I have finished with it, and have recommended them to my friends.
A little bird (a.k.a the lovely Michelle who owns the company) revealed to me that they will be releasing a Konjac Body Sponge in two weeks time, and I was lucky enough to be sent one for review purposes. Keep a look out for a future review.
