AUTUMN/WINTER CANDLES 2019

---

There’s nothing more I love in the Autumn/Winter seasons than to light up a gorgeous scented candle to make me feel all cosy! I have put together a Gift Guide featuring 6 candles which range from spicy to creamy and mellow to smokey - something for every mood.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————

A/W CANDLES 2019

Matthew Williamson - Midnight Jungle 200g

• Candle Notes: Blackcurrant Leaves, Red Fruits, Fig Leaves, Jasmine, Gardenia, Undergrowth, Cypriol, Patchouli, Cedarwood, Chocolate, Vanilla, Honey

Typically known for his bold, colourful designs, Matthew Williamson has a wide range of candles and I was lucky enough to have received one; Midnight Jungle. A soft, creamy scent that lightly fills up an area and is better suited for those who prefer an understated candle.

Inspired by the exotic and dense jungle terrain, this Midnight Jungle is decorated in a glass vessel with an ‘Ikat’ pattern, an elegant design that not only looks elegant, but smells elegant too! To purchase, click here.

Diptyque - Narguile

• Candle Notes: Honey, Tobacco Leaves, Spices

Diptyque are one of my go-to brands when it comes to home scents. I am a huge fan of their candles, preferably their rich, creamy scents such as Vanille and Benjoin. I could smell the Narguile scent pouring out of its box prior to opening it up and instantly knew this was going to be a favourite of mine…

A spicy candle that has the creaminess of the honey to add a layer of warmth to the scent, I love how this candle can be smelt instantly, and long after being burnt out! Narguile by Diptyque is best for those who enjoy a spicy scent and to purchase, click here.

Bellerose - Ambre Gris

• Candle Notes: Cardamom Essence, Sandalwood, Cloves, Leather

This Ambre Gris scent has a woody, outdoorsy feel to it yet has that spicy kick which adds another dimension to the candle.

I like that this scent doesn’t feel too overbearing yet doesn’t fade away into the background. Perfect for those lazy, Sunday afternoons! To purchase, click here.

Maison Margiela Replica - By The Fireplace

• Candle Notes: Bergamot, Lemon, Pink pepper, Ylang-Ylang, Coconut Milk, Musk, Heliotrope

If you have smelt the fragrance of By The Fireplace, then I have to say, that the candle version of this scent is much stronger than the fragrance! Bold, heavy and powerful, By The Fireplace completely envelops any space within your home and certainly packs a punch.

I would recommend that this candle is for those who like to make a statement and to feel a sense of warmth in the room! To purchase, click here.

Jonathan Ward - Afreet

• Candle Notes: Blackberry Leaf, Neroli, Black Pepper, Licorice Root, Black Amber, Jasmine, Guaiac Wood

Using a certified organic wax, this Afreet candle is the only one within this Gift Guide that has two wicks! A sweet and sensual scent, I would recommend that this candle is better suited for those who enjoy a scent that is strong enough to stand out, yet not too strong that it becomes overpowering.

I also love the design of the glass itself, doubling up as the perfect interiors gift! To purchase, click here.

Acqua Di Parma - Buongiorno

• Candle Notes: Italian Lemon, Mint Leaves, Rosemary, Lavandin, Jasmin, Cedarwood, Musk

Although you could say that this Buongiorno candle is geared a little more towards the Summer season, I wanted to feature this in this particular Gift Guide because it is rather powerful and has a heavy throw!

I enjoy lighting this up to reminisce about being somewhere hot despite the fact it is rather chilly outside… This candle is better suited for those who enjoy a fresh yet bold scent and can be purchased here.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————

I hope you have enjoyed my Autumn/Winter Candles Gift Guide for this year and I hope that I have inspired you to try some of these out!

Have you smelt any of these before? If so, which ones? Do you have any candles you’re currently burning that you think I should try? I would love to know! Leave me a comment below and don’t forget to click the ‘like’ button.

*Please note these candles apart from Bellerose had all been gifted to me for the purpose of this review.

---

ACQUA DI PARMA BARBIERE COLLECTION

---

Acqua Di Parma have recently launched a grooming collection; Barbiere, which has everything you could possibly need and expect from the classic Italian brand! Ranging from shaving gels to creams, face masks and moisturisers, fragrance and more, I have recently had the pleasure of being able to trial these out over the past couple of months which had kindly been gifted to me to review.

————————————————————————————————————————————

ACQUA DI PARMA BARBIERE COLLECTION

Face Clay Mask

Containing clay, Sambucus nigra flower extract and flower oil, I applied a thin layer of this onto my skin after having cleansed it, and to start with, the Clay Mask is rather gloopy and dense, but after leaving this on my skin for around 8 minutes or so, the Clay Mask began to feel tight and dry which I then rinsed off.

My skin felt incredibly smooth and I loved how my skin felt soft to the touch! I would recommend only using this Clay Mask once or twice a week, just to allow your skin to breathe a little in between uses.

For more information, click here!

Moisturising Face Cream

I applied this Moisturising Face Cream first thing of a morning after my face had been cleansed.

The texture of the Face Cream was rather light and when applied onto my skin, this absorbed quickly and easily leaving my skin feeling hydrated with a healthy, dewy glow!

Available in 50ml, learn more here.

Shaving Gel

Formulated using a blend of vegetal oils, this Shaving Gel aims to stop irritation and is better suited for those who need a quick shaving solution!

Once I applied this to the areas which I needed, the gel quickly turns into foam and made the razor glide across my skin rather easily.

This Shaving Gel comes in 150ml and you can learn more about this here.

Moisturising Eye Cream

This Moisturising Eye Cream has been formulated with hyaluronic acid and African birch tree bark extract which aims to reduce fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area.

The applicator was a little tricky to understand at first, but in order for this to work, you need to push down the metal ball to allow the Eye Cream to come through, and then you can roll this along your orbital bone!

I’ll be honest, I didn’t notice a big difference with this one and I’m not sure if it was either the way the applicator worked as it only let out a small amount of cream at a time…

For more information, click here.

Refreshing Aftershave Emulsion

Containing Hyaluronic Acid, this Aftershave Emulsion helps to hydrate the skin after a shave which restores and revitalises the skin which leaves it feeling soft due to the vegetal oils within it too!

Click here to read more details.

Soft Shaving Cream

Out of the shaving products, this Soft Shaving Cream was my favourite! This Soft Shaving Cream contains pomegranate seed oil, lemon oil, basil extract and hyaluronic acid.

Living up to its name, the texture of the cream was incredibly soft and I loved how easily this allowed my razor to glide across making for a quick and easy shave. I also liked how my skin felt afterwards and there was virtually no hair left!

For more, click here.

————————————————————————————————————————————

Being a fan of the Acqua Di Parma brand already, be sure to read my other reviews such as;

Cedro di Taormina / Ebano / Aranci Di Capri trio / Christmas Collection 2018

Have you tried anything from the Barbiere Collection before? If so, what did you try? Is there anything you like the sound of? Let me know below as I’d love to hear from you and don’t forget to click the ‘like’ button!

---

ACQUA DI PARMA - CHRISTMAS 2018

---

Acqua Di Parma are one of my favourite Male Grooming brands with their Ebano fragrance being one of my favourites for this time of year, alongside the rich and aquatic fragrance for Spring/Summer; Cedro di Taormina! So you can imagine that I was completely bowled over when a large ‘Hat Box’ had arrived from one of their Christmas Collections. The box itself was presented with a ribbon wrapped beautifully around it and I didn’t dare spoil it by pulling it apart!

With that being said, once inside of the box there were three items from one of their Christmas Collections which have all been given a Festive touch this Christmas where the packaging has been beautifully designed and illustrated by the British artist, Clym Evernden. Other Collections include;

• Colonia Pura

• Blu Mediterraneo

• Le Nobili

• Ingredient Collection

• Home

• Body Collection

• Made To Measure Sets

Fo this particular Festive Gift Set that I received, it contained;

• Colonia - Candle

• Colonia - Eau de Cologne

• Colonia - Hand Wash & Hand Cream

The Colonia Pura scent is bold and citrusy that feels fresh when sprayed upon my skin which is making me yearn for those long, hot Summer days! I will be sure to revisit this fragrance again next Spring for a full blog review so be sure to check back for this. I also love the design of the Festive packaging this year, minimal yet fun!

To view more of the Festive Gift Sets this Christmas, click here.

Acqua Di Parma are currently offering engraving on their bottles in which you can leave a special message for that special somebody this Christmas and please note, there is guaranteed delivery by 24th December on all orders placed by 20th December by 12pm. Only two days left to take advantage of this before it’s too late!

Have you smelt anything by Acqua Di Parma before? If so, what fragrance have you smelt? Which is your favourite from the brand? Do you have your eye on anything for Christmas? Let me know your thoughts as I would love to hear from you, and don’t forget to click the ‘like’ button below!

---

FATHER'S DAY GIFTS 2018

---

Following on from my Father's Day Fragrances Gift Guide, for this post I have selected a few gifts ranging from skincare, fragrance and body-care! 

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

ELEMIS LUXURY TRAVEL COLLECTION £45

Designed exclusively by Lily & Lionel, this slick bag has an exclusive print emblazoned across it! Within this Travel Collection comes a few Elemis staple products such as:

• Ice-Cool Foaming Shave Gel (100ml)
• Deep Cleanse Facial Wash (50ml)
• Daily Moisture Boost (50ml)
• Sharp Shower Body Wash (100ml)
• Instant Refreshing Gel (20ml)

To purchase this Limited Edition Luxury Travel Collection, click here!

KIEHL'S FACIAL FUEL £33

A personal favourite of mine, and a moisturiser I have raved about time and time again! Kiehl's Facial Fuel contains SPF 15 which is ideal for the Summer season, ensuring your skin stays protected whilst being hydrated. (125ml)

You can read my full review on Kiehl's Facial Fuel here, and to purchase this, click here!

MANKIND GROOMING BOX - EXPLORER EDIT £40

As a Mankind Grooming Ambassador, it is always such a pleasure to work with them and to receive their incredible Grooming Boxes! In this Explorer Edit Grooming Box the contents are:

• Omorovicza - Refining Facial Polisher (100ml)
• Korres - Santorini Vine Showergel (250ml)
• men-u - ultra concentrate 'deep clean' clay mask (100ml)
• Anthony - Shave Cream (90ml)
• Regenerate - Advanced Toothpaste (75ml)
• Elemis - Deep Cleanse Facial Wash (150ml)

To get your hands on this incredible Grooming Box guaranteed to please your Father, click here!

ACQUA DI PARMA - ARANCIA DI CAPRI

Acqua Di Parma are instantly recognised for their unique, clean smelling scents and this trio of goodies are no exception! Acqua Di Parma have released brand new lip balms, body lotions and hand lotions all in 5 of their most popular scents ranging from; Arancia Di Capri, Bergamotto di Calabria, Fico di Amalfi, Mirto di Panarea and their newest scent, Chinotto di Liguria. I was lucky enough to be able to get my hands on the Arancia Di Capri trio:

• Lip balm £14 (15ml) 
• Body lotion £35 (150ml)
• Hand lotion £19 (30ml)

To shop the Arancia Di Capri trio, click here!

EIGHT & BOB - ROBERT F KENNEDY: SPECIAL EDITION

A beautiful homage to Robert F Kennedy. Eight & Bob partnered up with Robert F Kennedy Human Rights Foundation by donating part of the revenue from this project received by this special edition as a tribute to R.F.K's dream of a more just and peaceful world. 

To read more about this fragrance, click here.

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

I hope you enjoyed this Gift Guide for Father's Day and I do hope it has inspired you with some gift ideas! 

Would you like me to review any of these in a singular post? If so, which ones? Do you have your Father's Day gift already? If so, what have you bought!? I would love to hear your thoughts, and don't forget to click the 'like' button below!

---

WINTER FRAGRANCES 2017

---

It is that time of year again where I bring you a few of 'Must Have' fragrances of the season, and in this Winter Guide I will be covering the key aspects of all fragrances, and telling you why you these are serious contenders this Winter!

The key aspects I will be covering are;

1. Notes featured within the fragrance
2. Longevity
3. Sillage
4. & my overall experience and thoughts on the fragrance itself!

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

BYKILIAN - SINGLE MALT

• Top Notes: Plum
• Middle Notes: Wheat
• Base Notes: Cedar, Vanilla, Tolu Balsam

I had the pleasure of visiting the ByKilian Boutique earlier this year in London and I vividly remember 'Single Malt' being my favourite due to its powerful sillage and how the fragrance really did capture the essence of Malt Whisky!

Single Malt begins with a strong and fruity opening which then dries down into a deeper, rich scent which for me begins to fade slightly but seems to be powerful to others around me due to many compliments even hours after wearing this with the sillage being heavy and the projection being loud!

I would recommend wearing Single Malt in the evening/nighttime as it is bold and sensual, and will definitely get you noticed.

You can purchase ByKilian - Single Malt here.

EMPORIO ARMANI - STRONGER WITH YOU

• Top Notes: Cardamom, Pink Pepper, Violet Leaf, Mint
• Middle Notes: Sage, Melon, Pineapple
• Base Notes: Vanilla, Chestnut, Cedar, Amberwood

Armani's newest fragrant pairing offers two different scents designed for those which are equal in strength and come in the form of Stronger With You (Men's) and Because It's You (Women's).

For my Winter Guide I will be talking about the Stronger With You fragrance! The fragrance opens up with a sweet burst of the Vanilla note. Whilst I found the fragrance to be a clean, well rounded fragrance, I did find it to be a little synthetic and the fragrance quickly faded from my skin.

I would recommend wearing this during the daytime and I found that the sillage was medium and its projection medium.

You can purchase Emporio Armani - Stronger With You here.  

ACQUA DI PARMA - EBANO

• Top Notes: Petitgrain, Bergamot, Resins, Red Pepper
• Middle Notes: Ebony, Honey
• Base Notes: Patchouli, Vetiver

A woody and smokey fragrance that feels like an old classic! Ideal for the colder, Winter periods.

The opening of Ebano opens with the strong note of Honey which becomes more spicy with the Red Pepper note kicking in and the dry down feels woody and rich.

The longevity lasted for up to 5 hours on my skin and its sillage was medium to heavy. Not too overpowering and is best suited for the evening.

You can purchase Acqua Di Parma - Ebano here. 

PACO RABANNE - PURE XS

• Top Notes: Ginger, Green Accord, Thyme
• Middle Notes: Vanilla, Cinnamon, Leather, Liquor
• Base Notes: Cedar, Myrrh, Sugar

Pure XS by Paco Rabanne opens up with the sweetness of the Vanilla note which quickly fades down into a smokey and spicy fragrance.

The longevity of Pure XS was slightly disappointing as it only lasted for up to 3/4 hours upon my skin, however, I gained a few compliments from having worn this! I would recommend wearing Pure XS during the nighttime and its sillage was light-medium. 

A little side note, the packaging of Pure XS comes in a divine suede effect box making it the ultimate luxury present!

You can purchase Paco Rabanne - Pure XS here.

CALVIN KLEIN - OBSESSED

• Top Notes: Grapefruit, Sichuan Pepper, Cardamom
• Middle Notes: Cedar, Labdanum, Leather
• Base Notes: Black Vanilla Husk, Patchouli, Ambroxan

One of my personal favourites! Fronted by the iconic Kate Moss shot by Mario Sorrenti, Obsessed is rather similar to the Armani Campaign in that there are two versions of Calvin Klein; Obsessed. One for the men, and the other for women.

Obsessed is one of my personal favourites as I love how sweet and sensual the scent is! The fragrance opens up with the Grapefruit note which remains prominent throughout and during the dry-down, the scent becomes musky and spicy.

In terms of the longevity, Obsessed lasted on my skin for up to 5/6 hours and the sillage was light-medium. I would recommend wearing this during the daytime leading into the early evening.

You can purchase Calvin Klein - Obsessed here.

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

I hope you have enjoyed my Winter Fragrances Guide and I would be very interested to know if any of your favourites have made it into this Guide! I do hope that is has helped and informed you on making some choices when it comes to updating and refreshing your fragrance choices, and perhaps it's given you some thoughts on a potential Christmas Gift?

Have you tried any of these fragrances that I have featured within my Winter Guide? If so, which ones have you tried? Which is your favourite? Least favourite? Which worked for you, and didn't work so much? Do let me know, as I would love to hear from you and don't forget to click that 'like' button down below!

---

ACQUA DI PARMA; CEDRO di TAORMINA

---

Although Spring hasn't officially arrived yet, these past couple of days I have been taken full advantage of the sunny weather, and to really emphasise that 'Spring feeling', I have been wearing the Cedro di Taormina by Acqua Di Parma. A perfect scent for those warm, sunny days!

Cedro di Taormina is an Eau De Toilette which has been inspired by the landscapes of Taormina along the Sicily Coast, and is part of the 'Blu Mediterraneo' collection by Acqua Di Parma.

The notes featured within Cedro di Taormina are;

• Top Notes: Citruses, Petitgrain, Basil
• Middle Notes: Black Pepper, Lavender
• Base Notes: Labdanum, Vetiver, Virginian Cedar

The opening is a fresh, bold burst of fruity citrusey notes and has a rich feel to the fragrance with the Citrus notes blending with the Basil creating a green, earthy fragrance. Soon after, Cedro di Taormina takes a different turn, and becomes rather spicy with the Black Pepper note remaining prominent throughout.

During the dry-down, the scent becomes slightly woody, yet still has a very fresh, aquatic feel to it! The sillage is rather light to moderate, a bold opening, but becomes rather subtle as the scent dries down. In terms of the longevity, I would say that this lasted for up to 4-5 hours which given that this is an Eau De Toilette, is pretty impressive! I also want to point out that I am a huge lover of the packaging and how striking, yet simplistic the appearance of the bottle is. 

You can purchase Cedro di Taormina here, and don't forget to take a look at the other fragrances from the Blu Mediterraneo collection! Keep your eyes peeled for more reviews from Acqua Di Parma, and if there are any fragrances that you would like me to review from them, please do let me know down below!

Have you smelt Cedro di Taormina before? What are your thoughts to it? Have you smelt any of the fragrances from the 'Blu Mediterraneo' collection? If so, which one? Don't forget to leave me a comment and hit that like button down below!

---