TOM FORD: TOBACCO OUD

In my own personal opinion, Tom Ford's Tobacco Oud has to be the most divisive fragrance he has ever launched.

image.jpg

Tom Ford released Tobacco Oud in 2013 and is a unisex fragrance. This fragrance features the notes Oud, Tobacco, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Spicy notes and Whiskey. The notes which are featured within this fragrance, on paper all create a very strong, masculine fragrance. 

I remember falling in love with Tom Ford's Black Orchid and that fragrance led me to fall deeply in love with Tom Ford himself, and his brand. I started to do my research on all of his fragrances and Tobacco Oud was one that screamed out to me simply because of how split everybody's opinions on this fragrance were. This fragrance is not one to sit on the fence. 

I visited the Tom Ford counter in Selfridges in Manchester as my friend and I were, and still are besotted with his products and I was desperate to smell Tobacco Oud just so I could see what all of the hype was about and immediately, all of the fuss over this smell was deserved. On the initial spray I must admit, I felt I needed a good, deep clean to scrub this dirty smell off of my skin. It is very powerful and the Tobacco note definitely shone through.

I felt slightly disappointed with this as I always champion the underdog but it was just too dirty to wear on my skin. Yet, for some bizarre, perplexing reason.. I couldn't get enough of it. With every sample I had ordered to determine whether or not to buy it, I was forever fighting with myself. On the one hand how could I justify spending my money on something that smelt dirty? Yet on the other hand, how could I not purchase something that smelt stunning? 

I loved how strong this fragrance was and I loved how it split opinions. The fragrance lingers in the air and can leave a heavy trail behind it.  This fragrance is definitely not for the meek person and I'd be prepared for the odd "Goodness, what is that smell?" comment. This fragrance started off with me loathing it yet has now become a solid, winter favourite for me and I will definitely wear this in the cold, harsh weather.

If you're looking for a bold, daring scent this Autumn/Winter then this is one you should definitely try out. 

Have you smelt Tom Ford Tobacco Oud before? If so, get in touch and let me know what you think! I would love to hear your opinions. 

Tom Ford Tobacco Oud is available to order here and comes in 50ml & 250ml.

TOM FORD - LAVENDER EXTREME

Tom Ford’s Lavender Extreme is fresh, creamy and bold. The bottle itself is worth a nod at too!

tomfordlavenderextreme.jpg

  • Top Notes: Lemon, Violet

  • Middle Notes: Lavender, Geranium, Rose, Cinnamon

  • Base Notes: Coumarin, Tonka Bean

I first came across Lavender Extreme in John Lewis and what initially drew me to the fragrance (regardless of the fact it was Tom Ford’s latest scent), was the bottle. The fragrance Lavender Extreme is encased in a beautiful, glass mirrored bottle that screams out luxury! But, I digress, let’s get back to the fragrance itself.

Lavender Extreme begins with a bold, sweet blast that at first feels rather overpowering but as the fragrance develops during the dry-down, that sharpness of the Lavender soon gets lost amongst the other notes. The fragrance then becomes much more creamier, almost vanilla-like due to the Tonka Bean note. In my opinion, I think that Lavender Extreme is a beautiful fragrance, however, there is nothing ‘extreme’ about the use of Lavender here…

For me, this is a perfect fragrance for somebody who like me, can only enjoy Lavender in small doses and enjoys rich, creamy scents. The longevity of Lavender Extreme lasted for up to 5-6 hours on my skin and its sillage I found to be placed somewhere between medium to heavy. The opening of Lavender Extreme is definitely the winning point throughout this fragrances performance and I would class this as genderless. Perhaps better worn for an evening setting to really make an entrance!

For more details and to purchase, click here.

Have you smelt Tom Ford - Lavender Extreme before? If so, what are your thoughts? What is your favourite Tom Ford fragrance? Are there any you’d like me to review? Let me know your thoughts below as I would love to hear from you and don’t forget to click the ‘like’ button!

MOTHERS DAY FRAGRANCES 2019

With Mother’s Day fast approaching us here in the United Kingdom this Sunday 31st March, I have put together a little Gift Guide of fragrances that will win your Mother over and make her day!

mothersdaygiftmrlukechristian.png

————————————————————————————————————————-

marcjacobsdaisysunshineblog.png

MARC JACOBS - DAISY (SUNSHINE EDITION)

  • Top Notes: Strawberry, Violet

  • Middle Notes: Marigold

  • Base Notes: Woody Notes, Wild Berries

A must have for any woman in your life, Daisy by Marc Jacobs is instantly recognisable with its floral-woody presence throughout its performance.

The Limited Edition ‘Sunshine’ fragrance differs to the original Daisy by feeling a little more fruity with the Strawberry note remaining prominent throughout that feels fresh, light and refreshing which is perfect for the upcoming Spring/Summer seasons.

If your Mother enjoys a fragrance that has a fruity kick to it, then this is the scent for her! To purchase, click here.

tomfordsantalblushblog.png

TOM FORD - SANTAL BLUSH

  • Top Notes: Cinnamon, Caraway, Spices, Carrot Seeds, Fenugreek

  • Middle Notes: Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang, Rose

  • Base Notes: Musk, Sandalwood, Virginia Cedar, Benzoin, Oud

A sophisticated fragrance with its creamy, warm notes of the Sandalwood and Spices with rich and floral tones which makes this fragrance feel both mysterious and exotic. A confident scent that although has a soft projection, it leaves you wanting more.

Perfect for your Mother if she is a strong woman who knows exactly who she is, but wants to leave an air of mystery about her… To purchase, click here.

chloenomadeblog.png

CHLOE - NOMADE

  • Top Notes: Mirabelle, Bergamot, Lemon, Orange

  • Middle Notes: Freesia, Jasmine, Peach, Rose

  • Base Notes: Oakmoss, Amberwood, Patchouli, Sandalwood, White Musk

Nomade by Chloé is a take on its original ‘Chloé’ fragrance which was launched back in 2008 and is a staple in many womens fragrance collections!

The Nomade scent differs by feeling less floral than the original, and more ‘dirty’ by focusing on a more earthier, woodier feel. A fragrance that is possibly the heaviest within this Gift Guide, this is ideal for your Mother if she prefers a stronger, more powerful scent!

To purchase, click here.

calvinkleinwomenblog.png

CALVIN KLEIN - WOMEN

  • Top Notes: Eucalyptus, Black Pepper, Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon

  • Middle Notes: Orange Blossom, Magnolia, Jasmine, Hedione, Raspberry, Tea

  • Base Notes: Cedar, Olibanum, Ambroxan, Cashmeran, Violet, White Musk

Created by Raf Simons, this fragrance is inspired by his passion for photography and the inspiration of strength and power in women. A fresh, clean and linear fragrance, Women feels citrusy with an undertone of the woody notes coming through during the dry-down. If your Mother enjoys a fuss-free fragrance that is fresh and light on the skin, then this is the one for her!

To purchase, click here.

&OtherStoriesNomadsPoemBlog.png

& OTHER STORIES - NOMADS POEM

  • Top Notes: Plum, Coconut Water

  • Middle Notes: Patchouli Leaves, Orange Flowers

  • Base Notes: Black Amber, Marshmallow, Patchouli

A light fragrance that feels spicy yet mellow with its earthy tones running throughout the fragrances performance. Nomads Poem could be classed as unisex, with its delicate touch yet dense feeling which is a complete contradiction in itself which lends for an interesting journey! This fragrance would be perfect if your Mother knows no boundaries and enjoys scents that have an interesting twist to them.

To purchase, click here.

appleyardlondonmothersday.png

APPLEYARD LONDON - SECRET GARDEN

The bouquet of flowers which have been featured in each of these photographs were kindly gifted to me by Appleyard London for who I am a social ambassador for!

This stunning bouquet features soft pinks and delicate purples with sweet avalanche roses, antique carnations, delicate alstroemeria & soft pink sugar flair hypericum berries.

A perfect alternative gift for this Mother’s Day, and to make things extra special, I have a 20% off code for all bouquets at Appleyard London! CODE: LUKE20

(Please note, this code excludes any additional gifts/add ons and delivery charges.)

To purchase, click here.

————————————————————————————————————————-

I hope you’ve enjoyed this Gift Guide and I would love to know if any of these have inspired you for when it comes to choosing a gift!

Have you smelt any of these before? If so, which ones? Do you have any favourites? Do you already know what you will be treating your Mother too? Let me know below as I would love to hear from you and don’t forget to click the ‘like’ button!

*Please note, some of these fragrances were gifted to me for the purpose of this Gift Guide.

TOM FORD - COSTA AZZURRA

After a widespread of disappointment when Tom Ford announced Costa Azzurra had been discontinued late last year, Costa Azzurra is officially back, and I for one couldn't be happier!

20180523_154919710_iOS 1.jpg

I remember when Tom Ford released three blue fragrances from a sub-collection of which there were:

  1. Costa Azzurra
  2. Mandarino Di Amalfi
  3. Fleur De Portofino

COSTA AZZURRA

  • Top Notes: Seaweed, Driftwood, Agarwood, Celery Seeds, Ambrette, Cardamom
  • Middle Notes: Juniper, Myrtle, Lavender, Lemon, Yellow Mandarin, Artemisia
  • Base Notes: Mastic/Lentisque, Olibanum, Incense, Vanilla, Vetiver, Oak

Out of the three, Costa Azzurra was my immediate favourite because it was unlike any other Spring/Summer fragrance I had previously smelt. I had always been accustomed to the idea of a Spring/Summer scent being quite light, citrusy and sweet! For me, Costa Azzurra was the total opposite, an aquatic, woody scent that transported me along a coastline where the sea breeze meets the saltiness of the ocean.

The opening of Costa Azzurra began with a burst of the citrus notes that quickly dried down into a more aquatic, dense scent with the woody notes soon coming into play. Admittedly, Costa Azzurra didn't last too long on my skin and slowly began to fade between 3-4 hours which was disappointing, but allowed me to use that as an excuse to spray some more head to toe... In terms of the sillage, I found it to be soft to medium and I had been complimented several times from having worn this!

To purchase Tom Ford - Costa Azzurra, click here.

Be sure to check out my other Tom Ford fragrance reviews on Oud Minerale, Sole Di Positano, Soleil Blanc, Neroli Portofino Acqua, Noir De Noir, Tobacco Oud and Tobacco Vanille!

TOM FORD OUD MINERALE

Out of all of the Oud's that Tom Ford has created, Oud Minérale has exceeded all of the other Ouds by far. A bold statement I agree, especially as Tobacco Oud was my overall winner, but there's just something so stunning about Oud Minérale and if you have smelt it before, then it should come as no surprise for it to be my new found favourite!

20170910_134921469_iOS.jpg

TOM FORD OUD MINERALE NOTES:

  • Sea Salt
  • Sea Notes
  • Agarwood (Oud)
  • Pink Pepper
  • Styrax
  • Seaweed

Upon the first spray, Oud Minérale feels incredibly fresh and aquatic-like. During the dry-down, it takes a rather spicy turn which only highlights the marine notes and makes the scent leap off of my skin! The fragrance transports me to a beachfront after rainfall, that dampness in the air mixed with the saltiness of the ocean.

The Oud note is rather subtle and differs to the other Oud fragrances due to this, however, the longevity of Oud Minérale lasted for an impressive 7-8 hours upon my skin. Its sillage is medium to heavy, and I received many compliments from having worn this!

Overall, my favourite Oud fragrance by Tom Ford and one that I find suits the colder weather better! You can purchase Oud Minérale here.

Be sure to check out my other Tom Ford fragrance reviews on Sole Di Positano, Soleil Blanc, Neroli Portofino Acqua, Noir De Noir, Tobacco Oud and Tobacco Vanille!

Have you smelt Oud Minérale before? If so, what did you think of the fragrance? Are you a fan? Out of the Oud fragrances by Tom Ford, which is your favourite? Do let me know your thoughts below, and don't forget to click that 'like' button!

TOM FORD SOLE DI POSITANO

The latest offering from Tom Ford is the stunning fragrance; Sole Di Positano. A beautiful blend that is equally as floral as it is citrusy, simply ideal for wearing throughout the Summer months!

  • Top Notes: Mandarin Orange, Lemon, Calabrian Bergamot, Bitter Orange, Petitgrain
  • Heart Notes: Shiso, Orange Blossom, Neroli, Ylang-Ylang, Lily-Of-The-Valley, Jasmine
  • Base Notes: Moss

Inspired by the dreamy and beautiful Italian coastline of Positano, the fragrance begins with a fresh burst of the citrus notes which bounce off of my skin that feels rather smooth yet soft with the floral notes kicking in shortly afterwards. 

I find Sole Di Positano to have a similar vibe to the Mandarino Di Amalfi with them both being rather soft, but they differ as Sole Di Positano is predominately much more floral.

In terms of the longevity, Sole Di Positano lasted for up to 4 hours upon my skin, which is to be expected with such a light and breezy fragrance and the sillage was very light, but noticeable enough to have gained several compliments from having worn it! 

I would recommend wearing Sole Di Positano throughout the daytime, and you may be forgiven if you find yourself floating away to exotic locations with every spray... Tom Ford Sole Di Positano is available in 50ml, 100ml and 250ml and can be purchased here!

Don't forget to check out my other Tom Ford fragrance reviews on Soleil Blanc, Neroli Portofino Acqua, Noir De Noir, Tobacco Oud and Tobacco Vanille!

Have you smelt Sole Di Positano before? What are your thoughts on the fragrance? Which is your personal favourite from Tom Ford when it comes to fragrances? Do let me know your thoughts as I would love to hear from you, and don't forget to click that 'like' button below!

ULTIMATE VALENTINE'S GIFT GUIDE 2017

With less than a week to go now until Valentine's Day, I have put together a Gift Guide for your special loved one! But if like me you are single, then why not go ahead and treat yourself regardless!? 

I have chosen a few of my favourite gifts ranging from fragrances, to food and drink, finishing off with some little treats! I hope you enjoy this Gift Guide, and I hope these inspire you with some ideas!

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

FRAGRANCE:

FOR HER -

FOR HIM - 

Marc Jacobs - Daisy; Eau So Fresh/Kiss

I have lost count with the amount of ladies in my life who are in love with this fragrance! A sweet, yet fruity scent and one that will instantly make you a winner in any girls eyes! 

{ Purchase }

Viktor & Rolf - Flowerbomb

Another classic ladies fragrance; Flowerbomb! Similar to the Mens Spicebomb version in the sense that they are both very strong when it comes to sillage.

{ Purchase }

Narcisco Rodriguez - For Her; Fleur Musc

I find that the bottle of this looks like an enlarged, elegant version of nail varnish.. Just me? Anyway! A floral yet musky scent with vibrant notes.

{ Purchase }

Chloé - A Love Story

A clean fragrance that is equally as floral as it is citrusy! Perfect for the upcoming Spring season! 

{ Purchase }

Davidoff - Horizon Extreme

A woody, spicy fragrance that has incredible longevity and can give you many compliments!

{ Review || Purchase }

Viktor & Rolf - Spicebomb

My first ever fragrance, and one I will always go back to due to it's stunning scent, and the powerful sillage it leaves behind.  

{ Review || Purchase }

Issey Miyake - L'eau D'Issey Pour Homme Noir Ambre

An oriental scent that feels warm and sweet. Perfect for a nighttime, and the bottle is just as stunning as the fragrance!      

{ Website }

Tom Ford - Extreme

A strong, solid masculine scent. One I believe should be in Tom Ford's Private Blend Collection, it's that good. A woody, earthy fragrance and one that lasts for hours upon your skin!

{ Purchase }

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

FOOD AND DRINK:

Hotel Chocolat - The Valentines Pick Me Up

Chocolates from Hotel Chocolat are always a guaranteed way to make somebody feel good! Within this little goody box you get;

  1. Shortbread covered in 50% Milk Chocolate
  2. 6 white hearts flavoured with Passion Fruit 
  3. A slab of caramel-milk chocolate covered in puddles and florentines
  4. 2 hearts, one containing a hint of chilli (my favourite!) and the other, their signature praline

{ Purchase } 

Kraken Black Spiced Rum

I had been sent a little sample of Kraken Rum last year from 31Dover.com, and ever since that sample, I have been hooked. Honestly, it is all I ever drink now! It is sublime. I drink this with Coke as I have found it to mix perfectly, although I am looking for new mixers and cocktail suggestions to use Kraken Rum with? Any help? 

{ Review }

 

 

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

GIFTS:

TK Maxx - Stags Head

A gift bought for me a couple of years ago, that I have found instantly grabs peoples attention wherever this is placed within my house. (It is also heavily featured in some of my YouTube videos that you may have seen!) Stunning, slick and bold, a must have for any man after something eye catching for their room!

Now, as with TK Maxx stores only stocking certain items, I have included the link for their website so you're able to find similar options to the stag and I have also found an alternative to the one photographed.

{ Alternative || Website }

 

 

Jo Malone - Mens Cologne Collection Gift Set #JustBecause

As a huge fan of all things Jo Malone, I was flattered when I had received their Mens Cologne Collection containing 5 of their miniature fragrances; 

  1. Dark Amber & Ginger Lily
  2. Grapefruit
  3. Amber & Lavender
  4. Wood Sage & Sea Salt
  5. Incense & Cedrat

As part of their #JustBecause campaign, in each of their boutiques, they are currently personalising each gift with a special message for your loved one! Your chosen gift will be wrapped with a 'Just Because' ribbon, and will feature your personal message on a gift card. Why? Well, just because!

{ Purchase || Website }

Blossoming Gifts - 50 Red Roses

I love roses, any type of rose, I absolutely love! So when Blossoming Gifts sent over this beautiful bouquet of 50 red roses, I was immediately won over! As a special treat to you, my readers, I can exclusively share with you a discount code of a whopping 33% to ensure your loved one will receive a special bouquet of flowers in time for Valentines!

DISCOUNT CODE: BGIFTS33

I would also like to point out, that I received these flowers on Friday 3rd February, and are still in perfect condition now, on Wednesday 8th February! Blossoming Gifts also offer Next Day Delivery when you order by 9pm.

*Please note that the code does not include those in the 'flowers by post' range, but is included on everything else!*

{ Purchase }

 

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

Have you tried any of these gifts mentioned in my Gift Guide? Which is your favourite? Have you any ideas of what you will be getting your loved one this year for Valentines? Perhaps if you're single, will you be treating yourself to anything? Do let me know your thoughts down below, and don't forget to click that like button! 

PS. Have a wonderful Valentines whatever your plans are. X