A/W FRAGRANCES 2020


Now that we have arrived into the colder, Autumnal months, I have put together a guide to help assist you when it comes to selecting your A/W Fragrance for 2020! A few of these fragrances are newly released so if you’re after something that perhaps not many know about just yet, then stick around… After all, who wants to smell exactly the same as everybody else?

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AUTUMN/WINTER FRAGRANCES 2020

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ATELIER COLOGNE - LOVE OSMANTHUS

  • Top Notes: Italian Lemon

  • Middle Notes: Chinese Osmanthus

  • Base Notes: Cedar

Love Osmanthus opens with a bold, citrusy burst that makes me long for those warm, Summer days again which is why I wanted to include this particular scent in this Autumn/Winter Guide.

I also love that Love Osmanthus has been created using 94% natural ingredients which does away with those ‘synthetic, cheap’ vibes.

The dry-down then begins to feel slightly fruity, almost ‘peach-like’ with the Cedar note then balancing things out making the fragrance feel a little dense.

Admittedly, the silage and projection of Love Osmanthus lasted for around 3-4 hours on my skin which was a little disappointing however, if you’re somebody that enjoys a light, fruity fragrance that brings back Summer memories, this is one definitely worth checking out here!

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SALVATORE FERRAGAMO - FERRAGAMO

  • Top Notes: Bergamot, Lemon, Sage

  • Middle Notes: Violet Leaf, Leather, Cedar

  • Base Notes: Oakmoss, Vetiver, Musk

Ferragamo is perhaps the fragrance within this Autumn/Winter that feels the most safe, reliable and the go-to scent when you’re looking for something that can be worn every day which isn’t too overpowering yet still interesting enough to garner a compliment or two!

The fragrance opens initially feeling citrusy that then rather quickly dries-down into a much more woodier scent that feels rather creamy.

Perfect for an Autumnal day! The sillage of Ferragamo is medium-heavy and lasted for an impressive 7-8 hours on my skin.

Read more about Salvatore Ferragamo - Ferragamo here.

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JEAN PAUL GAULTIER - “LE MALE” LE PARFUM INTENSE

  • Top Notes: Cardamom

  • Middle Notes: Lavender, Iris

  • Base Notes: Vanilla, Oriental Notes, Woody Notes

Out of the fragrances within this Guide, Jean Paul Gaultier - Le Male Le Parfum is my own personal favourite… The reason for this is because of how addictive this fragrance is!

Compared against the classic ‘Le Male’ this particular take differs a lot in the sense that it’s much more refined, elegant and darker. The fragrance feels oriental and sweet yet done in a way that isn’t sickly or too dense! The warmth of the Vanilla note leaves this fragrance feeling sensual and dark, ideal for this time of year and is a definite head turner.

Le Male Le Parfum’s sillage is heavy and its longevity lasted an incredible 9-10 hours! I could still smell this faintly on my skin the morning after having sprayed it. Absolute winner for me and you can find out more details here!

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LACOSTE - MATCH POINT

  • Top Notes: Basil, Pink Pepper, Grapefruit

  • Middle Notes: Gentiana, Clary Sage, Geranium

  • Base Notes: Vetiver, Cashmeran

A fresh yet spicy, powdery opening that slowly dries down into a warmer, woodier kind of fragrance. I found Match Point to be better suited to being worn throughout the day and is similar to the ‘Ferragamo’ fragrance in that it is a ‘safe’ fragrance to wear!

If you’re after something that can be worn easily throughout the day then perhaps Match Point is one to check out, you can find out more details here.

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ESCENTRIC MOLECULES - 05

  • Top Notes: Bergamot, Orange, Fig Leaf, Fig, Laurels, Juniper, Basil, Rosemary

  • Middle Notes: Cypress, Hedione, Freesia, Iris, Jasmine

  • Base Notes: Cashmeran, Labdanum, Musk, Ambroxan, Mastic or Lentisque, Iso E Super

As a fan of the Escentric Molecules brand and having reviewed their fragrance ‘03’ before, I was keen to try out their latest scent ‘05’ and it certainly didn’t disappoint!

Similar to the Love Osmanthus fragrance as previously mentioned in the sense that this also opens with a fruity, citrusy, fresh burst however, this differs as 05 dries-down into a much more spicy, warm fragrance which lingers around on a cool, autumnal day.

Throughout the journey of 05, the fragrance then starts to feel much more ‘green' with a touch of the floral notes underlying in the background. Overall, 05 is better suited to those who enjoy complex fragrances that have a few twists and turns along the way and in terms of its sillage I’d class this as medium with its longevity lasting around 6-7 hours when sprayed upon my skin.

Find out more about Escentric Molecules here!

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COACH NEW YORK - BLUE

  • Top Notes: Lime, Absinthe

  • Middle Notes: Ozonic Notes, Black Pepper

  • Base Notes: Amber, Cedar

An incredibly fresh, watery opening of the Lime note blended perfectly with the woody, warm notes of Amber and Cedar during the dry-down lends itself to an interesting fragrance. I wore this on both during the day and evening and found that its performance was better in the evening as the spicy kick of Black Pepper stood out more which felt warm and creamy for this time of year!

Its sillage is light-medium and lasted between 5-6 hours on my skin. If you’re looking for a scent this Autumn/Winter that is refreshing and creamy, then Blue is a good scent to start with! Find out more about the fragrance here.

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VIKTOR & ROLF - SPICEBOMB NIGHT VISION EAU DE PARFUM

  • Top Notes: Lemon, Grapefruit, Green Apple, Black Pepper, Cardamom, Chilli Pepper, Nutmeg, Cloves

  • Middle Notes: Rosemary, Clary Sage, Coriander, Mastic or Lentisque, Lavender, Mint

  • Base Notes: Nutty Notes, Pistachio, Patchouli, Cedar, Olibanum, Peru Balsam, Balsam Fir, Benzoin, Labdanum

The release of ‘Spicebomb Night Vision Eau De Toilette’ was panned by the fragrance world due to its disappointing performance so when the news of the Night Vision was to be re-released but as a Eau De Parfum, I was intrigued to see how this would differ to the Eau De Toilette version and see if this version would make up for the original and guess what? It did.

It’s a much richer, sensual version and the spiciness really kicks through! Performance wise, its sillage is undoubtedly heavy verging on a little overpowering at times so minimal sprays only with this scent is needed and its longevity lasted between 7-8 hours on my skin.

You can find out more about Spicebomb Night Vision - Eau De Parfum here!

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I hope that you have enjoyed this Autumn/Winter Fragrance guide and that you’re feeling more inspired when it comes to selecting your fragrance! Let me know which one is your favourite, or perhaps one that you’re not so keen on. Are there any you would recommend that you feel I should try? Follow me on Instagram and Twitter and let’s carry on the conversation!


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!

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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 }

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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 }

 

 

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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 }

 

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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


VIKTOR & ROLF BARBERSHOP


I hold Viktor & Rolf; Spicebomb accountable for my love and passion for fragrances. I had bought Spicebomb when it had first been released back in 2012, and it was at a time where nobody else knew about the fragrance or had smelt it before. I felt as though I was onto something good, and bizarrely, I didn't want to disclose what aftershave I was wearing, simply because I wanted to keep this a secret, for as long as I could!

Naturally, with Spicebomb being extremely distinctive, and more people were falling in love with it, inevitably I couldn't escape from the fragrance! So when I had received the Spicebomb bundle of goodies, I felt I had come full circle.

The Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Barbershop bundle consists of: 

Admittedly, having a beard has meant that I have been unable to try out the Nourishing Pre-Shave Oil, and the Non Foaming Shaving Cream. However, if any of you out there have tried these, do let me know your thoughts on these two products down below!

The Spicebomb Eau De Toilette is outstanding when it comes to longevity! One of the few scents that last the longest upon my skin, and the sillage of this is heavy/enormous! If you're wanting to turn a few heads, then I would thoroughly recommend you try out Spicebomb. The Spicebomb Shower Gel surprised me a little due to having tried out 'fragrances turned shower gels' before and they've always lacked something, however, the Spicebomb Shower Gel stays true to the scent, and I feel that the Shower Gel adds a clean, scented layer to my skin!

Have you tried Spicebomb before? What are your thoughts? I'd be curious as to see if you have ever smelt their female version 'Flowerbomb' before on a female too? Do let me know, as I always love to hear from you!