BYREDO - SEVEN VEILS

December 29, 2017 by Mr Luke Christian

TOP FRAGRANCE OF 2017

It is always difficult for me to pinpoint exactly which fragrance embodies and defines a whole year for me, but for me to do so, I always get drawn to those fragrances where as soon as I smell it, it will take me back to a very specific time/date/place. This particular fragrance which I chose is primarily down to the memories that come rushing back whenever I spray this upon my skin and for the sheer fact it is heavenly!

My top fragrance of 2017 is;

Byredo - Seven Veils

Fragrance Notes: Carrot, Pink Pepper, Vanilla, Rose, Wisteria, Orchid, Sandalwood.

I purchased Seven Veils earlier this year back in April when I visited Paris for my birthday. I had initially wanted Super Cedar, but when I sampled Seven Veils, there was something very chic and sophisticated about the fragrance that it just felt better suited to Paris! Even now as we're at the end of the year, it still takes me back to Springtime in Paris. Bliss!

The opening of Seven Veils is immediately captivating with the rather unique Carrot note going hand in hand with the Pink Pepper note creating a bold and spicy feel to it. As the dry-down begins, the Vanilla and the Floral notes add a warmth to the fragrance and overall feels rather boozy... In terms of the longevity, Seven Veils lasted for up to 9-10 hours upon my skin! Absolutely incredible and could still be smelt on my skin/clothing the next day! The sillage of Seven Veils is heavy with the projection being very loud, I would advise only a few sprays at a time when wearing this.

As I purchased this fragrance back in Springtime I was able to test out the fragrance in all of the seasons and in terms of its best delivery and to really maximise the most out of Seven Veils, I would recommend wearing this scent mid Autumn, early Winter. During the lighter Spring/Summer seasons I found it to be a little too dense and overpowering at times, but with the cold, crisp air highlighting the fragrance, it truly is one to try out for yourself! I have also received many compliments from having worn this also...

You can purchase Seven Veils by Byredo here!

Have you tried Seven Veils before? If so, what are your thoughts on the fragrance? Have you smelt any Byredo fragrances? Which is your favourite? Do you have a favourite fragrance of 2017? Which is it!? Do let me know your thoughts as I would love to hear from you, and don't forget to click the 'like' button below!

P.S. Have a cracking New Year!

MMUK MAN

December 21, 2017 by Mr Luke Christian

Apart from using the occasional powder to stop my face from appearing shiny after fake-tanning, a bit of highlighter to enhance and make my cheekbones pop, a smattering of mattifier to smooth things out, I wouldn't necessarily say I was a big makeup user... But having read that list back, perhaps I am!?

I remember asking my Mum when I was about 15/16 if she would go to Boots for me to purchase some foundation for me as I felt a little embarrassed and as though it wasn't deemed as 'the thing to do' what with a young lad wearing makeup at the time. As time has gone on and my confidence has grown massively, I now couldn't care less and I think the stigma surrounding makeup for men has dwindled rather a lot due to the sudden rise in social media and the pressures in looking the absolute best 24/7.

Nowadays men seem to take huge pride in their appearance and if makeup can help aid and perfect how they look, then I don't think they would hesitate in making that makeup purchase!

I had recently been approached by MMUK Man to try out a few of their products from their makeup line and I received;

FACE FOUNDATION - SHADE NO.5 COOL NEUTRAL

I applied the Face Foundation with a brush and only used a small amount to begin with to slowly build it up if needed. I found that this gave me a smooth coverage which matched my skin tone perfectly!

The foundation felt light upon my face and didn't feel too heavy or dense either which was great! It also didn't appear too noticeable which is the look I was after and it helped to cover up a few of my blemishes also.

You can purchase the Face Foundation here.

BRONZE BABY BRONZER - GOLDEN GODDESS

Prior to using the Bronze Baby Bronzer, I always find bronzer to be a little too harsh on my skin and as I'm quite naturally fair, it can often look as though my face can be slightly dirty and a little too OTT!

This 'Golden Goddess' Baby Bronzer however, was at first slightly too dark for my skin tone but after brushing it into my skin a few more times, the Bronzer enhanced my cheeks and I found that the Bronzer looked better on my skin after fake tanning!

You can purchase the Bronze Baby Bronzer here.

MANSCARA

I have quite naturally long eyelashes and I'll be honest, I found the mascara made my eyelashes look as though I had 'falsies' on...

Which I is absolutely ideal if that is the look that you're aiming for! But for me personally, I prefer to have a more natural look around my eyes.

You can purchase the Manscara here.

COVER UP CONCEALER STICK - SHADE NO.5 COOL NEUTRAL

The Cover Up Concealer Stick was the one I was most looking forward to trying out!

I have a blemish on my cheek which is highly frustrating and when I used the Cover Up Stick, it completely vanished! The shade was perfectly matched to my skin tone and it didn't feel too heavy on my skin and blended in naturally.

You can purchase the Cover Up Concealer Stick here.

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Overall, I have really enjoyed using a few products from the MMUK Man make-up range and I have found it to be a fun and unique way to play around with for my blog! My favourites from the range were the Face Foundation and Cover Up Concealer Stick and although the Manscara didn't work personally for me, it may work perfectly for you? When it comes to make-up it is all about finding the right shade for your skin tone and most importantly, having fun with it!

Have you shopped with MMUK Man before? If so, what did you purchase? Do you have any favourites from the range? Any you think I should perhaps try? Do you wear a lot of make-up yourself? Let me know your thoughts below as I would love to hear your opinion on this and don't forget to click the 'like' button!

*Please note, this post has been sponsored.

CHEERS WITH HEVERLEE BEER

December 17, 2017 by Mr Luke Christian

Kicking back with a bottle of Heverlee Beer is simply the perfect way to unwind after a long hard day at work this Christmas!

Heverlee was first brewed and took inspiration from the monks back in the Medieval Times and was created in association with the Abbey of the Order of Premontre. Originating from Belgium, the Master Brewer underwent a journey to recreate and discover more about this classic taste and whilst exploring the Abbey's Library he learnt of a light and fresh tasting beer and used descriptions of the ancient beer to create Heverlee!

Prior to trying out Heverlee Beer, I was much more of a 'spirit' drinker, Rum being my favourite, but I welcome anything that will get me a little merry, especially at this time of year! I found Heverlee to be well-brewed, rather light in the sense that it didn't make me feel bloated afterwards compared to other beers that I have had previously, and I found the taste slightly bitter yet refreshing.

Heverlee is a 4.8% Premium Belgian Lager and has officially launched here in England and is now available to purchase from your local Tesco Express Store! For more details, click here.

Have you tried Heverlee Beer before? If so, what are your thoughts? Are you a fan of beer? Do let me know your thoughts below as I would love to hear from you, and don't forget to click that 'like' button!

*Please note, this post has been sponsored.

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2017

December 15, 2017 by Mr Luke Christian

As I sit down to write this post it is currently 10 days away from Christmas Day... Sorry, what? I feel completely unprepared, a little flustered and very rushed! Despite how I may be feeling, I have compiled a Christmas Gift Guide featuring fragrance, skincare, haircare and 'For Her' ideas, which will hopefully make you feel more prepared and organised this Christmas.

These are some amazing gifts which would make for a special present this year for a loved one of yours, or yourself, but don't worry, I won't say anything!

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FRAGRANCE

Mont Blanc - Legend Giftset