Thoughts on Scent and Fragrance: Layering

So I had thought of this topic for a while the last few weeks, almost going to store it at the back of my mind, but I thought I should be more strict with taking note and I end up jotting down drafts in my phone. I have been struggling with my blog for years, but it's these thoughts of wanting to share about my personal view on especially beauty and fashion that make me want to keep this blog. I was too afraid of running out of ideas that I resorted to list routine things (like a reviews on every f**king things I wore and use) that can be blog about, supposed so the blog is rich in content. However I just realized doing that, kind of dampen my passion when I actually sit down to blog . So I think of being more impulsive and stick to ideas that actually excites me instead of 'waiting' for the 'right time' to blog it just so because I want to post routine stuff first. 

So I love wearing fragrance very much. I even consider wearing it in bed (but I think I'll save that for when I'm married, lol). If I'm late, I rather go barefaced, even with just sunblock (no other skincare applied) but I always make time to properly spritz myself with fragrance.

Before I get on about layering, I thought I lay out a bit about myself on fragrance. 

1. In terms of notes and style should be along these lines; floral, bit of garden, spicy, a bit woody, oriental, then more of dark, strong and heavy but still feminine, some describe 'sexy', lol. It shouldn't be too woody or 'gardeny'.
2. Generally avoid EDT (eau de toilette)...waste of money and waste of time. Stick with EDP (eau de parfum) it might cost a bit more, but have more efficacy. EDP has higher aromatic compound concentration, last longer and has more of a 'waft' or sillage, kind of like when you pass by there's a trail of your scent. I like that when I put on my jacket there still remnants of yesterday's scent.
3. I admit at times I 'accidentally' sprayed too much and I might be one of those ladies that might make people around feel dizzy, lol, I find myself dizzy because of my own scent sometimes. Sorry. Moral of the story: Got to spritz tastefully.

 How to make my scent more personal?
I am one of those a bit peculiar about fragrance that at times I catch people wearing the same EDP, it's not pleasant, like when I find someone wearing the same dress. I wouldn't want to have the same EDP with close friends, my sis and even my mum. I always want to have my own scent that no one else had but the only way is to create your perfume without selling it.

Or some might suggest layering.

Layering 2-3 fragrance can work great and can be more personal since you kind of create a new scent. People practicing this to enhance a feature in their scent and balancing notes, like sweeter in something spicy, bit of masculinity in something feminine, etc. But I might end up being too 'analytical' about it.

So the most practical fragrance layering is by layering lotion before the EDP. Layering lotion or emollient before your fragrance help your fragrance last longer. Perfumes brands have perfumes sets for the purpose of layering. The standard set consists of bodywash, lotion and the fragrance. Then we have brands like Chanel that even offers deodorant and hair mist of the fragrance with the idea of truly enveloping you in this scent and maximising the 'waft' effect I mentioned. Then we have this universal body cream with no scent and has no effect (react) with your fragrant or some just use Vaseline.

So to personalise my scent, the key is to layer the right scented lotion. While having the lotion of the actual fragrant is good especially if you really like the that particular scent but it doesn't give that uniqueness you look for. I actually found the perfect lotion, but too bad it's discontinued even before I got it *got a sample at first*. But I remember that it is of 'woody' but still fresh with 'jasmine' and 'moss', kind of masculine. This would suit my style of EDP that is florally dark and strong.

these make me smell good :)

Bvglari Mon Jasmin Noir, Chanel Coco Mademoiselle, Chanel Coco Noir, Fragonard Belle de Nuit

My ultimate favourites would be the Chanel Coco Noir and Bvlgari Mon Jasmin Noir.
I wish the Mon Jasmin Noir would have the body lotion, it would be perfect. I imagine layering that with my other EDP especially those super feminine one would give that 'personal touch' I've been looking for... haihhh...

Hugo Boss Boss Nuit, Dior J'adore

I got some ideas from a perfume blog I love, Perfume Shrine especially on best spots to wear fragrance. Then I adjust in a way that suits me as I wear hijab and I don't bring perfume with me to top up through out the day.
FRAGRANCE ROUTINE

1. Body lotion. Scented. I focus on lower arm, neck and feet. Then I wear my hijab and yes, I wear EDP on clothes. EDP on clothes actually bring the true notes and is true secret of longer lasting fragrance. 
2. Spritz your Eau de Parfum  to the BACK of both hands. I read that the back of your hand is better than inside your wrist, give better longer lasting sillage. Anyway I wear metal watch which could possibly react and distort the notes of the EDP.
3. From the back of my hands, I dab on the INSIDE of my ELBOW, then shoulder near the armpit, side of your torso (ribs) and down to the back, to CALVES. 
4. Again spritz back of the hand, this time dab to side of head down the arm, outer arm and back of head. Basically area that my friends like to lean on.
5. Last touch, a single spritz to the centre of the chest on top of hijab/clothes.

Things to remember

• always DAB, never rub. Rubbing could ruin the phases of top, middle and base note and just left you with 'barely' there scent in short time.
• never skip deodorant. EDP is not for masking perspiration

I actually learnt a lot from Perfume Shrine. Do check it out!

Perfume Shrine

They break all these myths about perfume such as the ' wearing perfume near your pulse (inside wrist, neck and behind ears), saying it would spread through out your whole body. I used to believe that... but how exactly? does it get absorb into your veins or vessel, distribute by blood and diffuse out again?It's a myth and I agree. It might work because it just happen to be place accessible for the fragrance to diffuse. Since I'm wearing hijab that's not practical for me. Another style is to spritz in front and walk into the perfume... that's wasting the precious EDP and it could be very expensive so I totally agree with that. 

As much I like the idea of leaving a trail of fragrance, I believe modest should be my goal, but that does not mean I should use my fragrance halfheartedly. At times I oversprayed and hopefully by putting up this practical routine I can control myself. Fragrance should only be sensed in close proximity and I believe this routine has not cross that line (unless you oversprayed). But again, this routine is not for the faint-hearted, so if you're looking for more subtle effect, just reduce to your own comfort. 

Review: CHANEL LIFT LUMIÈRE Firming And Smoothing Fluid Makeup

So needless to say I lost the battle to keep my blog alive during summer. Unfortunately again, I was down again with my exam result and had to go through all the process of remedial, resit and waiting for result and damn it was so stressful. However, so glad that I pass and too bad since I got the result there were only a few days before the start of class... can you believe it? '-.- So I pretty much spend my time try to get out from this 'surreal' feeling of getting a pass. You know if I truly look into myself I still feel like I'm waiting for my resit result.. but it's already a month. I guess I didn't really get an actual 'break' like going somewhere and I didn't even spend effort to actually celebrate it. I think a celebration dinner/lunch could have been great. oh well moving on to the review.

So I got this since Mat Lumiere was discontinued and I tried this Lift Lumiere on at the counter and I kind of got a free makeover there. Like seriously Chanel, you really know how to make your customer happy! I remember she remove all my makeup, put on moisturizer, put on primer, the foundation, concealer, powder, blusher and even lipstick... all Chanel. woww!! Bravo Chanel counter! I always take customer service into product price you see, the more expensive the product, the better the customer service should be. You guys got A++++ (and they are very consistent)

At first glance of its name, Lift Lumiere is definitely targeted toward more of mature skin. Words like 'lift' and 'firming' is more synonymous with more of mature skin product. The first description from Chanel is 

"Wrinkles and fine lines are smoothed, as if by magic. The face regains the appearance of young skin. Pores and imperfections seem to disappear and dark spots are lightened. The complexion glows with youthfulness.", 

so there you go. It claims to contain Liftoptic complex which direct light to give a flattering look on the complexion and a firming polymer that smooth the surface. Of course I have no idea how far these claims are true but this foundation performance are not to be underestimate. 

Its package is a standard foundation bottle, semi opaque so you can't see the shade through the bottle, might be for protection of the formula. The pump works well, with black cap that has a white engrossed double 'C' of Chanel logo. This is the kind of foundation bottle you show off on your vanity, hahaa!

Now on to the texture, it definitely more runnier than my other foundation, and have this 'thin, liquidy' consistency. It goes on light and smooth and there is no obvious shimmer or anything. The coverage is more of medium or light and you definitely need concealer for more of a flawless finish. Despite that I always think one pump is enough, and I have wide face. Given the consistency, it also doesn't feel heavy at all.

The only 'small issue' I have with this is just the shade. So 60 HÂLÉ is my best match and overall it does blend well, but it has this tad bit of peach undertone which I always think does not blend as flattering as a more yellow undertone would. This is still warm undertone but I wish has more of that 'yellow' to it. But again as I said this just a small issue and I am still happy with it.

See, it still blends well. So the finishing as you can see is nowhere near matte. It does give a bit of 'sheen' but not a disco ball effect. It's a nice 'dewy' finish, and could be like you second skin. It is best applied with hand, standard brush or stippling, and stick to synthetic brush. With the thin consistency, I think sponge, buffing brush like a flat kabuki and natural hair brush would soak this up, especially for those who like to pump foundation directly on your sponge or brush.

If you really optimize you skin smoothness, you know, with enough exfoliation, hydration and moisture, you can easily achieve that more 'flawless' 'no makeup' look with foundation. Just because it so light and the finish is very natural.

Price is at GBP 38.00 which is quite expensive for a bottle of foundation but this could be your choice if you want to treat yourself. As I said it seems to be target for mature women, but I think it still work great with younger skin, especially to get that second skin effect. It is a good base for a dewy finish. It could get a bit shiny for oilier skin but set it well with powder, it should be under control. So for those who want matte, I don't think you will be happy with this.
So overall 3.8/5 
This could have been better with wider shade range.

2 in 1 post - How to Bright Pinks lips and Review: Lipstick Queen Sinner Lipstick in Pink

To be honest I can't really remember the real reason I bought this lipstick...

I know I was entering Space NK to look for an everyday kind of shade of Nars Matte Velvet pencil... but I was 'pulled' by the SA for this... hmmm. Now this might sound like my fault for not being outspoken about I actually want but actually I was drawn to this range as well.

The Sinner Lipstick range by Lipstick Queen is probably all I ever wanted in a tube of lipstick, 

"inspired by the decadence of the 1940s, Sinner Lipstick combines high levels of pigment with a matte, yet silky texture for a shot of intense colour minus any weight or chalkiness With 90% pigment, Lipstick Queen's Sinner Lipstick is make-up for your devilish alter-ego. The smooth, opaque formula delivers rich, matte colour that's lightweight, nourishing (thanks to Shea Butter) and hard-wearing. There's no shimmer, glitter or opalescence - just bullets of dense pigment for a modern take on old school Hollywood glamour. "

Sinner Lipstick in Pink, MAC Prep+Prime Lips, MAC Dervish lipliner, Eco-tools lipbrush

Matte, pigmented, no shimmer... totally my style. But the problem here would be the colour that I was matched to.

It is delusional to count this lipstick in Pink as my 'my lips but better' (MLBB) shade or a neutral, because it looks BOLD pink on me  [full stop].  I feel that I should have never got it in the first place... It looks good (enough) .. but bright bold pink just personally normally not my style. Plus I already had MAC Pro Longwear Lipcreme in Unlimited and that is enough. I was more looking for more muted, low key pink, something like MAC lipstick in Spirit. MAC Spirit is perfect especially with Whirl lipliner.. but I never really wear it, because I just want to get rid of this bold pink lipstick and wear it often 'RELUCTANTLY'... 
You wouldn't want to waste a 20 pounds lipstick right... erghhh (annoyed).

Sinner Lipstick in Pink - too bright for my taste

As I wear it often, I can fully judge its texture. Now I don't know if I really like it. It is matte and it does not transfer much, and probably this is what the SA meant that this line has like a 'latex'-like substance so it just stick on.

But sometimes I felt it is a bit too dry... I wonder if the colour make the texture felt worse, look all dry and chalky. So as often I would wear it (to get rid of it) the more hatred I have for it, so at one moment where I just felt I look too tacky wearing it... I end up tossing the lipstick in the bin.. hahaha! (please.. I am still recovering from the fact I toss away a 20 pounds lipstick)
I would probably like this lipstick in darker shade, like a dark brick red or a burgundy.That would be perfect as those non-transferable lipstick.
On the other hand, I still like this brand, and the packaging is really nice, matte tube with gold print label, tightly sealed and you wouldn't find this lipstick without the lid when you just throw it into handbag.

So overall, I would give still give a 2.5 / 5, (a bit higher just because I believe I would love the darker shades). Unless you really want that bright bold 'dry' pink lipstick, go for the pink shade...

If you feel your PINK lipstick looks TOO BRIGHT/ BOLD but you know it's not really your style. So to tone down the 'bright' pink bubble gum look, just tone down everything else...Say no to pastel obviously.
Cheeks: Do not do pink blusher or any blusher at all. I just stick to contour and warm highlights.

I think this was edited in my phone and other pics was edited in my laptop,
so it's a bit different in the undertone and temperature.

Eyes: Stick with warm earthy tone on the eyes and no black eyeliner (even for darker skin, go for the darkest brown expresso like liner you can find but no black).

I used a light gold syadow on lid with matte brown (MAC Cork) in the crease to contour, a dark brown pencil eye liner on upper lashline with a bit of flick at outer end. (a bit of cat/kitten flick is a must for me)

Since I wear a bit of green in my headscarf, I use this N' 7 Metallic Eyes Pencil in Bronze on my waterline and apply a bit thicker in the inner corner. It has a kind of a 'khaki' undertone, a bit different from a typical copper and I like the shimmery 'twinkly' effect on the inner lower lashline.It gives a nice 'bohemian' touch to my whole look and make me forget about how bright my pink lipstick is. 

OR another style...
Instead of earthy tone eyes, keep the eyes clean and go for 60's inspired look with solid black eyeliner on top lashline and a pronounced cat flick to take up a notch. (Inspiration from MAD MEN especially Betty Draper/Francis. *love*)

old stuff - Spring Summer Trip and Conquest of Europe, Kelana Convoy 6 : Lauterbrunnen, Interlaken and Paris (including Disneyland Paris)

Okay don't get confused... these are referring to the 2011's summer trip... and now is 2014... LOL!
*"it's been a while since my last post" cliche*
First of all, I finally had the conscience to blog again... 3rd year is kind of crazy... I don't where was I, what am I doing most of the time, I just go with these attachment they sent me and not to forget I was stuck in Derry for 13 weeks... next thing I knew it's the exam... '-.-
So I thought I might just post some beauty stuff instead as it is more exciting for me personally and blogging about my trips always turn on my 'lagging' mode... but what the heck, might as well I just finish this... so finally the last post for this trip.

Next stop, Switzerland... and nope Geneva isn't part of the trip.
We went straight for Lauterbrunnen for those who dream of the Swiss Alps...
as usual me being broke, spending a few francs is just crazy *Damn! '-.- should have save money*
so what did I miss? the Jungfrau excursion? the  Trummmelbach falls? haihhhhh... again, it is one of those wasted opportunity.
But I tell you this, our campsite at Lauterbrunnen, is the BOMB!! we can se the f*ckin Swiss Alps... like really close... I just love it! walking through the small town from the train station.
So for those of us that didn't go to Jungfrau or Trummelbach, we went for a detour to the bigger town Interlaken.
Now as close as Swiss Alps to us, especially back in camp, it still warm, I sleep so fine in the tent without zipping my sleeping back. And as we got to Interlaken, it was HOT!!! like seriously HOT! I can't even remember what I wore, but I always wonder did I wear a cardigan??

Train station at Lauterbrunnen

Again great view.

Lauterbrunnen - kind of like a valley.

This is like the view from the campsite... I assure you if I had DSLR, this picture will be magnificent!
*I crop it to protect the identity of other campers, lol*

 So as I said, nothing that interesting I did in Interlaken or Lauterbrunnen. That's explain the lack of photos of Interlaken.. or I just lost them ...

Now next! Bonjour Paris!
So the trip in Paris is divided into two. If it was me, I prefer to opt out Disneyland. But I was thinking when else would be the time I want to go to Disneyland? I might felt it was now or never that I would never ever plan trip to go a theme park? Boy was I in for something....

There was a time I wish I was Disney Princess

And yeah it was Disneyland Paris,  so imagine when I went in for Animagique... Donald Duck speaking French.. Ahaaa! They got me. Nevertheless, I enjoy the visuals.

There is 2 park, the Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studio Park.

Generally speaking Disneyland Park is more for like for kids, this is where get all the life size Disney's character, and the Studio Park is more of a what goes on behind a film set kind of thing. 

So this is less busy than the Disneyland part.

NEVERTHELESS... GO TO BOTH!! trust me, there's no use coming a long way to Paris to Mickey and you opt for a one ride ticket. Get all day both parks pass.

Studio Tran Tour - Studio Park

This is nice... but that's it... 

Those 'special effects' ride kind of need more work... I tried the Armageddon ride... it was almost good... with those shakin, and very close up FIRE... but they didn't push it.. ?
*hahaa! I don't even know how far they should go*
I think what most thrill seekers would love is the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror...
this is one of those 'get you up high slowly, and... DROP it!' kind of ride...
Gosh I still remember my butt was off the seat and and my sling bag was rising to air due to inertia...
oh and this is also one of those with 'looking loose' kind of secure bar... '-.-

Being KO from that 'Big Thrills' we went to the Disneyland park.

Alice's Curious Labyrinth

Pirates of Carribean - recommended

This experience was the one that make me think twice about going to theme park, getting on  rides and stuff. When I was in this trip, I kind of not crazy about the idea... like the long lines, a lot of people... etc etc... but I got to tell you, the wait .. is all worth it!
What I like as well about Disneyland, not all are highadrenaline pumping ride... *I mean they do expect kids*... but there's a lot of cute and fun sense stimulating ride... I might not get my adrenaline high, but I might jaw drop a bit... like how they did this??? how? what technology is this? HAHHAH!

Recommended ride:
all the BIG THRILLS (look at the website, you'll know) especially Twilight Zone Tower
Pirate of Carribean
Mad Hatter's Tea cup (not for those with vertigo)
Phantom Manor
Peter Pan's Flight 
(not thrilling at all, but seriously FUN!! like I don't know what illuminati secret they use, but I was captivated)
Animagique for relax time.

So that was one day... wish I stayed longer... huhu...
next ... centre Paris.
City of Lovers, city of fashion... I guess. hahaa!
SO how this trip work is we got on the bus from our campsite (outskirt of the city as usual), and they will take us to each attraction one by one, and we can choose where to get off, and just meet up at the Eiffel Tower where the bus is to go home. Simple right!

Paris was nice... really nice... and yeah I went again last winter... still nicee....
hahaha!
There's something about Paris that is really nice... I don't know. I wish I had more money and stayed there longer and go to all these attractions and eat all their good pastries.. hmmmm...

What's not to love about this? *vague... I know*

At Champs Elysees we enter Louis Vuitton... lol... I was in first year, and I never thought we can enter a designer store as tourist... though that was the time you felt how poor you are...and forget all other poverty in the world, hahaha!
But I got to say, this shop did earn it to be a sort of a tourist site...
Oh my god, how they showcase the product... like wow! The spiraling room for LV luggage and the stairs...and the fashion books. Nice.
But there's no way, I could ever enjoy this lifestyle... without having a trip to the Outlet or win a lottery or something.
We just walk through the Champs Elysees and nothing that interesting excepts rows of designer shops, and I had the first taste of La Duree' macaroons. I'm not that crazy about it and no I have no idea how La Duree' macaroons differ from others or what makes it more expensive... but I have to say it is sweet and nice and I wish I can have more *which is what I would have say having other kinds of high quality tasty pastries*.
The small Musee du Parfum / Fragonard was the last stop I followed the group. That was nice, and I got myself a big bottle of Belle de Nuit Fragonard, wayyyyy cheaper than typical parfum.. and it's an EDP. Although nothing too special about the smell... typical Paris style perfume, said the sales girl. Very florally and deep, (got musk in it), I love it.

Opera House - Palais Garnier
I didn't went in this time, but I enter on 2nd trip to Paris

Musee de Lourve

I beat up a few people to get this close to Mona Lisa -
there's really a big crowd... not the usual very quiet gallery that you woulf expect.

the pyramid thingy

Notre Dame de Paris - again, miss it this time and but when in during 2nd trip.

Continuing my childhood memories of Disney, this also include Hunchback of Notre Dame and maybe due to Discovery Channel... this has become one of those place I dream as a child to go... of course when I was young  I know nothing. But as I grew up, it become one of those place that you gotta see with your own eyes... there's no other reason for me to visit this place... not for pray, it's not that pretty relatively... but I just had to. I guess this was what they say how aesthetics associate with memory and emotion. hmmm deep huh?

After all those crazy walking and trying to speak French... time for food! Okay... the tour guide didn't really told us about this 'gem', Rue de la Huchette *I knew this when I went for my 2nd trip*.
I don't know why they didn't tell us this little street near Notre Dame that full of Halal restaurant??
was it the price? no, in this street there are many choices from simple street-style food to a proper Persian restaurant.
This remind me of the case in Disneyland and that one time in Venice, I can easily find cheaper GOOD tasty food than what they exaggerate to be expensive... people, find your own food! do not listen the tourguide in this matter. and believe me you will experience more.

So again I was innocent that time and imagine how happy I was to find Maison de Gyros!!
I love this place so much, I even go there on my 2nd trip but too bad it's close ... huhu...

"Eiffel, I'm in love" feeling.

Finally, to make Eiffel Tower visit more meaningful, I joined the Seine River Cruise! Nice as usual... just make me wish that I was a Parisien... lol... Fun times.

I was totally 'feeling' Paris, kind of promising myself that I will come again....
*which I did, hehe!*

So that was the end of the trip. To be honest most of the tourist site I enter on my 2nd trip to Paris and I don't think it's fair to spill it out here... since it was another adventure, and this was another adventure. More importantly, I think it's important that if you guys join this Kelana Convoy trip, TIME is a very BIG FACTOR and it can be b*tchy. So choose your tourist site carefully and plan well following this trip to get most out of it.
So the next day we head home and this time we cross the Channel on a ferry, so at least we were able to get on the deck
In a whole, Kelana Convoy is nice, since it was my first tour, I can't really compare to others. There's pro and cons and I had to say it was a great 'dip' into the few countries in Europe. Plus, when else would be the time you get to set up and pack down camping tents 13 times straight through a trip. Regarding this, I am so ready for a hotel stay. lol.
So hopefully, in the future I can improve myself as a traveller and see more of what the world can offer.
.