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.