Fragrance Archives - Fashion Voyeur

Categories: Beauty, Fashion, Pixie, Uncategorized

The Fragrance Shop Discovery Club

We all have our signature scents (mine’s Tobacco Vanille by Tom Ford), and if you’re anything like me, you’ll no doubt have a cupboard, cabinet or shelf dedicated to your favourite fragrances. Mine is filled with gorgeous dark patchouli scents from the Tom Ford Private Blends collection, Estee Lauder’s Youth Dew, Miss Dior and a selection of oud and tobacco based scents. Anything that’s dark, heady and long lasting is where I’m happy. But every so often I like to step out of that comfort zone and try something new, something I might not have considered before and the best way to do that? With a Discovery Box from The Fragrance Shop.

You may have read the post I wrote on switching up your scent for Summer and how fragrance wears differently when you’re on vacation and skin is constantly hotter than usual, (you can read that here), but where do you start when you just fancy trying something different? Well that’s where Discovery club from The Fragrance Shop comes in handy. Basically, for just £5 per quarter, you get a cute little box containing sample sized vials of the latest fragrance launches for each season. You’re free to cancel at any time, there’s no minimum subscription and delivery is free – it’s a great way to try out the latest fragrances from popular brands without the commitment or expense of buying a 30 or 50ml bottle.

Inside the box you’ll find new fragrances from celebrity, high street and designer fragrances allowing you to discover perfumes and aftershaves you might never have come across before. It’s great for gift inspiration too as each box contains a good selection of both men’s and women’s fragrances. Personally I just like that you never know what you’re going to get as each box is a surprise.

Inside the box, along with the fragrances themselves, you get a book that gives you more information on each one, their full price, and a £5 off coupon of each one incase you’re tempted to treat yourself to the full sized product. Incidentally, if you use the voucher and claim £5 off just one bottle per quarter, it makes the Discovery Box technically free; if you’re a savvy shopper and you’re shopping for fragrance and know that you intend to buy, you can plan ahead and save money.

The Summer 2017 has just landed and inside are some familiar fragrances, and some I’d never have tried, and one of the best things about getting small sizes like these is that they’re great for travelling with – perfect for vacation season.

Discovery Club Summer 2017 Contents:

Marc Jacobs, Daisy EDT
Givenchy, Live Irresistible Delicieuse EDP
Nina Ricci, Nina EDT
Nina Ricci, Luna EDT
Lacoste, L12.12 Magnetic Pour Elle EDP
Lacoste, L12.12 Magnetic Pour Lui EDT
Loewe, Solo Esencial EDT
Givenchy, Gentlemen Only Absolute EDP

If you’ve been thinking about switching up your fragrance, or just want to know what the latest new releases are without having to hit the shopping mall, then Discovery Club is worth signing up to, you never know, you might just discover your brand new signature scent!

Pixie xo

Categories: Beauty, Fashion, Uncategorized

The Scent of Summer

I don’t know about you but I definitely have a set of signature scents and the all sit firmly in the dark, woody family. People tell me that one whiff of Tom Ford’s Tobacco Vanille or Noir de Noir and they can sense that my arrival is imminent. True story.

When vacation season rolls around however, I like to switch things up a bit and save the oud for an evening and wear gorgeous Summer florals during the day. There’s just something about Summer, whilst darker, headier fragrances are sexy and mysterious, florals in Summer feel light and airy. I know, to quote Miranda Priestly, it’s groundbreaking right?

Getting your Summer scent just right is an entirely personal preference, some people hear florals and think Anais Anais and the ‘powdery’ type florals that sit in that category but they’re way too wishy washy for me. I like to wear something with intrigue, something unexpected and something that lingers. That’s why I’ve opted for these three fragrances as my top picks for Summer days and vacations, each with unexpected combinations of florals, or a hint of something that sets it apart from its counterparts, they guarantee to have people asking what you’re wearing and they’re heavy enough to not fade after just a few hours…

SUMMER FRAGRANCES THAT LAST:

COACH Eau de Toilette 90ml £63 / 50ml £44 / 30ml £30

With an unexpected combination of pink grapefruit, jasmine absolute, cedarwood and sandalwood across all three notes, this fragrance starts off as a fruity floral, unveiling deeper and longer lasting woody notes at its base. It’s one of my favourites for Summer because of how it deepens over time. Fashion fans will be familiar with Coach as the original American house of leather and the bottle itself nods to that with its turn lock cap and leather and metal dog tags. Buy it as a 30ml as you pass through Duty Free in the airport and take it with you on your next vacation, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

JIMMY CHOO L’Eau 90ml £63 / 60ml £47 / 40ml £36

The original Jimmy Choo ladies fragrance has won countless awards now and whilst it’s a pretty, feminine fragrance, it’s a little too feminine for me. I like my fragrances to have a musky hit to them. This lighter, Summery take on the fragrance has bergamot and Hibiscus flower in it’s top note giving an earthy floral first impression. Nectarine and Peony sit at the heart and the base note is a heady combination of cedarwood and musk which give a woody masculine vibe once the fragrance has warmed to the skin. The perfume itself is iridescent and has been designed to embody the sensual yet sweet contrasts at the heart of the modern Jimmy Choo woman. It’s one that can take you from day to night if you’re travelling light and only want to take one bottle away with you.

Fashion Voyeur by Pixie Tenenbaum Mont Blanc Lady Emblem Elixir

MONT BLANC Lady Emblem Elixir 50ml £54

This one’s a real gem, figuratively and literally…… well sort of. It’s a brand new release to the market and of the three I’ve picked, this one is my favourite. In a bottle that’s similar to Chopard’s Wish fragrance, it looks like a cut diamond with a rose gold finish – super on trend. Turkish Damask rose, honey and a blend of spices make up the top note, Iris accord and powdery half-lychee follow, with black peppercorn, patchouli, sandalwood and vanilla combining to make a long lasting woody base note. Whether you have an interest in the accords and notes that make up fragrance layers or not, trust me when I tell you that this one is divine and every note is developed perfectly to blend into the next. I was invited to Tom Ford’s London HQ a few years back to study the Fragrance Wardrobe and learn all about scent accords so I know that the notes in Lady Emblem Elixir are very similar to those in Tom Ford‘s Jasmine Rouge. It’s a long lasting fragrance and is one that changes quite dramatically as your skin warms throughout the day and into the evening.

I always like to try out new fragrances in the Summer and seem to gravitate towards anything with a woody base note and a dash of peppercorn for added spice. Probably why Mont Blanc’s Lady Emblem Elixir is my top pick for Summer. I usually take three fragrances away on vacation with me, and all of these come in sizes 100ml and below which means you’re ok to fly with them in your cabin luggage. Perfect if you need a little spritz on landing. Better still, pick them up as you pass through Duty Free in the airport and nab yourself a saving off the RRP meaning you’ll have a little extra available for that all important beach front espresso.

You’re welcome Voyeurs.

Pixie xo

Categories: Beauty, North East, Uncategorized

Jo Malone Scent Experience

There’s more to Jo Malone London than fancy candles and fragrances as I found out during their signature Scent Experience. I was invited along to the Jo Malone concept store at House of Fraser, Intu Metrocentre to discover more about the brand, their immersive Fragrance Combining, and the latest release, Myrrh & Tonka to the Black fragrance range.

Jo Malone is one of the UK’s most famous fragrance houses, founded in 1994 and sold to Estée Lauder in June 2006 in its entirety. The brand continues to thrive with a legion of fans who can’t get enough of Malone’s famous scented candles (I’m one of them) and eclectic fragrances. But did you know that Jo Malone stores and concessions offer in house experiences as well as those signature products we’ve come to know and love? I spent the day with Jo Malone London to discover more about just what’s on offer on counter….

1. First up, the Jo Malone Signature Arm and Hand Massage. This is no ordinary hand massage, it’s an immersive experience with a layered introduction to the range – there’s absolutely no pressure at all to buy from the brand afterwards – something I really like. You’re sat at the beauty bar and given a branded velvet take home pouch for your jewellery before the treatment begins.

First of all you select your wash (all of the washes are a triple threat, they work as a handwash, bath foam and shower gel), then your body cream, and finally your cologne. You’ll be given a lesson in the art of fragrance combining; if you’re familiar with Tom Ford you’ll know about the Fragrance Wardrobe, it’s a similar concept at Jo Malone as all fragrances are designed and crafted to work in harmony.

Once you’ve selected your trio, you’re treated to a foamy wash, which coats the skin in a base scent, then an arm and hand massage with a thick, luxurious body cream, before it’s locked in with a spray of cologne. I like a heady, masculine scent so I opted for latest release, Myrrh & Tonka; a warm, woody mix with vanilla and tonka bean base notes. Long lasting and unlike anything else around.

You’ll leave with arms as light as air, mine felt fresh and cool, kind of like the sensation you get when you use Physio Gel, and the feeling lasts long after you’ve left the counter. This experience is open to anyone, it’s something you can walk on to counter and ask for, book online as a complimentary service, or make a purchase and you get a voucher to re-visit the counter for it.

2. The Jo Malone Birthday Club. How I missed his one I’ll never know Voyeurs, sign up to the Birthday Club by giving the day and month of your birth which is recorded against your client record and you’re in for a treat…..

Now before you get yourself all excited, the disclaimer with this one is that it’s not a yearly thing, it’s “from time to time” and the deal is a mini Jo Malone party on counter for you and five friends. You’ll arrive on counter and be greeted with champagne and chocolates, a signature arm and hand massage is included as well as deluxe samples for the birthday bunny and regular samples for your pals. Not bad right?! Well it was my birthday in January and I’m late to the table but I’ve been invited back for this which I fully intend to do, because, well you know…..

3. Jo Malone Bridal. There’s a whole bridal themed experience available to brides-to-be, from selecting a fragrance to scent your wedding, to gifting for bridesmaids; select from a range of options to give your big day those special little touches. Brides can choose to visit the counter with their prospective groom, mum or whole bridal party and the counter will cater to your needs.

If you’re not familiar with the brand, or if you’ve admired it from afar, this is a great introduction to Jo Malone and the products and services available. Whether it’s home fragrance or skin fragrance the team at House of Fraser are helpful and attentive and when I say there’s no pressure, there really is no pressure. You know me by now Voyeurs, I’d tell you if you were in danger of being cornered. The counter at House of Fraser’s Concept Store is perfectly equipped for mini treatments, it’s a spacious area occupying the front aspect of the store meaning you’re away from the hustle and bustle of the main store and can enjoy browsing in peace.

So, with Mother’s Day right around the corner, where better to start for inspiration than the Jo Malone Concept Store on House of Fraser Intu Metrocentre? Be warned though Voyeurs it’ll be difficult to leave without one of those signature ribbon tied bags for yourself too……

Pixie xo

All Jo Malone counter services can be booked via the brands website or by calling the Jo Malone Counter at House of Fraser Intu Metrocentre on 0370 192 5371

Categories: Uncategorized

Lourdes Leon for Stella McCartney

Lourdes “Lola” Leon has scored her first major campaign and it’s a doozie….

The 19 year old daughter of Madonna and Carlos Leon has carefully curated a life outside of the spotlight in a bold move not usually subscribed to by famous offspring. Lola herself has been keen to point out that she’s in a position of risk and tries to remain grounded and level headed about it.

“I have a lot of people judging my every move, it’s important for me to not let it rule my life.”

The campaign, for Stella McCartney’s Pop fragrance, is Lola’s debut into the mainstream and felt that McCartney’s campaign spirit and ethos was largely the same as her own – anti-bodyshaming, pro self-acceptance and a general positive feeling of girl power and support. The vibe is fresh, young, fun and above all else, positive.

“I go through this struggle myself, women’s bodies have been made so public that everyone feels like they need to comment, I just love when someone doesn’t pretend to be someone they are not.”

The message on the campaign is simple – Be True To Yourself. It’s about being who you want to be and lola fits that brief perfectly. Known for her fuck it attitude to fashion, bucking trends for her own take on what’s current, she’s a pretty damn good role model for girls everywhere. Appearing bare faced in the campaign teasers in a simple white vest and looking every inch the natural model, it’s hard to believe that this teenager is the unassuming daughter of pop royalty and is studying musical theatre in Michigan whilst largely flying under the radar – not just a pretty face and a mega bank balance.

I can’t wait to see the campaign in its entirety, I’m certain Miss Leon will be one to watch, in her own right and with those brows, I reckon she could take on the world….

Pixie x

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