Inglot Swatches

After a super quick trip to Inglot a few weeks ago, I made sure I scooped up a few bright colours to play with.  Now that think I about it, my new palette reminds me of the colours found in the header. Unrealized and or subconscious inspiration methinks.  Scott waited in the wings as I narrowed down my selections; I decided to go with a freedom palette of five and threw in Inglot's eye makeup base in shade 01 in order to enhance the rainbow.

The other items on my list to purchase were false eyelashes and Duo adhesive.  Since my makeup lesson at Mecca, I've been dying to try to attempt to apply my own. I've only tried this once before and failed miserably; although, I should cut myself some slack because the lashes were tinsel-like and I was rushing to get ready for a Halloween party - never a good mix.  Since swatching close to two weeks ago, I still have yet to try my new colours.  With another rainy day upon us, I am aiming to create something beautiful and eye-catching.

Sensory Moment - what I wear

I am often asked which perfume I wear - twice I was asked this very question on Friday.  I take my perfume choices seriously and will only commit once I've tested it on a few occasions or I've taken the time to read in-depth reviews.  These days you can easily spend at least $100 or more on a decent scent and you really don't want to throw your money into the wind on just anything.

On any given day you can find me regularly wearing (not at the same time, of course):

• Hermes Un Jardin Sur Le Nil - purchased in Amsterdam after Scott proposed
• Tocca Giulietta - checked out this range after reading a review by Karen of MBB
• Commes des Garcons Series 5: Sherbet in Cinnamon - see below
• Commes des Garcons Series 8: Energy C in Lime - I couldn't make up mind between this and Cinnamon
• Diptyque Vetyverio - a sample (turned purchase) I picked up with a regrettable NARS item
• Dior J'adore L'or - Scott fell for this one and the rest is history
• Angels of Florence - found during our trip to Italy

There are a few samples floating about, but I haven't fully invested my energy with respect to testing them out.  With it being summer, I've been reaching for Sur Le Nil and Giulietta and these just happen to be the scents I get asked about the most.  I once had a woman have such a positive reaction to the former, she went and googled Hermes just to see which notes were in it.

Sur Le Nil means a lot to me on an emotional level, because of when and where it was purchased. Scott and I were amidst a post-proposal high; we had just visited the shop where my ring was purchased to tell them I said yes.  After a walk through Vondelpark, we then ventured off to De Bijenkorf (The Beehive) to try to find a bottle of Sur Le Nil in order to replace the sample I finished that morning.  I didn't want to lose the scent I was wearing on that hot July day - I was tired, jet-lagged and unwittingly ambling towards a very special spot. These happen to be the thoughts that rush through my mind whenever I spritz this light floral scent on in the morning.

I had long blond baby soft hair that would knot up from running around and playing all day.  After taking a bath, my mom would spray  on my hair in order to tame the insanity.  For me, Giulietta reminds me of my youthful innocence and the scent of No More Tanlges.

A few other favourites I've worn over the years are Burberry Brit, Clinique Happy, Philosophy Amazing Grace and Fruit and Passion Pink.

What sort of scents are you drawn to?

Inglot Haul #2

Yeah, I ventured out to Chadstone yesterday and this is what I purchased.

Review and look(s) to follow.

Essie's Super Bossa Nova - weekly nail review

Two weeks of vacation is too long, especially when I had to do my own nails last week due to French Pink closing shop between Christmas and New Year.  I wanted something bright and lively to ensure I'd start my first week back at work and that's where Super Bossa Nova came in.  Brazilian flair with a twist of Nicki Minaj - I don't follow her music, but I think she'd approve.  After all, she collaborated with MAC in November 2010 for the limited release of her Pink Friday-inspired tube of lippie. Super Bossa Nova is one of six shades released by Essie for Summer 2011 and for those of us in Australia we're only just beginning to enjoy this lovely samba-inspired collection.  The shade I chose falls somewhere between bright fuchsia and magenta pink and features microscopic bits of glitter.  Wear time was optimal as I didn't see any chipping or peeling; had I not gotten my weekly manicure, I'm sure my nails would've lasted a few more days.

In other news, if you have a bit of time, be sure to check out Nihrida's site; she wrote an interesting entry about nail polish finishes.  From time to time it's beneficial to get a thorough lesson about the lovely offerings within the nail polish world.