Regal, Elegant, Luxurious… full stop. Even with these three words, I think I am not doing justification with the fragrance I am writing about in this post. I will try to explain it as much as I can what this fragrance is and what it has done to me. The collaboration between Baccarat and Maison Francis Kurkdjian came into existence for the first time in 2014 when Baccarat, the most prestigious crystal works in the world, celebrated the 250th anniversary of their founding in a limited number of bottles, 250 to be precise. And that started what is now an icon in itself, called Baccarat Rouge 540 Extrait de Parfum by Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris. The partnership was extended, which gave birth to Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum and this year, Baccarat Rouge 540 Extrait de Parfum.
Basically, Baccarat Rouge 540 Extrait de Parfum is called a new form of Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum, intensifying the power and radiance of the three breaths that compose Eau de Parfum keeping the original inspiration. To deepen the intensity to the Extrait, the bottle is designed and manufactured as such, for the first time, that it dons a dazzling red garment echoing the iconic Baccarat red.
The family and notes are described below:
Olfactory family: woody-amber-floral
Top Note: Jasmine Grandiflorum from Egypt and Saffron
Middle Note: Bitter Almond from Morrocco and Cedar Wood
Base Note: Woody Musk Accord and Ambergris
This fragrance for me opens up as a warm spicy saffron which is rich and thick. Then I smell floral with masculine notes. It is smooth, creamy, woody with a soft undertone of bitter almond coming up. The ambergris in the base note provides a light breeze of mineral aquatic air to the fragrance. The projection is great, and the lasting power is incredible, it lasts for almost 18+ hours on me until I slept and then in the morning, I could still smell it when I had my wrist close to my nose. It is gender neutral fragrance and depends on how it works with the chemistry of your skin. I do smell the masculine notes but not very strong and is as per my liking. Every time I wear this fragrance, it shines on my skin, like literally, I could see the essential oils or the Extrait shining on the area where I sprayed it. This is perfect for all the occasions, where you want to feel the best, it does make you feel an amazing luxurious sophisticated regality. I do not go beyond two sprays and I am sorted for all day and even next day, it just makes the aura around you so beautiful and glorious.
All in all, this is a brilliant fragrance and will be on my Top 5 list of favorite fragrances. I would highly recommend you to try this out on the below-mentioned stores or sample through the official website of Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris which I will link below.
Last but not the least, Maison Francis Kurkdjian – I am a Fan! I reviewed Aqua Celestia from Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris here if you are interested to read.
Baccarat Rouge 540 Extrait de Parfum by Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris is available at Neiman Marcus stores and online, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue and official online boutique at www.franciskurkdjian.com
*DISCLAIMER – This is a press sample sent to ‘The Velvet Life’, all views and opinions are 100% honest and based purely on my own experience.
La Prairie Skin Caviar Concealer Foundation SPF 15 is an ultimate indulgence which has skincare benefits in a makeup to create a beautiful and beneficial cosmetic treatment for a younger, fresher, and flawless face. The formula of the foundation has an advanced silicone and polymer technology which utilizes the cross-linked chemistry to bind all treatments and pigments into a silken veil of age-altering color to promote a smooth, radiant complexion. The foundation is encapsulated with a high powered concentration of skin firming caviar extracts, moisturizing liposomes, UVA/UVB sunscreens, anti-oxidants, optical diffusers and long-wearing pigments which help firm and lift the face, transforming the appearance, texture, and overall luminescence.
The key ingredients and benefits of the foundation include:
1) Essential firming properties found in Caviar Extract, Algae Extract, Seaweed Proteins, Malt Extract, and La Prairie’s exclusive cellular complex help nourish and energize the skin and provide anti-aging benefits
2) Ultraviolet absorbers which an anti-oxidant complex containing Vitamin E help neutralize free radicals that can potentially damage the skin
3) Moisturizing properties of glycerin, petroleum, and dimethicone along with essential Amino Acids are encapsulated in Liposome Delivery Systems for targeted and controlled moisturization to the upper levels of the skin.
The foundation is packaged in a glass jar with professional concealer, which is designed a halftone lighter than the foundation, in the cap of foundation jar. The packaging alsi includes a precision brush, for concealer spot application and touch-ups as well as a foundation sponge. There is a 2x magnifier mirror located on top of the cap, making it four items in one.
I have been using this foundation since last few days and every time I use it, it is a luxurious ritual I would say. From taking the product out, till applying and blending it into the skin, everything is so perfect. The texture of the product is very smooth, blends very easily and looks very natural. This is the most natural looking foundation that I have used, skin looks naturally beautiful and bright. It does have skincare benefits and help protects the skin from various age-related as well as environmental factors.
The concealer on the top of the foundation jar is very creamy and pigmented, it is very easy to apply with the accompanying brush, it blends easily and conceals the imperfections very well. When used under the eyes, it makes the area bright. The foundation is buildable and a small amount is needed to do the job. I have combination skin and I did not experience any irritation or breakouts with this. I have used it with my fingers, brush and beauty blender, the results are marvelous with all three. My skin tone is medium tan with yellow undertones and the shade “Golden Beige” suites perfectly with my tone.
Unblended – La Prairie Skin Caviar Concealer Foundation SPF 15
Blended La Prairie Skin Caviar Concealer Foundation SPF 15
I am so pressed by the formula and the finish, it is indeed one of the best foundation I have used. The staying power is great, I did no touchups whole day and it looked as if I just applied it, for almost 9 hours. I would highly recommend you to try this foundation. I do love the La Prairie Skin Caviar Essence-in-lotion and La Prairie Skin Caviar Liquid Lift from the same Skin Caviar line which I reviewed here if you are interested to read.
La Prairie Skin Caviar Concealer Foundation SPF 15 is available at Holt Renfrew, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom.
*DISCLAIMER – This product was sent to ‘The Velvet Life’ as a press sample, all views and opinions are 100% honest and based purely on my own experience.
To celebrate the approaching year-end festivities, the new launches from Mugler are described to offer an original, charming, captivating array of products bringing up the iconic designer dash to all its newness and ensuring heavenly moment discovering them. The newness consists of the Angel Arty Cover Edition 2017 and Alien Beauty Rituals, of which, I will be writing about the Angel Arty Cover Edition 2017, Alien Beautifying Hair Mist from the Alien Beauty Rituals line.
Angel Arty Cover Edition 2017
Angel Arty Cover Edition 2017 ( CAD $98 – 25ml) is limited edition bottle which has a funky and psychedelic image with its modern lines, graphic design, pop colors and textured effects and is a perfect accessory to highlight the famous star bottle. This is the second year Angel is offering the brand-new look to Angel. The unique cover for the angel bottle is designed to magnify as well as protect it. This second limited edition bottle has a pop of colors with a contemporary design. Bright shades on the cover collide to bring out the beauty of the Angel bottle.
The fragrance in this limited edition collector’s edition is the favorite Angel Eau de Parfum. Angel, Mugler’s star fragrance, was created in 1992. This is a gourmand fragrance which has a bewitching, carnal and glamorous femininity. The top notes of the fragrance are Bergamot and Mandarine, middle notes are Passion Fruit, Peach, and Apricot, the base notes are Patchouli, Vanilla, Chocolate, and Caramel. This is more of feminine fragrance than masculine for me, but it does, for sure, something you will either love or hate, I do like it by the way.
Since this fragrance was first launched, it one of its kind and there are many other fragrances that are inspired by it and are versions of it. The star shape of the bottle is very easy to cradle in the palm of the hand. It is a perfect travel companion and looks great in the handbag. The scent works both for the day and night. And last but not the least, it looks great and in addition to one’s art collection or on the vanity.
I also reviewed Angel Night Eau de Parfum here which has top notes of Bergamot, middle notes are Praline and Hedione, base notes are Patchouli, Vanilla, and Musk.
Mugler Angel Arty Cover Edition 2017 is available at Hudson’s Bay, Shoppers Drug Mart, Jean Coutu and Murale.
Alien Beauty Rituals
Alien Beautifying Hair Mist ($50 – 30ML) is part of Alien’s Perfume collection which has a new addition of 4 essential products for the body called Alien Beauty Rituals. All the products in the ritual can be used alone layered together to prolong the pleasure of wearing Alien. Mugler Alien Beauty Rituals include Moisturizing Shower Milk, Beautifying Body Lotion, Beautifying Body Cream and Beautifying Hair Mist. The Alien Beautifying Hair Mist delicately scents the hair with the sun-drenched, mysterious notes of Alien. The bottle is perfect travel size and the dispenser works nicely to delicately dispense the product to the hair.
Alien Beautifying Hair Mist is a perfuming ritual for hair. The dispenser has a light, intangible mist that settles on the hair, perfuming it. The rich notes of this women’s perfume parallel women’s strengths: powerful jasmine sambac and cashmeran wood, rich and mellow white amber create a fragrance to unleash every woman’s celestial being. The scent is pure, soft and innocent. I have used it on my hair a few times already, the scent stays on for the whole day and also the smell is lighter and soft from the original Alien fragrance.
Alien Beautifying Hair Mist is available at Hudson’s Bay, Sephora.ca, Shopper’s Drug Mart, thebay.com, beautyboutique.ca, Murale, and Jean Coutu.
*DISCLAIMER – These products were sent to ‘The Velvet Life’ as press sample, all views and opinions are 100% honest and based purely on my own experience.
Victoria Beckham and Estee Lauder, in my opinion, both as brands and in person, have sophistication and elegance that is common and is always looked upon for. As the craze for the first launch of the Victoria Beckham x Estee Lauder Collection last year, it has been the same or I would say more than that for this second collection which has new additions to some of the products from the previous collection. From the first launch, I was able to order the most coveted Modern Mercury highlighter before it sold out, which I reviewed here. In this post, I am writing about the Skin Perfecting powder, Eye Matte duo in Electric blue and Nude, Lip Gloss in Fired Crystal and Matte Lipstick in Black Cassis.
Victoria Beckham Estee Lauder Skin Perfecting Powder
Victoria Beckham Estee Lauder Skin Perfecting Powder (CAD $110) is part of the signature look which is the starting point for every other look in the collection. The product is described as Pore-blurring, translucent sheer powder that creates an airbrushed finish. It sets the makeup and minimizes the look of imperfections. It is available in one universal shade which is perfect for all skin tones. The powder has a soft yellow undertone that brightens and awakes the complexion.
The Skin Perfecting Powder is soft, lightweight, and blends easily onto the skin giving a very natural finish. It did not leave any whitish cast or cakey on my medium tan skin tone. I have used it both as a setting powder and as a powder to touch up during the day, I would say it looks more elegant in my bag, so I just like keeping it there, most of the times, I do not need a touchup. I pick up the product with my powder brush, just a swirl or two is enough to set up the makeup. It did not emphasize any pores or imperfections but did give the blurring effect to the problem areas. The packaging is so beautiful, a heavy metallic golden case inspired from the vintage cigarette case that Victoria Beckham in the Burlington Arcade in Mayfair, London.
Victoria Beckham Estee Lauder Eye Matte duo in Electric blue and Nude
Victoria Beckham Estee Lauder Eye Matte duo in Electric blue and Nude (CAD $78) is an eyeshadow duo with a unique combination of shades that look perfect for the holiday season as well will be a great companion for vacation. The pairing of electric blue and nude, as per Victoria Beckham is very strong. It was inspired by Miami’s vibrant Latin influences and its art deco vibe. The Eye matte duo is described as a directional shade pairings for a cool, graphic eye look. The two intensely pigmented matte shadows in unexpected color combinations. The packaging is the classic leather heavy metal case, the leather look is slightly different from the first release, you can refer to the pictures to see the difference in packaging and the size.
Both the shadows in the duo have a matte finish. The product is soft and blends easily. It is buildable and can be used wet and dry. The nude or camel shade seems to be more versatile than the electric blue but both make a really unique and fun combination for the holidays. Nude can be used as an overall shadow or in the crease area and the electric blue can be used on the outer eye to give it a dimension and depth or along the outer crease for a fun and stylish look. Both the shades can be used to define the eyes by using the product with a thin eye definer brush. I am definitely going to put this duo to use this holiday season and my upcoming vacation, the Latin vibes are already coming.
Victoria Beckham Estee Lauder Matte Lipstick in Black Cassis
Victoria Beckham Estee Lauder Matte Lipstick in Black Cassis (CAD $65) is described as a sumptuous, creamy-smooth matte lipstick with highly pigmented color in a velvety French wine shade. The shade is strong, confident and sexy. The packaging is a luxurious golden fluted case. Shade Black Cassis is a bold deep Bordeaux. The lipstick has full coverage and matte finish. This lipstick is part of the Paris Look.
The shade is very beautiful. I am always drawn to wine, berry shades and I am glad this lipstick came into my life. I have medium tan skin tone and it suits me so well. It did not dry my lips, being matte. It can be applied straight from the bullet for a full bold look or can be toned down with a napkin or applied with a light hand, either of which I do for my work. The formula is comfortable to wear.
Victoria Beckham Estee Lauder Lip Gloss in Fired Crystal
Victoria Beckham Estee Lauder Lip Gloss in Fired Crystal (CAD $47) is described as a clear gloss sparkle with multi-pearl shimmer compared to the glittering city lights. It can be worn alone for a water-shine effect or over a lipstick to enhance its shade. The formula is very hydrating and moisturizes the lips. It did not dry my lips and is comfortable to wear. This gloss has a shimmer finish. I like the way it looks on the lip, not like over-the-top kind of sparkle but the kind that looks wet and shiny, just like a sheer touch of color for a casual look. Based on the light, it gives multi-color effects. When used over the lipstick, it gives a gleaming finish.
Out of all the products I have reviewed, I am satisfied with the formula of all, the shades are nice and unique. Overall, another winning collection from the collaboration of Victoria Beckham and Estee Lauder. I would recommend you to check this collection before the products are sold out, as it is a limited edition collection.
From top to bottom – Electric Blue, Nude, Lip Gloss in Fired Crystal, Matte Lipstick in Black Cassis
Victoria Beckham Estee Lauder – Autumn Winter 2017 Collection is available at Esteelauder.ca, The Hudsons Bay, Holt Renfrew, Sephora Canada, Nordstrom, and Net-A-Porter.
*DISCLAIMER – These products were sent to ‘The Velvet Life’ as press sample, all views and opinions are 100% honest and based purely on my own experience.
Aqua Celestia, launched by Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris this year, is described as a heavenly fragrance. The idea and identity behind this fragrance are to feel good inside. The Aqua series from Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris include Aqua Universalis (2009), Aqua Vitae (2013) and now Aqua Celestia (2017) which all are meant to make you smell and feel good. The Aqua series is Francis Kurkdjian’s interpretation of the diverse facets of the freshness of water, which is one of the vital elements of earthly life.
From the official notes about the fragrance, ‘Aqua Celestia forms a seamless bond between the blue of the sky and the blue of the sea, forging a path toward absolute serenity in a surge of fruity freshness. An emotional journey lulled by the harmony of the senses and the mind.’
The notes of the Aqua Celestia are Lime from Mexico, Cool Mint (Mitcham), Blackcurrant Bud Absolute from Burgundy, Mimosa Absolute from Provence and Musk Accord.
The fragrance is a fresh light-clean floral musk. When I wear this, I smell pure and clean. The first notes that touch my nose are fruity with the hint of fizzy, sparkling freshness. The mint is well blended and does not gives the sharp or strong hints. The blackcurrant darkens it, making it richer. Then comes the soft musky part with sensual floral notes which are very fresh and airy. The whole composition does make it a bright, buoyant and musky in a brilliantly complex, breezy and bubbly way.
The clean and fresh scent of Aqua Celestia will appeal to both men and women. The fruity floral might attract more feminine fans but the soft musky notes will attract both feminine and masculine, so it depends on how your skin percepts it. I think this will be perfect for summer and heat but I am liking it in autumn/fall season too. The longevity on my skin is for over 6 hours and then it stays on longer but stronger when projected close to the skin.
Aqua Celestia ($205 – 70ml, $375 – 200ml) by Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris is available at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Net-A-Porter, Saks fiftFifthnue stores and also at the www.franciskurkdjian.com
*DISCLAIMER – This fragrance was sent to The Velvet Life as a press sample, all views and opinions are 100% honest and based purely on my own experience.