Dolce Garden EDP

I received the Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Garden EDP from the Superdrug Community.

I really like the pink packaging and delicate details on the pink glass bottle, including the textured bow and flower-shaped cap.

The notes for this fragrance are:

🍊Top: Magnolia, Neroli & Mandarin Orange

🥥 Heart: Coconut, Frangipani and Ylang-Ylang

🥛 Base: Vanilla Absolute, Almond Milk and Sandalwood

Upon first spray, the volatile, sweet citrus notes of Neroli and Mandarin are very perceivable. It quickly transforms into a creamier scent, where Coconut is the star. Upon dry-down the creamy Coconut remains and intertwines with the Vanilla Absolute and Almont Milk most noticeably on me, leaving a soft, comforting aroma on the skin.

Longevity is quite short for an EDP, but I'm not surprised considering the fragrance is not very strong to begin with so it is a great option if you prefer lighter fragrances that are not overpowering. 

Overall, a beautiful, soft and delectable scent for SS, day or night, which is perfect for gourmand fragrance fans like me!

Find Dolce Garden EDP at Superdrug and Look Fantastic.

xo

Cosmic EDP by Kylie Jenner

I received the Cosmic EDP by Kylie Jenner from the Superdrug Community.

Cosmic is packaged in a purple cardboard box with metallic accents and the glass bottle features a sculptural and tactile organic shape which I like. The bottle is topped off with a weighted metallic round lid.

It features the following notes:

• Top: Star Jasmine & Blood Orange
• Heart: Golden Amber Accord & Red Peony Accord
• Base: Vanilla Musk Accord & Cedarwood

It opens with a non-overpowering sweet, fruity burst which I enjoy, then turns into a warm floral symphony with the Red Peony being quite noticeable. Finally it settles into a woody, creamy base where the Vanilla Musk is the star, Cedarwood not being very perceivable on my skin.

Overall Cosmic EDP is a nice daytime fragrance for the warmer months. It would be classified as a skin-scent due to the subtle nature of the notes and the lower sillage.

Even though I'm not the biggest fan of musk in perfumery, in this fragrance it is very subtle so I quite enjoy this perfume and would recommend Cosmic if you are looking for a warm, sweet and creamy daytime scent for spring and summer. 

xo

Lancôme Idôle l'Eau de Toilette

I received the Lancôme Idôle l'Eau de Toilette from the Lancôme Community to test and review. 

This new addition to the Idôle fragrance family features the iconic tall glass bottle with a rose gold frame and lid, with the brand's name debossed at the top. 

 Lancôme Idôle l'Eau de Toilette comprises the following notes

• Top: Calabrian Bergamot
• Middle: Sencha Tea Accord
• Base: Duo of Roses

It opens with a fruity citrus Calabrian Bergamot scent which allows through the fresh Sencha Tea Accord , which finally evolves and settles into a sweet, warm and delicate Duo of Roses.   

I love rose fragrances so I am loving the Lancôme Idôle l'Eau de Toilette. It is an EDT so wears off after a couple of hours but I do not mind reapplying if I need to. 

This light fragrance is a great choice for summer as it is fresh, and not overpowering. A must have fragrance for rose fans!

 Find Lancôme Idôle l'Eau de Toilette at Lancôme and Superdrug. 

xo

Moschino Toy 2 Pearl EDP

As a member of the Superdrug Community I received a bottle of Moschino Toy 2 Pearl EDP to test and review. 

Inspired by the Tahitian mother of pearl, this genderless fragrance is designed to stimulate sensations of joy and energy on its wearer. 

Moschino Toy 2 Pearl EDP comprises the following notes:

🍋 Top: Lemon Heart, Oregano, Lemon Sorbet

🏖️ Heart: Jasmine, Sand, Freesia

🪵 Base: Vetiver, Cypress, Musk

This fragrance opens with a zesty hit of lemon accord, which awakens with its tangy and refreshing aroma, while Oregano provides a bit of depth. 

Just moments later, the Sand note is perceivable, providing a salty oceanic touch. Sadly this note overpowers the Jasmine and Freesia which are quite hard to identify when I use it.

At dry down it transforms into a woody, comforting embrace with notes of Vetiver and Cypress. Thankfully I don't get much of the Musk (it is not my favourite note in perfumery), while the salty Sand note prevails throughout.

I really like the bottle, it is very cute and playful, and I love the iridescent finish which is reminiscent of mother of pearl.

Overall, a great summer fragrance for those who are not into sweet-smelling perfumes and want to be reminded of the beach!

Find Moschino Toy 2 Pearl at Superdrug.

xo

What's in my Bag with Orelia

Some bag must-haves for me: 

• a tinted lip balm, effortless and easy to reapply
• hand cream: the scent of this Byredo one lasts even through washes
• perfume: the new Dior Miss Dior Parfum is perfect for spring
• pearl earrings: a classic every-day accessory

Shown above, the Orelia Cocoon Pearl Drop Earrings.

Use code OLIST-B5CV for 15% off your next Orelia order ✨

xo

Sana Jardin Discovery Set

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A couple of months ago I received the Sana Jardin Discovery Set.

This set comes beautifully packaged in a cardboard box which displays the 8 fragrance samples nicely. It also contains a brochure indicating the top, heart and base notes, plus a brief description for each fragrance. 

• Berber Blonde - soft, clean citrus, lightly refreshing and soapy. Standout notes: Bitter Orange, Orange Flower Water and Musk.
• Tiger by Her Side - warm and spicy, delectable and comforting. Standout notes - Cinnamon Bark, Rose Absolute, Vanilla and Frankincense 
• Revolution de la Fleur - Soft, feminine floral with a warm base. Standout notes: Rose, a hint of citrus with Orange Flower Absolute Morocco, then Jasmine and Ylang ylang. 
• Jaipur Chant - Fresh, floral, luxurious, slightly sweet. Standout notes: Lemon and Jasmine Absolute Morocco.
• Vanilla Nomad - sweet, warm, woody & spicy. Standout notes: Frankincense, Sandalwood  & Vanilla
• Incense Water - Soft, Sweet, Fruity, Floral, Light. Standout notes: Raspberry, Rose Absolute, Rose Oil & Rose Water. Reminiscent of Chloe Rose Naturelle Intense. Probably my favourite from this collection.
• Sandalwood Temple - soft, woody, warm, light citrus with a hint of sweetness. Very long lasting. Standout notes: Neroli Oil Morocco, Cedarwood and Vanilla. Fans of Le Labo Santal 33 will love this.
• Venus of Verbena - fresh, uplifting citrus with a soft, soapy, nutty base. Standout notes: Lemon Oil, Orange Blossom, Verbena, Heliotrope. Great for spring and summer. 

The Sana Jardin Discovery Set retails for £35, which is fully redeemable against a full sized fragrance of your choice. 

Use code MSVANILLE for 20% off everything* including this set! 

xo

*Except single samples and bundles.

The Body Shop Haul

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A couple of weeks ago I went to The Body Shop to spend some vouchers I had been gifted and this is what I got:

• Moringa Gift Box 
• Rose Gift Box
• Strawberry Gift Box
• Shea Mini Duo
• Full Rose Perfume
• Perfume Gift Box
• Boost Discovery Set
• Sweet Dreams Discovery Set
• Sleep Calming Pillow Mist
• Camomile Jelly Cleanser
• Guarana and Coffee Moisturiser
• Vitamin C Eye Serum
• Pep Talk Lipstick Refill in Stay True
• Refillable Lipstick Case
• Oval Bamboo Pin Hairbrush
• Bamboo Hair Wrap

It's my biggest The Body Shop haul ever and I only paid 80p for everything: I had several vouchers, a 20% off discount code, and the lady that served me said I spent so much she'd give me 2 free gifts instead of just one (the Sleep and Boost sets), she also gave me a free perfume box and a full sized Tony's Chocolonely bar! 

Use code AFFNAVILLE for 20% off your next order!

xo

Mother's Day Gift Ideas Under £50

Nuxe Very Rose Fragrant Water £33 //  Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm £49

NARS Afterglow Lipstick & Blush £42 // Orelia Luxe Heart Charm Ring £40 

The Taste of Whittard Gift Box £50

Mother's Day is fast approaching so here is my yearly Gift Guide with everything under £50 so you can spoil your lovely mum (or even yourself!). 

You can use code ELEMISZ0S for 20% off at Elemis, and code OLIST-B5CV for 15% off at Orelia. 

xo

Autumn/Winter Must Haves

It's been a very long time coming but here are my AW 23/24 must haves (AKA the season's wishlist)

We are still in the middle of winter so a nice down coat or jacket is a must. A pastel coloured one keeps up the hopes of spring yet to come. A mohair jumper is also a basic in my book. 

Uniqlo Seamless Down Parka // H&M Mohair Jumper

Cute underwear keeps you from feeling frumpy when wearing lots of chunky layers; and soft, comfortable cotton loungewear in neutral colours is ideal when working from home. 

Uniqlo Lace Bralette // Uniqlo Cotton Jumper

On the beauty front, a new fragrance is always exciting. This one from YSL reimagines the original Black Opium (which I love!) by adding a cherry twist. To combat redness from harsh weather, a colour correcting treatment will work wonders. A nice milky toner with peptides and ceramides will soothe and moisturise. 

YSL Black Opium Over Red // Dr Jart Camo Drops //  Tirtir Milk Skin Toner

Hair can also become brittle and dull when using heated tools constantly throughout the season. Some TLC is due, from washing to styling with nourishing cleansers, conditioners and leave-in products. Look for heat protectants, oils and keratin for best results.

Bumble and Bumble Shampoo & Conditioner // Wella Deluxe Light Oil // Provoke Bond Repair Oil

Mary Janes will be everywhere this SS, but a pair of chunky ones will look great with all your AW outfits. For a more delicate, albeit edgy style, a slimmer sole will satisfy your coquette cravings and will see you through the warmer months. If you're not into shoes (do such people even exist?) a cute pastel bag will also satisfy such cravings.

Clarks Orianna T-Bar Shoes // Clarks Fawna Shoes // Vagabond Delia Shoes // Status Anxiety One of These Days Bag

What are your AW must haves?

xo

Valentine's Gift Ideas Under £50

Fresh Bestsellers Limited Edition Set £32 // The Body Shop Full Rose EDP £42

Orelia Gold Plated Heart Drop Earrings £28

Sana Jardin Revolution de la Fleur Candle £48 // Hotel Chocolat Made With Love Selection £35

Kenzo L'eau Par Kenzo Set £49  // Orelia Watch Chain Bracelet £32

Tommy Hilfiger Cardholder £45 

Elemis The Essential Men's Duo £49 // JVC Gumy Wireless Earphones £40

Valentine's Day is just over a month away so I have curated a gift guide with everything under £50 so you can spoil that special someone (or yourself!). Make sure to check out the discount codes below for money off these gift ideas!

• 20% off at Sana Jardin with code MSVANILLE
• 15% off at Orelia with code OLIST-B5CV
• 20% off at The Body Shop with code AFFNAVILLE
• 20% off at Elemis with code ELEMISZ0S

xo

New in: October 2023

In October I was kindly gifted the Cerave Blemish Control Gel, Revolution x Superdrug Advent Calendar, mdlondon Hair Dryer, The Body Shop Vanilla Pumpkin range, Laneige Cream Skin Cerapeptide, Effaclar Duo+M, Innisfree Green Tea Seed HA Serum, a wool jacket from Cubic, Skin1004 Eye Cream & Sun Stick, some by mi AHA BHA PHA Cream, Jumiso skincare from StyleKorean, a package from AKT London and Cicaplast Baume B5.

I won a pair of underwear from Merri Intimates, a Skin1004 Sunscreen and Sun Stick from StyleVana, a Glow Recipe minis giveaway and Isntree Onion Newpair products (yet to be received).

Got a handheld tape dispenser from the pound shop and I also received a few free samples of Amika products, Colour Catcher, Colgate Total Mini Toothpaste, Alien Supra Florale perfume, Redken Shampoo & Conditioner, and a Dolce & Gabanna Devotion perfume (not pictured).

xo

KAYALI Eden Sparkling Lychee

A couple of weeks ago I received the KAYALI Eden Sparkling Lychee eau de parfum to test and review.

It comes in an octagon shaped cardboard box with embossed star details and copper sides. On the front it features a 3D KAYALI logo and fragrance name, while the back lists the key notes for the fragrance.

The bottle inside the box sits snugly on a padded centre and mimics the shape of the box, with a diamond shaped lid. The pink glass bottle and the packaging feels good quality.

This fragrance is a delectable fruity explosion, with key notes of Blackcurrant, Sparkling Lychee, Rose Damascena, Candied Violet, Sugared Amber and Sandalwood. 

KAYALI Eden Sparkling Lychee is comprised of the following notes:

• Top - Blackcurrant, Sparkling Lychee and Italian Lemon
• Heart - Rose Damascena, Candied Violet and Jasmine Sambac
• Base notes - Sugared Amber, Cedarwood, Musk, Vanilla Absolute and Sandalwood

Upon first spray the Blackcurrant and Lychee are very noticeable, sweet and sparkly. A few moments later, while sweetness remains, it evolves into a floral accord of Candied Violet and Rose. Finally, it mellows down into a light, musky base.

This perfume has a medium longevity and strength, however, I would not mind reapplying if going out again later in the day as my favourite notes in KAYALI Eden Sparkling Lychee are the top ones. 

Overall, a very sweet and fruity fragrance that I would recommend if you are looking for a new daytime eau de parfum.

Find KAYALI Eden Sparkling Lychee at Sephora, Boots, ASOS and Cult Beauty. 

Have you tried KAYALI fragrances?

xo

Christmas Gift Ideas Under £50

Briogeo Mango & Cherry Hair Set £45 // Fiona Shoulder Bag £46.48 (£36.26 with code MSVANILLE)

Orelia Statement Earrings £40 (£34 with code OLIST-B5CV)

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm Set £38 //2024 Bullet Journal £17.80

Nuxe Pink Fever Set £27 // Uniqlo Cashmere Scarf   £49.90

Sana Jardin Scented Candle £48 (£38.40 with code MSVANILLE)

Healthy Glow Nail Duo £30 (£25.50 with code NAVILLEFLASH) // British Rose Gift Set £25

Hemp Handcare Gift £14 // Uniqlo Leather Belt £24.90 // Lego Lamborghini Countach Set £20

The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present £22

Cashmere Lined Leather Gloves £45 // Happy Socks Star Wars Set £40

Osprey London Wash Bag Set £35

Dior Sauvage After-Shave Lotion £49 // Blue Light Sculpture Art Print £29.89

CREED Inspiration Fragrance Gift Set £38

December is here already and so is my handy yearly gift guide with everything under £50 in case you need some inspiration! I've used full prices, however, some items are on sale and you can even get extra money off using the codes above. 

xo

PS. You can get 20% off The Body Shop non-gift items with code AFFNAVILLE

Includes affiliate links

The Best Black Friday Deals 2023

It's that time of the year again so make sure to take advantage of all the offers below to stock up on essentials and get your Christmas shopping ready for a great price!

• The Body Shop: 25% off with code LYBC25 (or AFFNAVILLE year round!) 
• Dr Sam's: 10% off with code MSVANILLEBF, free delivery & a FREE gift card of up to £30 on orders £50+ 
• Merri Intimates: 20% sitewide. Get an extra 10% off with code NAVILLE10
• Sana Jardin: 30% off everything (40% off bundles)
• Sephora: up to 50% off, plus free Beauty Bag worth £100 when you spend £120
• Face Theory: 30% off sitewide (use code MSVANILLE for an extra 20% off!)
• Boots: Up to 50% off on selected items
• La Redoute: Up to 50% off everything and extra 10% off with code EXTRA10
• Benefit: 20% off sitewide, 25% off £60 spend and 30% off £100 spend
• SINBONO: 22% off with code MSVANILLE, 35% off $199+ with BF35, 50% off $299 with BF50
• Mermade Hair: Up to 80% off sitewide, no code needed
• Radley London: up to 50% off selected items
• YesStyle: Up to 50% off 150 K-Beauty Items. Get extra money off with code NAV2019
• Superdrug: Save up to 60% on selected items
• Escentual: Save at least 50% on selected items, plus an extra 10% off with code BLACK10

Will you be taking advantage of the sales?

xo

This article includes affiliate links

New In: September 2023

In September I received my YesStyle order (see haul post here), as well as the Jurlique Nutri Define & Rare Rose products, Vichy Dercos Anti Dandruff Sensitive Shampoo and AKT Deodorant in Columbia Road; got selected to test the md london Hair Dryer, The Body Shop Pumpkin Vanilla Set and P. Calm Toner Pads. Also received the Dr Sam's Cleanser, my Bubble Welcome Package, Revision Skincare DEJ Serum,  Forest & Shore Thrive Hair Oil, another Inkey List Plumping Lip Balm and Britney Spear's Jungle Fantasy perfume. (All gifted)

From Superdrug I purchased some Nivea Micellar Water and Cotton Pads, and Dot got me the Skinny Dip face masks (even got some for my mum as they were only 8p!)

And on our anniversary Dot got me a Mulberry England card holder, Slip mulberry silk pillowcase, flowers and a deck of Empowerment Cards.

Anything not pictured I have linked to the already published review or post so you can check them out (except Bubble, which is coming soon!).

xo

New In: August 2023

In August my H&M Order arrived, I got a linen dress and a hair bow , which I wore on my birthday 

Went shopping on my birthday and got some Sailor Moon socks and Miniso Sticky Notes. 

For my birthday Dot got me some flowers, a Ring Light, cute stationery, chocolate, conchas, Hello Kitty PJs, Cath Kidston heart-shaped soap & tin, black loafers and a Stila Kitten set. I also was gifted some more chocolate, soap, stationery and slippers.

I got sent a few gifts and PR packages, including the Garnier Banana & Oat Conditioners, The Body Shop Coconut Body Butter & Ginger Shampoo, Purito Deep Sea Droplet Serum and Water Cream, The Inkey List Plumping Lip Balm, Superdrug Blemish Flower Patches, Bioderma Sebium Serum, Disciple Intervention Mask, Givenchy L'Interdit Rouge Ultime Perfume, Isntree Sunscreens, The Body Shop Full Ylang Ylang Perfume, Tocobo Skincare Set. 

I won a couple of giveaways in August too, the Acne Skincare Box from YesStyle and a Disciple Intervention Mask from BeautyKick. Also received a sample of Dior L'Or perfume. 

Got some Pretty Little Thing Sunglasses from Choice, Bee Sticky Notes from Poundland and an Alice In Wonderland Tea Cup from Asda.

Did you get anything nice recently?

xo

New in: June & July 2023

The last couple of months have been quite lucky in terms of gifts/PR and I am very grateful to have received in June a MUA Neon Lights package from Superdrug, Eylure Eyelashes, a We Are Eves bag, Flash Dust Magnet Duster, Laneige Set, Gardenia Dore Perfume, Heimish skincare and TIAM skincare.

I got a headband and some claw clips from Poundland and Primark, and some samples including Alien Goddess Supra Florale and Lancôme Serum + Cream HPN (not pictured).

In July I got some more PR and gifts including the Superdrug Heatless Curling Kit, Huda Beauty Mascara and Concealer, Oral B Toothpaste, Ariana Grande Mod Vanilla Perfume and Bondi Sands Glow Dust Exfoliator.

I received some Kerastase, Elizabeth Arden and Effaclar Duo+ samples (not pictured). 

From Primark I purchased some Barbie pjs and Dot got me a couple of magazines that came with a free Nails Inc nail polish, and a Maybelline one too that I found in Poundland. 

Made a YesStyle order, and I also won a Cultured Biomecare giveaway! (not pictured)

And this month it's my birthday and have also been accepted into several other ambassador programs so I will be sharing my gifts soon!

xo

5 Fragrances to Try This Spring & Summer

Been meaning to write this post for a while, and even though spring is almost over you can also wear these fragrances during the summer. 

My top 5 picks for these seasons are:

Gucci Bloom: with notes of Tuberose, Jasmin and Rangoon Creeper, it is a captivating floral scent that recreates the feeling of being in a garden surrounded by diverse blooms. It sprays the finest mist I've seen from any perfume, so spreads evenly on the skin. I also love the powder pink lacquer bottle which helps preserve the fragrance inside while looking elegant and minimalistic. 

Chloé Rose Naturelle Intense: this soft floral fragrance features one of my favourite notes in perfumery: rose. With top notes of Neroli & Bergamot, heart notes of Rose & Oak Wood and base notes of Cedar & Sandalwood, it sounds very wood-based however these notes are quite subtle and give this fragrance warmth without attenuating the Rose scent. The Neroli and Bergamot provide a hint of sweetness. If you like subtle rose perfumes this is for you.

Issey Miyake Rose & Rose: told you it was one of my favourite notes! Comprised of Rose, Pink Pepper, Raspberry & Pear top notes; Bulgarian Rose Essence & Osmanthus heart notes; and base notes of Patchouli & Cashmeran, it is a significantly sweeter fragrance thanks to the fruit accord, while the woody base keeps it from being cloying as it frames the dual Centifolia and Damascena Rose heart. 

Marc Jacobs Perfect: the classically shaped bottle is offset by the playfulness of the cap which is adorned with several charms. Top notes of Rhubarb and Daffodil give it a light fruity and floral accord, the Almond milk heart note provides creaminess, while the Cashmeran base adds depth and a woody note as it dries down. A subtle warm floral fragrance with a hint of sweetness. 

Paco Rabanne Fame: this delectable fragrance opens with Mango & Bergamot, followed by Jasmine & Incense and finishes with Sandalwood & Vanilla. This perfume is sweet with a hint of floral and a warm, creamy base. The Mango note remains discernible throughout and the fragrance is very long lasting. 

Have you tried any of these perfumes?

xo

New In: April & May 2023

Marc Jacobs Perfect EDT

@skincarestationery Marc Jacobs EDT Unboxing 🎀 #marcjacobsfragrances #marcjacobsperfect #unboxingperfume #asmrunboxing #eaudetoilette #springperfume @MarcJacobsFragrances #perfumereview ♬ Walking up with You - Omar Enfedaque

I was kindly gifted the Marc Jacobs Perfect EDT to try out and review. 

The bottle is contained in a baby blue box which matches the shade of the fragrance inside. Cute sketches and the word 'Perfect' in script handwriting decorate the outer packaging, which is elevated by silver foil accents. 

This fragrance is encased in a weighted clear glass faceted bottle which looks elegant and luxurious. The cap is decorated with a set of charms handpicked by Marc Jacobs himself, my favourites being the big white bow, star-shaped balloon, cherries and the heart-shaped locket. 

The charms bring a fun element which contrasts with the classically shaped bottle. 

Marc Jacobs Perfect Eau de Toilette fragrance features:

• Top Notes of Pink Peppercorn and Polygonum
• Heart notes of White Daffodil
• Base Notes of Cedarwood

The spray action is quite strong, so care should be taken when pressing it.  

Marc Jacobs Perfect Eau de Toilette opens with sharp, spicy and elegantly floral Pink Peppercorn notes which quickly transform to a subtle warm and gentle milky scent provided by the White Daffodil. 

I'm not sure I was able to identify the Polygonum in this perfume as it is not a note I am familiar with. 

The Cedarwood base is not perceptible at all, at least for me as I have used several perfumes with Cedarwood in them, and it is generally a very strong, noticeable woody aroma. However, this doesn't negatively affect my opinion of this fragrance as I still enjoy the warm, creamy 'skin scent' base. 

This innocent fragrance also has a hint of a clean, almost soapy note mixed in at the base. 

If I had to describe Marc Jacobs Perfect EDT in one phrase it would be "a warm, sunny spring afternoon".

Marc Jacobs Perfect EDT is a very light fragrance which is great for spring and summer. I don't usually go for Eau De Toilettes but this is a great option for warmer weather, when you want to feel put together but not wear a scent that will become overpowering when it's hot. 

Even though it is not a very intense fragrance (it is more subtle than the original Perfect EDP), it was still perceptible on my skin over 8 hours after its first application. 

The bottle is both classic and fun, and the subtly sweet fragrance makes me think this perfume can be enjoyed by girls in their teens to women in their 40s or even beyond. It would make a lovely first perfume too.

If you are looking for a soft, delicately sweet perfume for spring and summer I would recommend trying Marc Jacobs Perfect EDT.

Find Marc Jacobs Perfect EDT at Sephora, Superdrug, John Lewis, Very & House of Fraser.

xo