Orgasms and Chanel

So back at the beginning of January I posted about what we needed in 2010. So far I've been using the Maybelline foundation which is brilliant stuff, I really like it. And yesterday I bought the Nars Orgasm Illuminator in SpaceNK. I walked past, saw it in the window and thought I'd better have it. For everyone's sake so you can all know if it's worth investing in. The sacrifices I make...

Anyway, not used it yet but I will be reporting back. It looks very promising based on rubbing a bit on the back of my hand.

I've not got round to investigating the Lancome counter yet but continue to read very positive comments on their reformulated make up. I have tried to have a look at the Chanel nail varnish in the flesh but every single Chanel counter told me that they were expecting a delivery next week. Whatever. I'm over it already. My new favourite nail varnish is Essie's Angora Cardigan. It looks like it's going to be a bit dull but it's the most gorgeous dusty rose and makes a change from my usual darker colours.

Speaking of Chanel, my love for Bois des Iles continues unabated so I thought I'd investigate purchasing some. I hiked to Selfridges, went to the usual Chanel counter and was told, I needed to go to the exclusive Chanel counter. Regular readers will know my issues with Selfridges but they are the only shop that sells these scents so I had to bite the bullet. Anyway, I was escorted to the exclusive counter where I saw the most orange faced ladies I've ever encountered in beauty counter visiting. Absolutely caked in make up. They were helpful though and if you've never visited this little corner of Selfridges, it's a Chanel haven. Beautifully laid out. I have found a picture online but this does it no justice.

I discovered the perfume costs £163! I knew they wouldn't be giving it away but £163? Mind you, it is for 200ml so it's actually good value when you think about it. The bottles were divine in their simplicity. However, sanity prevailed and I had to walk away. Not before I'd smelt every perfume though. Chanel Beige is also lovely. But Bois des Iles is the one for me. Closely followed by No 18 which I adore. If I was a millionaire, I'd have all of them. Lined up in my enormous bathroom.

A tribute

I interrupt my usual beauty blogging to pay tribute to my beautiful mother who died on 7 February. All my love of cosmetics and perfume stem from her and her influence on me. I will miss her more than words can say and whenever I smell Private Collection (a perfume that only seemed to suit her) or smooth on face cream, I shall think of her and her inimitable style.

It's not just me who thinks she was stylish. She's just made it on to this blog:

http://momstyleicons.blogspot.com/2010/02/taxi-take-us-to-1963-and-step-on-it-we.html

Love you Mummy.

http://www.justgiving.com/Melanie-Moss

Chanel - when they get it right, they really get it so right

I may have done another Perfumed Court order. I blame The Book (I bought the updated version). I couldn't sleep the other night so I do what any sane person does, I shopped online.

Perfumed Court is a great site - you can buy decants of scents to see if you like them. I recommend it.

Here's what I ordered:

Chanel:
31 Rue Cambon
No 19
No 18
Bois des Iles
Pour Monsieur
Eau De Guerlain
Theo Fennell
Givenchy III
Prescriptives Calyx

Quite a haul. I've not tried them all yet but I can say I have a new love. Bois des Iles. It's just divine. It's a soft fragrance, it smells like cashmere, kittens, elegance and beauty. I love it. I also really like No 18. You can only buy this at standalone Chanel counters and at Selfridges in London. Apparently. I have no idea why they hide it away and sell some of the odious scents they do but there you go. It's very green initially and sharp and then it melts into a giant floral. Very intriguing.

I don't like Theo Fennell. I need to give it another go but so far, it's a thumbs down. And Givenchy is really disappointing, I could barely smell it after 20 minutes. Same with 31 Rue Cambon which is lovely but fades way too fast.

Not tried the others yet. I know what No 19 smells like but not sure how it will smell on me. So many perfumes. So little time.