Luxury Products You NEED In Your Makeup Bag

Luxury Products You NEED In Your Makeup Bag

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Over my years of makeup hoarding and testing loads of different products, I have come to terms with what works for me and what looks like a complete disaster. Recently, I've been trying to narrow down my makeup into a very small 'ten products you can't live without'. However, I found this too challenging, as I'm a huge lover of both the expensive and affordable makeup. Therefore, I would like to bring to you part 1 of my favourite makeup products of all time. 

Also, I've been thinking about uploading my top 10 drugstore products of all time over on my Youtube Channel to coincide with this blog post. I'm starting a Youtube Channel in the next few months as I am so close to saving up for a new, good quality camera. I cannot wait to start making videos and hopefully receive a positive response, as I've been sooooo scared to do this. If you are interested in watching my future youtube videos, don't hesistate to click on the link above or type 'CharlotteEmilyXXXX' to find my channel and subscribe. Leave a comment below if you do!

On with the fun stuff...

FACE

Without a doubt, I always prioritise my highend base goodies over my (also-very-loved) drugstore ones. Personally, I feel that they provide such a luxurious feel on the skin, alongside creating an effect that lives up to their high prices. I'm 100% a full coverage girl and my NARS Sheer Glow fulfills my every need; with a smooth, silky finish, even complexion and long-lasting power, this foundation is one to settle anyone's 'flawless finish' needs. Accompanying Sheer Glow comes my trusty NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. Nars base products really work on my skin, building a firm base with a glowing radiance that counteracts my dryness. This concealer does my under eye circles wonders - illuminating my dull areas (under eyes, around my nose) and my T zone to highlight the centre of my face. 

Powder products are definitely my safety net when it comes to adding extra definition to my face. Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess, which you are probably sick-to-death hearing about from me, is a dream to blend when contouring, accentuating the hollows of my cheeks and structuring my face. The tiny golden flecks running through the product makes it perfect for the summer months when you want your face to glow under the sunlight. Blush is something I have love-hate relationship with; I am horrendously bad at applying the correct amount to my cheeks so I tend to avoid wearing it. However, after picking up MAC's Melba at the beginning of 2016, creating a soft, flushed effect has never been so easy. The warm, peach undertones form a natural look on my cheeks, something I've been wanting to achieve for months years! Saving the best till last - highlight!!! MAC'S infamous Soft and Gentle and The Balm's Mary Lou Manizer are the highlights you will always find lurking in my makeup bag; I alter between the two depending on my makeup look. If I've chosen cooler tones on my eyes/lips, I will opt for Mary Lou. Alternatively, Soft and Gentle compliments warmer tones so I pop some of that on my cheeks when I'm wearing a copper shadow and I'm good to go :)

EYES

Finding a single eyeshadow palette that I adore with all my heart was a challenge - I own many a shadow palette so it was very difficult to decide which met all my criteria. The Too Faced Chocolate Bar palette won! This was simply because it met everything I could ever want in a shadow palette - a mixture of matter and shimmers, intense pigmentation, all wearable/versatile shades, a variety of colours, a handy mirror and sleek packaging to fit in your makeup bag. I will honestly never stop raving about this palette because I love it soooo freaking much! My most used shadow is definitely Creme Brulee - it creates a gorgeous golden lid colour for those days where you just cant be bothered to spend 113432 hours perfecting your eye makeup.

LIPS

Another very difficult product to condense into my top favourites were my lipsticks. Fortunately, I've managed to narrow my choices to my top 3 lippies - a deep pink, a nude and a dark shade. Starting from the left, Charlotte Tilbury's stunning rose-gold packaging holds my all-time favourite 'your-lips-but-better- shade - BOND GIRL. This cool-toned, mauve pink is perfect for everyday wear but can also look glamorous in the evening too. The versatility of this lipstick is endless and it will never leave my purse/handbag/pocket no matter where I am. Nudes are my fall back if I'm wearing little makeup or don't want to draw any attention to myself - Chanel's Satisfaction is always something I go back to when I acquire a nude lip. The creamy formula feels incredibly luxurious on your lips and lasts for several hours, not something many lip products can do. Lastly, MAC's Dark Side is a more recent discovery; the dark, red/purple undertones really complement my ivory complexion and leave a thin, yet intense, satin finish.

What are you favourite high end makeup products? Do you have any dupes for the products I mentioned above?!

Lots of love

Everyday Makeup Routine

Everyday Makeup Routine

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One of the most iconic beauty blogger/vlogger posts is the EVERYDAY MAKEUP ROUTINE. Although I've been blogging for almost 3 years now, I still haven't managed to upload my daily go-to makeup look. My makeup routine varies on a fairly regular basis - it changes from week to month. However, throughout March/April, this is the look I've been attached to and repetitively wearing whenever I'm leaving the house to do something. 

Generally, makeup makes me feel more comfortable and confident as a person so I completely acknowledge that this may be too much makeup for some to wear daily. In other cases, it may not be as much as others. If you wish to follow my makeup routine but change some products or tone things down depending on your personal preferences. 

Here it is...the long awaited everyday makeup routine..

EYES

On most occasions, I tend to begin my routine with my eye makeup; this is mainly because I cannot stand 'fallout' and I don't feel so much pressure with eyeliner application. Sometimes, I like to use tape when applying eyeshadow and liner to create a clean, sharp cut. 

Recently, I've been loving the Too faced Chocolate Bar palette - my look involves the shades 'Milk Chocolate' and 'Semi-Sweet'. I apply both brown shades into the crease and blend, blend, blend! This create a soft, contoured eye look, which helps bolden and intensify my small eyes. The eyeliner I'm currently using is the L'Oreal Superstar Super Liner - the strong nibbed applicator ensures precision is at its best whilst also holding an incredible black pigment. Also, I use a Model's Own black liner in my waterline for extra definition. Finally, the mascara I've been loving this month is Rimmel's Super Curler 24HR. I don't think I've ever found a drugstore mascara that doesn't smear under my eyes after several hours after application until I met this. So affordable too!

FACE

Following on my eye makeup comes my complexion. For my base, I've been reaching for L'Oreal's Infaillible 16HR wear foundation. This is super concealing, helps to hide and even out my blotchy red skin and lasts all day long without sticking to dry patches. Then is my tricky task of covering up my horrific under eye circles - L'Oreal's Lumi Magique works wonders for my under eye darkness. It manages to conceal, and primarily highlight, any dull areas on the face. 

Now my favourite part - contour, blush and highlight. To contour or bronze my face up, whichever I'm feeling, I always carry my trusty Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess which I've been raving about forever! The warm-toned powder and formula works well on my skin; complimenting my cool skin and making blending a dream. Blush can potentially bring out my natural red complexion so I sometimes avoid wearing it. However, I have found that MAC's Melba is a super natural, toned-down peach which works well for me. Finally, I've been using MAC Soft and Gentle MSF or The Balm's Mary Lou Manizer to add that beautiful glow to the cheekbones and eyebrow bone.

LIPS 

Keeping it natural for that everyday appropriate look, I have a collection of lipsticks I usually carry in my makeup bag. In the images above, I've used MAC Mehr on my lips - a soft, mauve pink. Also, I recommend Charlotte Tilbury Bond Girl or Chanel Satisfaction for those highend lovers. Alternatively, highstreet lovers can opt for Essence's Natural Beauty lipstick or Soap and Glory Glossy Crayon's in Nudist.

Do you use the same products on a daily basis? What is your go-to lipstick?

Lots of love

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This post is not in collaboration with any brands listed above. 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade | REVIEW

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade | REVIEW

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Brows are one THE most important part of my makeup routine. Unfortunately, I am one of those people who suffer with sparse brow hairs; therefore, they are difficult to shape when I get them waxed whilst further costing me an eyebrow tint for the beautician to ever SEE the hairs they need to wax. 

Finally, after many years of trying out awful brow pencils and powders, I have at last found the formula to satisfy my brows righteous needs...

Formulation - The highly-pigmented formula aids smooth application onto the brows - the creamy texture allowing the product to glide with ease. Also, the 'gel' is thick so a little product goes a long way; realistically, one dip covers one of my brows.

Colour - Not being able to buy Anastasia in England is such a pain when choosing colour matches. Therefore, I tentatively trusted Google Images to supply me with the correct colour match. To my luck and fortune, I succeeded and the shade 'Chocolate' matched my brows perfectly. This shade is slightly warm toned, complimenting my pale/ivory complexion. Finally, it is simple to create the gradient effect (dark to light from ends to where the brows meet) - all you need to do is apply more product onto the end of your eyebrow.

Angled 12 Brush - This brush has saved my life; it gives me ultimate precision when crafting my eyebrows, simple application due to the thin bristles and angled shape, and accompanied with a spooly to help tame those annoying stray hairs!! I would 100% recommend picking this up along with the Dipbrow Pomade. I totally plan on purchasing one for gel liner too. 

Sorry for the cringey selfie, but this is what the product looks like on my brows.

Have you tried the Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade? What is your holy grail brow product?

Lots of love

Why I'm Obsessed Makeup Palettes...

Why I'm Obsessed Makeup Palettes...

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When admiring my new dressing table and makeup collection the other day, I suddenly acknowledged the ridiculous amount of palettes I've gathered throughout my years of makeup hoarding. Thus, I've brought a post to you today dedicated to my beloved compacts and why they are such an important part of my makeup-revolved world...

Urban Decay Naked Smoky Palette

Urban Decay Gwen Stefani Palette

High end up eyeshadow palettes have invaded my entire makeup collection over the past two year, and has been ever-growing since. Through experience, I have personally found Urban Decay to hold the best high end shadows - great pigmentation, incredible colour range, multiple palettes, fab lasting power and overall look. I cannot get enough of UD's shadows and will continue to repurchase. 

Nars Steven Klein One Shocking Moment Cheek Studio Palette, Makeup Revolution Blushes & Urban Decay Naked Flushed (STREAK)

Post-eyeshadow-palette-craziness, I became introduced to the wondrous face/blush palettes in both the drugstore and highend brands. I'm in love with my Nars Steven Klein palette - the contour shade is an absolute DREAAAAAM to blend and the multiple blush shades are perfect for travelling. I also love the affordable palettes - e.g. Makeup Revolution have some fab palettes you should try if you haven't already. Their blushes are super pretty but insanely pigmented - so watch out when applying!!

Dior Sundeck , Bobbi Brown Pink Opal and L'Oreal Marron Glace

The smaller compact must no go a-miss. I love the little eyeshadow palettes you can get, both luxury and affordable. These three lil palettes completely summarise my eyeshadow go-to's; I'm a sucker for bronze/browns all year round, pinks in the spring/summer and orange tones in the winter. 

Why do I love all these palettes so much, do you ask? Well, they are simply four main reasons. 1 - I adore how versatile they are, they can hold an endless array of colours perfect for any occasion. 2 - If you are indecisive, like myself, you can just take 12423423 blushes with you in case you can't decide spontaneously. 3 - Cosmetic palettes inspire me to change my daily makeup routine - the variety of shades you can get in one palette allows me to alternate my looks on a regular basis so I'm getting full use of my makeup collection. 4 - Like the majority of beauty lovers, compacts are travel friendly so you can't have enough. They can really save so much space in your bag, a definite beauty need.

What's your favourite beauty palette? 

Lots of love

Urban Decay Gwen Stefani Palette | Review

Urban Decay Gwen Stefani Palette | Review

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After witnessing the huge social media and blogger/vlogger community craze about Gwen Stefani's limited edition eyeshadow palette, I couldn't resist not buying it for myself. This palette is different from any I currently own - a mixture of fun, qwerky colours combined with neutral/champagne shades. Versatility is such an important component to any palette, making it perfect for travelling, as well as enabling day/night use and opening up the audience to those who love neutrals, colours or both.

Being a huge fan of Urban Decay and their incredible, best-selling eyeshadow palettes, I was never worried about the pigmentation or look on the lid. Encased in a classy golden compact, there lay 15 shades, ranging from beiges, taupes, golds to popping,vibrant colours. The palette was smaller than I anticipated but that wasn't too much of an issue because it will be handy to slip into my makeup bag when I'm out-and-about!

Shades:

Blonde - a warm, ivory/beige with a hint of pink iridescence

Bathwater - subtle golden beige with warm undertones

Skimp - a neutral peach with a satin sheen effect

Steady - a metallic, peachy/copper shade with high warm undertones

Punk - a  matte, muted plum with berry-like undertones

Baby - a sparkly rose-copper shade that appears rose-gold on the lid

Anaheim - a soft, taupe matte (something I love to shove in my crease on a lazy day)

Stark - a naked peachy beige, perfect as a transition colour

Zone - a standard medium brown, matte & muted

Serious - a dark smoky gray with tiny glitters, purple undertones

Pop - a champagne, coral with intense iridescent sparkle

Harajuku - a frosty, vibrant pink with intense blue undertones

Danger - a rich royal blue with lots of sparkle/shimmer

1987 - a classy metallic yellow-gold with a frosty finish

Blackout - a matte black (from the Naked 2 also, perfect for lining the eyes) 

Overall, as expected, the pigmentation and colour payoff is, and will always be, flawless on Urban Decay's behalf. They never fail to impress me with their beautifully arranged eye shadow palettes and creamy, pigmented colours. My top 3 fave colours from the palette have to be : Punk, Baby and Pop!

Grab one now before they leave the shops -REMEMBER they are only limited edition!!!

What are your favourite shades from the palette? Do you love Urban Decay makeup as much as I do?!

Lots of love

Make Yourself Sparkle This Winter!

Make Yourself Sparkle This Winter!

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We all know that winter is truly here: the cold weather has swiftly approached, it's already the final month of the year and everyone is putting up their Christmas decorations. I am so excited for Christmas this every year, and love to find new glittery beauty products to make my face sparkle all winter-round. 

This year I finally purchased one of many beauty bloggers favourite highend highlighters - the infamous Urban Decay Naked Illuminated Powder in AURA!!! I couldn't resist adding another gorgeous highlighter to my collection and even better, it completely unique to any that I already own.

Encased in a chunky, champagne coloured compact, this peachy, golden baked glitter ball had me in awe; it was definitely my favourite shade out of the three on offer (Lit + Luminous)! There is soooo much sparkle through product and the formulation is insanely pigmented so a little goes a VERY long way - using the contour brush from the Real Techniques Bold Metals range provides precise application to the cheekbones followed by a fluffy brush to thoroughly blend and avoid that 'glitter ball mess' look. 

The peachy tone in Aura majorly contributes to the overall Christmas vibe to the product - without that peachy glow, my complexion would be completely washed out and their would be no colour on my cheeks to give any depth to my makeup look. Something I have become really fond of in the makeup world recently is the definition you can form by applying different colours to areas of the face. Contouring has impacted insane amounts in the makeup industry this year - it is the highlighters turn to take the limelight in 2016, does anyone else agree?!

Being a performer, I also bought this product as an added bonus because it states that you can use it to illuminate your body too. This would be amazing on the collarbones/arms for my dance/theatre shows - I can imagine it would catch the stagelights wonderfully.

Sorry for my lack of posts and absence over the past month. I will try and stay posting as much as possible - A levels are the worst!!! 

Comment below if you love wearing glitter/sparkle in Winter just like me!

Lots of love

The A/W15 Coat Edit

The A/W15 Coat Edit

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Coat by Missoni from Luisa World

Coat season has returned and I'm absolutely loving it! There is nothing I love more than picking out my A/W wardrobe each year, foraging for a new definitive coat that I will wear to DEATH over the entire season. What has made it extra special this year is that I've discovered FarFetch, an online site that holds beautiful designer clothing, which has inspired me to dedicate a post lusting over 3 of their 6 DEFINITIVE COATS OF A/W15. Oh, how I wish I could afford them...

1. The English Lady ~ Brush up on your manners this season, as AW15 heralds the return of the frightfully proper English heritage coat. Savile Row mainstays such as Prince of Wales check, nubby tweed and houndstooth look modern again, especially when worn with off-kilter accessories and your favourite granny handbag.

I am in awe at this sophisticated wardrobe piece; it gives off a truly vintage vibe which everyone is loving this year! The intricately designed patterns would incorporate a dramatic statement to a monochromal dress/outfit, knee-length heeled boots and vibrant handbag to add some extra fun to the look. 

Coat by Balmain from Splash by the Beach

2. The Great White ~ Nothing makes you look expensive like winter whites - and not just because of the dry-cleaning bills. Shades like oyster, cream and purest snow white lift winter complexions and add freshness to your look. The hot AW15 update? Block it with separates in luxurious tones of oxblood and cyclamen pink.

Another trend I want to be involved with this year is the alluring white wraps everyone is wearing out and about. White is the colour to be worn in these winter months, helping to enhance those rosy cheeks and pale complexions. My personal favourite factor of white coats are that they contrast my dark locks, making my natural features one of my statements during Winter.

Coat by Derek Lam from Derek Lam

3. The Leather Trench ~ The Seventies favourite is back for 2015, fortified with a sex bomb colour palette – opt for Derek Lam’s cherry red for maximum hot-blooded appeal, and wear skin-on-skin style until winter’s bite brings out the goosebumps.

Finally, we have one of the most definitive coats I'd ever wear - I certainly wouldn't be able to pull this leather trench off but I know a lot of people who could. The vibrancy of the red is bold and striking; something you want to be wearing in the unevitable aridity of November/December. Outwear like this should totally be paired with a hot red-orange lipstick - I vote NARS Mysterious Red Velvet Matte Lip Pencil will do just the trick! 

Don't forget to check out the other three coats you could be rocking this season by clicking HERE.

Lots of love

My Current Nars Favourites

My Current Nars Favourites

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Good evening! 

Today, I'd like to give a brief overview of all my current favourites; let us delve into my small collection shall we?

~ Nars 'Orgasm' Blusher ~

A beauty cult favourite, loved by all. This peachy-pink gold toned blush looks stunning in sunlight, the glitters bounce of the face enhancing natural beauty to the cheeks. One of those beauty faves you can't live without, especially in the Winter months when you need that extra flush of colour.

~ Nars 'Callisto' Dual Intensity Eyeshadow ~

A recent addition to my Nars favourites is this glittery, lilac-reflecting champagne mono eyeshadow. After falling in love with the high shine factor, intense pigmentation, frosty finish and lack of fallout, I just HAD to mention it in this post. I'm on the hunt for Dione and Himalia now, they are stunning shades too!

~ Nars 'Charlotte' Audacious Lipstick ~ 

All of you A/W makeup fanantics,like myself, will love this dark red lippie. A sophisticated option for a meal out or just to simply match an outfit, this one does the job! The smooth application is heavenly and leaves your lips feeling big and full; you don't even need lip liner girls!!!

~ Nars 'Mysterious Red' Velvet Matte Lip Pencil ~

This one is gorgeous and a classic; a very warm opaque brick red that is an honest showstopper for me. Despite it being striking and bold, this is a colour you and many have probably seen before. The thing that makes these lip pencils so special is the flat matte finish whilst among feeling surprisingly smooth upon the lips. Oh, and who doesn't love a crayon styled lip product?! Just line and fill in your lips...SIMPLE!

I hope you liked reading about my current obsessions on the Nars front (I'd also like to add I'm a huge fan of their radiant creamy concealer but completely forgot about it - OOPS!). 

Do you own a NARS product? If so, what is your favourite beauty item from this brand?

Lots of love

Naked Smoky Palette | Review

Naked Smoky Palette | Review

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Urban Decay, I must say, have the most stunning eye shadow palettes and shades - more than any other brand I know of. One of their new releases is the new Smoky palette from the infamously -loved Naked range. I've tried the second and third Naked palettes as well as the Basics 2; Urban Decay never failing to impress me. 

It came as much a surprise to me when my best friend Megan invested in this beauty for my birthday; I couldn't thank her enough! Getting my hands on some more of their highly pigmented, cool-toned and fun named shadows made my birthday extra special.

 Let's take a look at the product in closer detail - shall we?

Encased in a golden, gunmetal embossed palette with a marble and brown smoke effect on top, there are 12 sultry, cool-toned shades (9 of which are new and exclusive to this palette!) to create the perfect smoky eye, as well as the cooler undertones being ideal for the Winter months. Throughout my makeup hoarding time, I've never really had the right colours to even attempt an in-depth smoky eye so now I have this, I can't wait to get stuck in and spend my days working on new looks that I could potentially upload as tutorials later on.

With a mix of both glittery and matte, light and dark, options, I believe this palette to be one of the most versatile, universal products I've owned in a while. The contrast in finishes and tone envelope a uniqueness too - further making it a NEED for every single beauty blogger in the planet! Also, another difference spotted from the other NAKED palettes, is the new brush style. The two-sided eye crease brush is darker in colour with fluffier bristles; one end a blending brush and the other a more pointed for precision. In my opinion, I prefer this than the ones in the previous NAKED palettes.

HIGH -  A champagne, pink-toned highlight shades with a slightly pearlescent coating. One of the few warm tones in the palette; holds a frosted, metallic sheen on the eye.

DIRTYSWEET - Yellow under-toned metallic gold shade; one perfect for all-over-the-lid.

RADAR - A chestnut, warm brown with small glitters running throughout; idyllic transition shade.

ARMOR - A cool, taupe/grey glitter shade that would add sparkle to your smoky eye.

SLANTED - A pale blue,grey shimmer with a muted metallic essence.

DAGGER - Very dark grey with intense blue tones; a deep matte that would work great creating a dramatic eye.

BLACK MARKET - A navy, jet blue satin shade with a thin, easy-to-blend formula.

SMOLDER - A mix between a plum purple and taupe with an iridescent shine.

PASSWORD - A light matte grey.

WHISKEY - A rich matte brown (I cannot wait to use this in my crease; fab eye contour shade)

COMBUST - A soft, blush pink that will look gorgeous on the inner lid.

THIRTEEN - A pure, beige satin shade; matte but good for brightening, nonetheless!

Overall, I'm phenomenally impressed with each and every aspect of this palette. I couldn't fault any of the colour choices; each shade is wearable and 100% will use! Everything from the gorgeous packaging to the densely bristled brush is an absolute bonus. I just can't wait to try out some new looks!

IMPORTANT MESSAGE : I'm about 40 followers away from 1000 on Bloglovin!!! When I reach 1000, I hope to hold a giveaway and would love to know what you would like to see in it?! Make sure to comment below what you would like to win!

Lots of love

Charlotte Xx

Miss Dior Eau de Parfum // Review

Miss Dior Eau de Parfum // Review

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Being a lover of all things pretty and floral, I was delighted to receive the combination in the form of a bow-tied, luxurious bottle crafted by the people at Dior. My boyfriend gifted me this little glass-encased beauty to celebrate our 2 years of being together - he does treat me well!

MISS DIOR EAU DE PARFUM is a sweet scented fragrance, with warm notes of sandalwood, spice (+ all things nice), that doesn't come cheap at £70 for a 50ml bottle. Despite the extortionate price boundary, a single spray of this sophisticated odour can evoke a sensual, elegant touch to any girl's outfit.  This perfume could possibly be my favourite accessory of the year; it keeps me smelling wonderful from day to night - without having to spritz more than once! The overall scent given off can make you feel refreshed during the morning and classy in the evenings. I am just in love with the overall effect this perfume has on me, my body and the people surrounding me.

The fragrance is said to represent freedom and seduction; the perfume essentially being created for 'elegant and spirited young women in love'. They have to be hinting at me, right?! Anyway, the fragrance is composed of some many wonderful substances that develop into an array of smells hour by hour. Starting off with a prelude of sharp citrus scents that blossom into a variety of floral numbers. As the hours progress, the smell descends into a soft, noble musk that lingers on your clothing until washed. 

Overall, I am completely thrilled to have this fragrance in my collection. I've never owned a perfume from Dior and I've had a wonderful experience. Here's to many more deluxe Dior aromas in the future!

What are your favourite perfumes and scents?

Love