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Lovely Smell: Caudalie Eau Fraîche

8th June 2017 3 Comments

Summer is approaching and with it the time where you don’t feel like wearing heavy perfumes. Caudalie’s Eau Fraîche Series might be the answer: It’s fresh like a summer garden and just a subtle hint of scent that lingers on your skin. Store one of the beautiful bottles in your desk drawer and refresh yourself several times a day.

Since all Eau Fraîches are not photosensitive – unlike most perfumes – you can wear them during the whole summer without being afraid of the sun.

There are five Eau Fraîches available, I tested four of them for you, including the newest addition to the line launched this June.

Rose de Vigne
A floral fragrance with roses, berries, rhubarb, magnolia, and musk, launched in 2015.

I believe they are two sorts of people when it comes to rose fragrances: People who love them and people who hate them. If you belong to the first kind (like me), this might be for you, with its fruity and floral charm. The lovely pink bottle gets an extra point from me.

Fleur de Vigne
The Fleur de Vigne is a flower that only blooms a few days in June, heralding the grape harvest 110 days later. This lightweight green water combines white rose, pink pepper, and watermelon with grapefruit, mandarin, and cedar. It was the first Eau Fraîche from Caudalie, released 2002.

In my opinion, it is the freshest and most uplifting fragrance of all. It feels very energizing and like a little trip to a shady summer garden.

Figue de Vigne
As the name says, the star of this Eau Fraîche is the fig. It mingles with citrus fruit notes and white wood in the 2015 launched fragrance.

My least favourite Eau Fraîche from Caudalie, even if fruity fragrances are booming at the moment. I think it smells slightly like a sweet soap or a nice cleaning liquid. Maybe it’s because I am not a big lover of the scent of figs anyway, but this is just not my Eau Fraîche.

Eau des Vignes
The newest addition to the Eau Fraîche Series is a composition of bergamot, iris and white musk. It was launched in June 2017.

It was love at first smell: It’s sparkling, sensual and vitalising. I want to smell it again and again and think we will become close friends this summer. If I had to choose one favourite smell in the world, it would be the one of bergamot, just like a fresh cup of Earl Grey tea and this fragrance captures my beloved scent very well. Yes, yes, yes Eau des Vignes, I love you very much!

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Dyson Supersonic: Is this the Holy Grail among Hairdryers?

29th January 2017 5 Comments

Dyson Supersonic, review, Dyson hairdryer

Dyson Supersonic, Dyson hairdryer, review

Dyson hairdryer, Dyson Supersonic, review

There is no way around the new hairdryer from Dyson; it’s in all magazines and newspapers and last Christmas there was no gift without it. The Dyson Supersonic is stylish, unlike any other hairdryer and like all products from Dyson, it doesn’t come cheap. While all sounds exciting (besides the hefty price tag) let’s ask the most important question for us beauty geeks: Is it worth the hype or just a blast of hot air? I tested this innovative hairdryer for you and tell you what I honestly think about it.

Let’s start with a few facts: The Supersonic is the result of extensive research and tests with over 600 prototypes and 1000 miles of human hair. Dyson caused a worldwide shortage of hair on the market during their research. They built a new dedicated beauty testing lab, hired engineers and looked for the advice of world’s best stylists to rethink the way a hairdryer is made.

The motor of the Dyson supersonic is placed in the handle, while traditional hairdryers have it always in the head of the device. You have the choice between three speed settings. There is as well a built-in microprocessor that measures and regulates the air temperature 30 times every second to prevent your hair from heat damage.

The Supersonic comes with three magnetic attachments: A styling concentrator, a smoothing nozzle and a diffuser for curly hair.

And now to the really exciting part, my test:

First impression: Love at first sight like in a Disney story

Unpacking it gives me that awestruck Apple-feeling: Every millimeter of the packaging is suggesting that I hold a premium quality futuristic piece of technology in my hand. From the first second, I want to love it very badly. Gosh, this design! It looks unlike any other hairdryer, but a little bit like a mini-version of Dyson’s bladeless fans.

First try: Is this the solution for more sleep and no more feeling like lifting weights while drying my hair?

Switching it on for the first time I am hit by a blast: It’s incredibly powerful. You might expect a device like this to be loud and roar like a lion, but its sound is surprisingly quiet, and lays extremely well in my hand. While some other hairdryers make me feel like I am lifting weights while using them, this one is quite light. My hair is happy too; it is dry very fast and feels smooth and glossy.

I have a few difficulties to style my hair because I am used to a traditional hairdryer, but I am very motivated to adapt to the Dyson and believe this device might change my hair game. I feel the strong urge to tell everybody I encounter about this hair dryer, and they react in a puzzled way. No wonder: I don’t think it ever happened that a hairdryer was stirring so much excitement in the beauty industry.

Two weeks later: Is it weird to invite people to my flat so they might see my fancy new gadget in the bathroom?

During the first days, I switched back using my other hairdryer sometimes, because styling was still a bit of an issue. But after a few days, I got to know how to handle my Dyson, and every other hair dryer starts to feel clumsy. My boyfriend was even ahead of me: At his first encounter with the Dyson, he decided that our other hairdryer is less efficient and therefore no option anymore.

While I had the intention just to lend the Dyson Supersonic for this review, I ended up buying it. We are even thinking of purchasing a (designer) stool to display it in the bathroom: The Supersonic is just too beautiful to be stored away in a cupboard. 🙂

Two months later:How could people ever believe the earth is flat or was there a life before the Dyson Supersonic?

A traditional hairdryer, me? Never if I can have the Prada among hairdryers! My old hairdryer is collecting dust in the drawer and feels like a relic from the middle age, while the Dyson Supersonic is my new best friend. It’s certainly an expensive gadget, but think twice: A hairdryer is something you use every day and doesn’t that justify to invest in a quality product? My advice: Get the Supersonic, it’s worth every cent!

More about the Dyson Supersonic here:
www.dyson.com

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Lovely Review: Zalon – Personal Styling by Zalando

23rd October 2015 3 Comments

Look 1: A sweet pink look featuring my new dream coat and the best slippers ever.

Look 2: A wild style mix with Choupette, flowers and platform shoes.

Victoria’s notes I got with my parcel.

I am suspicious of commercial shops; my heart just beats too strong for independent brands. I don’t want to wear what millions wear and (ideally) shop while chatting to the designer. I consider myself as not having an average taste in fashion to make things more difficult. Therefore, I tested Zalon – the personal stylist service by Zalando in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria – with rather low expectations, convinced they couldn’t fulfill my quirky dreams.

How does it work?

1) Create a profile at Zalon.

2) Set an appointment with a stylist and have a phone chat.

3) Receive a parcel with your outfits. Try them on at home, keep and pay only what you like.

Ok, so far so well. I started with those three steps and after clicking through a selection of outfit pictures, answering a few questions about my features, size and what brands I would never wear, I could finally select a stylist. I was surprised that the only suggested stylist (Victoria) wrote in her description that she loves minimalistic looks. Not at all my cup of tea, but ok, I gave her a try and fixed an appointment a few days later. She called me perfectly on time, and we had a very friendly talk that took about 20 minutes. Victoria said styling me was a special challenge and asked me for what occasion I’d to have an outfit. We talked about fashion no go’s (everything boring and basic), unicorn shoes, Japanese street style and Iris Apfel.

A few days later a massive box was standing in front of my door. It contained the two looks you see in the pictures – all lovely wrapped – and a personal note from Victoria containing her thoughts on the outfits.

Receiving a parcel like this is better than Christmas and birthday together, seriously. I love what Victoria has chosen for me. There were three items in the box that I already own (fluffy slippers, cat sweater, and pink tulle skirt), but this is just proof to me how well she got my style in the short time we talked. At least half of the pieces in my box are from not very well known brands and rather premium labels, another point for Victoria.

I wish I could have kept everything, but my London trip last week made me cut down shopping. In the end, I went for the coat, the bag, and the pink/yellow blazer. I wrote a review about my experience with Zalon that was more or less a love letter to Victoria. Testing this service was a lot of fun, and I must say: Yes, it’s something for quirky people as well, and a lot of fun!

Commercial shops, I’m not done with you (yet)!

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Lovely Review: Curaprox Hydrasonic Black is White

13th October 2015 8 Comments

review, curaprox black is white, stylish toothbrush

Curoprox black is white, toothbrush, hydrosonic toothbrush

Curoprox, Black is White, hydrosonic toothbrush

Before you stop reading this post: Don’t, it would be a grave mistake! I’m not writing this post because it’s sponsored, but because I am convinced of its importance. No fashion blogger writes about dental care, all of them just show their perfect teeth to accomplish their looks. But what if you are not born with perfect teeth? What if you didn’t learn how to care for your teeth as a child and have to pay not just with horrendous dentist bills but as well with being shy when it comes to smiling?

Welcome to my world. I am not the girl from the toothpaste advert. I can’t undo what went wrong when I was a child, but just give my teeth the best care I can now. No easy task: I do have very tight tooth gaps, some of them even too tight for dental floss. Most toothbrushes are just too big to reach all corners. When I was introduced to the Black is White, a new hydrosonic system for dental care from Swiss label Curaprox, it was a true revelation. The three reasons how a toothbrush could have stolen my heart:

First of all, there is the design. Other toothbrushes you just want to hide in the darkest corner of your bathroom because they don’t fit your stylish lifestyle, but this one looks truly sexy. It’s glossy black with a pink brush and pink loading lights. Wow! While we all brush our teeth to look better, finally here is a pretty toothbrush. Second it’s the brush head: The incredible small brush head makes it possible to reach corners and gaps no other toothbrush might have touched before. Curaprox says that the sonic technology creates turbulences that clean your teeth even where the brushes can’t reach. Sounds like magic! Third and finally there is the Curaprox Black is White toothpaste: It comes with charcoal that makes it look black, and this is the secret to making your teeth white without being aggressive or bleaching them. Yes, you heard right. Unlike other toothpaste labels, it’s free of plastic and sulphates.

The Curoprox Black is White is the first lifestyle toothbrush I’ve ever seen, thank you Curoprox for filling a gap! From the first moment, I saw it, I wanted to get one, go home and brush my teeth. It’s my third electric toothbrush, and I can honestly say it’s by far better than the ones I had before. From now on, there is just one toothbrush in my life, and it’s black magic! If you thought dental care is no sexy topic, rethink!

Convinced? Get your Curoprox Black is White here.

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Lovely Smell: Living Lalique

15th September 2015 1 Comment

Living Lalique: A fragrance that captures London, Paris and New York in one fragrance.

It comes in a stunning glass bottle with golden birds on the top.

A truly elegant fragrance for the cosmopolitan woman.

I won a bottle of the newly released Living Lalique on the SchuSchu blog. Thanks so much to the lovely couple Anja & Liridon as well as to Lalique. Because I don’t keep the best things for myself, I wrote a review for you.

The floral woody fragrance was created by Richard Ibañez for Lalique. As a modern and multi-faceted fragrance, Living Lalique captures three of the most lively cities – London, Paris and New York – in its scent. This fragrance was made for an urban woman living a cosmopolitan lifestyle.

The first wow effect is the bottle: The stunning design is clearly reminiscent of the master glass works in Art Nouveau and continues the story of Lalique as the creator of the most amazing flacons. You’d like to have this in your bathroom just because of its design.

Forgive me for indulging in praise of the bottle and let’s come to the most important thing,: The smell. The top note of the fragrance is an eclectic mixture of crystalline bergamot, spicy black pepper and aromatic nutmeg. Elegant iris builds the heart of the fragrance, mixed with sweet vanilla and almond-scented tonka bean. Living Lalique finishes with smooth sandalwood, smoky vetiver and voluptuous cashmere wood in the dry-down note.

My first impression was a wave of woody and vanilla notes which comes with a very comforting feeling. Despite the sweetness of vanilla, the scent could almost be a unisex fragrance. It evokes feelings of my teenage days when I was very fond of Emporio Armani’s Lei. Both fragrances dance virtuously between feminity and masculinity in my opinion. Living Lalique makes me sniff again and again at my wrist, and I’ve been wearing it every day for the last week.

Yes, I do love this fragrance. It’s not just another one in my collection, but a new favourite. I am living with Living Lalique from now on!

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Lovely Review & Giveaway: Japan Candy Box

23rd July 2015 4 Comments

Everything I found in my Japan Candy Box.

The packaging is to die for with it’s kawaii details.

Probably the most cheerful parcel I ever got.

Discovering unknown goodies is a lot of fun.

Truly feeling like in sweet heaven.

One of my favourites: The chocolate filled koalas.

Doesn’t taste fishy: Yummy candy fishes.

Those among you with a sweet tooth pay attention: Japan Candy Box is the probably sweetest monthly subscription box on the market. Every month you receive a box filled with eight to ten carefully selected candies, sweets and snacks. From $18.20 you are in to find a mouthwatering parcel in your letterbox.

I found ten treats in my box and already tried everything. There is nothing I didn’t like, and it’s a joy to discover all the unknown things. There is a card with a list of all items included for the ones who want to be on the safe side before putting things into your mouth.

The only thing that was missing to make this box divine and not just perfect: It would be awesome if there were a list of ingredients included. As a vegetarian, I am always cautious of sweets containing gelatine, and I would have loved to know if everything is safe for me to eat.

My graphic designer heart was very excited about the packaging. This is how sweets should be: Kawaii, cheerful and made to make your day.

I can truly recommend this box and think it’s as well a perfect gift idea for your friends. The lucky one getting one will love you forever. And the best: Of course I have to win your love too, and therefore I have next months box to give to one lucky follower. Just enter below, it’s open worldwide. Good Luck!

Thanks to Japan Candy Box for the box and for sponsoring this giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Lovely Review: Glov – Removing Mak-Up Without Chemicals

3rd July 2015 4 Comments

Glov – A glove that removes makeup in an ecological way, using only water.

review, glov, makeup removal without chemicals

Fibres 100 times thinner than a human hair remove make-up with micro precision.

review, glove, make-up removal no chemicals

Skin as smooth as rose petals? Glov promises to help!

glov, hydro demaquillage, micro fibre glove

The two sizes Comfort (rectangular) and On-The-Go (small).

My least favourite part of the day is to get ready for bed. I must look like a grumpy panda while I desperately try to get rid of my make-up. It’s not my intention to insult pandas, but their look just doesn’t suit me at all, and I ask myself if there is no gentler way to get a fresh and clean face. Then Glov came and promised help, thanks to its advanced micro-technology that works without chemicals and residues.

Glov is a patented cosmetic accessory that claims to be the world’s best make-up removal. Its special micro fibre is perfect for any skin and works as a magnet on make-up. No matter how strong your mascara or lipstick is, glove removes it while it helps to maintain the natural hydrolipidic barrier of your skin.

All you need is to apply water to your Glov and remove your make-up with a circular motion. After use, you can wash Glov with soap and let it dry. Glov is reusable for up to three months.

Glov comes in two versions: Comfort is perfect for home and can be used as a home spa accessory. On-the-Go takes up almost no space in your luggage and is made to be your new travel companion.

My experience with Glov

“This is just too good to work” was my first thought when I heard about Glov. Could the times of burning eye makeup removers be over now and forever? When I opened the packaging, I was surprised how soft the glove is. I applied warm water to it for a reflexing effect and instantly had to think of those lovely smelling towels you get at Asian restaurants after eating. The makeup disappeared quite fast. Just my mascara tried to resist because I don’t like to rub around my eyes. But with a little bit of patience this was solved.

Afterwards, my skin felt matte, clean and very smooth. The experience of having just nothing on the skin was (and still is) amazing and very new to me. I just wanted more. The only thing I disliked is the procedure of washing out the Glov with soap. It takes a lot of soap and patience, and it’s almost impossible to keep it perfectly white.

I am testing Glov for a week now and day after day I get more fond of it. My skin feels very smooth and either if I imagine or not, I have the feeling that especially the area around my eyes feels less stressed then when I use a makeup remover. I’ll definitely keep using this product!

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Lovely Review: OPI Infinite Shine Gel Effects Lacquer System

20th May 2015 1 Comment

opi intinite shine, review, gel nail polish

OPI Infinite Shine “She Went On And On And On”

OPI Infinite Shine “Set In Stone”

OPI Infinite Shine “Get Ryd-Of-Thym Blues”

All three colours I have with top and base coat

How much time does a woman spend painting her nails in a lifetime, weeks or even months? It must be an impressive lot of time for sure! So, is there a way to make it less and save your precious time?

The OPI Infinite Shine Gel Effects Lacquer System promises to be the holy grail of nail polishes and have a solution. Besides an ultimate glossy effect, the press release promises this innovative nail polish stays for up to ten days.

Since OPI is the world leader in the professional nail care industry and provides high-quality products, the expectations are high. OPI Infinite Shine doesn’t need a lamp for drying and is easy to remove with nail polish remover. It’s just like the nail studio has come to your home.

This is how the three steps of the application work:

1. Primer Infinite Shine: Base coat to protect your nails and for long-lasting stay.

2. Lacquer Infinite Shine: Available in 30 exciting colours. More will follow every season.

3. Gloss Infinite Shine: Top coat for super glossy gel-finish effect.

Is it really a miracle? My verdict:

I love the glossy effect OPI Infinite Shine has and the pigmentation is amazing. It looks more natural than a gel manicure while it’s far more glossy than “normal” nail polishes. The available colour palette is very exciting and I am tempted to go for more colours. From the three colours I tested, the dark blue (“Get Ryd-Of-Thym Blues”) is my favourite.

Three days after applying it the first chips appeared. Bad nail polishes usually just stay a day on my nails without chipping, so this makes it a very good polish even if the marketing promises didn’t prove to be true. I tried the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel before – another gel system nail polish – and this one is far superior.

I can recommend OPI Infinite Shine, don’t expect miracles, but a lot of shine on your nails for sure! Buy it at your local OPI reseller or find out where to get it in Switzerland here.

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Lovely Review: New Kiehl’s Products

19th March 2015 2 Comments

Are you also on the hunt for the one product that makes your skin absolutely flawless? I am, and this is why I love to test new skin care products, always in the hope they might beat everything I’ve known before. For the last two weeks, I tried three new products from Kiehl’s – a face cream, a cleanser and an eye serum – and I’m happy to share my experience with you.

Face cream and cleanser are from Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Collection, which promises to reveal a more radiant and luminous skin, correct dark spots and provide a more even skin tone. All products of this collection are free of parabens and fragrance.

When I got the products I was a little bit surprised: According to the packaging, both cleanser and cream are developed and tested for Asian skin. Not my skin type, even if I am a big love of Asian fashion. Because I have sensitive and bright skin I thought they might work for me as well. Let’s see what Clearly Corrective can do for non-Asian skin!

Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective White Purifying Foaming Cleanser

The packaging says: A gentle foam cleanser for day and night use. It removes makeup and impurities without stripping. This cleanser makes the skin look more radiant and banishes discolourations.

My opinion: A small amount of it is enough to have fresh and clean skin. I use it together with my Clarisonic brush in the eve, and I like that it doesn’t leave me with itchy skin. It has a very subtle smell and a nice consistency. My skin looks brighter but not shiny after using it. Thumbs up!

Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective White Deep Moisture Clarifying Cream

The packaging says: This cream claims to be lightweight, and a quickly absorbed moisturiser that will improve the clarity of the skin while providing a 24-hour hydration for instant luminosity and skin uniformity. It helps you to fight uneven skin tones and dark spots.

My opinion: After applying it my skin truly feels refreshed and moisturised. The good feeling stays for the whole day. There are two little minus points: The first is the rather strange flowery-wooden smell (coming from the white birch in it). After a few days, I got used to it. Anyway, my skin likes this cream, and that’s more important than what my nose says. The second minus point is that it comes in a pretty jar, but unfortunately without a spatula. I used one I already had and recommend you to do the same due to hygienic reasons.

I will continue to use it and probably buy it again. While I can’t say that my skin pigmentation changed dramatically, I think it keeps my dry skin very well hydrated without making it greasy. This cream is almost half as expensive as the one I usually use, which makes it even more attractive… There is no UV protection included, so don’t forget to add additional suncream if you decide to give it a try!

Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Eye-Opening Serum

The packaging says: A 5-in-1 solution for your eyes: It lifts, firms, smooths, hydrates and restores the youthful shape of the eyes. According to their tests, 95% of women showed a significant improvement in eye-opening.

My opinion: While I am a true expert when it comes to eye creams, this is my first eye serum. It feels very lightweight, and I miss a little bit the nourishing effect my eye cream has. It’s no problem to apply makeup over it, and this makes it a good product during daytime. I think I’ll continue to use this for the day, but use it under my eye cream for the night for an extra strong effect. While I think it’s not a miracle, it’s far better than many eye creams I tried and worth a try.

All products and more skin care available at Kiehl’s.
Have a happy day and don’t forget to treat your skin well.

I tested this products for two weeks. Other skin care products I used during this time: Shiseido Ibuki Softening Concentrate, Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate, Shiseido Urban Environment UV Protection Cream Plus SPF50

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Lucky Dip Club Box Review: Valley of the Unicorns

20th February 2015 2 Comments

Lucky Dip Box, subscription box, handmade

This lovely sticker is the first thing visible after opening the box.

Lucky Dip Club, surprise box, handmade stationary

All items I found in my box. A dream indeed…

Lucky Dip Club, unicorn necklace, personalised necklace

Personalised unicorn necklace with my name on it.

unicorn notebook, Iucky dip club, valley of the unicorns

Cute unicorn notebooks by Becky Holmes.

I love crafty, unicorn brooch, lucky dip box

A dreamy unicorn brooch by I Love Crafty, my favourite.

lucky dip club, unicorn stickers, kawaii stationary

Everybody needs unicorn stickers for sure.

Do you love receiving parcels as much as I do? Standing on tiptoes and checking the mailbox with the feeling of sweet anticipation is just such a great feeling. Because it’s not always Santa’s turn, from time to time a girl needs to order gifts for herself. I love surprises and beauty boxes and already tried a few until I heard of the Lucky Dip Club.

Lucky Dip Club is a subscription box full of cute handmade presents. One of the best things is that each box includes a personalised, unique item. The goodies could include pretty stationary, jewellery, homeware or DIY kits. Every 1st of each month at 7am a new box theme launches and if you would like to grab one you have to be very fast. The theme of the box I received was “Valley of the Unicorns”.

Usually, the boxes sell out in a few hours only. Of course, you can save yourself the troubles and just sign up for a monthly subscription.Unfortunately, they announced to stop international delivery due to thigh costs just after I ordered my first box. So this is for my readers in the UK only. Enjoy this box of treasures!

This is what I found in my box:
– A unicorn brooch by I Love Crafty
– A sticker sheet
– Two little notebooks
– A personalised necklace
– An illustrated postcard
– A label set
– A zine explaining the items in the box and telling about their makers

Costs: One box for £18, monthly subscription £15, six months for £84

My opinion: I loved what I found in my box, and the unicorn brooch alone would have been worth ordering this box. Truly a box full of magic and as well a lovely gift for a crafty friend!

Get your own Lucky Dip Club box here.