Jo Malone English Oak & Redcurrant

Jo Malone Fragrances are very special because they smell like feelings and sensations. Whilst other perfumes can have very complex associations of notes, these fragrances with their minimalistic blends are not too heavy and let you appreciate their own unique character. In my perfume collection I already have from this brand, English Pear & Freesia and Blackberry & Bay, you will guess, I have a kind of floral-fruity taste, but for this Autumn I wanted something different...

I discovered this novelty called English Oak & Redcurrant and I was amazed, it was exactly what I was looking for. 

English Oak is an iconic noble wood of England. Think of all this magic imagery of Robin Hood, Sherwood Forest, druids... The famous King Arthur's round table was made with English Oak as well as all the greatest ships of the Maritime History of England that sailed around the world.  

This fragrance is Autumn in a bottle, it smells like you have been playing into the woods all day rolling yourself on the fallen leaves. It's earthy and woody, but juicy and tangy at the same time. It's the most masculine fragrance that I own and I am really happy that I decided to buy it. The top note is Redcurrant that adds a sparkling acid tart contrast to the woody and warm base note of roasted oak. The heart note is rose, a classic floral and fresh touch to this beautiful creation of Yann Vasnier. 

If you want to smell like an enchanted mossy forest try this bewitching new fragrance from Jo Malone London, one of the most interesting discoveries of this season.

Fall Makeup Staples

During the Fall season I tend to change the way I do my makeup. What I like the most is to use darker colours of lipsticks, a berry pout is my go to when I want a touch of glam. To start with this makeup look, I like to use a good foundation. After the summer, my skin needs more that ever foundation.The healthy glowy colour has gone and a good coverage is very welcomed. Luckily Charlotte Tilbury has created a magic concoction (Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation) that includes mushroom extract, hyaluronic filling spheres and Vitamin C. The finish is velvety, not glowy nor completely matte. It stays pretty well throughout the day and the best thing is that it covers everything with its intelligent formula that dispenses evenly on the skin, but does not sit in imperfections. You can't get rid of all your blemishes and dark spots but at least, you can cover them. Bye uneven tone, hello beautiful skin! 

After I have achieved the perfect canvas to start with I apply By Terry Densiliss Concealer, the only one that doesn't dry my eye area and doesn't crease. I add a puff of Paris Berlin Loose Powder to set it all. Then, I warm up my skin with my favorite bronzer that smells like chocolate (Too Faced Chocolat Soleil), paired with a muted tone blush of my collection like (Milani Powder Blush 01 Romantic Rose). 

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette create this "Let there be light" moment with its photoluminescence technology. The three shades can be used separately or layered for a multidimensional glow. I apply the shade Dim Light where I have more imperfections, like the dark circles under my eyes. It has peach undertones so it's perfect to blur these blue/grey discolorations. The middle one, Incandescent Strobe Light, goes right on my cheek bones, arches of my brows, cupid's bow...where I want to brighten up my skin with this opalescent glow. I finally apply Radiant Light to enhance my bronzer, because the one that I use from Too Faced has a completely matte finish.

NARS Dual Intensity Eyeshadow in the shade Desdemona is probably my favourite one of my entire collection. Why? Because the colour is BEAU-TI-FUL!!
A warm plum with a frosted finish. It has a luxurious texture that can be applied dry or wet, depending of the intensity that you prefer. If you want mesmerizing eyes it´s easy. Apply this shade all oyer the eyelid and draw a feline flick with M.A.C. Prunella Eye liner. 

I saved the best for last, lipsticks! I find it so sophisticated and vampy to wear shades of dark berry on the lips. It´s a statement colour, not for everybody, but really glamorous. My two favourites are Charlotte Tilbury Glastonberry and M.A.C. Cosmetics Fashion Revival paired with Vino Lip Pencil by M.A.C.  For an event or a night out I wear Glastonberry and for a more casual occasion or during the day I prefer Fashion Revival that is lighter. Both of them have a matte finish and are very longlasting. You can eat your Thanksgiving feast and a stain will remain on your lips!

Do you also change the colours of your makeup depending on the season?

Autumn Candles

I truly love Autumn... For me, it's the season of change and a preparation for the challenges of the new year before the crazy period of festivities. As William Cullen Bryant said, "Autumn, the year's last loveliest smile". A time for reflection where the bursting colours of the fallen leaves make me appreciate the beauty of this world. The fresh air, the humid and earthy smell and the cozy nights at home really inspire me to do more things like cooking or writing and the best way to stimulate me in this creative process is to be surrounded by an olfactory atmosphere.

Byredo Bibliothèque

This candle transports me to an old and beautiful library.
When I was a student in Paris I used to go to the Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève. When I first entered, I was amazed, I felt like I was in a Harry Potter film. The darkness, the silence and its particular smell, a blend of humidity, dust, wood, paper, leather and wax for furniture.
 I always studied in this library or Cujas that it's on the same Pantheon Square, it was one of the loveliest moments of my life, the period when I met the man of my life, my actual boyfriend.
Byredo has make me travel in time with this candle. I always feel very nostalgic when it's burning, not in a sad way but in a very comforting manner.
Presented in an elegant and graphic design the notes of peach, plum, peony, violet, leather, patchouli and vanilla of this candle create an unexpected fragrance, complex and intellectual.

Diptyque Noisetier

I'm obsessed with Diptyque candles and I cannot lie. In fact, if one day my house transforms into the display of one of Diptyque's shops that will be the happiest day of my life!
For this time of the year I personally love Coing and Noisetier and if I have to choose between one of  them it will be without no doubt Noisetier. I don't know why but, this fragrance takes me back to my childhood, maybe because of the countless Nutella toasts that I had after school. Yummy!
 This scented candle is the sweet version of Autumn. The seasonal hazel is paired with more woody and earthy notes revealing the most beautiful fragrance that makes me think of cozy nights at home baking and wearing big jumpers and socks while it's starting to get chilly. You can feel the scent of earth and dead leaves that comes from the outside. A delightful tangy, sweet, woody and bitter scent.

30 Avenue Montaigne, Christian Dior

This home candle represents the most sophisticated side of Paris, the Avenue Montaigne. A tribute to the iconic first address of this fashion institution. Adorned in the Neoclassical Louis VI style, cherished by Monsieur Dior, this townhouse was the perfect setting to present his creations and the revolutionary "New Look" style in the late 40's of the past century.
I received this candle as a gift and the first time that I smelled it I found that it was quite masculine and strong, but when I lit it, I felt that it was the most elegant luxurious fragrance that I have ever sniffed. It's a very intense combination with notes of cardamom, star anise, licorice, white amber, vanilla and incense. A warm, enveloping and spicy scent for the colder evenings of Autumn.