BYREDO | An Introduction: Blanche, Rose of No Man's Land, La Tulipe, and More

Byredo is all over social media lately, but it really piqued my interest when my friend Sabrina of The Beauty Look Book starting featuring more of her splurges last year.  I had seen an older bottle of Inflorescence with the original label on my sister's vanity for years, but it is very heavy on freesias and jasmine.  I was very particular in my choices and I am overjoyed by my whole order.  Now that the packaging has been revamped and the fragrance line expanded, I figured it was time to share my first impressions and top picks!  Spoiler: I'm impressed and want more.

Gucci Guilty Pour Femme Eau de Parfum and Pour Homme Eau de Toilette Review, Photos

Gucci has taken the beauty world by storm with their new #GuiltyNotGuilty campaign. According to the brand, guilt comes from accepting rules and conforming to society. The whole premise of the relaunch is to encourage self-expression and embrace sexual indulgences. In this day and age, I do believe it is important to open up dialogue regarding the confines of gender norms because since are so many, especially in the beauty and fashion industries, that do not fall into neat traditional boxes. This campaign is a rebellious yet refreshing start. Gucci is reinforcing the idea that millenials should indeed "put their passions and ambitions before the expectations of others and indulge in life’s pleasures, saying to the world #SorryNotSorry."

The Gucci Guilty universe tells a new story, one that is led by the unconventional actor Jared Leto. I thought he was an unusual choice at first, but all the pieces fell into place when I watched the Guilty film. The fragrance story is tied to the concept of emancipation, whether that be in your sexuality, your occupation, your dreams. It's all about shaping your own identity and being whoever you want to be!

That's why Gucci Guilty is now touted as the smell of liberation, the smell of freedom. I love that the brand encourages women to wear the men's fragrance and vice versa. As much as I find the Femme Eau de Toilette elegant and wearable, I prefer the vibrance and zest of the Homme Eau de Toilette. I've always had a soft spot for sporty fresh fragrances, but they can be a challenge to find in the women's fragrance department. I recommend layering them and wearing the two Guilty scents together for a more unisex feel if you have any doubts or reservations!

In case you're curious, here is a quick breakdown of the top notes. Keep in mind that the original Gucci Guilty technology was used to develop both scents, but the magical allure of Venice and the fluidity of gender were the priorities this time around. Long story short, certain ingredients that are typically categorized as "feminine "were used in the Homme Eau de Toilette whereas typically "masculine" notes were used in the Femme Eau de Parfum.

Geranium was used in the female fragrance, orange blossom in the male. Both share the polarizing and powerful patchouli note, which once arrived in Europe as a mysterious exotic ingredient from the Silk Road. These blends are both traditional and modern, creating a scent experience that feels nostalgic yet relevant.

Each of the Guilty fragrances are intended to boost confidence and sensuality. Lilac is known to give positive confidence while pink pepper adds a touch of excitement, offering inspiration to find adventure!

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Burberry 'My Burberry' Eau de Toilette Review, Photos

 

I have raved about the My Burberry Eau de Parfum many times this year because it is a memorable, ultra feminine scent that carries easily from day to night. The new My Burberry Eau de Toilette, however, is ideal for warmer weather since it is noticeably lighter, brighter, and more youthful. I can't help but daydream about London when I wear it.

TOP 5 | My Diptyque Must-Haves Review

I have been dedicated to Diptyque ever since I discovered the Baies candle approximately four years ago. I was still in college, and my friends thought I had lost my marbles when I told them I had spent $100 on one candle. It has since survived moving in and out of four different apartments, so I know it was worth every hard-earned penny. I've shared my Diptyque favorites before, but here I'll focus on my Top 5 must-haves!

Dolce&Gabbana Light Blue Summer Soirée Recap + Fragrance Reviews

I was fortunate enough to attend the beautiful Dolce&Gabbana x POPSUGAR Summer Soirée this weekend, so I wanted to share some pictures from the rainy yet beautiful event! There was an incredible turn out despite the weather, and I found it quite generous that the manicure bar was offering free nail art services. I especially love the sophisticated, stacked gold design!

Fragrances and samples were displayed all over the venue, so it was absolute heaven for a beauty blogger like me! In case you haven't tried it, Dolce&Gabbana's Light Blue Pour Femme is a timeless fragrance that's especially well suited for warmer weather. I always think of my best friend Tammy every time I see a bottle because it's her signature scent. It is captivating and feminine but modern. I love that it's a fruity floral that isn't overly sweet or heavy. Light Blue has top notes of crisp apple balanced by Sicilian cedar. The heart notes are bamboo and jasmine with white rose. The base notes are citron wood, amber, and musk.

There's also a Light Blue Pour Homme in case you wanted to wear matching scents with your significant other! I adore the energizing top notes of juniper, grapefruit, and mandarin. It has a hint of pepper with oak in the base, so it dries down less citrusy. It is intoxicating yet lively. 

There are two new limited edition Light Blue Eau de Toilette releases this year, one for women and one for men. Sunset in Salina Pour Femme ($77 for 50mL) and Swimming in Lipari Pour Homme ($88 for 125mL) are now available at Sephora in case you're looking to change up your summer scent!

The rich amber orange color of Sunset in Salina is a fitting tribute to the Mediterranean's scorching hot sun. The vine leaves and yellow freesia have a strong presence in the bright opening, while the white musky notes allow it to dry down with more elegance and posh. The lasting power is quite strong for an EdT, approximately 4 hours. I like that Sunset in Salina feels more sensual and less floral than the original Light Blue because I can justify owning and wearing both!

Swimming in Lipari feels more masculine than the original Light Blue Pour Homme thanks to the sea salt and fragrant woods. It still feels easy to wear but just like Sunset in Salina, a little more grown up. They're both wonderfully different takes on the Light Blue saga. Pick up samples to see how they wear on your skin!

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Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Dolce & Gabbana through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select.

While I was compensated to write a post about Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue all opinions are my own.

May 2015 Beauty Hits & Misses

May 2015 was very stressful but very rewarding! After many months of hunting, I finally found a new apartment, and I even traveled to New York for an exclusive Sephora x YSL launch party! My skin is finally improving dramatically again — thanks to the fabulous products I have been switching up my normal routine with. I promise it's not just the lighting! My skin looks and feel firmer and bouncier than ever, which I'm very grateful for. Many of you have requested skin care updates as well as more affordable skin care features, so I am doing my best to show you a balanced selection of products that consistently give me results! Skin care is oftentimes a big investment, so I hope you will find these recommendations helpful. Don't forget to take advantage of the 20% OFF offer on the entire Michael Todd website HERE!

Products:

YSL Black Opium (review here)

Michael Todd Blue Green Algae Toner

Michael Todd Intensive Eye Treatment

Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil

Kane NY Serum Savant

Tom Ford Creme Blush in Pink Sand

MAC Technakohl Eye Pencils

Hourglass Ambient Bronzer in Luminous

Makeup Worn:

La Mer SkinTint in Light

Clé de Peau Concealer in Beige

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Powder in Medium

Hourglass Ambient Bronzer in Luminous

Tom Ford Creme Blush in Pink Sand

Clé de Peau Highlighter in Pink

Lancome Brow Expert in Medium Ash (ON SALE)

Armani Eye Tint Eyeshadow in 12

em Lengthening Mascara in Black

YSL Tint in Oil in Cherry (ON SALE)

Dollywink Eyelashes in 1

Shirt:

LNA V-Neck Tee

Nails:

Louboutin Tres Decollete

Hair:

T3 Bodywaver (ON SALE)

Lenses:

Acuvue Define in Shimmer

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Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau de Parfum Review, Photos

I never knew about the importance of deodorant or perfume as I was growing up. My grandmother was skin care obsessed, but she was never interested in fragrance so I never had those quintessential childhood memories of raiding a perfume tray. Since I also have a weak sense of smell due to my poor health growing up, I discovered that reviewing fragrances was more challenging. Working in beauty, however, made me realize the power of scent.

The right fragrance can uplift your mood, enhance your confidence, and complete a great outfit. Now, I enjoy strong and traditionally "masculine" scents, but I choose my fragrances carefully because I always consider my company and surroundings. This can make it difficult to find a universally pleasing Eau de Parfum. YSL's new bright and playful release, Black Opium, is everything I've been waiting for!

January 2015 Beauty Favorites (Makeup, Skin, Hair, Fragrance)

January 2015 has been one of the most memorable months of my life, as so many wonderful things have transpired! I finally changed my eating habits and am on my way to getting my figure back, and I finally got to visit my dream city Tokyo. Please do try the outstanding products in this lineup because they're all worth every single penny! I only wish I could have discovered them sooner. Also, keep an eye out for my Hakuhodo, Laduree, THREE, Addiction, and HABA goodies because I will be sharing them here on the blog! Many of you had questions regarding where to shop and what to visit while in Tokyo, so I will be sharing bits and pieces throughout the haul posts. If you're interested in a Japanese drugstore makeup haul as well, please comment to let me know.. I picked up lots of lashes and affordable skin care and may even hold a giveaway to share the love!

Products Reviewed:
Tom Ford Lips&Boys Mini Lipsticks

Sk-II Facial Treatment Repair C

SK-II Facial Treatment Mask

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Masque

Koh Gen Do Oriental Plants Lotion I

Koh Gen Do Pure Cotton

Shu Uemura Color Lustre Shampoo

Shu Uemura Color Lustre Thermo Milk

T3 Micro Bodywaver Styling Iron

MMM REPLICA Tokyo Tea Escape

D&G L'Imperatrice Eau de Toilette

Makeup Worn:

SK-II Facial Treatment Cream Foundation

Clé de Peau Concealer in Beige

Clé de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204

Clé de Peau Highlighter in Sand Beige

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronzer

Giorgio Armani Eye Tint in 7 Shadow

SUQQU Eyeshadow Palette in Kinshiseki

Shu Uemura Eyeshadow in ME735

Shu Uemura Metal:ink Liner in Purple

Clé de Peau Perfect Lash Mascara

Tom Ford Lips&Boys

Velour Lashes in #Winging
*Get 15% OFF with code RAEVIEW

Sweater:
Jcrew

Earrings:

Prudence C

Nails:

Dior Spring 2015

Dior Top Coat

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Fragrance Guide | Best of Holiday 2014 Perfumes and Colognes

I just released my epic Holiday Gift Guide + Beauty Catalog, but I wanted to focus specifically on fragrances here because scent is quite personal and demands a little more attention than a photo. Since I love giving and receiving fragrances during the holidays, I wanted to share my my top picks. A new perfume or cologne is the perfect way to kick off a new year, smelling and feeling new!

October 2014 Beauty Favorites [Hits & Misses] feat. Cle de Peau, Burberry, Chantecaille, LORAC, and more!

October has proven to be a tough skin month due to hormonal imbalances, but I have discovered a couple new Holy Grail makeup products! I am so excited to reveal my favorite new mascara as well as the brow pencil I've been loving. I also share a potential candidate for best eyeliner pen, too! Furthermore, I've discovered a gentle but effective skin care duo that helps to calm my temperamental, blemished skin while reducing the chance of scarring. And in case you forgot that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I included my pink GLAMGLOW mask to remind you + a nifty 30% OFF promo code to encourage you to support the cause by shopping your way toward better skin!

Products Reviewed:

Cle de Peau Perfect Lash Mascara

Burberry Effortless Eyebrow Definer

GLAMGLOW YouthMud Mask

*30% OFF all full-size GG + deluxe size sample with promo code RRGG3

Chantecaille Rose de Mai Cream

SK-II Skin Refining Treatment

Dr. Dennis Gross Moisture Cushion

LORAC Front of the Line Pro Eyeliner

LORAC POREfection Baked Powder in PF3

Burberry My Burberry Eau de Parfum 

Armani Si Eau de Parfum [Review + Photos HERE]

Nails:

Dior Pied-de-Poule

Earrings:

DailyLook

Shirt:

Banana Republic (old)

Makeup Worn:

Tom Ford Foundation in Fawn

Cle de Peau Concealer in Beige

Burberry Effortless Eyebrow Definer

Tom Ford Bronzing Powder in Terra

LORAC POREfection Baked Powder in PF3

Cle de Peau Luminizing Face Enhancer in Sand Beige

Charlotte Tilbury Eyeshadow Palette in The Rebel

LORAC Front of the Line Pro Eyeliner

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Pillowtalk

Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick in Hepburn Honey

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Lustre in Seduction

Velour Lashes in Lash in the City

*Use code RAEVELOUR to get 15% OFF

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Armani Si Eau de Parfum Review, Photos

As the year transitions into Fall, my choices in fragrances have also evolved. I've been loving the fruitchouli trend, namely with the Armani Si Eau de Parfum. I generally gravitate toward the same scent profiles, but I love Si despite that it is a departure from what I tend to wear. Si is positively distinctive and memorable. More details after the jump!

REVIEW: Diptyque Home + Personal Fragrances Collection (Candles, Ovals, Spray, EDT, EDP, Roll-On, Solid Perfume + Accessories)

I love Diptyque. I love the aesthetic, the branding, and the products themselves. So a few years after my first Diptyque splurge, I have amassed quite a collection. Now, I normally shy away from home and lifestyle content, but I figured it was time to open up and share how I make my home more cozy. Home Fragrances are split into candles, room sprays, and scent ovals, so we will tackle one category at a time after the jump. I will also share my Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, Solid Perfrume, and Roll-On personal fragrances, so make sure to read on if you're interested! 

Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream Review and Photos

Marc Jacobs has released a new member of the iconic Daisy family, and it captured my imagination as soon as I laid eyes on the lovely studded bottle! Daisy Dream is a light and ethereal fragrance. It is a fruity-floral scent that is ideal for day wear since it is feminine yet airy, which is why I have been wearing it diligently this summer. The fresh elegance of the blackberry and white woods combination is utterly irresistible and truly dreamy. I also love that Marc Jacobs embodied the dream theme in all aspects, even creating a Daisy Dream microsite dedicated to encouraging the dreamer in all of us.

My Daisy Dream Capsule

While creating a dream capsule, I was reminded of my own personal goals to travel and explore the world. It rejuvenated my aspirations to visit the south of France to run through the endless rows of blooming flowers and to visit the opposite end of the world to watch a concert on the water in Sydney, Australia. Help your dreams come to life by curating your own dream capsule here, and upon creation and submission, enter the Marc Jacobs Dream Daisy sweepstakes! There are weekly prizes of Marc Jacobs fragrances, accessories and of course, the grand prize — a Marc Jacobs experience of a lifetime.

P.S. To capture the spirit of the fragrance in music, Marc Jacobs curated this Pandora play list and titled it Daisy Dream! I love to listen to it in the evenings when my work day is winding down.

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select.

While I was compensated to write a post about Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream, all opinions are my own.