My Perfume Journey

I was inspired to write about my perfume journey after reading this post at Styling You.

My adventure began about the time I was 16 or 17. I had no job so no money, my fragrance came in the form of a sample spray from Grace Bros (we call it Myer now) or from one of my mums magazines. I remember I commented once that I liked my friends perfume, so next birthday she bought me a gift pack of the same one, Charlie Silver by Revlon. And so it began.

That Charlie gift pack lasted me till almost forever. It was in the days when my prized possessions were kept in the box and only came out for special occasions. I sprayed until there was no more left to spray and kept the bottle on my shelf to remember the good times.

Along the road a bit further, my next fragrance was a bit more sophisticated (I thought). It was Noa by Cacharel. I chose it because the smell was’nt really overpowering and it was sort of floral and sweet all at the same time. I loved it! I also got the moisturising gel. I recently read in one description of this perfume that it is recommended for romantic wear. Huh? But I suppose it suits.

From then on, I was hooked. I was also influenced a little by a good friend who was, and still is, a little obsessed with perfume. The first stop whenever we went near shops was to spray. We tried and bought heaps of different ones.

Next I think was Dolce & Gabbana Red. I knew a few people who wore this one and I loved it, I was also a little suckered by the packeging. But sadly, it was not for me. I tried, but the smell was so over powering on me that I gave it away before I used even a quarter of the bottle. I tried, I really did. It is a blendof basil, tangerine, orange flowers, carnation, marigold and vanilla. I think it was the marigold that really hit out with me. The thought of it to this day makes me feel ill and I can’t be around anyone wearing it. Shame really that I spoiled it for myself.

I moved on quickly to Ralph, by Ralph Lauren. a fresh, colorful floral fragrance reflecting the energy, spirit, and personality of an empowered, confident young woman. That description fit me just right at the time. I also had the body wash and sparkly body lotion.

Now here is where it gets a bit crazy. I remember I had probably about 5 perfumes on the go at  once. I know I know, but my life at that time must have been a bit up and down so I needed one to match every occasion and mood, dare I say.

I had Acqua Di Gio by Giorgio Armani. It is a blend of warm, transparent flowers touched by an ocean breeze. (why wouldn’t you wear it) but I think I loved the Jasmine and fresh floral smell. I got heaps of comments when I wore this one.

          

Paris Hilton (the original and the best) I loved this at a time when you either hated or loved Paris Hilton (the person) I loved her, and still do, but haters told me I shouldn’t support her and I was too old for it. That made me love the fruity, floral sophistication even more. I used to carry a small heart shaped spray everywhere. So na!

FCUK her perfume, I got this one by default. My sister bought it, changed her mind and gave it to me. Score! I also had a shimmer perfume stick, cause it was on sale. Described as described as modern, provocative and sexy, totally me. *insert sarcastic tone*  

Calvin Klein One. I loved how fresh and clean this one smells. I also had a version of One called Summer, I think. It reminded my of cut grass on a sunny day, hence the name I suppose. The Summer version wasnt my favourite and really was only for summer time.

And Pleasures by Estee Lauder. This one is really floral and refreshing. Some of my friends were surprised I liked this was because it was girly. I loved it. I still am tempted to spray the tester when I see it, but my littlest lady doesnt appreciate a face full. I also kept the bottle from Pleasures because it is so pretty and sophisticated, don’t ya think?

 

     

These days I have a few half empty bottles on my shelf that have been almost pushed right the way back out of view, and reach. I cannot remember the last time I wore perfume. It must be around the first time I found out I was pregnant, about 4 years ago now! I have, however, been inspired by writing this, so I may slowly slide my bottles forward a few places. Or perhaps pick up new one. Mothers day is getting close!

What is your perfume story? We would love you to share it.

*images courtesy of Jasmine Cosmetics check them out for all your beauty needs.

Revlon Top Speed @30 Days of Fashion & Beauty

So you already read about all the new Revlon Top Speed nail colour must haves for Spring and Summer that we saw at 30 Days of Fashion and Beauty a couple of weeks ago. Now check out some pics from the runway show and be inspired to add a burst of colour to this seasons wardrobe.

The hot new season trend is colour blocking, blue, yellow, orange, pinks and greens. Grab a Revlon Top Speed nail colour and wear it together with a contrasting top or pant. Any colour this season is good colour!

If you loved the new Revlon Top Speed colours, well you are in luck. Revlon are running Glam Vans all over Sydney city for the next two weeks! You can enjoy a free manicure, the hardest part will be choosing what Revlon Top Speed colour to wear, there are 32 shades you know.

You can find the Revlon Glam Vans at:
Customs House Forecourt, Alfred Street – Friday 16 September 4:00- 8:00pm
Bondi Pavilion Forecourt – Sunday 18 September, 12:00- 4:00pm
Cockle Bay Wharf – Friday 23 September, 5:00- 9:00pm
Cockle Bay Wharf – Friday 30 September, 5:00- 9:00pm

See you there Makeup Case beauties..
Check out 30 Days of Fashion and Beauty for more events

Clothes by Dotti and Seduce.

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Summer Must Haves

Revlon Top Speed 'Candy'

Revlon Top Speed, A Summer Must Have.

The Makeup Case was lucky enough to attend the Revlon Top Speed show as part of the 30 Days Of Fashion in Sydney over the weekend. I went into the show hoping for loads of bright pinks for my summer in the sun, I got all this and more. Bright blues, yellows, reds, oranges, greens, my eyes were high from all the colour blocking I could not keep up. If I learnt one thing from the collection, it is that brights and colour blocking is going to be massive this season, hoorah! A great time for us sun-loving girls (and boys out there). The Revlon Top Speed collection has 32 polishes, all boasting a new top drying formula ( 6O seconds for a completely dry mani?! Whatttt! Amazing!) and an inbuilt top coat that keeps your mani nice and glossy. We were thrilled to bits when the lovely ladies over at Revlon let us try a few of the new kids on the block, I still cannot decide what one is my favorite.

Revlon Top Speed 'Orchid'

‘Orchid’ is a very pretty purple / pink colour with a shimmer finish. It goes on smoothly and I found that I needed at least two coats to match the colour in the bottle. The consistency of the polish is a little runny, a small portion on the brush works best. I just loved this colour, so girly and flirty and the perfect fit for Sunday brunch with the girls. It was a little hard to remove due to the shimmer but, nothing that a good remover wouldn’t handle.

Revlon Top Speed ‘Electric’

I have been looking for the perfect yellow polish for a while now and I finally think I found it with ‘Electric’. The colour actually looks quite pastel in the bottle however, with two coats the colour seems more of a solid yellow. There is a touch of shimmer to the colour that is more evident in the bottle then when it is applied, I don’t mind this though as I think if it was to shimmery it would look a little too much. ‘Electric’ stayed bright on my nails without fading or chipping for around four days. I have to say I am really loving the inbuilt top coat, glossy nails without the extra time of applying a top coat.

Revlon Top Speed ‘Sheer Cotton’

‘Sheer Cotton’ I have to admit was a little tedious to apply, you really have to make sure you have the time to concentrate on your brush strokes to not make any streaks.  I really did love the end result though, it has a very fresh and innocent look which I love for summer. This polish needs at least three coats to achieve the opaque look, if you prefer a more washed look you can get away with applying two.

Revlon Top Speed 'Candy'

 Revlon ‘Candy’ polish just screams Malibu, a bright pink that pops on your nails and looks amazing. I have not yet applied this polish on my toes but I have a feeling it will look fantastic with all those shoes I am going to wear while drinking cocktails this party season.

Revlon Top Speed 'Royal'

Want to look as royal as Kate Middleton? Then you should definitely try ‘Royal’ from Revlon. This polish is so vibrant, I can’t get enough of it. Perfect for wearing during a day of shopping or while dancing the night away, I can guarantee you will receive many compliments. I don’t want to be bias against the other amazing Revlon Top Speed colours but I think this is one of my favorites, its bright, fun, and attention grabbing, what’s not to love? Two coats are enough to achieve the colour that you see in the bottle, and if I can offer any advise, it will be to wait until each coat dries completely before applying the next one. You gotta love this one, definitely a keeper.

Revlon Top Speed ‘Fire’

Sophistication central is my nick name for Revlon ‘Fire’ polish, a beautiful radiant red that shines on your nails. Perfect to match with that LBD or a fancy dinner, or if you are like me, every second week of the month. I love red nail polish, I have so many different shades in my own collection I could open a nail store. There is something about a good red polish that makes you feel great, ‘Fire’ is one of those polishes. Make sure you apply a base coat with this one (I mean you should all the time, but you know, with this one it is a must).  A good two coats of polish will create a sexy red and last for around 3 days without chipping.

Revlon Top Speed 'Bubble'

If you want to make Barbie jealous then you need to get ‘Bubble’ by Revlon! A delicious hot pink that glides over plain nails and makes them look happy and outgoing. This is such a great colour to wear when the world is getting you down and you just want a piece of ice cream cake. Trust me, whenever you look down and see this colour on your nails you are bound to smile, it will overcome you and you just wont be able to stop it. Who knew a nail polish could do so much, I tell you who, Revlon. Thats why they came up with such an outgoing colour for summer, and one that I am definaltey going to be sporting through the season.

RRP: $15.95 for 14.7ml. Available from Revlon Counters.

*These products were sent to The Makeup Case for editorial consideration. Please see our disclosure policy.

Vintage Red Lips

Red lips are quite the fashion at the moment, it is a trend that we at The Makeup Case, have certainly embraced. So when I found these great vintage ads I had to share them with you. What a better way to start a Monday then with some lovely pictures. You can see that red lips are certainly not the new kid on the block, these ads date back to 1940’s!

1940’s

 1950’s


1960’s

1980’s

1990’s

Going by all these beautiful advertisements it looks like red is a colour that’s going to be on our lips for years to come. We at The Makeup Case don’t think that is a bad thing at all, in fact we think it’s fantastic! Red lips are by far one of our most favorite thing (sorry Oprah for borrowing your line, please don’t sue us!).

*Images courtesy of Found in Mom’s Basement and Vintage Ad Browser