A Makeup & Beauty Blog – Lipglossiping

Some “gift with purchases” are predictable but useful.  Some GWPs make you wonder why the marketers bothered, and some… well, some make you tear down to your local counter Roadrunner stylee (meep meep!), leaving nothing but a trail of dust behind you.

I think it’s fair to say that the latest GWP – available when you buy any 60ml Jimmy Choo fragrance this month – very much falls into the latter category.  Please, let me present, the Limited Edition Luxury Jimmy Choo Shoe Case.

Now, you may not own a pair of fancy Jimmy Choos to put in said shoe case, let’s face it… you wouldn’t be alone!  But what else could you put inside?  Your collection of favourite fragrances?  How about employing it as a memory box for your most precious photos?  It’s roomy and solidly-constructed enough for a thousand uses.

Know someone who’s getting hitched this year?  Do they need somewhere to store their princessy shoes?  The possibilities are endless.  Failing all of this, you could just use it to hide your secret stockpile of Cadbury’s Twirl and Wispa bars.  Don’t try and pretend it’s just me that has one of those…

This delightful GWP is available in selected department stores nationwide, with a purchase of any Jimmy Choo 60ml fragrance, while stocks last.

If you want a hot tip on which fragrance to pick, check out my review of the Jimmy Choo Flash EdP

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After enjoying a fortnight-long exclusive at Debenhams, the latest fragrant release from Jimmy Choo, FLASH launches nationwide today.  The story behind the scent supposedly begins with the thrill and anticipation of getting ready for a big night out, a strange premise for a fragrance but something that is undoubtedly relatable for many young women.

Jimmy Choo’s creative directors Sandra Choi and Simon Holloway explain the vision:

“FLASH is about the cool rush of excitement and the sense of power a woman feels when dressed in a pair of sexy shoes.  Its character, which is both heady and effervescent, captures this perfectly”.

Well, I don’t know about all that, but then again… I’m not really a “shoe” girl… handbags? maybe… lipstick? definitely.

I do know that I love a sexy bottle when I see one, and this is indeed a sexy bottle, though I do wish for a little more weight to the lid.  The styling is supposed to be reminiscent of a paparazzi flash bulb/chandelier… but I’m wondering if the designers have ever seen an off-camera flash bulb?  If mine looked as sexy as this bottle, I’d taking pictures of it rather than with it.  Nevertheless, the fragrance is undoubtedly dressed in a tactile, display-friendly way.

As for the juice inside, described by the press release as a “solar floral”, which I think is supposed to describe an amped-up floral, injected with lights, excitement, effervescence and ultimately action.  For which, I can translate…. pepper.  Lots of pink pepper, the note that says “I may be a perfume for girls but check me out ‘cos I’m not too girly” which is no bad thing seeing as I prefer perfumes that aren’t actually for girls but this note does indeed add a hit of spiciness to the florals, albeit in the girliest of androgynous ways possible.

The white flowers keep the scent smelling incredibly clean from start to finish, injecting the whole affair with plenty of airiness making this a perfectly-timed release for Spring.  The effervescence in the opening moments reminds me somewhat of a subtle juniper with its crisp freshness albeit without the gin (this makes sense in my head).  I’m guessing that the pink pepper is doing something naughty with the strawberry (which I strangely can’t smell!) and that this is what is evoking an instant impression of juniper.

As the fragrance dries down, it becomes smoother and more sensual but without becoming creamy or sweet.  The woody notes soften the edges and give the florals a base in which to plant their roots without losing any of their femininity.

Jimmy Choo’s FLASH is a nicely done perfume that offers no real surprises but remains true to itself from start to finish.  What my nose smells (and my brain interprets) doesn’t really gel with the marketing or the whole “getting ready for a night out” vision, I get no high-octane, adrenalin-pumping, hedonism as the blurb suggests.  Instead, what I take away from Christine Nagel’s creation is a far more sophisticated (read: classy), wearable, and ultimately likeable concoction.  Oh, and did I mention the rather impressive staying power?

I absolutely recommend giving this one a passing-sniff, I think it will prove very popular.

Jimmy Choo FLASH is available on counters nationwide, priced from £36.00 for 40ml. 

* press sample

Are you thinking about Christmas yet?  Can I let you in on a little secret?  I’ve nearly bought all my Christmas presents already.  Don’t hate me, it just seemed to happen without any real intention to get organised – perhaps it’s because funds are a little tighter this year than normal (“real” rent will do that to you), or perhaps there’s been some really good offers on in all the shops I frequent?  Either way, I have managed to secure some thoughtful pressies for definitely less than it would cost if I had left it until the “holiday spirit” is in full swing!

I even hit the supermarket this week and bought all the chocolates (you know, the present bulker-uppers!) for a £1 a bag – malteasers, minstrels, rolos…. oh god, did someone say chocolate?

Anyway, incase you are feeling a little bit organised, I wanted to tell you about a rather lovely Jimmy Choo GWP that’s out on counter now.

No, sorry, it’s not a pair of shoes! But perhaps the next best thing – no, not a lifetime supply of Galaxy either, stay with me…

It’s a Jimmy Choo shoe case, to put your, err, Jimmy Choos in!  But you know, your Converse would look pretty good in it too (sacrilege!)  This would make a lovely gift for any fashionistas and you can either keep the perfume for yourself, or be super generous and part with that aswell!  Or you know, you could just keep it all for yourself (my precious, etc. etc.)

The Jimmy Choo shoe case is available in department stores nationwide from October 2012 with a purchase of any Jimmy Choo 60ml fragrance.

Another weekend, another deal – really, I didn’t wanna blog about CheapSmells again for a bit (I like to spread the love around all my bargain places) but they make it kinda hard when they do shit like offer BOGOF on Orly and the highly coveted Jimmy Choo fragrance for under £20 you know?  It says the RRP is £29 for 40ml… but to be fair, on Debenhams – it’s actually £34 which makes this saving even more impressive.  For those of you concerned about Cheap Smells selling older stock, this one hasn’t been on the market too long either which should alleviate those worries in this instance.

So anyway, if you like your perfume all gourmand and sweet – you’ll probably like this one.  It’s too sweet for me, though I do like the dry-down which is more classically floriental but I just can’t get past the fruity stuff at the beginning – pear… and lots of it.  I think the while stocks last element is key here… £14 off the real RRP of what is frankly, a bit of an “it” frag still enjoying its moment is not be sniffed at, no pun intended.

You can purchase Jimmy Choo 40ml EdT online from CheapSmells at this special price (other sizes available) until 18th March, or while stocks last.

Got a picky Mum?  A lady for whom a Superdrug giftset just won’t do?  No, me neither (thank God!) but if you do… here’s some prime picks that might settle the hunger in her belly!

The best Mother’s Day Gifts for between £30 – £50!

1. Liz Earle Botanical Essence™ Eau de parfum No.1* (£40.35)

For our first ever fragrance we’ve used the finest natural botanical ingredients from around the world and the expert skills of a distinguished perfumer from Grasse, France.  We gave him the time to indulge in the age-old art of perfumery, skilfully hand-crafting this complex scent with true passion to create this vibrant, sparkling fragrance translating into warmth and sensuality.  This sensuous fragrance can be worn every day.

Well, let’s just be honest here… it’s Liz Earle meets perfume innit.  If your Mum is like most Mums out there, she’ll fall over herself to rip the carefully chosen wrapping paper off this one.

2. Eve Lom TLC Cream* (£50.00)

This intensive cream gives tender, loving care to dry and very dry skins types and is ideal for more mature complexions.  The most luxurious of all rose oils, Rose Otto of Bulgaria gently softens lines and wrinkles and imparts a delicious aroma.

A very rich cream that is ideal as an overnight treatment for softening and reinvigorating the tightest of skin types.  To put it simply, go to bed with tight, aggravated skin and wake up with supple and hydrated skin.  It’s very thick but warms up well and absorbs effectively through the night.  Mostly?  I love the rose scent.  It’s a comfort cream for poorly skins.

3. Aspinal of London Lipstick Case (£35.00)

Protect your favourite lipstick in style with this lipstick case handmade in gorgeous mock croc calf leather and lined in shimmering grosgrain.  Designed to hold one lipstick, the case closes securely with a popper fastening and even has a small handy mirror.

Squee cute much?  If pink ain’t your *cough* Mum’s thing, it’s available in a host of other colours too!

4. Oskia Renaissance Mask (£48.50)

Designed to increase cell turnover, boost radiance and packed with OSKIA’s trademark blend of beauty-boosting nutrients, this luxuriously-textured exfoliating mask leaves the complexion smoother, more refined and illuminated. Our testing panel thought its natural perfume so delicious they wanted to eat it!

Oskia have a great reputation for their “nutritionally-designed, natural skincare range” which is all about supplying the skin with a ‘diet’ of skincare goodies that include vitamins, minerals, amino acids and glucides.  If your Mum is a lover of oraganic, natural products, then you won’t go far wrong with Oskia who are proud of their ECOCERT credentials.

The Renaissance Mask promises to be a real treat, providing instant results and rinsing tired skin down the plughole to reveal a fresher you!

5. Jimmy Choo Eau de Parfum (£38.50)

Femininity, luxury and style… bottled.  Green top notes give a burst of freshness, a heart of Tiger Orchid lends a creamy seductiveness, and sensual base notes of toffee and Indonesian patchouli. A modern fruity-chypre.

The best things come to those who wait and the base notes contained in the EDP are lovely.  Despite it’s base of toffee, it manages to be sweet without being cloying… they describe it as ‘creamy’ which is pretty much spot-on.  Perhaps a choice for the younger Mums out there *waves arms*.  Jimmy Choo’s inaugural fragrance is proving popular.

6. Davina Peace Citrus Fruits Candle (£36.00)

Each Davina Peace candle is inspired by a long-lasting memory of the brand’s eponymous founder.  Based on the balmy smell of citrus fruits, this candle blends the organic fragrances of Sicilian lemon peel, juicy orange, Italian bergamot and root ginger.  Dedicated to only sourcing organic ingredients where possible, Davina Peace uses only pure natural wax blended with an organic fragrance in her candles.

Nothing is more exquisitely shared between mothers and daughters than memories and Davina Peace pays tribute to the art of remembering with the fragrances she offers throughout her range.  Her Memory No. 2: Citrus Fruits candle is a perfect choice for the warmer Summer months that are hopefully beginning to open up before us!

Exclusively available at Harrods.

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Hope that gives you a little inspiration for lovely Mums everywhere!

* I have received press samples of these items in the past