Yves Saint Laurent Beauty Parisienne Eau de Parfum Spray

Nice enough, but doesn't match its concept

RRP: from £34 for 30ml --What does the promo say?-- "The portrait of a woman incredibly free. Free to think, free to act. She was not born in Paris, but Paris adopts her, because she conveys the joy of living and loving in the moment. A precious flacon, intricately carved like the labyrinth of Parisian streets, as soft as the sheets she has just left behind, as pink as an early morning sky, as couture as the YSL label on black leather. A grand floral with a woody structure, luminous even in its mystery, PARISIENNE is the perfume of ultra femininity, warmed by the touch of the man who embraced her. The top note adds the shine of vinyl, an ultra modern wink to gloss, varnish or the metal of a spike heel, before the tartness of cranberry adds a point of bitter sharpness - the evocation of a certain impertinence softened by sparkling, succulent, fruity blackberry, symbol of an epicurean PARISIENNE. The floral heart beats wildly with the absolute femininity of the Damask rose, which harmonizes perfectly with the powdery violet, sensual and carnal like leather worn by Kate Moss. In contrast, the peony gives a breath of PARISIENNE youth and a hint of morning freshness. The base note brings tumult and intensity in its woody wake. First with patchouli, the ultimate in mystery. And when the masculinity of vetiver flirts with the feminine eroticism of musk and sandalwood, one knows that this PARISIENNE knew a 'night of love'." --Packaging-- With echoes of Viktor and Rolf, it's unusual while still being romantic as the lilac liquid shines through the glass bottle. This is set off by a high-shine gold top that you simply pull off, and with the trademark YSL label stuck to the front in black and gold. --Application-- Spritz onto pulse points, and go. --Appearance-- While the liquid appears purplish in the bottle, nothing is visible on the skin. --Scent-- The overriding smell is of violets, so this definitely takes some getting used to. Some of the scents described in the brief are virtually undetectable (cranberry, for instance), while some of the others emerge later on (such as patchouli). I personally don't hate it, but this is definitely a personal thing: many people will find it too sweet and I certainly wouldn't call it a classic fragrance that will live forever. --Longevity-- About average, I'm afraid. Expect to reapply at least once or twice a day. --Value for money-- A nice enough fragrance (absolutely not down there with the horror of Sisley's fragrances) but for the money I'd expect something more timeless and something that lasted longer on your skin. As an English girl living in Paris, the concept of the perfume definitely appeals to me, but it's debatable as to whether the quality of the fragrance truly lives up to the vision. Go for Viktor and Rolf's Flowerbomb instead. perfect partners Parisienne Eau de Toilette, from £32 for 30ml Parisienne Body Lotion, £28 for 200ml Parisienne Shower Gel, £27 for 200ml

November 4, 2009

L'Oreal Paris Telescopic Explosion Carbon Black Mascara

Explosively good value

--What does the promo say?-- "In yet another mascara first, L'Oréal Paris introduces Telescopic Explosion Mascara, the first mascara at mass with a spherical brush and smooth formula to lengthen and separate every little lash. This breakthrough mascara revolutionises the mascara application process, making it possible to apply from every angle to reach every last lash for a completely fanned-out explosive effect. Truly, size does matter: this small brush yields big lashes! Contains paraffin, jojoba oil, palm oil, and vitamin B5 for lash conditioning. Outstanding consumer test results show no clumping, flaking or smudging; ophthalmologically tested, it is sensitive for sensitive eyes and for contact lens wearers." --Packaging-- Mascara manufacturers have become more daring with their packaging concepts in recent years in order for the tubes to stand out on the shelf: Maybelline's Great Lash was probably the first, but recent others include Rimmel's Sexy Curves and some Barry M and Bourjois mascaras, as well as Maybelline's Define-A-Lash. L'Oréal's Telescopic Explosion continues to buck the trend with its bold red and black ensemble, and the spiky globular brush is pretty snazzy too. However, it's wrong of L'Oréal to claim in their PR that they're the first to do this: Givenchy was the first brand to pioneer this type of brush over a year ago. Nevertheless, I don't blame them for latching onto Givenchy's technology. Having had a good experience with Givenchy's version (Phenomen'Eyes), I was keen from the moment Telescopic Explosion came out to try it and see how it compared. I just hope that the main part of the wand, which is much longer than Givenchy's, is strong enough that the ball part doesn't ever break off in the tube. --Application-- Application is easier than you might think, but anybody who has experienced Givenchy's version will already be a pro at this. Carefully stroke the balled brush over the lashes, and don't be hesitant to go for tinier lashes at the corners of the eyes. Perhaps don't try this while in motion (e.g. on public transport) unless you're feeling especially confident, though. --Appearance-- A professional and defined appearance. Perhaps not completely perfect (a few tiny clumps were present on application), but nevertheless much more detailed and far better than many other mascaras in the same price bracket. --Texture-- Can't argue with this: the texture is smooth and luxurious. --Longevity-- I took a shower without removing my makeup (and without having needed to retouch my mascara even once throughout the day) and it didn't even smudge. Score. --Value for money-- This is an excellent, affordable alternative to Givenchy's Phenomen'Eyes, combining quality with innovation (even if it isn't theirs) and with value for money. And with such eye-catching packaging, it's hardly any wonder that it's already flying off the shelves in Europe and the UK. perfect partners L'Oréal Paris Color Minerals Eyeshadow, £7.82 L'Oréal Paris Kohl Minerals Eyeliner, £7.82 L'Oréal Paris Colour Appeal Star Secrets Trios Eyeshadow, £7.82

September 15, 2009