MERIT Beauty Retrospect L’Extrait de Parfum Review

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MERIT Beauty Retrospect L'Extrait de Parfum Review

It has taken we a while to get around to reviewing the MERIT Beauty Retrospect L’Extrait de Parfum but I am really glad I now have. Here is everything you need to know.

What is MERIT Beauty Retrospect?
What is MERIT Beauty Retrospect?
  • A highly concentrated extrait de parfum
  • Contains almost 30% fragrance oil
  • Promises pure, long-lasting wear for over 12 hours
  • Developed in Paris using the highest quality natural and safe synthetic extracts
  • Packaging is inspired by modernist jewelry
  • Available in a full size and a travel size

The Notes

Top notes – Bergamot, Pear, Ambrette, Aldehydes

Heart notes – Jasmine, Rose, Rosemary, Violet, Orris

Bottom notes – Vanilla, Musk, Moss

My Review

My Review of MERIT Beauty Retrospect Fragrance
My Review of MERIT Beauty Retrospect Fragrance

It’s always an intriguing moment when a beauty brand steps into the world of fragrance, particularly one with MERIT’s minimalist, elevated aesthetic. Their debut scent, Retrospect L’Extrait de Parfum, is not only a thoughtful extension of the brand but I think a beautifully articulated statement of who they are.

From the very first spritz, Retrospect got my attention. The opening is a crisp, pear with aldehydes but isn’t overly fruity which I appreciate. Instead, it feels refined and atmospheric with a clean and airy vibe that evokes vintage glamour.

As the scent evolves on the skin, it softens into a smooth, musky iris and orris blend. I’m a big fan of those violet types of notes. This is where Retrospect begins to feel nostalgic in a real Margiela Lipstick On kind of way. There’s something comfortingly familiar here with the suggestion of a powder compact, a traditional face cream or old school lipstick. It’s a bit like a hug.

Though the drydown is floral and musky, it’s never heavy or cloying. Violet and rose make it feel grown up, while rosemary adds a green, almost herbal brightness that keeps it feeling modern.

There are clear echoes of skin scents like Glossier You but I think MERIT Beauty Retrospect distinguishes itself with a more layered, structured composition. It’s less minimalist and has more depth. Still probably what many would call a skin scent with perhaps more texture and dimension.

In terms of performance, it wears closer to the skin but lasts far longer than I expected it to. I think it will open up more on warmer days and I think that’s when the compliments will come. I spritzed it at a shoot and everyone had a sniff. It got very positive feedback.

MERIT Beauty Retrospect Fragrance Packaging
MERIT Beauty Retrospect Fragrance Packaging

Visually, the packaging is as considered as the fragrance itself. The navy box is elegant, the bottle has weight and presence, and while the cap can be a little awkward, it still feels luxurious and appropriate for what’s inside.

Final thoughts:

Retrospect is a compelling and quietly confident fragrance. It doesn’t rely on volume or sweetness to make its mark and instead, it draws you in with its composure and its subtle sensuality. It feels like a lovely memory. It’s warm, feminine, familiar yet still modern. For lovers of iris, powdery musks, and fragrances that sit close to the skin, this is a worthy addition to the collection.

Where to buy it

MERIT Beauty Retrospect L’Extrait de Parfum is £79 for 30ml and £30 for 9.5ml, available now via the links below:

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Jo Malone London Frangipani Flower Cologne Review

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Jo Malone London Frangipani Flower Cologne Review

Jo Malone London Frangipani Flower Cologne first launched as a limited edition in the Blossoms collection in 2019. It is back again for 2025 for a limited time. Here’s what you need to know.

What is Jo Malone London Frangipani Flower Cologne?

Jo Malone London Frangipani Flower Cologne
Jo Malone London Frangipani Flower Cologne

This is a limited edition solar scent:

  • Solar floral fragrance
  • Inspired by the Frangipani blooms across the beaches of Bali
  • Exotic and radiant
  • Fresh lemon twist
  • Creamy sandalwood base
  • Limited edition bottle design

The Notes

Top note – Jasmine Petals

Heart note – Frangipani

Base note – Sandalwood

My Review

My Review of Jo Malone London Frangipani Flower Cologne
My Review of Jo Malone London Frangipani Flower Cologne

I’ve finally had another proper play with Jo Malone London Frangipani Flower Cologne, as I haven’t really revisited it since it launched in the Blossom collection back in 2019. I must say, I do really like it because it’s such a light and elegant take on frangipani which can often be super bold and tropical. This scent is like sunshine bottled with a whisper of summer breeze.

First Impressions

From the very first spritz, Frangipani Flower Cologne opens with a bright, energetic burst of lemon. Not sugary or syrupy at all, and it’s all about a super zesty and clean vibe. I’d say it’s more freshly sliced citrus than tropical cocktail.

The lemon burst quickly gives way to a glowing heart of jasmine and ylang ylang, which feels like walking past a blooming jasmine plant. The frangipani itself isn’t really front and centre and it’s not at all loud and shouty. Instead, it weaves delicately into the white floral blend, lending a smooth, slightly creamy sweetness. I wouldn’t call it a traditional frangipani-forward perfume. It’s far lighter, fresher, and not at all tropical in the usual suntan-lotion sense.

The Dry Down

As it settles, you get this creamy sandalwood and benzoin base that wraps everything in a soft, milky veil. It’s not rich or gourmand and there’s a distinct absence of vanilla, but it settles down to a gentle, warm skin scent with a clean, cashmere-skin vibe. Never heavy. Never cloying.

Longevity & Sillage

This is definitely not an ‘in your face’ fragrance and I think it’s one you will enjoy if you prefer something pretty and subtle rather than a full-on room rocker.

The silage is intimate, almost skin-close but it’s definitely not a ghost either. I’d call this moderate longevity with a soft, feminine trail. I can smell it a couple of hours later, but if you want something more obvious, you might need to use quite a bit, which could get expensive.

The Packaging

Jo Malone London Frangipani Flower Cologne limited edition packaging
Jo Malone London Frangipani Flower Cologne limited edition packaging

The packaging is chic and minimalist, and it uses the same design as the recently launched Beach Blossom, which I also really like. Personally, I prefer the square bottles from Jo Malone, but I know that not everyone does.

Final Thoughts – Who Is This For?

If you’re looking for a warm-weather signature that feels effortless, fresh, and unfussy, this could be the one. The white florals are the real stars here, with jasmine leading the way, so if you like a bit of jasmine, this one’s definitely worth a sniff.

That said, if you’re craving a rich, heady frangipani with tropical depth, this may fall short. It’s more bright citrus-floral than exotic island escape. It’s delicate, creamy, and clean. If you like white florals, you will probably like this.

Where to buy it

Jo Malone London Frangipani Flower Cologne is £58 for 30ml and £124 for 100ml and available exclusively via the link below:

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Harrods Beauty Gift with Purchase May 2025 worth £450 Review

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Worth £450

Harrods Beauty Gift with Purchase May 2025 worth £450 Review

The Harrods Beauty Gift with Purchase for May 2025 is live now and looking pretty amazing!! I have a full list of products that are in this year’s gift right here. Enjoy!

What is in the Harrods Beauty Gift with Purchase 2025?

Harrods Beauty Gift with Purchase May 2025 Contents worth £450
Harrods Beauty Gift with Purchase May 2025 Contents worth £450

There’s a brilliant mix of full size, deluxe and sample size products across amazing luxury brands like Elemis, Hourglass, NARS Olaplex and Augustinus Bader to enjoy:

  • Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara Deluxe Sample 2.7g
  • Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze Gel Sample Mini/Travel Size 4.5ml
  • NARS Orgasm Blush 1.2g
  • Dolce & Gabbana Everlast Primer 6ml
  • Dr. Barbara Sturm Glow Drops 3ml
  • Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF30 15ml
  • 111Skin Repair Serum 7.5ml
  • Orveda Vital Sap Serum 20ml
  • Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Serum 8ml
  • Cle de Peau Beaute – Precious Gold Vitality Serum 3ml
  • Augustinus Bader Rich Cream 7ml
  • Shiseido Vital Perfection Advanced Cream 15ml
  • Myblend Nourishing Body Balm 15ml
  • Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Beija Flor Body Cream 25ml
  • Evidens de Beaute Night Recovery Solution Overnight Mask 10ml
  • Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser 15ml
  • MZ Skin Cleanse and Clarify Cleanser 15ml
  • Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother Leave in Treatment Hair Treatment 20ml
  • Rahua Classic Shampoo & Conditioner 22ml
  • Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil 3.5ml
  • Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Hair Treatment 40ml
  • Escentric Molecules E05 Fragrance 8.5ml
  • Memo Paris French Leather Fragrance 5ml
  • Drybar – Buy one get one free Blow Dry voucher (refer to the reverse of the voucher for full terms and conditions)

There is a lovely range of brands to enjoy inside this gift!! And it includes this print bag.

How to claim the Harrods Beauty Gift with Purchase 2025.

So first off, all you need to do is spend £250 on beauty products at Harrods* to receive the GWP. While stocks last.

You will need to be a Harrods MyBeauty Rewards member.

How do I sign up to Harrods MyBeauty Rewards

It’s easy to sign up. If you have not joined Harrods Rewards yet, you can sign up here.

This year’s Beauty Goody Bag from Harrods is available from 2nd May 2025. The promotion will be available while stocks last – hurry it will sell out fast!

When can you claim it

As I said, the full value of the free gift is over £450 and to claim it, you need to spend a minimum of £250 on beauty HERE* from 2rd May 2025.

If you are looking for some inspo, I recently discovered the Sweed Glass Skin Foundation that happens to be available at Harrods. Check out out.

Offers

Sephora UK Discount Code

Exclusive Sephora UK discount code for 20% off

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Acqua di Parma Buongiorno Eau de Parfum Review

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Acqua di Parma Buongiorno Eau de Parfum Review

If you are looking for a really fresh, vibrant and sparkling scent for spring time, I might just have found it. Here’s the lowdown on the new Acqua di Parma Buongiorno Eau de Parfum.

What is Acqua di Parma Buongiorno?

Acqua di Parma Buongiorno Eau de Parfum
Acqua di Parma Buongiorno Eau de Parfum

This is a new Eau de Parfum inspired by the arrival of spring in the Tuscan hills:

  • Long-lasting fragrance
  • Features a bright and energising blend of citrus, herbs, and florals
  • Has a soft base cedarwood and amber
  • Uses a co-distillation process for a balanced fragrance
  • Presented in an stunning yellow bottle
  • Available in 50ml, 100ml and 180ml

The Notes

Top Notes: Lemon, Rosemary, Spearmint, Basil, Petitgrain

Heart Notes: Lavandin, Mandarin Leaves

Base Notes: Cedarwood, Amber, White Musk

My Review

My review of Acqua di Parma Buongiorno Eau de Parfum
My review of Acqua di Parma Buongiorno Eau de Parfum

There aren’t many super fresh and spring like fragrances I love, because I am all about the deeper, darker fragrances out there on the market, but I absolutely love this one.

On first spritz, it reminded of me of Atelier Cologne’s Clementine California which I used to adore (and is sadly no longer available in the UK). Buongiorno is fresh and super juicy like Clementine California yet it has more depth and more of a grounding creamy smoothness, which makes it appealing in completely different way.

I find Acqua di Parma Buongiorno so uplifting and motivating. It’s literally like spritzing sunshine and it’s so juicy and vibrant and sunny.

The addition of spearmint is really interesting and it’s not a note that I thought I’d like in a citrussy scent, but I really love the crispness it gives, that’s refreshing without being overpowering.

As it develops, the floral heart starts to peep through with a hint of lavender which I absolutely love, and it stays juicy with mandarin leaves which have an intense citrus vibe with floral undertones.

The fragrance settles beautifully into its soft woody base and it’s super skin-like and creamy with cedarwood, amber, and white musk. It’s lovely and comforting and the citrus becomes softer and more soothing. It really all works so nicely together – soft and super wearable.

I find it lasts really well on my skin and I can still smell it maybe 5 or 6 hours later which I think is pretty impressive for something so airy and fresh. It’s one of those scents you can spritz generously in the morning and still catch little whiffs of throughout the day.

Acqua di Parma Buongiorno Eau de Parfum packaging
Acqua di Parma Buongiorno Eau de Parfum packaging

I absolutely love the yellow bottle. It’s as sunny as the fragrance it holds inside and it feels super luxe.

Where to buy it

Acqua di Parma Buongiorno Eau de Parfum starts at £143 for 50ml and it is available now via the links below:

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Jo Malone London Beach Blossom Cologne Review

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Jo Malone London Beach Blossom Cologne Review

As soon as I heard the name Jo Malone London Beach Blossom I was extremely interested to try it. I don’t think I’ve really seen a fragrance with this kind of vibe from Jo Malone so I immediately wanted to know more. Here’s what you need to know.

What is Jo Malone London Beach Blossom?

Jo Malone London Beach Blossom Cologne Review
Jo Malone London Beach Blossom Cologne Review

This fragrance has been designed to instantly transport you to warmer climes. Think beaches (obviously), warm sun on your skin, and closing your eyes and waking up in the Seychelles (not that I’d know what that is like!).

Jo Malone London say:

Pack your bags for a summer escape. On the idyllic palm-fringed beaches of the Seychelles, encounter the rare coco de mer. Basking in tropical sunlight, the sea coconut’s sculptural form inspires the fresh solar scent of Beach Blossom Cologne.

A refreshing twist of coconut water carried on the breeze, meeting the sparkling clarity of lime and mint, wrapped in the allure of tonka bean.

The Notes

Top Note: Lime – zesty freshness

Heart Note: Coconut Water – light and refreshing

Base Note: Tonka Bean – warm accents of vanilla and almond

My Review

Jo Malone London Beach Blossom
Jo Malone London Beach Blossom

This is a lovely beachy fragrance, and I can’t really think of anything similar in the Jo Malone London collection. It has creamy coconut with a little bit of a suntan lotion vibe which I always find really comforting.

The lime and mint give it a kind of summer cocktail feel at the start but there’s also something about it that reminds me of the Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt, although that one conjures up a completely different type of beach – more British, less tropical. Beach Blossom is all about a sun-kissed summer getaway.

First Impressions

Jo Malone London Beach Blossom packaging
Jo Malone London Beach Blossom packaging

The bottle is understated, and chic, but I have to say, I do really prefer the square Jo Malone bottles, as opposed to these rounded ones. But that’s just a personal preference!

What does Jo Malone Beach Blossom smell like?

At first spritz, Beach Blossom has a fresh and airy citrus brightness that’s really enlivening and uplifting. It is softly sweet, but not in an overpowering way and it is freshly floral rather than sugary.

Everything softens out to a lovely creamy, skin-like warmth that feels super comforting with those vibes of sunshine and sea salt on your skin.

Longevity & Performance

This isn’t a huge fragrance, you can definitely smell it on yourself, but it isn’t overpowering at all. I found that it lasts really well on my skin. I could still smell it on my wrist about 6 hours after spritzing which I was pretty impressed with.

Who Will Love It?

If you love breezy, sun-drenched florals with a touch of salty skin warmth, this one will be for you. It’s chic and feminine, and combines summer freshness with richer creamy notes that give you that cashmere hug feeling. I think this will be a real crowd pleaser.

Final Verdict

Beach Blossom Cologne is a gorgeous summery fragrance that isn’t too heady and keeps things nice and radiant and fresh. I think this would be an easy blind buy as it ticks all the boxes for a summer scent that still has cosy vibes, and it’s limited edition so you might want to snap it up before it’s gone.

If you haven’t already, make sure you check out Jo Malone London Care Collection Review.

Where to buy it

Jo Malone London Beach Blossom Cologne is available now for £86 for 50ml and £124 for 100ml via the links below:

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