Category Archives: fragrance

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess 2024 Flora Verde Collection Review & Swatches

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If you have been a reader for a while, you’ll know that the new Bronze Goddess collection is one of my favourite dates in the beauty calendar. For 2024, we have the limited edition Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Flora Verde collection and it is giving me all the summer feelings! Here’s what you need to know.

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Bronze Goddess Flora Verde Palette for Eyes and Cheeks 2024 Shades

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess 2024 Flora Verde Palette
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess 2024 Flora Verde Palette

This is a really pretty palette that follows a similar format as the Lumiere palette from last year, the Desert Heat Eyeshadow palette, the Azur Summer Look palette and the Nuit Summer Look palette from previous years. 

The Flora Verde Palette palette includes a mirror inside a limited-edition case and is a 9 shade eyeshadow and highlighter palette.

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess 2024 Flora Verde Palette shades
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess 2024 Flora Verde Palette shades

Shades include:
1. Brazilian Coast (Matte finish; a soft cream)
2. Rio Sol (Shimmer finish; a warm gold tone)
3. Flora Verde (Shimmer finish; a golden olive)
4. Nightshade (Matte finish; a flawless flat black)
5. Passion (Shimmer & Overall Highlighter; a fiery copper-gold tone)
6. Samba (Shimmer finish; a fizzy Champagne)
7. Viva Pink (Demi Matte finish; a bright, deep pink)
8. Heat (Shimmer finish; a coppery sunset red)
9. Café Brazil Nut (Demi Matte finish; deep olive brown)

This is last year’s Lumiere palette:

Limited Edition Bronze Goddess Lumière: The Summer Look Palette
Limited Edition Bronze Goddess Lumière: The Summer Look Palette 2023

Here are those swatches:

Limited Edition Bronze Goddess Lumière: The Summer Look Palette Swatches
Limited Edition Bronze Goddess Lumière: The Summer Look Palette Swatches 2023

NEW Bronze Goddess Shimmering Gelée

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess 2024 Shimmering Gelee
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess 2024 Shimmering Gelee

This is a brand new body highlighter with a shimmering finish. It is a lightweight non-sticky, clear, pearlised gel formula.

Here’s a swatch:

Bronze Goddess Shimmering Gelee Swatch
Bronze Goddess Shimmering Gelee Swatch
Bronze Goddess Shimmering Gelee on skin
Bronze Goddess Shimmering Gelee on skin

This shot probably doesn’t do it justice. You need to imagine it on tanned shoulders and shins!

Bronze Goddess Healthy Glow Powder

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Healthy Glow Bronzer - Sunrise
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Healthy Glow Bronzer – Sunrise

This is limited-edition face palette with blush, bronzer and highlighter in one. It really reminds me of the now discontinued La Mer bronzing compacts with the mix of all the complexion enhancers in one.

Like the La Mer, you can use them individually, or blend them together for a healthy glow.

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Healthy Glow Bronzer - Sunrise Swatches (mixed)
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Healthy Glow Bronzer – Sunrise Swatches (mixed)

Above are the swatches blended together.

There are two shades to choose from:

  • Sunrise – terracotta bronzer, peach blush, rose gold highlighter
  • Sunset – sienna bronzer, tangerine blush, yellow gold highlighter

Bronze Goddess 2024 Illuminating Powder Gelee Shades & Swatches

Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelee 2024 - Heatwave, Solar Crush, Modern Mercury
Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelee 2024 – Heatwave, Solar Crush, Modern Mercury

Like last year, there are three illuminator shades and we have Modern Mercury again yay.

  • 01 Heatwave
  • 02 Solar Crush
  • 03 Modern Mercury
Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelee 2024 - Heatwave, Solar Crush, Modern Mercury
Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelee 2024 – Heatwave, Solar Crush, Modern Mercury

In case you’re unaware, Modern Mercury has quite the Estee Lauder history. It was a limited edition highlighter back in a collection that launched in 2013. It was a ground-breaking formula of the time, but once the collection was sold out, MM was no longer available.

Then, in 2016, Victoria Beckham chose it to be part of her debut VB X EL collection and everyone went completely crazy over it and wondered why it has never been made permanent.

Now that Victoria Beckham has her own beauty range, we had to say goodbye to Modern Mercury again. The Bronze Goddess 2020 collection brought it back and so we had it for the past few years too.

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Modern Mercury 2024
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Modern Mercury 2024

I love this outer packaging and the pan design. Here are the swatches:

Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelee 2024 Swatches - Heatwave, Solar Crush, Modern Mercury
Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelee 2024 Swatches – Heatwave, Solar Crush, Modern Mercury

I really enjoy this highlighter formula from EL. It uses unique prisma technology which gives such a gorgeous glow. It is a tri-brid of liquid, powder and gel and it has such a beautiful smooth finish, delivering a soft sheen that illuminates the complexion wonderfully.

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Heatwave 2024
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Heatwave 2024
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Solar Crush 2024
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Solar Crush 2024

Bronze Goddess Matte & Glow Bronzing Trio

This was a new format in 2020, with three different powders and remains part of the permanent Bronze Goddess collection.

Estee Lauder Matte & Glow Bronzing Trio
Estee Lauder Matte & Glow Bronzing Trio

We have two matte powder bronzers (medium and deep) and one luminous highlighter. You can use them individually, or blend them together. Here are the swatches:

Estee Lauder Matte & Glow Bronzing Trio Swatches
Estee Lauder Matte & Glow Bronzing Trio Swatches

This is the perfect palette to use with a big fluffy brush, swirled all over the pan to warm up the complexion and get it glowing.

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess 2024 Fragrance Collection

Of course we have the classic Bronze Goddess skinscent. I absolutely adore it and for me, it really is the scent of summer.

Original Bronze Goddess Skinscent 2024
Original Bronze Goddess Skinscent 2024

It’s like lying on the beach in a beautiful place surrounded by the uplifting scents of creamy coconut, soft vanilla and sexy amber. It will always be a favourite for me.

This year we also have the Flora Verde limited edition. Described as a Floral green fragrance with a Brazilian Gardenia accord surrounded by Coconut Water and Sandalwood:

  • Top notes – Italian Bergamot, Coconut Water, Orange Bigarade
  • Heart Notes – Pink Pepper, Brazilian Gardenia, Ylang Essential Oil
  • Base Notes – Jasmine Sambac Absolute, Sandalwood, Skin Musk
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Nuit Eau de Parfum
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Nuit Eau de Parfum

It’s a gorgeous, green floral take the iconic Bronze Goddess scent and I’m really enjoying it. It makes me think of an upscale beach holiday as Bronze Goddess always does, and I love the uplifting Bergamot in the top notes and the deeper smoothness of the Jasmine Sambac Absolute. Of course it has the milky coconut tones you’d expect from this iconic fragrance.

When is Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess 2024 out?

The full Bronze Goddess collection is out now at Estee Lauder*.

The Ultimate Beauty Destination: Surprise That Special Someone With The Perfect Gift From Boots

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It’s been a tough year. A tough couple of years to be exact. With the world still in a spin, and the lack of certainty causing even the most stable of us to lose our footing, it’s more important than ever to take a moment to reflect back on how far we’ve come. If you’ve made it this far in one piece, with your health and wellbeing still pretty much in tact, you deserve a medal! If you’ve not, then you still deserve a medal (or a very nice gift from Boots *wink*) for trying your best during unprecedented circumstances.

There are so many people to celebrate this festive season – from the NHS workers who have pushed forward so selflessly, to the key workers who have kept the world moving, to the parents who have juggled home schooling with a full time job, and the friends who have kept reminding us that it’s ok to have a wobble and feel like you’re losing yourself. I for one am grateful to my network of amazing people who have listened to me moan, been there when I’ve cried and reminded me that things will get better; what would we all do without a shoulder to cry on eh?

Boots christmas gift surprise 3 for 2 offer Boots christmas gift surprise 3 for 2 offer

This Christmas Boots want to celebrate those special people who deserve an extra sprinkling of joy… And we all know more than one who has experienced a bit of a cr*ppier-than-most twelve months. Their incredible selection of Christmas gifts will undoubtedly include the perfect treat that’s guaranteed to put a smile on their face and show them how much you care, with price points that start at only a few pounds up to extravagant gifts that will certainly surprise and delight.

MY SPECIAL SOMEONE

2021 has been especially hard for my family, as my 91 year old Grandad succumbed to dementia and moved into a full time care home earlier this year. Despite my Nan believing she could cope, it became increasingly apparent that he required more care than she was now able to give. Sleepless nights, panic attacks and anxiety ridden days have left their toll – and worried the rest of us no end. But six months on and she’s found herself (and her freedom) once again, despite being separated from the love of her life for the first time since they were married over sixty years ago.

When Boots asked me to choose someone to surprise with some of their beauty gifts (that make the best Christmas presents,) there was no question of who that special someone would be. My Nan is so deserving of a treat, and picking out some pretty gifts was an absolute pleasure; the little squeal she made when I delivered them melted my heart!

Boots christmas gift surprise 3 for 2 offer Boots christmas gift surprise 3 for 2 offer Boots christmas gift surprise 3 for 2 offer

THREE MAGICAL GIFTS

With the iconic ‘Boots 3 for 2’ there’s always a great deal to be had and amazing savings to be made – with the cheapest of your choices coming absolutely free. (Bonus!) Here’s what I chose for my Nan…

1. Liz Earle Superskin Beauty Sleep Ritual (£45.50)


For the last year she’s struggled with anxiety, especially at night, so anything that will encourage self-care and relaxation is gratefully received. This gift set includes some of Liz Earle’s iconic products (including Cleanse & Polish) alongside a little terrarium she’s already got plans for in the bathroom.

2. Laura Ashley Fragrance Diffuser (£18.00)


My Nan loves scent as much as I do; I’ve definitely inherited my love of candles and room diffusers from her! This home fragrance is enriched with notes of Daisy and White Aloe to provide a delicately floral experience, while the glass bottle is a statement in itself. The perfect gift for any home decor or fragrance connoisseur alike.

3. Laura Ashley Luxury Hand & Nail Cream (£5.00)


One of the things my Nan has kept up for decades is her regular manicures and pedicures, and her hands continue to defy her age. Some of my earliest memories include her applying a fragrant hand cream and me thinking it was the most grown up thing ever, so suffice to say I was unsurprised when this was ripped open and applied in an instant!

Boots christmas gift surprise 3 for 2 offer

So if you’ve got a special someone you’d love to treat this festive season, there’s guaranteed to be that last minute solution they’re sure to adore. It’s the season to show how much you care, and the joy really is in the giving…

Who in your life deserves to be surprised Secret Santa style this Christmas?

Check out all the Christmas gifts for her and Christmas gifts for him on offer on www.boots.com

AD: sponsored feature in partnership with Boots.com; all opinions my own.

Boots christmas gift surprise 3 for 2 offer

Jo Malone London ‘Great British Summer Fete’ Collection

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With the summer months come an excuse to embrace all that the world of scent has to offer; it’s an opportunity to hang up those rich and moody fragrances in favour of something lighter, more energising and reminiscent of time in the sunshine – whether that’s in the UK or abroad. Although we’ve become accostomed to a summertime scent including citrus or tropical notes that remind us of beach days and lazy afternoons in European destinations, with the pandemic forcing us to look closer to home for a getaway it’s the perfect opportunity to embrace notes that are a little more homegrown. And Jo Malone’s ‘Great British Summer Fete’ collection is the antidote we all need this year.

Inspired by the country fetes that we all experienced in childhood (and more so in adulthood as they’re making a comeback!) the collection nods beautifully to the gingham tablecloths and freshly baked goods often found on offer. Orange Peel, Tangy Rhubarb, Elderflower Cordial, Rose Blush and one of my favourites from the permenant line Blackberry & Bay (I wore this on my wedding day,) make up the five piece collection – and it’s one of my favourite limited edition ranges of all time.

Not only do the bottles feel incredibly special and totally different from what you’d expect from Jo Malone London, but the scents within are so smile-inducing that it’s going to be tough to stop using them when we hit the colder months. Elderflower is one of my favourite scents (and flavours) so it’s no surprise I utterly adore the concoction that’s just the right amount of sweetness; it’s not sickly sweet, but instead more of a comforting and uplifting scent that wafts for hours to the enjoyment of everyone around me.

Over the weekend I walked in the woods with my Nan, who pointed out a huge elderflower tree and told me stories of using the flowers to make award-winning wine in her youth. Moments later she asked what ‘beautiful perfume’ I was wearing as she kepy catching a delicate hint as we wandered through the overgrowth; the fact it was Jo Malone Elderflower Cordial was the best kind of coincidence and an even better endorsement for the spritz I’d applied that morning.

The Rose Blush scent is also a beautifully delicate embodiment of the roses that adorn a typical British countryside garden; a slightly sweet modern interpretation, it’s a great way to wear floral without it being heavy or ‘old fashioned’. Rose has been given a hard time in recent years, but this is a whisper of a fragrance that makes an ideal daily scent that would work beautifully when layered as much as it stands out when worn alone.

Although I’ve yet to try the Orange Peel or Tangy Rhubarb, they sound just as divine – and I’m sure I’d wear either in a heartbeat. And I’m already a huge fan of the Blackberry & Bay, as I wore it over English Pear and Freesia on my wedding day; it still reminds me of the early Autumn day we said our vows and the countryside barn we spent our reception in, so will forever have a special place in my heart.

This is a collection I fell in love with from the very first spritz, and one that will sure to find itself in the Jo Malone hall of fame for years to come.

Discover the Jo Malone ‘Great British Summer Fete’ Collection

Each 30ml scent is priced £55.00 – build your own duo or trio in a collectable tin for free!

AD: press samples sent with no obligation to feature

Jo Malone London ‘Great British Summer Fete’ Collection

  , , , , ,
Comments Off on Jo Malone London ‘Great British Summer Fete’ Collection

With the summer months come an excuse to embrace all that the world of scent has to offer; it’s an opportunity to hang up those rich and moody fragrances in favour of something lighter, more energising and reminiscent of time in the sunshine – whether that’s in the UK or abroad. Although we’ve become accostomed to a summertime scent including citrus or tropical notes that remind us of beach days and lazy afternoons in European destinations, with the pandemic forcing us to look closer to home for a getaway it’s the perfect opportunity to embrace notes that are a little more homegrown. And Jo Malone’s ‘Great British Summer Fete’ collection is the antidote we all need this year.

Inspired by the country fetes that we all experienced in childhood (and more so in adulthood as they’re making a comeback!) the collection nods beautifully to the gingham tablecloths and freshly baked goods often found on offer. Orange Peel, Tangy Rhubarb, Elderflower Cordial, Rose Blush and one of my favourites from the permenant line Blackberry & Bay (I wore this on my wedding day,) make up the five piece collection – and it’s one of my favourite limited edition ranges of all time.

Not only do the bottles feel incredibly special and totally different from what you’d expect from Jo Malone London, but the scents within are so smile-inducing that it’s going to be tough to stop using them when we hit the colder months. Elderflower is one of my favourite scents (and flavours) so it’s no surprise I utterly adore the concoction that’s just the right amount of sweetness; it’s not sickly sweet, but instead more of a comforting and uplifting scent that wafts for hours to the enjoyment of everyone around me.

Over the weekend I walked in the woods with my Nan, who pointed out a huge elderflower tree and told me stories of using the flowers to make award-winning wine in her youth. Moments later she asked what ‘beautiful perfume’ I was wearing as she kepy catching a delicate hint as we wandered through the overgrowth; the fact it was Jo Malone Elderflower Cordial was the best kind of coincidence and an even better endorsement for the spritz I’d applied that morning.

The Rose Blush scent is also a beautifully delicate embodiment of the roses that adorn a typical British countryside garden; a slightly sweet modern interpretation, it’s a great way to wear floral without it being heavy or ‘old fashioned’. Rose has been given a hard time in recent years, but this is a whisper of a fragrance that makes an ideal daily scent that would work beautifully when layered as much as it stands out when worn alone.

Although I’ve yet to try the Orange Peel or Tangy Rhubarb, they sound just as divine – and I’m sure I’d wear either in a heartbeat. And I’m already a huge fan of the Blackberry & Bay, as I wore it over English Pear and Freesia on my wedding day; it still reminds me of the early Autumn day we said our vows and the countryside barn we spent our reception in, so will forever have a special place in my heart.

This is a collection I fell in love with from the very first spritz, and one that will sure to find itself in the Jo Malone hall of fame for years to come.

Discover the Jo Malone ‘Great British Summer Fete’ Collection

Each 30ml scent is priced £55.00 – build your own duo or trio in a collectable tin for free!

AD: press samples sent with no obligation to feature

Three Great Independent British Candle Brands To Support This Springtime

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Candlelight has transformative powers; the gentle flickering warm hues can make even the coldest of spaces feel more welcoming, while soothing away many of the worries that may be on our minds. What may often seem like a little indulgence reserved for the chillier months can actually be something to be enjoyed all year round, offering not only a restorative emotional quality – but helping to effortlessly fill a space and offer a delicate scent too. I’ve always got a candle on the go, no matter where in the house (don’t underestimate the power of garden candles either!) I am; although some of my most used and favourite brands are recognisable and relatively mainstream, I do like to dabble in ‘under the radar’ names that bring something extra special to my surroundings. Often an independent brand will be offering something unexpected and truly evocative, as well as allowing you to support someone’s dream… And these three independent British candle brands do all that and more.

Three Great Independent British Candle Brands To Support

Naomi Joy Living (£29.00)


I’m not even sure how or where I discovered this brand, but I’m definitely glad I did. The scents themselves feature unusual but evocative combinations (such as Wisteria & White Tea, Lemongrass & Lime and Pineapple & Pomelo) that burn to leave a subtle lingering scent in any room, but for me it’s the quirky names and packaging that’s an unexpected delight. I bought myself a F*?king Fabulous candle (Rose & Pink Pepper) just because it made me smile and I thought I needed the mojo boost, but the scent is so delicious I’ve gone back for more – my mum received a ‘Mother Like No Other’ candle for Mother’s Day, while my mates will certainly be receiving these for future birthday celebrations. The candles are hand-poured and manufactured in Britain too.

Three Great Independent British Candle Brands To Support

2204 Candles* (£24.00)


Created by a “6’2, broad shouldered, shaved head, tattooed, Scottish” ex-music tour manager, 2204 is not what you’d expect from your usual candle brand. The dark jars set the scene for scents that linger in a sultry and intense way, holding combinations of unexpected and traditionally more masculine notes that make this a great brand for anyone sick of florals. With scents on offer that include Cuban Cigar & Cognac, Smoked Oak & French Vanilla and Espresso & Pala Santo, 2204 Candles is refreshing and somewhat unique; as soon as I light my candle I know the room will be filled with something soothing on the soul. All the candles are 100% vegan, cruelty free and sustainable – and they’re made using ethically sourced soy wax, carefully selected scented oils and fully recyclable packaging. I’ve got my eye on the Summer Cherry & Gurbandi Almond for summer!

Three Great Independent British Candle Brands To Support

Crosskey Avenue* (£39.00)


Each of the candles is inspired by a destination that left a mark on the founder, underpinning the pure passion for creating scents that bring about an emotional connection or that have transformative powers; who doesn’t want to be transported to a tropical island as soon as they light the wick? Langkawi, inspired by Malaysia’s tropical island, contains exotic frangipani, milky coconut, fresh lemongrass and sandalwoodto provide the perfect combination of depth and freshness. Not only does it look beautiful, thanks to the frosted glass container, but its subtle scent lingers even when it’s not being actively burned. The candles are made in England, contain the highest quality soy blended wax, are sustainable and recyclable – with the outer boxes made using Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified cardboard.

Three Great Independent British Candle Brands To Support

Lighting up a candle really can make everything seem so much better… So why not do it with style!

Which of these three independent British candle brands would you most like to see on your coffee table?

Get the most of your candle with my top tips on How To Look After A Candle Properly.

Discover 8 Amazing Ways To Re-Use Your Candle Jar when you’re done burning.

*AD: press samples sent with no obligation to feature.