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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Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour HydraPlay Daily Defense Nourishing Fluid SPF 40 Review

 
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Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour HydraPlay Daily Defense Nourishing Fluid SPF 40 Review

Skin

29 May 2025 (Updated: 28 May 2025)

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Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour HydraPlay Daily Defense Nourishing Fluid SPF 40 Review

2025 is certainly the year of the new superlight SPF skincare products, and I have really been enjoying this one. Here’s the lowdown on the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour HydraPlay Daily Defense Nourishing Fluid SPF 40.

What is Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour HydraPlay Daily Defense Nourishing Fluid SPF 40?

What is Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour HydraPlay Daily Defense?
What is Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour HydraPlay Daily Defense?

A high protection daily moisturising fluid designed to defend, hydrate and smooth the skin:

  • Protects skin from pollution, blue light, and UVA/UVB rays
  • Formulated to not leave a white cast
  • Lightweight, barely-there texture
  • Designed to instantly sink in and set to work
  • Promises to leave skin feeling soft, plumped and comfortable
  • Can be used over makeup
  • Offers long-lasting hydration
  • Gives skin a radiant and supple look
  • Non-comedogenic, vegan formula
  • Gentle enough for all skin types, including sensitive

Key Ingredients

Botanical Blend of rice and soybean oil – helps protect against the effects of blue light and pollution

Sugar beet extract – to strengthen skin’s moisture barrier

Antioxidants – to soothe and defend against pollution

How to use it

You need to shake this up well and apply 3 fingers of product to the face and neck. If this seems like a lot, apply it in stages. In sinks in really nicely so you shouldn’t have any issues.

You can also apply this over makeup, which I haven’t yet tried as I tend to like a mist for this. Read, Kopari Sunglaze Sheer Setting Mist Sunscreen SPF 50 Review for one of my fave mists.

For reapplication over makeup, Elizabeth Arden suggest using a sponge to lightly blot it on to the skin. However, I can’t see how you’d make sure you are applying the correct amount using this method, so I personally wouldn’t follow that advice.

Before and After Photos

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour HydraPlay Daily Defense before photo
Before
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour HydraPlay Daily Defense after photo
After Photo
My review of Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour HydraPlay Daily Defense?
My review of Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour HydraPlay Daily Defense?

If you’re a fan of radiant, well-hydrated skin with reliable sun protection, you’re going to want to hear all about the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour HydraPlay Daily Defense Nourishing Fluid SPF 40. I’ve been giving it a little test and it’s a total delight. Think glow without grease, hydration without heaviness.

First Impressions: Lightweight, Glowy & Comfortable

From the first application, the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour HydraPlay Fluid feels like a hydrating emulsion product. It has a lovely lightweight texture, almost like a water-based lotion, that melts into the skin beautifully. No heavy residue, no stickiness, and certainly no white cast.

It feels immediately comforting and moisturising and if you’re someone who finds SPF formulas either too thick or too drying, this could be your perfect match.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour HydraPlay Daily Defense Texture
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour HydraPlay Daily Defense Texture

The Glow Factor: Dewy but Not Greasy

What I love most about this is the finish. It gives the skin such a fresh, plump, hydrated look with a dewy glow, but importantly, it doesn’t make you look greasy. That’s a fine line and Elizabeth Arden has balanced it just right here.

It layers beautifully under makeup too. I’ve worn it under foundation and tinted moisturisers, and it doesn’t pill or slide.

Skin Benefits Beyond SPF

This isn’t just your average sunscreen. It’s packed with hydrating and nourishing ingredients that genuinely make your skin feel better throughout the day. Even after a few hours of wear, my skin still feels moisturised and not at all dry or tight, like some SPFs can leave you feeling by the afternoon.

Packaging: Chic, Minimal, and Convenient

The packaging is spot on. It is sleek, travel-friendly, and fuss-free. It comes in a compact tube with a secure cap, which makes it perfect for popping in your handbag or travel bag. And because it’s a fluid, it’s easy to control how much product you dispense.

SPF 40 vs SPF 50. What’s the Real Difference?

Now let’s talk SPF numbers, because I know a lot of us automatically reach for SPF 50 and wonder if 40 is “enough.”

Here’s the breakdown:

  • SPF 40 blocks about 97.5% of UVB rays.
  • SPF 50 blocks about 98% of UVB rays.

That’s only a 0.5% difference in UVB protection. For everyday urban exposure, SPF 40 is absolutely sufficient, especially when the formula is this good and when you’re reapplying as needed. It’s all about using enough product and reapplying consistently.

So yes, SPF 40 is a high level of protection and more than adequate for daily wear, particularly if you’re not spending hours in direct sun.

Final Thoughts: A Daily SPF That Feels Like Skincare

The Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour HydraPlay Daily Defense Nourishing Fluid SPF 40 is an absolute pleasure to use. It’s one of those SPFs that you’ll want to apply, which is half the battle when it comes to consistent sun protection.

If you’re after something that feels like skincare, delivers real hydration, makes your skin glow, and still gives you high SPF protection, this could be a new daily favourite.

Where to buy it

The Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour HydraPlay Daily Defense Nourishing Fluid SPF 40 is £32 for 50ml. It’s currently sold out on the EA site but 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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