MON CHANEL No. 5

Chanel Nº 5 is undeniably one of the most iconic fragrances in existence. However, the fragrance simply isn’t for everyone. The dominant  notes are laid on pretty thick, and it’s just one of those fragrances that you either love or dislike.

Those who love it, appreciate the complexity and distinctness of the fragrance. (Never mind that when Marilyn Monroe was asked what she wore to bed she exclaimed, “Chanel Nº 5”).Those who dislike it…….I have heard it referred to being for the “mature” generation. I must admit, the parfum and eau de parfum tend to be a bit overwhelming for me as well. My husband has said it was one of his least favorites among my fragrance collection.

Nº 5 has been “lightened up” several times, and I believe it was done to appeal to the younger masses. I never really thought that the scent had changed all that much, except for the fragrance opened softer and dried down slightly sweeter. Now after several fine tuned releases of  the original, I have finally found my signature Chanel Nº 5 in the form of L’eau!

Chanel No. 5 L’eau $76-$132

At first spray, you can immediately tell it’s Chanel Nº 5, just softer with a bit more citrus. You can get away with more than one spray! There is not as much longevity, but that just allows you to take out the sophisticated bottle again throughout the day. I carry a full size bottle of fragrance with me, unless my bag is just too small,

If you have always wanted to be that kind of woman who wears Chanel Nº 5, but you feel like you couldn’t pull it off, you have to try this newest version. It is truly lovely, modern, and classic. I haven’t stopped wearing it since I got it!

MY BIRTHDAY JUBILATION

Yesterday was my birthday, and a wonderful one it was at that! I started the day off doing absolutely nothing. It was my birthday after all, and I should be allowed a day of complete R&R right?

My husband got me my favourite gourmet cupcakes. There were actually more of them, but I started eating them before I took the photo.

I got to go on a bit of a shopping spree! When in doubt my husband just gets me gift cards. My mom even got me a Sephora gift card this year!

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream 

I love this for my body on those dry Winter days, but you can actually use this on your face as well. I have started using it as a “sealer” after all of my other skincare treatments in the evening. It is just the best all-purpose cream to have around.

Make Up Forever Mist and Fix 

This is my favourite makeup setting spray. It is alcohol free and really works to make your makeup last on a hot day, which we have been getting plenty of those lately.

L’Occitane Imortelle Divine Youth Oil 

I can’t say that I have tried every facial oil out there, but I have tried a few and this one is hands down my favourite. It soaks into my skin better than any other one I have tried,  and it makes my skin just glow. It does not leave a terribly greasy after feel like most facial oils tend to do. It smells great and has yet to clog my pores. I really cannot say enough about this oil.

NUFace Collagen Booster B1 

My new favourite serums are officially the ones from NUFace. They soak in quickly and I am seeing some great results so far. They are not pore clogging and are fragrance, alcohol, and paraben free. You do not get a great deal of product, but they are thin in consistency so it does not take much to spread a good amount onto your face.

Make Up Forever Artist Shadow in D124 Crystalline White 

This is the perfect shimmery white shadow. I use this for an array of highlighting purposes.

Diorskin Forever Compact in 010 Ivory 

This is fast becoming my new favourite powder. The texture is amazing with buildable light to medium coverage. The ivory shade matches my skin perfectly. It seriously does not feel heavy or look cakey at all.

Living Proof Restore Instant Protection Spray 

Living Proof recently reformulated their revitalizing spray with a heat protectant, so naturally I had to try it. I love it. It dries instantly and my air does not feel fried after using it.

Algenist Hydrating Essence Toner 

After years and years of using my trusted Clinique toner, I have decided to switch to this one. It is alcohol free like the Clinique one, which was really the deciding factor, but there are so many other benefits to this one. Namely there is no silicones! I will elaborate on that in a later post. If you are looking for a pretty perfect toner, give this one a try.

Nars Satin Lip Pencil in Rikugien 

I got a sample size of this pencil in my Sephora birthday gift, and I love it! It stays on for quite awhile, and I love the colour. It is the perfect nude rosy pink.

Chanel Rouge Coco Ultra Hydrating Lip Colour in Cecile 

This is my favourite YLBB lipstick. I do not like ultra glossy finishes, they just do not last long and I loathe when my hair sticks to my lips. This gives just enough sheer pigment for me when applied lightly.

Fresh Sugar Lip Polish 

This lip polish is currently my favourite after the Mac lip scrub was discontinued. It smells like brown sugar, vanilla, and lemon. I find myself wanting to eat it sometimes.

So, remember that post I did about the runway Rebecca Minkoff Rylan tote? I did say that I wanted it for my birthday and I believe I mentioned somewhere that I was willing to shamelessly grovel to my husband about it. Well………he surprised me! He did get the black one, and I am so glad he did. It will go with so much more than the lavender shade would have. The leather is so soft and so on par with Rebecca Minkoff quality. It is an eye-catcher for sure. The details are amazing. The fringe is well done and not messy looking.

We went to dinner at one of my favourite sushi restaurants, and they took forever serving us this time. I ate it so fast I didn’t even think about taking photos. I had so many dear friends and family members there, it was wonderful. Those amazing people are truly what made it so special. Best birthday yet!

FRAGRANCE SPOTLIGHT: CHANEL CHANCE EAU VIVE

The year 2010 brought with it the launch of Chance Eau Tendre, which is my very favourite Chanel fragrance. I have been languishing for something new as of late, but Chanel does not release fragrances too often. That is not ideal for us fragrance+Chanel lovers. My languishing would finally be sated upon reading an article on Luxury Insider. I think I must have made a very pestiferous noise, squeals mixed with some childish giggling and laboured breathing, since my husband looked at me utterly confused and concerned at my current mental state.

Régaler vos yeux! Chanel Chance Eau Vive!

The bottle as you can see is of the exact same conception as the others in the Chance family. The Chance bottles are not the most exquisitely designed bottles out there, but they certainly represent the simplistic elegance that is Chanel.

Chance Eau Vive is described as a vibrant floral with notes of jasmine and iris. There is going to be a citrus twist in there as well with notes of blood orange and grapefruit. Round all of that out with cedar, which will give it a subdued earthy quality. I am thinking from the description that there is going to be a lacking of the sugary sweet notes. A welcome nuance, compared to the overly sickly sweet and repetitive fragrances that some designers cannot seem to veer away from. (I am referring directly to you, every poorly conceived fragrance that has a celebrities’ name slapped on it) I loathe to think how many more versions of Viva La Juicy can come into fruition, they all smell the same after a few minutes.

I have decided to just blind order Eau Vive directly from the Chanel website, but it shouldn’t be too much longer until it is released to major retailers and you will be able to sample it. I am overly excited to try it!

Have you been able to get your hands on Chanel Chance Eau Vive yet?