Dealing with perfume samples

I should clarify that I love perfume samples. Opening that sachet or spraying that tiny bottle, with the anticipation of the best scent ever or the potential of something that will turn your stomach inside out...it's a mystery.

The most frustrating thing though, are the little pads on a card or magazine. Enough for more than one use but will dry out by the next day.

To drag that scent out a bit longer, I like to wipe the pad on my bedside table lamps. Those things get really bloody warm, so the scent fills the room which is lovely!

(As a mini-review, the Hugo Boss Ma Vie pour Femme - nice but too rose-y for my liking. I prefer the Nuit version.)

Do you have any little life hacks? Let me know in the comments!

The Favourites - Art Deco Highlighter

I remember winning this highlighter on A Beauty Junkie in London's blog. (Go check Jen's blog out, she is so lovely!) I honestly had no clue what I was doing with it.

Opening it up to find a stunning mass of pearly white, pink and blue swirls, I was slightly overcome with how pretty it was...and where on earth I had to put it....?!

Well a year and a half later, I am sure you will be pleased to know that I know what I am doing now. Kind of.

I swirl a powder brush or contour brush in the colours, applying it above by cheekbones and on my temples, to make my skin look healthier and "glowy". The colours give a subtle but complimentary sheen which would suit all skin types. It has wangled it's way into my daily make-up routine and I feel a little less "me" when I am not wearing it.

Longevity - it lasts most of the day. The way I wipe my hands all over my face means I am used to topping up my make-up however this highlighter does tend to stay in place.

Happy days.

The Handbag Perfume

Well the novelty of a rollerball perfume is still strong with me. Remember those ones you had when you were a kid? Cheap, naff smelling perfume that didn't last but made you feel like an adult? I had one and barely used it; if it couldn't go on my clothes then how on earth would everyone be able to smell me...?!

Yeah I feel about 10 years old when I put this perfume on.

Honestly, I never used to like Lacoste perfumes either, until my 18th birthday and my boyfriend at the time bought me Touch of Pink and it was the best smell ever because I was a grown up and I have perfume and a boyfriend and alcohol and a cool dress and a boyfriend and perfume...

Follow a few years later, the dress didn't fit and I didn't fit the boyfriend, therefore the perfume didn't fit me. A few years after that, I smelt that perfume again and rekindled my love for it. Touch of Pink; I will see you this Summer you beaut. For the time being, I'll snuggle with your mate, Eau de Lacoste.

It's perfect for the daytime. A roll or two on each wrist, (never rubbing together!) and maybe a roll on the neck then I am refreshed for the next shift or next lecture.

It's fresh. Flowery and slightly fruity. The base notes of sandalwood are why I probably like it so much. It's like putting on a clean shirt.

Don't get me wrong, it doesn't last all day but it's ideal for that much needed freshen up and awakening.

Suits me.