Ole Henriksen Blemish Attack

I will pretty much try any blemish reducer, zapper, or concealer known to man. It's so rare that one of these concoctions actually do what they're intended to do, which is to rid you of those pesky post-holiday (or anytime) blemishes.

I love overnight treatments. I'm happy to slather one on, catch up on bad reality TV the news and fall asleep in hopes of a clear complexion come morning. Sadly, most of these creams, gels, foams, etc. fall short of my lofty expectations.

Recently, after a lovely holiday break I returned to a mountain of work, pressure-inducing deadlines and stress reared its ugly head within days. My skin is the tell-all of my emotions. If I'm stressed you can see it as a mountain range forms on my forehead. So after reading a post on Lucky Magazine's website, detailing how Ole Henriksen's Blemish Attack Mask does wonders as a spot treatment, I decided to test it myself.

I'm so happy I scored the last tub in the store. It works beautifully as a spot treatment, reducing mountains to molehills in no time. And if I'm feeling particularly bumpy or shiny I'll put a thin layer on my face and go to sleep. I wash it off in the morning and the difference is remarkable.

Happy New Year

I wish everyone a happy and wonderful 2012!

Fragrance Friday: Keiko Mecheri Loukhoum

Loukhoum Eau De Parfum by Keiko Mecheri (clipped to polyvore.com)

It finally happened. I'm not fond of Loukhoum, truth be told I almost choked when I put it on. Now I was that person with a stinky perfume you can smell from a mile away. I wanted to wash it off immediately but thought since this is an experiment and I was home (not subjecting my aura of smell to the public) I left it on to see how it transformed.

Notes: Hawthorn blossom, bulgarian rose absolute, precious woods, vanilla, Comores flowers, white almond and musk.

Yikes, this one was bad from start to finish. I smelled like a baby wipe. My nostrils were assaulted by the strong powder smell and I couldn't get past it. It's all I could smell. It dried down, and I still smelled powder. If you like that type of fragrance, you will love Loukhoum. Sadly, I can't bear it and this one was retired after a few hours of wear.

Next up: Comme des Garcons Series 2: Red Carnation

Fragrance Friday: Keiko Mecheri Paradise Lost

Paradise Lost by Keiko Mecheri (clipped to polyvore.com)

Paradise Found may be a better name for Keiko Mecheri's Paradise Lost. It's heaven in a bottle. This is by far my favorite of the perfumes I have sampled so far. It's heady but not burn-your-nostrils-strong. It instantly transforms once it mingles with the heat of your skin. This fragrance is a journey where you're not quite sure where it will take you next.

I often find that vanilla in perfumes is so incredibly artificial. Most of them make me nauseous. The vanilla in Paradise Lost is creamy and inviting. It actually smells of vanilla instead of a sickening substitute. It blends so well with the floral notes that it's like a walk through a sweet, humid garden.

Notes: Indian limette, bergamot, jasmine, tuberose, Bourbon vanilla, sandalwood, musk.

I know it seems that I find no fault in the scents I've reviewed. I assure you, I have become very discerning with what notes I go for and I know what I like. I fully admit I've been incredibly lucky as of yet but Paradise Lost has taken the lead. I can't wait to try more of Keiko Mecheri's fragrances.

Next up: Keiko Mecheri, Loukhoum

Fragrance Friday: Escentric Molecules, Molecule 01

Escentric molecules Molecules 01 fragrance (clipped to polyvore.com)

Molecule o1 is an enigma, it's so very simple and yet so complex. I don't want to say it's indescribable but it's pretty close. It's "one molecule," Iso E Super. It's so soft and vaguely musky. And I mean barely there. It smells like your own skin at its best. It interacts with your own chemistry so it's a unique experience for each person.

The scent reminds you it's there throughout the day with subtle bursts of fragrance. It is never over-powering, it's not in your face or one of those fill-the-whole-room type of fragrances. It will leave everyone wondering who smells so amazing.

Notes: Iso E Super

With a cult following of celebs and us mere mortals as well, this perfume is definitely something special. I can't be precise in my description of this, I'm at a loss to describe the journey this takes once applied. It's sure to hold a key place in my scent rotation. I'll be hard pressed not to buy myself a bottle of this for Christmas.

Next up: Keiko Mecheri Paradise Lost.

Fragrance Friday: Costes

(image via Hotel Costes)

I've never been to Paris, so I've never visited the insanely cool-looking Hotel Costes. This stylish place to stay also has a signature scent which can be purchased in perfume and candle form. It's been described as sultry, dark and mysterious. How could I not want to bathe in this?

I am ultra-careful in applying scents so I don't overdo it. So I splashed a tiny bit on in the morning and it was completely gone in two hours. I don't mean it had faded to barely-there. It was gone, almost like I hadn't put perfume on at all. Outside of the short stay, I was oddly addicted to it. It has a very soapy smell and for me there is no darkness here, nor would I describe it as sultry. But mysterious is the perfect description. There is just something about Costes.

Notes: Lavender, bay tree, coriander, white pepper, rose, incense, woods and light musc.

You can't quite put your finger on the notes, you just crave it. I'm seriously hooked on this. It smells exactly like a page out of an old scratch and sniff book I had as a child. I can't keep from smelling my wrist when wearing it. It's for sure a keeper.

Next up: Escentric Molecules, Molecule 01

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends!