M Micallef Art Collection Rouge 2013

RRP: €185/100ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Parfums M Micallef...is announcing the launch of the new ART COLLECTION with a duo of gourmand and sensual fragrances: Rouge N°1 and Rouge N°2...The M Micallef Company gives priority to qualitative and natural ingredients in its fragrances...Martine Micallef has reinterpreted the Art Deco fundamentals [combining] geometrical figures, cubic cap and bottle adorned with circular shaped Swarovski Crystal Rocks. Floral-fruity eau de parfum Rouge N°1 combines delicious yellow fruit and a generous bunch-of-flowers heart, warmed by the vanilla and white musk base. Oriental-floral eau de parfum Rouge N°2 mixes the refinement of a bunch of jasmine, orchids and violets with oriental scents of amber, vanilla and animal notes."

--Packaging--
The samples sent to me for free by M Micallef were just plastic vials. However, it's true that the bottles themselves look very impressive. My only worry is that this extravagance in the packaging could drive up the price of the perfume itself.

--Application--
Spritz onto pressure points to have the scent linger all over your body.

--Scent--
The Rouge N°1 is, in my view, far too heavy, evoking images of overly made-up old ladies and retro film stars (and sadly not in a good way). I suspect that the overbearing ylang ylang is responsible for this, with the other aspects of the scent not getting a look-in. Perhaps purchase for your grandmother!

On the other hand, Rouge N°2 is a delight, and perfect for young ladies or the young-at-heart. Sparkling and uplifting, it is carried on the blissful wings of violet, citrus and blackcurrant. Vanilla and jasmine ensure it isn't too sharp, while nutmeg and amber make sure it isn't sickly sweet. Unique and perfectly balanced.

--Longevity--
M Micallef's perfumes are made with very high-quality ingredients, so while you may wish to reapply once during the day just to get that burst of the head notes again, it's not strictly necessary, since even though you stop smelling it, it does last all day.

--Value for money--
On the one hand, I can't blame you for the sharp intake of breath that I myself experienced upon realising how expensive M Micallef's fragrances are. Alongside the absolute cost, relatively speaking I can see why people might want to go for a bigger name: for a similar price, you can choose eaux de parfum from brands such as Giorgio Armani, Guerlain, Yves St Laurent or Acqua di Parma. On the other hand, such a quantity (remember we are talking about a 100ml bottle here) would last you an incredibly long time - with daily use, I'd estimate a minimum of 18-24 months. Rouge N°2 is a unique scent using high-quality ingredients that would give you a kick out of using a limited edition perfume whose fragrance you really love every day for nearly two whole years. Plus, you'd have the moral satisfaction of supporting a smaller parfumière, as opposed to one of the big boys. The choice is yours.

M Micallef perfumes can be purchased in the UK at Fortnum and Mason, as well as at Harrods (at Roja Dove's).

Lush Dorothy Bubble Bar

--What does the promo say?--

"Somewhere over the rainbow, baths are blue. If you’re not already a friend of Dorothy, isn’t it time you tried it? A blue skies thinking bath that takes you out of the monochrome and into a colourful fantasy, where the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true. This bath smells so great you might want to stay in there quite some time, so take a good book, a glass of wine and something to munchkin."

--Packaging--

Being Lush, they've stuck to one of their trademark paper bags for this one. You can buy a tin if you like, however.

--Usage instructions--

Drop into the bath and watch the bubbles foam up! So simple and fun to use that it's practically child's play.

--Appearance--

The beautiful rainbow combined with bright blue is cheerful and basic, meaning it's enough to provide us with the best of childlike joy. I didn't find that the bathwater went that blue, but the mounds of white bubbles alone were enough to make me happy. No colourful dye or residue was left on the skin after use. The bar also kept its shape and colour even after one half-hour use.

--Scent--

The product uses ylang ylang, gardenia and orange in its formulation, with the ylang ylang perhaps being the most obvious. The scent also fills the bathroom for ages after use, making for an aromatherapeutic experience for you to enjoy long after you've pulled the plug.

--Effects on the skin--

After a bath in this, skin is left feeling smooth and soft until the next morning. A delight.

--Longevity--

I had planned to luxuriate in my bath until the bubbles had long gone, but after half an hour and decidedly prune-like skin, I reluctantly let the water out, even though the vast majority of the bubbles had stayed put. No two ways about it - this is an enthusiastic product from a passionate brand that delivers on what it promises. En plus, the bar itself had nowhere near run out, leaving plenty for another day.

--Value for money--

Curiously, the British RRP is not available on the Lush website at present, but the product is still selling as normal in the US and France, for $6.25 and €5.45 respectively, and there is no sign online of the product being discontinued (there were rumours of this happening in 2010, but all of the whispers on the wind proved to be unfounded). So we can safely assume that the product is being sold somewhere in the region of £4 to £4.50 (based on the exchange rates today for the prices given above). This is clearly in line with other eco-friendly bubble baths, such as those from companies like Earth Friendly, The Eco Bath, and Logona. It's also on a par with novelty bath bubble bottles for children, such as In The Night Garden and Toy Story 3-themed bottles currently being sold, meaning it's neither suspiciously cheap nor outrageously expensive. Fun, natural, and long-lasting - by all accounts I'll definitely be back for more bubble bars from Lush, be it for gifts or an indulgent treat.

perfect partner

Relax...Take A Bath, £12.50

Dreamtime Luxury Bath Melt, £3.15

Twilight Bath Bomb, £3.20

Molton Brown Relaxing Yuan Zhi Body Cream

RRP: £16 for 200ml

--What does the promo say?--

"Yuan zhi root with vanilla, rose, and ylang ylang. Perfect for those with busy lifestyles, this moisturising body lotion is our yang to the yin. Soothe. Immerse. Unwind."

--Packaging--

Mine is one of the mini travel bottles you can buy on the site, which has a screw top in the same colour as the pump action mechanism that you get on the full-size one. The silver effect is glamorous and doesn't detract from the rest of the bottle, which is transparent, allowing you to see the off-purple cream within. It's plastic, which means it's light and practical, and the purple writing on the front is minimalistic and fits in well with the colour scheme of the product, while still obviously belonging to Molton Brown.

--Application--

"Apply to the skin in circular massaging movements after showering/bathing, or whenever your skin feels like it needs some TLC. For best results, use after Relaxing Yuan Zhi Bath & Shower Gel." No problems here. The lotion sinks in easily, so this takes mere moments.

--Appearance--

As mentioned, a light, faintly purple cream which leaves no residue on the skin.

--Scent--

Yuan zhi is also known as senega root, and in truth it doesn't smell of much. The vanilla and rose included are also not especially prominent, with the ylang ylang perhaps the most detectable (even if only faintly). What's left is a very clean, slightly fragranced, cotton-like smell which proves pleasant and non-intrusive.

--Texture and consistency--

Smooth, unctuous and luxurious, this is a joy to use and soaks into skin easily without a hint of greasiness or stickiness. 

--Longevity--

The feeling of being moisturised lasts all day, although it's difficult to tell how long the scent lasts due to the further additions of perfume and sunscreen.

--Effects on the skin--

Senega root is traditionally used for a variety of ailments, including bites, coughs, colds, breathing difficulties, rheumatism and gout. Technically, then, in high enough quantities it should reduce inflammation and calm skin, and it did seem to reduce skin tightness, particularly after time in the sun, so is a great asset for summer. However, I think the moisturising qualities mostly come from the essential oils the product contains (vanilla, rose, ylang ylang, and meadowflower), which are extremely effective.

--Value for money--

At £18 per 200ml this isn't cheap and is on a par with brands such as Thierry Mugler, Vera Wang, Bulgari and Gatineau (perhaps indicating that you'd expect it to be more strongly perfumed!). However, this means it's an affordable luxury that everyone can enjoy. A little goes a long way, so one bottle will last longer than you'd expect too. You can also try to buy at outlet stores, such as the one located at Bicester Shopping Village, or in duty free shops, to save money, and don't forget to check the Molton Brown website for sales regularly.

perfect partners

Relaxing Yuan Zhi Bath and Shower, £18

Relaxing Yuan Zhi Forte Candela, £55

Relaxing Yuan Zhi Medio Candela, £36

Relaxing Yuan Zhi Piccolo Candela with Metal Arc, £30

Echo Yuan Zhi Bath and Body Gift Set, £72 

Relaxing Yuan Zhi Ambiente, £22

Radiant Lili-pili Hair Wash, currently £9 in the sale 

Clinique Aromatics Elixir Solid Perfume

RRP: £35

--What does the promo say?--
"The solid perfume. A new touch of sensuality with all the magic of Aromatics Elixir. An elegant spinoff from the Aromatics Elixir collection, which can find room in even the smallest pocket, for a small perfumed touch during an evening. Its floral motif makes it an elegant and precious accessory."

--Packaging--
Satisfying and beautiful; impressive right from the start, it arrives in a small velveteen cream bag, and there is a gorgeous, simple yet classic floral design engraved into the lid. Easy to open and close (but only when you want to), the solid perfume itself is a delicate honeycomb colour that turns invisible when applied to the skin. The metal casing is of a delightful weight, reassuring you in itself of the care that has gone into ensuring the high quality of the product.

--Application--
Rub the balm onto your fingers and then transfer onto pulse points (neck, wrists, and behind ears). No problems here.

--Texture/consistency--
Quite a hard balm, but you don't need very much per application. Instantly easy to tell that this compact will last ages.

--Scent--
Initially unappealing; it's more like something that would be worn by my grandmother. However, it's worth giving this scent time to develop: it soon matures into something more interesting and multi-layered, combining tradition with modernity. It's packed so full of lovely fragrances* that you're bound to find a note in it that you like, even if it might take you a little time to do so.

--Longevity--
On the up side, this certainly packs a punch when it comes to staying power. By lunchtime it's still there and has found its harmony with your body, even if you applied it at 7.30. That's not to say it lasts all day, but just one reapplication per day would probably do it; two maximum if you really want to make an impact in the evening.

--Value for money--
Given the little you have to use each time, along with the stunning packaging and complex scent, I'd say £35 is very reasonable indeed. It's a surefire gift for women who love perfume, even if its scent is arguably not instantly lovable. You have to take the time to get to know it - but that, surely, is one of the joys of perfumery.

*for the record, those scents are: rose essence, sandalwood, camomile, oakmoss, jasmine, muguet, ylang ylang, patchouli, vetiver, musk, and amber.

perfect partners
Aromatics Elixir Decorated Bottle Perfume Spray, £60/100ml
Aromatics Elixir Velvet Sheer, £33.40/45ml
Aromatics Elixir Perfume Spray, from £19.50
Aromatics Elixir Eau de Toilette, £30.50/45ml
Aromatics Elixir Body Wash, £19.50/200ml
Aromatics Elixir Body Smoother, £22.50/200ml
Aromatics Elixir Body Cream, £24.50/150ml
Aromatics Elixir Body Powder, £20.50/75g
Aromatics Elixir Anti-Perspirant Deodorant, £12.50/75ml