Current Favorites

I haven't done a post like this in a few months and since it's one of my favorites to compile, I figured today would be the perfect time. In all honesty, I don't have any outfit photos for the remainder of this week either so...full disclosure guys!

Let's begin with fragrance.

After popping into Anthropologie last week, I finally gave into the hype (and my nose) and purchased the infamous and much beloved "Volcano" candle. One of the greatest pleasures of walking into that store is the way that it smells, and with these candles lit in almost every corner, it's definitely a smart marketing strategy! I lit it as soon as I came home and it's been in our bedroom ever since.

Another raved about fragrance is Bobbi Brown's "Beach". I remember testing it last Summer, and I just couldn't wrap my head around why someone would want to smell like suntan oil mixed with sweat. I must have been in a bad mood that time around, because when I saw it on display at Sephora last week and tried it again, I decided that it really does smell like a day at the beach. I've also decided I need to smell that way at all times now. I didn't want to invest in an entire bottle of it however, so a rollerball will do just fine. Bonus - I can throw it in my bag.

I'll list these products below and simply say that I'm continuing my mostly nude face kick, using subtle products that make me look fresh but aren't fussy to apply. "Slap it on and go" seems to be my motto this Summer. Call it laziness if you will, but I think using proper skincare is key to this. I once was embarrassed to leave the house without a full face, but now that I'm sticking to a nightly routine that cleanses and moisturizers my face, I've seen a vast improvement in overall texture.

Stila Kitten Highlighter (used on cheeks and corners of my eyes)
Bite Beauty fruit gloss in Strawberry (slicked on lips)
M.A.C. pigment in naked (one sweep over my lids)

My highlighter obsession continues with this Jaclyn Hill for Becca Cosmetics in "Pop Champagne". It was the last one left at my Sephora, and I'll admit that always suckers me into buying something. I know I didn't need it (as shown above with the Stila Kitten) but I'm happy I did because I would have regretted passing on it. It's the most gorgeous peach sheen. If you're on the fence, I would go ahead and get it especially if you are in the market for one that really adds warmth to the face. I will say, it's much more shimmery than the Stila though so be aware of that.



I'm also really loving this new necklace as worn in my last post. I plan on wearing it next with black and white tops so that the color of this stone really stands out. The picture doesn't do it justice.

Lastly, I must mention Snapchat. Are you guys doing it? I'm still getting the hang of it, but I think it's slowly replacing my Instagram obsession, if that's even possible. Add me if you care to see my daily life which mostly consists of work, casual outfits, my dog and husband, friends, and other real-life moments that are definitely not blog-worthy.

My username is noelleengel. Leave yours below so I can add you!

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Another Favorite Scent ---> Jimmy Choo

I've been cheating on my Prada Candy, Viktor & Rolf La Vie En Rose, and Philosophy Summer Grace. The reason? Jimmy Choo decided to make a fragrance, and it is just so good. Not one to jump the gun, I was elated when I saw the rollerball version while cashing out at Sephora. I had actually already paid for my MUFE foundation, and barely spotted it out of the corner of my eye. A few months ago when I bought Prada's Candy, the SA gave me samples of tons of perfumes. This was included, and I have used my sample sparingly ever since in an effort to preserve it.

LINK!

Sultry, sexy, glamourous, feminine.  Notes of patchouli, tiger orchid, green, toffee. I can't afford a pair of Jimmy Choos, but I can afford this! When did I become such a frgrance fiend? I'm not sure, but I'm happy I did.

Have you tried this yet?

♥ Noelle

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I smell like candy {but it's Prada}

I was running very low on my Viktor & Rolf perfume, so I kept sniffing around the counters at Nordstrom to see what my next scent would be. I had heard wonderful things about the new Prada perfume, so I decided to see, or smell rather, what all the fuss was about. I'm not usually one to go for a widely popular perfume. I think fragrance is very personal, as it smells differently on everyone according to body chemistry, hormones, etc. But Prada's Candy needed to be tried. And the bottom line is that it is love.

I must say that the cute box drew me in. There was a giant display at the Nordstrom I went to. Just boxes upon boxes with little pink bows everywhere.

It's very difficult for me to truly describe the way it smells, but I will say that it is a grown up, sweet scent. Here are the notes, as described by Prada:

 Top: regressive notes of joyful carefreeness, explosion of caramel.

                                 Mid: powdery notes of sophistication, cocktail of musks.

                                Base: vanilla notes of sensuality, benzoin overdose

It is warm, but not overly so. I could see myself enjoying this year round, and not just in the colder months. It just dries down so well on my skin! The initial spritz is gorgeous, but I love the way it fades even more. It's so soft. I think that's why I love it. It isn't sickly sweet. It's just a very feminine and pretty scent, if that makes sense. Beauty in a bottle!

What fragrance are you wearing lately?

♥ Noelle

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Summer Grace

I needed a light fragrance for Summer and the boyfriend was sweet enough to get this for me:

It's a limited edition fragrance by Philosophy, sold only during Summer. Here is how it's described on Sephora:

"Inspired by the sunny, carefree spirit of summer, Philosophy's Summer Grace spray fragrance refreshes the spirit and opens the heart. Like a bottle of sunshine, this warm and bright floral fragrance was created to make a woman feel the lighthearted happiness and ease of summer."

Notes: "Blooming flowers, sun ripened fruits."

I will say that overall, I'm a big Philosophy fan. I love their message as a brand. I've tried other fragrances such as Falling in Love and Unconditional Love, both of which I really liked.

My only gripe is that the scent fades rather quickly, so you have to keep applying or at least you might be tempted to. I try to avoid that temptation, as I think people often make this mistake and over-apply. Just because you can't smell it on yourself, doesn't mean others can't ;)

This scent is perfect for Summer. It's floral, but not so much that you feel overwhelmed. It settles very nicely on my skin. I actually prefer the way it develops on me over time than at first spray. It's a happy scent, and instantly puts me in a better mood.

What's your Summer fragrance?

~Noelle

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