Jenny Jung

Ingrown hairs are pesky little bumps that form from a strand of hair that can’t break through the top layer of our skin. Often caused by shaving or waxing, it can also become painful when untreated. Luckily, we have compiled some of the best solutions to combat the issues arising from ingrown hairs and some preventative measures for general skin health.

Let’s get into it!

Dry Brushing 

First and foremost, we have to talk about the benefits of dry brushing. 

Have you ever walked through a beauty store and noticed a strange-looking brush that looks like it should be used on a horse? Well, these natural fibre brushes have been a long-time beauty secret for smooth skin and improving blood circulation. By dragging this brush across your body, you are exfoliating the skin and energising the body with a gentle massage. 

The best part of a dry brush exfoliation is the lack of topical products required. It is a natural remedy that is also eco-friendly! We recommend this practice even if you don’t experience any issues with ingrown hairs, as it is one of the best ways to exfoliate and firm the skin. Some experts even suggest that dry brushing can aid in softening the appearance of cellulite over time. 

The general rule is to brush towards the heart. This means that you should use the brush in an upwards motion on the legs and a downward motion on the shoulders and collarbone area. 

We highly recommend the GOOP G.Tox Ultimate Dry Brush. It has an ergonomically curved brush-head for easy usability, and the bristles aren’t too harsh on the skin.

Ingrown Hair Cream

The Malin+Goetz Ingrown Hair Cream is an excellent short-term solution for razor bumps and inflamed ingrown hairs that need a little help. It’s a handy product to have in your cabinet for emergencies. 

While panthenol calms irritation, salicylic acid is an anti-inflammatory BHA that gently exfoliates the affected pore. Think of it as an overnight pimple treatment that will help soothe the area and speed up the recovery process. Allantoin further soothes the skin and helps the skin to regenerate faster.

First Aid Beauty Ingrown Hair Pads 

If you are looking for a travel-friendly body exfoliant, check out the First Aid Beauty Ingrown Hair Pads. Instead of carrying around a whole tub of body scrub or a large dry brush, First Aid Beauty offers a space-saving and spill-free body exfoliant that is tough on ingrown hairs and gentle on the rest of the skin. 

Furthermore, the First Aid Beauty Ingrown Hair Pads are a game-changer for people who get bikini waxes. Exfoliating the area with a little pad means that you can get to hard-to-reach areas with precision. 

Using a combination of AHA and BHA exfoliants and packed with antioxidants to protect the skin, these pads are miracle workers for stubborn ingrown hairs.

Brush or Sponge? Ah, the age-old question. The truth is, the answer is totally context-dependent but there are a couple of clues that can help us decide which tool is better for blending in our base makeup. 

Today, we will share those clues so you can feel confident in your choice and unlock the potential of your foundation routine.

Skin Type 

The first step is to determine your skin type. Once you have a good idea of how sensitive, dry or textured your skin is, knowing which tool to use becomes easy to understand. For example, if you suffer from dry skin and often experience flaking, using a sponge will help combat those issues in two important ways. 

Firstly, the moisture from a damp sponge will help hydrate the skin when blending in your foundation. Secondly, the pressing motions of using a sponge won’t disrupt any dry skin as opposed to the bristles of a brush that may pick up on texture. 

The same applies to those who have active acne. Using a brush and swirling on top of these sensitive areas will only irritate and potentially worsen the skin condition. Instead, using a gentle pressing motion with a sponge will be much more effective. 

Furthermore, a sponge is cleaned much more frequently than a brush. Thus, a sponge is the way to go if you have particularly reactive skin that is on the sensitive side. On the other hand, if you have relatively normal skin and don’t want to use a tool that needs cleaning and washing before every use, a brush may be more valuable to you.

The Coverage of Your Foundation

Generally speaking, brushes are much better at preserving the coverage of foundations. This is because a brush doesn’t absorb as much foundation as a sponge, but also because it is a tool that is used dry. As a result, a brush will not dilute the coverage of a foundation with any water. 

Let’s say you have a full-coverage or matte foundation that is becoming a little too heavy for your liking. You can troubleshoot this by using a damp sponge. In doing so, you are absorbing some of the excess product and dialling down the coverage. However, the kind of sponge you choose is also important to consider. 

For example, a microfibre sponge, such as the Juno, absorbs much less liquid, whether that be water or foundation. Therefore, if you like the idea of a sponge but want to maximise the coverage of your base, try using a microfibre sponge. 

You can use this formula for brushes, too. If you have a tinted moisturiser or low-coverage foundation that needs a boost of coverage, a brush can help you do that. Especially when the bristles are dense and tightly packed together. Coupled with a buffing and tapping motion, you can help increase the opacity of your base makeup.

Is Your Foundation Oil-Based or Water-Based?

Remember those science lesson videos where someone would pour water and oil into the same jug and they would separate into two perfect layers? In the end, we learned that the two don’t really mix. Using that same logic, find out whether your foundation is water or oil-based. This may be the next clue in figuring out whether a brush or sponge will be the better choice. 

For example, a brush may be better if you have particularly oily skin or use an oil-based foundation. This is because the water from a sponge may disrupt the formula of an oil-based foundation and break up the product on the face. On the other hand, a damp sponge will work excellently with water-based foundations. While this isn’t an exact formula that applies to every case, it’s a great starting point for beginners who need a little nudge in the right direction. 

Additionally, an oil-free foundation will work fabulously with a damp sponge! Don’t rely on the label for this information. Instead, take a look at the ingredients or run it through a quick Google search to find out. Some of our favourite oil-free foundations include the NARS Natural Radiant Long-Wear Foundation and the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation.

The cult brand, Hair by Sam McKnight, responsible for the iconic Cool Girl Texture Mist and the Modern Hair Spray, is back with one of the biggest hair launches of the year – and we have all the details. 

If you didn’t know, Sam Mcknight became Princess Diana’s hair stylist in 1990 after working as a session stylist at Vogue. Since then, he has continued to work his hair magic on celebrity megastars such as Naomi Campbell, Bella Hadid and Kate Moss. If that wasn’t enough, he also boasts an incredible list of collaborations with fashion houses such as Chanel and Fendi. With a resume like that, we’d trust Sam McKnight with any hair emergency. 

If you want soft, shiny, nourished hair, follow along to see which products will work for you.

Hair by Sam McKnight Light Range

Don’t let the internet fool you into thinking that you shouldn’t wash your hair often. The truth is, it’s different for everybody, and you should do what feels right for your hair. For example, you may like to wash your hair on an everyday basis. However, it is crucial to employ the right products, so you don’t end up with a dry scalp or brittle hair. 

Enter the Light Cleanse and Light Nourish from Hair by Sam McNight. This shampoo and conditioner is specifically designed for everyday use. Using ingredients like velvet flower and nettle leaf extract, you can get a good clean without stripping the hair dry. Coupled with Aquaxyl, strengthen the skin on your scalp for a lightweight cleanse that keeps your hair smooth and scalp healthy.

We also recommend these products if you have super fine hair. Using a shampoo and conditioner that is too heavy or moisturising can reduce volume and create the appearance of oily hair. Work smart, not hard.

Hair By Sam McKnight Rich Range

Did you know that consistent hair care between hair appointments can save you a lot of money and time? Salon day might make you feel beautiful and invigorate your mood, but what’s the point if you don’t treat your hair with love and respect?

The Rich Cleanse Nourishing Shampoo and the Rich Nourish Conditioner by Hair by Sam McKnight is deeply moisturising and formulated with colour-protecting ingredients like quinoa pro. Instead of depositing globs of oil onto the hair and scalp, vitamin E and castor oil replenish the hair’s natural oils for a genuinely hydrated result and super soft look.

Feel free to mix and match between the Light and Rich Range. We recommend using the Light Cleanse and the Deep Nourish for a balanced hair care routine for those with fine hair but a lot of it. On the other hand, using the Rich Cleanse in conjunction with the Light Nourish is perfect for those with thick and damaged hair. 

Hair by Sam McKnight Curl Range

The Curl Cleanse is a must-have for curly hair types. The unique cream formula will cleanse your hair while keeping your curls or coils bouncy and defined. 

It is a conditioning shampoo that tames frizz without weighing the hair down. The Curl Cleanse strikes the perfect balance between cleansing the hair and locking in the moisture by using sustainable ingredients such as jackfruit extract. This rich protein contains vitamin A and iron for regenerative hair growth and healthy strands. 

Additionally, if you’re on a journey to revive the natural curls in your hair pattern, using the Curl Cleanse can deliver essential ingredients that will bring back life to your hair.

A Split End Treatment That Feels Invisible and Keeps Your Hair Invincible

Say goodbye to crusty hair with one simple solution. Happy Endings by Sam McNight is a WOMAN+ Favourite. This super lightweight serum texture feels and works like hyaluronic acid. Packed with pro-vitamin B5, shine-boosting Vegebead and shea butter, Happy Endings will nourish your hair from the inside out. 

If you heat style your hair daily or have dark hair that is beginning to look worn down around the ends, make sure you use a serum like Happy Endings. It is clinically proven to seal up to 50% of split ends on the first try, and you can use it to defluff and defrizz the hair after styling.

Looking For a New Hair Mask? 

For those who wash their hair regularly, keeping a hair mask on standby will revive your hair when necessary. On the other hand, an effective (but expensive) way to keep your hair incredibly nourished is to use a hair mask in place of your conditioner. Whatever the purpose, the Deeper Love Hair Mask can do it all. 

Formulated with Hair by Sam McKnight’s unique RepHair and Crodabond, Deeper Love seals split ends and boosts the hair’s resilience. This product is clinically proven to seal 50% of split ends with one use and makes the hair stronger after six treatments. 

Hot Tip: Your hair is much more likely to absorb ingredients in its wet state. Using an in-shower treatment along with your serums and oils will form a consistent cycle within your hair routine.

Beachy waves in a Bottle: Sundaze Beach Spray

Did you know that Sam Mcknight handled all the beautiful models for Charlotte Tilbury’s Beautiful Skin Campaign? We are absolutely living for Kate Moss’ hair! Tousled, chic and voluminous – here’s how to achieve supermodel beachy waves with no heat. 

Work Sundaze into 75% dried hair and loosely braid random sections. If you need to speed up the process, blow dry the braids with cold air. Once you release the braids, you will be left with the most effortless, voluminous, textured waves that will last you all day. When you try this out, you’ll notice that your hair will remain soft and shiny. This is due to the pro vitamin b and hibiscus flower extract which isn’t so common in other sea salt sprays. 

Additionally, Sundaze is a unique salt spray due to the pro-vitamin b and hibiscus extract infusion. As a result, you can get that beachy look without the salty, crunchy effect. 

Are you getting tired of organising your vanity over and over again? Do you struggle with storage space? Are you starting to lose interest in some of the products you bought on a whim? If you are violently nodding, you need these tips on optimising your wallet and beauty collection to reduce clutter and make the most out of your makeup products. 

Understand Your Skin Type

The skin is a finicky thing. Not all popular products are going to work for everybody. Understanding your skin type can play a critical role in making informed decisions before purchasing a product. This way, you can keep your makeup collection concise and well-organised with products you will consistently reach for and love. 

If you want to figure out your skin type, pop into your favourite beauty or skincare retailer and ask for a little consultation. Most places will be more than happy to talk with you and point you in the right direction. Otherwise, examine your skin every two to three hours and note any changes. For example, if your skin looks shinier throughout the day, you may fall under the combination/ oily skin category.

The Flat Lay Co. Makeup Bag 

Although we have seen this ingenious makeup bag pop up on social media, we only really understood how amazing it was once we tried it ourselves. Say goodbye to frantically rummaging through structured makeup bags and say hello to your perfect beauty capsule makeup bag!

The Flat Lay Co. Flat Lay Makeup Bag fully expands so that your makeup can be easily found and quickly put back. All you need to do is release the drawstrings to reveal the contents. When you’re done, you simply pull on the same drawstrings to neatly gather your products into a nifty little bundle. 

This bag is truly a game changer for those who prioritise efficient living. It can fit much more than the average makeup bag and completely cuts down the time it takes to get ready. Additionally, the Flat Lay Makeup Bag also comes in various sizes, from mini to XL. 

M.A.C Pro Lip Palette 

If you need a travel buddy or are tired of sorting through your lipsticks, try cutting down your collection with a high-quality lip palette that will last you a very long time. 

The Pro Lip Palettes from M.A.C offer variety while keeping your makeup collection to a minimum. In particular, the Modern Browns Palette shows off six iconic M.A.C nudes, browns and mauves. It also includes a variety of different formulas, including matte, satin and lustre finishes. The M.A.C Modern Browns Palette is a neutral dream full of possibilities. 

Furthermore, while one M.A.C lipstick will set you back $35, the six-pan palette will only set you back $82 – a complete steal! 

Aleph Onyx Gel Liner 

If you love a good wing liner, try switching to a gel formula. While pencils and liquids dry out quickly, a gel formula will last much longer. This way, you can get a fresh line every time without worrying about any dragging or skipping on the eyelids. You can also save a tonne of money by investing in a gel liner, as you won’t have to keep repurchasing as you would with a liquid or pencil. 

Our current favourite is from New Zealand’s very own Aleph Beauty. It has a fluid texture that doesn’t harden or crack like traditional gel eyeliners. The water-based formula also ensures that you can create sleek liquid-liner-esque wings. 

Hourglass Curator Five Shadow Palette 

One sure way to get the best value out of eyeshadow palettes is to create them yourself. That’s how you can avoid the issue of not using certain shades from premade palettes. The Hourglass Curator range can make your dreams come true with its customisable palettes and single-pan eyeshadows. 

All you need to do is pick your favourite shades from the Hourglass eyeshadow range and pop them into the empty Curator Shadow Palette. It is the perfect solution for people who don’t need 12 or 15 eyeshadows or want to save some space in their makeup bag. Not to mention that you can easily replace your most-used shades without having to purchase a whole new palette! Plus, every shadow is of top Hourglass quality and blends effortlessly.

Fragrance layering is quite a controversial topic. While some enjoy mixing different notes and coming up with their own concoctions, many believe that a finished scent should be left the way it was intended. However, one undebated way to explore fragrance layering is to pair your scent with the people around you – especially your loved ones.

Maybe a special birthday is coming up, or you are looking for a Valentine’s Day gift – whatever the occasion, customising your unique fragrance pairing will be a lot of fun and very sentimental! Here is our quick guide for getting started.

What Are Your Favourite Fragrance Families? 

According to Michael Edwards, the perfume genius, most people are likely to stay within a close range of notes. Just think about your favourite fragrances, and you are bound to find some commonalities between them. In my case, many of my most-used perfumes include jasmine, oakmoss or ambroxan notes. As a result, I classify myself as a soft floral and mossy woods kind of gal. 

Once you and your partner have decided on your choice of fragrance families, see if there are any overlapping notes between them. Those overlaps will then serve as a bridge, connecting your fragrances in a complimentary way.

Floral & Woody 

The floral and woody fragrance pairing is a classic. While most combinations between the two usually work out, some particular pairings make excellent duos. 

Florals like Miss Dior are fresh and green. As such, it pairs exceptionally well with woody fragrances such as Dior Homme. The harmony of citrus, vetiver, neroli and lily of the valley is pleasant to the senses and complements each other very well.

On the other hand, the warm and sensual floral oriental can find its match within the woody oriental family. Take, for example, Fracas by Robert Piquet. The notes of jasmine, cedar, orange blossom and musk will benefit greatly from the equally carnal notes of woody orientals. We would pair fragrances like Fracas with Super Cedar by Byredo. Here we see an echo of cedar wood and musk with the addition of rose petals and vetiver notes – a match made in heaven.

Fresh & Cool 

If you share a love for fresh fragrances, consider yourselves lucky! Almost all pairings within this family are flattering. Marine notes pair with citrus notes, while green notes feel at home with fruity notes. 

If you are searching for a unique marine fragrance that is perfectly salted and well-balanced, try Back Beach by The Virtue. The blend of sea salt, bergamot, saffron, ebony woods, black tea and roses is a masterpiece. Combine this spicy aquatic with Aqua Vitae Forte from Maison Kurkdjian Francis Paris. The lemon, mandarin, guaiac wood, vanilla and hedione mellow the saltiness while enhancing the spices found in Back Beach.

Oriental & Woody 

The oriental and woody family is popular for those who don’t necessarily love a floral or fresh fragrance. The potent and resinous notes from the oriental family pair excellently with drier notes such as leather or pine. You can find a great mix that won’t overpower the senses if you can balance the smoky oriental notes with the animalaic dry woody notes.

Malin+Goetz Leather is perfect to pair with oriental fragrances. While the base notes scream dry, the heart and top notes are powdery and aromatic. When you combine it with an oriental fragrance like Tom Ford Black Orchid, you will experience the power duo of all duos. While Leather puts together sandalwood, leather, orchid, pepper and clove, Black Orchid blends seamlessly with its own powdery notes of orchid, ylang ylang and musk. Additionally, incense, truffle and chocolate add a sweetness that is missing from Leather. 

See how there are overlapping notes between the two fragrances? That’s a sure sign that they will work harmoniously with each other!

Remember that your nose is a time machine of memories, so stow away those beautiful moments in a special bottle of fragrance. We hope this guide was helpful towards your journey to finding the perfect couple’s scent. 

What does it mean to gain confidence from wearing make-up? At Woman, we believe in simple techniques that put a smile on your face. While you should never feel like you have to wear make-up out of necessity, there is nothing wrong with gaining a little bit of confidence from your favourite make-up products.

Make-up has come a long way. From exploring notions of enhancing your natural beauty, to using makeup as a dramatic extension of self-expression, there hasn’t been an era that make-up wasn’t been a part of. These days, the booming industry and ever-changing trends make it difficult to grasp what kind of products and techniques are really applicable to the everyday woman. But, at the end of the day, even the make-up extraordinaire craves a simple and beautiful confidence boosting make-up look every once in a while.

In today’s edit, make-up will be used to enhance our natural beauty with a boost of radiance and brightness that gives people the impression that you are confident and self-assured. 

Evening Out Skin Texture

At this stage, the main priority isn’t to use a full coverage foundation. In fact, people will feel a sense of confidence when you seem to be content with your “imperfections.” Use a shade of foundation or tinted moisturiser that matches your neck and apply a light layer to even out your complexion with ease.

One of our favourite techniques is to mix foundation or concealer with the Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base. It has a rich formula with a great dry down that is truly hydrating without leaving a layer of grease on the skin. Mixed with your foundation, it creates a lighter base that won’t create an oily mess.

By adding an element of skin care to your complexion step, protect your skin while gaining the benefit of a little bit of coverage from your foundation. Depending on your current collection of products, you can substitute the Bobbi Brown Face Base for other primers or moisturisers that have a creamy texture and a lightweight feel. Try to avoid gel or silicone formulas for this step as it won’t have the same effect. 

A Cream Bronzer Can Do What Now? 

Using cream products not only looks natural on the skin but they also act as another layer of undetectable coverage in addition to your lightweight base – especially when you tap the product into the skin, you are fortifying your base routine by adding dimension and an ultra-fine layer of coverage that won’t cake up your complexion.

One of the best cream bronzers on the market right now is the Rose Inc Solar Infused Soft-Focus Cream Bronzer. This semi-matte formula will effortlessly blend into your skin no matter the base. This product adds a touch of radiance without the help of any shimmers whatsoever. Due to its cream to powder formula, you won’t have to worry about its longevity. It has a formidable wearing time that will impress any wearer. Of course, if you have particularly oily skin, a light dusting of powder will take your base to the next level.

When it comes to cream bronzing, opt for a shade that is two to three shades deeper than your skin tone. In fact, even if you use a cream bronzer that is simply one shade deeper than your skin tone, it will still give you that halo of warmth that is day-to-day appropriate and easy to apply in a matter of seconds.

One Step Magic with Lipstick 

What constitutes as a good lipstick will depend on the occasion. For the purpose of today’s edit, the definition of a good lipstick will come down to its wearability and multi-purpose functions. Bare Minerals Mineralist Hydra-Smoothing Lipstick is a relatively new formula. Packed with minerals and natural oils for an incredibly smooth, creamy and satin finish, this lipstick is perfect for the everyday woman.

The formula makes it ideal for the lips and the cheeks as a cream blush. This is important as using lipstick as blush is much easier to do when the lipstick has a creamy formula as opposed to a balmy feel. Harmonising the different features of your face will create the subtle illusion that you know what you are doing. Plus, it eliminates all of the guesswork when trying to figure out what blush to use

A few swipes on the cheeks and lips tapped out with your fingers or brush will create a balanced look where all the features agree with each other. We recommend the shades Presence, Grace and Honesty as ultra-chic MLBB shades.

A Shimmery Lid Goes a Long Way 

Brighten the area around your eyes by using a neutral shimmery shadow on the lids. If eyeshadow is an unfamiliar concept to you, try a stick formula that doesn’t require an eyeshadow primer or any extensive blending skills. Considering that we want to execute a simple and enhancing eye look with confidence, the kind of product that you use will be very important

Take the Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Stick in the shade Rose Gold or Golden and draw close to the lash line up to the crease. Next, take a small blending brush or your fingers and tap around the edges to reveal an effortless bright eye.

Why shimmer, you ask? Matte eyeshadows tend to accentuate any hollows or create depth around the eye. On the other hand, a shimmery shadow will reflect the light and create a youthful vibe. Furthermore, a shimmery eyeshadow is much easier to blend or disguise any mistakes along the way. Paired with an elongating mascara, this duo will create an epic contrast that will leave your eyes looking twinkly and cheerful.

Less is More

Don’t underestimate the power of feeling good about yourself. While there are societal beliefs that make-up is for insecure people who cannot embrace their natural selves, this could not be further from the truth. Like fashion, make-up is simply an accessory that can be played up or down. A simple bright lip, or a shimmery lid with a wash of bronzer can lift your spirit in a way that nothing else can! This is because you are the master behind the brush – you get to choose the look of the day, every day.

Enjoy the therapeutic process of applying todays brightening and confidence boosting makeup routine and stay smiling. 

Presenting the best matte lipsticks from 2022: matte is back. 

The classic matte lip will never go out of style. The only thing outdated about the matte lipstick is the formula. Traditionally, long-lasting lip products, such as the liquid lipstick, would leave our lips feeling dehydrated and crusty. Nowadays, make-up companies are up to date with our newer standards providing lightweight and non-drying formulas. In celebration of this, we are sharing the best matte lipstick formulas on the market.

Whether you are looking for a full pigment matte lipstick or a soft and powdery kiss of colour, you are in the right place. 

NARS Powermatte Lipstick 

First on the list is the new NARS Powermatte Lipstick. This release marked the true comeback of the matte lipstick wave. As the name suggests, this lipstick boasts a powerful pigmentation that delivers high coverage with just one swipe.

The formula is extremely creamy, but once it sets – it is set for life. Make sure you do not over-apply this lipstick in order to avoid that heavy matte lipstick feel.

Alternatively, the NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment is more reminiscent of the liquid lipsticks that we are used to. However, this formula is ultra thin and incredibly fluid. This makes the Powermatte Lip Pigment a superior liquid lipstick that is genuinely feather light on the lips yet super long-lasting.

M.A.C Velvet Blur 

If you want to enjoy the benefits of a matte lipstick without the hardcore commitment, the M.A.C Velvet Blur Slim Stick Lipstick is the perfect option for you. 

It has a soft matte finish that doesn’t set like a traditional matte lipstick so it’s great for everyday use. Much like the Powder Kiss Lipstick from M.A.C, the Velvet Blur has the same powdery qualities but with a balmier feel. This results in a much softer, almost satin finish that’s hydrating and flexible. We see it as the gateway matte lippie for make-up beginners due to its fuss-free nature!

Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist For Ever Matte Lipstick 

The Make Up For Ever (MUFE) Rouge Artist For Ever Matte Lipstick is the newest matte lipstick on the market. It has the typical doe foot applicator liquid lipstick vibe with a comfort-wear formula that is truly transfer proof. It claims to be a long-wearing and waterproof formula and boy, is that true! The only downside is that it can be drying without the right prep work. Make sure your lips are hydrated well before you apply this lipstick. In any case, this just means that you can be confident with the longevity of the For Ever Matte Lipstick.

On the bright side, you have a good amount of time to blend or manipulate the product on your lips before it sets. You can truly be your own artist and create beautiful gradients or a blotted lip look without risking any patchiness.

Stila Stay All Day Matte Lip Colour  

Stila has released a lipstick version of their famed Stila Stay All Day Matte Liquid Lipstick. The original formula has been a cult favourite due to its insane wear time. Now, you can enjoy the same benefits in a lighter formula that is creamy and buttery. 

The Stay All Day Matte Lip Colour sits somewhere between the NARS Powermatte and the MAC Velvet Blur. If you want a matte lipstick that is sumptuously matte with a touch of satin. This is the perfect delicate and velvety matte lipstick for you. 

Laura Mercier Petal Soft Lipstick Crayon 

Finally, we have the Laura Mercier Petal Soft Lipstick Crayon. We’ve mentioned this product before but all for good reason. This is a unique semi-sheer formula that is nourishing like a lip balm with a velvety matte finish. It accomplishes what we thought was impossible in the realm of matte lipsticks! It’s hydrating and deliciously matte with a blotted finish that is perfect for your daytime activities. The flexibility of the Petal Soft Crayon also makes this touch-up approved for easy reapplication throughout the day.

The office fragrance of the decade: 724 is the perfect everyday scent that is chic, professional and confident.

Fragrance is the ultimate way to express your style and personality. Sometimes we reach for a patchouli fragrance that is strong and powerful, while other times we want to smell like a dreamy vanilla cocktail. However, a 9-5 – I digress, an 8-6 office setting calls for a professional, elegant and modern fragrance that adds a confident touch to all our work related affairs. Enter: 724 by Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris.

 
There is a general consensus that an office fragrance shouldn’t be distracting. However, who’s to say that we can’t have a little fun? 724 is the newest addition to the cult favourite brand. Inspired by the urbanity of New York City, this fragrance is luminous, vibrant and comfortably addictive. It is sophistication in a bottle that is brimming with personality – just like NYC! 

The Notes

At the base, white sandalwood and musk creates a woody milky halo around this vibrant and fresh fragrance. The musk offsets the spicy white sandalwood by bringing a quality of warmth and comfort to this fragrance. 

The heart of 724 is full of jasmine and white florals. As such, it is easy to assume that 724 will be overly feminine and powdery. However, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to discover that the combination of luminous freesia, fresh lily of the valley and warm jasmine creates a soft airy sensation of light florals.

The sparkling top notes of bergamot and aldehydes gives this fragrance an uplifting sparkle. Amidst the natural notes of florals and woods, aldehyde brings a metallic and effervescent element that makes this fragrance modern and sophisticated. The hint of bergamot is reminiscent of the street lights of NYC – bright and gleaming.

Additionally, if you are on the hunt for a new everyday signature scent, 724 might be exactly what you have been looking for. It is interesting enough to uplift your mood but it won’t distract you from your daily activities. Maison Francis Kurkdjian is also well known for the longevity of their fragrances, and 724 is no exception. Despite its fresh aroma, 724 is extremely long lasting due to the aldehydes that hold the notes together.