MSH Backup

As I’ve posted about in the past, there are few little luxuries more enjoyable than a new bottle of perfume. Now that we’re slowly seguing towards spring, I’ve been keenly spritzing a fresh fragrance which I picked up a few weeks ago from Miller Harris, with a whacking 50% discount thanks to their bottle exchange programme which took place during January. Swapping an empty bottle for a new scent at half price was a total winner, and (after much deliberation!), I opted for Rose Silence:  As well as being presented in a beautiful bottle, the fragrance itself is a real treat too. It goes without saying that it’s a veritable floral fiesta, with rose blended perfectly with notes of mandarin and patchouli. It’s a little bit heavier than some of the other floral fragrances which I’ve tried and rested before, but it lasts all day and has a wonderfully warm feel too. Definitely one which was well worth the investment!  Have you tried any new scents recently? (Image credit: Sarah Farrel...

If there’s one thing which Christmas guarantees, it’s the promise of a perfume shaped present under the tree. There’s something about getting a fragrance as a gift which makes it all the more meaningful, especially if it gives you the opportunity to sample something new for the first time- a real luxury if you, like me, tend to be a creature of pure repurchasing habit! Since the end of December, I’ve been very happily using a new favourite which I’ve been wanting to sample for ages- Gucci’s Bloom:  As well as being housed in a beautiful bottle (pink goals!), this Eau de Parfum incorporates a bounty of beautiful floral notes including jasmine and tuberose, and is wonderfully delicate whilst still being punchy enough to last all day. It’s been a while since I’ve sampled a new scent, but this is one which I’m really glad to have discovered, and which has already become a firm favourite- I can’t wait to give it a spritz during the spring and into summer!  Have you sampled any new ...

If there's one thing which seems synonymous with this time of the year it is, for me at least, indulging in a new perfume. Whether it's because the telly is choc-a-bloc with adverts for series upon series of scents, or having researched plenty of festive gift options, treating yourself to a new fragrance always feels like a lovely ritual to indulge in as the year bows out. A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to unwrap a special birthday delivery in the shape of a new Chanel offering which is proving perfect for feeling festive: I first encountered Gabrielle Chanel at the London pop up towards the end of the summer, and it's something which has been on my shopping list ever since. The newest addition to Chanel's family of fragrances, it's a delicately balanced floral option, with heart notes of jasmine and ylang-ylang. With orange blossom mixed with a bespoke Grasse tuberose, it's light and fresh yet still identifiable as classically Chanel, with echoes of the ...

Now that the temperatures have well and truly plummeted, I've hit refresh on my beauty routine, incorporating a selection of essentials which are ideal for combatting the cold as much as possible. As well as ticking all of the right boxes for some of my seasonal skincare concerns, I've also made a repeat purchase of a fragrance which is proving to be well worth the investment: Back in the summer, you might remember that I posted about song new skincare discoveries from The Ordinary, including their Hyaluronic Acid. Having used up my stash, I repurchased this Hylamide Booster from The Abnormal Beauty Company, which is slightly lighter and a lot faster absorbing. I find it wonderful for using after cleansing and toning, and it's definitely helped to give my skin a much needed pep up over the last couple of months. Another favourite from The Ordinary comes in the shape of their primer, which acts as the perfect base for everyday makeup, and a much needed extra barrier against ...

With the outset of summer on the horizon, I'm sure I'm not the only one loving the longer evenings, lighter days and warmer weather. For me, one of the loveliest things about seguing between spring and summer is seeing so many of my favourite blooms bursting back into the garden, and spending the evenings watching the sun going down surrounded by so many lovely scents is one of the pursuits which I look forward to the most each year. With that in mind, I've been on the hunt for a new everyday scent which is synonymous with the summertime- I have found one in the shape of a Jo Malone classic: This Peony and Blush Suede Cologne is a fragrance which I've been eager to try for a little while now, and, after treating myself last payday, I can safely say that it's already become a firm favourite. It's lovely and lightweight, so is ideal for spritzing on long summer days, with a delicate floral heart note adding a subtlety complimented by a fruity apple twist. With hin...

One of the loveliest things about finding and keeping fragrances is the memories which become so synonymous with certain scents. I'll always associate some of my favourite perfumes with special memories or people, which is why it's always lovely to get inspired by new combinations too. Last payday I treated myself to a new addition in the shape of Jo Malone's Limited Edition Star Magnolia perfume:  Magnolia is a scent which I'll always associate with home; we've had a tree blooming in our front garden since before I was born, and seeing it burst into flower is always a welcome herald of the arrival of spring. This new fragrance perfectly captures the spirit of a fresh season, with hints of magnolia leaf and orange blossom. Notes of shiso, ginger and lemon blend to add an energising edge without overwhelming the delicate floral base, creating a perfectly light spring scent- one which I'm loving (and not just because it  evokes such lovely homely memories!) Have y...

I've posted on several occasions in the past about how I don't really tend to deviate from my day to day beauty routine, so it seemed like it was high time to introduce you to some of the essentials which I use religiously. These are products which have become part of every day for me- those favourites which would come with me to a desert island (as well as the factor 50, of course!) These hero buys aren't all that expensive, but make a real difference to my routine- whether it's rushing in a bleary eyed haze first thing in the morning, or keeping things fresh faced at the weekend:    If there's an item any more trusty than a humble pot of Vaseline, I'm yet to discover it. It's a product I've been using every day since I was a teenager, predominantly as a lip balm, but also on unruly eyebrows and to combat dry skin during the winter. This limited edition Lulu Guinness tin sits on my dressing table and it something I reach for every morning and every even...