Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Eau De Parfum

It is dusk and my gauzy dress flares out around me, impatient to get the party started. This enigmatic time of day inspires me and fills me with excitement. The City of Light is my playground. I snap my fingers and it is party time; the city takes on a dreamlike quality. Off we go!
Guerlain

Name: Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Eau de Parfum
Price: RM 356 for 50 ml
Made in: France

ღ The Fragrance
The CF features a sassy illustrated silhouette gallivanting around Paris to the tune of These Boots Are Made For Walkin'. I love Paris. I love These Boots Are Made For Walkin'. I also love cherries, but that will come up later in the review. So it is a no-brainer, I love the perfume.

This is an undeniably sweet scent, balanced with latent spiciness to give it a unique character. Marrying gourmands (cherry and almond) to a trail of woody notes (tonka bean and black tea) is pure genius. Every time I wear it I discover another layer - a never ending surprise of sorts! It is different from the usual generic scents but is still commercially appealing enough.

◆ Top notes: Black Cherry, Almond, Berries, Bergamot
◆ Heart notes: Bulgarian Rose, Turkish Rose Absolute
◆ Base notes: Tonka Bean, Black Tea

ღ The Flacon
The bottle for La Petite Robe Noire takes the form of a woman's shoulder with a reverse hollow heart stopper (revisiting the shape given to the classics, Mitsouko and L'Heure Bleue). Sketched in black ink, the little black dress is beautifully set off by translucent glass shaded from powdery pink to black.

ღ The Collection
◆ La Petite Robe Noire EdP 50 ml RM 356
◆ La Petite Robe Noire EdP 100 ml RM 508

ღ The Composition
The full ingredient list for La Petite Robe Noire Eau de Parfum:
Alcohol, Parfum (Fragrance), Aqua (Water), Limonene, Coumarin, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Citronellol, Linalool, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Geraniol, BHT, Citral, Benzyl Alcohol, Farnesol, Eugenol, CI 60730 (Ext. Violet 2), Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Hydroxycitronellal, Isoeugenol.

P.S.: Did you know that there is a new addition to La Petite Robe Noire's perfume wardrobe called La Petite Robe Noire Eau Fraîche?

Disclosure: Gift.

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Guerlain Super Aqua-Serum Light

Super Aqua-Serum Light was launched earlier this year as part of a range of solutions to moisturise skin. It transposes the cult Super Aqua-Serum into a lighter version to answer the needs of normal and combination skins in hot climates.

Name: Guerlain Super Aqua Serum Light
Price: RM 416 for 30 ml
Made in: France

Using Aquacomplex technology (a double hydrating and anti-wrinkle force), Tocopherol Acetate and Centella Asiatica Extract, Guerlain claims this serum is instrumentally proven to provide hydration and smooth wrinkles. I should point out though that I am not expecting this serum to plump lines. My over-animated face is most likely stuck with those for good!

This serum has a white liquidy milky consistency with a distinctive, rosy fragrance. It sinks in almost instantly (I have to be quick when I am spreading it in), leaving my skin soft and smooth.

With Super Aqua-Serum Light, the old adage, you get what you pay for has never been more true. One pump is more than enough to meet my needs. It locks moisture in like no other and I get by without a moisturiser (only when I am lazy which is more often that I would like) because the serum is perfectly adequate for my needs.

Before.

After.

I have quite sensitive skin, and this serum does not irritate it at all despite the myriad of unpronounceable ingredients plunked in the formulation. That said, they are doing something good as the skin around my nose area has ceased to flake. This has never happened with other hydrating serums!

The precious serum sits a uniquely shaped cerulean blue coloured glass bottle, and comes with a pump dispenser.

Good as this serum may be, it vexes me to admit that paying a fortune for it is making me think twice thrice about repurchasing.

The full ingredient list for Super Aqua Serum Light:
Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Isononanoate, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, Caprylyl Methicone, Dicaprylyl Ether, Isostearyl Isostearate, Dimethicone, Steareth-2, Phenoxyethanol, Steareth-21, Phospholipids, Polyacrylamide, Tocopherol Acetate, Parfum (Fragrance), Behenyl Alcohol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Tromethamine, Dimethiconol, Hydrolyzed Millet, Xylose, Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Tetrasodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Adenosine, Alcaligenes Polysaccharides, Laureth-7, Viola Tricolor Extract, Citronellol, Geraniol, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Hexyl Cinnamal, BHT, Benzyl Salicylate, Linalool, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol.

Disclosure: Press sample.

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Guerlain Blanc De Perle Whitening Lotion

I am going to flood you with skincare product reviews over the coming months. They may take a while (a girl only has one face and so many products to test hahaha) but I will wade my way through. And while I am on that subject, here is one and it is the Blanc de Perle Whitening Lotion.

The description:
Supremely fresh, the Lotion tones and moisturises the skin while effectively treating dark spots. Enriched with active anti-ageing detoxifying ingredients, it prevents damage caused by free radicals and protects the skin's youthfulness. It leaves the skin feeling silky soft, even and luminous. Apply the lotion morning and evening, dabbing lightly, then dry the skin gently with a cloth.

Name: Guerlain ゲラン Blanc de Perle ペルル ブラン Whitening Lotion ホワイトニング ローション
Price: RM 195 for 200 ml
@cosme rating: 4.7 ★
Made in: France

Firstly, the presentation - a classy white bottle topped with a gold textured cap. It opens to reveal a pump with a handy twist lock mechanism. I have only seen it employed in base makeup, never toners or in this case, lotions. The bottle is so beautiful that instead of tossing it into the recycling bin, I will most likely display it on my vanity next to my prettier perfumes.

The lotion yields a white lily aroma; just like Smoothing UV Base, only more potent. It is really nice (and dare I say luxurious?) but it might be too overpowering for those with sensitive noses. To each his own!

A single pump brings forth the amount shown in the photograph. A minimum of four pumps is needed to saturate a cotton pad.

I usually douse my cotton pads in lotion like there is no tomorrow without a single thought of it being wasteful running through my brain. Well, I have finally grasped the meaning of frugality once this lotion came into my life. To make the amount given stretch, I use my fingers to pat it in.

My face did not miraculously brighten after using Whitening Lotion day and night for the past seven weeks. It also did not improve skin clarity nor did it give me beautifully clear and translucent skin. It pains me to admit that it not transforming my face almost made me bawl. On the other hand, at least my wallet won't have to howl? How things even out...

There is no denying the 4.7 ★ rating on cosme.net though (and we all know how high a standard the Japanese holds their brightening skincare products to), so it might be me and my hard to please skin being difficult.

The Guerlain counters located at Parkson Pavilion, Parkson KLCC, Isetan KLCC, Isetan The Gardens and Sogo will aid you if you decide to rub the knowledge that this lotion works wonderfully on you in my face.

The full ingredient list for Blanc de Perle Whitening Lotion:
Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Polyglycerin-3, Alcohol, Aminomethyl Propanediol, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-8, Sodium Citrate, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Tetrasodium EDTA, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Parfum (Fragrance), Sodium Carboxymethyl Dextran, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Citric Acid, Magnesium Aspartate, Faex (Yeast Extract), Benzyl Salicylate, Geraniol, Hydroxycitronellal, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein, Ethylhexylglycerin, BHT, Sanguisorba Officinalis Root Extract.

Disclosure: Press sample.

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Guerlain Blanc De Perle Smoothing UV Base

I don't often watch 女人我最大 because my wishlist will lengthen by a mile. The gurus take delight in enabling with the latest products to hit the market and Smoothing UV Base is the product to get in the episode that aired on February 28th, 2013.

Guerlain says:
This fluid transparent formula invisibly provides new perfection to every skin tone, sublimating the skin instantly. It smoothes over the smallest blemish, instantly reducing the appearance of dark spots, wrinkles, fine lines and signs of fatigue. Protected, sublimated and luminous, the skin glows with perfection.

Name: Guerlain ゲラン Blanc de Perle ペルル ブラン Smoothing UV Base メイクアップベース ホワイト SPF30 PA+++
Price: RM 190 for 30 ml
Release date: 22.2.2013
Made in: France

Smoothing UV Base is a pearly white coloured makeup base. No more worrying about shades; the white colour practically matches all skin tones.

Despite what the thick, almost old-school sunscreen-like texture would suggest, it is creamy, non-sticky and blends easily without leaving a cast. Moreover, it is so light that I can barely feel it once smoothed on.

The broad spectrum protection from the Skin Shield Technology along with the whitening action of the P.E.A.R.L. Complex were converged to create a smooth surface by evening pores and fine lines for light to reflect, thus ensuing in a luminous and radiant (soft-focused glow comes to mind) appearance, all without any shimmer or sparkle.

With - Without

I can either use Smoothing UV Base alone (the option recommended by 小凱老師) or under foundation. In my case, I go sans foundation (why cloak the beautiful finish with a layer of foundation?) with a slick of concealer on problem areas. This combination really does help to create the illusion of a perfect skin.

One other perk? This primer has a divine white lily scent. It is fresh and light and it does not overwhelm one's olfactory senses. It may not appeal to everyone but this nose loves it.

Of course there is the small issue of the price... RM 190 is a price I am willing to pay for perfection, considerable as it may be.

Smoothing UV Base along with its sisters, Lightening UV Base and Correcting UV Base, are sold at Guerlain counters nationwide.

The full ingredient list for Blanc de Perle Smoothing UV Base:
Aqua (Water), Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Butylene Glycol, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glycerin, Behenyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Diphenyl Dimethicone/Vinyl Diphenyl Dimethicone/Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Silica, Decyl Glucoside, Caprylyl Glycol, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Xanthan Gum, Cetearyl Glucoside, Parfum (Fragrance), Tetrasodium EDTA, Tocopherol Acetate, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower Extract, Propylene Glycol, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Benzyl Salicylate, Faex (Yeast) Extract, Geraniol, Hydroxycitronellal, CI 77491 (Iron Oxides), BHT, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein, Sanguisorba Officinalis Root Extract.

Disclosure: Press sample.

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