The Penhaligon's store in Covent Garden in London had this delightful Love Machine-themed window display in anticipation of Valentine's Day.
The pride of place goes to their LP No. 9, an oriental fragrance with an intriguing contrast of lemon, lavender and sweet carnation against a warm base of cedar, vanilla and spice. (The name is a nod to the classic song 'Love Potion No. 9'.)
A similar display at the Penhaligon's store along Regent Street.
Thanks to a friend, I recently received the Penhaligon's mook from Kinokuniya in Singapore. This is the first ever Penhaligon's mook (Japanese publishing lingo for "magazine book"). Both Makeup Stash and Shine, Shimmer & Sparkle have also written about it.
The magazine comes with two zip pouches made of polyester and PVC, measuring 20x26x4.5cm and 10.5x13x2.5cm.
Adorned with pink grosgrain ribbons reminiscent of those that typically decorate Penhaligon's fragrance bottles, the well-padded pouches are both of good quality, with neat stitching and fully covered inner seams. The print is a collage of assorted Penhaligon's fragrance labels against a rich chocolate background.
The smaller pouch works well as a digital camera case or for carrying a lipstick and face powder for touch ups on the go.
Surprisingly, the larger pouch was actually able to fit my iPad 1, although it does take a bit of manoeuvring to slide it in as the zip opening is just a teensy bit too small.
The mook is mostly a glossy brand catalogue, with an in-depth look at the brand's history and philosophy plus a detailed description of the various Penhaligon's fragrances and their composition of notes. It also includes a visit to the head office in London and interviews with Japanese personalities like stylist Yumie Kazama, singer Bro.kone and writer Reiko Yuyama on their love for the brand.
Recent Christmas collections
In the message from Penhaligon's CEO, she talks about how each fragrance is inspired by unusual elements. For example, their first fragrance, Hammam Bouquet (produced in 1872) was inspired by the steam and sulphurous aromas of Turkish baths while Sartorial (produced in 2010) was inspired by the bespoke tailors of Savile Row.
The mook retails at S$36.70, which is quite expensive (although you can get a 10% discount with the Kinokuniya members' card). Nevertheless, it will probably appeal to people who are already fans of the brand.
Sara of Icyabract just wrote about her scent profiling session at the Penhaligon's store in Ion Orchard. Do check it out!
Nymphelia, the new limited edition seasonal collection by Catrice, surfaced in my local supermarket in Switzerland this week. Catrice is the sister brand of Essence with a more grown-up sensibility and sleeker packaging. The prices are slightly higher than Essence but still very affordable, with most products costing less than 7 Swiss francs.
Nymphelia evokes the mystical, sensual world of nymphs with a palette of warm red, orange, brown, green and nude tones. The look is soft and feminine yet strong and sensual.
The collection includes five Ultimate Nail Lacquers; Intensif'Eye Wet & Dry Eyeshadow in 020 Charly's Chocolate Factory and 040 Have You Seen Alice?; Lashes To Kill Mascara 01 Black-Green, Eye Liner Pen 060 Black Green and a baked Unbeleaf'able Blush 01 Dancing Nymphs. (See swatches on Parokeets and Honey & Milk.)
The Ultimate Nail Lacquer (CHF5.50) shades are: 01 Be Pool, 670 It's Rambo No. 5, 690 Fred Said Red, 710 Dulce & Havanna and 830 Salmon & Garfunkel.
Smokey Eyes Set 050 Love, Peas and Harmony. (See swatches on Parokeets.)
The Lashes To Mystify (CHF6.25) look reminiscent of Shu Uemura's false eyelashes packaging but at a much more affordable price point.
I came home with the three Lip Colour Creams (from left to right): 01 Spring Kiss, 02 Blossom and 03 Nymph's Glow. Made in Italy, these retailed at CHF5.95 each for 7ml (about S$8.20).
These have a doe foot sponge applicator and give the lips a glossy, smooth shine with a nice wash of semi-translucent color. There is no discernible taste or grittiness. The scent is a tad artificial but I could not detect it after applying the lipgloss.
Here are some pics of the Catrice display, snapped with my Samsung Galaxy SII.
The clear plastic packaging of the Absolute Eye Color Mono also look similar to Shu Uemura's previous packaging for its eyeshadow singles.
I liked the shade range offered by the Color Show lipglosses, in particular 010 Toast With Champagne (extreme right).
Like Essence, Catrice boasts an impressive line of nail polishes.
Have you tried Catrice? If so, do let me know what you think of the brand!
