Cosmopolitan does fragrance?

The Story behind Cosmopolitans debut signature scent:

"Cosmopolitan is the go-to guide for young women forging careers, developing their individual style and finding their place in life. With content designed to enlighten, entertain and inspire, at the heat of the magazine's pages lie a very clear message: Believe in yourself and live the life you want. Now, the fun, fearless spirit that defines Cosmopolitan is available in fragrance form".

Front of the bottle

The side of the bottle

The Cosmopolitan perfume is housed in a beautiful art-deco inspired ombre orange and pink bottle which has faceted sides with a smooth front and back. The lid is a clear, faceted knob, which comes off easily but is secured onto the base of the nozzle (I have fragrances where they just fall off and not secured, which is super annoying!), so this is a bottle you could easily chuck in your handbag and not worry about the lid falling off easily and spraying everywhere. 

It smells warm, and it conjurs up an image of something you would wear on a warm summers evening, having a few drinks with friends. It is very pleasant and is not overwhelming or strong when first sprayed. On first smell it reminded me as if Hilary Duff's 'With Love' and Viktor and Rolf's 'Flowerbomb' had a baby. I believe that to be the Bergamont, Jasmine, Patchouli, Vanilla and Caramel coming out. I personally don't find that much of a difference between the notes, and felt like it smelled relatively the same throughout the whole wearing time, except for the sweeter top notes like pineapple and mandarin which did fade as time wore on. 

After a few hours I can still smell it, not as strong as when first applied obviously, but it definitely lingers for a long time and every so often I caught a whiff of the scent which was very peasant and dare I say, "heart warming", as in a comforting way.

This is definitely a fragrance I would purchase again and I personally would pitch the demographic for this across a very wide range, from say late teens - early 40s, larger than the Cosmopolitan magazines demographic. It's fun and playful but warm and not sugary sweet like some of these "cheaper" fragrances can be. I think this is very wearable, even for those closer to middle age. 

The price is also definitely a plus, and is rare for a Parfum to be priced the way it is (parfums are usually much more expensive than a toilette for example due to the % of oils in the fragrance). 

I would recommend this for those that like warm vanillary scents, or very subtle "flowery" scents. 

Cosmopolitan Notes:

Top: Pineapple, bergamot, cardamom, mandarin, nectarine and red berries

Middle: Saffron, heliotrope, jasmine, pimento berries and carrot seed

Bottom: Tonka, patchouli, musk, sandalwood, vanilla and caramel

Available: Priceline, Terry White Chemists and Nova Chemists

RRP: 50ml $39, 100ml $49

Cosmopolitan fragrance press sample and Cosmopolitan Story courtesy of CMB Partnership PR.

All opinions and thoughts 100% genuine and my own. 

All about Seaweed

Okay, so I'm a little obsessed with seaweed. Huh? Like sushi? Well yes, I LOVE sushi, but I'm also talking about beauty products...

Reasons to get into seaweed:

* It's a great natural product, full of minerals, vitamins and amino acids essential for good health.

* Seaweed has anti-oxidants too, which can help protect skin from free radicals, which accelerates ageing.

* Seaweed is a natural anti-inflammatory.

* Seaweed (food) is a great source of iodine (which most people don't get enough of in their diet), which helps promote thyroid health.

* Seaweed has proven to help stimulate hair growth and thickness.

* Seaweed aids in skin renewal.

* Seaweed aids in skin suppleness.

These are my fave seaweed products that I just adore, and highly recommend:




The Body Shop Seaweed face cleanser
Ugh. I love everything about this. The smell, the way it lathers up, the way it makes my skin feel. This ticks all of the boxes that a cleanser should. I've tried many cleansers, but I always come back to this. It cleans without making your skin feel too tight or oily afterwards.
Available: The Body Shop stores and online
RRP: $17.95










Mario Badescu Seaweed night cream
I love the texture of this. It also absorbs really fast and my skin feels so fresh after using it. It keeps my skin well hydrated overnight and I don't look "tired" in the morning.
Available: Mecca Cosmetica, mecca.com.au and beautybay.com
RRP: $29




Bumble and Bumble Seaweed shampoo and conditioner
These 2 both contain Marine Extracts which help promote scalp health, which is essential for healthy hair. They are gentle enough to be used everyday (not that you should...). It's quite mild but cleanses nicely without feeling like you're stripping natural oils in your hair. It leaves my hair feeling soft and light and doesn't weigh down my roots, which I like in my shampoo/ conditioner. It smells fresh too.
Available: Mecca Cosmetica and mecca.com.au
RRP: Shampoo $33, Conditioner $35






Other products that look great and worth a shot:

The Body Shop Seaweed Clarifying Toner
This contains no alcohol so it's not drying like other toners can be. Purifies and refreshes the skin. Those with redness and acne prone skin would really benefit from using this as seaweed helps reduce redness.
Available: The Body Shop stores and online
RRP: $17.95

Makeup Store Seaweed eye dust
Ok, not technically a seaweed product, but this is such a pretty shade and perfect for those who love green and olive shades. Makeup Store eye dusts are pigments which are versatile, depending on how creative you want to be. Apply with some fix+ on a brush for more intense pigmentation.
Available: Makeup Store stores and online, beautybay.com
RRP: $35 (Makeup Store), $27AUD (Beauty Bay)

Welcome to 2016!

Hi guys, and welcome to 2016! 

How fast did last year go? Time really does gain momentum the older you get, and it's a little scary. It definitely makes me want to smash out those goals so I have somewhat of a fulfilling year. I don't believe in 'New Years resolutions', because, if we're all honest with ourselves, who actually maintains and keeps up with them? Certainly not me for one. 

As I get older, all I can see is the importance of self growth, both mentally, spiritually and *try* for physically as well (haha who am I kidding, anything sugary and salty are my friends, and what exactly is "exercise".... Lol). 

Anyway, welcome to 2016, Melz Manor style... There will be considerable changes to my life this year, which will mean more blog posts and I'll be really trying to focus my efforts on photography (one area of my blog that really needs work and attention).

I really want to start doing FOTD, pictorials and the like (obviously that does depend on my camera skills haha), so I'll be putting much more effort into that too.  

A massive THANKYOU to everyone who reads my blog, even a single post.

It means the world to me that people from all over the world are somehow finding my blog and having a squiz... And of course, to the VERY generous companies willing to send me samples of their products. I am forever grateful, and humbled that you would even consider working with me. 

As always, any suggestions are welcomed in regards to posts, reviews etc. 

What are your goals for the year?