New Fragrance - Trésor Midnight Rose by Lancome

When I saw Emma Watson as the face of Trésor Midnight Rose by Lancome, I had mixed feelings. I mean I love Trésor. I think it is one of Lancome's best treasures. It's been there for the longest time and I love the deep sensuous scent.

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The name, Midnight Rose somehow gave me the impression that it is a sweeter more seductive scent but the face of it doesn't quite fit the impression. All these while, with classic beauties like Penelope Cruz, Isabella Rossellini and Kate Winslet gave Trésor a distinctive hold to the mature and more confident women. And that was how I always looked at the fragrance and what it provides me - the confidence and dash of classic sexiness.

So when this bottle landed on me, I am not sure if it will suit me. The fact that Emma Watson was chosen was probably for a reason - that the fragrance is probably tailored to the much younger market who is nevertheless confident but very fresh. I'd like something bold, something more mature and one that evoke a sense of happiness, calmness and strength.

A whiff of it kinda surprised me, though... because it still retain that boldness of Trésor yet it feels fresh but not light enough to dissipate too quickly. It lingers on to a sweet romantic scent that made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Unlike many fragrances with a bold note, the scent does not sting and my children felt completely calm and comfortable when they're near me. In fact, the Trésor Midnight Rose is good enough to be worn on any occasions - not necessarily a sexy night out with your date or on a social event.

This has quickly become a favourite for me. I have one particular fragrance which I'd use very often because of the unique and fresh scent and the Trésor Midnight Rose seems to have that same element and more. The sweet romantic feeling it brings gives me such a lovely experience and since its bottle is much easier to grab (compared to my supposedly all time favourite bottle) I would always want to reach out to it amongst those other bottles of fragrances on my vanity desk.

These are what make the scent so desirable but I really couldn't tell because everything sorta blended well together. I am sure, though, that the winning formula must be the jasmine and vanilla contents.

I think Lancome is currently doing a promotion on Trésor Midnight Rose. You can check out Lancome Malaysia's facebook page to find out more about the fragrance and you can redeem a free sample when you register with them.

This EDP retails at RM205 for its 50ml bottle and RM265 for the 75ml.

Have you ever tried Lancome's Trésor? Do you like it? I still think that Emma Watson is not really suitable as the face of Trésor Midnight Rose but I guess in this case, it is really irrelevant because the fragrance speaks for itself.

A Belated Happy New Year Wish ;P

I think you all may have noticed that I've been a little slacking in the 'wishing' department. There wasn't any Christmas wish or New Year and there wasn't any new year resolution post. This is partly due to me being really bad at wishing people (heck, I know that there are a few friends whom I have not wished them Happy Birthday) and partly due to laziness :-/

As for the resolution bit, I believe I have not really thought of any resolutions since 2005 haha... could be because I feel that I already have what I wanted (or needed) and that I should focus on what I already have rather than concentrate on the 1% that I don't and end up not being grateful for what I have achieved. Of course there would always be room for improvements in almost anything so that we continue to progress. But I don't have anything too intense that warrants a resolution etched on paper / online.

So, truthfully, if you ask me what I haven't achieved and would like to for 2012, I would want to create a self-KPI that's so easy to achieve yet very difficult to execute. Why difficult? Because I am not sure if anyone has achieved it, ever! But this part will definitely not damper those 99% that I already have in life because it is something truly fun that my entire family would be able to enjoy it. And if I don't achieve it in a particular month, no biggie! What is it, you may ask. Well... I would like take advantage of the Baskin Robbins ice cream deal every 31st of the month! Pretty silly, you may think?? Who cares *sniggers*

Anyways, the new year came and went really quickly but started off on a really memorable note for me. It was the 2nd time that I got involved in a small gathering of wonderful gals for the new year and this time, I made sure I was totally prepared for it.

One for each of them...

There were 11 of us altogether and we gathered at a spa for a relaxing start to the new year while we appreciate each other's company.

Receiving gifts feels so good but giving them out feels even better!

L-R: Lyn, Yvonne & Plue

Sharing some light-hearted moments. I think Beetrice is probably guessing at what was in that package ;)

L-R: Connie, Rinnah & Beetrice

Seen only with nose & teeth: Paris B ;P

Most right (cheeks visible): Xin

And I went home feeling smashing. Can you spot a handmade item within the stash? Clue: delicious slices that'll leave you hungry ;)

you can also read about the gathering here.

As they say, a good start at anything may probably leave you with a lasting effect. I am just so grateful with good fortunes that doesn't necessarily come in colourful notes.

So, while I try to fulfill my ice-cream goal, I shall balance it up with a healthy diet and lifestyle that don't necessarily need to be included as a new year resolution. After all, eating healthy and regular exercise should already be a part of us. I mean, even weekend shopping in malls is already considered exercise, don't you think ;)

Life is so amazing, I'd always say. You could either choose to take action in your life and live it as positive as possible or you could mope around and blame everyone else for anything that goes wrong. For me, I try to always have an open mind and accept most opportunities that come my way because you will never know which doors open for you to grab a once-in-a-lifetime chance. If it doesn't work out, at least I know I've tried my best, of course within calculated risks or limitations. Life is too short for one to worry too much about the 'what ifs'. Once you've made a decision, stick with it, be responsible about it and never second guess yourself. But if it doesn't work out, have the guts to admit that you've made a mistake and learn from it.

What do you think? How has 2012 been so far?

New Habit Picked Up: Painting Nails

I can't remember when was the last time I actually painted my own nails... although I do recall how much I loved painting my nails in Uni and I'd use bold colours - too bold then for a Malay student - like dark blue and black ;P

Painting nails is pretty cumbersome. I mean, you need to be mindful of what you do with your hands or you risk getting the colours chipped. Heck, even waiting time for the paint to dry takes ages! And I hate getting manicures... I would always, without fail, get hurt in the process from those "pros" who'd either over-buff my nails and hurt the thin skin near the nail area or that they'd cut my cuticles too deep that I'd bleed. The moment they press the alcohol swab on the area, I feel like imprinting my high heel shoes on their face. That hurts, ok! *stupid pros*

And don't ask me about my last 3-4 years... having babies and doing lotsa house work never permit me to grow my nails, let alone think of brushing colours onto them. And I never really felt any need to anyways.

However, recent development getting inducted into a group of very experienced beauty bloggers tempted me... especially when they were trying to do a group order for some nail polish at a really good price. And so, I relented :)

not bad, eh?? a perfectly new post as the first post of the new year ;)

I must admit I may still be a virgin (ahaks!) when it comes to applying nail polish. I am so bad at it and I always get bubbles on my nails when the colours dry up. But thanks to the helpful tip from Beetrice, the paint look absolutely smooth on my nails and almost professionally done. I am ecstatic!

And what better way than to indulge in quite an abundant stock for a beginner, from the stash I brought home after a new year gathering with the beauty bloggers, last weekend...

quite promising, for someone who hardly ever painted her nails...

And since I have no patience with the waiting time, while I wait for a stock of "magic top coat" to come in, I found this top coat from Sally Hansen. This will do for now, and so far it is quite good already ;)

Do you feel a need or a want to colour your nails? Or are you the type who doesn't bother about it at all?

I wonder how often does an average woman colour her nails...