Style and Beauty Picks
Showing posts with label Style and Beauty Picks. Show all posts

Perfume picks

Saturday 22 June 2019

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As a perfume addict and appreciator I have tried many many perfumes through the years in search of that One special scent that could suit me perfectly. But I have come to think that  there is not only one that can define or capture me. As We constantly change and go through different moods and phases in life and so our perfumes should. So without further a due here are some of the scents that got me and stayed on my vanity shelf.
 Dahlia Divin is the latest edition and I will be adding it on my list!





  • Burberry London
  • Rituals Nuit De Marrakesh 
  • Yves Saint Laurent Manifesto
  • Ralph Lauren Glamourous
  • Cacharel Noa
  • Ralph Lauren Romance
  • Victoria's Secret Love
  • Chloe Classic
  • Rosie Jane Leila Lou
  • Givenchy Dahlia Divin




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Night rituals

Sunday 1 July 2018

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Here are some of the help I use to drift off after a long day. Sometimes is very hard to switch off your mind and put away any phones, lap tops and tablets, especially if you have a busy lifestyle.
I find really helpful creating a little pre-bed prep ritual.


I love this magnesium oil as it is infused with lavender and it relaxes your senses as well as your muscles, especially after a workout.


You can sprits it on your skin straight after shower or a magnesium salts bath, which does wonders if your muscles are really sore.


Lavender scent.... spray it on your pillow or light up an essential oil burner. Or get a sleep mask with lavender seeds inside ...

The Silk also feels really soft on your skin and has proven anti-aging benefits. 


Light up a candle.. make some tea or whichever drink you like to drink as long as it is not sweet or fizzy. I like to mix lavender and chamomile, but you can get special 'night time sleep' teas that already have some pretty good ingredients blended together.


When I say light up a candle, you can even take it to the next level by purchasing a special one that has a burning twist ... it basically sounds like a cracking wood when it burns.. how cool is that, especially if it relaxes you.



The smell and rhythm of the falling raindrops. I find it super relaxing and smoothing. Open the window and let that put you in a sleep mood.



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My 'Non alcohol/perfume' face cream picks for you

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As Promised earlier , Here are my face cream picks that does not have any alcohol or perfume as an ingredient. If you want to have a go please comment with a feedback.



1. Manuka Honey Night Cream for dry/Normal skin
    by Natural Being


Ingredients: 

Aqua (water), Cetearyl olivate, Sorbitan olivate, Persea gratissima (avocado) oil, Vitis vinifera (grape) seed oil, Cetyl palmitate, Sorbitan palmitate, Glycerin (vegetable glycerin), Squalane, Cetearyl alcohol, Butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter**, Daucus carota (carrot) oil, Glucose, Parfum (fragrance)*, Mel (manuka honey), Potassium sorbate, Sclerotium gum, Glucose oxidase, Lactoperoxidase, Tocopherol (vitamin E), Leptospermum scoparium (manuka) oil, Citronellol*, Limonene*, Linalool*.* From natural essential oils, ** Certified organic.

Description:


Natural being Manuka Honey Night Cream is a deeply nourishing cream which replenishes moisture lost during the day. Enriched with active manuka honey, antimicrobial manuka oil and botanical emollients, it works to improve suppleness and help your skin repair and renew itself, while you sleep. The natural being range is specifically designed to celebrate youthful, natural beauty and healthy skin. This certified natural skincare range features New Zealand’s Active Manuka Honey and Manuka Oil to effectively promote clear skin.











2. Barefoot SOS Dry&Sensitive Face and Body rescue cream - 50 ml
    by Barefoot SOS


Ingredients:


Aqua (Water), Cetearyl Alcohol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate, Pentaerythrityl Distearate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Squalane, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Phenoxyethanol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Lactobacillus/Portulaca Oleracea Ferment Extract, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Limonene,* Alcohol, Allantoin, Calendula Officinalis Flower,Extract, Panthenol, Canola Oil, Citrus Aurantium, Amara (Bitter Orange) Flower Oil, Stellaria Media Extract, Arctium Lappa Root Extract, Linalool*, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil, Geraniol*, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Citronellol*, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydroxycitronellal, Citral*, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Beta-carotene, Chlorphenesin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Butylene Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Citric Acid. 
*Naturally occurring within essential oils.

Description:

Barefoot SOS Face & Body Rescue Cream is a rich, steroid-free cream with omega-rich borage oil, shea butter and evening primrose oil and potent herbal extracts including calendula, burdock and mahonia to soothe irritation and rehydrate seriously parched skin.
With a calming aroma of French lavender, chamomile and orange blossom, it provides welcome relief to skin in distress. For even the touchiest of skins: an instantly calming complexion-soother that works from top to toe, comforting, cocooning and quenching skin`s thirst. This best selling cream captures the skin wisdom of Barefoot Botanicals` homeopath founders in the most soothing of treatments, originally created for eczema and psoriasis sufferers but now a trusted must-have for dry skins.
This is the Barefoot Botanicals flagship product and fully deserving of its acclaim. Fantastic for full-blown eczema, simple dry patches and everything in between. It is a broad spectrum formula that covers all the different types of eczema/psoriasis and is suitable for men, women and all ages of babies and children from birth upwards. Brilliant as an adjunct to weaning eczema sufferers off steroid treatment in conjunction with herbal or homeopathic treatment.Barefoot recommend this product for the following skin types: Sensitive, Dry, Parched, Eczema, Psoriasis, Dermatitis & Allergic.






3. Daily Renew Natural Peptides & Hyaluronic Acid Face cream -30 ml
    by Evolve


Ingredients:


Aqua (Water), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Parfum (Natural Fragrance), Cetearyl Alcohol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil*, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil*, Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Glyceryl Stearate, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil*, Glycerin*, Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil*, Cetearyl Glucoside, Mannitol, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, Sodium Hyaluronate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Protein, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Dehydroacetic Acid, Lactic Acid.
*Ingredients from organic farming

Description:

Evolve are the winners of the Beauty Shortlist Awards 2017 for Best Natural/Organic Skincare Brand - UK.
Evolve Daily Renew Face Cream is a facial moisturiser with hyaluronic acid, argan and organic oils to nourish, soothe and hydrate the skin.
Evolve Daily Renew Face Cream helps restore dry skin with a blend of pure organic oils. Organic Argan oil nourishes whilst natural hyaluronic acid soothes & hydrates. Delicately fragranced with hypoallergenic vanilla & coconut natural fragrances.






4. Face's Pore Refining Moisturising Fluid 
    by Lavera


Ingredients:


Water (Aqua), Alcohol*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Glycerin, Myristyl Alcohol, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil*, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Germ Powder, Squalene, Zinc PCA, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Mentha Piperita, (Peppermint) Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Arctium Lappa Root Extract*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Dehydroxanthan Gum, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Fruit Oil, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Chlorophyllin-Copper-Complex (CI 758810), Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Sterols, Helianthuus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Fragrance (Parfum)**, Limonene**, Citral**, Linalool**, Geraniol**, Citronellol**, Farnesol**.
* ingredients from certified organic agriculture
** natural essential oils

Description:

The lavera Pore Refining Moisturising Fluid with Organic Mint provides skin with long-lasting moisture.
The formula is developed especially for blemished skin and is enriched with zinc and natural salicylic acid from willow bark exctract for wonderfully smooth skin and clean pores, noticeable reducing pimples.
The Lavera Guarantee
  • 100% free from synthetic preservatives, perfumes, colourants and mineral oil products.
  • 100% pure vegetable oils, active plant agents and essences.
  • 100% skin mild emulsifiers and surfactants.
  • Produced according to NaTrue guidelines for natural cosmetics. 
  • Against animal testing.








5. Vitamin E Oil 45,000 IU - 59ml
    by Jason


Ingredients: 

Tocopheryl Acetate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Carthamu Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil*, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil(Macadamia), Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) Seed Oil. *Certified Organic Ingredient.


Description: 


Jason Vitamin E Oil is a maximum strength facial treatment that combines vitamin E oil for body with our exclusive blend of 7 essential natural oils, including black currant, evening primrose, macadamia nut and borage. Use at night to help reduce the appearance of fine line and wrinkles. Use on stretch marks and scars.






Jason Vitamin E Oil is my favourite thirst quench skin product. I have been using it religiously in the winter but rest assure it is perfect for all year round use.

These products are suitable not only for sensitive and problematic skin. 

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My Summer must have's

Saturday 30 June 2018

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I love Summer and even more when I am prepare for it properly.
here is some of my must have's that I actually use on a daily basis throughout the year, but find especially handy in the hot summer days.




Coconut Oil. I use it for ...everything, no joke. Its a hair mask, make up remover, body oil, lip balm, cooking help, bath addition. It is great and it is really a wonder product.
I absolutely love the scent of it too and sometimes I even add it to my perfumed body lotions. Another secret I have found is that if you apply a layer of coconut oil and then follow with your body moisturises , it actually absorbs quicker and your skins is twice as soft. Super cool, ha


Aloe Vera. Particularly the juice that you can find in Holland&Barret. I add one cap of it to my water bottle and it adds a slight fresh taste ,plus is super healthy.


Avene Thermal Water. I know a lot of you girls love it and there is a reason for that. It is literally the best unscented drop of freshness you can use to wake up your face.




And finally The Lip Balm. At the minute I am using Burt's Bee's and The Body Shop 'Born Lippy'
I love Burt's Bee's addition in Honey and the classic one and recently I tried the Zesty Orange with crystals that actually exfoliates your lips in the same time, plus it has that sweet taste I find so kissable.
The Body Shop lip balm I use if I want some shimmer and tint. Often I will dap it on my lipstick for an extra lift. it Smells very fruity and sweet and it does give you that hydration.

I am always experimenting with lip balms as the choice is too great not to try a new one now and then but I find these two are my all time favourites.

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Hydrate and detox your body

Friday 22 June 2018

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Hydration is the most important thing and even more if you are exercising regularly.
One of the things I found out the hard way was that you should hydrate before and after workout because, and trust me when I say this, dehydration is not a pleasant thing to experience.



So after my unfortunate mistake I have come up with ways I can make my water more interesting and tasty and stay on top of my game. One thing I do when I workout is I take small sips of water throughout the workout , instead of of one big load that will only make it hard for you to bounce on the treadmill. Listen to your body and when it tells you it is thirsty stop whatever you are doing and go take a sip, believe me it is important because if you ignore that call your general performance will drop significantly and you risk getting dehydrated.


Of course first thing's first, Lets start with flushing detox.
The perfect time for this in early in the morning, straight after you wake up. Take a big( yes, a big) glass of water and add one lemon. Wait a little bit. I usually prepare my breakfast while the lemon kicks in. Then I energise with some protein rich breakfast and only after this little ritual it is Okay to have coffee. You do not want to upset your tummy by having caffeine first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
I have done this and well sickness is not pleasant too.


If you do not like the taste of your lemon water you can add some honey or a spice that you like for that tasty twist you so desire.
Rosemary, Mint, maybe basil or a cucumber for some fresh taste. Whatever you prefer, of course experimentation is necessary in order to find what suits your taste buds. I think I do not mind the clean lemon water anymore, it kind of grow on you, especially if you know it is doing you some pretty good favours.



If you are finding hard to hydrate during the day maybe you can consider an infused water. You know kind of like juice but healthier. And you can have so much fun with it too. You can mix pretty much whatever you want. It gives a subtle taste to your water and hopefully will make it more desirable for you.

I have read in so many articles that a three litres of water are essential, but I find this a bit silly as you will probably spend your day in the toilet . For me the correct amount depends on your body weight and height and how you generally feel. Our bodies are so clever, they do find ways of letting us know what they need. Just pay attention to your own body and never ignore it.

Yep, even if you want some junk food, allow yourself a cheat meal once in a while.


Heres an example of a simple "recipe" if I may say, for a detox water. If you are on a hurry just add everything in your "to go" bottle and its ready for you to consume on your way to work or whatever you are heading.


You will notice though that Lemon, cucumber and mint are the usual suspects and then everything else is an extra you can play with.

Another way of hydrating and getting nutrients is with smoothies.
One of my favourite ones that I use to make like crazy has as a main ingredients: Spirulina. 

Spirulina: the seaweed super food 

Spirulina is one of the oldest life forms on Earth. In fact, this blue-green microalgae is partly responsible for producing the oxygen in the planet's atmosphere that billions of years ago allowed the planet's originating life forms to develop. Spirulina is the world's first superfood, and one of the most nutrient-rich foods on Earth.

Spirulina has between 55 and 70% protein (more than beef, chicken, and soybeans), 8 essential and 10 non-essential amino acids, as well as high levels of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), beta-carotene, linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, vitamin B12, iron, calcium, phosphorus, nucleic acids RNA & DNA, chlorophyll, and phycocyanin, a pigment-protein complex that is found only in blue-green algae. 

Why is it good to have it once in a while

Spirulina provides a wide range of health benefits almost immediately upon ingestion. It provides a near-instantaneous boost to one's energy, while helping to improve endurance and reduce fatigue. It helps improve the immune system, and provides exceptional support for the heart, liver, and kidneys. Spirulina is also a natural detoxifier, oxygenating the blood, and helping cleanse the body of toxins and other impurities that may be causing illnesses or other health complications.

Spirulina is also a natural appetite suppressant, and it helps to improve the body's digestive system. It also has very powerful antioxidant properties and it helps to balance the body's pH, thereby reducing inflammation throughout the body in a safe and chemical-free way.


Note: Because of its high protein your body will need extra water to help it absorb the green super food. 
Or you can just not take it every day but once in a while. If you do take it every day you can just measure small doses or drink extra water.

I certainly don't drink it religiously every morning, sometimes I am in a mood for it other times i am not. Again listen to your body. If you are in a mood for something super healthy and boosting Spirulina is a good choice.



Here is the recipe for that Spirulina kick ass smoothie:


  • The water from a young fresh coconut (or half a glass of coconut water)
  • Half a glass Goat or Almond milk
  • 1 Tablespoon Acai powder
  • 1 Tablespoon Goji Berries
  • 1 Tablespoon Spirulina
  • 1 Tablespoon Raw Cacao powder
  • 1 Tablespoon Maca Powder
  • 1 Tablespoon Chia Seeds
  • 1 Tablespoon Raw Vegan Protein Powder
  • 1 Tablespoon of Coconut Oil
Combine all the ingredients in a blender and enjoy.

Other super food powders you can experiment with and mix in your smoothies breakfast bowls :


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Why exercise is so important for our Mental Health and Wellbeing

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What's the most transformative thing that you can do for your brain today? Exercise! 
- says neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki. 
Get inspired to go to the gym as Suzuki discusses the science of how working out boosts your mood and memory -- and protects your brain against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.


Not many people understand what an immediate positive effect exercising has on our brains and most importantly on our mood and ability to focus.
Not only that but in the long run, it can actually protect us from depression, memory loss, and various diseases.




And as Wendy Suzuki's s personal experience in the gym I know a lot of people feel the same way including me. 
From my first class at the gym, I felt how my mood improved, and with each visit I was feeling better and better, this is whats essentially keeps you going back as well. It is like a happy drug that makes your entire being happier.

And that is not all, You also notice that you are gradually getting stronger and more focused in your daily activities. Your body changes that are for sure but not many people realize that along with that your brain changes as well.

One of the things I noticed only after a month regularly going to the gym was that I was able not only to focus but to maintain my attention for longer then I was able to before and my long term memory improved significantly. 
It sure feels good. Just like Suzuki states in her research: " Exercise has such positive effects on our brains: better mood, better energy, better memory, better attention"

"Exercise is the most transformative thing you can do for your health that has an immediate positive effect on your brain. Just from a single workout, you will immediately increase levels of neurotransmitters, like dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline. Which is the reason for your better mood after your workout and your ability to shift attention and focus quicker that will last for at least two hours. " says Suzuki.

And by changing the exercise regime by increasing the cardiorespiratory function, we get the long-lasting effects, made possible by the fact that physical activity changes the brain's anatomy, physiology, and function.

What Wendy also says is that the longer and regularly you exercise the bigger and stronger your hippocampus and prefrontal cortex gets. These are basically producing new brain cells that expand and are accountable for your good mood, better focus, and attention for longer. And the biggest benefit of these two areas being stronger is that they are most susceptible to neurodegenerative diseases and normal cognitive decline in aging.
Regular exercise is not going to cure any possible diseases but it is most certainly going to protect your brain and body from them by decreasing significantly your chances of having one. " It will take a longer time for any of this disease to actually have an effect," says Suzuki.

Suzuki also suggests what most people already know: Hit the gym at least 3,4 times a weak for a minimum amount of 30 minutes per session. Mix it up with some aerobic or cardio that will get your heart rate up too.






You can watch her TED talk via the link  Here



It is great that more people are realizing the importance of physical activity. And that it is not only how good your body looks but how good you feel and how healthy you are because of it. 

Do not delay it and if you are finding hard to go just think of the million ways you get to play with your outfit. Whatever floats your boat, as long as you are there working those muscles.



x



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Mermaid Summer Hair

Thursday 14 June 2018

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With summer in the doorstep and holidays season in its peak, I had to share with you my favourites for gorgeous mermaid hair. Not only looking good but healthy too.
So let's begin.


This is a super soft and cool fragrance. Have you noticed how your hair smells just after you step out of the shower, well this product will blow your mind. The scent imitates that fresh, clean feeling, and the top of the cherry is that is also protecting it from the sun rays and pollution.




Next on the list is the versatile Fragranced perfume mist by R&Co. I am sure you have heard of them and if you have not, please check them out as they have amazing hair products. You can literally spray it anywhere you like, maybe apart from your face. It is super fresh and reminds me of summer walks on the beach.





As seen on their official website  Here


Love David Hockney's Miami vibes, palms, and pink sands...


 This  is something interesting that sounds very promising from the House of Guerlain.



A new-generation dry oil with a uniquely fine texture, ideal for the face, body, and hair.
The three oils of natural origin at the heart of the formula intensely nourish and hydrate the skin and hair, with no greasy effect.
Enriched with Guerlain Tan Booster complex, Terracotta Huile Sous Le Vent enhances the skin's natural tan.

FRAGRANCE

Its Tiare flower fragrance leaves a gentle scent on the skin, instantly sweeping you away to an exotic far-off paradise… Deliciously pleasant after a day in the sun.
The senses are awakened, transported to a faraway land.

INGREDIENTS

The Guerlain Tan Booster complex: derived from the thousand-year-old Mediterranean carob tree, it helps prepare and enhance the skin's natural tan.

3 oils of natural origin at the heart of the formula:
1. Sweet Almond Oil for the body: a source of vitamins A and E, it improves skin suppleness and accelerates its renewal. Its infinite softness makes it an ally for all skin types, soothing the most sensitive to the driest.
2. Camelina Oil for the face: with its exceptional quantity of antioxidants, it helps reinforce the epidermis and combat the visible signs of cell ageing. Day after day, the skin is stronger.
3. Limnanthus Seed Oil for the hair: particularly rich in acids, it is renowned for its exceptional nourishing properties. It is ideal for softening the hair and making it look silky.


Share your Fav hair secrets

Deya 

x


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The Valley of the Roses and Idylle

Wednesday 13 June 2018

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This Dreamy rose landscape is where I am going to take you today.
The "Rose Valley" is a region, in my birth country Bulgaria. Its located south of the Balkan Mountains and the eastern part of the lower " Middle Forest" chain to the south.

Not a lot of people actually know this but The Rose Valley produces 85% of the world's rose oil.
This Rose - growing industry has been cultivated in this region for centuries, giving some of the best quality rose products. It is no wonder why Thierry Wasser,  Guerlain's famous perfumer, regularly visits The Valley and loves it there.

As the Valley spreads on a significant area hugged by The Balkan, the center of the Roses is Kazanlak City,  followed by not less important Rose cities: Karlovo, Sopot, Kalofer, and Pavel Bath.
These cities are also rich hubs of the country's history and heritage. If you visit, which I recommend, You will see that a big part of the architecture there is kept as it was from the town's birth.

Each Year People from all parts of the world, that are familiar with this region, travel to the Valley to witness the Rose Festival in its peak Harvest time, which is from May to June.
The harvest itself is a very difficult process that requires a great deal of patience. It can take hours and trust me it is exhausting. The flowers are carefully cut one by one and laid in willow-baskets which are then sent to the distilleries.



I should also say that if you decide to give it a try in your spring/summer travels, you won't regret it.
It is great fun and the smell of roses is in the air all the time. Locals even produce rose jam. So by the end of your stay, you might be even dreaming roses in your sleep.

The Valley is great for walks and if you catch the sunset you are in for a treat.

Do not be shy and do take part in festival activities. It will be a lifetime memory and the locals will treat you to a lot of gifts as they love the enthusiasm from visitors.

In the picture above you can see some of the local traditional costumes. Different areas of the country, these would vary in detail and often villagers will participate in costume making competitions.



This is Roza Hotel( Rose Hotel) where you can accommodate during the harvest months. Sometimes some of the locals will offer you a room in their own houses, which of course is a cheaper option for your next visit, so make sure to make friends while there.

Back to Guerlain and Thierry Wasser. Not so long ago, while I was searching for rose-based perfumes I found " Idylle" Guerlains creation that most certainly intrigued me a lot.
The main base ingredient was sourced by Thierry Wasser exactly in the Rose Valley of my country I just had to have this perfume and try it out.

Idylle opens with a shower of flowers, a fresh and joyful bouquet composed of lily of the valley, peony, freesia, and white lilac.

The heart reveals a jasmine mixed with a blend of Bulgarian roses. 
The base adds a sensual chypre accord composed of patchouli and white musks.
The perfume represents the Idyllic romantic drops of time that occur in our life.

As soon as I tried it, I really loved how warm and flowery it is.
Guerlain also offers it in its signature Bee Bottles which are oh so super cute.







Happy Shopping!
Leave a comment and share in which fragrance you have discovered a Bulgarian rose.
What other Rose fragrances you have tried and love, maybe from France, Britain or another location?




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