I have been building up a perfume collection for a while now, and I realized not too long ago that a few of my scents have been around for decades. I thought I would give you a bit of a glimpse into a few of my vintage (20 years or older) scents.

Clinique Happy (1998)

I fell in love with Clinique Happy, maybe around 2004, or 2005. It had a citrus punch I like and I thought it smelled fresh. I feel I caught on around the time it was hitting really big because there were always sets with other scents like Happy in Boom, Happy Heart, and a few others. For about 8 years I wore it a lot and had full bottles as well as lots of Roll-ons I got in gift sets.

As time went on I drifted away and to other scents. That didn't stop me from keeping a few minis, and roll-ons, and in 2017 I treated myself to a mini spray trio set. I truly hate roll-ons, so a spray set was great.

I still love this vibrant fragrance and wear it a few times a month. Clinique launched it in 1998 and it was seen in the opening of Legally Blonde as Elle gets ready. It is a fruity floral with lots of orange to it. Happy Heart was the only spinoff I've ever really enjoyed, it has more floral notes to it.

4711 Original Eau De Cologne by Echt Kolnisch Wasserstein (1799)

This one is super new to me, but was created in 1799 in Cologne Germany. It has an ongoing history that is quite fascinating. I picked it up at the Lisa Cosmetic sale for $9.99 and didn't notice at the time that it was a tester. I could have bought a gigantic litre of it, but this seemed just fine.

I got interested in the scent after Jane Daly tweeted about it, but I couldn't find it anywhere. It seems to be huge elsewhere and more of a hard-to-find item here in Canada.

It's a super light unisex scent with lemon, orange, neroli, and bergamot in it. It has almost no lasting power, so splash it on generously.

Yardley English Rose Eau De Toilette (1997)

I love roses and Yardley's English Rose might be my favourite. It's simple and wonderful. It's also the one fragrance, that when I wear it my husband always says I smell nice. I like the compliment so I wear it, or its body spray often.

Yardley was founded in 1770, having celebrated their 250th anniversary in 2020. While in Canada you can only get their English Rose, English Lavender, and Lily of the Valley, you can get lots of other scents in the UK. Speaking of which, the brand has held many Royal Warrants since 1921 (currently holds one for King Charles III).

While their signature scent is English Lavender (created in 1873), they have had rose scents for pretty much just as long. Red Roses seems to be the name before this one was created in 1997.

This is a wonderful light rose scent with a bit of magnolia, citrus, and patchouli mixed in so that it it isn't heavy or make me feel sleepy. I find it works best with the lotion and body spray used in combination.

Guerlain Shalimar (1925)

Shalimar was launched in 1925, making it just shy of 100 years old. I happen to have the eau de cologne version, but it comes in many variations and has stood the test of time. It currently is Guerlain's flagship fragrance.

It has a powdery scent with bergamot and a whole bunch of other warm scents. It is definitely a classic scent that still holds its own almost a century later.

DKNY Be Delicious (2004)

I can't remember the first time I smelt this scent, but I do remember buying it at The Bay and getting a beach towel with it. I re-bought it a few times over the years, mainly at Estee Lauder warehouse sales.

The last time I had no intent because I had just redeemed a voucher for a full size of the Golden Delicious variety from a sampler I had. My friend wanted some at the sale and it was buy one get one free for a whole set, so I ended up with another full bottle and a mini. As you can see I've gotten a few other minis along the way too.

Launched in 2004 this scent is fresh and fruity as well as floral. Cucumber, green apple as well as tuberose and violet are in the mix and I find it quite refreshing. There are a few variations including Golden Delicious which is more woody and floral. As well as Fresh Blossom Delicious which has more floral and grapefruit notes to it.

The Body Shop White Musk (1981)

White Musk is probably The Body Shop's most iconic scent. In the '80s and '90s, The Body Shop had a whole line of fragrance oils, now only White Musk remains (I got a roll-on, but you can still get it in a bottle with a dabber). It (and many other of their fragrances) comes in eau de toilette, eau de parfum, as well as fragrance mist (and all the other body products).

The scent is light, and floral and has a musky to it that screams 1990s mall. The Body Shop also makes a few other variations of it, including a men's version.

So there you go, a few fragrances from my collection that have stood the test of time. I might do another showcasing some other classics like some CK fragrances or a classic drugstore option from my teen years, Exclamation. Let me know if you want to see more.

Do you have a favourite vintage fragrance?

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Mary Kay has launched a some new permeant and limited edition items for the winter time. I am pretty excited about them, so let's take a look.

Reusable Facial Pads (Limited Edition) / Set of 10 / $18

Reusable pads have quickly become an 'it' item. I have wanted to get some for a long time, but unfortunately due to the lockdowns this year I haven't been able to source some out. Mary Kay has answered my call and I now have a set to call my own.

This set contains 10 bamboo reusable pads and a bag for washing them.

I really love using them micellar water, eye makeup remover and toners. They are exceptionally soft and I find they wash up really well too.

Satin Hands Pampering Set is my all time favourite Mary Kay product, so whenever Mary Kay launches something in the line I get really excited. This season they launched two, so naturally I am incredibly excited.

Satin Hands Shea Hand Soap / $10

Hand Soap! Mary Kay has added hand soap to their Satin Hands line up! This is probably the most sought after product of 2020 so having more is never a bad thing.

Let's be honest, washing our hands as much as we have been can be hard on our hands, which is why this hand wash is so good. It cleans but also contains Shea butter to help stop your hands from drying out. This formula is fragrance free so it is even more gentle and less irritating.

I find that half a pump is more than enough to wash your hands. The lather is quite rich but loose and rinses easily. There is no fragrance to it but my hands smell mildy of a clean scent after which I can only assume is the shea butter in the formula.

Satin Hands Shea Hand Sanitizer / $8

You probably could guess hand sanitizer would be the other product added to the Satin Hands line. You know it is 2020 when people are stoked about hand sanitizer. I of course am one of those people.

This one is fragrance free, with Aloe Vera and Shea Butter to help hydrate your skin, and 75% ethanol alcohol to kill 99.9% of bacteria. What I really love is that it is a spray, which makes it easy to use on the go and even something I can put onto objects in a pinch. It also is non sticky!!!!

I end up using two spritz per hand to get them covered, but I really like how easy having a spray is to use. I don't find it burns my hands, I also find that my hands don't dry out too much when using it and it smells unscented but nice.

TimeWise Replenishing Serum C+E / $58

This is an update on the TimeWise Replenishing Serum C, it now has vitamin E in it as well as C. It is alight serum that contains anti-oxidants that help fight oxidative stress.

It light on the skin and absorbs quickly. It even shows a dosage line on it so you know how many uses you've used as well as how many you have left, which is fantastic.

Micellar Water / $20

Who doesn't love a good Micellar water? Mary Kay's eye makeup remover is one of the best around so for them to add a Micellar to their lineup just makes sense. I find it does a fantastic job removing my makeup while not agitating my skin. I have been using the reusable rounds with it and have found the results really great.

Illuminea Extrait de Parfum / $70

This is Mary Kay's latest luxury perfume, with 20% concentration of fragrance oils it is their longest lasting fragrance. Extrait De Parfum in case you were wondering is the strongest concentration of perfume oils out there, even stronger than eau de parfum, so it is pretty long lasting.

It's top notes are Mandarin, Quince, Pink Pepper and Morning Dew. Middle notes are Red Apricot, Orange Blossom, Scarlet Peony, Water Lotus and Honeysuckle. Finally the bottom notes are Florentine Iris Absolute, Violet Leaves, Cashmere Woods, Vanilla and White Moss. Overall it is a complex and well rounded scent that is floral and warm all at the same time.

Illuminea Body Soufflé (Limited Edition)/ $30

This cream features the same gorgeous scent as the Extrait d Parfum. It is cream has shea butter in it and has whipped in texture so it isn't heavy but does a great job of moisturizing the skin.

So there you go, some new products for the winter from Mary Kay. I am really enjoying all of it but think the hand wash, reusable pads and micellar water are the true standouts to me. I really also love the hand sanitizer.

*This post features PR samples, all views and opinions are my own.

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If you are still out searching for the perfect holiday gift, some stocking stuffers or even something just to spoil yourself with as the season hits high gear? Well, I have you covered. I've got a bunch of items that are both budget friendly and easy to find at drug stores. grocery stores and mass retailers.

Yardley London Eau De Toilette / English Rose / English Lavender /Lily Of The Valley / 50 ml / $18.99

Yardley has been been around for 250 years and holds two royal warrants, making it both legendary and timeless. I personally adore their body care lines and their scents. English Rose has been all time favourite of mine for quite some time and I always get compliments about when I wear it. This holiday season giving a bottle of one of their classic scents may make the perfect gift.

With three absolutely timeless options, English Lavender, English Rose, and Lily of the Valley, there is one to suit just about everyone.

Yardley London Soap / English Rose / English Lavender /Lily Of The Valley / 120g / $2.00

If you're looking for that perfect under $5 stocking stuffer, Yardley's soap may be the right gift. Who among us doesn't need more soap? We are all washing our hands non-stop and they actually work great for the body too. With the same rich scents as the perfumes these soaps accompany them very nicely.

I have the English Lavender here and it makes for a relaxing night time shower or bath soap. That being said the English Rose and Lilly of the Valley are equally as nice and for $2 they won't break the bank while filling a stocking up nicely.

Real Techniques Artist Essentials Brush Set / $29.99

Real Techniques has been in my brush collection since they first launched years ago, I still love their brushes and would recommend them to anyone looking for good quality brushes.

This set features some of their best brushes in one handy kit at a decent price. This one is great for any beauty lover, new to makeup or someone who you know just would appreciate some nice brushes.

The set contains 5 brushes, RT 217 Expert Edge Large, RT 421 Soft Accent Brush, RT 420 Spotlight Fan Brush, RT 317 Smudge Liner Brush, and RT 425 Lip Smudge Brush.

Real Techniques Sparkle On The Go Brush Set / $14.98

This brush set is perfect for any makeup lover in your life. At around $15 it makes a great gift or stocking stuffer.

You get three brushes in silver with mini handles, so it is great for travel, the gym, washrooms, desks with limited space, just about anywhere. It also comes with a limited edition purple Miracle complexation sponge. The brushes included are 406 Mini Medium Sculpting Brush, 407 Mini Multitask Brush, and 200 Mini Expert Face Brush.

Dr. Teal's Set / Relax & Relief / $9.97

Dr. Teal's is a staple in my house, I always have at least one of their salts and bubble baths in my house at all times. I love a relaxing bath and that is exactly what they deliver.

I picked up this set because their Relax and Relief line has been a favourite of mine and I really liked the look of this set. The Relax & Relief line features Eucalyptus and Spearmint.

You get 5 pieces in this gift set, 396 g Epsom Salt Soak, 88 mL Foaming Bath, 88 mL Body Wash, 30 mL Body Oil, and 28 g Body Lotion. Overall it is a great way to try out and get a little bit of everything from the line.

There also is a similar Sooth & Sleep Regimen 5 piece set, 5 pieces Eucalyptus Regimen set and a 3 Piece assorted Epson Salt set for the holidays and all for $9.97.

Freeman Purifying Avocado + Oatmeal Clay Mask / $4.97

Freeman is a brand that I have known, trusted and used for over 25 years. Whether it is for my face or body (have you tried their Bare Foot Peppermint lotion? so good), they manage to provide quality care for my skin at an affordable price.

Their Purifying Avocado + Oatmeal clay mask is a great deep cleaning mask that manages to hydrate at the same time. It is gentle on my skin but also really effective, which is why I think it would make a great gift for anyone's stocking this time of year. At about $5 it is affordable and also a really big tube.

Body Fantasies Gift Set / Pink Vanilla Kiss / $13.00

Body Fantasies make cute little gift sets that are sure to please without breaking the bank. I got the Pink Vanilla Kiss set which features a full size Body Spray, Body Wash as well as mini versions of the Body Spay and Body Lotion.

Pink Vanilla Kiss is a sweet vanilla scent that is not too overwhelming but also just really nice for the holiday season. I think this makes a great gift for anyone who you know loves fragrances, I personally know my mother in law would love it.

There is also a Twilight Mist version available.

Do you have all your gift buying done yet? What kind of beauty gifts do you like to give or get?

*This post features Pr samples as well as purchased by myself items. All views and opinions are my own. Some links may be affiliate links.

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Spring is finally here, my garden has started to bloom, cherry blossoms are everywhere! This just makes me so happy, but also fills the air with lots of beautiful floral notes. I cannot help but change my scent preferences this time of year, so I thought it would be nice to look at five scents I am currently loving.

My tastes tend to border on fruity, but right now floral and fruit with a hint of musk is what I am all about. Funny how the seasons change your taste. I am also more about fragrance mists then actual perfumes right now, mainly because they are lighter and I don't want to feel heavy this time of year.

Body Fantasies Signature Twilight Mist

With mandarin, coconut and fresh plum as its top notes, magnolia, tuberose, tiger orchid and violet in its middle notes and sandalwood, creamy must and vanilla in its bottom notes, this scent is a nice night time fragrance. It isn't heavy and isn't overwhelming but it definitely is a bit more musk-vanilla then it is fruity, which I think makes it a complex mix of scents that works well for the evening time in warmer weather.

So...? White Petals

With a name Like White Petals, you know this scent is going scream spring at you. With spring blossoms and budding flowers, this body spray smell wonderfully spring like. The bergamot, freesia and water lily add more depth and richness to the spray, but still maintains its floral scent. Since its a body mist you can go heavier on spraying it and won't feel guilty that you're going to overwhelm anyone. This is my go to floral scent right now, I just love how light combination of its scents smells, nothing heavy in it making it great for warm weather.

So...? Sinful

With Mint and Pineapple as its top notes, Violet and Strawberry as its middle notes and Vanilla, Praline and Musk as its base notes, this scent is summer with a bit of complexity. Pineapple and strawberries are some of my favourite fruits and scents, so to mix them with my favourite herb, mint, makes me really happy. The base notes (especially the musk) give it a bit of maturity and depth that really makes this scent memorable.

The strange thing is, in the bottle it is really fruity, but on my skin it is more musk and vanilla, which I honestly like. Since this one is an Eau De Toilette, one spritz is all you need, and all I would recommend since this one is a bit of a heavier of a scent. When I want it more fruity I spray it on my clothes instead of my skin. I find this one lasts all day, which is impressive since it retails for about $10.

Yardley London English Rose Eau De Toilette

Roses are definitely a warm weather scent for me. Gardens blooming with fresh roses and their scent permeating the air, that is summer. Yardley's English Rose smells exactly like real roses and is light and romantic. The whole line of English Rose products all smell amazing, but the Eau De Toilette is perfect for the summer, as well as the Moisturizing Fragrance Spray. When I want a light clean scent I spray it on, or the fragrance spray when I want something lighter. I always get compliments and that makes me happy.

Soap & Glory Smoothie Star Body Splash

Sweet almond, vanilla, sandalwood and musk, this scent smells rich and romantic. It is a little heavier then some other ones on this list, but because it is a body spray it is still light and easy to wear this time of year, I also really like this one at night time. It for some reason reminds me of dessert and sweets without being sickly or over the top. It also has a technology in it that keeps it going all day long (or all night long) which is always nice for a body mist, no one likes one that vanishes in an hour.