Beauty review: Liposan/Labello Caring Beauty 3-in1 Red

 I long liked and lamented the discontinuation of Liposan/Labello tinted lip balm in red. The Cherry Shine edition that replaced it was no substitute. It was so shiny, oily and slippery it created a gross oil smear on one's mouth with minimal colour, whereas the older balm formula was waxy, satiny with no gloss and stayed nicely put. It even left a stain if enough time and drink had passed. 

Imagine my elation upon stumbling on the newer Liposan/Labello Caring Beauty 3-in1 Red! It said it was for both lips and cheeks, so I came to the conclusion it must be at least satiny, if not matte, since having a gigantic grease circle on your cheek sounds and looks gross. Could it be true that theyd bring back the old formula? I didn't see it in physical stores, so bought online. For 3.5€ it was a no brainer, mixed with other goods in an online haul. 

Well, the formula isn't exactly the same as the old one, but it is pretty close in spirit and very pretty overall too. It has a rich, thick consistency, it feels good going on, and delivers a neutral clear red; not too warm, not too cool. The consistency makes for great morning use, something to apply on the run, no mirror necessary (bouche mordue anyone?) and the payoff is flushed lips in a becoming shade. I suppose it's as great on the cheeks too, though I don't really need it myself. Plus it's got SPF30 too. What's not to like? 

Considering if you're like me you will find it once, fall in love with it and by the time your run out they will have discontinued it, buy it now while you can! 

Miss Dior Eau de Cologne (vintage): perfume photography

photo by Elena Vosnaki
 

The Beauty of Warmth: perfume photography

 

all perfume photography by Elena Vosnaki

Carner Barcelona El Born: fragrance review

The winding cobbled streets flow seamlessly into the old stones of medieval times, witness to Barcelona’s history reprised by Carner Barcelona. Plants and flowers tumble down from tiny decorated balconies sharing scenery with vintage stores, pastelerías, cafeterías, old bookshops, wine bars… A group of old friends playing cards, youngsters discussing by the edge of the fountains, tourists enjoying a glass of champagne… this is El Born, a unique atmosphere where even the XIVth century church Santa Maria de Mar seems to want to go unnoticed, just being another spectator of the show. 

                              photo borrowed from Pinterest

This is how we're meant to envision the concept behind the fragrance of El Born, an organic outpouring of the Spanish cultural landscape. To me it's a sweetish, rum-like, deep and honeyed vanilla which lends itself easily to cooler weather, but not necessarily as dense as some other sticky gourmand vanillas. 

The synergy of angelica and citruses in El Born by Carner Barcelona cuts through the juvenile sweetness and the deep resins surface to push it into ambery-balsamic territory. A quirky vanilla full of subtly savoury touches, plush and full, through which a slicing scimitar of botanical rush cuts it open. Perfect for cool weather.