Givenchy play intense : Review

'Givenchy - play intense' is one of my favourite men's Eau de toilette's that I am eager to repurchase. Being a lover of colognes and perfumes,  I have a small library of fragrances that I am determined to use before repurchasing this , though the itch is hard to resist scratching!

Play Intense is the brother to it's predecessor 'Givenchy play' , a more fresh and light version. This takes the notes of the original Givenchy Play and , ( as the name suggests) , made the notes more deeper, richer, and well..... intense!

The fragrance notes include : 

Bergamot

 Amyris

 Mandarin Orange

 Pink pepper

 Coffee

Tonka bean 

Vetyver 

Patchouli.

Coffee is a strong fragrance note that can easily be distinguished in fragrances , as well as tonka bean. The note of tonka bean can be found in David beckhams - intamately yours and the ever famous Jean Paul Gaultier - Le male. To me , the two notes of coffee and tonka bean are prominent in this fragrance and mix together to create a hot drink concoction of their own. The mix of tonka bean and coffee give this rich caramel note or a sweet cappuccino scent. It's very warming on the skin by being sweet and has a spicy undertone to the sweetness from the pink pepper.  I would say this scent leans towards the gourmand end of the fragrance house. 

I find it difficult to detect any of the floral notes with exception to perhaps patchouli that subtly gives a more earthy and dirty tone to the sweetness. The mandarin is more recognisable in the original Givenchy play though difficult to detect at all in this fragrance.

The projection on this fragrance is strong which will definitely get you noticed. The scent is long lasting and lingers on the skin around 6-8 hours , perfect for night outs where you want the security of your fragrance lasting through all those killer dance moves on the dance floor. It's certainly a night time fragrance due to it's heavy accords , perfect for warming up the air on autumn and winter nights. 

The strength of the fragrance means you don't need to use many sprays or the need to top it up throughout the day , meaning it makes makes better value for money as you're using less fragrance than one that you having to constantly apply.

The bottle design 

My only pet peeve with this fragrance is the bottle design. I can see where Givenchy has gone with the design, making it appear like an MP3 player to target towards the younger market and for a more modern approach. Despite it's youthful and playful design , it looks short from being tacky and I wonder if this may discourage a mature man from taking a sniff. It has a rubberised curved sprayer that's easy to use , and is visible through the plastic lid. At first glance the entire bottle appears black but when you shine it into daylight , you can actually see the glass bottle is indigo and only the lid is black. It would have looked more aesthetically pleasing if the same colour was continued through it's design.

Conclusion

Overall a great sweet and spicy compliment getter, with good projection and better longevity. I wouldn't recommend it for those who aren't a fan of gourmands. I hear this is constantly being compared to Rochas - Rochas man though unfortunately I haven't had the opportunity to smell it and find any similarities.  

I would love to hear your opinions on Givenchy- play intense? What's your favourite gourmand fragrance? 

All the best , Harry 

@favemagazine

@themintapple

Models Blurring the lines of gender

In society it is often emphasized in all sorts of media what is stereotyped as an attractive male or attractive female, and fashion is no exception to these stereotypes. As times changes , fashion also evolves and has more campaigns and catwalks than ever blurring the lines of masculine and femininity by using androgynous models. This gender switch in fashion is eye opening to those who perhaps feel more comfortable wearing clothes targeted towards the opposite gender and reassuring to those that perhaps don't feel they relate to a specific gender.

Marco Morante, the head of the fashion house 'Marco Marco' , showcased his spring and summer collection modelled entirely by half naked hunks,  sassy drag queens and male models in high heels that strutted their stuff setting a colourful and energetic performance. Perhaps I should reconsider a pair of Christian Louboutins... .

Below are some of the honourable mentions to models who are breaking borders showing beauty comes in more than just male and female stereotypes. 

Andrej Pejic

 Andrej had emigrated to Melbourne , Australia in 2000 where he was scouted whilst working in McDonalds at just the tender age of 16. Andrej ,  a 6 foot 2 blonde bombshell who's beauty not only inspires designers but is admired by both men and woman, by being voted as 98th in FHM sexiest woman 2011. His feminine looks have landed him multiple woman's campaigns including push-up bra advertisements. He walks for both male and female fashion shows though is mostly recognised for his beauty that leans towards the more feminine side.  Andrej Pejic is admirably known for walking down the catwalk for Jean Paul Gaultier in a brides dress, looking elegant top to toe.

Bridal gown for Jean Paul gaultier

Elliott Sailors

Elliott , a previous beauty-pageant contestant was initially signed to ford models in the woman's division. After the haircut to chop off her long locks, her strong jaw line and sharp cheek bones were revealed making her quite the handsome lady. Though Elliott is working as a face for menswear, this isn't to be conceived that she is transitioning into a man, in fact she's a happy wife to Adam Santos-Coy. It's in fact shocking to hear that Mrs. sailors has received prejudice behaviours from people mistaking her and her partner as a gay couple. Unsettling as that is to hear, I admire her confidence to have the switch into men's wear and pull of that edgy masculine look.

Casey Legler

Casey , a former Olympic swimmer,  is the first woman to be signed to work in the mens modelling division. With a similar look and hair cut to Elliott sailors , you could imagine seeing them alongside each other in mens campaigns. Signed to ford models her campaigns include All saints, Diesel reboot and Iris van Herpen. Her look that is set to change boundaries in gender roles of fashion was recognised and featured in vogue 2013.








I find it aspiring to see models being used for multitude of male and female campaigns and I hope to see this versatility more in the future. 

All the best.

Photographs used are not my own.

Mens pastel trend

More than likely, spring fashion has two types of trends that bloom up each year ; Floral print and pastel colours. As a fan of both these trends I was more than pleased to realise that these styles have found their way into mens fashion this season just as much as they have  in woman's fashion. For gentleman who perhaps fear the floral prints , then pastel colours for spring is a great alternative. Bold sugary Pastel colours make a great statement for the fresh months of spring . The transition of lighter colours from the dark and heavy winter clothes ( now lurking in the bottoms of the wardrobe) , will also lift your mood into spring. You have to spring clean your wardrobe too !

I have found some of my favourite candy pastel fashion items in the high street stores below. Some of the colours seem really vibrant against the white back drop the items have been photographed with. Click on any of the pictures and it will link you to website.

Jack wills

Asos.com

Topman

Next

Asos.com - cambridge satchel

New look

Next

Burton menswear

Bold pastel shirts look great buttoned up to the top with a silver or gold chain necklace on show around the collar. Both blue jeans and cream chinos compliment pastel tops. For a day look, a pastel top with cream chinos rolled up past the ankles and boat shoes give an effortless summer vibe.  I've come to realise that pastel yellow at times can often make your complexion seem  "washed out", however yellow contrasts well against tanned/ darker skin tones.

If there is a trend , designer or store that you would like me to review , feel free to leave a comment.

All the best, Harry 

Male models leaping into 2014

With so many campaigns and adverts out in the fashion world, it may be hard for a male model to stand out against their competition. There are a few faces that I have seen again and again in 2014 , so I have decided to search a little bit deeper into these occurring faces to share with you.

Edward Wilding

Edward wilding, currently ranking in the top 50 male models on models.com has sliced into the fashion-sphere with his killer cheekbones and handsome looks. The 6 foot 3 model is signed to multiple model agencies with his mother agency being from his home town of Manchester, Boss models UK. From Versace campaigns posing alongside Kate moss to Parke and Ronan runways, he is fast becoming popular among designers and within the fashion industry.  With an increasing instagram following , currently at 17k, he shows the world his cheeky and comical aside away from the catwalks and sharp suits.

The photo editorial entitled " Narcissus" for Lab-A4 magazine , ( photographed by Greg Swales and edited by Ryan Davis),  showcases a devilishly handsome Edward expressing some serious fetish vibes that you do not want to miss. The photographs fully convey the tale of "Narcissus" with a high fashion and dark urban edge.

This 22 year old is definitely one to keep your eyes on.

Edward wilding photo sourced from www.ftape.com

Edward for Lab-A4 magazine.  photographed by Greg Swales. editorial titled " Narcissus".

Edward Wilding and Kate moss campaign for Versace jewellery and eye wear. Photo sourced from www.Thefashionisto.com.

Luke Powell

Signed to models 1 as a new face, Luke has already walked for hunter and exclusively for Burberry. The 21 year old sprung into 2014 by landing a campaign with Topman, with his face smashing onto the shop fronts of Topshop stores in beautiful black and white photography. This blue eyed boy from Rotherham has landed and has left me anticipating his next campaign. His instagram account not only showcases his modelling skills , but that that he's also a killer at taking a selfie!

Photo sourced from thefashionspot.com

Luke modelling for Topman, Photo sourced from models1.com

Daan van der Deen

At the age of 19 Daan has not already walked for the Versace 14 show  but was the shows opening model. With a heavy brow and plump pouty lips it's hard not to look at his features and become envious of his striking masculine look. Cara D may be the queen of the eyebrow for woman's fashion but will Daan be the king of the eyebrow in the male model world ? I can see Daan becoming popular in 2014, definitely one to keep your eye on.

Walking for Versace 14

Photo sourced from agency " IamELK". www.i-am-elk.nl

Photo sourced from Ftape.com

In for Spring - Makeup Edition

Now that spring weather is finally here in Ottawa (hallelujah), I can finally stow away my dull winter hues and dust off some fresh new colors for Spring. Being the makeup junkie that I am, I've perused the S/S2014 catwalks for some inspiring new trends to rock this season. Consistent theme here - brights and pastels done in such a way as to not look like Mimi from the Drew Carey Show.

Bright Lips

The bright orange lip trend has resurfaced and I couldn't be more excited! The bold hue brings a much needed pop to the in-trend sporty look that everybody will be rocking. I find that Yves Saint Laurent makes the best lipstick for bold colors like this. Their Rouge Volupté line comes on sheer, so you can control how bold you want to be. On the lower end of the spectrum, Rimmel just came out with a line of lipsticks by Kate Moss which includes an awesome orange hue.

Graphic Eyeliner

Sharpen your pencils, ladies. This is a trend I've already started to see people rocking. It is such a fun way to add some je ne sais quoi to your look. It will take some practice (for me at least) but you can really play up your eyes here with the addition of some strategic lines. I would recommend a felt tip liner for the most precise application. Try the one from Marc Jacobs' new line, the Magic Marc'er Precision Pen. It is my new favorite thing in the world.

Blue Eyes

The Spring/Summer catwalk definitely had the blues - models for almost every designer rocked a blue hue on their lids. This is great news for us brown-eyed girls. Blue naturally brings out brown tones, making your peepers really pop. The key to avoiding the dreaded Mimi look is to keep the rest of the face rather subdued, and to really blend the shadow properly. The cult favorite Naked Palette from Urban Decay features a set of lovely blues that works with virtually any skin tone.

Bold Brows

Probably the most important of them all - bold brows are an absolute MUST this season. Thicker, more defined brows really work wonders by framing your eyes and lifting your cheekbones. Gone are the days of the pencil-thin brows that MTV started in the early '00s. I love the Brow Zings kit from Benefit. It comes with all the tools needed for perfectly groomed strong brows, and the right hues to avoid looking like you have a couple caterpillars sleeping on your forehead.

Tune in later for a recap on the hot hairstyles featured on the runways for spring. What I'm most excited about are the low-key, loose styles that are going to be on-trend. I am not very skilled in the hair department so the simpler the better for me!

Saving Face: Winter Skincare Essentials

Winters in Ottawa are known to be not the easiest to manage. Old Man Winter seems to have it out for us, and it is just not a fair deal... What did I do to deserve this? The biggest victim of the extreme cold is our delicate skin. It is so important to pay extra attention over the colder months to protect ourselves from the harmful effects or else you'll end up getting the life sucked out of you like an episode of True Blood. Here are the best ways to fight against winter's top culprits - biting winds, drying indoor temperatures and below freezing temps.

1) Moisturize

The indoor heat may be a nice change from what's going on outside, but it is sucking the moisture out of your skin. It is imperative to use a good natural moisturizer at least twice a day. Purple Urchin, an awesome local company, makes fantastic natural products that work wonders. I recommend their Extreme Cream for super hydration.

Purple Urchin Extreme Cream - $11.95

2) Don't forget the body either

I for one am guilty of this - I just never seem to have the time between the gym and work to slather on the moisturizer, but then I end up suffering from 'lizard-skin' syndrome. Trust me and take the extra minute to slather on some hydrating lotion before starting your day. My favorite is the Dream Cream from Lush. Sometimes I just use extra virgin coconut oil for extra moisture in a pinch. Side note - coconut oil is awesome for hair and nails too.

Lush Dream Cream - $29.95

3) Go easy on the soap

Most of the commercial soaps out there contain harsh chemicals that aggravate your skin which is the last thing you want when battling the elements. Use a simple bar soap with natural ingredients and you'll notice immediately healthier looking skin. Saaboon is another favorite local soap company. They're vegan too!

Saaboon Wash & Glow Soap - $7.00

4) Exfoliate

Remove the dull layer of skin to reveal a fresh, glowing face by using a gentle exfoliator once or twice a week. DO NOT use those defoliators which physical seed shells and/or ground nuts in them (such as St. Yves' products). These actually make little tears in your skin rather than slough off the dead skin cells. Not cool. I like the Soy Exfoliant by Fresh. The cucumber seeds are much gentler than the hard shells found in other products.

Fresh Soy Face Exfoliant - $49.00

5) Stop Tanning

This should be common knowledge by now, but those indoor tanning booths are pure evil for your skin. I know it is tempting to spend a few minutes soaking in the Vitamin D when it is -30 and blizzarding out, but you are only drying your skin out more and accelerating the aging process. Think of it as the opposite of the fountain of youth. Thanks to modern technologies though, there are lots of great sunless tanners out there to give your skin a faux glow.

Bare Minerals Faux Tan Face - $32.00

 6) Exercise

Yes, its true. That thing you vowed to do come January 1st that you forgot about works wonders for your skin too. Getting your sweat on removes toxins from your body. You may have noticed that awesome glow you get after a good sweat session at the gym - by increasing blood flow, exercise helps rejuvenate and nourish your blood cells. In addition to providing oxygen, blood flow also helps carry away waste products, including free radicals, from working cells. Exercise also reduces stress, which is a known culprit for dull looking skin.

I know I sound like your nagging mother by now but all of the above pointers should be a regular part of your winter routine. Follow these rules and you'll come out victorious once spring rolls around without having to spend a fortune on chemical spa treatments.

A Valentine's Day in Style

Just when you were starting to recover from your Christmas holiday bills, another day of gift-giving arrives. Valentine's Day is all about showing the ones you love just how much you love them, and to have passionate sex with your lover by the fire on a bearskin rug (am I right?). I for one am happy with nothing else but a good back massage and a glass of wine... Nothing tops that on my list. But for those of you out there who need some ideas on that perfect gift that says "I love you" and "I am the best GF/BF ever", here are some great no-fail ideas.

FOR HER

ME + MI NECKLACE

14k gold-plated brass, $90; meplusmi.com.

I am so obsessed with this necklace. This is one gift she`ll wear close to her heart!

PAYARD CHOCOLATE LIPS

$55; payard.com.

You can`t fail with chocolate. Trust me.

DODOCASE FOR IPAD AIR

Fabric stamped with gold foil, $90; dodocase.com.

This is such a practical, pretty gift. She'll think of you every time she pulls her iPad out to take a selfie.

CHANEL SHIMMERING BODY CREAM

$75; chanel.com.

This stuff smells divine, and it comes in an adorable pink jar. 

FOR HIM

DONNI CHARM CUSTOM MONOGRAM SCARF

Cotton and viscose, $119; donnicharm.com.

He'll be thanking you for this cozy gift now that the darn groundhog predicted another 6 weeks of winter.

pro v1 personalized golf balls

Titeleist, $59; golfballs.com

These are the best of the best in golf balls. Personalized with his monogram, now everyone will know who keeps shanking the ball at the 8th tee.

apple tv

Apple, $99; store.apple.com 

He'll never miss an episode of Sons of Anarchy every again. 

This gift is perfect for the Movie addicts and Netflix marathoners of the world. 

nixon diplomat watch

Brown Leather, $500; nixon.com

There is no greater universally-loved gift than the watch. This one is both elegant and laid back, making it perfectly versatile. And now he has no excuse for being late for your 8 o'clock dinner reservations.

DAHLIA COTTON TULLE BRA WITH SLING

Fleur Du Mal, $128; fleurdumal.com

You can't have a Valentine's Dya Gift Guide without Lingerie. This is the gift that you both get to enjoy, thus getting the most bang for your buck. Fleur Du Mal has the most beautiful lingerie pieces, finding the perfect marriage between sexy and elegant. 

guest blogger le closet || updated beauty shelf

The cool weather is here and just like your wardrobe, your beauty routine should be updated. The wind, cold and lack of sunshine can leave skin looking dull but adding more exfoliates, oils and hydrating products into your every day beauty routine will do just the trick. Here's 19 products that will keep your skin looking it's best, even when the weather is not.


1. Diorshow new look mascara in black
This mascara is my go-to for big dramatic lashes. Perfect for a night out.

2. Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder
Switch up your shimmery bronzer for a lighter mat one. Swipe a little product on temples, cheekbones and the outer parts of your nose.

3. essie nail color in Stylenomics
Just picked up this colour. A deep green with dark grayish tones. Gives you that dark fall look without it being completely black.

4. Butter London nail lacquar 
Have fun by having one sparkly nail, especially great for the holidays.

5. Marc Jacobs beauty lip gel in 131 Saboteur - deep marroon
Ditch your bubble gum pinks for deep hues like purples, maroons and reds. Keep the rest of your makeup light while focusing on a dramatic lip.

6. Lancôme Artliner 24h bold color precision eyeliner
Finally overcome your fear for a cat eye as these liners make it super easy to apply (it's like a pen!). Do a subtle cat eye for day and go bolder for night.

7. Make up forever HD invisible cover foundation
Try this foundation which has a little more coverage but leaves you with a natural look. Especially great for in front of the camera.

8. Fresh sugar lip polish
My lips get super dry this time of year so the best thing is to keep exfoliating.

9. First Aid beauty ultra lip therapy
Keep a lip treatment handy and apply after exfoliating, under lipsticks and at bedtime.

10. Caudalie Vinosource SOS morning eye rescue
Keep eyes fresh and awake with extra hydrating products.

11. Lush Buffy body butter
Scrub away dead skin cells with this natural body scrub bar. It leaves skin looking and feeling super smooth.

12. Nature's Bounty extra strength Vitamin D
Since we lack sunshine in the fall and winter it's important to get it elsewhere, which is as easy as taking a vitamin every morning.

13. Nuxe Crème fraîche de beauté
This formula is super hydrating and feels luxurious. Keeps face from feeling and looking dry and will give you that extra little glow.

14. Living Proof no frizz shampoo & conditioner
Fight static season by switching to a no frizz shampoo and conditioner.

15. Caudalie divine oil
This stuff is amazing and should be on your beauty shelf year round. Apply after a shower or bath for ultra soft skin that looks and smells incredible. Also use whatever is left on your hands and run through the ends of your hair to avoid frizz.

16. Josie Maran argan cleansing oil 
If you get dry skin like moi this is a great formula to remove make up and cleanse face without stripping away any extra oils.

17. Tan Towel to go classic
Feeling pale? Just swipe these little towelettes all over and reveal a natural sun kissed glow. Keep them handy for those "escape winter vacations".

18. Bliss two-day detox
Detox from the "overeating" holidays also known as Thanksgiving, Halloween and Christmas.

19. Estée Lauder advance night repair
Apply this "miracle in a jar" every night before bed and you will surely notice a difference. Another trick? Apply a drop to your foundation for that "dewy" look.

ITG and Isabelle Bellis show you how to wash your face!

Washing your face...

seems simple right?

wrong!

It is a common misconception that washing your face isen't all that important and that the method you use doesn't really matter.

Into the Gloss recently created a two part video series with New York City facialist Isabelle Bellis who, to be perfectly honest, is a total skincare genius.

I invite you to check out the amazingly helpful videos and learn a little more about how to properly take care of your skin. You have to take care of your skin if you really want it to keep looking great when you're older. It starts with the proper products and application. 

to view part two go to: http://intothegloss.com/2013/04/how-to-clean-your-face-part-2-isabelle-bellis-moisturizing/

Enjoy the videos!

xox - Gen