Two weeks ago, I was invited to Guerlain's spectacular event in Downtown Toronto to celebrate the 30th anniversary/birthday of their Météorites. For those of you who don't know, the Météorites are beautiful multi-colored powder pearls (literally, they look like pearls) housed in a gorgeous silver box. The pearls are scented with a light violet fragrance which adds an extra touch of femininity. 

Strobing and highlighting is all the rage right now, but did you know that Guerlain was one of the original companies who started this back in 1987? The Météorites contain a secret Stardust technology - a light-creating polymer which transforms light invisible to the naked eye into a beautiful glow on the skin. These pearls contain a mix of matte, rosy and radiant blue-toned white pearls, combined with different color correcting pearls which come in yellow (to counter redness), pink to refresh and mauve to add brightness.

There were cocktails and sweets at the event and as you can see from the pictures below, they were too cute and pretty to eat! I finally caved and had a macaron and a cheesecake and omg.....they were divine! That cheesecake, please .. if I had a box, I'd pack a few with me :) heh..

The ceiling was adorned with balloons that replicated the Météorites.

Guerlain also brought their talented make-up / beauty artists who took the time to give people touch-ups :) Ah, the vanity below - #goals! 

Besides touch-ups, we were all gifted goodie bags that contained the Météorites primer as well as the infamous Météorites box... that was empty. What came next was the highlight of the evening - we had the chance to create a custom blend of Météorites for ourselves to address our individual desires. I wanted to add radiance to my skin and the below honestly, this blend helped me realize how great this product was. Before, I wasn't using the right shade so I didn't see the fuss about it - but after trying it, I really looked like I was airbrushed after application, I had this ethereal glow to my skin unlike any other product had given me. I strongly suggest that you give these a try! These babies, though pricey, do last you a really long time as you only need a swirl of it with your brush and its enough for your whole face. 

Tip: Make sure you apply it in a G shape on your face - that way it helps to highlight all the high points of your face - the forehead, cheek, nose, cupid's bow and a bit of the chin if you want.

Below I've included a list of some fragrances that I personally love, and I've included a few that I just received as PR that I think would be a good fit to this Holiday Gift Guide segment  :)

First off, DIOR perfumes - my very first perfume purchased from Dior was the Dior Addict 2, which sadly was limited edition. Ever since, I have been on a hunt for something similar and I think the most similar one is the Dior Addict Eau Fraiche* ($95 for 50ml). It contains notes of Bergamot, Grapefruit, Orange, Freesia, Lily of the Valley, Lotus Flower, Pineapple, Watermelon, Grenadine, Sandalwood, White Musk - so if you love a perfume with a fruity note and a slight hint of floral, you will really like this. I give this 7/10.

Next from Dior, if you are feeling extra luxurious, you can purchase the Miss Dior Silky Body Mist * ($69 for 100ml) or the Miss Dior Hair Mist *($59 for 50ml).The Body Mist is is lightweight and not greasy. It is ultra luxurious, and the reason I say that is because this is said to moisturize your skin. And I mean, I am not personally about to spray my entire body with this (as it is still a scented product, I don't want to overwhelm anyone). However, it really is quite hydrating! The scent doesn't last strong all day, it does start fading after 3-4 hours, but there is a subtle linger after. (8/10) The Dior Hair Mist really is meant for the hair - while I would never purchase this for myself, I think that this is a really beautiful gift to give someone. You spray it in your hair (after you style to add a hint of flirtiness OR at the end of the day to deodorize your hair too if need be). When I wear it throughout the day and if my hair sways or flips, I sometimes get a scent of it and I love it :) (8.5/10)

I'm sure that you have seen lots of perfumes created by or in collaboration with celebrities, and while I used to knock them, I found a perfume I have loved since I was in University? So that would have to be Jennifer Lopez - Live (you can find it now for around $20). I was right! It was launched in 2005 - so that's a good 11 years ago! I have repurchased this scent now twice and will continue to do so! (Which reminds me, I need to get a backup ASAP!) It contains notes of Sicilian lemon, bergamot, pineapple, red currant, peony, violet, sandalwood, Tonka bean and caramel. I'm sure you can tell by now I do love my fruit toned scents :) (7.5/10).

I was sent two different fragrances for review recently, which were also made in collaboration with celebrities which I thought I could include in the Holiday Guide. These perfumes would definitely be a good gift for people that are fans of these celebrities - a good gift idea would be to maybe get them one of their most recent CD or DVD release (or even their holiday album) and pair it with their perfume as well! 

Michael Buble - By Invitation*($46/50ml) which contains notes of red fruits, bergamot, lily of the valley, elegant rose, wild jasmine and spicy peony. It contains a warm base note of sandalwood-musk and vanilla praline. This is more of a mature fragrance, and though there is the note of vanilla praline, it is quite subtle. I would think that the floral and sandalwood is stronger and the vanilla is just the subtle sweet creamy note in the end that brings it together. This is not an everyday fragrance, but more of a special event or date night one. (6.5/10). 

 Britney Spears - Private Show *($45/50ml) This perfume is said to be inspired by Britney's favorite scents which includes crème coffee, clementine, juicy nectarine, dulche de leche, orange flower, jasmine sambac, luminous amber, and sensual musks. I would have to say that personally, I do not smell the fruity notes of clementine and juicy nectarine and orange flower. This fragrance is very sweet and warm, and the notes of coffee come in at the end. No, you will not smell like a coffee shop, but you will smell very sweet and this does last for about 5 hours. I would say that this is more geared towards the younger crowd. This is not my particular cup of tea (3.5/10).

To me , scents always evoke a specific memory or special event and when I wear it, it just brings me back to that exact time and moment. Jo Malone fragrances are higher in pricing, but delivers a high quality fragrance unlike any other. When you wear it, or smell it on someone, you don't ever get a "oh, that's so + so...", it's unique and whenever I do wear it, I get compliments and asked what it is. I've introduced a few friends to Jo Malone fragrances, and while the price tag is higher than the others, they do end up usually buying one :) All you need is 1-2 sprays and it lasts all day. I have three Jo Malone fragrances in total and each one brings me back to a specific memory.

Jo Malone - English Pear & Freesia ($130/100ml) - My first JM fragrance was purchased in Tokyo, and everytime I use it I just think back to those 3 weeks I spent in Asia with my husband and parents. The primary note of pear is combined with quince, followed by honey sweetness and white freesia and rose. Finally, other notes include rhubarb, patchouli, amber and white musk.

Wood Sage & Sea Salt ($65/30ml) - My most recent addition to my collection from last Christmas, gifted by my best friend. It contains notes of ambrette seed, sea salt and sage, along with red algae and grapefruit.

Mark - Rebel Luxe Eau de Toilette* $38/50ml

This is a warmer perfume with notes of dark plum, baccarat rose and mysterious patchouli. While I don't naturally gravitate to fragrances with patchouli and rose I really enjoyed this. The plum offers a note of fruitiness that brings it more to my liking. The price point is also really good as well and it delivers about 4 hours of staying power. (7.5/10)

My favorite of the three would have to be Ultra Sexy Pink Body Mist followed by Ultra Sexy Lace Body Mist. Again, with the fruity notes, peony and subtle floral scents with a final lingering warm note of amber or chiffon musk. Ultra Sexy Heart Body Mist is more of a nighttime wear and is a bit sweet for my personal liking. For $20 these are a great deal and you can even buy them and split it up and gift them to your friends and family.



This gift set contains 4 separate 75 ML body sprays and is valued at $9.99, available for purchase at Shoppers Drug Mart. This set is called the So...? Smashbox Couture.

While I have to admit that the packaging doesn't scream luxury, I am actually quite loving these as a spray I can pop into my gym bag. The scent is very light and gives you a refresher if you don't have time for a shower. Also, because it is rather faint and has a shorter life span, this is quite suitable for the teen in your life that is looking to dabble into some fragrances. You can find these at Walmart or at Shoppers Drug Mart.