The Unusual Suspects

Dual identity
Most perfumes will vary a little from the time they are sprayed on to when they’ve settled. But some of the latest amp up that change, starting like one fragrance initially and smelling like something completely different later on.

1. Narciso Rodriguez Essence, $136
Top: Iris, rose petals Mid: Musk Base: Amber Result: Like a good girl with an inner vixen, a clean floral that becomes musky and sexy.

2. Yves Saint Laurent Elle Shocking EDT, $99
Top: Mandarin, ginger, peony Mid: Freesia, jasmine, raspberry Base: Musk, cedar, patchouli Result: You think it’s shockingly tangy, then it does a U-turn and finishes sweet and smooth.

3. Bulgari BLV EDP II, $120
Top: Violet, star anise, frosty mandarin Mid: Iris absolute, patchouli, Haitian vetiver Base: Benzoin, cistus flower, musk Result: Airy then solid, natural then sophisticated. What begins like a floral breeze turns out strong and earthy.

From Female - February 2010

Even Your Basics Are Anything But Denim
The reliable fabric has been dyed, frayed, distressed,  quilted and studded to different effects. ···································· The Pretenders
What you see is not what you get – that’s the whole point of the season’s crazy, kitsch and brash accessories.···································· Hello Dolly!
Barbie, teddy bears and figurines are still our favourite playthings  – but only if they come with the touch of designers like  Karl Lagerfeld, Rei Kawakubo and Christian Louboutin.

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American Beauty
As Elizabeth Arden celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, Aileen Lalor gets under the skin of the woman who many acknowledge as the founder of the US cosmetics industry.···································· Fatty Bom Bom
To get fat lashes, you need a jumbo-sized brush. They carry more mascara for maximum plumping, don’t require multiple coats and have dense bristles that are designed to better catch fine or sparse lashes.···································· Match Making
Not sure when to use a powder highlighter, and when to go for a cream or liquid one instead?

and more

The List
Groove to a soul superstar, chow down on durian treats, see the definitive version of Alice in Wonderland…···································· Blackberry vs iPhone
The geekiest battle between the fiercest opponents in the mobile world has begun. JAZMIN KELLY SIX reports on how they stack up. ···································· Sunday Sundowner
Aah… The dreaded Monday is tomorrow, but you don’t want another brunch or high tea. Do what those in the know are doing now – kick back at a cosy enclave and bottoms up. By Jazmin Kelly Six

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