Welcome to the new Perfect Peonies...

You may notice a change round here, and that change would be our brand spanking new sparkling design! I thought it was time we had a little makeover and I am so happy with the results. You may have noticed my lack of posts round here lately and quite honestly I have to admit I had lost the passion to write for a little while. I found myself having a lack of ideas and just couldn't bring myself to post for the sake of it, after all I always preach only do (or write in this case) what you love and it will shine through. Hopefully with a new makeover will come a influx of inspiration. The wonderful team at Gatto were so helpful when it came to creating exactly what I wanted the website to be, and I can't recommend them enough. Saying that I am a fuss pot would be an understatement and I am a complete perfectionist, but they were so great at changing every little detail until the design was perfect. I am totally in love with it and I hope you like it too. I wanted things to be simple and most importantly easy to navigate; so I hope it is. Within the next few months I have some exciting projects including our Second Birthday, and my favourite time year that yields gift guides, along with hopefully some new videos over on my channel. I do hope you stick around and I want to thank you all for being the best readers ever. Do let me know your thoughts on the new design and if you have any requests for videos or posts. Love...

1 comment Beauty, Blogging, Blogging Tips, Fashion, Lifestyle

Share:

July Favourites 2016

I am back with a favourites!! All together now.... HURAHHH! Ok so it is probably just me who is excited about this but nonetheless I feel like I might finally be back on track. July has been a pretty stressful month, which I may go into at a later date but I am really just trying to justify my lack of posts to you guys. Just know I am trying my hardest but at the same time I want to get the best content on here possible so I won't be posting for the sake of posting. Anyway back to the favourites, I'm sorry can we believe it is August!! Where has this year gone? Summer is almost though, but I love autumn and winter; call me mad I know! As I said I haven't been on top form this month so my makeup routine has been pretty standard and just the rotation of the same products I trust and love, but I have been trying a lot of new skincare so stay tuned for that. On the skincare note, I am doing a whole post on my favourites and how to 'get into it', which will be up next week.

Ojon Thickening Spray- Ojon is a new brand to me when it comes to haircare but I have fallen in love with this thickening spray. I apply it through out my roots when my hair is damp and it adds the perfect amount of volume without feeling heavy, crispy, or greasy. I love that the spray is a liquid as I find thickening mouses to be just to sticky and it leaves you hair feeling clean but with added fluffiness, in a good way. I believe that it also acts as a heat protectant, so perfect if you are a blow dry junkie like me.

Monu Hydrating Moisturiser SPF15- I had also never heard of Monu Skin until this month. I discovered them at the Beauty Expert launch I attended a few weeks ago (which you can read all about HERE, if you so wish) we had a great talk from the brand as their wonderful cleanser is in the new exciting Beauty Expert box, but read more about that over on my post. We had their two lovely representatives sit on our table for lunch and it was so lovely speaking to them both. They were kind enough to gift us a few of their products and I have just fallen in love with the Hydrating Moisturiser. It has just enough hydration for daytime without feeling heavy or greasy and I love that it comes in a pump, vs sticking you fingers in a pot. I only wish the SPF was a little higher but it will do for cloudy days; aka everyday in the UK.

Tom Ford Extreme Waterproof Mascara- This baby rocks! So much so that when I last wore this out with Hannah she asked me if I was wearing falsies, no just this cry worthy expensive but amazing mascara! It is black as black can be which I love and it gives you the most perfect fanned out, thick, long, and voluminous lashes. It is extremely waterproof which will be a plus if your mascara smudges easily but for me that's not an issue. So for ease of removal I would be interested to try it in a non-waterproof formula.

Chanel Rouge Coco in Adrienne- This browny nude is so lovely and so easy to wear. It has been my go to lipstick most days and just matches any makeup look seamlessly. The formula is lovely and creamy but also lasts for a fair amount of time on the lips which is a real bonus. Of course that luxe packaging is a real bonus too, there is nothing quite as fancy as pulling it out of your bag.

Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil- Again I discovered this in the new Beauty Expert rose edition box/bag and I have fallen in love. Granted it doesn't smell the best but it does wonders for my skin. I feel like I have already mentioned this in a post recently but I will give you a few deets again. Basically it contains the oil from the rosehip fruit as well as the seed to make it extra powerful. I have always been a fan of rosehip oils and this is certainly my new favourite.

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curlers- Now that I come to write this I am pretty sure these may have been in last month favourites, but oh well I love them that much. I got of to a rocky start with these and wasn't sure I loved them. I have since got to grips with them and love how 'curly' and upright they make my lashes.

L'Oreal Visible Lift Blur Concealer- Ok so I need to apologise for this one, I think it may not be sold any more. Which if that is the case then I am so so so so sad. I picked this up last summer and fell in love with it. As so much makeup makes its way though my collection sometimes items get pushed to the back and this was one of them. Recently I got it back out and fell in love all over again. The texture is light, so perfect for summer and the consistency is so thin that it can almost be used like a foundation on no makeup days. If indeed you can't get a hold of this then the Claris instant light concealer is rather similar, just pricier. Or maybe I am wrong it was just always a US thing?

Let me know in the comments what you have been loving in July and what your plans are for August! Any exciting holidays? Love...

2 comments Beauty, Fashion, Monthly Favorites

Share:

Blogging, Letting Go, & Living Life + I Need Your Help!

Over the past eighteen months of blogging I have certainly has some ups and downs. I have had some times where I have just wanted to throw the towel in; that's a little like what I have been feeling recently, but I won't give up. The biggest thing blogging has taught me is that it is not the end of the world if something doesn't get done, within reason of course. Back in August for fun I decided to push myself and try and post every weekday for the month, it was hard but I really enjoyed it and had a full flow of posts I wanted to do so made the decision to continue it when the month ended. At the time all I was doing was blogging and working, I had no life but it didn't really bother me and I loved what I was doing on Perfect Peonies. You may have noticed it has been a little quite round here and perhaps even lack lustre. I have been having a hard time balancing work, my new found life here in the UK, and blogging, I have also found it hard inspiration wise and I can't help but feel like I am just repeating myself. So hence the lack of posts recently. I have also noticed the change in my stats and social media following, which quite honestly makes me a little sad. Don't get me wrong, I still love blogging and I know that I should do it for myself, but at the same time I don't want to waste my time publishing posts you don't like. I had become so uptight about posting that at the end of last year the general stress physically made me ill and I knew I had to change. When it came to the time of us moving I had to make the decision of preplanning like mad and still posting like normal or just to chill out and give myself break, I chose the latter and haven't quite got back on track since. Don't fear though, I feel like I am in a place to start up again, I have met so many amazing people through blogging and some have even become great friends, so I couldn't give it up. So this is where you come in, I want to know what YOU want to see and what you like in a blog. I want Perfect Peonies to be place for everyone and a community where we can all share what we love about beauty. I want to connect with you guys, my readers and learn all about you. You are the most important people to me and I want to make you happy and be helpful when you come over to my corner of the internet for a little read. Do we need a redesign, more posts, less posts, more social media, or better content? Please do let me know your thoughts in the comments or tweet me @nicoldarita, I want to hear YOUR voices! As always Lot's of Love....

Leave a Comment Beauty, Fashion, Lifestyle

Share:

Autumn/Winter Trends with House of Fraser

Earlier this week I was invited along to the House of Fraser A/W press day showcasing Men and Women's fashion along with home wear for the season. We wandered into the lovely One Marylebone that is absolutely beautiful and had a good snoop round. Of course I wanted pretty much everything I saw and the home section had me dreaming of my own place some day, although more on that another day. We then went and got our hair done by a lovely girl from Show Hair and I had some serious Volume going on, no photo's though I'm afraid. Anyway I thought today I would share with you some of the emerging trends for the season, it feels a little odd talking about this coming into Summer but hey that's how the fashion world works.

The first big trend I noticed when it came to women's fashion was the array of jewel tones, and specifically reds and burgundies. Oxblood is on of my favourite colours and I love whipping it out every autumn so I am very glad it is in again this year. It is a great way to add some colour to your winter wardrobe without having anything to bright or bold, and the beauty gal in me also really wants to say it looks amazing on the lips.

The other overwhelming theme was a mix of soft neutrals in the form of greys, beige's, and subtle blacks. The was a lot of knitwear which I love, and some beautiful layering pieces. There were also some lovely grey toned wool coats that I have my eye on. I also noticed a few pops of colour in there, a little like that lovely lime green and navy on the tote bags. Another big thing I spotted was the use of pints, but animal prints specifically. I just love those gorgeous tan flap bags with the faux snakeskin detailing, and I believe there was a rather fancy leopard print coat in the mix too. I apologise for my lack of description but  hope the photo's help. I am hoping to branch into the fashion world a little more, but what can I say I am a beauty girl at heart. Love...


*A huge thanks to House of Fraser for the invite!

Leave a Comment Fashion, Trends

Share:

Life Update- Moving

So the time has come for me to say goodbye to DC and head back home to the UK for good. I can't say I have been looking forward to it but new beginnings are always great. Over the past three years the US has become my home away from home and I have grown not to become only fond of it but for it to feel like my real home. I am going to miss so much from the people to the even weather, but for now it's time to say goodbye. I have loved my time here and it will always hold a special place in my heart, and I know I will be back very soon. I have never felt so accepted or such kindness as I have while living here and I think I can say I feel part American now. So this is also a thank you to all who have made my time here so special. While the moving process is happening over the next week or so I am afraid there will be a lack of posts. I am also cutting down to three a week after that until I am all settled and can put my full attention onto Perfect Peonies. I love blogging so don't fear this isn't the end but just a little break as I move into the next chapter in my life. I will be back as soon as possible in full force and hopefully with some fun new ideas and projects. Thank you to everyone who has stuck by me here in my little corner of the web and I do hope you pop back soon. Love...

Leave a Comment Beauty, Fashion, Lifestyle

Share:

Holidays With Lancôme

The holidays are my favorite time of the year, decorating the tree, baking cookies, and sitting by the fire. There is nothing better than spending time with friends and family and of course, gift giving. This Christmas I am going to be going festive with my makeup, specifically that perfect red lip. I am keeping the eye's simple with a champagne shadow all over the lid and then a thin winged liner. I am also keeping the rest of my makeup very simple with a light base and natural blush, and of course the icing on the cake is the beautiful creamy red Lancome L'absolute Rouge Definition in 195 Le Carmin. This demi-matte lipstick is highly saturated in color and the precise shaped bullet makes it as easy as pie to apply. The overall finish is a very festive look indeed. If red isn't you're thing then Lancome have a range of easy to use and Limited Edition Color Design Matte Lip Crayons in 10 different shades ranging from nudes, to bright pink, to deep berry's. The formula of these are incredibly creamy and they leave a wonderful matte but hydrating finish to the lips, the small sculpted tip also makes them the perfect liner, lip color combo. To add that finishing touch spritz Lancome's classic and ever so wonderful La Vie Est Belle fragrance that will enchant everyone as you celebrate the season. The scent has joyous notes such as jasmine and orange blossom, and the bottle is to die for; making your life certainly beautiful. Have a wonderful and charming Christmas. Love...

*PR Samples, all opinions are my own. Refer to my disclaimer for more information.

Leave a Comment Beauty, Fashion, Lifestyle, Makeup, Trends

Share:

A Holiday Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers

The little gifts at Christmas are always the best so today I am bringing you some of my favorites in this stocking stuffer gift guide. Instead of having a price limit I have go for 'smaller' gifts but there is something for every budget in here. Unlike my other guides I will only be doing a mini description with these as there are just so many but links will be included so if you see something your interested in just give it a click and read away.

BareMinerals Deluxe Mineral Veil $36- This beautifully packaged loose powder sets makeup perfectly and leaves a lovely glow.

Laura Geller Delicious Shades of Cool Eyeshadow Palette $45- These baked shadows have great pigmentation and you have all the right shades to create the perfect holiday smokey eye.

Formula X Bottle Service $36.50- This Champagne bottle filled with 10 mini formula x would be an adorable gift in someones stocking this Christmas morning. 

Dr Jart Ceramidin Duo $18- This duo is the perfect for to winter skin, the lip balm is intensely hydrating and the oil balm heals dry patches like nothing else.

BareMinerals Pop of Passion $16- This little tree ornament contains a beautiful sheer and hydrating ruby colored balm. 

Sephora Color Wishes $10- this mini set of match box sized eye shadow duos is beyond adorable. You get five mini books in here with a matte and shimmer in each. The pigmentation is great and these would be the perfect gift for beginners or to even split between friends. 

Sephora Be Spotted Makeup Bag $28- Everyone needs a beautiful makeup bag and this rose gold pleather bag would make a perfect gift. 

It Cosmetics Naturally Pretty Eye Set $28- In this set you get a palette with six matte shades and a transforming pearl along with a travel size Hello Lashes mascara.

Aerin Amber Musk Rollerball $28- This luxe rollerball smells amazing and makes the perfect gift for someone who is out and about a lot. 

Laura Mercier Haute Lips Trio $38- This trio contains the perfect pink lipstick, gloss, and liner.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream $12- This Christmas packaged Ultra Repair Cream is a great gift to combat winter skin.

GlamGlow Holiday Exclusive $38- These little trios from GlamGlow come in a plethora of options but you get three travel sized products in each option and it's a great way to either let someone try the brand or split the set between three friends. 

This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Talk $41- My pack has last years packaging but the content is the same. You get a pillow spray that gets you to sleep like nothing else and then a stress less roller ball that's great for anxiety or stress. 

Elizabeth Arden Always Red Eau de Toilette $50- This fragrance smells beautiful and while it is the most expensive gift on this list it is still great value for a fine fragrance. 

CLEAN Rollerball Layering Collection $18- This set of five mini rollerballs smell amazingly natural, like fresh air, clean laundry, and sunshine. Perfect for the person in your life who is a little fragrance fearful. 

The Silver Loft Jewelry- All the jewelry from the silver loft is hand made and just generally beautiful, if you want to give someone a personal gift or something special then this is the place to go. 

Pacifica Hand Cream Trio $18- These hand creams smell amazing and are super hydrating. The packaging is very girly and would be perfect for a young teen.

Sonia Kashuk Makeup Bag $17.99- I have the Floral Always Organized bag here and it's the perfect size for traveling. Sonia Kashuk does tons of different styles and prints so you will find something for everyone. The bags are all great quality and certainly my favorites on the market.  

Caudalie Divine Oil Ornament $9- This little ornament is seriously cute and the oil included is perfect for hair, skin, and nails. 

Fresh Sugar Desire $29- Again this is an ornament filled with two of Fresh's best selling products, the lips scrub and Advanced Therapy lip balm. 

Ciate Kiss Collective Liquid Velvet $22- In this trio you get three velvet liquid lipsticks in a red, nude, and pink berry. The formula of these are great and the fact that they are so small make them perfect for your holiday clutch bag.

WOW that was a lot. I hope you enjoyed seeing my stocking stuffer picks and make sure you come back next Monday for my last gift guide of the season *sad face*. Let me know what you want for Christmas below. Love...

*PR Samples, all opinions are my own. Refer to my disclaimer for more information.

2 comments Beauty, Fashion, Lifestyle

Share:

Happy Birthday Perfect Peonies!

Today (November 10th) marks Perfect Peonies first birthday and I just can't come to terms with how much I love doing this everyday and all of your love and support. I wanted to take today's post as an opportunity to say thank you and share some of my favorite posts from the past amazing year. To start I need to say thank you to everyone who has supported me over the past year, whether you have read a post, left a comment, emailed, tweeted, or become a loyal follower I am so grateful and humbled by you. In my course of blogging I have got to 'meet' some incredible people (Hannah, Sophie you know you both make my day, Serein you continue to inspire me, and Corinne you always give me the best advice) and work with some iconic brands that I could've only dreamed of, as well as their lovely employees (It Cosmetics, Tula, Murad, your ladies are all lovely). I feel like I have achieved so much in the past year and that's all down to you reading, so I can only hope I achieve as half as much in the next year to come. Over the next year I will hopefully be able to blog full time for a while which will be amazing and a real dream come true for me, when I say I love this I really do mean it. I spend my weekends, free time, and evenings writing, taking photos, testing products (which is an amazing perk) and generally trying to put my heart and soul into this blog. I really want it to be a place that reflects me and is something that people love to read, and I sincerely hope that you do; I do like to think I have achieved that. I feel like before I started Perfect Peonies I was in a place in my life where I felt very lost and had no purpose, with this I feel like I have a purpose, I am pleasing people, and most importantly I love what I am doing and am passionate about it. I want to thank you all for giving me the opportunity to spend everyday doing what I love, because quite simply without you Perfect Peonies is nothing. With that all said I wanted to share a few of my personal favorite posts from the past year so if you are new round here you can go back and have a little catch up and if you have been around since the beginning (I would be shocked and so humbled if anyone had) you can relive hopefully some of your favorite posts too.

Fresh Spring Makeup Look- This is one of my favorite makeup looks I have done. It is incredibly natural and the products used are still some of my favorites.

Dealing With Anxiety- For me this was such a 'out there' post. I was very nervous about posting it, but I got some great feedback. For me to open up about my problems like that was very hard but I am so glad I did.

Oscars Inspired Makeup- Margot Robbie- I loved this look so much! The orange lip with gold eye was just perfect, and Margot Robbie is an utter babe.

Red Lips & Rusty Eyes- The lips and eyes in this are just so perfect and especially for this time of year. Oh and can we just appreciate how long and messy my hair is.... Great work Nicola, great work.

My Top 5 Products For Spring- This post was in collaboration with the wonderful Serein from Dress Your Self Happy and it includes some products that are still some of my favorites today.

Antica Farmacista- I loved the images in this post and aesthetically it's a post I really love. Not to mention how amazing Antica Farmacista is, so heavenly.

A Rose Gold Obsession- Rose gold has really become my thing and these bangles from The Peach Box are just all the heart eye emojis. If your in search of some affordable but great quality jewelry then The Peach Box is the place to go.

30 Beauty Questions- I had so much fun writing this post and if you're new round her then get to know me a little bit.

It Cosmetics, Naturally Pretty The Romantics- This is one of my favorite palette's and I just love It Cosmetics. If you haven't heard much about the brand then I think you would enjoy this post.

My MAC Palette- This post is one of my most recent and I just love it. Is that weird to say? I love the eye shadows I picked out and I think these sort of posts are always interesting to read.

Again thank you so much for all of your continued support, I love you all and I hope we continue to grow together. Happy 1st Birthday Perfect Peonies. Love...

3 comments Beauty, Fashion, Lifestyle

Share:

Layering Statement Necklaces

Statement necklaces have to be one of my favorite things and this Stella & Dot Zuni Layering Necklace is just beautiful. It is so versatile, and can be worn in so many different ways. With the gold chains long or short, the statement Howlite piece detaches so that can also be worn alone long or short and all three can be worn together for a perfect statement layering balance. I think the natural colors are perfect for Fall and it just looks great over a wine colored sweater. The gold has an antique-y feel to it, which I love as it looks a little lived in and I think it really complements the natural Howlite stones. As you would expect from Stella & Dot the quality of the piece is beyond excellent and you really get your money's worth, being able to wear it in so many ways. It's like having four necklaces in one. For a classic statement look I love wearing the Howlite stone necklace short by its self or if I fancy something more delicate the two chains look perfect alone. Wearing all three together with the Howlite stone necklace on its long length is a really nice way to add some bulk to the delicate chains and keeping the Howlite necklace short adds in that cute but natural looking statement. I love that it's just gold and cream, as it's so easy to pair with any outfit. Don't get me wrong I love my bright fun statement necklaces to jazz up an out fit but this just looks really good with everything. It perfectly balances my love for statement and delicate jewelry. Love...


*This post contains affiliate links and PR samples, for more information please refer to my disclaimer. 

Leave a Comment Accessories, Fashion

Share: