CONFESSIONS: of a Body Washaholic (Part 8)...

Golly gee, almost five months since Part 7! There was a time when I was powering through eight or ten shower gels every month or so, but since the Imperial Leather range appeared on the shelves, things have slowed considerably, mainly because my local supermarket only stocks some of the varieties in the GIANT bottle (which I decant into more shower-space-friendly containers), and it's taking me seemingly forever to get through them! Not that I'm complaining - they're such bargains, and I adore just about every one of them, so I'm getting used to having the same ones around for a while...

Like Part 6, I'm dedicating this post to the Imperial Leather beauties. I believe there's only one left in the series that I haven't reviewed as yet - Oriental Bloom (No. 24), which is Cherry Blossom and Vanilla, but unfortunately, proving to be as scarce as hen's teeth in my neck of the woods...

Rockpool (No. 42) Indian Lotus & Waterlily...

First up is the fabulous Rockpool - the colour of this gel is really something to behold. If you can store it on a window ledge, all the better - only with light behind it can you really see the intensity of it's magnificent deep indigo blue hue. It's far paler when dispensed though, so it won't stain your body sponge. The fragrance is an exotic masterpiece - Indian Lotus and Waterlily combined with Iris, Musk and Spearmint flowers. This is a sensual scent, warming, and therefore I've decided to stash this away till the end of Summer. Although it's been a blissful experience to envelop myself in the potency of this perfume for a week of Sydney's steamy season, it's strong (and I mean strong) and I know I'll appreciate it's beauty even more on a cool morning when the whole bathroom can steam up and treat my body to a fragrant infusion that will last for several hours. Not for the fainthearted or anyone with scent-sensitivities, but an absolute MUST if you've a passion for oriental fragrances ♥...

Japanese Spa (No. 17) Jasmine & Green Tea...

Now this was an unexpected surprise! I actually avoided even sniffing it for weeks because of its Jasmine content - as I've mentioned several times, I usually have a problem when this fragrance is included in body products mainly because it invariably takes over the whole show, and I struggle to deal with it's often overpowering scent. But...those clever Imperial Leather perfumers have balanced this super strong flower with...Green Tea! I swear I can even smell the tea, and although that might not sound all that ideal for a body wash, they've also included Citrus, Orange Blossom and Rose, and the whole thing just comes together beautifully. Add to that the base notes of Sandalwood and Amber, and my caution was a bit silly really as this is truly a delightful combination - very subtle and soft, and yet amazingly refreshing on a hot day...

Forbidden Fruit (No. 33) Blackberry Blossom & Wild Fig...

The gorgeous purple-ness of this Forbidden Fruit wash meant it was a done deal, even before flipping the cap and breathing in the mouthwatering aroma of Red Berries and Wild Fig - yum! Another one verging on exotic, but with a little less mystery, and whole lot more fruit, and it's because of the fruit that I've been enjoying this one throughout the hot weather. The mix includes Black Orchid, Patchouli, Musk and Amber, but it's the blackberry and the fig content that has the edge, and what has me salivating. I really REALLY like this, but it's not outstanding enough to quite make it into the Kats "adore" category, but close enough for me to be delighted that I have a massive 1litre bottle of it, which will probably last me at least 6 months, given my penchant for switching my shower products daily. Not as strong as Rockpool, I've no doubt this would be a hit with the whole family. Gee I wish I could buy an eye shadow in this divine colour...

Serenity (No. 28) Cucumber & Aloe Vera...

This little gem is specifically targeted for those with sensitive skin. I can't pick up on either the Cucumber or Aloe Vera components scent-wise (not that I really know what aloe vera smells like) but what I do get is Raspberry with a touch of Jasmine. They're listed in the ingredients along with Plum, and it all makes for a very interesting fruit-and-flower mix - but it's more tangy than anything else, not harsh or astringent, definitely cooling, but I wouldn't necessarily classify the fragrance as "serene". I'm almost through my 500ml bottle, and while I've been thoroughly enjoying the uniqueness of this scent, it's probably the only one I won't re-purchase - it just doesn't grab my attention like the others in the range. Although I don't personally suffer, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it for those with skin concerns - it's soap free, dermatologically tested, there's no colour additives, and I trust this company to create something especially for anyone that deals with irritation or reactions to standard formulas ...

And if you missed them, the rest of the series is here...

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7...

Take care of you,
kats xxx