Monday 19 January 2015

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

Take care of you,
kats xxx

10 comments:

  1. I have a small sample of the 'Forbidden Fruit' one that I received in a Redpawpaw box a few months back. Will have to dig it out and give it a try :)

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    1. Keen to know what you think mayday - in my book there's something missing from it that would make it absolutely DIVINE, but I can't put my finger on what that something is...

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  2. I must say Forbidden Fruit and Japanese Spa sound right up my alley! I love body washes, but it takes me forever to get through stuff! Trying to hustle through my existing stash so I can go buy a few from Bath and Body Works! :)

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    1. Honestly hon y9u can't go wrong with either of them - they'll cost you less than a fiver, so it doesn't even matter if you're not so enamoured ♥ Will be checking out Bath and Body Works for sure xxx

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  3. Oh gosh...I think I need to come and stay at your place for 4 months so i can try a new shower gel each day.....im loving your collection

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    1. You're more than welcome dear Fawn - just give me 3 weeks to get the second shower sorted, I've had to put some of these in the cupboard temporarily till the tiling man does his thing lol...

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  4. Every time I read your Body Washaholic series posts I add another body wash to my "must try" list. This time I really want to try Japanese Spa.

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    1. Well I do so hope you like it F&FL - I love recommendations from friends, but they don't always make the cut with my nose, we're all so different hey? It's a lovely one though, really quite special, just like you ♥

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  5. I love reading these Blogs of yours Kats!! I have been using Body Wash non-stop lately and love reading which ones you are using and loving! I have been loving the Palmer's Range lately....have a Coconut one and a Tropical one too. I also have a few Lush Limited Edition ones I use them off and on but don't want to use them up just yet LOL.......I spotted Snow Fairy in your photo......Do you like it?? I have that one plus Rose Jam, So White and Hot Toddy!!
    Love Flaming Beauty xx

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    1. Hey sweetiepie, thanks for dropping by, and so happy you're enjoy my ravings lol. I've tried the Palmer's tropical one, in fact I reviewed it in Part 4, lovely and refreshing :-) I LOVE the smell of Show Fairy, but I do think it's way WAY overpriced - I'll blab about it in Part 9, which will be up early next month. I haven't even sniffed the other ones you mentioned - time to visit Lush again I'd say ha ha ♥

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