SPOTLIGHT: Marie Claire Ageless Parcel #4...

Another fabulous collection of top name brands, and for my particular needs, this Marie Claire Ageless Parcel is the best one so far. I'm excited about every one of these products, and can't wait to put them to the test, so without further ado...

Skin Therapy Dragon's Blood Sculpting Serum - full size, 30ml ($30)

This was a bonus as it just so happens to be the serum I'm using at the moment! I'm almost out (it will be in my May Empties post) so the timing couldn't have been more perfect. LOVE this serum, and for $30 at the supermarket, I reckon I'll be continuing on with it for some time. I'm experiencing every ageing issue that's in the book, so it's a challenge to find a serum that will cover all bases, but the contents of this silver pump bottle seem to be addressing most of my concerns, in particular my saggy baggy jawline and turkey neck. I've seen some improvement in both these areas, and overall my face looks and feels fresher and firmer since I've been using it. Has a very very faint "natural" fragrance, and absorbs in about 15 seconds. It's made in New Zealand, and there's no parabens or animal testing. Winner! ♥♥♥

Alpha-H Balancing Moisturiser & Gentle Exfoliant - 30ml sample ($37.20)

A very interesting product from those clever folk at Alpha-H - according to the blurb, "the glycolic acid exfoliates and brightens skin, while the hyaluronic acid locks in moisture for continuous hydration". Can't say I've heard of an exfoliating moisturiser before (whoa!), but I'm keen to give it a shot. Contains alpha-hydroxy acid, so you have to apply something with at least SPF 15 over the top...

Bioderma Hydrabio Light Cream & Micellar Water for sensitive skin - 15ml sample ($14.63) & 20ml sample ($2.56)

Always delighted to try anything from Bioderma, and this moisturiser is no exception. The enclosed leaflet says it's for dry, tight and dull skin - my cheeks have a tendency to become drier and a bit flaky once Winter sets in, and dullness is always looming on the horizon, so thank you MC - I'll most definitely enjoy this sample. And isn't that cutest little container of micellar water you've ever seen? Also perfect timing as I've been exploring all the different types on the market - this one is specifically for sensitive, dehydrated skin. No room on the bubba-sized bottle for a list of ingredients, but I'll let you know how it goes ♥...

Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Antixidant Infusion Essence - 10ml sample ($9.28)

Just the mention of Prevage gets my attention ♥ I've used some of this range before and adored it, but didn't continue on because of the price tag. This seems to be the EA version of the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, which incidentally did zilch for my skin (review here) so I'm mad keen to try my luck with this formulation. Some gals won't be happy to see alcohol and alcohol denat near the top of the list of ingredients, and sodium laureth sulfate near the bottom, but given I haven't had a reaction to any of these in the past, I'll press on regardless...

It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream, shade medium - 12ml sample ($21.75)

Ok so this is the one item I'm truly BUSTING to try ♥ "7 products in one" is what it says on the side of the box - a full coverage foundation, a shield against environmental free-radicals, a brightening colour corrector, an anti-aging serum, a pore minimizing primer, a dark spot corrector, and a moisturising day cream. Phwoarrr! On top of all that, it contains SPF 50+, and it's in the shade medium, which is just the ticket for me ♥ Blimey if this lives up to even half of the hype, it will become a staple in my kit, giant size please! It's a bit hard to read in the photo, but those percentages you can see on the bottom right of the packaging are "clinically proven" hydration increase in 10 days (179%), softer smoother skin (96%), reduction in wrinkles (85%) and smaller pores (77%). So far I've only applied it to the back of my hand, but the coverage, colour and finish is fantastic - has a slight lemony fragrance, and the second listed ingredient is...wait for it...snail secretion filtrate! Well I don't care a fig so long as it works ha ha. Am I wearing this tomorrow? You betcha ♥

Time for the maths - I've worked out the total value of the contents to be $115.42, and that's for a $25 outlay. I'm not sure if I have to renew my subscription or if it's automatic, but I can assure you I'm not stopping any time soon, and I can't wait to see what's in the next box ♥

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. You'll find this post and some fabulous blog reads over at Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party tomorrow morning at 6:30 ♥