SPOTLIGHT: Marie Claire Ageless Parcel - August 2016...

I think all subscribers agreed that the last Marie Claire Ageless Parcel was absolutely ahh-mazing, and a pretty hard act to follow, especially given it contained what's turned out to be my new number one primer (IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream, RAVE review up soon). Still this latest one is pretty darn fine in my opinion, and the more so given the value of the contents works out to be around $200 (whoa!), so here we go with the goodies...

L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Magic Blur Day Cream - full size, 50ml ($34.95)

Delighted to see this included as I've been wanting to try it for a while, but couldn't justify adding yet another jar to the ten already backed up on the shelf! But I'll start this one next. The cream is the palest of pinks, feels very light yet enriching, absorbs instantly, has quite a strong but divine floral fragrance, and if it blurs my lines while working some long term magic, then I'll be sold. The blurb says "Achieve a lit-from-within-radiance" - sounds pretty good hey? No SPF, but supposedly reduces the appearance of fine lines, pores and wrinkles. Gorgeous packaging in a very heavy glass jar, this will brighten up my vanity by just sitting there ♥♥♥...

Palmolive

 Oil Infusions Body Moisturiser - full size, 200ml ($5.99)

I've only tried the hand wash in this range, so happy to give this a go. Was slightly alarmed at the Jasmine content (we don't get on very well) but the fragrance isn't too strong although it does linger, but I'll manage. Nice non-greasy lightweight formula, takes a while to absorb, but once it sinks in, my skin feels satin smooth. Second listed ingredient is Mineral Oil, but towards the bottom there's Orange & Mandarin Orange Peel Oil. Given that formula components are usually listed by greatest quantity first, I think it's a bit naughty that Jasmine & Avocado Oil are highlighted on the front label, yet they are last on the list. My body moisturiser preference is for something a tad more natural and organic, but we'll see...

O.P.I. Nail Lacquer - Red Lights Ahead...Where? - full size, 15ml ($19.95)

Absolutely STUNNING colour! I shall thoroughly enjoy adorning my toes with this winner once my feet emerge from boots and thick socks ♥♥♥...

Philosophy Purity Made Simple 3-in-1 Cleanser - sample size, 30ml ($3.75 value)

I'm quite taken with Philosophy products having trialled the brilliant Ultimate Miracle Worker range for beautyheaven back in April. This has a delicate and appealing fragrance, and I'll probably hang onto it for overnighters (once I've tried it of course) as it's the perfect size. Advertised as a 3-in-1 cleanser, it seems to be a massage-in-wipe-off style for face and eye makeup, and hydrates the skin as well. For the skin sensitive, surprisingly there's quite a few ingredients that start with "sodium", and it also contains isopropyl alcohol...

SK-II R.N.A Eye Cream - sample size, 2.5g ($24.80 value)

With words like "R.N.A" and "radical new age" in the name, I'm expecting big things from this eye cream! Used twice daily, it promises to "strengthen this delicate area, sagging skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles". Full size price is $149, so I'll have to get back to you on it's effectiveness - somewhat beyond my budget to say the least, but thrilled to have the opportunity to try something I normally wouldn't even dream about buying ♥♥♥...

Elizabeth Arden City Smart SPF 50 Hydrating Shield - sample size, 5ml ($11.12 value)

Love, love LOVE Elizabeth Arden Prevage anything. Yet to crack open the Anti-Aging Antixidant Infusion Essence that was in the last parcel, but am busting to try this ASAP. A slightly tinted sheer cream, it contains SPF50 and will "smog-proof" the skin and prevent it from being affected by pollution. Prior to this post, I rubbed a teeny amount on the back of my hand - very shiny and greasy looking initially, but it massaged in very quickly leaving behind only a faint sheen, and supremely softened skin. Has a very very faint SPF fragrance plus something else I can't put my finger on, but it's not unpleasant ♥...

The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Sleeping Cream - sample size, 5ml ($3.43 value)

Have only used this night cream once, but it's quite lovely. The label says it's made in France, and while the pot is too tiny to list the ingredients, the accompanying card says it contains both precious and essential oils. Not so keen on the fragrance, but it dissipates quickly. Non greasy, my face just drinks this in ♥♥♥...

Jeunesse Global Instantly Ageless - full size, 50 x 0.3ml sachets ($96.80)

As usual, I've saved what I believe is my pick of the bunch till last - jumping out of my skin to try this on my wrinkly open-pored face lol. Most interesting presentation of sachets in a gorgeous little flip top box. I'm a little confused with the instructions (below) though as it says "dispense a small drop of Instantly Ageless..." and yet inside the sachet is a pink CREAM. Perhaps they've recently changed the formula? Anyways, it goes under makeup and appears to be one of those products that immediately plumps and tightens the skin as it dries, but with no permanent benefits. Have only tried it on my arm so far - surprisingly cooling, dries matte, and made the skin quite tight with a powdery feel. I've tried a few similar concoctions before that made my face look fabulously pore and line-free...until I applied my makeup, and then the effectiveness plummeted to a "forget it" level. Will definitely let you know whether this works, and whether it's worth almost $100! ♥♥♥ 

In summary, this Marie Claire Ageless Parcel is unsurpassable value for an outlay of $25 ♥♥♥

Which product peaks your interest the most?

Take care of you,

kats xxx