REVIEW: Jennifer Aniston Chapter One EDP...

I've been adding a few new fragrances to my collection of late, and totally neglecting to review them, so bear with me while I'm in catch-up mode over the next few weeks. They are all TOTALLY different (lol, typical me!) and I'll start with this darling, Jennifer Aniston Chapter One EDP mainly because she's perfect for the recent season change, plus she's been sitting on my "to be done" shelf for the longest, and I feel bad because she's absolutely gorgeous ♥...

At the risk of repeating myself, celebrity fragrances used to be in the no-go zone for me - they all smelled cheap and nasty with very little difference between one and the other. And then not long before I started blogging in 2013, something changed in either my nose receptivity or my skin chemistry, and I fell head-over-heels for several (e.g. Kylie Minogue/Britney/Elizabeth Taylor), all of which I've reviewed on my blog over the years. There's been a reasonably steady flow of celeb loves since then (around 2 per annum), and now I don't hesitate to sample new ones I come across in my regular trawlings of the perfume section. Of course, not all are my cup of tea, but this one from Team Jen is a delight, and 100% unique in my perfume collection ♥...

The bottle is curvy, elegant and uncluttered - an asymmetrical and almost organically fluid shape that's captivating from any angle, and the cap and atomiser are brushed gold metal. The glass feels so smooth and comfortably sculpted in my hand (the perfect fit!), and I love its feminine simplicity. If I hadn't read the online reviews, I would have expected a soft and romantic white floral to be contained in this womanly flacon, but what's inside is something quite unexpected. It smells like a Summer day at the local beach - salt spray, surf, sun and sand (minus the coconut suntan lotion), and yet it's not what I could classify as an aquatic or exotic tropical fragrance...

Some reviewers have said it's a dead ringer for Tom Ford Soleil Blanc, but having never sampled that untouchably priced scent, I can't confirm. What I can say is that this perfume is fresh, crisp, peppery, spicy, and tantalisingly different from anything else I've either smelled or owned. Top notes are pink pepper, bergamot and orange blossom, it's heart is jasmine, tuberose, tiare and Californian grapevine flower, and the base is tonka bean, musk and teak wood. Can definitely detect the pink pepper, bergamot and wood, and I guess the tarty tang could come from the totally unfamiliar grapevine flower, but I'm no expert. To summarise, it smells like my skin after I've plunged into the ocean, and then let the sun and beach breeze dry me off - salty, tingly and clean...

Longevity is good - I spritzed last night around 10pm and could still smell traces of it when I woke up this morning, it holds its peppery intensity for around 3 hours, and then fades into a soft creamy white foral. I've never smelled this on anyone else so far, and interestingly on me, the first spray is almost the same as the dry-down. It's a fascinating combination of sophistication and casual, and I don't think I can come up with a one-word description, so I'll label it a salt & pepper woody floral ♥...

RRP is $39.99 for the 50ml bottle, but I picked this up in a Chemist Warehouse sale for almost half that, and it's currently on special in various stores for $29.99 ♥...

Apparently this is Ms Aniston's 6th fragrance - have you tried any of her others?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: August 2018 Empties!...

Gee I barely finished off any body products last month - no, I haven't stopped showering, it's all about my face lol! As you can see my passion for cloth masks is a permanent condition, and with the market expanding exponentially (who ISN'T bringing out sheet masks?), there are always new ones to try as well as faves to revisit, so let's get on with the reviews ♥...

Body

DU'IT Tough Hands For Her (75g, RRP $9.95)

From memory, this was a freebie with a beautyheaven beautorium parcel last year, and I've only just gotten around to giving it a go. Was very pleasantly surprised, a lovely lightweight but potent non-greasy hand cream with a baby powder fragrance. Absorbs very well and leaves my hands feeling super smooth and soft ♥♥...

Repurchase?

Definitely, but not till I've used up a few of my others ♥♥...

Johnson's Baby Cotton Buds (Box of 60, RRP $2.99)

These are one of three types of cotton buds that I have on my bench, mainly for makeup cleanups after major disasters, but I occasionally use them to help soak up the excess moisture in my ears after I've washed my hair, and they're also useful for cleaning out my eye/lip pencil sharpeners. Being so big and fat they're super absorbent ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Always a spare pack in my drawer ♥♥♥...

Natura Siberica Oblepikha Shower Gel (400ml, RRP $10.99)

Interestingly I didn't like this shower gel at all when it first came out - the fragrance put me off, way too astringent and I cringed whenever I sniffed it in store. Back then it reminded me a bit of cat pee. But I decided to give it another try a few months ago, and now I'm quite taken with it - refreshing, non-drying, and it foams well. Just goes to show that my nose definitely has moods, and I've learned to not say "never" ha ha ♥...

Repurchase?

Yes - it will be great for summer when I want something zingy ♥...

Face

Beauty by Nicholas Plump It Up (50ml, RRP $59.99)

Regrettably, I didn't get this at all. I tried using it multiple ways - under makeup, over makeup, overnight, during the day, but no discernible impact on any of my fine lines or deep creases. I tried different amounts (using too much results in flaking), patting it on, massaging it in, but...nada - I think perhaps I'm too far gone lol!... 

Repurchase?

No...

Beechworth Honey Meadow Honey & Grapefruit Gentle Scrub (100ml, RRP $12)

This is as effective as my fave Bush Honey & Macadamia one (reviewed HERE) but the fragrance isn't as delish ♥♥... 

Repurchase?

No, but I will definitely buy the Macadamia one again ♥♥...

essano Clear Complexion Detoxifying Serum with Probiotics (30ml, RRP $29.99)

A bit embarrassed to say this was gifted at the beautyheaven Glosscars event back in March. I used it for several weeks (and loved it) and then had to switch to quite a few other serums I was "officially" trialling, and only just got to finish it off last month. It's a beauty and a blessing if you have oily or combination skin. Upon application, it mattifies the skin surface, and over time it reduced the oil production on my nose, and for both those reasons, it's going to be a winner for the humid Sydney Summer. Has an unusual but pleasant earthy oatmealy scent which doesn't linger. My beautyheaven review of it is HERE about halfway down the page (katshepsutt) ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Absolutely ♥♥♥...

Nivea Hydro Care Lip Balm (4.8g, RRP $4.49)

Another one I just didn't "get", or perhaps it's just that my lips are outrageously dry - this did very little to soothe my pout. I kept it next to my computer and found myself applying and reapplying it every 15 minutes or so. I honestly didn't feel any benefit from it, which is odd as it's highly rated in most online reviews. It just seemed to soak in, and then vanish... 

Repurchase?

No, there are quite a few others that work for me...

Nutrimetics Restore Anti-Ageing Eye Creme with Sauvignon Blanc Concentrate (15ml, RRP $52)

Bought this on special (almost half price) and I'm kicking myself for not buying more, but I rarely stock up before trying because, well, who knows? Anyways it's a gem of an eye cream. Unlike others that have a microscopic nozzle, this one has a fat cap that won't disappear down the plughole if you drop it (one day my sink is going to block up!). Very rich, quite thick but absorbs well and yet still leaves a surface film, delicate and pleasant floral fragrance, and...it firms. Woo hoo! My hoods appeared less saggy (which is a miracle) and the lid surface crinkles weren't anywhere near as prominent. Did nothing for my under-eye baggies, but not ever having found an eye cream that treats ALL my issues, I'm prepared to use this above my eyes, and another brand below ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

YES! Hanging out till it's on special again ♥♥♥...

Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence (40ml, RRP $39.99)

Raved about this last month HERE. It's SO GOOD I buy a bottle whenever it's on special, which seems to be every other week. ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Currently have 4 stashed away ♥♥♥...

Indeed Laboratories Snoxin Facial Line Fighter (30ml, RRP $39.99)

Had high hopes for this, but I only had a 5ml sample, and to be fair, it's just not enough for me to see any difference. Nice serum though, lots of slip, barely any fragrance, kept my skin hydrated day and night. Fortunately for moi, my darling friend and fellow blogger Lara from RivetLicker recently gifted me with a 30ml bottle, so I'll be having another go at this shortly ♥... 

Repurchase?

Will see how I go over a longer term ♥...

Face Masks

Essenzza Natural Silk Facial Mask - Carrot Seed & Coconut Oil (RRP $4.98)

What a pleasant surprise this was. Pictured below, it fits like a glove and is darn near invisible, which is a bonus if you co-habit or have pets. Super hydrating, smoothing and soothing ♥♥...

Repurchase?

You betcha - I have a few other varieties from the range to try, but this one is excellent ♥♥...

Rodial Dragon's Blood Eye Masks (8 pairs, RRP $52)

The results from these are noticeable, but they're a challenge to apply as there's so much serum, and being made of cloth, they tangle and fold over, and they're too wet to sleep in ♥...

Repurchase?

Naaah, the hydrogel type is so much easier to use, although these are a tad more effective ♥...

Skin Republic Nose Strip + Charcoal (6 strips, RRP $7.99)

Have covered these before - they work well to remove blackheads without damaging the skin ♥...

Repurchase?

Maybe - my blackheads are almost non-existent now (yay!) but if they return, I will ♥...

BodyBlendz Collagen Eye Mask (Box of 5, RRP $19.99)

These are good for hydrating, but not special enough for me to repurchase, and they sting a little bit if I position them too close to the lower lid. They're the clear plasticcy kind with embedded sparkles and four different colours, so they're a bit of fun...

Repurchase?

No, I prefer the cloth-backed hydrogel ones...

Garnier SkinActive Pure Charcoal Tissue Mask with Black Algae (RRP $4.95)

This is a frequent repeater, and one of the best I've tried for shrinking my craterish pores ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Regularly, and I stock up when they're on special ♥♥♥...

LonVitalite C7 Collagen & Gold Lip Mask (Box of 6, RRP $35)

My lips and their surrounds just LOVE these, what a treat, plus they melt away the vertical lines above my top lip, and keep them away for a day ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Gonna ♥♥♥...

Skin Physics Instant Lift V-Shape Vitality Mask (RRP $14.99)

I've said before I would use these every day if I could afford them - I look so different with only one chin! Used two this month, wish it had've been four, but I'm budgeting ♥...

Repurchase?

Come on Priceline, how about another sale hmm? ♥...

Skin Republic Retinol Hydrogel Mask (RRP $12.99)

Lovely two piece mask of the jelly kind, great fit and glowing results. You need to stay horizontal for 40 minutes, so for me, it will be a quarterly treat. Supernally hydrating, firming and smoothing ♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, now and then - I'd rather spend my $12.99 more frequently on their clay/mud masks which I can walk around in♥...

Overnighters:

Purederm Ginkgo Eye Puffiness Minimizing Patches (2 pairs, RRP $3)

Yeah baby ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yeah baby. These are catching on - it's a struggle to find them at Kmart, but I always have some spares ♥♥♥...

Skin Republic Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patch (3 pairs, RRP $9.99)

I alternate these with the above Purederm ones ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Always ♥♥♥...

Makeup

Eye of Horus Goddess Pencils - Scarab Sapphire & Selenite White (RRP $30)

Pure eye love, you know I adore these ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Already have another Scarab Sapphire one, I'll skip the Selenite White one as I don't use white on my waterline any more ♥♥♥...

Giveaway!

As usual, a selection of this month's empties, and who doesn't like trying stuff for free? ♥...

• 1 x Skin Republic Nose Strip + Charcoal (6 strips)
• 1 x Garnier SkinActive Pure Charcoal Tissue Mask with Black Algae
• 1 x Rodial Dragon's Blood Eye Mask
• 1 x Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence
• 1 x Johnson's Baby Cotton Buds
• 1 x Beechworth Honey Bush Honey & Macadamia Gentle Scrub

All products were purchased by me, the total value is around $75, and this giveaway is open to...

Australian Residents Only! 

Here's how to enter...

1. Leave a blog post comment on this page that answers the question inside the Rafflecopter (please note: if you don't leave a comment on this page, you won't be included in the draw!)
2. Leave your email address inside the Rafflecopter so I can contact you if you win
3. Follow my blog one way or another from the many choices listed
4. Only one entry per person, please read the T's & C's inside the Rafflecopter

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This giveaway is now closed  - check back later tonight to see who won!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Candice N. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

Candice please respond to the email I've sent you by

Wednesday 3rd October to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Candice has claimed her prize ♥

Thanks to all of you who entered!

Just a little reminder that if you don't comment on these giveaway posts, 

your entry is not counted.

There were lots of folks this month that I had to disqualify

because either there was no comment posted on this page, 

or they didn't enter the name inside the Rafflecopter

that they use to follow me, so I have no way of validating the entry.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: Favourite July 2018 LOTD's...

As promised, this is my LOTD catch-up post - just for the record, these collages are so interesting for me as I have zero conscious recollection of the lipsticks I've worn in previous months, and this collection is particularly revealing as there's only one true red - what on earth was I thinking? It's all a bit odd as I almost always wear at least one scarlet lippie in a week, but obviously NOT in July lol...

Oh and I have a special giveaway at the end, so please read on ♥...

1. I think this is my favourite plum of all-time - Max Factor Color Elixir Giant Pen Stick in Intense Plum. Oh Max baby, PLEASE bring this back! ♥

2. Here's one for the bargain hunters - boe professional Colour Last Lipstick in Primped - beautiful formula and it's a steal for only $8.95 at BigW ♥...

3. The Lone Red is essence Bring the Glam On Star Lipstick in shade 01. The bullet is creamy and lush, and in the shape of a star - so very cute, but in reality, not all that practical ♥...

4. This gorgeous bricky shade is Milani Cinnamon Spice - another one I hope one day they will bring back (why do I fall in love with discontinued lippies?) ♥...

5. Next is one of my favourite browns for Autumn/Winter, Maybelline ColorSensational Lipstick in Bronze Metal - I do so love this range for comfort and value ♥...

6. And number 6 is Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick in Coffee Shimmer - not quite so daring as the previous one, but gorgeously earthy all the same ♥...

7. Next we have the find of the month, LipMonthly Lipstick, shade 02. Wowee, what an unusual colour - I'd describe it as burnt orange, and I absolutely adore it. I guess it was only a matter of time before LipMonthly released their own range, and if this is any indication, bring it on! ♥...

8. Ohh...the darling (and most expensive @ $46) of the bunch (thanks to beautyheaven) - Bobbi Brown Crushed Lip Color in Watermelon. There are no words, just ♥♥♥♥♥♥...

9. And another gem from a LipMonthly bag - this is a matte, but a comfortable one, City Color Be Matte Lipstick in Melon ♥...

10. Yay, the pretty pinks, starting with Mirenesse French Kiss Lip Cocktail in Bijoux - this lippie is beautifully moist, wears well too ♥...

11. 2nd from Mirenesse - this is their unbelievably sensational Lip Bomb, shade #3. I have quite a few of these and MUST dig them out because they really are something special - the pigmentation is extraordinary ♥...

12. I need to buy another one of these - MBA Cosmetics Color Rich Lipstick in Mauvalicious. It's the most exquisite feminine girly frosted pink, n'est pas? ♥...

13. On the home stretch now, and into my precious PURPLES. On the left is Australis Colour Inject Moisturising Mineral Lipstick in Mash Up. Sadly no longer listed on their website...sob. They seem to have gone ballistic with their GIRLBOSS range, so it would appear the lippies are on the way out ♥...

14. Another from MBA Cosmetics, and so dear to my heart - Heliotrope ...sigh...♥

15. And lucky last is Colourpop Satin Lips in So Wavy - not crazy about the formula, but the colour speaks to me in the language of love ♥...

And now for the giveaway!

So I ordered some lipsticks from Nutrimetics when they were on special recently, and I have two to give away to whoever thinks they could use them...

• Hydra Brilliance - Amber, a soft peach
• Hydra Brilliance - Garnet, a soft red (swatch of my one is HERE)

And because this will be a very small and lightweight package (no extras!), this giveaway is open...

INTERNATIONALLY!!! 

Here's how to enter...

1. Leave a blog post comment on this page that answers the question inside the Rafflecopter (please note: if you don't leave a comment on this page, you won't be included in the draw!)
2. Leave your email address inside the Rafflecopter so I can contact you if you win
3. Follow my blog one way or another from the many choices listed
4. Only one entry per person, please read the T's & C's inside the Rafflecopter

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This giveaway is now closed  - check back later tonight to see who won!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Meedee as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

Meedee please respond to the email I've sent you by

Saturday 29th September to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Meedee has claimed her prize

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

REVIEW: Nest Cocoa Woods, White Sandalwood, Midnight Fleur & Dahlia & Vines EDP...

Oh yay, I'm one of the lucky ducks who won Rachel's recent Instagram giveaway (@rachelbeautystyle) of some fabulous Nest Fragrances ♥ What a wonderful surprise, and even more of a thrill because I was expecting two bottles, and the parcel contained four! I'm totally blissing out as I've been wanting to try some of this range for absolutely ages, and to receive them as a gift from such a generous and gorgeous blogging gal pal is even more special - thanks so much Rachel, you're a total doll ♥...

If you're not familiar with this brand, it was founded in New York in 2005 by Laura Slatkin, and currently produces a range of exquisitely scented products including candles, reed diffusers, body lotions, hand washes and inspired eau de parfums. The packaging of the fragrances features stunning botanical designs which reflect the contents - each one is a mini work of art! So my prize consisted of two 50ml spray bottles, Cocoa Woods & White Sandalwood, and two 8ml rollerballs, Midnight Fleur and Dahlia & Vines. I'll start with Cocoa Woods, but a word of warning - I am besotted with all of these perfumes and may run out of superlatives pretty quickly, so forgive me if I repeat the same gushing adjectives throughout this post ♥...

Cocoa Woods

Cosy, comforting, creamy. The newest addition to the range, and if' you're expecting sweet woody chocolate, then you'll be disappointed. I wouldn't class this as a gourmand at all, but rather a spicy wood with a tantalising tinge of floral. It's a beautiful unisex blend of sandalwood, sequoia wood, tiare flower and ginger with only the vaguest hint of unsweetened cocoa. Longevity is poor (2 hours absolute max) but while it's on my skin, I can't stop sniffing it - oh my, it's divine! And if I smelled this on a fella, I'd be all over him like a rash lol. Some woody fragrances can be muddy and too pungent, even sour, but this has a mellowness that becomes sweeter as it dries down and the tiare blossom starts to enfold. I can't detect any ginger with my nose, but there's a playful tang of something which may well be it. This fragrance is an absolute delight to the senses, and I only wish it was at least triple the potency ♥...

White Sandalwood

Potent, exotic, aquatic.  I adore sandalwood and was expecting it to be the dominant note here, but to me, there's more musk and almonds than wood, well initially at least, not that I mind. On first spray, it's quite sharp which is probably the almonds, but as it dries down, the sandalwood becomes more apparent, and the combination mellows into a musky woody marzipan blend. I've never smelled anything else quite like this before, and it's another that I simply can't stop inhaling at every opportunity. It's a fascinating fragrance, and there are times when I swear I can smell coconut! To me it conjures up a windswept beach on a grey day rather than a grove of trees - there's something definitively aquatic about it, almost salty, and it lasts for hours and hours, even survives a shower. Although it's marketed to the male demographic, I'm keeping it ♥...

Dahlia & Vines

Refreshing, romantic, green.  This is such a pretty fragrance, an absolute winner for me for the warmer weather. Just like the name, it's the perfect combination of fresh cut flowers and crisp green leaves, although I'm puzzled about the dahlia part as it isn't listed as an ingredient on their website - only daffodil, peony, rose & garden vines. Other fragrance sites also mention raspberry, pink pepper, white musk, vanilla, narcissus, grapes and lychee, but whatever is in the mix, it smells like romance. It's light but reasonably long-lasting, fresh but not overly sweet, elegant without being old-fashioned - in short, pure femininity from beginning to end. There isn't one individual note that dominates - everything is blended into a Spring bouquet. Love it ♥...

Midnight Fleur

Feminine, captivating, mysterious. This one is advertised as being bold, but I don't get bold - with ingredients like exotic woods, black amber and patchouli it probably should be bold, but I just find it sensual, warm and 110% delicious. The top note is well and truly jasmine, but it's not the intense or overpowering jasmine I've encountered before in other perfumes - this one is soft and subtle, and within a few seconds it's only barely detectable behind a cloud of vanilla orchid, amber and a pinch of patchouli, but still has enough clout to stop this fragrance from being a pure oriental. Or so I thought! What surprised me is that as it dries down, it becomes almost a gourmand - makes me think of spiced apple pie, and yet there's no fruit content, go figure? Gee, I'm struggling here because it's such a special fragrance, very creamy, mouthwatering, intoxicating - perfect for snuggling in front of an open fire, and undoubtedly a secret weapon on a hot Summer date night. Get ready for buckets of compliments ladies ♥...

Now that I've said all this you're probably wondering where you can get your hands on at least one of these. Hmm, tricky. I believe Nest EDP's are available instore from Sephora (well I saw them about 6 months ago), however, they're not purchasable from the Aussie website that I can see. Neiman Marcus will ship them to Australia - the 50ml bottles are around AUD110, but there's no sign of the rollerballs, so I'd say Sephora Australia is your best bet...

In summary, these fragrances are beautiful, unique, and addictive, and what a stunning and special gift they would make for any perfume lover. The nearest Sephora store is an hour away from where I live, but I'm planning a trip very soon so I can sample ALL of the others ♥...

Have you tried any of the Nest EDP's? Which scent is your favourite?

Take care of you,

kats xxx