Marc Jacobs Decadence EDP...

Don't you just love surprises? I have to admit I had quite a bit of stuff on my Christmas wish-list this year, but dear Santa came through with something I hadn't dared to even dream about - Marc Jacobs Decadence EDP, in the most stunning gift box that included the 100ml EDP, a 10ml Rollerball, and 75ml Lavish Body Lotion. Holey guacemoley - I teared up when I opened the parcel because it's something so totally indulgent that I would NEVER EVER buy for myself, and isn't that just the perfect kind of gift? ♥...

In the past, Marc Jacobs has delivered some stunning fragrance bottles, from Lola to Daisy to Dot, but I reckon this design is a masterpiece in the fragrance world - everything about it is exquisite, extravagant and well, decadent lol! You have to hold it in your hand (it's so heavy!) to appreciate the quality and workmanship involved in the creation of this presentation extravaganza. As you can see my camera fell in love with it too, and I couldn't stop snapping it from any and every angle - the combination of emerald glass, teal green snakeskin lid, rapper gold chain and black tassel forming a glamorous evening bag ensemble is simply to-die-for ♥ The lid even attaches firmly with magnets so you can carry it around by the chain (can't help myself lol!)...

What made this gift even more special was that I'd only sampled the actual fragrance a week before - it's so potent and distinctive I remember thinking that while I was certainly captivated by it's boldness, could I even carry off such an intense and head-turning scent? Well, I basked in her sensuous embrace for the rest of the day (SO long lasting) and filed her uniqueness away in the "maybe one day..." cabinet in my brain, little suspecting she would be in my life so soon ♥...

Honestly, I could rave on all day about the packaging, but I need to save some superlatives for the perfume itself. I'll start by saying this is NOT a scent for anyone who wants to blend in with the crowd, or has concerns about making a very loud statement with their fragrance. This is big, and I mean BIG, mega - it says "I'm here and I'm not shy - are you ready for me?"...

Note-wise, this sexy elixir opens with plum, iris & saffron exploding into life like nothing my olfactory senses have come across before ♥ There's also Bulgarian rose, jasmine and orris root in this heady mix, and interestingly the dry down is quite a long way off in the distance. When it does eventually happen, the amber, vetiver and papyrus woods ensure this lavish fragrance will be with you for at least 10 hours straight. It's quite a challenge for me to express how I perceive all of the contents listed above because everything is blended so masterfully, but what I can say is that for me it is green and woody with a potent hit of plum, and the rose & jasmine content is tempered with a touch of spice. It has the warmth and earthiness of a mulled wine, but there's also a distinctive freshness to it, like being in a forest of pine trees...

For sure, this is one of the most difficult perfume reviews I've attempted. It's one of those scents that you just simply have to try for yourself as I can imagine individual skin chemistry will play a big part in whether you love it or not (some folks say on them it smells like dill pickles!). If I can stop incessantly spritzing myself with this delight, I will save it for extra special occasions and cooler months when I'll relish expressing a sultry, sexy and supernally confident attitude, together with a devastatingly bold red lip. Right now I'm staring at this opulent bottle on my shelf feeling...totally decadent ♥...

Have you tried this luscious fragrance? What's your favourite Marc Jacobs perfume?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. Happy New Year lovelies! Wishing you a brilliant 2019, and may it deliver your hearts' greatest desires ♥...

Elizabeth Arden White Tea EDT...

Well as you can see my forays into Elizabeth Arden territory are ongoing, and the last strike revealed what might well be the jewel in her crown - White Tea EDT ♥. I'll admit I was already both intrigued and entranced after reading skincare junkie's review of it on beautyheaven (HERE), and then when I saw it on special at Myer, I took it as a sign that the universe thought I should have it in my collection. I'm so glad I responded to the hint because this is one of the most beautiful spring/summer fragrances I've had the pleasure to experience...

The packaging is gorgeous and the perfect representation of the fragrance inside. Cooling, calming & elegant, the rectangular bottle is white ombre - clear at the base morphing into solid white at the top, with a square plastic cap covering all but 5mm of the gold spray fitting. Simple, elegant, clean. The $50 "special" I bought was a box with the 50ml bottle plus a 100ml tube of Pure Indulgence Body Cream, which I've yet to try, but being Elizabeth Arden and containing shea butter, it's sure to be a delight. Having fallen for this scent big time, I powered through a third of the bottle in the first week (!) so I jumped online and ordered the 100ml from feelingsexy who had (and still have) the 100ml for $34 - woo hoo!...

At first it reminded me of Bvlgari Omnia Crystalline (which I also adore for summer), but it's way softer, more subtle, more womanly. While the initial spritz is equally crisp and refreshing, the dry down is deliciously (and delicately) musky and powdery. Top notes are Italian Mandarin, Clary Sage, Sea Breeze Accord and Japanese White Fern, but within a few minutes, the White Tea emerges, skillfully entwined with White Iris, Mate and Turkish Rose, all gliding on a base of Amber, Ambrette, Tonka Bean and Exotic Woods. Sigh...it's just sooooo beautiful ♥...

Compared to her Green Tea (lovingly reviewed last month HERE) this little darling is quite a bit more expensive, but hey, it's class all the way. At around 4 hours on my skin, longevity is reasonably good for an EDT, but you'll want to keep spraying it throughout the day anyway, just to relish the blissful burst of feminine refreshment it delivers ♥...

Take care of you,

kats xxx

November 2018 Empties & Christmas Giveaway!...

Another big collection of finished products and I've included all the mascaras I sadly had to toss as they'd passed the 3-month limit, even though I didn't use them up - almost all of these were sent to me to trial which I'm most thankful for. And considering it's pretty much Christmas every month at kats colourings, I've decided to combine my festive season giveaway with the regular one, and if you read on you'll see the prize pack is a whopper!...

Body

Listerine BrightWhite with Lemon Flavour + Salt Mouthwash (1 litre, $12.50)

My first foray into mouthwash and I was tempted because this was half price, and it's such a massive bottle! I wasn't too fussed on the flavour and it does tingle a little, but that's probably the lemon and salt giving my gums a bit of a scare lol. Anyways, my teeth looked brighter from the first time I used it, and I do love that it leaves my mouth feeling fresh and super clean ♥...

Repurchase?

Even though it's good, probably not - it's early days into my exploration, but I've already found another brand that has a taste that's more to my liking, which I'll review next month...

OGX Sensually Soft + Tsubaki Blossom Body Wash (577ml, $17.99)

Mmmm, this was the first OGC body wash I tried, and it's a winner - such a lovely, soft and feminine floral scent, and it really does put some moisture back into my old skin, leaving it feeling incredibly soft and delightfully fragrant. Sulfate free, I'll be working my way through the rest of the range ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Definitely! ♥♥♥...

Face

Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub (56g, $29.99)

The origin of this sample scrub pot is floating around in my brain somewhere, but I definitely didn't buy it, so it must have come in a beauty bag, probably from Priceline. Have had it in my drawer for a while but it was perfectly good, actually it was great - has a lovely crisp and fresh lemony scent, it's quite grainy, but still gentle enough to use at least a couple of times a week, maybe even every day if your skin isn't all that sensitive. Leaves my complexion looking refined and with a youthful glow ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes - I think it's a beauty, and even prefer it to the Dermalogica one, plus it's heaps cheaper ♥♥♥...

Glow Lab Night Cream (50g, $18.99)

One of six jars of partly used moisturiser that I had on my bench, and I finished it up on my body just so it wouldn't go stale. I started it back in April but had to switch to something a lot more potent to counteract my winter-skin dehydration, but it certainly is a lovely cream. Has a delicate floral scent and the product itself is very light and absorbs rapidly. It will be fine for me in the warmer months, and I think this brand is worthy of some further investigation ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I'm a bit stuck on some creams containing retinol at the moment so it won't get a look-in for a while, but probably ♥♥♥...

Grahams Natural Organic Lip Balm - Raspberry (4.25g, $7.95)

My fave! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes indeedy, I already have a stash ♥♥♥...

Jor'el Parker Fango Mud Therapy Mask (30ml, $?)

This is the second sample tube of this magical mask from Lip Monthly, and if I could find where to buy it in Oz, I would do so in a heartbeat. It's sensational, and still holds the #1 position on my mud mask list. Contains sweet almond oil, avocado oil, green tea & volcanic ash minerals. Smells ahh-mazing, it's olive green, and I've not seen such outstanding complexion refinement from any other mask I've tried. I'm totally bummed that I can't even find it on a US website that will ship to Australia - boo! ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Would if I could ♥♥♥...

L'Oreal Age Perfect Extraordinary Restoring Serum (30ml, $39.95)

I raved about this last month - this is my second bottle, and I would have bought a third stat except I simply MUST get through some of the others that are already opened on my bench. But when I've caught up, I'll be seeking out several bottles (at a bargain price natch) - for me, this is the ultimate serum from the L'Oreal range, and I think I've tried them all! Keen to get my hands on the eye cream too ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

See above ♥♥♥...

L'Oreal Age Perfect Intense Nutrition Rich Repairing Day Cream (50ml, $36.99)

Scored this via the beautyheaven Trial Team, and loved it to bits. My review of it is second from the bottom HERE. One of the best cold weather day creams I've ever had the pleasure to massage into my face and has everything going for it except no SPF. If you have dry mature skin, then this whole range is a blessing ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, but not till Autumn as it's too intense for the hot and humid weather ♥♥♥...

L'Oreal Age Perfect Intense Nutrition Rich Repairing Night Balm (50ml, $36.99)

This will be my winter night cream of choice - one of the very few ultra-rich creams I've road-tested (yes including La Prairie) that doesn't clog my pores and gives my skin all the moisture support it needs in the cold months. My beautyheaven review of it is HERE, also second from the bottom of the page. A beautiful cream, divine fragrance, an absolute pleasure to apply, and all for less than $40 ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

It's too rich for summer, but next time I see it on special, I'll stash a jar for next April ♥♥♥...

Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover (112ml, $10.89)

Been using this for years - it's the best, so much so I don't even bother trying anything else ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

There can be only one, and this is it - yes! ♥♥♥...

Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Power Eye Cream (15ml, $69)

Used some of the Mecca gift card I won a while back to try this "online exclusive" eye cream. I chose it over several others because it was rated 4.5/5, and there's no denying it's a marvellous cream for hydrating the delicate eye area. The website blurb says "A little pot of moisture-rich power that addresses the four most common signs of ageing around the eyes: crow’s feet, under eye lines, crepey lids, and sagginess." There was some slight smoothing of my hoods and softening of crow's feet, but not much visible improvement in the sagginess. I think the best one for me is still the Clarins Super Restorative Total Eye Concentrate ($95) followed by the Beauty by Nicholas Eye Alchemy ($49.99). Of course, the results may be more pronounced with continuous use, but I kinda lose my enthusiasm unless I see something obvious by the time I finish the bottle ♥...

Repurchase?

Nah, I'll keep searching, and go back to the more affordable (and often on special) BbN Eye Alchemy in between trials...

St. Ives Blackhead Clearing Green Tea Scrub (150ml, $9.99)

Good old St. Ives scrubs! This is another that I've been using for years - cleansing, calming and one of the best anti-blackhead devices around ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I always have one of these in my shower stall ♥♥♥...

Face Masks

L'Oreal Pure Clay Purifying Eucalyptus Mask (50ml, $19.99)

Love this mask - not quite as much as the charcoal one from the range, but it's only a whisker away and right up there with my fave Jor-El Parker, Sukin & Essano ones. Love the scent and how clean, refreshed and refined my complexion feels and looks afterwards. This has lasted me ages, but it went from one third to nothing in the last 4 weeks as I've been applying it to my decolletage as well to prep for the lower necklines ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, and I need to get some pronto as my T-zone has already started re-oiling and this does a great job of regulating the production ♥♥♥...

Olay Magnemasks Infusion Rejuvenating Sheet Mask (Box of 5, $28.99)

Waxed lyrical about these in my September Empties post - for ease of use and results, they're brilliant ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

They've been on special a lot lately, so yes, I have a supply ♥♥♥...

Skin Republic Detox Charcoal + 10-Superfood Formula (25ml, RRP $9.99)

Gave this a beaut rap in the May Empties post ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Will do, just have to reduce the stash a bit first ♥♥♥...

South Mane Lip Gel (Pack of 3, RRP US$9)

Softening, but not moisturising enough for my old lips - this is the last of the three...

Repurchase?

No...

Regulars:

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

Went through another three packs of these ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

K-Mart is out of stock (AGAIN) but I have 4 packs in reserve ♥♥♥...

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

Used two last month - I would sleep in one of these every night if I could afford it ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Forever ♥♥♥...

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

Love! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Always, hanging out till they're on sale again ♥♥♥...

Hair

Scott Cornwall Colour Restore Iced Platinum Anti-Yellow Toner (100ml, RRP $16.95)

Covered this last month ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Absolutely, well at least until I find something even more effective ♥♥♥...

Home

Models Prefer Scented Reed Diffuser Sampler - Tokyo (Box of 5, RRP $30)

Gradually working my way through the five - the charm for this one is a fan, and the notes are Lychee, Magnolia & Musk. It's a lovely fragrance, but not my fave ♥... 

Repurchase?

Probably not, the Paris one is still the most appealing to my nose ♥...

Makeup

Australis AC On Tour Contouring & Highlighting Kit - Cool Tone Cream (RRP $24.95)

Still haven't found any other cream kit that has the right shades for my skin tone, so even though I use at best only three pans out of the six, I buy this whenever Priceline has a 40 or 50% off sale ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yep, scored another at a bargain price last month ♥♥♥...

IT Cosmetics Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer - Medium (8ml, $38)

LOVE!!! I bought this two years ago (review HERE) ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Because it's so darn difficult to find in stock at Sephora, I ordered two at the time - this one should last at least 18 months, so I'll hold off ordering another for now ♥♥♥...

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Illumination Cream - Medium (32ml, $x)

Well now, this was an interesting mistake - I meant to order the regular kind, and then when it arrived, the thought of going through the exchange process was too much to bear, so I stuck with it and ended up falling for it big time. It's quite shimmery, actually too much light reflecting power to wear on its own (well for me anyway), but I've been blending it 50/50 with whatever foundation and the effect is quite magical - that sort of "lit from within" and slightly dewy finish, supremely flattering.  And of course, the 50+ SPF is a bonus ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes ma'am ♥♥♥...

L'Oreal Mega Volume Miss Baby Roll Mascara (RRP $21.95)

One I trialled for beautyheaven last year, gave it 5 stars and a crackingly awesome review (3rd from the bottom HERE), and then forgot all about it - I guess it's the price I pay for having way too much makeup in my kit. I really liked the packaging, and for a non-waterproof kind, it held the curl brilliantly ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Maybe, maybe not - my heart belongs to the False Lash one below ♥...

L'Oreal False Lash Superstar XFiber Mascara (RRP $28.95)

Has been my numero uno for a while now - full review HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yep, this is another one that I pick up on special whenever I see it ♥♥♥...

Maybelline Total Temptation Mascara - Regular & Waterproof (RRP $21.95)

My full review is HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

The waterproof one is the go for me, but I still prefer The Falsies ♥♥♥...

Nutrimetics Extreme Volume Mascara - Regular & Waterproof ($38)

My full review is HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

The waterproof one works best, but I probably won't buy unless MNY stops making The Falsies ♥♥♥...

Rimmel Scandaleyes Wow Wings Mascara (RRP $17.95)
Another one that was sent to me from beautyheaven to trial - you'll find my review second from the top HERE. Gave it 4 stars because it's excellent and it sure does make the outer lashes pop, but the wand loads way too much product, and that's wasteful and annoying - I have far greater success with bristles rather than plastic spikes ♥...

Repurchase?

I doubt it ♥...

Rimmel Exaggerate Full Colour Lip Liner - Eastend Snob (RRP $12.50)

One of the best and most versatile nude lipliners around, has appeared before ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Affirmative ♥♥♥...

Christmas Giveaway!

There's not one product here that I haven't personally tried and loved, and enough in this bundle to keep some gal going for a few months! So here's an alphabetical list of what's in Kats Claus loot-fest ♥...

• Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder
• Chi Chi 50ml Eau de Parfum Peach & Mango, 3x10ml Purse Sprays - Coconut & Lime, Berries & Cream, Strawberry & Violet
• Eye of Horus Ancient Pewter Liquid Metals Eye Liner
• Grahams Natural Daily Facial Gel Cleanser with Green Tea, Aloe Vera & Cucumber
• Grahams Natural Cucumber & Aloe Vera Body Wash
• Grahams Natural Organic Lip Balm - Raspberry
• Harvest Garden Rose Geranium + Patchouli + Lavender Natural Handcrafted Soap
• L'Oreal Purifying Sugar Scrub + Kiwi Seeds
• Lovisa Dragonfly Necklace
• Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads (sample pack of 5)
• Nivea Cellular Anti-Age Skin Rejuvenation Day Cream with SPF 15
• Nivea Cellular Anti-Age Volume Filling Pearls
• Olay Magnemasks Infusion RejuvenatingSheet Masks - box of 5
• Platinum Beauty Blush Brush
• Purederm Ginkgo Eye Puffiness Minimising Patches
• Revlon Pout Party Super Lustrous Lipsticks - Plumalicious, Rum Raisin & Wine with Everything
• Skin Republic Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patches
• Skin Republic Bubble Purifying + Charcoal Face Mask Sheet
• Urban Rituelle Organic Hand Cream with Lemongrass, Lemon Myrtle, Grapefruit & Eucalyptus Essential Oils
• Urban Rituelle Hibiscus & Cranberry Scented Candle

All items except the Nip+Fab cleansing pads sample were purchased by me and the total prize value is approx $350. Because this will be a WAY bulky parcel, the 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

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This giveaway is now closed 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Congratulations gorgeous! 

Kate please respond to the email I've sent you by midnight

Friday 28th December to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Kate has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: Favourite October 2018 LOTD's...

Here we go with another month of pout paint pics, and you can always count on me for a variety of shades, formulas and price points. Those three factors are why I am so loopy for lippie - any gal will always be able to find something that's flattering to their complexion, comfortable to wear, and within their budget...

...plus I never ever underestimate the power of a new lipstick to lift my spirits ♥... 

1. ModelCo Luxcreme Long Wear Lipstick - Sienna. Don't you just LOVE it when magazines have a free lipstick stuck on the cover? Thanks to Coles & Womens Weekly for this pretty nude that wears well, and is actually quite comfortable for a long-laster ♥...

2. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick - Abstract Orange.  Aptly named as it's hardly what I'd call an orange, more of a terracotta or bricky red, but I love these in-between shades. Been a big fan of Revlon for many years, and I can't see that changing any time soon ♥...

3. Seraphine Botanicals Quince & Crimson Lip & Cheek Crayon. Soft velvety feel on the lips, lasts for hours and hours, vegan, glorious colour but quite sheer - the blotchy bits in the photo are my freckles showing through as I didn't use a lipliner underneath, still love it though ♥...

4. Hikari Lip Crayon - Armour. This is absolutely gorgeous, I wore it again just the other day and it survived breakfast. Courtesy of a Lip Monthly bag, I have a few of these crayons from this brand and they are all stunners ♥...

5. Antipodes Natural Lipstick - Hungry Like the Wolf.  Oh, oh, oh, so much to love in these lippies, chockablock with goodness - this was a gift from the gorgeous Marisa Robinson a few years ago, I'm not even sure they make it any more, but holey guacemoley, what a red this is ♥...

6. Essence Adventure Awaits Metallic Lipstick - Kisses From The Orient. I'm a huge fan of Essence lipsticks, BUT, this is a limited edition and we all know what that means - buy it while you can (and if you can find it). I nabbed a couple because it's the perfect Christmas lipstick - the metallic content is gold, and it glistens and gleams with all the bedazzlement of the festive season ♥...

7. Maybelline ColorDrama Intense Velvet Lip Pencil - Pink So Chic. I'm still in awe of this range - fabulous colours and formula, and still available for $9.95. No liner required, lightweight, comfortable, the dedicated post I wrote in April 2015 when they first came out is HERE ♥...

8. Essence Adventure Awaits Metallic Lipstick - Kisses from Asia. The partner in the Limited Edition set - not quite as jaw-dropping as the Orient one, but still a beauty, and oh how I love the pink + gold metallic combo (but weird that the case is orange). I bought a spare 'cos I have nothing else like this ♥...

9. MBA Cosmetics - Lovespell. These MBA lipsticks just keep on keeping on - at least 3 years old and no degradation of the product. What a pretty girly pink hey ♥...

10. Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate - #20. Another gem I can't get enough of. Some bright pinks are just too lollyish or what I call "Barbie Pink", but this darling has both oomph and class, and the formula is a dream ♥...

11. Revlon Matte Balm - Passionate. Adore this shade, and it's so smooth and velvety - I have one other from this set, and I should buy more as I'm mad keen on the convenience of crayons, and especially if they're as lip friendly as this ♥...

12. MBA Cosmetics - Stargazer. If you want purple, head to MBA Cosmetics - this fave has appeared many times in these posts, and will for a while yet ♥...

What's your go-to lip colour?

Take care of you,
kats xxx