SPOTLIGHT: Marie Claire Ageless Parcel - February 2017...

The latest Marie Claire Ageless Parcel arrived last week - as always I couldn't contain myself till I'd opened it, and as always, it was a delight to see what goodies were inside. Some of these boxes are a tad more exciting than others, but all of them are astoundingly good value, and this quarterly offering is an absolute delight. With four full-size products and one generous sample, the RRP of the contents is around $105, and for an outlay of $25, and specifically targeting my particular ageing issues, I expect to be subscribed to these forever ♥...

Revlon UniqOne Hair Treatment (150ml, RRP $29.95)

Only available in salons. this is a leave-in spray treatment that targets 10 problem areas, and having used it today after colouring my hair, I can certainly confirm there are immediate benefits from this potently scented (but dissipates quickly) formula - sure am looking forward to the long term ones. Instructions say to spray over damp hair, but it comes out like a foam, so I just mixed about five squirts in my palms and ran my hands over my hair, paying special attention to the highlighted sections which are the most damaged. After blow drying, my tresses are softer and silkier, with loads of shine ♥..

Just prior to publishing, I noticed that I'd accidentally photographed the Italian language side of the box in the pic above (whoops!), so here's the English translation, plus the list of ingredients...

Jergens Age Defying Multi-Vitamin Moisturiser (250ml, RRP $6.99)

The skin on my bod is pretty much dryish all year round, but during Winter, it becomes twice as moisture-starved. Having used this today after my shower, I reckon I'll have no such issues this cold season - LOVE the fresh flower scent of this body lotion, it absorbs completely after 30 seconds, and leaves my skin feeling supple and completely hydrated. According to the blurb, it triples (whoa!) the moisture content of the skin if you keep using it - yes please, I'm in! ♥...

L'Occitane Precious Cream (50ml, RRP $85, sample 8ml, value $13.60)

LOVE L'Occitane products, so I was super happy to find this bubby jar in the box. If this is anything like the stunning Immortelle range (the ones in the yellow packaging), which I trialled for beautyheaven some years ago, I'll be as happy as a clam. The container is too small for a list of ingredients, but here's what the box insert has to say ♥...

I have a stack of part-finished moisturisers to clear, so I'm saving this for a cold rainy day when I want to give myself a truly luxurious treat ♥...

 Redwin Coconut Balm (25g, RRP $5.99)

At first I thought this was a lip balm, but it turns out to be one of those multi-purpose healers - can be used on insect bites, burns, rashes and cuts. It's a thick clear gel that smells exactly like fresh coconut, and it's made with 100% organic coconut oil. There's also papaya fruit, jojoba, sunflower, marigold and carrot oils in the list of ingredients, plus it's 100% vegan friendly, and not tested on animals. There's a whole stack of horrors that are NOT included as well, like SLS, parabens, mineral oils and petroleum jelly. So far I've only used it on my lips, and they're thanking me for it already ♥...

Elucent Anti-Aging Eye Cream (15ml RRP $49.99)

Chuffed to see this old favourite included in the selection. Used this entire range some years ago and loved it, but you know me and how fickle I am with skin care, I moved on to trying out a whole heap of others from the gazillion available on the market. Still I'm delighted to have the opportunity to revisit this gem. It's fragrance-free and contains 4% glycolic acid, so it packs quite a punch in the battle against fine lines and wrinkles. There's also vitamins B3, C & E in the mix, and I love that there's an expiry date on both the box and the tube. Mine says Aug 2018, so I've plenty of time to get through all the part-used eye creams that are currently on my bench (four lol) ♥...

Another awesome collection from this resourceful and thoughtful panel - you can subscribe to the consistently brilliant Marie Claire Ageless Parcel at their new Beauty Crew home...

What do you think lovelies - are you keen to try any of these products?

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. Linking to Ingrid's very popular Monday Makeup Madness Link Up - come join me in the fun of discovering some new blogs to follow ♥...

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

Another winning combination of products in the Summer Marie Claire Ageless Parcel. I've checked out quite a few subscription boxes, but I reckon this beats them all hands down. There's a refreshing consistency in the quality of the items, it's always amazing value, and obviously a lot of thought has gone into gathering together this beaut selection for the hot months ahead...

John Frieda Sheer Blonde Go Blonder In Shower Lightening Treatment (34ml, Full Size, RRP $17.99)

A most interesting and innovative product - you apply it to wet hair and leave it on for five minutes to lighten by one shade. There are two tubes of product that combine when you squeeze - shall definitely give this a shot next time I colour my hair and it turns out too dark. The huge benefit I see is that you don't have to use it up all at once, plus it looks like it's going to be totally mess-free ♥..

L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Classic Concentrated Serum (30ml, Full Size, RRP $32.95)

I have three other serums on my shelf to try, but will sneak this one in next because I definitely need "...more toned, firmer looking skin..." According to the blurb, I should see results in four hours - yes please! It's a translucent white liquid with a baby powder fragrance that dissipates quickly - lots of slip so it spreads easily, and dries almost matte ♥... 

Alpha-H Instant Facial (30ml Sample, Value $18.60)

Loving Alpha-H Liquid Gold as I do, it's a sure bet I'm going to nuts about this Instant Facial with Cypress & Barley. Like the Liquid Gold you squirt it onto a cotton pad, and then swipe it all over your face, neck and chest - a wee bit of a refreshing tingle, but that's to be expected from a glycolic acid content. Also contains thyme & arnica. This particular variety targets enlarged pores (check), dead skin buildup (check), wrinkles (check), and mattifies the T-zone (check). I used it last night and didn't apply anything else over the top - this morning my skin is radiant, soft and deliciously hydrated ♥...

Sukin Energising Body Scrub (50ml Sample, Value $3.74)

I swear this smells good enough to eat! Sulphate & paraben free, it contains jojoba beads, green tea leaves, aloe vera, coconut oil & vitamin E, along with coffee extracts and coconut shell. It's already on my shower shelf for the next pre-tan exfoliation ♥... 

Skin Republic Brightening Vitamin C Face Mask (25ml, Full Size, RRP $7.99)

I'm a big fan of these sheet masks, and have used this particular one before - just haven't gotten around to reviewing the range, but it's in the pipeline. Gives my face an instant hydration rush and radiance boost, and there's no messy goop to wash off - you just spread the remaining serum film wherever you need it most ♥... 

Ego Sun Sense Daily Face SPF 50+ (200ml Full Size, RRP $26.95)

This is a brilliant product - has no fragrance that I can detect, it dries matte, and it's the perfect formula if you have oily or combination skin. I've tried this on my face, neck and chest, and there's not even the slightest trace of greasiness or shine, and of course, it's 50+ SPF ♥...

My trusty calculator tells me the value of this box is $108.22 - for an outlay of $25, it can't be beat ♥ You can subscribe to the Marie Claire Ageless Parcel at their new Beauty Crew home.

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. Linking to the ever popular Monday Makeup Madness Party - you won't be disappointed with the quality reviews you'll find here every week ♥

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

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 ♥

SPOTLIGHT: Marie Claire Ageless Parcel #3...

The third Marie Claire Ageless Parcel arrived mid-week, but I couldn't collect it from the PO till Saturday. Was it worth waiting a few extra days for? Most definitely! While not quite as exciting as earlier editions, the contents are once again very good quality, and there's no denying it's amazing value - total comes to around $120, and considering I paid $25, that's a pretty awesome deal for items specific to my needs. Four full-sized products, one 15ml sample, and a single eye mask - this last beauty product is the one I'm most eager to try ♥

Here's the details of the individual items, starting from the left in the pic...

Tresemmé Fullness Emulsion Spray (125ml, $10.99)

This is described as a thickening spray, "infused with antioxidants and omega3s" - can be sprayed on wet or dry hair, and is designed to give more volume. I would normally avoid such products as my hair is naturally thick and bushy, but since having it straightened, it's all sleek and flat so I can experiment a little with something like this ♥...

Elucent Whitening Hand Cream (50g, $24.99)

This is a beautiful hand cream - I know, I've used it before. While there was definitely a lightening of my age spots, I need a specialised regime to achieve any major fading, but I'm delighted to have this in my stash for when I finish the treatment products I'm currently using. Contains Vitamins C, E & B3 ♥...

Garnier Skin Naturals Miracle Sleeping Cream (50ml, $19.99)

Love the name! Haven't tried this before, and I'm champing at the bit to introduce it into my routine - the parcel contents card says this "has the benefits of a mask, but with the feel of a lotion". OK, you got me, I'm in!

LonVitalite C8 Collagen Crystal Eye Mask ($32 for 6)

This will most definitely be the very first product I try from the box - 100% natural (plant-based) collagen, and it'll help reduce my fine lines, and hopefully give my deeper ones a scare. Dark circles are targeted too - the aim is brighter eyes. Could sure do with a couple of those ♥

My eyes feel cool and soothed just looking at these cute little mandarin-shaped slices. There's no instructions as to how long to leave them on for, so I'll assume it's like their other masks - 20 minutes. Might give these a whirl tonight...

Elizabeth Arden Pro Triple Action Protector (15ml, 50ml is $99)

Well this sounds interesting - DNA Enzyme Complex + Antioxidants. I'm gathering it's a tinted sunscreen with major benefits! For face, neck and decolletage, this is supposed to moisturise, boost the natural repair system, and protect. It's fragrance free (which is a bit of a bore), but it's also paraben free and non-comedogenic. It's expensive, so it's a SURE BET I'll fall in love with it ha ha ♥...

essano Rosehip Collagen Repair Serum (30ml, $29.99)

I really like essano skincare, especially the fact that I can buy it at the supermarket - I have their Rosehip Oil which is excellent quality for a great price, so I'm very much looking forward to trying this serum. At this stage in my life, I'm in dire need of collagen so this baby is very welcome thank you! Had a quick sniff and it smells like Mother Nature whipped it up in her kitchen - yum ♥

All up another terrific selection - there's nothing here that I'm not going to use stat. Of course I'll report back once I've tried them all - still haven't cracked open a couple of the products from the other two collections, so it may be a while, but I'll get there ♥...

If this beauty box takes your fancy, you'll find details on how to subscribe on my rave review post of the 2nd parcel here.

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. Looking for new blogs to follow? Can highly recommend Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party - it's a great way to start the week ♥

SPOTLIGHT: Marie Claire Ageless Parcel...

I signed up for The Parcel Ageless Beauty box after reading a highly informative article over at Fabulous and Fun Life back in August. I'm not one to subscribe to beauty boxes as a rule, but after seeing what was inside, and at the bargain price of $20, my arm barely had to be twisted - I went straight to the website and paid up-front for four boxes. You can read all about the first one via Ingrid's excellent post (link above) - I haven't used all the products from box #1 as yet (severe case of beauty maniac's backlog), but will review the majority of them here once I'm done. I must admit I wondered if the quality and value would be maintained throughout the subscription period, but I needn't have given it a second thought as this second edition is even better than the first. It's now known as the marie claire Ageless Parcel, and while the price has increased slightly for new subscribers, the contents are even more impressive...

Alpha-H Liquid Gold - 50ml

This was the first item I spotted when I opened the box, and the one that started my heart pounding. I've used this before - scored a bottle via the beautyheaven beautorium two years ago, instantly fell in love with what it did for my skin, and then forgot all about! Thrilled to bits at this inclusion, and the chance to revive my love affair with this amazing liquid ♥...

The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Facial Oil - 7ml

Quite a mouthful of a name for such a tiny bottle, but it smells fantastic, and according to the leaflet, contains 99 percent oils of natural origin - can't wait to try this lightweight formula ♥...

Dr. Lewinn's Multi Moisture Balm - 15g

Just reading the ingredients list, I know I'm going to love this balm - almond, avocado and buriti oils. This last one I Googled because I'd never heard of it before - comes from the fruit of the (South American) moriche palm, and supposedly rich in anti-oxidants, and bright orange in colour (as is the balm).  From what I've tried of this little darling so far, I reckon it's going to be my new multi-tasking miracle skin healer ♥...

Jergens Shea Butter Deep Conditioning Moisturiser - 250ml

Not familiar with the brand, but this body moisturiser has a very pleasant scent, and seems to absorb very quickly - this big bottle should see me through the Summer ♥...

Narciso Rodriquez Narciso EDT - 0.13 fl.oz

Being the fragrance fanatic that I am, I LOVE that they included a perfume - it's only a small sample of EDT, but the fragrance is just SO beautiful, I'm writing to Santa in the hope of scoring the eau de parfum for Christmas (it's quite expensive). A floral woody musk - white gardenia, rose, musk, vetiver and cedar. Very very sensual ♥...

ProPlenish Marine Collagen - 2 x 3g sachets

This is a supplement that I think I need by the truckload - supposed to help replenish collagen levels to keep your skin glowing, and your nails and hair healthy. It's a 100% pure marine (from fish) collagen powder that you dissolve in the fluid of your choice. Doubt that I'll see any improvement from just two packs, but anything that enhances my health even for a day is a bonus ♥...

SK-II Facial Treatment Mask

Just one of these masks retails for $28, so I'm expecting a miracle - it's one of those sheet types that you leave on for 20 minutes, and it's saturated in "Pitera essence". Delighted to have the opportunity to try something that's way beyond my normal budget ♥...

What a fabulous box of skin treats, which I'll be sampling (and reviewing) in the coming weeks. I dug out my calculator, and worked out that the contents are valued at around $90. I reckon it's the best value beauty box in the marketplace, and I'm sending a massive thank you to Ingrid for bringing it to my attention - bless  you sweetheart!  ♥♥♥

New subscribers can purchase the Marie Claire Ageless Parcel as a one-off for $29.95, a seasonal subscription for $25 (four boxes per year), or there's an Annual deal for $90 (also four boxes per year).

Here's what was in the first box...

Do you subscribe to any beauty boxes? Which one's your favourite?

Take care of  you,

kats xxx