REVIEW: Narciso Rodriquez EDP...

I have quite an extensive fragrance collection (ermmm 60+ at last count) because having choices is very important to me. I love each and every one in varying degrees - some are frivolous flirtations which may only last till the end of the bottle, some are passionate affairs that go on for a while, and then there are the long-time loves that I purchase over and over as I never want to be without them. But having tried Narciso by Narciso Rodriguez, I have a new category - "this is me". When I wear this EDP, I feel complete ♥...

My first encounter was with a 4ml phial that came in my first Marie Claire Ageless Parcel in November 2015, and it was love, true love. Well that was until I found out how much it cost ($160 for 90ml). Anyways, I put a purchase on the back burner, and decided to make the little glass tube last for as long as possible. Not long after that my gorgeous friend Christina told me this was her favourite fragrance (she calls it "sex in a bottle") and that from time to time I could probably find it on special. So I allowed myself the luxury of entertaining the thought that one day it would be mine, and then it happened - Priceline had the 50ml EDP on sale, and I had several vouchers saved up, so I granted my own wish ♥...

This is one of the most beautiful fragrances I've ever come across, and there's been quite a few in the 50 odd years of my perfume passion. It's potent and subtle at the same time, never in your face, but so ridiculously alluring it should be worn with awareness of the potential impact on those close to you. Musky, sensual, creamy, captivating, feminine, elegant, powdery, magnetic - it's all those things. The heart of musk embraces gardenia and Bulgarian rose on a woody base of vetiver, and both black and white cedar - in short it's a masterpiece, and I can't imagine anyone being able to resist the charms of this seductive cocktail ♥...

The bottle is minimalist and straight forward - chunky and heavy with no frills, it really gives no clue as to the pure female power it contains. I spritz it every night before bed. Beautiful from beginning to end, I am still enjoying its intimacy five hours later ♥...

The creator of this gem understands how women want to express themselves. My heart makes me reach for this every day, but my head says save it for special occasions. So far my heart is winning. This is totally wearable at any time of the night or day, any season, whenever you want to treat yourself to a floral woody musk that reminds you about your extra X chromosome. Actually I like Christina's description better - it's definitely sex in a bottle ♥...

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. Sharing this article on Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party - lots of beaut beauty related articles from bloggers all over the globe. Come take a peek Monday from around 6:30am ♥...

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