REVIEW: Sarah Jessica Park Covet EDP...

Well now, this was lucky 13 for me - that's how many years Covet by Sarah Jessica Parker has been on the market, and I've only just discovered her beauty. My theory is that it's never too late to find a fragrance that you resonate with unless of course it's been discontinued. There are internet rumours that this has been scrapped, but I think this darling will be around for a while yet as it's listed on so many store sites. The 100ml bottle was a steal for $19.99 from Chemist Warehouse, and at that price, it's tempting to buy another as I'm certainly powering through this one before the weather gets too hot ♥...

The bottle is clear glass with a smokey topaz flower cap that covers the nozzle to reduce the risk of accidental spritzing. I'm a little puzzled by the amber colour of the fluid though - in so many pictures it's the most gorgeous olive/lime green, so I'm not sure if it's a remix of the original ♥...

A grown-up fragrance, or a fragrance for grownups - either way, it's exceptionally feminine and quite sensuous and I reckon the fellas will love it. It's a delicious mix of lemon, lavender and cocoa with a floral heart of magnolia, honeysuckle and lily of the valley, nestled on a base of musk, amber, cashmere wood, vetiver and teak wood. It starts off quite crisp and fresh, almost green with a hint of spiced mint (from geranium leaves I believe), but it quickly softens into a creamy chocolate white floral (but not overly sweet) which lasts for around 10 minutes, and then the woods, musk and amber kick in and hold it all together for the next (at least) 6 hours ♥...

Most fragrances that contain chocolate tend to be gourmand style, but this one doesn't strike me that way at all. It's quite delicate, almost baby powderish, but it has the lovely zest of fruit to keep it interesting, and I'm a goner for anything containing amber. I've been spraying it on night and day as it's just so pretty, relaxing and enveloping, and I'm forever sniffing my wrist - it's the type that becomes even more entrancing as the hours go by ♥...

Well worth a try if you love soft feminine scents that last a long time, and don't intrude on anyone else's space - it stays close which makes it perfect for the office, or for getting close to someone special. I'm definitely coveting this beauty ♥...

Has this perfume ever been on your radar?

Take care of you, and keep safe,

kats xxx

REVIEW: Sarah Jessica Parker SJP EDP...

As mentioned in a previous post, my collection has expanded (oops!) through various avenues, but I bought Sarah Jessica Parker's Stash myself, and without testing it first. I was actually after the 30ml bottle from Chemist Warehouse as it was only $9.99 (only a few dollars more than a roller-ball, which is how I normally test fragrances) and the reviews were amazing, but my local store was out of stock of that size, so I bit the bullet and took a chance on the 100ml for $29.99 which was all they had on the shelf. Well, as it turned out, fate was guiding me to yet another blissful aromatic experience - it was love at first spritz, and if I'd only been able to get hold of the 30ml, I would have raced back to get my hands on the bigger size anyway. Oh boy, this is a beauty, and for that price, it's my bargain blind-buy of the year! ♥...

My fave scents for the cooler weather are warm spicy orientals, and this one hits the mark - a bullseye in fact. It's vastly different from the other SJP scents I have, and I'm delighted that she has included a winner from this genre in her lineup.  It was released in 2016 but I obviously missed it - still I'm making up for lost time by spraying this every other day, it's that good ♥...

The presentation is a delight. A glossy black box with the name embossed on a diagonal strip that's been made to appear like a fabric label. At first, I thought the box was damaged (it was sealed in cellophane), but it turns out that the attention to detail is astonishing - the edges of the "label" have been made to look slightly frayed, like it really is made of fabric! Inside the box, the bottle is encased in the cutest black grosgrain bag with the name in sparkly gold, and an equally sparkly gold drawstring. The bottle itself is quite simple and solid, with the same diagonal black label (Johnny Walker?) and around the neck is a leathery cord with a little gold "SJP" button attached. I can't believe it was only $30! ♥...

The fragrance is pretty close to being a masterpiece - leaning towards a masculine style, it's aromatic, woody, earthy, leathery and spicy, and the colour of dark rum. One of the most distinctive and standout fragrances I've come across from the celebrity world, this is an absolute gem. Lasts for hours and hours (let's say around 8). I spray it on before bed and I'm still floating on its heavenly cloud the next morning, and yet it isn't what I would call intrusive. The drydown is just as sassy and magnetic as the initial spray, but it mellows into something even more stunning, something that should cost a helluva lot more. There's only one fruit ingredient - grapefruit, but to my nose it's more like fig, which gives it a slight gourmand character. The rest is spice-heaven - black pepper, cedar, ginger lily, pistachio, olibanum (frankincense), vetiver, massoia wood (slightly coconutty) and musk. I'm totally besotted ♥...

Some folks have labelled this "bohemian" or "too hippy for the office" but I beg to differ. It's sensual and a tad provocative, but not enough for me to NOT wear it to work. I'd wear it anywhere, anytime, but probably limit it (if I can) to the cooler weather. Adore! ♥♥♥...

 Have you tried Stash yet? Are spicy orientals your fragrance thing?

Take care of you, and keep safe,
kats xxx

April 2020 Empties & Giveaway!...

What a revealing month for Empties April was! With the rather sudden reduction in the volume of what I went through, it's pretty obvious that I use quite a lot of products for presenting myself to the outside world, and working from home combined with only venturing to the shops one day per week sure made a significant difference. I also decided to give my hair a break from any major colouring attempts and bought half a dozen newsboy caps instead lol. Still, there's a couple of interesting skincare items in this lot, so on with the reviews ♥...

Body

Black Chicken Remedies Axilla Deodorant Paste (15g, RRP $7.95)

Rated this #3 in my Top 6 Aluminium-free Deodorants (review HERE), and the only reason it won 3rd prize is because I have to use my fingers to apply it. Other than that little fussy-folly of mine, this stuff is legendary ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

If they made it in a stick form, you betcha ♥♥♥...

KOi Relaxing Body Wash - Jasmine & Sandalwood (500ml, RRP $8)

Beautifully fragranced, natural ingredients, great price, SLS & cruelty-free - a truly lovely body wash available from supermarkets, but just not quite enough hydrating power to meet my new baseline requirements ♥♥...

Repurchase?

Maybe next Summer ♥♥...

Schmidt's Bergamot + Lime Natural Deodorant (75g, RRP $13.99)

Schmidt's deodorants are my current #1 in the aluminium-free range, and I'm crazy about the Charcoal & Magnesium, Cedarwood & Juniper & Lavender & Sage varieties, but not this one. It works brilliantly and has a lovely zesty fragrance, but the little lumps in it (I think it's baking soda) are way too hard and scratchy - so much so I found this quite painful to apply. I bought it on special at Priceline so it may have been old stock and dried out, but I won't get it again just in case that's the way it is - it's just too harsh for my pits...

Repurchase?

No...

Regulars

Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)

Shea Moisture African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Body Scrub (170g, RRP $10)

Thankyou Botanical Lemon Myrtle & Goat's Milk Body Wash - (500ml, $7.99)

White Glo Charcoal Total Mouth Detox Whitening Mouthwash (500ml, RRP $6.99)

Face

Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream (50ml, RRP $205)

One of the ritzy-ditzy products in the 2019 lookfantastic Advent Calendar, and one I was super excited to try, especially given the rave reviews and hefty price tag. Well now, I'm a little puzzled as I really didn't find it fabulous at all. Mind you I only used it at night. On the plus side, it's a lovely textured cream, very light, and the tiniest amount spreads so easily and absorbs well, but I didn't find it the least bit special - there were no obvious improvements in my fine lines, moisture levels or elasticity. The fragrance was disappointingly bleah - like an old-fashioned el-cheapo cold-cream, but not even as pleasant as that. Marketed as "a revolutionary anti-aging product", sorry folks it didn't work for me...

Repurchase?

No way...

Indeed Labs Snoxin Facial Line & Wrinkle Fighting Serum (30ml, RRP ?)

This has been in my stockpile drawer for longer than I can remember (like maybe 2 years), and I probably shouldn't review it at all as it's no longer for sale (there is a new version Snoxin II). But the seal was intact so I decided not to toss it. Actually, a lovely and amazingly slippery serum which left my skin feeling so silky smooth, but there were no obvious improvements. The box said "4 x better than $500+ serums" - maybe mine was old and had lost its potency, but I can't discount how fabulous it made my skin feel, and would definitely try the new version ♥♥...

Repurchase?

Snoxin II, yes ♥♥...

Liar Wrinkle Cheater Eye Roller Serum (12ml, RRP $39.95)

This came in the July 2019 Bellabox, and because it has a metal roller ball, I put it away till the warmer weather as it felt so cold on my face. Silly me - it's SO good! The best roller-ball eye serum I've ever tried - I don't know how or why, but unlike every other eye cream with this kind of dispenser, the Liar ball never EVER drags on my delicate skin. On first application, there is an immediate tightening sensation, and my eyes look refreshed and feel perfectly hydrated. No improvement to my eye bags, but my crow's feet are less deep and the under-eye area especially has lost that crepey withered look - 100% natural ingredients too ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Ooh yes ♥♥♥...

L'Oreal Pure Clay Exfoliating Scrub (150ml, RRP $14.99)

Absolutely LOVE the smell of this scrub and how it leaves my skin so soft and de-flaked without being harsh, although I wouldn't use it on my old skin more than once a week. It's messy (like the charcoal one) so best used in the shower, but it's a great product and a great price. No less than three clays plus red algae ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes ma'am ♥♥♥...

Nivea Q10 Power Anti-Wrinkle Replenishing Day Cream for 60+ Skin (50ml, RRP $23.99)

Trialled this for beautyheaven throughout the summer, I gave it 5 stars - my review is 4th from the bottom of the page HERE. Needs a light hand with the quantity or else there's a high probability of T-zone shine, but overall I loved it. So often the creams made for us oldies are way too rich for my skin and I end up with clogged pores, but not with this darling. The fragrance is fresh and delightful, and the price is surprisingly low, just wish it was 30+ SPF ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Sure will ♥♥♥...

Regulars

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

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

Face Masks

Kmart Raspberry Leaf Botanical Eye Mask (2 pairs, RRP $3)

My latest passion in the eye patch arena. These are as cheaps as chips, supremely comfortable, and surprisingly effective - they're the jelly type, almost invisible on the skin, and they slide down if you're standing up, but I wear them to bed. And at $1.50 a pop, I can afford them every night! These ones are for firming, and they also come in Red Ginseng for brightening, and Evening Primrose for hydrating ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Silly question lol ♥♥♥...

Regulars

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

Fragrance

Sarah Jessica Parker  Lovely EDP (30ml, RRP $9.99)

One of my faves, and the 30ml bottle is the perfect handbag size as well as being totally affordable - lovingly reviewed HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Already have ♥♥♥...

Paco Rabanne Lady Million EDP (30ml, RRP $81)

The cutest little sample size, I forget how this came into my hands, but I'm glad it did as I sampled it years ago (when I was a different person ha ha) and didn't think much of it. Have definitely changed my mind about it, but maybe not quite enough to spend $80. Woodsy white flowers with a touch of orange and a base of patchouli. Quite the seductress, but I have caught a drift of it on quite a few gals, and that always puts me off a bit. Still, I might relent ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Maybe ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Ecoya Apricot & Tonka Bean Reed Diffuser LE (200ml, RRP $37.46)

Hair

Kérastase Paris Densifique Densimorphose Treatment Mousse (150ml, RRP $48)

My stylist recommended this for my new spikey haircut, which needs some lift and has a tendency to reveal my scalp in places (and consequently my white roots if I've been slack), so I needed something to create a bit more fullness, and this is it. It doesn't make my hair all goopy and really fluffs it out without adding to the frizz. It's my first ever Kérastase product, and I'm already on my second can ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Affirmative ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Salon Professional Supplies Creme Peroxide 5 vol (200ml, RRP $5.95)

Salon Professional Supplies Pro-Colour - Violet Toner (100ml, RRP $14.95)

Schwarzkopf Live Colour Pastels - Cool Grey (RRP $5.49)

Makeup

Regulars

Australis HD Translucent Loose Setting Powder (RRP $16.95)

Eye of Horus Charcoal Obsidian Goddess Pencil (1.2g, RRP $30)

Maybelline Volume Express The Falsies Waterproof Mascara (RRP $19.95)

Giveaway

Ok, so this month we have up for grabs...

• Sarah Jessica Parker Lovely EDP 30ml
• Nourished Life Antibacterial Hand Sanitiser 125ml
• Shea Moisture African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Body Scrub
• Lacura Cherish Luxury Hand Cream with Peony Flower & Mandarin Oil Extract
• Peppermint Grove Patchouli & Bergamot Soy Candle 60g
• Colette Teardrop Diamante Stud Earring & Ring Set (Medium)

All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $65.  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!) If you're unable to leave a comment for technical reasons, please email your answer to katshepsutt(at)gmail.com.
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  - check back later tonight to find out who won!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 27th May to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Ange has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you, and keep safe,

kats xxx

REVIEW: Sarah Jessica Parker Born Lovely EDP...

Just over a year ago I discovered Lovely, the first fragrance from Sarah Jessica Parker (review HERE) which had been on the market since 2005, so I decided to be a bit quicker off the blocks in discovering the daughter of this original scent, Born Lovely ♥...

As with the first, I found this at Chemist Warehouse for $9.99 for the 30ml bottle. This is actually a brilliant marketing strategy as the price is crazily affordable, the flacon is compact enough to fit in a handbag, and the presentation is as stunning as fragrances at least 4 or 5 times the price. The bottle is the same shape but instead of clear glass, it's a soft smoky grey with pink accents and a cute bow instead of a plain band around the neck. And while I loved the original look, this is even prettier ♥...

For me, the fragrance has some similarities to Lovely, no doubt due to the same mandarin top note and cedarwood base (see below), but my nose picks up more floral and fruit than wood in this version. Overall I would say it's aptly named as it's gentler, younger, simpler and more innocent than Lovely. Equally gorgeous and totally feminine, on my skin, it isn't obvious past a couple of hours, and yet at the end of the day, I still get little wafts of freshness that make this a treasure. I've no doubt if you enjoy Lovely, you will also want to find a place for Born Lovely in your collection ♥...

Lovely                              

Top Notes: Mandarin, bergamot, rosewood, lavender, apple martini

Middle Notes: Patchouli, paperwhites, orchid
Base Notes: Cedarwood, white amber, musks, woods             

Born Lovely

Top Notes: Mandarin, peony, cassis

Middle Notes: Freesia, honeysuckle, orange blossom

Base Notes: Patchouli, cedarwood, caramel

Light and fresh, this is an ideal fragrance for the transition from spring to summer, and well into the hot weather when I don't want anything too potent when I douse myself in a cooling spray. Nice one SJP!

Have you tried this one yet?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

Bloggiversary 2019 Giveaway!...

Hey lovelies - break out the candles and cake 'cos my blog is 6 years old this month, and I'm hoping you'll help me mark the occasion by entering my Bloggiversary giveaway! I remember when I launched my little blip in the blogosphere in 2013, I had serious doubts as to whether I could devote the time to upload at least one post per week, let alone would anyone be interested in anything I had to say. Even back then the internet was flooded with a gazillion bloggers all battling for their niche in the ether - the competition was fierce, and success was primarily measured by how many followers you had. But my philosophy has always been pretty simple - write honestly whether the subject fires your passion or not, and if you're blessed with good fortune, share it whenever possible ♥...

So I've put together a bundle of some of the things I love for all the friends and followers that are still dropping by for a quick read after all this time - a mixture of makeup, skincare, jewellery and fragrance, so here we go! ♥...

• Australis Eye Spy Smokey Eyeshadow Palette
• Beechworth Honey Mountain Honey & Lavender Hand & Body Lotion
• Chi Chi The Immaculate Ombre Blush Collection (no box)
• Chi Chi Pride Rainbow Palette (I must be crazy to give this away!)
• DB Cosmetics Pore Minimising Primer
• Eaoron Makeup Remover Balm (review HERE)
• Ishka Silver Metal & Suede Tribal Ankh Necklace
• 2 x Nutrimetics Hydra Brilliance Lipsticks - Russet & Amber
• Nutrimetics Loofah Shower Gel with Apricot Extract & Sweet Almond Oil
• Nutrimetics Mineral Clay Masque with Apricot Extract & Soybean Oil (review HERE)
• Sarah Jessica Parker Lovely Eau De Parfum - 30m) (review HERE)
• Skin Physics Advance Superlift Caviar Age-Recovery Hand & Nail Renewal Cream

All items are brand new, were purchased by me and the total prize value is $330! And because of the weight of all these goodies, this giveaway is open to...

Australian Residents Only! 

And because it's a big one, I'll extend it for 2 weeks - entries close midnight Monday 30th September 2019 ♥...

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!) If you're unable to leave a comment for technical reasons, please email your answer to katshepsutt(at)gmail.com.
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 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 2nd October to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Fay has claimed her prize ♥

A huge thank you to all you lovelies who entered, and for all the fabulous

and kind words of encouragement you posted in the comments.

I treasure your support so very much ♥♥♥

And there'll be another giveaway soon!

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

REVIEW: Sarah Jessica Parker - Lovely EDP...

If you're in Sydney you'll probably agree that Spring has taken her time to get started. I hadn't quite begun to despair that the chill wasn't ever going to release its grip, but I was sure getting to the point of wearying of that icy tinge in the air every morning. But I reckon we've finally turned the corner, and I even took the plunge on Friday night and packed away all my boots, beanies, gloves, woolly jumpers and scarves - it's not the most exciting way to start a weekend, but it sure felt good! To give Mother Nature a big hint, I'd already rearranged my fragrances a few weeks back so that the cold weather scents were safely ensconced in their dark little corner, and moved the florals, fruits, aquatics and crystallines to the forefront. I have a fairly extensive perfume collection, but like lipsticks, there's always room for one more, and I decided to celebrate the seasonal change by adding another little darling to the lineup - Sarah Jessica Parker Lovely EDP ♥...

Although this was SJP's first ever fragrance created way back in 2005, I admit I'd never sampled it, nor did I even before buying this 30ml bottle from Chemist Warehouse for $9.99. But, for that the crazy low price and the fact it's still on the market after 13 years, I figured I couldn't go too far wrong, and I was right lol! This is a precious little "lovely" in amongst a sea of often vanillary fruit celeb scents, and just what I had in mind to lead me out of the chill, and into the sunshine ♥...

The perfect size for my handbag, the bottle is beautifully curved, shaped almost like a drop of water, and it's the palest shell pink. The rounded cap is grooved, and there's a matching ribbed grey fabric ribbon around the base of the spray nozzle. Overall the look is pretty and feminine, and masterfully elegant considering how much it cost ♥...

The scent is a springtime delight - soft, subtle and light, so light I would categorise it as "barely there", so I doubt that folks who often experience headaches from a fragrance will have a problem with this sweetheart. The opening notes of soft citrus (mandarin & bergamot) and rosewood with a splash of lavender instantly captured my heart. (There's supposed to be apple martini as well but I couldn't pick up even a splash of that crispy fruit, although there is a hint of gin ha ha.) Still, the enchantment continues unabated as the (surprisingly delicate) patchouli, orchid and paperwhites (narcissus) wake up from their slumber and add another dimension to the elixir. And then as the minutes go by, delightful little wisps of cedar, white amber and musk begin to rise from the base to cradle the flowers and gently fading fruit - so, so beautiful ♥...

I would classify this as a delicate woody floriental, which in my perfume book makes it the perfect transition from winter to spring - the woodsy/musky components balance the flowers brilliantly and add a little mystery to what could have been a plain jane floral. In quite a few online reviews, some folks have griped that in recent years, the scent is nowhere near as potent as it was on first release, some going so far as to say that the market is riddled with fakes. I guess it's possible, but also possible is that the components or source and/or quality of the ingredients may have changed, as has been known to occur (but not admitted) with far more expensive perfumes from longstanding fragrance houses. But having never sampled the original, I have no cause for complaint - the scent I have is a delicate little treasure that lasts 3-4 hours, and I'm so happy to have FINALLY added SJP Lovely to my fragrance lineup ♥...

Have you tried this perfume? Any others from SJP you would recommend?...

Take care of you,

kats xxx