Cheap Indulgence: Lux Tropical Sunset Body Wash in Mango & Grapefruit

Knowing what I know now about the copious amounts of research Unilever pours into the Lux brand, I'm more convinced than ever that I live in the wrong country. You see, this shower gel is sold in New Zealand, but as far as I know, not in Malaysia. You see, most Malaysians prefer floral perfume blends and cream formulations. In NZ though, this shower gel is sold out almost within a day of it hitting the shelves.

Etude House Minime Stick Perfume in Ms Hot

I just had to share this great birthday pressie with you girls! Not only is it crazy adorable, it's grapefruit scented. And not JUST grapefruit scented, it smells BANG on like the now discontinued Pink Grapefruit range from The Body Shop - fresh citrus, grapefruit floral scent. 

My colleague knows me well. =)

As a stick perfume, it's not as emollient as many and unfortunately the scent doesn't last very long nor is it very strong. The grapefruit fades first leaving the floral a gentle whisper on the skin. The stick format though makes it ultra-portable, great for touch ups on the go. 

This range comes with a perfumed mist - I can't wait to check it out!

Because it's a gift, I don't know how much it costs, but Etude House products are generally very reasonably priced so we can forgive it for mimicking LAMB's Harajuku perfume bottles and TBS's Pink Grapefruit scents. =P

Edit: I checked and each perfume stick is a surprisingly pricey RM55.90! The lemon scented one is calling me now though, it's remarkably like an old The Body Shop scent - lemon tea. 

Loving: Marks & Spencer's Grapefruit Hand & Body Lotion

I'll admit I didn't like it at first because it doesn't smell of grapefruit. Nope it's a citrus floral. But after testing it a few times (at first, resentfully and then with increasing anticipation) the scent grew on me and I bought a bottle for my bedside. Then finding it working miracles on my dry cuticles, I went back and bought another for my office desktop. 

GRAPEFRUIT!: Sephora Spray in Grapefruit Tangerine

The hunt for that perfect grapefruit fragrance continues and I'm quite happy I happened along this little cutie in Sephora Singapore. SG$10 gets you 10ml of pure GRRRAAAAPPEEFRUUIIIIITTT...... and then poof it disappears. 

If I spray it on my hair it lasts oh 20 mins longer than the 5 mins it does on my skin. Alas. Because I love this scent. It's a glorious citrus cocktail - like you'd squeezed real grapefruit on yourself - with a side of tangerine to sweeten. 

Dove Go Fresh Spray On Deodorant in Grapefruit & Lemongrass

While not quite the unmitigated disaster that the roll-on version was, this failed to impress and I won't be repurchasing. However, I've never been a fan of spray-ons so if you are maybe you'll like this as online reviews in general are quite positive.

The Good
It does smell nice, not as tangy or grapefruity as I'd like but still quite fresh, the scent lasts all day but isn't so strong that it'll get on your nerves. It is strong enough to interfere with your perfume though so pair it with bright citrus scents.

Once it dries down it keeps your underarms dry and fresh giving out only slightly on a visit to the gym.

The Bad
The bit that annoys me most is that it doesn't spray evenly or invisibly. Sometimes it goes on so thickly, even when held at a distance, that it cakes up in a thick white layer that flakes off! Argh!

Also, like most spray ons it takes awhile to dry down which is always annoying.

Finally, it seems that Rexona Skin Lightening dry stick deodorant really does lighten! When I switched to this my left underarm developed a slight discolouration. Like patchy freckles. I immediately switched back to Rexona and in a week the discolouration is barely noticeable. I have no idea what caused it but at least there's a cure!

Conclusion
Grapefruit or no grapefruit I won't be repurchasing. BUT if they bring in the drystick version, at the same pricepoint of about RM12, I'll probably cave and buy it!

Utter disappointment: Dove goFresh roll-on deodorant in grapefruit and lemongrass

I picked this up in Hong Kong hoping it would smell like the shower gel version of this scent - which is delish. Can't believe I haven't reviewed that yet, must get around to it. And it proved to be not just a disappointment, but a disastrous one.

I'm reviewing this now because I spotted it on the shelves at Guardian for about RM12, and in my honest opinion. Please save your cash.

Because EVEN if you don't mind that it smells sweet and powdery and not remotely grapefruity, and EVEN if you don't mind that it dries white and streaky. You WILL mind that the darned thing leaks like crazy and when you open it after a week of ignoring it, it will splatter all over you, your mirror, your feet and your floor. Oh and your makeup too. Depending where you're situated when you pop that cap.

Now there a chance I picked up a defective one, so if you're feeling adventurous give it a go. I for one won't ever try this thing again.

I am trying the spray on one now though *sheepish look*. Because the shower gel is that good.

Spotted: Guardian Grapefruit Shampoo & Conditioner

Guess what's shown up at last? The delicious smelling grapefruit shampoo and condi by Mannings (HK ) / Guardian (MYS)! It smells the same and at RM15.88 costs pretty much the same as well.

Now I know I didn't recommend the shampoo very highly as its' too heavy for my hair, but bear in mind I have pretty damned greasy hair and most girls who prefer gentler shampoos may love it.

I picked up the conditioner today by the way hoping it will impart its scent (unlike the shampoo which washes away, boo!) when used after Happy Hippy or Clairol Herbal Essences So Shiny with Grapefruit gifted to me by the lovely Beetrice. Only she knows where to get it in Singapore - apparently it's a China exclusive! I'm road testing it and so far, so good!