The Scent of Fresh Meadow - kai

Mood lighting!

As someone who wasn't already acquainted with the signature Kai fragrance, I expected it to be something clean and simple based on the brand's aesthetic, and what a pleasure it was to find out that it was true. It smells like a spring meadow filled with fresh, dewy grass – no flowers, just grass.

(For those who require something more precise, the official description for the fragrance is a "light and intoxicating scent of gardenia wrapped in white exotics.")

What I didn't know was that Kai didn't only produce perfume, but a whole line of bath, body, hair, and even home products, and suddenly I was intrigued. As mentioned numerous times on the blog, I am not a fragrance person, so when something I like finally appears, I cling onto it like my nose depends on it. A quick peruse through the web catalog shows that yes, if I'd like, I could coat myself and everything I own with this fragrance if I so wish. Believe me, I'm very tempted by the Fine Linen Wash.

That said, what I received in the mail was a more sensible starting tester product: their shampoo and conditioner. I brought it over to my boyfriend's apartment and the both of us have been enjoying it steadily for the past two months. He tells me he loves how easily the shampoo lathers and I tell him I love that it smells like clean grass. We both agree that it's a very pleasant product to have in our bathroom.

For all the upcoming holiday travel that you'll be doing, there's also a nifty travel set containing the shampoo and conditioner, body wash and lotion, and bubble bath that'll meet your basic needs. I took this with me on my trip to Chicago two months ago and the entire set – down to the see-through pouch (yay, TSA...) – served me well. I will be flying to Taiwan in a couple of days for a family trip and will once again be checking this in.

Unfortunately, Kai does not have a dedicated e-shop. However, you can find Kai products online at Barneys.com!

Full disclosure: This entry contains sample products sent by PR or the manufacturer for editorial consideration.

Beauty PSA: Tatcha Friends & Family Event

I have a very important announcement! Tatcha is currently offering a rare 20 percent off all purchases on their website. I cannot stress how awesome this is (I've never seen them on sale) and how imperative it is for you to go forth and stock up.

If you are a beginner to the brand, I envy you. You are about to embark on a truly amazing skincare journey. I have extensive reviews on (almost) every single Tatcha item, below:

• Tatcha Beauty Ritual (Cleansing Oil, Rice Enzyme Powder, Deep Brightening Serum, Moisture Rich Silk Cream)
• Tatcha Eye Cream
• Tatcha Dewy Skin Mist
• Tatcha Deep Hydration Lifting Mask
• Tatcha Gold Collection Camellia Oil and Lip Balm

I would suggest first-time users to go for the Dewy Skin Mist, Cleansing Oil, Deep Brightening Serum and either the Moisture Rich Silk Cream or the Enriching Renewal Cream. While I intersperse my own skincare routine with products from other brands, I can safely say that the majority of skincare I use is still from Tatcha. If my skin acts up, I retreat to their products and know that all will be well again in a day or two.

If you're feeling generous to yourself, go for gold and order the Complete Kiri Collection, pictured above. I've never seen it myself, but the description says it comes in a custom-made keepsake box. I've received my share of exquisite boxes from Tatcha and I've kept and re-used every single one of them.

Lastly – and this is probably not needed, but – I just wanted to say that none of the above links are affiliate links. I genuinely love this brand and will champion it for as long as anyone would listen to my beauty recommendations.

The Tatcha Friends & Family sale ends December 11. Use code FF2013 at checkout to receive the discount. If you do end up trying Tatcha skincare, let me know what you think!