I previously reviewed the Cathay Pacific amenity kit provided to male First Class passengers and here now is the female offering for this installment of Amenity Kit Reviews. I received both on my flight from San Francisco to Hong Kong in September last year. For a better description of each category and the 7-point scale for scoring, please review my introductory post.
Bag/Container: Cathay Pacific partnered with Ipa-Nima for the women’s version and the bag is described as “chic, playful, glamorous and not afraid to be different†according to the attached tag – which it is! It’s delivered to passengers in a peach-colored drawstring mesh sack and impresses from the start. The case itself is padded gabardine with machine embroidered colorful leaves covering half the exterior and features waterproof synthetic damask on the interior. I’m truly surprised they got as many amenities inside as they did given its overall small size. That said, it’s likely ideal to reuse as a makeup case and features a magnetic closure. Simply gorgeous. Score: 7
Skin Care: The women are treated to Aesop skin care products, an Australian based company. Included in the kit are Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm, Rosehip Seed Lip Cream, Mandarin Facial Hydrating Cream and Bitter Orange Astringent Toner. I was totally comfortable trying out all the products as I myself use “female†Clinique skin care items (they’re the same as the men’s, just cheaper). Here’s a summary:
- Hand balm: Incredibly hydrating, very minor greasy after feel and deliciously scented with mandarin rind, rosemary leaf and cedar atlas.
- Lip cream: Effective, as most are, and the tube mentions it contains rosehip seed and ylang ylang, though I couldn’t detect any distinct “flavor.â€
- Facial cream: Fast absorbing and also deliciously scented with mandarin, lemon & tangerine rind.
- Toner: Pleasantly orange scented and easily applied with one of the four cotton pads included.
Facial mist by Temple Spa was also available in the lavatory. Absolutely nothing was missing in this category and I’m now a huge Aesop fan. Well done, Cathay! Score: 7
Oral Care: The usual toothbrush, toothpaste and mouthwash are contained in this kit and enclosed in a Ziplock-type plastic pouch. The toothbrush, while not full-sized, is longer than those found in most of the U.S. carriers’ kits and is soft-bristled. The toothpaste was just the standard Colgate flavor and I generally prefer mint. This was the first time I’ve seen mouthwash in a one-use un-resealable half & half-style container. I would have preferred a mini-bottle. Nothing stellar in this category, so I feel comfortable with an adequate rating. Score: 4
Comfort Items: The pajamas (provided separately) are unisex, designed by Shanghai Tang – a very well known and elite retailer in China. Both the top & bottom are incredibly soft and comfortable. Slippers were also included as well as soft eyeshades with an adjustable Velcro strap. Inside the kit are found soft and standard-sized earplugs that were sealed in plastic and a small wooden comb. Truth be told, I’ve been using these pajamas consistently during the cooler weather here in Southern California and they wash very well. Score: 6
Intangibles: This kit impressed from the beginning. From the stylish bag to the premier skin care products, it definitely provides a feel of luxury and exclusivity any First Class passenger would appreciate. Also, there is an offer from Ipa-Nima included where if you logged onto their website with a unique URL and provided feedback about the bag (along with a scanned copy of your boarding pass), they’d send you a keychain convertible handbag holder. Score: 7
Total score & comments:
Airlines that offer different kits for men and women get extra marks in my opinion. While the men’s amenity kit was very nice and scored 5.50, the women’s version is a notch above and deservingly scores better. The week after my trip, Cathay introduced new male and female offerings, so I’m very happy to have this one in my collection. I look forward to my next First Class trip and anticipate I will be equally impressed.
Related posts:
Amenity Kit Review: Cathay Pacific First Class men’s kit (Summer 2011)
Trip Report: Cathay Pacific First Class from San Francisco to Hong Kong
Wow, that’s an elaborate kit. Enjoyed the review!
Thanks for this review.
The case itself is what my wife loved the most, she now uses it for her makeup case, the second one was given to her mother, she also loves it.
As for PJs, we had really hard time trying to use them, even though they are comfortable, we don’t like using them and no one else seems to want a pair.
@AAdvantage Geek: Thanks!
@PedroNY: It truly is an awesome case. Sorry you didn’t like the PJs.
How did you get the women’s kit?
Good question! I totally lied and said, “My girlfriend loves it when I bring her amenity kits from my flights… by any chance do you have a spare women’s version that I might give to her?” I know… not very nice of me, but as a passionate collector, I really wanted the female version, too. 🙂
Thats not too bad. I have seen people flying in coach take kits when they pass first class while getting off the plane!