REVIEW: Sugarpill Haul...

I've loved Sugarpill shadows for yonks. Thanks to the fabulously generous Hissycat Krissy (♥), I've had most of their mattes for quite some time, and they've been starring in a whole bunch of my EOTD's over the last 18 months. But I was missing one particular shade (aqua-mint Mochi), and I managed to drop my orange Flamepoint several months ago, and it shattered into a gazillion pieces on the carpet. At the time I was shattered too (sob), so it was high time I placed an order to make up the set, and here's what arrived just before Christmas, in a gorgeous pink box... 

I've not come across a more amazingly (and consistently) pigmented set of matte shadows - not a single dud in the ones I already have, the intensity of the hues is mind blowing, they aren't the least bit chalky, they blend like there's no tomorrow, and there's not one speck of fallout. So Flamepoint and Mochi were absolute MUSTS for my order, and I added Elemental Chaos (purple) and Hotsy Totsy (pink) just because they looked so divine on the website...

So here is Flamepoint - the perfect matte orange. I'm so happy that I can once again create sunrise/sunset eye looks, knowing that the result will be a guaranteed success. I've missed this shadow so very much, and will post an EOTD using it very soon...

Next we have Elemental Chaos - a particularly potent purple, it's super creamy and has a stunning shimmer content. This also comes in a palette set called Cold Chemistry - you can read all about it (and see some great swatches) thanks to sweetheart Jasmine over at Sweetaholic Beauty...

And here's darling Hotsy Totsy - she's a semi-matte with the cutest little sparkles, a gorgeous GORGEOUS pink, and a very welcome addition to my (ever growing - eek!) collection...

And finally, here is the treasure of the bunch - Mochi. Hard to believe, but I have nothing else like this in my kit - oh sure I have loads of aquas and bluey greens, but this little matte baby is one of a kind. She's quite the stunner ♥

I single-swipe swatched all of them (over a BBCream) along side each other so you can see the difference in the intensities and finishes. As expected, the pigmentation is staggering - Mochi is the sheerest of the bunch, but she just needs a wee bit of building to bring out her magnificence ♥

I'm thrilled to bits with my order, and all of these gems will be featuring in future posts. A big colourful kiss to Sugarpill for organising delivery of the box just before Santa was snowed under ♥

Take care of you,
kats xxx

REVIEW: Chi Chi Berry Passionfruit EDP...

Second last one in the Chi Chi "Meet The Girls" box - I'm already feeling a little bit sad that this series is almost at an end, but I have my fingers and toes (and eyes!) crossed that the next collection will be out before mid-year. Meanwhile, let's get on with Berry Passionfruit!

LOVING the colour for starters - who wouldn't hey? It's just so vibrant and rich, and a pretty darn good indication of what's inside the bottle. But having an almost primal passion for passionfruit (and berries for that matter), I let this sit on the shelf for a couple of days before chancing my first encounter - what if it didn't live up to its name? Well my fears turned out to be just plain silly because this is another winner from Chi Chi ♥

Mind you it isn't just berries and passionfruit that are starring here - there's also melon, peach, musk and vanilla lending their weight to the end result, which is an interesting mix in itself, but even more so because every time I inhale the scent, my schnozz seems to pick up a different ingredient, although ultimately the passionfruit has the upper hand...

To break it down, at first I get a whole riot of fruit, with the passionfruit leading the pack - then as it dries down, the other fruits start hoisting their banners to get some attention, followed by the the musk weaving its way through the whole crowd. The vanilla is in there somewhere, but it's obviously content to take a back seat to the initial proceedings because I can only detect it after the others have quietened down a little...

Another one that doesn't last too long, the juicy tang goes on for around two hours without missing a beat, and then suddenly stops, but there's an underlying softness that remains on the skin. I'm in two minds as to whether to add the big bottle to my collection - it's not quite as endearing as some of the others (despite my penchant for passionfruit), and at the rate my fragrance collection is multiplying, I'll need to exercise a little restraint at some stage ha ha. I do love it though - it just doesn't quite make it onto my adore list ♥

Take care of you,

kats xxx

REVIEW: Urban Rituelle Ginger & Apple...

I have a HUGE problem with Urban Rituelle - I love everything I buy from them, so much so that when I purchase something, often fully intending to give it as a gift to a precious friend or family member, I invariably end up keeping it for myself, which is precisely what happened here. I'd already purchased the Ginger Apple Parfum a few months prior, and found the fragrance an absolute delight, so when this Gift Set trio of the Petit Hand Cream, Lip Balm and Petit Parfum came up on the sale page for the same price, I immediately placed an order and stashed it away in the cupboard, with two or three worthy recipients in mind...

And then Christmas came and went, and well, wouldn't you know it, I looked in the cupboard a couple of weeks ago, and there it was..still sitting there waiting to be wrapped and put under the tree..only now with MY name written all over it lol!

I couldn't have organised it better if I'd tried ♥ So now that this set is officially mine, I'll start with the hand cream. LOVE UR Hand Creams - all of them are light and non-greasy, but packed with so much moisturising goodness, your hands will be clapping with glee.

This travel-sized tube has already replaced what was in my handbag, and I now have the pleasure of healing my ageing paws with a marvelously enriching formula whenever I think of it throughout the day. Let's see there's Sweet Almond and Jojoba Oil, Aloe Vera, Chamomile and Avocado Oil, Vitamin A & E, PLUS the big bonus, a sunscreen....

I'll admit the skin on my hands was already nicely softened and smoothed thanks to a liberal dose of Equilibrium hand cream every night before bed, but since massaging in this silky white softener during the day, they're looking more like they did 5 years ago, and my cuticles are in once piece, and in tip-top flexible condition. 

I've just treated myself to some now, and resumed typing a minute later with all the goodness absorbed, and no slippery layer left behind. And my hands smell good enough to eat - can't recommend this or any other of the UR hand saviours highly enough. I can't see this particular flavour listed on the website any more, but still there's an abundance of fragrances in the range to choose from, all with the same amazing hydrating power, so you're bound to find one that suits ♥

Mmmm...my very first UR lip balm - oh boy, have I been missing out or what? First of all it's in the cutest little tin, with all the lip-loving, pout-perfecting, mouth-moisturising ingredients listed on the back - things like Beeswax, Shea Butter, Vitamin E (to name a few), and once again, a sunscreen ♥

The balm is firm but easily picked up on a pinky finger, and it slicks on without being even remotely sticky. Has the same mouth-watering Ginger Apple fragrance (will detail a bit later) but tastes like...hmm...can't pick anything recognisable other than a slightly nutty floral tinge, but it's delish and very subtle - I guess it's a mix of the wax, oils and butter, and yet it doesn't taste oily at all. 

I've been applying it straight after cleansing off my lipstick/gloss, and then again before bed, and my lips feel SO soft and nourished ♥

If you're still reading, now we get to the tantalising part - what do all these Ginger Apple goodies smell like? To my nose they have the scent of spicy baked apples, but with a tangy freshness that never fails to lure me in. Definitely a gourmands delight, which is interesting because I'm not necessarily into foodie fragrances. 

But I do love scents that have a spicy kick, and I reckon there's some cinnamon lurking somewhere in the mix - combined with the green apple zing and a smattering of lily blossoms, it's actually no wonder that I enjoy it so much. Like all UR Petit Parfums, the spray bottle is 100% purse-friendly, there's oil in the formula so it's non-drying on the skin, and it comes beautifully boxed for gift-giving. Lasts a good three hours on my pulse points too...

This particular combination Gift Set isn't available right now, but there's another on sale at the mo' which has the parfum and lip balm, and a vegetable soap instead of the hand cream, all in a cute little pack for $18.00.

As you know I love sharing the UR love, so I'm giving away a bottle of this tantalisingly tasty fragrance to an Aussie resident follower - if you'd like to try it, just complete the Rafflecopter section below ♥

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Candice N. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

Candice please respond to the email I've sent you by 

Thursday 5th February to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Candice has claimed her prize ♥

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Take care of you,

kats xxx

EOTD: essence Green and Gold for Australia Day!...

Happy Australia Day to all Downunder-ites! It's a special day that deserves a special EOTD, but I kept it all pretty low key this year. Initially I had all sorts of ideas for how I would celebrate the big day through eye makeup (like a golden wattle effect, or a Bondi inspired surf and sand look), but in the end I decided I'd just do something very very basic, but with enough sparkle to mark this auspicious occasion....

But what to do, and what to use? THEN I remembered I'd made the ideal purchase about three weeks ago - this essence 3D duo in the shade combo Irresistible Brazilian Sun. I mean, how perfect is that gold and green?  Lol it could just have easily been called Irresistible Aussie!

The shadows are unbelievably pigmented, and exceptionally creamy and sparkly on their own, but I wanted more (lol!) so I started with a base of Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bold Gold - this fabulous cream will give ANYTHING you pat over the top of it an injection of 24k that would make Goldfinger proud ha ha...

The placement of the gold and green are obvious from the pics, and I pressed a light dusting of Fern from the Sleek V2 matte palette into the crease. This was to try and reduce the amount of transfer of the shimmery shadows from the lid to my hoods - it kinda worked lol...

Because of the light-reflective qualities of the shadow, I thought I'd play it safe on the waterline with NYX Wonder Pencil in the Light shade...

Just adore both these essence colours - the green especially, as it's very close to the colour of my iris, and that's always a bonus ♥

So my fellow Aussies...

Take care of you,
kats xxx

REVIEW: Chi Chi Sugar & Spice EDP...

"Sugar and spice and all things nice, that's what little girls are made of". No idea if they still teach Nursery Rhymes in schools, but my memory of this little ditty is crystal clear. And I think this ever so pretty fragrance from Chi Chi is equally unforgettable. If you like the Marshmallow one, or you find it's musk-stick quality a little to much like the real lolly, I can just about guarantee you'll fall in love with Sugar & Spice...

I'd classify this fantabulously feminine blend of vanilla, citrus, oriental floral (?) and spices as Marshamallow's older sister - same family, a little more grown up, with the beginnings of an air sophistry, but hasn't lost her innocence yet. It's just gorgeous!

Sweet and sassy without being too candy-ish, the citrus content gives some tangy support - can't exactly pinpoint which fruity scent it is, but I'll take a stab at it and say lemon. Add whatever the "warm spices" are (cinnamon?), they're delicious and add a hint of mystery. But I can't even begin to guess what the oriental foral is - who cares hey? What I do know is that my nose just adores the formula - an absolute girly delight ♥

I can still smell a faint trace after seven hours - one of the longest lasting of all the fragrances in this set of purse sprays (well on me anyway). Sillage is good - not quite as environmentally-invading as the Marshmallow, but I'm glad as I really want to keep this for myself lol. Will DEFINITELY be buying a 50ml bottle of this little darling ♥

Take care of you,

kats xxx

REVIEW: Ego QV Face Eye Cream...

Ahh eye cream - we go back a fair way, but silly me, nowhere near long enough. Should have started using it morning and night 15 years before I did, and I'm sure paying the price now. But then again, I'm learning that it's possible to recover from past sins to a certain extent, so long as you find the right one, and I'm delighted this little gem landed in my lap - ego QV Face Revitalising Eye Cream...

At 59, you can probably imagine I've tried quite a few eye products, with varying degrees of satisfaction, and with prices ranging up to $130 (my absolute budgetary limit). The one I was using just prior to QV was a fave, although a tad scary at $90 a pop - a lovely cream, and it helped with refining and hydrating the sagging skin around my eyes. But having used this ego one for the last five weeks, I'm thinking I could have put the difference in price (around $75) towards a new pair of shoes, because it's working just as well on my old peepers ♥ Honestly I can see very little difference between the two creams results-wise, and this baby is one fifth of the price...

Like all the ego QV Face moisturisers I've tried so far, this cream is magically light, but with more than enough enriching goodness to effectively hydrate my mature skin, and not leave any greasy layer behind. Being the age I am, and taking EOTD closeups just about every day, I have to be super careful with the eye cream formulas I use - if they're too rich and heavy, they make the delicate and sensitive skin around my eyes become extra puffy, and then my photo cropping tool has to work overtime. Too light and fluffy, then I start to look even more tired than usual, and the crinkles deepen seemingly overnight (and then I don't take pictures AT ALL!)...

This little tube seems to deliver a product with just the right consistency, and while there's a very fine moisturising layer left on the surface, it doesn't interfere with my eye makeup application, yet there's enough to keep my eye area from drying out overnight, and the skin feels super soft when I wake up. Ingredients include safflower oil for hydration (definitely works!) and something called "Enhanced PCa+". While I'm not familiar with this particular component, I've read that "PCA" is a naturally occurring component of human skin. The blurb on the box says it helps with puffiness and dark circles - not having dark circles I can't comment on its effectiveness in that area, and I have naturally puffy eyes so no change there, but I do love how soothing it feels when I apply it, and the area above my eyes is definitely looking like I'm taking care of it...

In my opinion, this is an excellent all-rounder. I'm realistic enough to know that no eye cream on the market is going to turn back the clock, at a pinch (and an untouchable price) there might be one that slows down the wrinkle formation, but I'm content that this cream is giving my skin the best chance to repair itself on a daily basis by keeping the moisture levels consistent. All up I think it's great value for around $16, and with such a miniscule amount required, I've calculated this will last me at least until the chilly winds start to blow ♥

Take care of you,

kats xxx

EOTD: Sleek Acid Peppermint and Black...

I'm sneaking in a look I actually created last month when I was using the Sleek Acid palette every day - let's call it "Acid Flashback" lol. The olivey lime green and white blend seemed to be popular, so I did a similar combination with the neon green and white, mainly to show you all how super versatile this palette is...

Starting with a layer of white first, then applying the vivid green over the top softens it down to a pretty pastel, and it's proof that if you have a palette with fabulous pigments, you can create just about anything...

The base was essence white kajal, and you can see that the black is so dense, it wasn't at all fazed by having the white underneath on the outer corner. For the crease I barely had to touch the brush on the black pan to pick up enough oomphy particles to create some definition...

I don't know about you, but I fancy a bit of cooling peppermint on a hot summer's day ♥

Do you use colour to cool you down?

Take care of you,
kats xxx

REVIEW: Chi Chi Frangipani EDP..

I'm a bit bummed to say that out of all the fragrances in the Chi Chi "Meet The Girls" collection, this is the only one that I don't like :-( Still one fail out of eight is amazingly good odds considering how personal scent is, and especially how particular I am. Yes I'm fussy, but I'm not a purist either - if a perfume is supposed to smell like something in real life and it doesn't, then I don't care a flying fig so long as it still smells nice. That said, I ADORE the scent of Frangipanis - there's a tree right outside my window, in full bloom now (and featured in the pic below), but this interpretation doesn't appeal to me at all...

Given I love just about all the other scents in this rainbow box of delights, I was disappointed to find that when I popped the cap of this bottle of what looks like liquid sunshine, the scent reminded me of a slightly more florally version of Aeroguard over a base of SPF30 sunscreen - not exactly a fragrance I want to have wafting around me at any time of the day or night. It's supposed to be a blend of white, pink and tropical frangipanis, but I don't get much of that at all, even half an hour later, although to its credit it does improve somewhat down the track. Believe me I'm trying to NOT be mean here, but I so appreciate honesty in blogger reviews, and I'm sure you do too ♥

Having come up with this somewhat unflattering description, I need to add that this is the only vial that had leaked slightly into the box, so it's possible there was a problem at the factory, and it's actually gone off - therefore in the spirit of fairness, I'll try out a tester next time I'm in Myer, and if there's any improvement, I'll edit this review...

On the other hand, if this is what it's supposed to smell like, perhaps it's just not my thing, and given that scent appreciation is entirely subjective, it's highly likely that other frangipani-philes out there will love it ♥

Take care of you,

kats xxx

EOTD: MAC Shimmermoss and bhcosmetics Teal...

Definitely time for a teal! And it's been way too long since I trotted out my one and only colourful MAC eyeshadow, Shimmermoss - she's just so pretty and shimmery, and the perfect partner for the tantalising teal in my bhcosmetics 120 palette...

Sadly, both the Shimmermoss AND the 120 palette are on my "neglected" list - I feel so bad that I haven't been anywhere near either of them for at least six months, but that's one of the hazards of being a fanatical eye makeup collector - there just simply aren't enough days in the week, or weeks in the year for me to use them all even on a semi-regular basis. And then when I buy a new palette and dedicate an entire MONTH to it, well, I only have myself to blame sigh...

Anyways,  let's get on with this look - essence white kajal as a base, MAC Shimmermoss on the inner third, bhcosmetics teal blended over the rest of the lid and underneath, and essence Sun Club Gel Liner in BBC All Night Blue on the waterline - easy peasy...

Lips are Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in Mauve, topped with Maybelline Color Elixir in Blush Essence. Cheeks are a blend of two of the pinks from bhcosmetics Glamorous 10 Color Palette...

Do you have so many eye shadows that you don't get around to wearing some of them more than once in six months, or is it just me?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

CONFESSIONS: of a Body Washaholic (Part 8)...

Golly gee, almost five months since Part 7! There was a time when I was powering through eight or ten shower gels every month or so, but since the Imperial Leather range appeared on the shelves, things have slowed considerably, mainly because my local supermarket only stocks some of the varieties in the GIANT bottle (which I decant into more shower-space-friendly containers), and it's taking me seemingly forever to get through them! Not that I'm complaining - they're such bargains, and I adore just about every one of them, so I'm getting used to having the same ones around for a while...

Like Part 6, I'm dedicating this post to the Imperial Leather beauties. I believe there's only one left in the series that I haven't reviewed as yet - Oriental Bloom (No. 24), which is Cherry Blossom and Vanilla, but unfortunately, proving to be as scarce as hen's teeth in my neck of the woods...

Rockpool (No. 42) Indian Lotus & Waterlily...

First up is the fabulous Rockpool - the colour of this gel is really something to behold. If you can store it on a window ledge, all the better - only with light behind it can you really see the intensity of it's magnificent deep indigo blue hue. It's far paler when dispensed though, so it won't stain your body sponge. The fragrance is an exotic masterpiece - Indian Lotus and Waterlily combined with Iris, Musk and Spearmint flowers. This is a sensual scent, warming, and therefore I've decided to stash this away till the end of Summer. Although it's been a blissful experience to envelop myself in the potency of this perfume for a week of Sydney's steamy season, it's strong (and I mean strong) and I know I'll appreciate it's beauty even more on a cool morning when the whole bathroom can steam up and treat my body to a fragrant infusion that will last for several hours. Not for the fainthearted or anyone with scent-sensitivities, but an absolute MUST if you've a passion for oriental fragrances ♥...

Japanese Spa (No. 17) Jasmine & Green Tea...

Now this was an unexpected surprise! I actually avoided even sniffing it for weeks because of its Jasmine content - as I've mentioned several times, I usually have a problem when this fragrance is included in body products mainly because it invariably takes over the whole show, and I struggle to deal with it's often overpowering scent. But...those clever Imperial Leather perfumers have balanced this super strong flower with...Green Tea! I swear I can even smell the tea, and although that might not sound all that ideal for a body wash, they've also included Citrus, Orange Blossom and Rose, and the whole thing just comes together beautifully. Add to that the base notes of Sandalwood and Amber, and my caution was a bit silly really as this is truly a delightful combination - very subtle and soft, and yet amazingly refreshing on a hot day...

Forbidden Fruit (No. 33) Blackberry Blossom & Wild Fig...

The gorgeous purple-ness of this Forbidden Fruit wash meant it was a done deal, even before flipping the cap and breathing in the mouthwatering aroma of Red Berries and Wild Fig - yum! Another one verging on exotic, but with a little less mystery, and whole lot more fruit, and it's because of the fruit that I've been enjoying this one throughout the hot weather. The mix includes Black Orchid, Patchouli, Musk and Amber, but it's the blackberry and the fig content that has the edge, and what has me salivating. I really REALLY like this, but it's not outstanding enough to quite make it into the Kats "adore" category, but close enough for me to be delighted that I have a massive 1litre bottle of it, which will probably last me at least 6 months, given my penchant for switching my shower products daily. Not as strong as Rockpool, I've no doubt this would be a hit with the whole family. Gee I wish I could buy an eye shadow in this divine colour...

Serenity (No. 28) Cucumber & Aloe Vera...

This little gem is specifically targeted for those with sensitive skin. I can't pick up on either the Cucumber or Aloe Vera components scent-wise (not that I really know what aloe vera smells like) but what I do get is Raspberry with a touch of Jasmine. They're listed in the ingredients along with Plum, and it all makes for a very interesting fruit-and-flower mix - but it's more tangy than anything else, not harsh or astringent, definitely cooling, but I wouldn't necessarily classify the fragrance as "serene". I'm almost through my 500ml bottle, and while I've been thoroughly enjoying the uniqueness of this scent, it's probably the only one I won't re-purchase - it just doesn't grab my attention like the others in the range. Although I don't personally suffer, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it for those with skin concerns - it's soap free, dermatologically tested, there's no colour additives, and I trust this company to create something especially for anyone that deals with irritation or reactions to standard formulas ...

And if you missed them, the rest of the series is here...

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7...

Take care of you,
kats xxx

REVIEW:Chi Chi Candy Apple EDP...

Another of the Chi Chi "Meet the Girls" collection - this was a BIG surprise for me! With a name like Candy Apple, I was expecting something super sweet, and that probably smelt like toffee apples - but this turned out to be something quite different...

When I was a nipper, I used to love fruit-flavoured hard lollies - this smells exactly like what one particular RED lolly tasted like, if that makes any sense. Of course we're talking a long, long time ago here (over 50 years), so far back in time that I can't remember the name of the lolly. But taste and smell are linked, and it's no surprise that a fragrance can evoke a memory buried deep in the past, however the fact that the candy flavour it matches from my childhood is sour cherry IS a surprise! Can't tell who got it wrong (probably me!), but there you go - that's what it reminds me of. Incidentally the cherry flavoured sweet was my favourite of them all, so perhaps that's why I love this fragrance, but it sure doesn't smell like apples to me lol...

According to the blurb, it contains notes of Green Apple, Sweet Pear and Cinnamon - can pick up a trace of the cinnamon, but as for the rest, I'm puzzled, and I can't find a single review of this fragrance on the web, so I don't know if it's just me, or my sense of smell is gone into overload with all the new perfumes I've bought lately. Anyway, I sprayed this on last night before retiring, and I could still smell a faint tinge of it when I woke up 6 hours later - pretty impressive longevity hey? Plus I'm bonkers about the vivid emerald green bottle - so fresh and cheerful...

So there it is - from my nose's point of view, nothing all that appley about this perfume, but it's quite distinctive and delish, definitely candy-like, and I might even buy the regular-sized bottle because of the fun memories it brings back for me ♥

Take care of you,

kats xxx

EOTD: Acid Silver Grey and Sugarpill Love+ Stripe...

Here's a fun one - haven't done a stripey EOTD in ages, so Tuesday was the day ♥ Not exactly a summery combination, but hey I don't want to bore you with the same old vividly colourful looks all the time lol...

Over my usual base of essence white kajal I first added the silvery grey from the Sleek Acid palette along the top lashline. Next to this I laid down a section of Sugarpill Love+, a fabulous matte red, and then finished with another row of the Acid silvery grey...

By the time I did this (and despite the red) it was looking a bit dreary, so I thought I'd try out my new essence Waterproof Gel Eye Pencil in the shade Urban Jungle, which as you can see is a very pretty glistening tealy green. I'm definitely impressed with these pencils - the colours are bold and magnificently pigmented, and I tell you they don't budge even one tiny bit. On my lower lashline, I invariably go over whatever liner I use with a powder shadow to make sure it doesn't smudge throughout the day, but in an endeavour to be a good reporting blogger, I left this gel alone...

...and it looked exactly the same at the end of the day - no smearing or flaking, and the colour was just as gorgeously vivid as it was when first applied. My only word of warning is KEEP THESE AWAY FROM YOUR WATERLINE - I've only tried it once, and it clumped up into big chunks that flaked off and found their way into my eyes, and it was quite uncomfortable. On the skin though, they are brilliant!

The green and the blue teal (Blue Lagoon) have a fabulous metallic finish, whereas the deep blue (Around Midnight) is almost a matte. Will do my best to swatch them over the weekend so you can see the intensity of the pigments ♥

Take care of you,
kats xxx