EOTD: City Color Intense Shine Blue and White...

Another look from the City Color Intense Shine palette - used the deepest blue and the white. I know it looks more like the blue on the far right, but this is how it turned out over the top of essence white kajal. Can never quite tell how it's going to end up until I do it! All the same it's a gorgeous pigment, so creamy and super blendable...

Waterline is essence Long Lasting Eye Pencil in the shade Cool Down - a pretty good match ♥

Face piccie is woeful - my camera lens seems to have gone all fuzzy of late. I've checked and it's not smeary, just can't seem to get a clear shot (probably just as well at my age lol). Foundation is DB Longwear 24 Hour, cheeks are Lacura Cream Blush in Pink Rose with a dusting of Pink Ice from the Sleek Pink Sprint Blush by 3, lips are Maybelline Color Drama Lip Crayon in Fuchsia Desire slicked with Revlon Ultra HD Lip Lacquer in Tourmaline...

And here's a closeup of my earring - picked these up from Lovisa yonks ago in one of their 3 for $10 deals, and only just now worn them for the first time ♥

Take care of you,
kats xxx

REVIEW: W7 Cosmetics Matte Lipsticks...

I've cheated a bit here - these W7 Cosmetics Matte lipsticks weren't actually part of my "official" lipstick refresh. I found them subsequently, but they're just too good to not rave about right now! There are six in the range - I'm missing Cheeky, which I believe is the pinkiest shade of the set, but so far it's been out of stock at Chemist Warehouse, so I'm guessing it's the most popular...

These lippies are $4.99 each, but at CW, there seems to be a permanent special deal whereby you purchase two and get one free, which makes them $3.33 - unbelievable! W7 is one of those UK cheap and cheerful brands, nothing to really rave about, although I have an eyeshadow palette of theirs which has the most sensational purple in it. Anyways I've tried their lipsticks before (the Butter ones are lovely and moist), but I only spotted these mattes a couple of weeks ago. Bought one, bought another, and then went back for all of them - amazing pigmentation, when dry they have only a smidgin of sheen, they don't make my lips feels like they're shrivelling up (like some other brands), they last exceptionally well, there's no fragrance that I can detect, and there's barely any transfer onto cups or glasses...

As you can see the colour range is limited to pinks and reds, but the pinks are a bit different to what else is out there (although there's not much difference between the actual shades), and the reds are mind bogglingly fabulous ♥...

This is Darling - the mauviest one, very pretty, soft and delicate...

In the Pink - adore this one, it's a bit pinker and bolder than Darling...

And here we have Naughty - an even brighter pink than the other two, just gorgeous...

Red Dawn - clear red with a touch of blue, bold and ever so sassy...

And my personal fave, Ruby - a bright and va-va-voom red with a hint of orange, whoa!

LOVE these lippies - I only have one complaint. There are NO labels printed on the actual casing, so once you peel off the sticker seal to use them, you'll never know which is which until you take off the lid. Boo! This is an almost unforgivable omission when you have as many lipsticks as I do, but I'm letting W7 off the hook because the formula is just so brilliant, and the packaging is first class for something so cheap (it's almost identical to Innoxa) ...

I'm tickled pink (and red lol) to have found an absolute bargain matte lipstick that's comfortable enough to wear on it's own - you know, me, I'm usually a gloss freak, but thanks to W7, I'm coming round ♥

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. I've added this to Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party where you'll find some beaut blogs to read and follow - it's up every Monday morning ♥

EOTD: Sleek Acid Green and Orange...

Love the changeover of  the seasons - the weather is invariably unpredictable, but it's the time I rotate my makeup, and rediscover what I put at the back of the drawers at least 6 months ago ♥ Sleek Acid is one such palette that's a wee bit too loud for Winter, but now that the sun is gaining strength and brightening the daylight, it's perfect to give my peepers a splash of clear and fun colour...

Here's a reminder of how fabulous the shades in this palette are...

Essence white kajal was my base, and all I did was press the olivey lime and the orange over the top, and blended the join. I also extended the Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner along the lower lashline out into a teeny wing for a bit of fun. I actually wanted to use an olivey shade on the waterline, but not having one in my kit (gahhhh! I've since rectified that glaring omission), I blended Chi Chi Like A Virgin Waterproof Gel Liner with bhcosmetics Waterproof Eye Crayon in Huntress (a soft green) and for whatever reason, it turned into an aqua shade! I didn't have time to do anything about this somewhat unexpected result, so wore it I did. Not a combination I would have deliberately chosen, but hey, it's a bit different lol...

 

And here's the FOTD that went with it all - nude by nature Liquid Mineral Foundation, middle pan from the BYS Endless Summer Blush Trio on my cheeks, and Revlon Colourburst Lipstick in Peach topped with Revlon Ultra HD Lip Lacquer in Citrine...

Do you change your makeup colours every season?

Take care of you,
kats xxx

REVIEW & EOTD: City Color Intense Shine Palette, White & Charcoal...

Another gorgeous palette I ordered in the depths of June to keep me focused on the promise of Spring ♥ Bought this City Color Intense Shine set from MBA Cosmetics for the bargain basement price of US$10, and it's a beauty. These shadows are creamy and super shimmery - all metallic foils, they glimmer and gleam when they catch the light, are deliciously pigmented, fallout is minimal, and they blend effortlessly...

Swatched these on my leg over a face primer, and three finger swipes is all it took to reveal their beauty. I was drawn to this palette because of the unusual mix of colours, in particular those reddish pinks which are unique in my collection...

For my first EOTD from this box of goodies, (surprisingly) I chose the white and the charcoal, the two pans at the beginning of each row. My base was white and black Chi Chi Waterproof Gel Liners - Like a Virgin and Black is Black, starting with the white closest to my lashes, and the black on the back half of the lid...

I then pressed the eye shadows onto the respective liner, and blended them together, also taking the charcoal underneath the lower lash line. The same black liner went ion the waterline...

As you can see I was wearing black and white on this particular day, hence the choice of monochrome shadows. Facewise I'm wearing my HG foundation, Mirenesse Velvet Maxi Lift Surpreme 18 Hour, cheeks are a base of Maybelline Master Glaze Stick in Make a Mauve, with a light dusting of essence Blush Up in Pinky Flow.  Lips are Revlon Superlustrous Lipstick in Liptember Mauve, glossed over with Revlon Ultra HD Lip Lacquer in Rose Quartz...

Thrilled to bits with this palette - it's far superior to the L.A.Girl Neons palette I reviewed earlier in the month, mainly because the pigments are considerably more intense, and the powder formula is so soft and buttery. More looks in the pipeline!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

EOTM: "Your Favourite August EOTD" Giveaway, Bloggiversary Edition!!!..

This month's giveaway is a SPECIAL one - first of all, my little blog turned 2 years old this month, so I'm celebrating with a Big Bumper Bloggiversary Prize! Secondly, it's Spring here in Sydney, so to honour this beautifully blossomy and fragrant season, the prize includes three perfumes, and everything is PINK!

 

Going clockwise, here's what's in the swag...

• Manicare 5 Mini Brush Kit (Powder/Blush, Eyeshadow & Smokey Eye Duo, Eyeliner Duo, Concealer & Lip Duo)
• Hair & Me Rejuvenation Treatment (fantabulous stuff!)
• Lacura Minerals Cream Blush (Pink Rose, my fave)
• Yves Saint Laurent Baby Doll Eau De Toilette Spray (30ml)
• BOE Beauty Matte Lipstick (Shocking Matte Pink) - the bestest hot pink lippy in my kit!
• BOE Cream Lipstick (Drama Queen)
• W7 Butter Kiss Lipstick (Pretty in Pink)
• Urban Rituelle Organic Lip Balm (Cotton Candy)
• Urban Rituelle Petit Parfum (Cotton Candy)
• Urban Rituelle Perfume Oil (Hibiscus & Cranberry)
• Urban Rituelle Bath & Shower Gel travel size (Hibiscus & Cranberry)
• Urban Rituelle Body Lotion travel size (Hibiscus & Cranberry)
• Lacura Beauty Eyeshadow Box (Berry)

Total prize value is over $150, all items are boxed/sealed, and all were purchased by me ♥

Please note that because of the fragrance content I'm not allowed to ship overseas, so this giveaway is open to Australian residents only...

To enter you have to choose which of the August EOTD's is your favourite from the eight pictured below, let me know in the comments section why you like it the most, then follow the Rafflecopter entry instructions below. Please note: If you don't leave a comment, you will NOT be included in the draw.

The Rafflecopter will decide the winner, so please make sure you read the Terms and Conditions inside. Please note that leaving a comment, providing your email address inside the Rafflecopter, AND following my blog one way or another from the many choices listed, are MANDATORY for entry...

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This giveaway is now closed

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Squee!  random.org has chosen the beautiful Michelle H. as the winner! 

Congratulations Michelle ♥

Please respond to the email I've sent you by 

Thursday 8th October to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Michelle has claimed her prize

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,
kats xxx

CONFESSIONS: of a Body Washaholic (Part 12) - Imperial Leather (new)...

Imperial Leather have done it again. Whoever is creating their fragrance formulas sure has their finger on my particular perfume pulse - the scents of these new body washes are Spring-fresh, and just the ticket for a bathroom seasonal change-over. I first spotted the new Indulgence line in Woolies about 2 months ago, and the Limited Edition addition to the Body range only appeared at my local supermarket a few weeks back. Due to a major storage issue, I haven't been in body wash seek mode for several months - I've been attempting to clear the massive backlog of products on my shelf (and in my cupboard), but these just leapt out at me during my weekly shop, and I couldn't help but make them mine...

BIRD OF PARADISE - Shea Butter & Honeysuckle

I love just about all the varieties in this range, have reviewed each one in previous editions of this Confessions series (most reviews are here and here), and I literally jumped for joy when I saw this new flavour. Aptly named Bird of Paradise, this is a delight for the senses. I have no idea what the honeysuckle flower smells like, but I do know that hummingbirds go crazy for it, and I'm a nutter for this fragrant blend. My nose picks up fuzzy peach coated in musky marshmallow (yum!), and according to their website, there's also vanilla, sandalwood and amber in the blend. Altogether a dreamy concoction that leaves my skin soft and moist, and smelling scrumptious ♥...

EFFORTLESS - Sparkling Citrus & White Gardenia

Delighted with the new slimline packaging of this range - the bottle is skinny and flat and takes up half the room on my shower shelf. The formula is thick and clear, nourishingly moisturising, the lather is creamy and soft, and there are hundreds of tiny little Argan Oil pearls suspended in the gel. If I have to pick a favourite of the three, then this is it - the scent is beautifully fresh and feminine, there's a purity about it, an innocence, and it's actually more like a "white flowers" eau de parfum than a shower product. I would be spritzing it all over if it were available as a perfume ♥...

BEAUTIFUL - Jasmine, Lychee & Peony

Another absolute gem - a similarly refreshing fruit and floral combination, but with a playful tang that almost earns it an "exotic" tag in the kats scent catalogue. While not mad keen on jasmine in body products, I can barely pick up that particular ingredient (yay). And I so love anything containing lychee - perhaps that's what gives this blend its mystery? Not in the least bit heady, it's subtle, sophisticated and enlivening at the same time. Less than half the quantity of visible oil pearls, but the formula is no less softening or moisturising, and I adore the pale peony pink colour...

 

There's a third one in this Indulgence range called PRECIOUS - Rosewater & Sandalwood, which is a golden hue. I've given it the sniff test twice now, but there's something musty going on - I'm usually entranced by anything Sandalwoody, but this particular combination just doesn't appeal. Still, as Meatloaf would say, two out of three ain't bad...

Crazy in love with all three of these body washes, and the fact that they're available when I'm picking up my groceries is a bonus I so appreciate ♥

What's your favourite body wash scent this Spring?

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. Don't miss Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party - I've found some fun new bloggers to follow, and they're all on the one page ♥

EOTD: Sugarpill Elemental Chaos (again)...

You may have gathered we're pretty keen on PURPLE here at kats colourings - it's such a fabulously rich and comforting colour, and all the shade variations in the family have a special place in my heart. And here's an EOTD & FOTD that cements the love ♥ The main shadow I used is Sugarpill Elemental Chaos - far more purple than it appears below, but my camera does this weirdo thing with purples, and more often than not, captures them as blue. Mind you it's a phone camera, so I guess I shouldn't be complaining, but it's not entirely satisfactory when you're trying to portray makeup colours as they truly are...

Anyways, I used Face of Australia Pure Purple Budge-Proof Gel Eyeliner as my base, and then pressed the Elemental Chaos over the entire top lid. I then added the pinky purple pan from the Makeup Revolution Mermaids Vs Unicorns palette on the inner corner, which to my absolute delight, turned into a pretty orchid shade. To complete the set, Chi Chi Beauty School Drop Out Gel Liner went on the waterline - this has a magical shimmer to it which makes it appear multi-tonal in photos...

On my mug is Nude by Nature Liquid Mineral Foundation, cheeks are a base of Maybelline Master Glaze blush Stick in Make A Mauve with the nearest  I have to a purple powder blush by bhcosmetics over the top. Lips are the sensational MBA Cosmetics Paranormal, slicked with Chi Chi Chandelier Gloss in The Privileged. The purple heart Swarovski jewellery was a gift from my darling Dad, who has indulged (and therefore encouraged) my love of this colour since I was a young'un ♥

If you like purple, you're in the right place - I'll ALWAYS post something (more likely lots of) purple every month!

Take care of you,
kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: Purple Bling!

Being a purple fanatic, I'm forever checking out what's available bling-wise, and here are a few more little treasures I've picked up from Goldmark over the last 6 months. From memory, these were all under $30, and therefore 100% guilt-free lol. This first one is such a pretty colour - actually, to be honest, I don't have it any more! A week after I bought it I wore it when visiting my parents, and my Mum loved it so much (and I mean REALLY loved it), and it looked gorgeous on her hand, so I figured it was meant for her. She's mad keen on purple too (I wonder if colour-love is hereditary?) and it matches a few of her outfits perfectly. A couple more and she'll be a bling-babe too ♥

Not the best photo of purchase #2 (it's so much prettier in real life) - this was my replacement for the one that's now on Mama's finger. It's way more of a pinky-violet hue, but I tend to wear this shade more often than true purple, so it all worked out just right. Nowhere near as blingy as #1, but I love the square shape, it looks almost quietly elegant on my hand, and it does have a couple of subtle sparklers either side of the main stone. The raised setting has a delicate filigree design on two sides, and it only set me back $19.95 ♥

And here is my most recent addition - this gem is fit for a princess! Sadly my camera isn't able to capture the beauty of it's cut, colour and gleam - half-way between purple and violet, it seems to suit my skintone the best of all, and the surrounding diamantes catch the light brilliantly. There's more silver in the setting too so it's heavier - built to last I'd say. This is my current fave, and the one I wear most often...

I have a few more up my sleeve (or rather in my jewel box) so there'll be more bling posts up soon ♥

Take care of you,
kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: Nude by Nature Liquid Mineral Foundation...

Throughout my recent foundation refresh, this was the one I was most excited to try - Nude by Nature Liquid Mineral Foundation. Although the most expensive of the lot ($39.95 - more than double the majority of the others), it's the only one that doesn't contain a whole swag of the usual chemicals - no talc, no parabens, no silicones, so it gets a hefty nod even before the first squirt! There are five shades in the range - I chose Light/Medium, which is perfect for my skin at this time of year, although I would need the deeper Medium in Summer when I give the old bod a bit of a golden glow with some fake tan...

 

This is one of the most delightfully lightweight foundations I've ever worn, but beware - the formula is also very thin and runny, so be sparing with your pressure on the pump. I always use my fingers to blend my foundation, and this little darling produces a magically natural finish, although it's a wee bit too shiny for my particular issues (VERY oily T-Zone). It also takes a while to dry, and while it sure is buildable, you need time to let it set before applying the next layer. The left picture below is my bare freckled cheek, and on the right is one layer of Nude by Nature Liquid Mineral Foundation. I think you'll agree that given my particular issues, it's reasonably good coverage for one coat, but I usually apply another to blend in my brown spots a little better. I scored the companion Airbrush Mineral Primer in a GWP - highly recommended as this creates an excellent base, and also helps makeup last a bit longer. On my particular skin type, sadly this foundation doesn't make it through the day on my oily areas, even with a finishing powder, so I've scored it low for longevity, but I'm sure gals with dryer skin will love it's hydrating power to bits, and have far greater success with the wear..

Here's the blurb from the packaging - I can confirm it's fragrance-free (there's only the faintest oily kind of smell), and yes it's light-weight and very dewy. Lots of delicious ingredients from Mother Nature's garden too, including Lilly Pilly, Jojoba, Kakadu Plum and Green Tea...

Like all Nude by Nature products, the packaging is superb - glass and bronzed metal, the combination is super sturdy AND classy-looking, and one pump is more than enough to cover my whole face...

So here's my rating - the coverage is a tad better than the Mirenesse Silk Foundation, there's minimal transfer, and it's available in most pharmacies and variety stores (Target, BigW etc.), but the price is a bit of a joy-killer...

All up though, it's a stunning foundation full of natural ingredients to nourish and protect the skin, and that's where it has the edge over the other ones I've tried recently. I think it would be PERFECT for any gal with skin sensitivities, it doesn't clog pores, nor does it cake or crease. The colour is a great match for me, and it's a comfort to know that I'm not plastering my face with a whole bunch of yucky stuff. Would I buy it again? Hmmm, it's tempting, but to be honest it's just a wee bit too moist for my combination skin, plus with such limited time in the morning, I really need a single-coat foundation that sets in a flash, and lasts a sure bet minimum of 12 hours. A beautiful product - just not my HG at this time in my life...

Take care of you,

kats xxx