SPOTLIGHT: March Empties!...

Well as you can see, last month was all about hair colour! No I didn't dye my hair six times lol - I'm still blending shades together to achieve the hue I'm after, and while it looks like a lot, in most cases I only used a quantity from multiple packs for each session, and tossed out the leftovers. But I'm almost done, and this month should see me hit the desired hue, and then I'll revert to a maintenance mode - it's been lots of fun experimenting though, and along the way I've discovered a BRILLIANT new product, so read on ♥...

Imperial Leather Limited Edition Bird of Paradise Triple Moisturising Bodywash

One of my fave fragrances in this range - reviewed here. Almost the perfect shower formula for me - leaves my skin amazingly soft and deliciously scented...

Repurchase?
As soon as I can find it again, but you know how it goes with "Limited Editions" sigh ♥...


Palmolive Naturals White Citrus with Lemongrass Extract Shower Gel

I was sad when I finished this, mainly because for me it's a Summer scented body wash, and I got to the bottom of the bottle just as Autumn kicked in. I'm always a bit down in the dumps when the warm weather starts to fade, over it now though. This Palmolive gel is terrific value, smells sensational, is non drying and I lovingly reviewed it here...

Repurchase?

I won't use it again till after Winter, but I'll buy a bottle and stash it away in case it's discontinued in the meantime ♥...

L'Oreal Casting Creme Gloss Conditioning Colour - Dark Blonde

I bought this because it's a semi-permanent and contains no ammonia. After one of my recent experiments, my hair was way too orange - this looked quite golden on the pack, and I thought it would tone down the clowny orange without being too harsh on my already over colour-treated tresses, but it turned out quite ashy and dark, probably because my hair is so porous. Terrific formula though, gentle, non-drying and not too stinky, and considering it's only meant for 70% grey, it coloured my white roots pretty well... 

Repurchase?
Not this particular shade, but I've just coloured my hair again with a mix of the Amber & Silky Blonde from this range, and it's pretty close to the hue I'm after ♥


L'Oreal Preference Brush On Glam Highlights - No. 3

Definitely the find of the month, maybe even the year! I've successfully done my own highlights for many years with Nordic Blonde Streaking Kit, but this is even easier to use. You mix the activating powder and lightening cream in the bottle of developer cream, and then dispense the solution onto the nifty three-pronged brush (see pic below). Starting near the roots, you simply stroke the brush through your hair, reload it with solution, and repeat until you have as many streaks as you desire. Development time is 25-45 minutes, but I only leave it on for 20 as my hair lightens at the drop of a hat. I tried this a couple of weeks ago - 100% natural look, I received quite a few compliments, and all the gals were amazed that I'd done it myself. Comes in 3 strengths - light blonde to dark blonde, dark blonde to light brown (my choice) and light brown to brown. The pack includes a special conditioning shampoo, but I used my usual...

Repurchase?
Already have - it's brilliant! ♥♥♥...

Ansell Medium Disposable Gloves

These are my go-to throw away gloves, and I consider them to be a beauty essential. I use them primarily when I colour my hair because unlike the flimsy ones that are included in the dye packs, I can take them off while I'm waiting for the colour to develop, and then put them back on again for the rinse (they're lightly powdered). Ideal for light household cleaning jobs as they're strong, but don't make my hands sweat anywhere near as much as the usual rubber variety, and because they're a reasonably snug fit, there's no loss of dexterity. I wear them when I'm repotting my plants too - latex free (they're made from vinyl) and they fit either hand...

Repurchase?
Never EVER without a box of these ♥...


John Plunkett's Superfade Accelerator

This tube has made a massive difference to the effectiveness of the Superfade cream. I've been it using on my hands every night, in fact with the intensity of my brown spots, I wouldn't bother using the cream without it ever again. As mentioned before, I'll be posting a separate review of my age-spot fading adventure soon...

Repurchase?
Have already bought a second tube ♥...


Compeed Medium Blister Plasters

If you ever get blisters from new shoes, then forget the bandaid solution - these plasters leave them for dead. I guarantee you that the discomfort from any blister you could possibly develop will be IMMEDIATELY eliminated as soon as you stick one of these thingies over the top. They're pretty much invisible when applied, survive multiple showers, and the blister will heal super fast...  

Repurchase?

Crikey, these are SO essential in my life, I have three packs - one at home, one in my handbag, and one at work ♥...

Napro Palette Intense Oil-Care Colour - Luminous Gold

Fabulous colour on the box - exactly the shade I've been aiming for (what I call "chestnut blonde"), and with a name like Luminous Gold, I had high hopes. Turned out ok, but more red than I wanted. 100% grey coverage though, usual smell but not overpowering, my hair felt soft afterwards with lots of shine...

Repurchase?

I'll try this again, but combine it half and half with an ash blonde from the same range to counteract the red...

Garnier Nutrisse Creme Permanent Nourishing Hair Colour - Dark Golden Blonde

I mixed this with the Copper Passion - nice resultant hue, but still too orange for my new look. Excellent formula though - I raved about the Copper & Fiery Red in my December Empties post...

Repurchase?

Not this particular shade - I'll probably try the Copper one again, but next time I'll add some ashy tones to see if I can "make" the colour I want...

Mirenesse Studio Magic BB Pore Powder

This little pot came in a VIP pack (which means I didn't intentionally buy it) - costs around $30 if you're a member, $50 if you're not. While it does effectively diffuse lines, reduce shine, and set makeup, I find the fragrance totally offputting - reminds me of shoe polish (lol!). It contains all sorts of yummy ingredients and no nasty ones, and I eventually finished it, but noooooo....

Repurchase?

Negative - I really can't get past the whiffy smell, and for my super oily T, Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder works better for me, plus it's a fraction of the price...

Clairol Nice'nEasy - Natural Golden Auburn & Natural Golden Blonde

This particular combo was close to my ideal shade, but it wasn't bright or intense enough - in other words, it was too "ordinary", and I don't do ordinary ha ha. I'm a fan of Clairol hair colourants though - used a coppery hue from the Nice'nEasy range exclusively for many years, until it was discontinued...

Repurchase?
No, well not at this stage anyway...


Original Source Vanilla & Raspberry Shower Gel

Equal favourite with the Lime from this range, but this is an all year round one for me - rave review here. There's something about this fragrance that I find supremely comforting, and I know it will help me make it through the cold dark winter mornings ahead...

Repurchase?
Yes and yay - I found the giant size! ♥


Imperial Leather Indulgence Rich Moisturising Body Wash  - Effortless (Citrus & White Gardenia)

Another of my regulars in the shower stall - adore this scent, reviewed here, and I'll always keep one in my cupboard as a spare. Simply stunning fragrance, and the compact shape and size of the bottle is a bonus if you have space issues like me...

Repurchase?
You betcha ♥...


Ego QV Face Exfoliating Polish

This has lasted me just over a year - I won it in a giveaway from the gorgeous Sarah from morethanadored. The most gentle scrub I've ever tried, I use it twice a week on the mornings after my Alpha-H Gold treatment. Love it! Full review here...

Repurchase?
Yessireee ♥

Phew, well that's a wrap for another month - how did you go with finishing off some products?

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. The fun begins at 6:30am over at Ingrid's Monday Madness Link Up Party ♥