Sunday 3 April 2016

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 

26 comments:

  1. I get my hair naturalised by a hairdresser but I love love love a body wash, especially into lemongrass too at the moment.

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    1. The lemongrass is so refreshing hey Natalie - I especially love fruity shower gels in the hot season xxx

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  2. I've been loving your hair colour transformation, it just keeps getting better and better. That highlighting tool sounds amazing. I wonder if it would work on my hair as I just get the roots done every 4 months.

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    1. Aww thanks sweetie - it takes a bit of time and a whole lot of experimenting, but worth all the effort if I can hit the mark. The highlighter brush is so clever - it's obvious a lot of thought has gone into the design. And you can have as few or as many streaks as you'd like, and can control how dramatic or subtle the results are ♡♡♡

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  3. I finished up a bunch of stuff I regularly use, so my empties for the month aren't that exciting.

    I use the Ansell gloves (the non-powdered ones & I only use them for food preparation) + the Compeed blister patches are lifesavers! I doubt I'll ever be without them again.

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    1. Oh I reckon regular empties are probably the most interesting Shell - I'm especially keen on finding out what other gals love and what works for them. The Compeed patches are amazing though hey - love that they come in different shapes and sizes too xxx

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  4. You hair is looking lovely at the moment Kats, I am loving the different shade variations! I too have been experimenting more with my hair shade. Going lighter and lighter. :) Mmmm that Vanilla & Raspberry shower gel sounds a treat! <3

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    1. Thank you darling Candy - it's fun having a colour change now and then, who knows where we'll end up lol!

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  5. I had no idea you could get the Original Source shower gels in a bigger size! How big are we talking here??? ;)

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    1. Ha ha mayday - they come in 250ml and 500ml, which I call "giant" but it's only double ♡♡♡

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  6. I can't wait to see what your hair looks like? Is there a photo of it somewhere? Do I need to scout your Insta? :)

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    1. Hiya Mel - lots of pics on Insta, it's a bit different again now (lol!) but latest variation will be up tomorrow or Wednesday xxx

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  7. I need some of those Compeed Blister Plasters. I'm forever using band aids which then fall off or aren't the right size or shape.

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    1. You can't go wrong Ingrid - I swear I've been in agony and these babies have instantly relieved the pain ♡♡♡

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  8. I need to give the Australis powder a try. The Mirenesse BB powder would be my go-to setting powder if not for that awful fragrance! xx

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    1. Gosh Indie some gals love the smell - still I'm glad to know it isn't just me ♡ Australis powder is a winner xxx

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  9. So many Empties, honestly I am not good at finishing my products. All of them are new to me, I have only tried sample of QV polish and I loved it.

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    1. Faiza I've improved my "finishing" out of sight since I started this blog series - I used to throw a lot of things away that were half full, but this keeps me on the straight and narrow ha ha xxx

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  10. Oh my....your shower must be looking rather empty with all the shower gels being finished up...hehe
    Im working on using up a bunch of travel sized shampoos and shower gels as i tend to collect them and save them for when i travel. I act like i travel every 2nd week or something which of course (sadly) is not the case so i know i need to use a few of these travel sized products so they dont go to waste.

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    1. Lol Fawn, my shower is NEVER empty! Had four newbies waiting in the cupboard, there'll be another Bodywashaholic post soon ♥ I had quite a stash of travel sized bathroom bits too - long ago used up as I haven't been OS for over 20 years xxx

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  11. Oh wow that highlights brush sounds totally awesome!! Great empties btw - you used up so much!! xx

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    1. It's SO easy to use Jasmine - I just bought two more packs (half price at Coles) so I'm ready for next time ♥

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  12. I'm such a tight arse I could never use part of a box of hair colour & throw the rest! I think I've mentioned how I carefully measure out half the developing crème into a tinting bowl, then half the colour crème. I put the unmixed parts back into the box for next root touchup. I manage to make a single box last for two root touchups. I've been doing this for years, but I guess you need to use more for red hair because of colour fade? Great reviews!

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    1. Yes I know how economical you are with your colourants hon, and I'll be resuming my far more frugal ways as soon as I find the right mix - right now, if a formula isn't working, then I'm ditching it, but usually I do a half-and-half. My problem is that my roots are stark white and need a deeper hue or else it won't "take"...

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    2. Fair enough. That sounds like my temples, I've given up dying them. I now bleach them into Bride-of-Frankenstein type white streaks. They've been getting wider & wider. They'll meet up at the top of my head in a few years, ha ha!

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    3. Lol neurotic, you so make me laugh hon! I get around the temple problem by wearing a fringe - the regrowth there is so vividly white and it glistens and gleams so I cover it up ♥

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