EOTDs: Catch up time! (Part 2)...

Crikey, it's the last day of August, which means it's Spring tomorrow - yay!  And I'm just scraping in with the remaining four EOTD's for the month. I was determined to get these up so that there's eight to choose from for the next giveaway, which is closer than you think, and it'll be a SUPER DUPER special one to celebrate my little blog's third anniversary, so pop back in again soon won't you ♥

I haven't done a really colourful eye look for yonks, but I reckon this one might make up for it lol - used essence white kajal as my base on the inner corner, and Eye of Horus Amethyst Jewel Goddess Pencil for the rest, and on the waterline. The pink is the boldest magenta from the bhcosmetics Take Me To Brazil Palette, and that gorgeous sparkly purple/blue/pink multichrome is the one and only  Colourpop Dare...

My outfit was a purply pink top with navy pants, a combo I often put together, and I was thrilled to find the multi-bead bracelets in the pic below at Millers to add to my collection - they were a steal at $5, and helped tie everything together...

For this one I used Max Factor Charcoal Grey Kohl Pencil for my base and waterline, and patted down the grey from the Annabelle Haute Mer palette. For fun I added a smear of Eye of Horus Alchemy Gold Liquid Metals in the centre of the top lid, and swiped a wee bit under the lower lashline...

On the dial was Mirenesse Liquid Silk Foundation (yes I've FINALLY used it all up!), cheeks were the purple pink from the bhcosmetics Glamorous Blush palette, lips were MBA Cosmetics Liquid Matte Lip Color in the shade Immortal...

And the gold/grey accessories...

This one looks a bit weird because you can't really see my top eyelashes very well against the deep green, but I adore the shadow - it's from the Chi Chi Oasis palette, and it went over the top of Models Prefer Infinite Colour Eye Pencil in the shade Lime Tart. Also used this for my waterline blended with Eye of Horus Serpentine Sultry Goddess Pencil...

Foundation was Mirenesse Liquid Silk again, cheeks were Ulta3 Pretty Plum Blush, and on the lips was L'Oreal Color Riche Moisture Matte Lipstick in Bloody Mary...

I need to expand my olivey green jewellery collection, but there's been very little available in that shade this Winter, so will have to see what I can rustle up for next season...

And lucky last is Who's There from the Makeup Revolution Give Them Nightmares palette over the top of essence white kajal.  For the waterline, I stroked on Eye of Horus Emerald Tabula Goddess Pencil...

Foundation was the same Mirenesse one, cheeks were the brightest red pan from the bhcosmetics Glamorous Blush palette, and lips were Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Moss #30, over-slicked with Maybelline ColourSensational Gloss in Signature Scarlet - had to blend these two to make just the right shade to go with the pinky red in the striped top...

And of course, the jewels. I bought the triangle pendant more than 10 years ago at Vinnies, and was excited when I spotted the (almost matching) earrings a few months ago at Lovisa...

And so lovelies, I can't say I'm sorry to say bye bye to the cold weather, although I will miss my boots. Wishing you all a sensational Spring ♥

Take care of you,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: July Empties!...

I was beginning to despair that I would never get this empties post up - but where there's a will (and a new PC & modem), there's a way lol. Somewhat disappointing turnover volume - same as the previous month actually, however some of these have been in the works for quite some time, like, almost a year! So starting from the left...

Bioré Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser (200ml RRP $10.99)

Before I start I just want to say I really REALLY like Bioré products, and I believe there are marvellous benefits of having charcoal as an ingredient. However...there's something in every item in the Bioré range that makes my eyes water. It's not that I let the stuff get anywhere near my eyes, it's more like there are fumes that billow up permeating the space around me (even when I'm in the shower), and make my eyes feel really weird - I think it's the menthol, I have the same reaction when I use one of those creams for an athletic injury. SO annoying because I really enjoy the effectiveness of this cleanser and how it makes my skin feel, same goes for the scrub and the masks...sigh...

Repurchase?

Umm, not unless they change the formula...

Imperial Leather Forbidden Fruit - Blackberry Blossom & Wild Fig Triple Moisturising Bodywash (1 litre RRP $8.99)

I've had this massive bottle since forever - note to self, don't by the giant size as you have to decant the contents 'cos it won't fit in the shower rack, and by the time you get to the end of it, you might just have had enough of it. Having said that I did enjoy this gorgeous purple fruit concoction, but I'm now totally bored with the fragrance...

Repurchase?

Negative - hey I found the Blue Lagoon one at The Reject Shop for $2!

Alpha-H Liquid Gold (200ml On special $69.95)

My precious - love this SO much I bought a year's supply. Way way overdue for it's own dedicated review post, and I already featured it in my December Empties post, but it's just TOO GOOD to not mention again ♥...

Repurchase?

There's another 200ml bottle waiting in the wings - Adore Beauty had it on special, bless 'em ♥...

Clarins Super Restorative Total Eye Concentrate (15ml RRP $90)

Yeah well, I guess I have to say this is my HG eye cream. I've been trying some other ones (NeoStrata Intensive Eye Therapy, freezeframe REVITALEYES) in an attempt to find something to match it performance-wise at a fraction of the cost, but it's not happening for me. I reviewed this beauty back in June last year (HERE) and for my particular issues, it's a standout. Doesn't do anything for the under-eye baggies, but nothing does. And it's too early to tell if the SK-II R.N.A. Eye Cream is any better, but in a way I'm kinda hoping it's not as it's even MORE expensive lol! The Clarins has the ability to make my eyes look refreshed, and with the limited amount of sleep I get on a regular basis, it's the one that works best ♥...
Repurchase?

Not yet, but it's inevitable ♥...

Nature's Way Vitamin C 500mg Chewable Tablets (500 RRP $15.95)

This massive container has lasted me the best part of a year - well almost. Let's see - 2 tablets a day and there's 500 in the pack, so that's 250 days, which is roughly 8 months. Awesome value - can't say this brand is any better than the rest, but it's a good deal, and I tend to go for whatever is on special. What I can say is that I can't survive without my daily dose of Vitamin C ♥...

Repurchase?

I couldn't find the giant jar, so I went for Cenovis (300) this time around, but will snap one up next time I see it...

Natralus Natural Paw Paw Lip Butter - Strawberry (10g RRP $5.75)

Lovingly reviewed HERE -  the jury is still out as to whether this is my fave or the Coconut one, but I'll always have a spare of both ♥...

Repurchase?

Already have ♥...

Garnier Anti-Shine Cleansing Gel (150ml RRP $9.95)

Been using this gel on and off over the last 12 months - quite a pleasant little cleanser. Haven't found it particularly effective for mattifying my face or tightening my pores, but it does cleanse thoroughly and smells delish - like grapefruit, green tea and blossoms. I do prefer something a little less foamy...

Repurchase?

Might buy another for Summer because it's super refreshing, but it's not on my list of essentials...

Palmolive Peach Indulgence Body Butter Moisturising Body Wash (400ml RRP $6.79)

Love this peach-a-licious body wash, my current fave - reviewed in detail HERE ♥...

Repurchase?

That would be a yes - I have three in the cupboard...although one is for my Mum ♥...


Given that my new computer is not blue-screening every half an hour like the old one, and the overall electronic setup is now faster than the speed of light, you can rest assured that my August Empties post will be up in a far more timely manner ♥

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. Linking to Ingrid's magical Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party - online at 6:30am (if not before) ♥♥♥

SPOTLIGHT: 2nd Quarter Fave LOTD's, Reds...

My love affair with red lipsticks seems to be growing by the day - I find them irresistible in any season, but particularly during the gloomy wet months of Winter, when a splash of vermillion can lift my spirits and transform my mood in a matter of seconds. I'm convinced that the "right" red is out there for every gal, it's just a matter of finding it. Below are eight of the ones that are particularly dear to my heart...

These two are very similar, but the Maybelline Colourblur has the edge - it was a fave in the 1st Quarter collection because it's SO comfortable to wear, and if you're after a true matte lip colour, this range will definitely deliver the goods...

The Maybelline Bold Matte MAT6 also earned a place in the previous set, but how about that NYC Retro Red? It was a gift from my darling friend Amy all the way from Canada - such a fabulously vibrant warm red, and very close to being my HG ♥...

Love both of the above because of their pretty-as pink content - I keep going back to the Rubi Ruby Red because of its truly gorgeous hue and moisturising power. Rubi lipsticks are cheap as chips too ♥...

And I couldn't leave out these last two - both DB Cosmetics and Chi Chi make beautiful lip slickers in a wide range stunning shades, plus they keep my pucker soft and supple...

Next up will be Berries & Purples!

Would love to know what your favourite red lipstick is ♥

Take care of you,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: Micellar Magic Part 6 - La Roche-Posay, Natio & Lacura...

Gosh I was thinking this series had a limited life, but now I'm not so sure - even more bottles of this magical water waiting in the wings for review! I've also spotted micellar cleansing WIPES, but that's a whole other story. Meanwhile, here are the remaining three from Part 5.

NATIO Cucumber & Aloe Micellar Cleansing Water (all skin types) - (200ml RRP $14.95)

Simple and elegant presentation, however there's a screw top cap that has to be removed to get to the squirter - not a major block for me, but a wee bit annoying all the same. Very happy to see that second highest ingredient is Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, well known for its healing properties. Good slip on the skin, calming, cooling, non-drying, and I can't detect any fragrance. My skin feels baby soft after use, although the cotton pad doesn't show a whole heap of makeup leftovers so I'm a bit iffy about its effectiveness. Still a very nice product, and I'd say out of the all the ones I've tried so far, the most gentle, and probably the most suitable for gals with sensitive skin (although I'm certainly no expert). Nice one Natio ♥

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Micellar Cleansing Water (for oily sensitive skin) - (200ml RRP $25.95)

Apart from the Bioderma, this is the most expensive one I've tried to date. It's actually the first product I've tried from this brand. Made in France (of course), easy to open flip-top cap, no fragrance, doesn't make my skin feel tight, cotton pad slides easily over the skin, and non-drying. About the same amount of makeup traces on the pad as the Natio one. Not sure what to say here other than yes it's nice enough, but for $26 I was kinda expecting something special that would encourage me to hand over more than twice the $$$ for the same quantity. Probably best to say if you love the brand/range, you'll love this too...

If you're wondering what all those Zonders in the above label are all about, here's a translation - soap free, colorant free, alcohol free & paraben free ♥

Lacura Quick Fix Micellar Cleansing Water 3 in 1 - (250ml RRP $7.95)

This was the surprise of the series. Onto my third bottle over a period of at least 12 months - was suitably impressed with bottles 1 & 2, but used them all up prior to Part 1, which is why I'm only reviewing it now. Like a lot of Aldi products in general, it's been hard to find as it's a "special" and not carried permanently, and that's its only real flaw, although purists won't appreciate the inclusion of fragrance. I actually really enjoy the pretty floral scent - it's not overpowering, doesn't linger, and for me, makes the cleansing experience a little more interesting than the scent-free versions. For gals with sensitive skin, the label says dermatologically tested and alcohol free, and as per the Natio one, it contains cucumber extract... 

What makes this formula a winner is its effectiveness. Like several of the others covered in this series, it's a 3-in-1 - makeup remover, cleanser and toner. I noticed that whenever I used this water, the cotton pad seemed far more soiled than with any of the others, regardless of the cleanser I used or the makeup I was wearing. So I did a little test after cleansing my face, using one after another, and compared the cotton pads:

• Natio - minimal amount of foundation colouring
• La Roche-Posay - a wee bit of residue. Hmm, so the Natio didn't take it all off...
• Lacura - twice as much foundation colour than with the first Natio wipe, and even a wee bit of blush!

So the Lacura Quick Fix appears to cleanse away the makeup traces more effectively - how about that?

As I did at the end of Part 4 HERE, I've done a swatch swipe comparison of the five covered in the last two posts. Same Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner left to dry for a few minutes, and I've included the Bioderma Sensibio at the end as it's the benchmark...

All round the results are better than from the first set of products HERE (or maybe my swatching was a little more thorough) - not much difference between any of the above, but I reckon the Lacura one looks a smidgin cleaner...

When I get to the completion of this series (if ever lol), I'll do a full arm swatch of each of them for comparison - I really need to do them at the same time and under the same lighting conditions. Till then keep well and happy lovelies!

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3...

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. Linking this post to all the other beauties over at Ingrid's always entertaining Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party ♥♥♥

EOTDs: Catch up time!...

Didn't get around to uploading any EOTD's last month, but I have a pretty big stash put aside, and in various colours of the rainbow. So without further ado...

Was quite chuffed with how this turned out - I normally apply the lightest shadow shade on the inner corner of my eye, but decided this time to pat down the darker blue (from the Annabelle Haute Mer quad) on both ends, with MBA Cosmetics Silk FX Babybaby in the middle and underneath. I thought it would make my eyes look smaller, but I actually love the extra definition. Waterline was Eye of Horus Scarab Sapphire Goddess Pencil...

For my face I used Mirenesse Liquid Silk Foundation, Ulta3 Pretty Plum Blush, and Face of Australia Lip Quench lipstick in Ruby Delight (added bonus of SPF30)...

My pastel blue jewellery collection is the smallest of the lot, but I'll work on it this Spring lol...

A very special friend sent me a whole stack of her Colourpop eye shadows (eternally grateful hon ♥) - this is Tink (matte charcoal) & Liberty (the most fabulous metallic silver in my kit!)...

These shadows are amazing - the pigmentation and buttery texture is almost impossible to beat, and they blend with just a few strokes of a fluffy brush. Waterline is Eye of Horus Charcoal Obsidian Goddess Pencil... 

Mirenesse Liquid Silk foundation again (trying to actually finish a foundation - who me?), cheeks were Real Purity Frosted Orchid Powder Blush, and lips were Maybelline Matte Lipstick in Lust For Blush...

Dug through my retro jewellery box and was thrilled to find the acrylic "humbug" striped ring, and some earrings and a bracelet that I made over 10 years ago - confirmed my suspicion that I should never throw anything out lol...

For this look I decided to use ONLY Eye of Horus Goddess Pencils - Emerald Tabula & Scarab Sapphire. All these pencils are beautiful on their own, but I usually don't have enough time in the morning to let them set completely, and invariably cover them up with a matching shadow so the cream doesn't transfer to my hoods...

The green is such a good match for my eye colour, and the smudger on the end is excellent for blending before they dry...

Same foundation, cheeks were Laura Geller Blush 'n' Brighten in Berry, and that stunning red lippy is Rimmel The Only 1 Lipstick in One-Of-A-Kind...

Was lucky enough to find the matching emerald crystal earrings at Lovisa for a ridiculously low price...

And this last look is from way back in June, but too spesh to neglect - Too Faced Chocolate Bar Black Forest Truffle, with a dusting of Champagne Truffle over the top...

Still in awe of how much I'm loving browns and taupes and caramels! All to do with my lighter hair colour I reckon. Eye of Horus Bronze Amulet Goddess Pencil on the waterline...

Maybelline Super Stay 24hr Foundation, Ulta3 Pretty Plum Blush, and Maybelline Colorblur Cream Matte Pencil in Plum Please...

And a massive thank you shout-out to neurotichellfem for the change-it-yourself battery tip. This watch has been languishing in a box for months, but I managed to get it working again for less than $2. I also replaced the batteries in three other watches - hon, you've just saved me a FORTUNE! ♥♥♥

Will post another four looks before the end of the month - and keep an eye out for my September giveaway. It'll be a special one as it's my 3rd year Bloggiversary!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: 2nd Quarter Fave LOTD's, Corals, Mauves & Pinks...

You know I never thought I'd say this but lipsticks and lip creams have taken hold of my makeup passion reigns! I still absolutely adore eye shadows and creating eye looks of course (that'll NEVER change), but I have a massive lip product collection now, and to be realistic, a pout is a helluva lot quicker to "do" and photograph in the wee hours. There's also the obvious problem that I'm getting old (am now officially classified as a Senior - gaaahhhhh!), and sadly the deterioration is more rapid than my skincare can restore. I for one don't want to look at pictures of wrinkly old eyes, and I REFUSE to use the "beauty" filter on my camera, so I'm just putting it out there that I've started shifting my makeup blog focus away from eyes to lips - I reckon they're going to hold up a bit longer than my peepers! Anyways, here we go with my favourite Coral, Mauve & Pink lip colours/products from the ones I slicked on last quarter...

CORALS

I'm lucky I can wear most corals, but like any hue, some are defnitely better than others. Hard to choose a #1 from this lot - I reckon it's a tie between the SAX Coral and the Revlon Hydrangea ♥

MAUVES

I don't own nearly enough mauve lippies - it's such a versatile shade range, soft and pretty and doesn't scream for attention. For me the Maybelline Matte Touch of Spice has the edge here ♥

PINKS

Ahhh pink - it's where my lippie love affair started ♥  SO many variations, but I have a particular penchant for blue pinks - from this set, my heart well and truly belongs to Ulta3 Orchid ♥

Hopefully there's one or two here that take your fancy, and would suit your complexion. Here's the link if you missed the Nudes, Bricks & Bronzes, next up will be...REDS!

Take care of you,
kats xxx