Monday 13 February 2017

SPOTLIGHT: January Empties!...

Before I start I'm sending a quick but heartfelt shout out to all the bloggers who upload Empties (or Monthly Favourites) posts  For me they are the most intensive and time consuming articles I do, I guess because there's virtually a review of every product, and that takes quite a bit of effort. So to all you lovelies who create these faithfully every month, I thank you! No better recommendation than a blogger who's actually finished using a product, and can therefore comment authoritatively on it's effectiveness or otherwise (well for them at least). At kats colourings, January was a bit of a "cloth mask month", and I'm thrilled to be letting you know about some of the ones I've discovered ...


Mirenesse Power Lift Dermal Firming Face Mask (2 sheets, RRP $25, VIP $17.50)
So enjoyed this - it's in two pieces, one for the eye area and one for the lower half of the face. Key ingredients include Epidermal Growth Factor Peptide, Hyaluronate, Beta Glucan, Retinol. Collagen & Apple Stem Cells. Whoa! I've only heard of four of these, but it sure packs a hydrating and firming punch. Smells nice too and my face looked extra refreshed after removing the bits and massaging in the remaining essence...
Repurchase?
Seriously considering it - I haven't actually bought anything from Mirenesse for yonks, this came in one of my VIP packs (every second month) but I reckon I might indulge...

Rodial Dragon's Blood Eye Masks (8 sheets, RRP $52)
Oddly enough I've only used one of these so far, primarily because the sheets are impregnated with lots of liquid, so they're a bit messier than some other brands, and you have to lie still or else they slide out of place. They're also a somewhat odd shape with a pointy bit on the inner corner that I had trouble positioning, but I probably just need practice. And then by the time I figured out there was an extra piece of backing cloth, my hands were covered in the serum (like I said I need practice lol). Works out at just under $7 per experience, but I bought them for almost half price at Priceline. Immediate result was a firming and smoothing of the under eye area, didn't notice very much de-puffing, but I need to use them regularly...
Repurchase?
Not at this stage - these will last me a few months, but I do prefer the convenience of the Skin Republic ones, which are peel and stick, and I can sleep in them...

Skin Republic Neck & Decolletage Repair Mask (RRP $7.99)
OMG lovelies, if you could do one thing before the end of this furnace-like Sydney Summer, treat yourself to one of these masks! You kinda need to be undressed to use it (well from the boobs up anyways) as it's loaded with slippery lush serum, but it is so unbelievably cooling and refreshing, you'll want to do what I did and buy more stat! I swear the skin on my neck and chest looked toned, revitalised, firm and above all, lovingly cared for (♥) after I laid down for 20 minutes and basked in all the goodies the formula contains. Ingredients include collagen, CoQ10, rice bran, mulberry, liquorice, aloe & vitamin E. A truly pleasurable experience, and one I'm determined to repeat once a week ...
Repurchase?
I already have three waiting in my stash - so far I've only found them at Coles ...

Skin Republic Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patch (3 pairs, $9.99)
I featured these in my December Empties post, but I'm including them again so you know how much I adore them, and have continued to use them, once a week, without fail. LOVE!
Repurchase?
You know the answer lol ...

Nivea In-Shower Rich Body Lotion Skin Conditioner - Very Dry Skin (400ml, RRP $7.99)
One of the benefits of moving house is that there's the high probability of a reassessment (and rediscovery) of the various products one has acquired and possibly forgotten over time. Found this at the back of the cupboard - can't remember why I put it there (almost empty) but most likely I wanted to review it (I usually leave some in the container as a reminder). Anyways I'm so glad I unearthed it as this is a saviour for my bod when my skin is extra dry, or if I've been testing out a not-so-moisturising body wash. Love the scent, love that when I dry myself off, my skin feels silky smooth, and any cracked or flaky bits have gone the way of the dodo ...
Repurchase?
That'll be a yes - I especially need this in winter when it's too cold to stand around naked slathering on lotions and/or creams ...

Eye of Horus Goddess Pencils - Scarab Sapphire & Smokey Black (12g, RRP $30)
Still entwined in a passionate love affair with these pencils. Until very recently, I haven't found anything to compare with them, and even then, my latest discovery (Colourpop Creme Gel) while long lasting, isn't riddled with nature's goodness like these babies. I ordered these in 2015, and lovingly reviewed them HERE, so they do last for ages - I use any one of the seven in my kit just about every day ...
Repurchase?
Back in July last year I was blessed with a win in the Eye of Horus monthly Instagram comp (my choice of $300 worth of products!) and I opted for the Charcoal Obsidian instead of the black - I'm getting a bit long in the tooth to be wearing black on my waterline, and this is a tad more subtle with tiny little sparkles that don't irritate in any way. I also chose the Scarab Sapphire again because it's just such a gorgeous blue. When these run out, I will DEFINITELY be repurchasing them ...

Indeed Labs Eysilix (15ml, RRP $36.99)
I was kinda hoping for a mini miracle from this cream as it has pretty good reviews all round - used it twice a day and finished the tube, and although I didn't notice much improvement in my issues (crinkles & eye bags) I ordered another but haven't opened it as I'm trying out Hylamide SubQ Eyes Advanced Serum (which seems to be more effective). I'll certainly use up the second tube, but it didn't deliver any results that were noticeable in the six weeks of use. Also I have one word of warning - the cap is SO tiny and thin, it rolled off the basin and went down the drain at the end of week two, and none of my other caps fit it, so I had to improvise with wrapping a tissue around it. Wasn't all that effective as each time I went to use it, the first bit that squeezed out was dry and stiff - boo!...
Repurchase?
No - I'll keep searching for my HG eye cream...

L'Oreal Age Perfect Golden Age Rich Re-Densifying Night Cream (50ml, RRP $36.95)
Absolutely crazy about this cream - rave review HERE - love this whole range actually. I'm in the middle of trialing the Classic range at the mo' (also for beautyheaven) and while that night cream is gorgeous, it doesn't suit my skin quite as well as this beauty ...
Repurchase?
Sure have - the fornula is darn near perfect for my ageing needs ...

Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser (177ml, RRP $14.99)
This cleanser is one of those that seemingly lasts FOREVER - it's taken me almost a year to get to the bottom of the bottle! From memory it came in a Priceline skin care goody bag. It's quite nice and very effective for foaming off long wear makeup, but there's something about the scent that bothers me - it's odd as the fragrance is fresh and tangy and not the least bit chemical, but I got bored with it after the second cleanse. No nasty inclusions (although it does contain SLS), it features willowbark, and one pump from the sturdy dispenser will get your face super clean without leaving your skin feeling stripped. Yeah, as I said nice, but for me a bit meh...
Repurchase?
Negative - there are many more that I prefer...

Thanks for reading lovelies, and here's hoping that February is treating you kindly ...

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. Hooking up with Ingrid's always awesome Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party - come say hello after 6:30am...

16 comments:

  1. Mirenesse face mask sounds amazing but that price though.. maybe one day haha

    Michelle Morchella

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    1. Actually even at the standard price of $12 each they're only a couple of dollars more than some of the Skin Republic ones. I have a few of their other ones too which I'm keen to try. Have to hold myself back so I don't overdo it lol xxx

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  2. I'm so glad to hear the Skin Republic Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patches are good as I have a couple of packets in the cupboard yet to be used. Excited to now!

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    1. Let me know what you think Di - honestly they're quite a bit of fun to use, and I love the cooling/firming sensation xxx

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  3. i am always searching for good under eye patches and i really want to try the Skin Republic ones ! sounds great !

    clairetalksbeauty.com

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    1. I reckon they're terrific value for $3.33 each set Claire - figured no one could go wrong at that price. I have a couple of other way more expensive ones to try (freebies) so it will be interesting to compare them in the months ahead xxx

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  4. You did well getting through so many products, Kat. I am yet to try Skin Republic masks, but definitely want to try those eye masks! xx

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    1. You can't lose Indie - I find that just the mere act of doing something a bit extra for my skin makes me feel good xxx

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  5. I have the Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser but havent tried it as yet. Im glad its not drying...I thought it might be aimed at teenage skin.

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    1. I've had no problem with it Fawn - it's actually very effective and refreshing, I just don't go for the fragrance xxx

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  6. Empties post are most difficult and time consuming, I totally agree with you Kat. I have tried some of these products but I have not tried eye of Horus eye pencil. How exciting it is that you won EOH products and you actually use them.

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    1. Glad you agree Faiza - reviewing one product is easy by comparison as there's a flow, and once you start writing, it all kinda happens. But with 10 products - blimey, I find it a struggle, but I love reading the posts on other blogs, so I don't mind making the effort lol. The EOH win was such a blessing - I literally spammed their hashtag with all my EOTD pics ha ha xxx

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  7. I'm currently trialing the L'Oreal classic range for BeautyHeaven too. After reading this I'm so tempted to buy the Golden Age Night Cream and give that one a go too!

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    1. It's interesting Ingrid - I find the Classic range a tad too rich for my skin, probably because I have an oily-T and constantly battle with pore congestion. But the Golden Age ones are deliciously enriching, yet not quite so heavy. It might be the extra ingredients for pigmentation in the Classic ones that make the difference for me. Lord knows I need something for my pigmentation, but there you go xxx

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  8. Great review Kat. I have only just discovered Skin Republic and tried their Gold mask last night. Absolutely lovely and looking forward to trying the under eye one too. I believe they are available from priceline, lovely x

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    1. Thanks so much Barbe! I've picked up a couple of their gold ones but haven't tried them yet. Nor have I found a retailer that stocks the whole range, so I'm frequenting haunts all over the place, but I reckon I have the whole set now lol xxx

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