Monday 17 April 2017

SPOTLIGHT: March Empties!...

Not going to fall into the same trap I did last month, so without further ado, here is almost everything I finished in March, excluding some items that I've covered before of course. Did exceptionally well I reckon, especially as there is one product here that I've been using for over 3 years - OMG I was beginning to think I'd never get to the end of it!...



Nivea Pure & Natural Body Lotion (400ml, RRP $7.99)
Oh wow, a 400ml bottle of Body Lotion - now that's a challenge for me to finish. This came in my Blogstar prize box back in January 2014, and I've only just squirted the last drop! As you may have gathered I'm not a big user of body lotions - I tend to only apply them after showering when I'm not in a hurry to get dressed and racing out the door shortly thereafter, and that pretty much only happens on Sundays.  This was nice enough, contains none of the major nasties, but I found it took a while to absorb, and after all these years I'm bored with the fragrance....
Repurchase?
Noooo - I prefer my super-fast-to-sink-in BotanicES, plus I have the fabulous Lush Dream Cream on my bench, and Dove Silky Nourishing Body Cream in the cupboard...


L'Oreal Revitalift Laser X3 Dual Action Total Rejuvenation Moisturiser (48ml, RRP $49.95)
Beautyheaven sent me this to trial last Christmas, and it wowed me, especially as I only used it at night, and ditched my usual serum during the trial. They sent me more L'Oreal products to trial almost straight after this one, so I had to stop using it, and have only just finished it now. I really think this firmed my facial contours a little, softened even my deep lines, and made my whole face look fresher. The plan is to use another bottle non-stop, and then post a proper review here. For now my advice is if you're over 40 and ever see this on special, buy it ...
Repurchase?
Heck yeah already have, just finishing off the remains of another two creams, and then this might just be a staple ...


L'Oreal Revitalift Magic Blur Anti-Ageing Daily Moisturiser (50ml, RRP $34.95)
This came in the August 2016 Marie Claire Ageless Parcel and I love it - there's no SPF, but no drama as I'm using a BB cream that has 50+ as my primer. This is such a lovely cream - a waxy mousse consistency, lightweight yet enriching, smells lovely, absorbs instantly, and the big bonus is that it has a matte finish, which is how it kinda works to blur the wrinkles ...
Repurchase?
Would definitely buy this again, just haven't as yet as I have three others I need to finish first ...


Nivea 3 In 1 Micellar Cleansing Water - Sensitive (200ml, RRP $9.99)
Full review of it HERE as part of my Micellar Magic series - not my favourite, and I did find it a little drying...
Repurchase?
No - there are others out there that have the edge in effectiveness, comfort and value...


Manicare Artiste Professional Kabuki Brush (RRP $?)
I've been using this for just over 18 months to apply my bronzer, and it's just started shedding. Not one hair now and then, but several every time I use it, and they stick to my makeup grrrrr. Odd as it's excellent quality, and I only wash my brushes in water twice a year.  My previous one was an el cheapo, and it never shed - go figure?  I won this in a prize, and it doesn't seem to be available any more so I don't know the price, but there's a retractable version listed for $25.95...
Repurchase?
I won't let this experience put me off buying other Artiste brushes (I have several that haven't given me any grief), but I replaced this particular one with a little baby by Nude by Nature ...


Dove Triple Moisturising & Aqua Moisture Nourishing Body Washes (375ml, RRP $7.36)
Recently reviewed both of these HERE - LOVE! 
Repurchase?
Affirmative - one's in the shower stall, the other's in the wings, waiting for a space ...


Alpha Keri Anti-Cellulite Sugar Body Scrub (225g, RRP $14.95)
My very first sugar body scrub, and I loved using it. To test the anti-cellulite properties, I only scrubbed my left bum cheek and thigh. At the end of the jar there was not much difference between the two (although my right side is still jealous of all the attention ha ha), but it did seen to improve the general appearance of the orange peel texture, and it sure got rid of any flaky bits ...
Repurchase?
I reckon I will - I started another one during March, and while there's been no further dimple reduction, I do enjoy it because it softens my skin beautifully, and being colourless, hey, the shower stays clean ...


L'Oreal Age Perfect Golden Age Glow Re-activating Essence (125ml, RRP $39.95)
Did a rave review of it in January HERE - this is the original bottle I received for the trial, so it's lasted 6 months with every day use. Amazing value ...
Repurchase?
Yes, already sitting on the bench waiting for me to finish off four (four!) other serums I'm testing out ...


Urban Rituelle Reed Diffuser - Comfort (Sandalwood & Tangerine) (190ml, RRP $39.95)
Raved about this HERE - I've bought quite a few of these because I adore the scent combo ...
Repurchase?
Sob... This fragrance has been discontinued and I'm shattered. I've bought the Alpine Loft one which is lovely, but it's hardly a substitute...


Skin Republic Gold Hydrogel Mask (RRP $12.99)
Totally in love with this mask. It's in two pieces, and the shape of it actually fits my face, and even covers my nose - yay! It's not messy like the others as most of the serum is impregnated in the plasticcy material. Of all the face masks I've tried so far, this is my #1 - my skin looks SO good afterwards. It costs a little more than the others but it's worth it - actually I wish they made it in a complete body suit lol ...
Repurchase?
Affirmative - I've already bought three more ...



Skin Republic Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patch (3 pairs, RRP $9.99)
I went through two of these sachets, which means I applied 6 pairs during the month - need I say more? ...
Repurchase?
Ha ha silly question...


Kmart Nourishing Shea Butter Hand Sheet Mask (10ml, RRP $3)
This was pretty good considering the price - nicely hydrating, smells like coconut, and the gloves aren't too big. As I said about the Skin Republic ones, what I'm looking for is something super enriching, and these don't quite make the cut...
Repurchase?
Maybe, but I'm still looking for other brands to try ...


LonVitalite Coconut Milk Hydrating & Nourishing Facial Mask (5 pack, RRP $39)
I really enjoyed this mask again (first review was December's Empties post) - very cooling and calming, and used it in combination with the 24K Active Gold Eye Mask listed below. Wrapped myself up like a mummy (see piccie below), and took a half hour break to let these babies do their thing. My skin looked and felt fabulous afterwards, all redness gone, pores slightly more refined, just wish it had a nose piece as that's where I need lots of help ...
Repurchase?
Possibly - I have a stockpile of Skin Republic ones (about 12) so I'll use them up first to see if any of them are more effective...

LonVitalite 24K Active Gold Eye Mask (6 pairs, RRP $32)
I forget where I got this single sample from, but I've had it for a while - definitely saw an improvement in the eye area, firmer and fresher. The latest ones are gold in colour ...
Repurchase?
Yes - they only work out to be $2 each more than the Skin Republic ones, and I'm keen to compare the results between the two brands ...



Rodial Dragon's Blood Eye Masks (8 pairs, RRP $52)
Used two more of these - getting the hang of their odd shape now, but they're still the messiest eye masks I've come across. I'm persisting though as the results are a smidgin better than the Skin Republic ones ...
Repurchase?
Not at this stage - I still have four more sachets left in the box, and the fact that I literally get covered in the serum trying to remove all the backing sheets puts me off ...

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. Linking to the Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party - you'll always find lots of interesting articles to read, come say hello ... 

30 comments:

  1. You've definitely been using all the masks this month! I really want to try Lonvitalite, they look so lovely!!


    Laura || www.thelifeoflaura.com.au xx

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    1. I've decided to give my complexion a real workout over the next few months Laura - it always goes all dull and flat during Winter, but I'm determined to keep it glowing this year lol xxx

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  2. Ohhh I hate it when any of my favourite products gets discontinued! How disappointing for you!

    Ingrid
    http://www.fabulousandfunlife.blogspot.com.au

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    1. Yeah bummer hey Ingrid - obviously it wasn't popular, but I can't understand it, such a stunning fragrance for the cooler weather. There's heaps out there though, so I'm bound to find something else I love just as much xxx

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  3. You have finished so many amazing products! I am loving the Skin Republic masks at the moment too :) x

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    1. They're just the best hey Marisa - so many different types, all super convenient. I think I've tried just about the whole range now, but that gold one, whoa! xxx

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  4. I need to try that Gold Face Mask from Skin Republic! I have the Gold Eye Masks from Lonvitalite and am pretty annoyed I don't look glamorous and perfect wearing them like on their promo photos. LOL

    Di from Max The Unicorn

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    1. You do indeed Di, it's the best one I've found so far. Mind you I have an SK-II stashed away - saving it for a cold rainy day lol. And those photos? Don't give them another thought babe, they'are all wearing makeup! xxx

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  5. I really need to remember to use my sheet masks more often!

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    1. Hi Lena, I'm really making a concerted effort to use one at least once a week - I've almost made it a habit now, you know, part of my whole routine, and that stops me forgetting ha ha xxx

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  6. Great job this month! I would love to try that gold hydrogel mask, sounds like an amazing mask!

    Michelle Morchella

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    1. I've no doubt you would love it Michelle - I really think it's the ultimate sheet mask ♥

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  7. I've still got a bunch of sheet masks to use up myself, but I'm waiting for the truly colder weather to hit. I've been lazy with applying masks lately, got to get back into it.

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    1. Ahh Shell, I've no doubt you'll be re-inspired shortly - they're so good for Winter as there's no need to get your face wet rinsing off, it's one of the main things I love about them xxx

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  8. It must have felt so satisfying to finally be rid of the lotion you've had for years, Kat! xx

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    1. Indie, this was truly a labour of love, or rather non-wastage. I LOATHE throwing anything away, but I was tempted many times as there are quite a few others I love, but hey, my persistence paid off in the end ha ha ♥♥♥

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  9. wow...you really did do well. I was feeling smug myself for using up a 340ml Arbonne Shea Butter Body Lotion that Ive been using for ages and I also completed a 50ml Jojoba company ultimate oil. Those bottles of facial oil last forever and im now using a 30ml one that I had taken overseas with me and used for 7 weeks but there is still over half the bottle left...it really is a big deal when you reach the last drop...LOL

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    1. Ahh yes Fawn, I rejoice in the supreme pleasure of finishing the (seemingly) unfinishable ha ha! I know what you mean about the facial oils - I have 4 on my bench that are in varying stages of use, and I reckon it will be quite a while before ANY of them appear in one of these posts xxx

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  10. i love that you used a lot of masks ! i really want to try the Skin Republic Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patch! it seems great

    clairetalksbeauty.com

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    1. Claire you can't go wrong with the eye patches at around $3.30 per go - they really make a difference to the skin texture, and there's absolutely no mess xxx

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  11. Aww well done on the empties Kat especially the mask. I have such a big stash of facemask that I'm yet to use but I probably will get a move in it this month. I also like the fact you mentioned what you will repurchase I always look for that. Great Review babe :)

    Taslyn| www.hiddenbeau-t.co.uk

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    1. Thank you Taslyn - gosh I've had some of these in my stash for almost 12 months, but I'm making a concerted effort to use at least one per week, and my skin is letting me know I'm on the right track. I always look for the ones that gals say they'll buy again too - it sure helps! xxx

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  12. Great job on the empties Kat! Love face masks too. Seems like you found some good ones!

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    1. Aren't they terrific Tal? I like to mix up the creamy paste ones with the cloth variety - there's a place for both kinds in my routine. The cream ones cleanse deeply, and the cloth ones hydrate so beautifully xxx

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  13. ooh. i wonder if we have that gold mask here in Canada! Going to check it out! Nice job finishing up so many products! xoxo

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    1. Hi Amy and thanks hon ♥ According to their website the masks are sold in Shoppers Drug Mart - let me know if you can' find it ♥

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  14. I didn't even know hand sheet masks existed! I'll have to keep an eye out for them so I can try one.

    Alinta x
    polishandpaws.com.au

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    1. Me neither Alinta - there's a few about although I'm not overly impressed with any of the ones I've tried so far. If I come across a beauty, I'll let you know xxx

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  15. I love the sound of the Urban Rituelle Reed Diffuser Comfort. The scent combo of Sandalwood and Tangerine sounds absolutely divine ♡

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    1. Oh it is hon, well, WAS - I'm so bummed it's no longer available. It was true to it's name - very comforting and supportive, sigh...

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