SPOTLIGHT: April Empties!...

Absolute bumper crop of empties for last month - even impressed myself lol, although it's taken FOREVER to put this post together. Finished up some long termers (and I mean LONG), and of course I'm totally enraptured with cloth masks at the mo' ♥ Actually I don't think there's a single item here that I didn't love to bits, so here we go!...

Mirenesse Power Lift Dermal Firming Face Mask (2 sheets, RRP $25, VIP $17.50)

Mini review back in January HERE - still of the same opinion that it's a beauty, and there's the added bonus that there's no mess as the gel is only on one side of the mask ♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, but I have some of their Ice Crystal Cryotheraphy ones to use first ♥...

7th Heaven Very Berry Mud Masque (15g, $3.99)

This was part of my Secret Santa gift from the lovely Katelan from Katelan Maria. It's fabulous! Super cleansing and soothing, and bursting with Blueberries, Cranberries, Peach Kernel Oil & Aloe. Smells fantasticly fruity and left my skin feeling (and looking) like new. It's messy, but what mud mask isn't hey? I've just seen that Priceline has this range on a 3-for-2 special at the mo' ♥,..

Repurchase?

Definitely, actually I'm mad keen now to try all the other ones they make ♥...

Maybelline Master Glaze Blush Stick - Make A Mauve (6.8g, RRP $15.95)

It's taken just over 2 years to get to the bottom of this magical stick of creamy soft blush - I know because I scrolled way down in my Instagram page to find when I bought it (108 weeks ago to be exact). My favourite of the colour range, this is the perfect mauvey pink for my complexion. Love everything about this blush, from the formula to the packaging, to the price ♥...

Repurchase?

I panicked about 3 months ago when I was getting close to the stump, and bought another one ♥...

Urban Rituelle Ginger Apple Lip Balm (20gm, RRP $13.95)
Have had this on my bedside table for years, and was wondering if I'd ever hit pan - brilliant balm, brilliant value, cute-as container. They don't make this particular flavour any more, but there's seven to choose from HERE ♥....
Repurchase?
It's discontinued, but I still have half a pot of the Passionfruit one, and recently bought the Lemongrass, Lemon Myrtle, Grapefruit & Eucalyptus to try - I want to experience every single one! These are organic, and the ultra-enriching beeswax, shea butter & Vitamin E formula is the same in all varieties ♥...

Wotnot Facial Wipes Normal/Sensitive (25 wipes, $8.99)

Unlike many folks, I've never gotten into this brand of wipes - I usually only use the Neutrogena ones for cleaning my brushes, but after sampling these from the March Good Green Box, I'm a convert. Very kind to my skin, and they'll sure come in handy for those cold wintery late nights when I just can't bear to get my face wet ♥...

Repurchase?

Affirmative ♥...

Rimmel Stay Matte  Long Lasting Pressed Powder (14g, RRP $12.95)

An absolute essential for counteracting shine and for touchups throughout the day (included in my April post HERE), I always buy the transparent variety. I have one on my bench, one in my makeup purse, and...

Repurchase?

...a spare in my drawer ♥...

Skin Republic CoQ10 + Caviar Face Mask Sheet (25ml, RRP $7.99)

Nutty about everything this brand produces, and treat myself to one of their masks every Sunday - this is another that's fabulously hydrating, oodles of serum to replenish the skin's moisture, and it totally doused any redness in my complexion ♥...

Repurchase?

Already have my next one stashed away ♥...

Bioré Steam Activated Cleanser (145ml, RRP $10)

Thoroughly enjoyed this cleanser, although I didn't ever use it in the shower to take advantage of the steam activation. Still it worked a treat, non-drying, oil-free, non-comedogenic and I loved the fragrance ♥...

Repurchase?

Have had this for a while, and I can't see it on their website any more so it may have been discontinued. But all is not lost as their charcoal range is awesome..

Earth Mumma Pit Paste (30g, RRP $12.95)

This surprised the hell out of me with its effectiveness - came in the March Good Green Box (review HERE), and unlike any of the other aluminium-free deodorants I've tried, this one actually works, although I'd like to try it out on a hot humid January day to really put it to the test ♥......

Repurchase?

I'm not quite ready to take the plunge into a natural deodorant, but when I am, this is the one I will buy ♥...

Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Moisturising Lather Shampoo (250ml, RRP $32.95)

Recommended to me after my first keratin treatment for maintenance, I've been alternating this shampoo with my Swedish Reference staple. Lathers like there's no tomorrow, leaves my hair silky soft, and it's kind to colour treated tresses. Love it ♥...

Repurchase?

This was my second bottle, and I've since purchased some Goldwell Kerasilk shampoo for comparison, but I would buy it again in a flash ♥...

Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Keratin Cream Rinse (250ml, RRP $34.95)

Another post-keratin recommendation. Haven't used anything as softening as this before - I mean the way it makes my hair feel like strands of silk is ridiculous ♥... 

Repurchase?

Also bottle #2, and if the Kerasilk conditioner doesn't blow my skirt up, then I will DEFINITELY be buying this again ♥...

Johnson's Nutrient Burst Brightening Body Wash (384ml, RRP $6.99)

Lovely non-drying shower gel, and I'm addicted to the pomegranate & raspberry scent. Contains Vitamin A, B5, C & E. Due to crazy workload and subsequent blogging time constraints, I haven't as yet done an individual review ♥...

Repurchase?

Just as soon as I make some space in my caddy, or Spring arrives - whichever comes first ♥...

Lancôme Teint Visionnaire Skin Perfecting Foundation (30ml/2.8g, RRP $75)

First discovered this back in 2013 (review HERE), and for many years it was my HG foundation. It still is one of my favourites, but the price is a wee bit prohibitive, and I've found some others that work just as well for a fraction of the outlay (example HERE). The beauty of this is that it includes a matching concealer in the detachable lid ♥...

Repurchase?

Not at this stage as I'm kinda well stocked on foundation, but it's a brilliant font de teint ♥...

Skin Republic Spots & Blemish Anti-Spot & Pore Refining Mask (25ml, RRP $7.99)

Well fortunately I don't have any spots or blemishes, but I sure do need major pore refining. This mask contains Witch Hazel for tightening pores as well as Tea Tree & Salicylic Acid. Could see a very slight refinement in my skin texture, so I'll be trying more of these to see if there's a noticeable improvement with repeated use. The trouble is everything in this range is so good, I can't decide which ones to use on a regular basis - what a dilemma! ♥...

Repurchase?

Oui - three in reserve ♥...

Lanolips 101 Ointment - Strawberry (10g, RRP $14.95)

From a DJ's sample tote, this tube of skin restoring balm saved my nose and lips during my recent virus. Just about every time I have a cold, my nose and lips get so chafed and raw from tissue burn, and I invariably end up with a cold sore from the irritation. But thanks to this delightfully fragranced and healing ointment, I escaped that fate ♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely - I need a tube of this on hand 24/7 ♥...

Glasshouse Fragrance Diffuser - Beverly Hills Pink Lemonade (250ml, $42.95)

My passion for this room scenter has already been expressed HERE - sublime fragrance, and potent with a capital P ♥...

Repurchase?

You betcha - I have a bottle stashed away for Spring ♥...

Skin Republic Hyaluronic Acid + Collagen Face Mask Sheet (3ml/25ml, RRP $9.99)

A most interesting concept - the top section of the sachet contains a fruit enzyme microdermabrasion & peel serum that you massage in and leave on for a minute, then rinse off. Only the slightest hint of tingling, and then the sheet mask went on, followed by a tad more tingling. All these masks are amazingly hydrating and nourishing, and this double-step one is even more so. My face felt smooth as, and even looked a teeny bit firmer ♥...

Repurchase?

I think you know answer? ♥...

For Beloved One Mandelic Acid Advanced Renewal Serum (15ml, RRP ?)

This was gifted in the goodie bag from the Bloggers United AU event last November - from what I can gather, it's a Korean beauty favourite. An alpha hydroxy acid, I loved the feel of it, and how refreshed it made my skin look. No noticeable lightening of my pigmentation issues, but experience has taught me that this process takes time ♥...

Repurchase?

I would if I could find it - Sephora has some of their range, but not this particular serum ♥...

Australis AC On Tour Contouring & Highlighting Kit Cool Tone Cream (RRP $24.95)

Another can't-live-without included in my Everyday Makeup Essentials post - pan #6 is the perfect nose & cheek contouring shade for my skin. I feel bad about not using up the rest of the colours, but until I find a single or a cheaper solution, this is it ♥...

Repurchase?

As I said, it's a can't-live-without, so yes ♥...

La Roche-Posay Purifying Micellar Water for Oily Sensitive Skin (200ml, RRP $25.95)

Full review HERE ♥...

Repurchase?

Not at this stage - it's a lovely micellar water, but my stock phrase for these more exxy waters is "there are others out there that are just as effective for a fraction of the price" ♥...

Skin Republic Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patch (3 pairs, RRP $7.99)

By now you MUST know how I feel about these ♥...

Repurchase?

Natch ♥...

Phew - I don't know about you, but I'm exhausted ha ha! May is already shaping up to be a pretty good month too, so stay tuned...

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. You've probably guessed I'm linking to Ingrid's Monday Madness Link Up Party, wouldn't miss it for the world ♥...

REVIEW: Good Green Box - April Edition...

I feel blessed that the generous lovelies at GoodGreenBox have so kindly gifted me with the April edition of their deliciously natural (and mostly organic) collection - I was crazy about the March one (reviewed HERE), but I reckon this one is even better. Again the contents are worth over $60 (outlay of $25), but there are no less than 9 items in this haul - in fact so many goodies, the box was bulging lol ♥...

Kudos to whoever does the packing as all the treasures were crammed into the parcel, and yet nothing was damaged or even vaguely squished. I love the mix of brands and different types of products, and it's a relief to know that if I'm mad about any of them, most are purchasable from their website... 

Keeko Oil Activated Coconut Charcoal Powder...

Totally intrigued by this - on the card that comes in the box, it's listed as a mouth wash, but it multi-tasks as a teeth whitener and a face mask! Loving charcoal products as I do, I figured I had nothing to lose so I tipped a little of the powder into my hand - it's the most finely milled powdered anything I've ever come across, so whatever you do, don't sneeze! I wet my toothbrush and mixed a tiny amount of the powder into a paste, and started brushing my teeth. A word of warning - this stuff is blacker than black, and if you don't keep your mouth closed while you're brushing, you'll flick black blobs everywhere. No discernible taste, and I panicked a bit when I spat out and checked my teeth in the mirror - dark grey, so were my lips and my tongue was straight out of a horror movie! Anyways I rinsed with warm water, and that improved things considerably, although my gum line and tongue still looked grey. My teeth felt terrific though, super smooth and super clean....

Because of the grey around my gums, I brushed my teeth (and tongue) with normal toothpaste, after which everything was back to normal again, and you know what, I reckon my choppers didn't look quite as yellow as they did beforehand. But I'll have to get back to you on whether it does in fact whiten my teeth noticeably over time. Meanwhile I've put the pouch in the shower caddy ready to try it as a mask. As a rule I use all charcoal products in the shower because it's so darn messy, but the rewards are awesome ♥...

MooGoo Cow Lick Lip Balm...

How come I didn't know that MooGoo made lip balm?  Have already pampered my pout numerous times with this beauty - has a delicate (totally NOT overpowering) mandarin scent and taste, delightfully soothing and smoothing, and all the (edible) ingredients are listed on the cute-as box that's made from recycled cardboard - LOVE ♥...

Pukka Detox & Turmeric Gold Tea...

While I have one latte almost every morning, for the rest of the day I'm a devoted tea-drinker (from way back in my youth actually), so I'm looking forward to sampling these two yummies that are bursting with ethically sourced and organically grown ingredients...

Organyc Feminine Hygiene...

This sample pack contains a pad and panty shield made from 100% organically certified cotton, they're breathable and biodegradable, hypoallergenic, contain no plastic, and yet are waterproof. Thank goodness someone is thinking of us gals with sensitivities, and anyone concerned about what they keep so close to their precious girly bits. While my period days are long gone, I'm not at all comfortable unless I'm wearing a shield to keep me feeling fresh, and being allergic to most brands out there, this range is a very welcome discovery ♥...

RAW Body Skincare (Scrub)...

I'm SO getting into body scrubs lately, and this one sounds like it'll be a magical experience - organic coffee beans, organic virgin coconut oil, organic coconut sugar and natural Himalayan rock salt.  My skin is tingling with delight and anticipation just reading the ingredients ♥ I tried a little on my hand, it's quite gritty and grainy, smelled like there was a barista in the bathroom, and the result was ridiculously soft skin. Get ready legs!...

Nuori Vital Foaming Cleanser...

What a treat to find this full size cleanser in the box! I used it last night to take off my makeup, and it worked brilliantly. I took the cap off for the photo so you could see it's a foam dispenser - the bottle recommends one pump for regular cleansing, but I used two as I had long wear foundation to remove. It has a very very faint and pleasant fragrance, and as you massage it into your skin, it forms a white creamy smooth paste which eventually becomes invisible. You then rinse it off with warm water...

I judge the effectiveness of cleansers by a) the colour of the rinse water in my basin & b) whether second cleansing with micellar water reveals any discolouration on the cotton pad. Well, my sink water was tinted the hue of my foundation, and the micellar pad was clean as a whistle. Yay! Not only that, my skin felt super cleansed AND hydrated afterwards. Another winner ♥... 

Zuanna Cosmetics Smoothing Minerals Exfoliating Mask...

Made from Moroccan Rhassoul Clay & Marshmallow Root, rice powder, colloidal oatmeal, organic orange peel, hibiscus flower, sandalwood & licorice root powder. Oh stop! I don't want to put it on my face, I want to eat it ha ha ♥ I started my Sunday using this, and followed the instructions to mix the powder in my palm with some water. It's very pink, dries super quick and tight, and the beauty of this mask is that the whole exercise takes 5 minutes, so you can do it while you're cleaning your teeth ♥ Love that the sachet is resealable, and I reckon there's enough in the pack for 3 goes. The end result? Instantly refined pores, and becalmed baby soft skin. Hmmm...I wonder if they sell this by the kilo?... 

After sampling most of the box contents, I'm even more impressed with what this company offers - awesome value, and the introduction to mainly non-mainstream brands producing high quality products that are kind to the environment, animals and my bod. Their tagline "Better Beauty" is spot on ♥...

Heaps of thankyou's to Good Green Box, and Bloggers United Au for hooking me up with this fab source of beauty products. You can subscribe three ways to the Good Green Box. Also the promo is still on to receive the first box for $10 using the code TRYGOODGREENBOX10 ♥...

Are you familiar with any of these brands? Is there one product in particular that piques your interest?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. As I do every week (because it's so much fun!) I'm joining Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party - it's a great way to find the best of the blogs all in the one place ♥...

REVIEW: Dermaveen Soap-Free Wash & Shower & Bath Oil...

Every Autumn when the chilly winds start to blow, the skin on my bod starts demanding extra moisture. And for some reason this year it seems to be yelling even louder than usual, so I've been on the hunt for some hydrating shower products to give my skin an extra boost. Using body washes that help replenish what the season takes away is a bonus when I'm in a rush on workdays, and it's Dermaveen to rescue! I've never tried anything by this brand before, but I'm sold on their Soap-Free Wash and  Shower & Bath Oil ♥...

I found both of these chunky 500ml containers at Coles for $14 - the bottles are so super sturdy, I reckon they'll easily survive multiple drops on the tiles, and the pump dispenser is equally heavy duty. To me the label design and colours are totally uninspiring, meh in fact, but I'm so glad I didn't let the boring exterior put me off as what's inside is really quite lovely. The wash has barely any scent - unusual for me to go for something that isn't potently fragranced, but when my skin is cracking up, I'm prepared to make an exception. Actually I can detect the faintest hint of something very pleasant and natural ♥...

It's not big on bubbles (yay!) - more like a calming creamy lather, and from the very first wash I noticed an improvement in my snakeskin legs. While it does contain SLS, the big winner here is Colloidal Oatmeal, which helps soften the skin and soothe away any kind of irritation. It's pH-balanced and free of lanolin, preservatives, artificial colouring, alcohol and fragrance. Another bonus is that there's an expiry date on the bottom of the bottle - LOVE it when companies do this (mine says Oct 2018)..

The Shower and Bath Oil is even more special. Thick and rich, this is like a hybrid of shower cream and body oil - translucent and pearly, it transforms into a milky lotion once it's mixed with water. Has a fragrance that's difficult to pinpoint, so I'll say "oaty" - whatever it is I love it, and I love how it makes every inch of my bod soft and supple. There's a warning on the pack regarding shower slippage, but I haven't had a problem. I pat myself dry with a soft towel, and there's no need to apply anything else. My skin isn't left feeling greasy, just satiny soft with a subtle healthy sheen ♥...

I've been alternating this with the wash, and I'm no longer dealing with any tight, flaky or itchy bits. I haven't used it in the bath yet - saving that experience for once the big freeze hits. Can also be used to relieve nappy rash and cradle cap, dermatitis and eczema as well as a facial cleanser, and there's no SLS in this particular formula...

My skin seems to love the oatmeal content, and I'm tempted to stock up on the 1-litre bottle from Chemist Warehouse - it's on special for $16.99 right now, which is amazing value. I'm suitably impressed with both products, and there's more in the range including shampoo and conditioner, and heaps of moisture lotions and creams which I will most certainly be exploring ♥...

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. Adding this link to Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party - starts at 6:30, and posts are added up until Wednesday night, so keep checking back to catch all the terrific reads ♥... 

EOTD's & Giveaway!...

My how things change in the space of a few months! Sure we've had some magnificent days of Autumn sunshine, but the overnight temps in the last few weeks have been chilly-as, so it's time to delve into the "cold weather" palette drawer, and swap over the wardrobe contents. I took very few eye pics in March, so I've launched straight into the April ones - instead of sandals in the outfit photos, I'm already into boots! But I don't mind - I live in boots as soon as the season changes, and wear them for up to 5 months of the year ♥ I've been a bit slack with my giveaways too, so I hope you'll join in the fun at the bottom of the page lol...

For this first one, I used two of my favourite shadows - Sleek Ink from the Ultra Matts V2 palette, and Colourpop Super Shock Slave2Pink. The latter is the most gorgeous duochrome magenta with a blue colourshift, and it's the perfect match for the NYX Cosmic Metals Lip Cream in Fuchsia Fusion, and NYX Ombre Blush in Code Breaker ♥♥ I'm also wearing the new Maybelline Dream Cushion Foundation - LOVE it ♥ This was also the first "outing" of my new necklace - yet another Lovisa bargain, it looks like sapphires and diamonds, but I picked it up on special for $2.50!...

For this next look, I turned to my Rimmel Magnif'eyes Keep Calm & Wear Gold palette (gifted), and lined my waterline with Eye of Horus Emerald Tabula Goddess Pencil...

The necklace and earrings I've had for more than 10 years - found them at a thrift store, which is often where I find unusual pieces. My foundation was Mirenesse Velvet Maxi Lift Supreme, for cheeks and contouring I used Essence Shape Your Face Contouring palette in Ready Set Peach, and lips were David Jones Moisture Cream Lipstick in Honey Gold...

This emerald green shadow is ah-mazing! Super pigmented, and would you believe it's from a Kmart OXX palette (Utopia) that set me back the massive sum of $2! There are six of these palettes available, all slightly different, but all pretty and bright colours. Not all the pans are as pigmented, but the ones I've tried so far have been quite magical for the price ♥...

For my face I used L'Oreal Infallible Total Cover foundation, Elf blush palette (the dark one), and injected some colour into the monochrome outfit with NYX Intense Butter Gloss in the shade Cherry Custard ♥...

And for this last look, I turned to the always reliable Too Faced Chocolate Bar for Milk Chocolate and Creme Brulee, with Colourpop Creme Gel Liner in Over Board on the waterline...

MNY Dream Cushion Foundation again, Hourglass Luminous Bronze Light on my cheeks, and Innoxa Summer Matte Liptstick in Chocolate on my pout. The necklace was a gift many years ago from a dear friend - I adore it, and don't wear it anywhere near often enough...

And now for the giveaway! How about some Lovisa bling to add some sparkle to your outfits, and somewhere to store it?

Up for grabs is:

• Lovisa Diamond Simulants Heart Necklace and matching Earrings set
• Lovisa Diamond Simulants bling ring (size M-L)
• Simply Bathroom Acrylic Four Drawer Jewellery Organiser (from Aldi)
• Simply Bathroom Acrylic Necklace Holder (from Aldi)

Here's a closeup of the jewellery - there's a mark on the black paper backing of the earrings (top right) where I (foolishly) peeled off a fleuro "sale" sticker, but that's the only damage to the box...

Total prize value is approx $100, all items are brand new, and were purchased by me. Because it's quite bulky, I'll have to restrict the entries to Australian Residents Only...

The usual rules apply - one entry per person, follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter section, and leave a comment below that answers the question inside the copter...

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This giveaway is now closed - check back later tonight to see who won

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Fay W. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

Fay please respond to the email I've sent you by 

Wednesday 24th May to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Fay has claimed her prize

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Hope you'll enter so that I can send these goodies off to a good home ♥...

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. Linking to Ingrid's always popular Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party -up and running after 6:30am ♥... 

REVIEW: NYX Cosmic Metals Lip Cream...

Wow, wow, wow! SO excited about this new NYX Cosmic Metals Lip Cream range, although with 18 shades on the US website, and only four in my local Priceline, my euphoria is a trifle dampened. Still, it's early days yet, and more may be released in the coming weeks - I can only hope lol! With a stunning formula that's like silk on the lips and unbelievable intensity of pigmentation, you'll be busting to try these if you're as nutty about colour and sheen as I am. I bought only three as the fourth one is blue - a very pretty blue mind you, but blue lips are not my thing. I reckon I'll have enough trouble achieving that hue naturally once Winter gets its claws in ha ha. Interestingly the blue is not available online at Priceline...

I'm blissing out because this is another range that's not a matte formula, which as I've mentioned before, really doesn't do my 60+ lips any favours. I'm also quite impressed that the release price is $16.95, which isn't going to break my budget, although seeing the US$7.50 price tag makes my blood boil...

The three I bought are Fuchsia Fusion, Asteroid Aura and Speed of Light, and they're swatched in that order below. The pink and the purple contain teeny little sparkles, whereas the copper one is a straight metallic pearl..

And here's how they look on my pout. The Fuchsia Fusion is such a fabulously bold hue and leaves an impressive stain. Like most glosses, transfer is initially a bit intense, but after it dries down a bit, you won't leave so much behind on your cup. When reapplying, there's no chunky bits or flaky build up - it goes on smooth and creamy every time. No discernible scent or taste either..

Here is Asteroid Aura, my favourite kind of pinky purple - the only challenge is finding a lip liner that matches, and like most lip glosses, you'll need to line your lips to prevent bleeding. I still have an ancient Nabi liner in Dark Fuchsia which is a pretty close match, but I'm almost down to the stump, and haven't seen this brand around my local haunts for yonks. They do have a website with the biggest range of lip liners I've ever seen, but there's no shipping info so I don't know if they'll post to Australia...

And lastly is Speed of Light. My camera makes this look a bit apricottish, but in real life it has quite a coppery glow, or some might say rose gold. Either way, it's just plain gorgeous!...

The applicator is the usual does foot, but it's super furry, and applying is a snap. I'd say the finish is more pearly metallic sheen than gloss, and I've had numerous compliments since they made their debut at the office ♥...

Totally in love with these, and I've my fingers crossed they take off in Oz so that the rest of the colours will become available. There's another purple (Ultraviolet) and a breathtaking orange (Solar Energy) that I can't wait to get my hands on, as well as half a dozen neutrals, most of which are marked as "NEW", so I'm reasonably confident these will be around for a while. Well done and thank you NYX! ♥...

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. Linking to Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party - come join us after 6:30am ♥...