Sunday 16 July 2017

SPOTLIGHT: June Empties!...

I know, I know, how crazy is this photo? Yes lovelies, I had a BLITZ last month on all my part-used products. To be honest I was running out of space in my shower caddies (where I keep washes & both face & body scrubs) as well as on the top of my vanity, so I made a vow to clear the decks a bit, and this is the result - slam dunk into the bin, and boy do I feel good! There were so many containers with just a few applications left, so I'm giving myself a hearty pat on the back. Mind you, the vacated spots have already been filled with newer releases and old faves, but that's what happens when you have a beauty product addiction...


BODY CARE

Dove Go Fresh Body Wash - Cucumber & Green Tea Scent (375ml, RRP $7.36)
Already lovingly reviewed HERE ...
Repurchase?
A sure bet ...

Du'It Tough Hands For Her Intensive Skin Repair (75g, RRP $9.95)
I received a sample size (20g) with my beautyheaven Beautorium order - never heard of this brand before, but I do love this hand cream. More of a gel than a cream, it smells quite pleasant (almondy), and absorbs reasonably well, and the softening and healing affect it had on my hands was quite amazing. My only beef is that for something so runny, it should have a nozzle rather than just an open top because I found way too much came out, and you don't need much of this to be effective. Mind you this may just be a symptom of the sample size ...
Repurchase?
Definitely ...

Natural Secrets Goats Milk Moisturising Shower Cream (500ml, RRP $11.99)
Full review HERE - love this stuff ...
Repurchase?
Absolutely ...

Nivea Happy Time Shower Cream (500ml, RRP $4.99)
Had this one for a while, the fragrance is a bit sickly sweet (Bamboo Milk & Orange Blossom) but the shower cream itself is lovely and hydrating...
Repurchase?
No - can't handle the smell any more ...

Thankyou Botanical Geranium & Rosewood Coffee Body Scrub (300g, RRP $14.95)
Ooh yes, on my list of can't-live-withouts. Supporting this company in what they do is on my list of priorities, and when they make a product I love, well it's a done deal hey. This smells FANTASTIC and leaves my skin ridiculously soft - the only thing that has me puzzled is that the label says "wait for 5-10 minutes to ensure your skin absorbs all the natural hydrating goodness". I haven't figured out how to do that in the shower unless I turn off the water, and I ain't gonna do that in Winter lol! ...
Repurchase?
Already have ...


FACE CARE

Alpha-H Instant Facial with Cypress & Barley (100ml, RRP $62 )
This was a 30ml sample that came in a Marie Claire Ageless parcel - it's nice, left my skin feeling soft and supple, but no other change was noticeable...
Repurchase?
Nope - I'm happy with the Liquid Gold one...

Antipodes Hosanna H20 Skin Plumping Serum (30ml, RRP $48.99)
Holey socks Batman! A 10ml bottle came in my DJ's Sampler in February 2016 - to think it's been sitting in my drawer for almost 18 months, when my face could have been basking in it's goodness long before now. I think this is THE serum for me - I don't know if I can express how much I love it, the smell of it alone feeds my soul. Is it a sin to adore a beauty product so much? When I massage it into my face, I can hear my skin cells singing hallelujah ...
Repurchase?
I bought the full size bottle as part of my qualifying purchase for the Priceline Skincare Gift Bag, and it's killing me to see it unopened on my bench - I promised myself I'd finish off another serum before I crack the seal...sigh......

Bioré Pore Unclogging Scrub (135ml, RRP $9.99)
I was happy to find out that the micro beads in this are not the kind that harm the environment, still I'm not so keen on this scrub - it's effective and good value, but I have issues with the fragrance which makes my eyes water a little ...
Repurchase?
Not this one, see below ...

Bioré Charcoal Pore Minimiser (92ml, RRP $10.99)
Very recent review HERE ...
Repurchase?
Affirmative ...

Jorel Parker Fango Mud Therapy Face Mask (200ml, RRP $27)
Scored this sample size from one of my first Lip Monthly bags - it's brilliant, very VERY green, one of the best masks I've ever used, and you only need 5 minutes for it to work its magic. Sweet Almond Oil, Avocado Oil, Green Tea Antioxidants, Volcanic Ash Minerals, 100% vegan ...
Repurchase?
Haven't been able to confirm where I can buy this as yet - seems to be a website called  harveyprince but the packaging is different as is the label, and besides, it won't let me add it to my cart, boo...

Natural Instinct Refreshing Foaming Cleanser (110ml, RRP $9.95)
I did enjoy this, and am starting to explore the rest of the range. While I'm a foaming cleanser fan, there's a limit to how much foam I can tolerate lol, and thankfully this one has minimal suds that are creamy and refreshing, the scent is floral and fresh, and there's none of the usual chemicals. It's actually vegan and of course not tested on animals, contains Goji Berry & Kakadu Plum ...
Repurchase?
Yes indeed, but not for a few months as I have a massive backlog to clear ...

Neostrata Ultra Smoothing Cream (40g, RRP $52.95 )
This is a lovely cream, but for $53, I expected to see some obvious difference in my skin texture by the end of the tube - hydrates very well and very softening, but no "...smoothing wrinkles from the inside..."
Repurchase?
Probably not - I should have started using this a long time ago...

Revo Lip Balm - Watermelon (10g, RRP $4.99)
This was really nice - loved the flavour, but after seeing the list of ingredients, I won't get it again - there are so many lip balms out there that are full of good things...
Repurchase?
Negative...

St. Ives Green Tea Blackhead Clearing Scrub (150ml, RRP $9.99)
Review HERE ...
Repurchase?
Never without this one ...

Swisse Bamboo Facial Exfoliant (125ml, RRP $9.95)
With bamboo particles, this really appealed to me, but it's so darn runny, I ended up using it as a body scrub - it just drips through my fingers and I wasted stacks the first few times I used it, so then I squirted it onto my flannel, and it worked just fine...
Repurchase?
No - I prefer my body scrubs to be creamy and more like a paste, and it's just not practical to use it as a face scrub...

True Essentials Deep Clean Face Scrub (150ml, RRP $4)
A reasonably new range from Coles, these are quite good value, but this scrub is another one that's way too runny for my taste...
Repurchase?
Shakes head from left to right...

SHEET MASKS

Skin Republic Collagen Hydrogel Mask (RRP $12.99)


Very similar to the gold one, not quite so glamorous (or scary for the cat). Love these ones that come in 2 pieces as they fit my face so much better, and I think it helps the process if the mask is actually touching your skin in all places. This one contains Sea Minerals, Collagen and Argan Oil, and it leaves my face plump, soft and supple ...
Repurchase?
Already have ...

Skin Republic Gold Hydrogel Mask (RRP $12.99)


Covered this one back in March - torn between this and the previous one, I think the gold has more of a firming effect, whereas the other one seems to hydrate and soften my skin just a tad more ...
Repurchase?
You betcha ...

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

Garnier Skin Active Hydra Bomb Tissue Mask - Green Tea & Hyaluronic Acid (for normal/combo) - RRP $4.95 (not pictured above)

This isn't in the picture at the top of the page because I filed the empty wrapper incorrectly (duh!), but I definitely used it during June. Lovely - fits my face better than some others, although I found actually getting it onto my face a wee bit more challenging as there are two backing sheets which have to be removed. That annoyance aside, it sure is hydrating ...
Repurchase?
Maybe - I actually prefer the Chamomile one ...

Eaoron Instant Whitening Face Mask (25ml, box of 5 RRP $29.95)


Hadn't heard of this brand before - it's a relatively new Aussie skincare company (2015). Found this box at Chemist Warehouse and I'm so glad I took the plunge. These masks are a beautiful experience - calming, soothing and actually made my skin look lighter and whiter. White tea, apple, kiwifruit, melon, pine bark, bearberry, white mulberry & licorice root - sounds good enough to suck on it lol ...
Repurchase?
Yessiree - I need to use a whole box in the space of a month to see if they will permanently fade my freckles ..

Skin Physics Advance Superlift 3D Deep Hydration Lifting Masks (box of 3, $59)


Bought this box on special at Priceline, I think it was around $33, and for that price, I loved it. For the regular price of $20 each, I'm not so sure if they're worth it. LOVE that there's a bit that extends down the neck, but it doesn't work so well as it comes unstuck unless you lay completely still. But the mask itself is super hydrating and my face looked plumper and firmer afterwards ...
Repurchase?
Not unless they are on special again ..


MAKEUP

Eye of Horus Goddess Pencil - Teal Malachite (RRP $30)
Raved about it HERE ...
Repurchase?
Never EVER without this eye liner ...

Max Factor Kohl Pencil - Charcoal Grey (RRP $20.95)
One of the few eyeliners I use outside of Eye of Horus or Colourpop - this one lasts well on the waterline, and I keep buying it because it's the perfect medium grey shade for when I want something not quite so dramatic. Doesn't irritate my eyes, and I also use it as a base under eyeshadow ...
Repurchase?
Sure have - it's another of my can't-live-withouts ...

Maybelline Dream Cushion Liquid Foundation in a Compact (14.6g, RRP $26.95)
RAVE review HERE ...
Repurchase?
I stocked up the last time MNY was half price, I think I still have two more of these in reserve ...

Mirenesse Velvet Maxi Lift Supreme Antiageing Renovage 18hr Foundation (30g, RRP $89.50)
My favourite of all the Mirenesse foundations, the best coverage and totally TOTALLY flawless finish ...
Repurchase?
Undoubtedly - I have SO many foundations in my kit to get through, but I know I will cave ...


MISCELLANEOUS


Chi Chi Strawberry & Violet EDP Purse Spray (full size 50ml, RRP $19.95)
Reviewed HERE ...
Repurchase?
One of my fave Chi Chi fragrances, I've already bought the big bottle ...

Life Space Broad Spectrum Probiotic Capsules (30 capsules, RRP $23.99)
Can't for the life of me remember how I came by this jar, but I reckon it was free - anyway I took one capsule every day for a month. Must say I didn't notice any improvement in my digestive tract health or well being in that time. Mind you I'm a regular yoghurt consumer so maybe I'm getting what I need already? ...
Repurchase?
I'll think about it ...

Reference of Sweden Shine Spray (200ml, RRP $34)
Review HERE ...
Repurchase?
My hairdresser retired (gahhhhhh!) so I need to find another stockist - I've tried various "substitutes", but they all weigh down my hair ...


Phew! Well lovelies that's it for June - before I go I was wondering if you have a preference for the entries in my empties posts i.e. would you rather they were listed as per their appearance in the photo, in a single alphabetical order, or grouped in categories like I did this time around?

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. I actually look forward to Mondays, thanks to Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Link Up...

18 comments:

  1. I did the same thing.I had a huge decluttering of beauty products recently too, including a heap of empties I'm publishing a post about tomorrow. Sadly quite a few of my empties were holy grail ones I wish I hadn't finished!

    I love the look of your gold mask! You've inspired me to buy one of those to try as well. Firming is what I need right now!

    Re the order of your empties I like it how you've done it, in categories.

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

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    1. Great minds think alike hey Ingrid, or beauty obsessors have similar issues lol! Well worth a try of the gold mask Ingrid - it's nowhere near as messy as the standard cloth ones, and I reckon it's super charged xxx Thanks heaps for the empties feedback! xxx

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  2. Whoa Kats, June was EPIC in the empties department for you! I've never heard of Eaoron before, but I can see that they have a hyaluronic sheet mask so I'll have to check it out the next time I'm in Chemist Warehouse. I had that same Antipodes serum as you but ended up giving it away as (a) didn't like the smell & (b) my skin didn't like it when I patch tested it.

    P.S. I don't mind how you wish to group your empties, but I do like them broken down into categories I must admit, especially if it's a particularly epic post.

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    1. Epic is right - what an amazing sense of achievement I'm experiencing lol, although I should NEVER have let everything build up so much. How interesting about the Antipodes serum - love hearing your feedback though Shell, it reminds me how different we all are, and that's precisely why there are so many choices out there xxx. I reckon categories are the go, especially for something this mega ha ha xxx

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  3. Wowsers, thirty items!! It feels so good when you clear stuff out, doesn't it? I had a good month last month, too. I don't mind how you list your empties either, but this post is probably my favourite way.

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    1. Feeling quite at peace with myself mskyliem - this month is shaping up to be not much at all, but at least it won't take anywhere near as long to write the post. Thanks for letting me know you like the categories hon xxx

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  4. Oh wow, Kat, go you! I must try that Antipodes serum if you say it could be THE one, I need it in my life! xx

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    1. Well Indie, it might be an acquired taste, but I tell you what there's not one molecule left on my skin, my face totally sucks it in - full of goodness xxx

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  5. I am a huge fan of Biore products. Lovely post, Kat. x

    https://guiliannamarie.blogspot.com

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    1. They're great hey Guilianna - I remember when they first came out with the charcoal range and I thought whoa, they're onto something here xxx

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  6. So many! Eye of Horus really have the best pencils. I have try more sheet masks.

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    1. I know Alinta lol! Yes EOH make fabulous eyeliners - I love their mascara too, I wear it on weekends to give my lashes a treat xxx

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  7. Great job Kats!!!! Love seeing empties posts. It must just be the time of year bc I do the same thing! Clear out the old and finish anything that is half used :) Love all your mask selfies too <3

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    1. Well there's something in the air Tal - I'm usually inspired at the beginning of Spring, so I'm a little early this year, but boy do I feel good! xxx

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  8. Sooooo many empties Kats!! Like you I am an addict for a good sheet mask and I think I will write a blog post on that as well. Glad you told me about the Alpha-H Instant facial, because i have just received a small bottle. I am a fan of the Liquid gold as well, so maybe it won't work so well for me either. We shall see. Loved this post x

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    1. Looking forward to your thoughts on all the sheet masks you've tried Barbe - and hey the Instant Facial might be the ticket for you. I love just about everything Alpha-H, it's just that I didn't find this one any more effective than the Liquid Gold ♥♥♥

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  9. What a fantastic idea using up all your part-used products! This is something that I should do because I'm running out of space too. I'm always inspired by how many masks you use. I need to up my mask game! xxx

    Di from Max The Unicorn

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    1. Di darling, believe me you will feel SO GOOD if you get rid of some of the clutter! It was torturous for me to not start one of the many new serums, creams & body washes I have in the wings, but well worth it to have some closure on the stuff that's been hanging around for many many moons ha ha xxx

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