SPOTLIGHT: My Lipstick Collection & Storage...

There's no denying my lipstick collection is quite extensive (!), and being the size that it is, storage is somewhat of a challenge. Of course there's a wide variety of acrylic units available which are effective and look super pretty, but when the volume gets beyond a certain level, they're impractical, both from a space perspective, as well as the cost factor. Just for the record, the main thrust behind amassing such a number of products is because I'm a colour-matching nut. I experimented with blending colours back in the early days when I only had a dozen or so, but with the range of lippies available these days, and so many at ridiculously affordable prices (plus the frequency of free ones available with GWP's and on magazine covers), my kit has grown with not too much outlay over the years to the point where I can now lay my hands on the exact shade to go with any outfit. I've also won quite a few in various competitions, and some of my gorgeous friends have generously gifted me with sets or colours they would never wear. But the sheer volume introduces a new dilemma which is... "how do I find what I'm looking for?"...

This is my entire collection, including the ones I haven't tried yet (part filled container far right)

The original solution I worked out was to store the products in colour families and/or type, and to do that, I needed to be able to see each and every one, and have enough storage space to group them into their particular category. Until recently I kept them in inexpensive plastic trays & cubes of different sizes (see below). This worked fine from a practicality point of view, but it looked messy...

And then just the other day, I spotted the container below in my local bargain store for $9.99. It's solid and sturdy, has removable dividers, handles, and a clip on lid should I need to transport the contents (not the tall ones of course), and I can lift the whole thing off the shelf and take it across the room to the window so I can select the colour and finish I'm after...

I bought two of these, and can fit most of the products into both, needing only a couple of my original containers for the overflow. I might add that I have no intention of expanding my collection any further - my mission is to limit the quantity to these two boxes, so over the next few weeks I'll be doing a serious cull, and in future when I buy a new one, it will be on the condition that I toss an existing one away. Wish me luck lol!...

So here is what my lippie storage looked like before... 

And here it is now...

It's a whole lot neater, and my plan is to eliminate the narrow box in the middle (currently lip glosses) and the one at the back (ones I rarely if ever wear because they're way too pale), and I'm confident my clean-out will achieve that. I have literally dozens of lip products that are darn uncomfortable on my lips, too drying, too streaky/patchy, or the colour is simply not all that flattering - it's just a matter making the time to do it...and letting go ha ha ♥...

So how do you store your lipsticks?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. Adding this post to Ingrid's weekly Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party - every Monday morning from 6:30am...

SPOTLIGHT: Nutrimetics...

My love affair with Nutrimetics products started a long time ago - more than 30 years actually. I used their Nutri-Rich Oil and Nutri-Moist exclusively for an extended period of time in my late twenties and early thirties, and just adored how enriching the formulas were ♥ I was never a seller of the product back then, I just bought it for myself and my Mum, and to score some bargains for extra special gift giving. But I closed my account when I went to live in London, and that was that, or so I thought...

Fast forward to a month ago when the stunningly beautiful Bree from By Breharne contacted me with an offer too good to refuse - join (again) as a home buyer (no selling) for $10 and receive a 25ml jar of Nutri-Rich Oil, plus a whole bunch of other products for free with my first order. Well I jumped at the chance, and now have some new gems to try out, as well as the pleasure of rediscovering some old favourites. I'll be reviewing the majority of these over the months ahead, but meanwhile, here's a look at what I scored...

Nutri-Rich Oil with Apricot Kernel Oil

From the fragrance and the texture, it seems the only thing that's changed over the years is the packaging of the Nutri-Rich Oil - gorgeous product that melts into the skin, ultra-replenishing, and apparently contains the oil of over 100 apricots in every jar. This normally retails for $35, so I'm thrilled to have added it to my bench for a fraction of that ♥...

With so many fabulous sounding products to choose from, it was a challenge to place my first order, but I managed ha ha, and chose the following...

Nutri-Rich Shower Oil

White-Age Luminous Skin Serum with Peony Flower Extract (bring it on!)

Hand & Nail Treatment Creme with Apricot Extract & Macadamia Oil

Ultra Care Clarifying Clay Treatment with Kaolin Clay & Black Rice Powder

This last one came with a free microfibre face cloth, and the clay smells simply divine. The serum has a beautiful floral fragrance and lots of slip, and there are little beads suspended in the liquid which dissolve and release lightening power - can't wait! The hand creme is one I've used and loved before, and the shower oil will give my moisture-starved winter skin a boost of hydration that won't ever go astray...

On to the freebies - can't believe I scored all these just by placing an order!

Nutri-Rich Oil Ointment

Nutri-Rich Nourishing Body Butter

Nutri-Rich Hand Creme

Loofah Shower Gel

The value of all these gifted beauties is $114, and I just know I'm going to love them. Of course there's a ton of other products to try including makeup, home care and nutritional supplements, so I'll have to work my way through them gradually lol. AND according to their website, all products are dermatologically tested, NOT tested on animals, and are free from animal-derived ingredients. What's not to love? ♥♥♥...

Have you ever tried any Nutrimetics products?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. As always I'm linking this post to Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party - come on over for a great read...

BotanicES Natural Caffeine Skincare Giveaway!...

Nothing like the mid-year sales for stocking up on my favourites at bargain prices, trying out new products that are suddenly enticingly affordable, AND refilling my giveaway coffers! I found some awesome deals this time around, and it's tempting to put them all into one surprise parcel, but I figured why not share the love across a handful of you lovelies instead of one ♥ So here we go with the first of a few in the months ahead - a BotanicES Natural Caffeine Skincare Travel Pack...

My passion for this range has been well documented in rave reviews HERE, HERE and HERE. It's actually the only company I'm affiliated with as I don't believe in hooking up with and/or promoting brands unless they make products that I personally use regularly and love. Mind you I haven't earned a cent from my connection with them, but that doesn't stop me waxing lyrical at any opportunity lol. It's no secret that I'm a skincare junkie, and am constantly trying out heaps of products across a wide range of manufacturers, but the BotanicES creams are the ONLY ones that have had a permanent place on my bench since I discovered them 18 months ago (thanks to the beautiful Angela at A Bella Adventure, and I can't see that changing any time soon...

The giveaway consists of a boxed set of the following:

1 x BotanicES Body Crème - 15ml

1 x BotanicES Eye Crème - 15ml

1 x BotanicES Face Crème - 15ml

The travel pack was purchased by me, is valued at $60, and this giveaway is open...

INTERNATIONALLY!

So all that said, how do you nab this beaut little pack of goodness? Easy peasy. Just choose which of my recent Instagram EOTD's you like the most from the 8 pictured below, leave a comment ON THIS PAGE explaining why, one entry per person, you must be following me one way or another from the various options at the top of the page, and you'll need to complete the required information inside the Rafflecopter.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Alex P. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 23rd August to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Alex has claimed her prize

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Best of luck to all who enter! ♥...

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. Linking to Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party - the best of the blogs, starts 6:30am ♥... 

SPOTLIGHT: July Empties!...

Had another successful month of clearing the decks and making way for more stuff - think I'm on a roll lol! Again I had quite a few almost-used-up products, and hooray I'm coming to the end of those now, but the real thrill last month was finishing off four makeup items - honestly it's such a rare thing for me, but it does happen...eventually ♥...

Bodycare

Beechworth Honey Bush Honey & Macadamia Hand Cream (100ml, RRP $12)

Yep I'm a scentophile - I have this thing about products that perform brilliantly AND have a fragrance that resonates with every cell in my bod, and this is one of them. Super softening, non-greasy and smells DEE-VINE (lemon myrtle) ♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, Yes, Yes! ♥...

Original Source Lime & Coconut Milk Moisturising Shower Milk (250ml, RRP $4)

Reviewed HERE -  my skin has been extra dry this winter, and even these moisturising shower milks haven't been hydrating enough (along with quite a few other brands), so I've been adding a squirt or two of Dermaveen Shower Oil to my flannel when I use them, and that does the trick...

Repurchase?

Yes but not for a few months as I have NO SPACE lol...

Original Source Green Banana & Bamboo Moisturising Shower Milk (250ml, RRP $4)

Ditto above...

Repurchase?

Same goes for this one...

Pearl Drops Instant Natural White Charcoal Innovation Toothpaste (75ml, RRP $11.99)

Gave this a go because of the charcoal content. So far I haven't found either a charcoal powder or a toothpaste that whitens my teeth any more than mainstream whitening brands. This has a delish minty flavour, but like so many other products with charcoal content, it's messy. The paste is dark purple so you'll need to rinse thoroughly after use or else your lips and teeth give you a very nice zombie look...

Repurchase?

Not unless I decide to ONLY clean my teeth while I'm in the shower...

Skincare

Antipodes Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream (60ml, RRP $55.99)

So I'm officially stating that this moisturiser is my overnight HG - this pot of goodness does everything for my skin that I want it to in the nourishment & hydration department, and the fragrance blisses me out. I SO look forward to my nightly cleanse just so I can use this! Actually I'm fast becoming an Antipodes addict. Contains Avocado Oil, Manuka Honey Active 20+ & Vinanza Grape. The scent comes from sandalwood, ylang ylang & patchouli essential oils. Euphoria! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Forever ♥♥♥...

Be Fraiche The Flower Face Cream (50 ml, RRP $35)

Interestingly this is a close second to the Antipodes cream - very similar fragrance (scented with Frankincense & Patchouli), enriching but not heavy or greasy. Like the one above, massaging it into my face is the most pleasurable experience. This adorable sample pot came my way in the Bloggers United AU goodie bag last year, another instance of me being very silly to wait so long to try it ♥...

Repurchase?

Definitely - it's not as expensive as the Antipodes, and I'll use it as a day cream ♥...

Bioten Skin Moisture Micellar Water 3-in-1 (200ml, RRP $4.99)

Reviewed HERE - I'm slowly working my way through the huge collection of micellar waters I amassed when I was doing the series. One more bottle to go and then I'll resume where I left off...

Repurchase?

I would actually but not for a while - it's effective and good value, but I still have 5 bottles to finish up...

BotanicES Natural Caffeine Face Creme (50ml, RRP $45)

As mentioned in earlier empties posts, this moisturiser will always be in my kit. While I find myself needing something more potent for overnight at this time of year, this is the cream I fall back on whenever my pores become congested with anything else I'm using, and it's the perfect consistency and formula for summer when my skin can't take anything too heavy ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Already have, I say again it will always be in my kit ♥♥♥...

Freezeframe REVITALEYES (15ml, RRP $69)

A delightfully refreshing gel, sadly this did nothing for my vast array of issues. For the price I was hoping for a mini-miracle, but perhaps I'm too far gone for it to have any effect. Mind you my wrinkles and bags didn't get any worse during the time I used it, but there was no obvious improvement. After reading reviews around the internet, it seems folks either love it or are very disappointed, given how expensive it is...

Repurchase?

No - I've had noticeable and ongoing improvements from other eye products for the same price or less...

Jojoba Natural Pigmentation Oil (30ml, RRP $39.99)

Designed to target age spots, uneven skin tone and pigmentation, I was very excited to try this product. It's lovely, comes in a gorgeous shimmery orange bottle, has a very pleasant smell and my skin seemed to drink it in, but as with anything else in my skincare experiments, if I don't see any noticeable benefits by the time I get to the bottom of the container, then I tend to write it off, and that's what happened here...

Repurchase?

I'll think about it...

L'Oreal Revitalift Laser Renew/Laser X3 Eye Cream (15ml, RRP $44.95)

Well now, I'm on the fence with this one - I noticed an initial improvement in the first week as far as firming is concerned, so it scores points for that, but no change thereafter. Interestingly the blurb says to apply it to the under eye area, but no mention about the region above, and I need something that will work everywhere. Mind you so far my bags are defying just about anything. Nifty metal (somewhat phallic-shaped) applicator, but I never like these things so I always dispense onto my pinkie...

Repurchase?

Maybe not...

Skin Therapy Dragon's Blood Sculpting Serum (30ml, RRP $30)

Another beaut product I fall back on when I'm disappointed by anything else similar, as it really helped firm my jawline. Having fallen in love with Antipodes Hosanna, and with four other serums lined up to trial, this may or may not reappear in one of these future posts...

Repurchase?

I might just keep one in reserve for emergencies lol ♥...

Face Masks

Garnier SkinActive Hydra Bomb Pomegranate Tissue Mask (RRP $5)

Aimed at normal to dehydrated skin, for me this Pomegranate variety is the least hydrating of the three available. I actually found it to be better for firming and tightening - go figure? ♥♥......

Repurchase?

Certainly - I need a ton of firming and tightening, and for $5, well it's a sure bet ♥♥...

Garnier SkinActive Hydra Bomb Chamomile Tissue Mask (RRP $5)

My favourite of the three in the range - in a word, calming. One of the most relaxing sheet mask experiences, target is sensitive or dry skin, neither of which I have but this was just so lovely. The only reason I didn't doze off completely is because I left the packet on my forehead after I took the piccie, and it slid off when I started to turn on my side, which I do just before I go to sleep, but never do when I'm wearing a mask, but hey I was just so relaxed ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Oooh yes ♥♥♥...

Skin Republic Youthfoil Mask Sheet (25ml, RRP $14.99)

Raved about this back in the May Empties post and I'm still of the same opinion - up near the top of my list of fave sheet masks ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Without a doubt ♥♥♥...

Skin Republic Detox Charcoal 10-Superfood Formula (25ml, RRP $9.99)

This is a special one - it doesn't just deep cleanse and hydrate, but it also feeds the skin. So many nourishing ingredients - Acai Berries, Chia Seeds, Quinoa, Spirulina, Black Tea, Rosehip, Avocado and Quinoa. I swear I could feel my face drinking in all the goodness ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Already have ♥♥♥...

Skin Republic Platinum Lift (25ml, RRP $7.99)

Like all SR sheet masks, this was supernally hydrating and came with oodles of serum so there was plenty to massage into my neck and hands after I was done. Not sure that it's special enough for me to buy again though - some of their others are knockouts, and I'd rather concentrate on the ones that make a big difference rather than a small one...

Repurchase?

Maybe not, but I won't say never...

Skin Republic Brightening Eye Mask (3 pairs RRP $9.99)

No photos 'cos I applied them on week nights, but I used the remaining pairs last month instead of the Collagen Hydrogel patches. They do different things, so there's a place for both, and I won't give up my collagen patches ever again, not for anything. The patches firm, whereas these eye masks cover the entire eye area, and are deliciously hydrating.

Repurchase?

Will do, but I want to try a couple more brands before I get back into these again...

7th Heaven Dead Sea Mud Pac (20g, RRP $3.99)

Only the second one from this brand I've tried, but I'm in love. You know that fabulously fresh salty smell and feel your skin has when you've had a day at the beach? Well this gives you the same, only there's additional aquatic fragrances and hydrating ingredients, and it doesn't leave your skin feeling parched, quite the contrary actually. Contains kaolin, Dead Sea salt, Dead Sea mud, seaweed extract and lavender oil to name a few of the goodies in the mix. Yes it's messy, but aren't they all ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Affirmative - I've already bought the big tube ♥♥♥...

Haircare

Amazon Series Muru Muru Anti-Frizz Smoothing Masque (250ml, RRP $29.95)

My new hairdresser recommended this to help maintain the benefits of my keratin treatments. I like it because I don't have to leave it on for a long time to reap the rewards, and therefore I can give my tresses a hit while I'm showering, and in between post-colouring deep conditioning.  It has a lovely natural fragrance, and leaves my hair silky soft. Don't like the container as it's difficult to unscrew the lid and scoop out the product with the shower running, but I can live with that ♥...

Repurchase?

Bought a replacement the last time I had a trim ♥...

Kevin Murphy Smooth.Again.Wash Smoothing Shampoo (250ml, RRP $38.95)

Another recommendation from my stylist. Nothing special and not as good at smoothing fly-aways as my HG Reference of Sweden, but I can't buy that any more so was prepared to try something else. Not keen on the rectangular packaging with the cap sticking out design as it's an awkward shape to fit in my storage hangers. I've since found a salon that sells the entire Goldwell Kerasilk range, and I'll probably stick with that...

Repurchase?

No...

Kevin Murphy Repair.Me.Rinse Reconstructing Conditioner (250ml, RRP $42.95)

Whether this worked or not (it did) I would buy it again for the fragrance alone. If it was an EDP I would wear it every day. There's something about the scent that makes my whole body sing. I stand there in the shower taking deep breaths because it's so fabulous - must be the papaya and the pineapple. Anyway it's also a beaut 2 minute conditioner, and this particular rectangular bottle shape (with the cap on top) is workable ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Heck yeah - even if I only use this once a week, I need that fragrance hit ♥♥♥...

Makeup

Estée Lauder Little Black Eyelash Primer (6ml, RRP $45)

A gift from my gorgeous friend Amy at Health and Beauty Girl. Chatted about it HERE, lovely product but not an essential - thrilled to have had the opportunity to try something like this though...

Repurchase?

Probably not...

Eye of Horus Goddess Mascara (8g, RRP $34.95)

My weekend mascara. It's so good I'd wear it every day, but I need fibres in my mascara for as long as I'm taking photos - my lashes just don't show up in the pics if I don't. But this is a beautiful mascara, full of natural and mostly organic ingredients. I treat my lashes to its goodness on Saturdays and Sundays, and I feel them breathe a sigh of relief when I start stroking it on ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely ♥♥♥...

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream (32ml, RRP $58)

My HG primer, will always be in my kit, deliriously ecstatic review HERE, except that Sephora is out of it at the moment - holey cow, I'm trying not to panic! Had to wait 6 months for them to restock the Bye Bye Redness cream- oh how I wish I could buy this somewhere else. Once it's available I'm going to order 3 so I'm never without it again (although one tube does last me for 6 months) ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I'm waitlisted...sob ♥♥♥...

Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner (RRP $15.95)

My HG under-eye liner, has been for years - never smudges or smears, and I rarely (if ever) make a mistake when I use it. In my book it's goof-proof ♥♥♥......

Repurchase?

No less than 3 spares in my drawer ♥♥♥...

How did you go last month lovelies - got rid of some clutter?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. Here's the link to Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Link Up - come say gidday after 6:30am...

REVIEW: Sending Love Box...

Last month I had the great fortune to win a giveaway from my beautiful and fellow blogger pal Di at Max the Unicorn - the prize was a Sending Love Box. Hadn't heard of this parcel subscription service before, but I can't think of a better way to learn about it! Some cute items which will be much loved (and used), and I was super impressed with how quickly the pack arrived after the comp closed...

Darling Di wanted to keep some surprises for the two lucky winners, so she didn't detail all the items in her review, so I will, and here we go...

Each box is themed, and always contains an antique charm, a soy wax candle (or melts) and a soap made here in Australia - the other inclusions vary from one month to the next. My prize collection was called "Looking Good" - perfect, as that's something I strive for on a daily basis (with mixed success ha ha). So here's the pretty blue fragrance atomiser, the kind of thing I can never EVER have enough of given my passion for perfume, and a decanting funnel was thoughtfully included...

Makeup brushes and tools are always welcome - I'll probably keep these at work so I don't have to carry any around in my everyday makeup purse...

The soy wax candle has a lovely soft floral fragrance, white flowers I would say, and has a burn time of 35 hours...

The detangling brush is neat and compact and has a cover that clicks firmly to protect the teeth. The one I received isn't actually branded Redberry, but it works just fine...

This little Paris-inspired zippered makeup purse will come in very handy, the perfect size for the above makeup brushes actually...

The soap is by Tilley, and it has a Ylang Ylang and Tuberose fragrance - smells divine and has already secured a place in my undies drawer until I'm ready to use it.  On the left is the sweet antique two-hearts charm - I'll find a way to wear this for sure...

There's various plans available HERE, and if you're interested in subscribing, there's a discount code available till late November which will give you $10 off the first box (how about that cute-as heart peg clip ♥)...

Month by month price is $29.95, and most of the previous boxes are still available to purchase HERE.  Such a terrific idea, and a beaut way to treat yourself, or a friend...

Thank you dear Di and Sending Love Box for the chance to sample this fun and great value service ♥...

Take care of you,

kats xxx