SPOTLIGHT: October Empties & Giveaway!...

Another mammoth Empties post, but there's a reward at the end if you make it that far ha ha ♥ Again I did SO well, and the numbers were boosted by hair care and home fragrance items that somehow or other I often forget to include. But I'm getting myself into the habit of pausing for two seconds before I toss anything in the bin just for a mental check as to whether it's a candidate for this monthly series. There's also a soap wrapper in the pic below, and I'll hang onto these from now on - I can't take a picture of a used-up soap now can I lol? I'm introducing something new this time too - I've decided that every month I will give away one of the products that I finished and absolutely adored, and that way I can share the love with one of you treasures, so keep reading to the bottom of the post to find out what it is!...

Body Products

Dermaveen Shower & Bath Oil (500ml, RRP $17.99)

Already raved about this wonder-product HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Can't live without it ♥♥♥...

Harvest Garden Lavender & Patchouli with Zeolite Clay Soap (130gm, RRP $7.50)

I'm declaring these to be my favourite soap bars of all time! Wow, that's pretty impressive seeing as I've tried and loved quite a few, but none can really compare to this brand. They are SO creamy, so NON-DRYING (my go-to for shaving), and the fragrance lasts to the last sliver - for me that enduring scent quality is the thing that sets them apart from all the others. When I have one of these bars on my vanity or in my shower, I can smell it even before I pick it up, and this Lavender & Patchouli combo shares top spot on my love-list along with the +Rose Geranium one. Mind you I haven't tried the whole range yet, but I have at least eight of these bars scattered amongst my socks & undies drawers, and I even have a couple at the bottom of my dirty linen basket! By the time I get to use them, they've hardened a bit more and one cake will last a good 6 months. They use 100% natural ingredients, and they're riddled with essential oils ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Forever ♥♥♥...

Jessica Mauboy Be Beautiful Luxe Shower Gel (100ml)

This came in a gift set with the EDT fragrance (reviewed HERE). Love the scent but I found this formula to be a bit drying, and it needed several squirts of the Dermaveen Oil to make it usable for me this past cold weather season ...

Repurchase?
No - anyways it isn't available separately that I know of...

Original Source Sweet Apple & Vanilla Shower Milk (250ml, RRP $4)

Lovingly reviewed HERE ♥...

Repurchase?

Yes but not till next Autumn - for me this is a cool weather scented body wash ♥...

Skin Doctors Younger Hands (75ml, RRP $34.95)

Was disappointed with this hand cream - oh it's lovely, very hydrating and non-greasy, but I was kinda hoping that for the price I would see my hands looking "...10 years younger in 6 weeks" as advertised. Sadly it didn't happen, but then again my hands are pretty far gone. I've tried numerous products to lighten my age spots but they don't work, well at least not to the extent that I'm after...

Repurchase?

Nope - for now, I'll stick with a hand cream that keeps my paws super moisturised, and I don't need to spend $35 for that...

Hair Care

Kevin Murphy Shimmer.Shine (100ml, RRP $42.95)

I've mentioned before my dilemma in trying to find a substitute for Reference of Sweden Shine Spray, and this is it. My hairdresser put me onto it and I'm thrilled. It's not the same delivery method but gives me a similar result - a non-aerosol spray that contains vitamins and essential oils, and teeny little particles of gold shimmery bits, the combination of which gives my hair a glisten and gleam without weighing it down, or any oily residue. There are two bonuses in that the bottle is clear so I can see how much is left, and it's cruelty-free ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes ma'am - I don't let the level go below half-way before I buy another ♥♥♥...

muk. deep muk Ultra Soft Conditioner (300ml, RRP $24.95)

Embarassed to say this has been at the back of my cupboard for four years since I won it in the beautyheaven Blogstar competition! The reason why it stayed so long in the dark is buried somewhere in my befuddled brain, but even after all this time it was 100% viable, and a true joy to experience the unbelievably soft tresses it gave me. Exquisitely refreshing fragrance, boy do I feel stupid ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely, but only if I stop using Kerasilk ♥♥♥...

Reference of Sweden Repair Shampoo Sulfate Free REF.551 (750ml, RRP $58)

This was and probably still is my #1 shampoo, but I've stopped using it as I've switched to the Goldwell Kerasilk range to maintain the benefits of my Keratin treatment, and to take advantage of the post-treatment guarantee which requires me to use their products. But if I ever stop having the Kerasilk anti-frizz thingy done, I would go back to this brand in a heartbeat. Absolutely RAVED about it HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Without a doubt, but only for the reasons mentioned above ♥♥♥...

Skincare

Antipodes Hosanna H2O Intensive Skin-Plumping Serum (30ml, RRP $48.99)

Waxed lyrical about this back in JUNE, and it's still holding the #1 face serum spot in my beauty book. Absolutely adore it ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

That'll be a yes - I have five other serums to try, but once I get through a couple of them, it will hopefully be on special again ♥♥♥...

Antipodes Worship Skin Defence Antioxidant Serum (10ml, RRP $?)

Can't for the life of me remember how I came by this - mine was a 10ml (sample) bottle so I didn't buy it, but hey who cares! Loved it, absorbs in a flash, hydrates beautifully, but I didn't enjoy the experience as much as the Hosanna one as it has a different fragrance. All the same, I reckon this brand is acing the serum market...

Repurchase?

Probably not, my heart belongs to Hosanna...

BotanicES Eye Crème  (15ml, RRP $40)

This is one of my regulars - at my age it's not quite potent enough to get me through the Winter quarter when I need oodles more moisture, but this was left over from the end of Autumn, and I've started using it again now that the humidity is returning. Been loving the whole range for around 18 months now (review HERE) and can't imagine NOT having it on my bench. It lasts forever, and definitely firms the eye area ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Affirmative - never without this or the Face Crème ♥♥♥...

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water (combo to oily skin)  (400ml, RRP $14.95)

Reviewed HERE, I prefer the pink one in this range...

Repurchase?

No - it's ok but a little drying for my mature age skin ...

Indeed Labs Snoxin (30ml, RRP $39.95)

The problem with being a blogger is that by being "involved" in the industry, there are so many tempting skincare products to try, and I personally find it hard to stick to any one brand - of course there are a few that are regulars in my kit, and there are others I intend to be regulars, but then I find something else that shows a tad more promise. This baby definitely has potential - I noticed some plumping of my skin overall, and the deep furrows between my brows seemed shallower. It only lasted me a month, so to be fair I'm adding it to my list to test over a longer period, like three months, just to see what it can do, and at $40 that's certainly doable. Felt fabulous as I applied it on my face, and there's no discernible fragrance. Unlike other serums it doesn't provide any surface hydration - it's more about the underlying structure, but there's a definite smoothing effect. Hmmmm, more later ♥...

Repurchase?

Yes - this is definitely worth some extended experimentation ♥...

Sukin Hydrating Mist Toner (125ml, RRP $9.95)

This little bottle of refreshment has just recently won it's second beautyheaven Best in Beauty award, and I can understand why. The formula is soothing, cooling, includes chamomile & rosewater, smells absolutely delicious, and with Summer fast approaching, it's the perfect pick-me-up after a long hot day. I've had this bottle for a few years, and it's lasted this long because I've kept it as a treat for stinking hot days - I spray it on after my nighttime skincare routine, and go to bed feeling fresh and becalmed. Overall I find Sukin products to be brilliant - they don't contain any yucky chemicals, nor do they test on animals ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

You bet ♥♥♥...

Face Masks

Baroness Arbutin Mask Sheet (RRP $3.95)

For some reason I didn't take a photo of this one, actually I think it was during the week so that would explain why. Like all Korean masks, it was a very pleasant experience, but nothing special. Supposed to lighten spots reduce fine lines and even out skin tone, and maybe it will if I use a few more...

Repurchase?

I'm definitely into products that will help fade my freckles, so maybe...

Eaoron Instant Whitening Face Mask (Box of 5, RRP $29)

Ok so I did four of these every Sunday for a month to see if my uneven skin tone would improve, and delighted to say it did. Slight fading of my freckles in that they're not so pronounced - I reckon if I'd continued on with another two months, I'd definitely see some major benefits. Trouble is there are so many others I want to try lol ♥...

Repurchase?

I still have some left, so I'd say in a few months' time, yes ♥...

Jojoba Skin Refining & Brightening Face Mask  (3ml sample)

This was free with a bottle of their oil - lovely mask, the colour of oatmeal, smells organic and earthy, and you only leave it on for max 10 minutes before rinsing. Nice enough but not sure I'd spend $50 on a full-sized tube - I think there are other brands that work just as well for a fraction of that price...

Repurchase?

I doubt it...

Petitfee Black Pearl & Gold Hydrogel Eye Patch (60 pieces, RRP $13.17)

My only real dud last month. Ordered from iHerb, this was a small jar containing 60 gold coloured plasticcy patches swimming in a sea of hydrating serum. Sounds pretty good right? So I tried them a few times and after removing the patches, I had NO eye bags and NO wrinkles under my eyes...whoa!!!!...for 30 seconds, and then they all came back. Sob. And then the next time I went to use them, the serum had all evaporated and the patches were just sticky - no idea what happened to the fluid as I made sure I screwed the lid back on securely. Anyways, they didn't cost much so I tossed them...

Repurchase?

Not a chance...

Skin Republic Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patch (3 pairs, RRP $9.99)

6 pairs again this month ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Another "forever" product ♥♥♥...

Makeup

Chi Chi Stay On Lip Liner - Lady in Red (RRP $9.95)

The wind up kind and very long wearing, but also a bit drying on my parched pout - this shade is a fabulous to-die-for fire engine red ♥...

Repurchase?

Maybe - there are others out there that are more moisturising, but this red is something else ♥...

Eye of Horus Goddess Pencil - Emerald Tabula (12g, RRP $30)

My numero uno eye pencils, have reviewed them numerous times (in depth one HERE) ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
You betcha - another one of my can't-live-withouts ♥♥♥...

Home Fragrance

Sohum Amber Noir Reed Diffuser (175ml, RRP $39.95)

This was the closest thing I could find to the Urban Rituelle Romance one below - similar but with Patchouli & Rose instead of Musk. I didn't twig at the time of purchase, but there's a major design flaw - the bottle is tall so it topples over easily, and the neck is so narrow that the reeds all stick together, and therefore the scent doesn't permeate as well as it could...

Repurchase?

Naaaa, I'll look for another brand that understands how these things work...

Urban Rituelle Reed Diffuser - Romance (190ml)

Didn't put the price as this particular fragrance has been discontinued - can't for the life of me figure out why, it was divine. Amber & Musk, two scents so dear to my heart. Boo hoo! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Can't...sigh...♥♥♥...

Holey guacemoley I'm exhausted, that's it for the Empties!!!!!

And if you made it this far you deserve something, so now for the Giveaway! I've chosen the Harvest Garden soaps (plus lip balms) as my top pick for last month, and added a little Lovisa Swarovski jewellery set as a sweetener...

The 5 x Harvest Garden soaps are...

• Activated Charcoal
• Rosemary & Tea Tree with Comfrey
• Rose Geranium, Patchouli & Lavender with Australian Red Clay (personal fave)
• Rose Geranium with Australian Pink Clay
• Lemongrass, Olive Leaf Extract & Ground Flaxweed with Turmeric

The 4 x Harvest Garden 100% natural soothing lip balms are in the following flavours...

• Orange, Ginger & Turmeric
• Tinted Rose & Pomegranate
• Pink Grapefruit & Passionflower (personal fave)
• Peppermint & Matcha

The Lovisa Star jewellery set is made with Swarovski crystals, and consists of...

• 3 x rings - 1 star design, and 2 with a single crystal, size M-L
• 1 x Star Necklace, 45cm chain
• Pair of Star Stud Earrings

And here's a closeup of the jewellery, so pretty and sparkly...

Total prize value is approx. A$130, all items were purchased by me, and because the soaps are heavy, this giveaway is open to

Australian Residents Only!

Here's how to enter...

1. Leave a blog post comment on this page as to why you'd like to win all these goodies (please note: if you don't leave a comment, you won't be included in the draw)
2. Leave your email address inside the Rafflecopter so I can contact you if you win
3. Follow my blog one way or another from the many choices listed
4. Only one entry per person, please read the T's & C's inside the Rafflecopter

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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 Claire F. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 1st November to claim your prize :-)

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx