REVIEW: Beauty by Nicholas Foundation No More...

Time to review some of the goodies from the Beautyheaven Turns 10 birthday loot bag - so many amazing products, it will probably take me a whole 12 months! So without further ado, I'm starting with the fabulous AA (anti-ageing) Cream from Beauty by Nicholas - Foundation No More...

Wowee, what a gem! I chose the Medium colour for my free gift from the party, and I'm loving it so much, I swapped some of my points in beautorium for another tube so I have a spare. It's a very VERY close second to IT Cosmetics CC Cream, but it only gets pipped at the post because the SPF content is 30+, whereas the IT Cosmetics one is 50+. Mind you the Foundation No More scores a heap of bonus points because a) it's currently $20 cheaper, and b) it's readily available from Priceline (and the Beauty by Nicholas Aussie website) - availability is a major factor for me as I've been waitlisted for the IT CC Cream for over 3 months on Sephora, and only just snapped it up a couple of days ago, and it's already out of stock again. How crazy is that? Annoying too, but hey it's so darn popular. Anyway, apart from what I've mentioned above, there's very little difference between the two products, BUT the Nicholas AA Cream has certain features which I actually prefer, and that's why it's now a staple in my kit. So let's get on with all you need to know, and why I love it ♥...

In the pic on the left you can see my freckly hand, and on the right is after blending a squiddly squirt of Foundation No More with my usual dome brush. Coverage isn't complete, but I think you'll agree it's pretty darn good. Both photos were taken in natural light - the pigmented spots are blended in, the colour is natural, and the finish is a soft sheen. It has an almost mousse-like consistency when applying, it's light, doesn't crack or sink into my lines, and transfer is non-existent once it dries...

And here's a pic of my freckled spider-veined au-naturel face transformed by my usual work makeup routine, with Foundation No More as my base. Sure I've used a wee bit of concealer under my eyes and around my nose, but the coverage is fabulous. My freckles aren't entirely hidden, but the end result is natural and glowy and stays put for the whole day ♥... 

Here's the blurb that's on the box, and the list of ingredients...

And hooray, it's an Aussie owned brand that doesn't test on animals ♥...

I use one full pump for my face and neck and then dispense a tiny bit more onto the back of my hand for extra coverage on my trouble spots. It blends beautifully and makes my skin look SO good. At this stage, it's available in 3 shades - light, medium & tan, and according to their website, it "Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by up to 63% after just 28 days of usage". Can't wait for that!...

Overall it's a winner for my mature skin - love the formula, the texture, the finish, and how it dramatically improves the look of my complexion without making it look like I've plastered on a mask. Beautyheaven lists the price at $49.99, but the product website and Priceline have it listed as $39.99 - I'm not sure if this is a "special" price, but now is sure a good time to try/buy. Thanks again to beautyheaven and Beauty by Nicholas for the opportunity to experience something that I have a feeling will eventually replace all the other foundations in my kit - whoa! ♥...

Have you tried this product? Would you rather use an AA, BB or CC cream than a foundation?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

CONFESSIONS: of a Scrubaholic (Part 6)...

Yikes, I almost forgot to post this next episode in the series - embarrassed to say Part 5 was back in June! But I've been a busy bee discovering more new and absolutely delightful face scrubs to add to my collection, so Part 7 is not far away. Meanwhile let's get on with some of these that have been on the market for a while...

Yes to Grapefruit Daily Facial Scrub (113g, RRP $14.99)

I use a scrub to cleanse my face every morning in the shower, and I need quite a few different intensities to choose from so that I can alternate (from gentle to heavy duty) to not overdo the sloughing effect on my skin, and this one I would classify as gentle to medium. This clear gel is quite runny, so care needs to be taken when dispensing - I do prefer something not quite so fluid, but it's manageable. Overall this is a lovely scrub - I believe the granules are grapefruit peel, and it also contains Vitamin C, Lycopene and Sunflower Oil. No parabens, petroleum or SLS, and it has quite a sour fruit scent, (a mix of grapefruit and lemon), but I enjoy it as it doesn't smell fake and there's no artificial sweetening. Another bonus is that it doesn't leave behind any grainy bits in my facial nooks and crannies - I've found that some do regardless of how well I rinse ♥...

Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub (140g, RRP $13.99)

If you're after a gentle scrub, then this is the go! So kind and loving to the skin, the granules are super-fine and virtually invisible in the pearly cream - I haven't been able to find out what they're made from, but the label says "naturally derived". Great consistency and lovely fresh scent, this is mild enough for daily use, and leaves my face smooth and refreshed without any irritation. I have normal/oily combination skin, and while this isn't powerful enough to frighten away the relentless blackheads on my nose, I use it once a week to give my face a break from the other more rigorous scrubs on the shelf ♥...

Olay Regenerist Revitalising Thermal Mini-Peel Treatment (125ml, RRP $19.99)

While technically this isn't a scrub, it has an exfoliating component, hence it's inclusion here. As soon as it hits my face, it warms my skin - absolute heaven in winter! It has a delicate floral scent, the cream is a pretty pale lavender shade, and it leaves my skin feeling smooth without drying it out. The packaging looks modern and ritzy, but the tube needs some major refinement from a functional perspective - as the amount of product reduces, it get's harder and harder to extract anything from it. It kind of shrinks and shrivels with use (like a toothpaste tube), and the cap is so huge (and doesn't unscrew) so it's almost impossible to squeeze out the scrub that's left at the bottom  Another negative is that I found out (after purchase) that it's on the Microbead naughty list, so that means I will never buy it again unless it is reformulated - boo...

Nivea Daily Essentials Gentle Exfoliating Scrub (150ml, RRP $9.98)

Have had this on my shower shelf for almost 6 months and barely used it at all. Oh it's nice enough, does a terrific job of sloughing off the skin cells and ensuring my blackheads don't get the upper hand, but, well, I find it boring. Silly comment I know but hey, there are so many scrubs out there that don't bore me, so I asked myself why, and came up with "it's the fragrance". It's just kinda soapy and bland, and therefore there's nothing to grab me, or pull me in to look forward to using it over and over again. I was also concerned about the white exfoliating beads that don't dissolve, but I checked and it doesn't seem to have any of the "poly-xxx" ingredients that are so bad for the marine life. Anyways, if a body wash or hand cleanser has a mehhh scent, I add a few drops of fragrant oil to it, but I can't do that with a face scrub, so I bit the bullet and put it in the laundry for when I do gardening, and the dirt gets inside my gloves...

In summary, two winners out of four, but that's the way it goes sometimes. Do you use a scrub regularly? What's your favourite?

Take care of you,
kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: October Empties (the real ones) & Giveaway!...

Confusing title I know, but I had a major brain lapse with the previous "October Empties"- they were actually the SEPTEMBER empties! Could have been a seniors moment I guess, but I like to think it was the excitement of all the giveaways I've had lately lol. Anyways, here we go with the REAL October ones, and yes there's another giveaway at the bottom, and it's not just one of the faves in the pic below, so read on ♥...

Body Products

Bondi Sands Liquid Gold Self-Tanning Dry-Oil (150ml, RRP $19.95)

I've tried quite a few tanners over the years, and this is the one I've settled on as the staple in my kit. What makes it my #1 choice is that it's simple to use, dries in seconds so I can get dressed pretty much straight away without the fear of the product getting onto my clothes, the colour is a glowy amber and very natural looking, it smells delish, no streaks when applied with their self-tanning mitt, and it lasts up to a week. Absolutely TANFASTIC! ♥...

Repurchase?
Never without it once the temp stays above 20C, or I stop wearing socks ♥...

Natural Secrets Goatsmilk Moisturising Shower Gel (500ml, RRP $11.99)

I keep raving about this shower gel, and rightly so because my skin just loves it, non-drying, fresh but delicate fragrance, and it's such a great price. Reviewed HERE ♥...

Repurchase?
Always in my shower stall ♥...

Natures Commonscents Natural Goats Milk Body Wash (600ml, RRP $8.25)

Another beaut goats milk shower product - this one has a lovely soft scent, non-drying, not tested on animals, plus it's available in supermarkets. Also comes in a pawpaw variety ♥...

Repurchase?
As soon as I make some room lol ♥...

Nutrimetics Loofah Shower Gel (150ml, RRP $25)

I received a 50ml tube for free with one of my first orders, and I was instantly sold on this exfoliating gem, so much so that I bought the full size one ASAP. It's gentler than a body scrub and yet just as effective, and the little loofah particles don't make a mess of my shower stall. It has the usual divine apricot fragrance we've come to know and love from this brand, plus it leaves my skin feeling SO soft and silky, hydrated and refreshed ♥...

Repurchase?
Already have, and I will again ♥...


Hair Care

Goldwell Kerasilk Control Shampoo & Conditioner (250ml, RRP $34.95)

My life changed back in Feb 2016 when I experienced the Goldwell Kerasilk treatment that sent my frizzies packing, a prize from beautyheaven, and reviewed HERE. Things have changed a bit since then e.g. the treatment is now only $180 (woo hoo!), plus the salon provides a bottle of the shampoo & conditioner for free to get you started. Using their hair products post-treatment also guarantees their guarantee - that it will last for 3-5 months, else they will redo it at no cost. That's my kind of guarantee so I'm continuing on with this range - they are both fabulous, smell delish, ensure the longevity of the silky smooth finish of the treatment, and in general, keep my tresses in tip top condition ♥...

Repurchase?

I actually scored some of the shampoo from beautyheaven's beautorium, so I've only had to buy the conditioner ♥...

Clairol Nice'n Easy - Natural Dark Cool Blonde (RRP $14.49)

For Summer I've decided to go a bit cooler in the hair colour department, moving from golden blonde to ashy blonde, and this is the perfect shade for what I'm after. It's actually pretty close to my natural colour (before it turned white). This range always seems to be on special for $10 somewhere in my travels, so colouring fortnightly is a minimal expense ♥...

Repurchase?
Yes, several actually - there's only one chemist that carries this particular shade so I stocked up ♥...

Home

Tilley Pink Lychee Aromatic Reed Diffuser (150ml, RRP $24.95)

Had not heard of this brand before, which is astounding as the company has been going for 150 years! But I stumbled across a display of their diffusers and soaps in a chemist next to my dentist. It was love at first sniff - the Pink Lychee fragrance is so crisp and fresh, every time I smell it I feel energised. All Australian-made, they have a massive range of products, and the diffusers are triple-scented. Looks like they've recently changed the packaging as their website shows the bottles as being opaque white whereas mine is clear. I find it doesn't last as long as the more expensive brands (like Glasshouse), but being considerably cheaper I'm thrilled 'cos I'm inspired to try more from their range. This particular fragrance is out of stock at the mo', understandable as it is simply sensational ♥...

Repurchase?

Yep - bought another one when I had my recent check-up ♥...

Makeup

L'Oreal False Lash Superstar XFiber Mascara (RRP $28.95)

My current fave, and passionately reviewed (with pictures) HERE. I'm staggered that the two reviews on beautyheaven are negative, but it just goes to show how different we all are. Having experienced the discomfort of conjunctivitis several times in my life, I religiously toss out my mascaras every 3 months ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Several spares in my drawer because of my 3-month limit. It's pricey, but I have NEVER paid full price for this ♥♥♥...

Maybelline The Falsies Waterproof Black Mascara (RRP $19.95)

This has been my HG mascara for more years than I can remember. I still use it in conjunction with the L'Oreal one above - this goes on first, then I curl, then the L'Oreal one, then a final coat of The Falsies because it's waterproof. The combination locks my lashes into their curl for the whole day, and I mean from 6:30am to 11pm. ♥...

Repurchase?

Also several of these in my drawer - again I have NEVER paid full price, it's always on special somewhere sometime or other ♥...

Skin Care

Ecopure Bamboo Fibre Face Cloth (pack of 2, RRP ?)

The packaging says this is "Specially packed for Priceline" yet I can't find it on their website, and I honestly can't remember how much it cost, but it was under $15. This is my go-to face cloth - it's super soft and highly effective at removing all traces of makeup and cleanser. Rinses out so easily and being so small and soft, it dries in a few hours. I throw it in the washing machine every week and only toss it out when it gets so very stained that it looks awful hanging on the bathroom hook ♥...

Repurchase?

You betcha - I refuse to use any other kind of cloth on my face ♥...

Grahams Natural Daily Facial Gel Cleanser (125ml, RRP $12.95)

This is still my favourite cleanser - I know, I know, how can that be when it's so cheap and so non-mainstream? I reviewed it HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Just ordered two more bottles ♥♥♥...

Indeed Labs Retinol Reface (30ml, RRP $34.99)

My first real foray into retinol, but a little disappointing. It doesn't sting or cause any irritation, but it also made very little difference to my issues. I'd say it's one of those products that you need to use for at least 3 months, well on my ancient face anyway...

Repurchase?

I have five more serums to try, and then I might give this another go ...

Johnson & Johnson Hydrocolloid Technology Band-Aid  (box of 10, RRP $8.47)

Not exactly a beauty item, but considering they heal any of my cuts and scrapes super fast with no scarring, I'm including them. These are amazing, and I'd never go back to regular Band-Aids again. You leave them on till they (literally) fall off - they're waterproof and act like an instant scab, similar to blister patches. More expensive than the regular ones, but so worth the extra couple of $$$ ♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely ♥...

L'Oreal Revitalift Laser X3 Dual Action Total Rejuvenation Moisturiser (48ml, RRP $49.95)

There are SO many face creams that I love, but this one is probably the most effective for anti-ageing results. Sometimes I wonder if I should simply stop trying out other products, and stick with something that works, but hey I'm a skincare junkie, so it never happens lol. For now, I alternate whatever I'm testing with this wonder-cream. This stuff definitely firms and lifts the skin, and whenever I see it on special, I buy it. For some reason, I didn't ever get around to reviewing it here on my blog, but my beautyheaven assessment of it is HERE about halfway down the page (katshepsutt) ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Two bottles safely tucked away in my stash ♥♥♥...

Nivea Cellular Anti-Age Volume Filling Pearls (30ml, RRP $32.99)

Absolutely adored this bottle of anti-ageing fun - barely lasted a month, but then again I was using it at every opportunity. Loved how it felt on my face, how it made my skin glow with a healthy radiance, how quickly it absorbed, the fragrance is fresh and feminine, and watching the little pearls melt as soon as the serum hit my hands was a treat ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

This is another one that I buy whenever it's on special - currently have three bottles in reserve ♥♥♥...

Skin Doctors Eyetuck (10ml, RRP $49.95)

The only eye cream that has ever reduced my under eye-bags - only a slight reduction, but a reduction no less. I pat this on every morning and let it absorb before doing my makeup routine. Interestingly, my bottle is just over a year old and it's 15mls, whereas I noticed on their website that you now only get 10ml for the same price. How wicked!...

Repurchase?

I already had another 15ml bottle stashed away - my bags are so huge I honestly can't tell if this is still working, but I'm not game to stop using it lol ♥...

St. Ives Oatmeal Scrub & Mask (150ml, RRP $9.99)

Been using this scrub for years, and will continue to do so - it's so darn calming. I reviewed it HERE ♥...

Repurchase?

I always have a spare in my cupboard ♥...

Face Masks

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

Already raved about this numerous times ♥...

Repurchase?

There's always one in my stash ♥...

Skin Republic 24K Gold Aquagel Under Eye Patches (2 pairs, RRP $12.99)

Even better than the Hydrogel ones - total bliss! If I could afford it, I would sleep in these every night. They're so cooling, calming and firming ♥...

Repurchase?

Can you believe I haven't yet? Actually, I did, but gave the pack away in a recent giveaway, will definitely be buying these again though. If they're ever on special, I'd buy like 10 packs haha ♥...

Baroness Snail Mask Sheet (RRP $4.99)

This is one of several Korean sheet masks I also bought from the chemist near my dentist. There were 15 on the stand, and of the couple I've tried so far, this has been my favourite. In the pics below, the left side was taken with a flash, and the right, no flash. The mask didn't fit my face as well as others (and not enough nose coverage which is where most of my problems are) but overall I was really impressed with how refreshed and bright my complexion looked afterwards. This is supposed to reduce scars and age spots, and I'd believe it. Definitely one to repeat a few times a week I'd say  ♥...

Repurchase?

I'm not due for another dental checkup for 6 months, but I'll make an exception and drive all the way  up north to buy a few more of these ♥...

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Concentrated Recovery PowerFoil Mask (RRP $35)

Once you get past the name (!), this definitely is the Rolls Royce of sheet masks - came in the beautyheaven 10th Birthday goody bag. It's in two pieces, and while it was a supremely pampering experience that I will be eternally grateful for, and my skin felt supple, hydrated and firm afterwards, I'm not sure that it's worth the mind-boggling price ♥...

Repurchase?

I doubt it - they are cheaper when you buy them in bulk, but unless Santa has $210 spare buckaroos, I'll probably give these a miss ...

Mirenesse Wrinkle Freeze Collagen Event Mask (RRP $29.95)

First go at one of these masks was a fail - you put it in the freezer for 10 minutes prior to use, and I was SO looking forward to it as the day was a stinker. But it kind of disintegrated in my hands as I was trying to separate it from the backing sheet. I mean sections of it literally broke off into my lap. It may be because I've had a stash of these in my drawer for almost 2 years (they came in various VIP packs). So I opened another one without freezing it first, and that was a raging success. As you can see in the below photo it is clear and almost invisible on the skin. Ultra cooling and calming, and my pores looked more refined afterwards ♥...

Repurchase?

I have a few more in my drawer so I'll use those up first, after that I'll have a think about it - they're really quite expensive ...

Giveaway!

I've chosen five of my most loved products from last month to give away to one adventurous follower (plus there's always a surprise in my giveaway parcels). These are products I use and buy regularly, and hunt them down whenever they're on special:

• Grahams Natural Daily Facial Gel Cleanser
• Nivea Cellular Anti-Age Volume Filling Pearls
• L'Oreal Revitalift Laser X3 Dual Action Moisturiser
• L'Oreal False Lash Superstar XFiber Mascara
• Skin Republic Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patches

Total RRP of the above products is over $140, all items were purchased by me, and this giveaway is open

INTERNATIONALLY!

Here's how to enter...

1. Leave a blog post comment on this page that answers the question inside the Rafflecopter (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 Lauren A. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 22nd November to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Lauren has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: 3rd Quarter 2017 Fave LOTD's - Part 2...

With so many finishes and formulas, it isn't possible for me to declare any particular one of these plums, berries, pinks and purples as the star of my collection - they are all here because I love them, and while some colours are similar, they all deserve a place on this page. Of course at my age, a bit of gloss always looks and feels heaps better, but there are a few mattes around that I'm comfortable in, so here goes ♥...

I wear all colours all year round, but the deeper ones don't appear as frequently in the warmer weather purely because my Summer wardrobe tends towards brighter lighter hues. But unlike my fragrances, I don't put any lippies away when the season changes - you never know when you're going to need a plum ha ha! ♥...

This first one in row one appeared in the last quarter post as well - crazy about this Max Factor Color Elixir Giant Pen Stick in Intense Plum. It doesn't seem to be part of the range any more, so I won't tease you again. In the middle is a similar hue that IS available - Covergirl Katy Kat Matte in Maroon Meow. Head over heels for this comfy formula, the range in general! ♥ Third one is Milani Lipstick in Chilled Brandy - can't see this one on their website, so I'll add it to the don't tease list. As you can tell I have a habit of falling in love with products and colours that get discontinued - boo!...

Berries are forever, and I reckon they look good on anyone. This first one is another of the ModelsPrefer Artist Collection Crayons - Orchid.  Next up is Bourjois Rouge Laque Liquid Lipstick in Purple Delique. You know when I said before that I couldn't name any one of these lippies as the star? Hmm, this is close. DIVINE! On the right is another Bourjois - a Rouge Edition Velvet liquid lipstick called Plum Plum Girl. It's quite sheer but buildable, feels like liquid silk, and lasts for hours. I have to say that my most lustworthy lip product discovery this Winter has been Bourjois ♥♥♥...

#1 is ANOTHER Bourjois Lipstick - Violine Strasse. Stunning colour, stunning formula. The second one is Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Sloane's Plum - can't fault this release for comfort and value. And the last one in this row is another that appeared in the last post - definitely my favourite dusky pink of all time, Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Vintage Pink. This colour is deep enough to make an impact, and soft enough to epitomise femininity ♥...

Who doesn't love a bright pink! These three are similar shades, but I've included them all because of the differences in formula and finish. On the left is Maybelline Color Jolt in Fight Me Fuchsia. I decided I wouldn't buy any of these (just to see how strong I could be) but as you can see I caved! So glad I did - these liquid glosses are gorgeous, and this pink is to die for. Middle one is Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Lipstick in shade 20. Beautiful, clear, bright pink and a pleasure to wear. On the right is Antipodes Lipstick in Dragon Fruit Pink. This is one I promised myself months and months ago after the beautiful Marisa Robinson so kindly gifted me with Hungry Like the Wolf. Hard to go past these lippies for comfort, intensity, moisture content and overall goodness ♥...

Another of the ModelsPrefer Artist Collection Crayons - this one is Bright Pink, and that pretty much sums it up. Love the blue content which makes it wearable with purples. #2 is Avon Mark in Berry Cute, a freebie on a mag cover. Quite impressed with this range, should have bought more mags lol! And this last one - hmmm, is it pink, or plum or purple? I stuck it here 'cos I wasn't sure, but I'm sure I love it. It's bhcosmetics Metallic Liquid Lipstick, shade Lucy - quite unique in my kit, a bit drying so not so comfortable to wear, but it's a killer colour ♥...

And now for the unmistakable purples ♥ On the left is ModelsPrefer Artist Collection Crayon in Grape - has an almost ethereal glow to it.  And these next two will probably appear in every fave list - NYX Cosmic Metals Lip Creams. Adore everything about these shiny explosions of colour. Middle one is Asteroid Aura, and the one on the right is a blend of Asteroid Aura and Ultraviolet. If you love purple, comfort and shimmer, then these are for you ♥...

Are you fond of these colour families? If so please tell me your fave plum, berry, pink and/or purple lippy - I'm always keen to know what you gals like ♥...

Take care of you,
kats xxx