REVIEW: Beauty by Nicholas Eye Alchemy...

Been holding back on this review of the Beauty by Nicholas Eye Alchemy that was gifted at the beautyheaven 10th Birthday Bash. At my age, results can take a while to become evident, and even though I saw improvements even in the first week, I wanted to give this baby the greatest opportunity to work its magic. It's been almost three months now, and I'm delighted to report this is a winner ♥...

Packaging is modern and classy - a silver metal tube with lavender trim. Inside is 15ml of a gel-type liquid, quite thin in consistency, which I actually prefer as it doesn't feel gluggy or greasy. The pump is too generous for my taste, but with only the slightest of pressure, I can dispense about a rice grain sized amount for each eye.  My skin absorbs it completely in under a minute so there's no residue, but the eye area feels supple and super soft. It has a very subtle floral/fruit fragrance (which I can't pinpoint, but cucumber and lemon are listed as ingredients), which dissipates in an instant, and being so lightweight, there's no tugging or pulling when I pat it on and massage it around my peepers. The gel is milky white, and in good lighting I can see the inclusion of white particles, which dissolve immediately upon application...

The first sensation is one of cooling, and as the gel is absorbed, there's a very slight tightening feeling. The blurb says that targeted areas are dark circles, crows feet and under-eye bags. Well, my crows feet aren't anywhere near as pronounced, in fact I could honestly say they are only noticeable when I smile, and I don't mind that lol. I don't have dark circles, but I do have pigmented areas both under and above my eyes, and these have lightened - actually the marks on my hoods are almost gone, and that's a bonus as I usually have to cover them with concealer (or hair ha ha) when I take eye closeups. Speaking of which I was phasing EOTD photos out of my beauty repertoire because of my crinkles, but this eye cream just might have extended my fun for a while. Unsure about the de-puffing qualities as I'm using something else on my bags that is gradually dissolving the fat, (which is my only option, more on that in another post)...

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

Overall I'm impressed with Eye Alchemy, and it's currently my #1 eye cream. Kicking myself for not taking a "before" picture - you'd think I'd have learned by now! I've also been applying it on the bunny lines between my brows, as well as the vertical creases above my top lip, and both areas are looking smoother, and the wrinkles don't seem as deep...

RRP is $49.99, but I picked up another bottle from the Priceline 40% off sale, and I'm sure there will be more of those. Beauty by Nicholas products are not tested on animals, and they're made in Australia. Their Foundation No More remains a firm favourite (review HERE) and I've also bought their No! No! Needles & Plump It Up serums to try, so there'll be more reviews in the coming months...

Huge thankyous to beautyheaven and Beauty by Nicholas for the opportunity to try this transforming wonder cream!

What's your HG eye cream?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: December Empties+ Giveaway!...

Most products I finished last month were terrific - a couple of meh ones, but overall I'm very happy with these choices, and the majority of them have earned a place in my regular stash. As usual, there's a giveaway at the end, so off we go...

Body

Dermaveen Soap-Free Wash (500ml, RRP $16.99)

Reviewed HERE, this is SO good for solving winter dry skin woes ♥...

Repurchase?

Yes indeedy ♥...

Dermaveen Shower & Bath Oil (500ml, RRP $16.99)

Reviewed HERE, this is a can't-live-without! Two squirts of this will transform any body wash on your shelf into a hydrating wonder. LOVE it! ♥...

Repurchase?

You betcha ♥...

Essano Rosehip Repairing Body Wash - Jasmine & Fig (445ml, RRP $9.99)

Unlike the Frangipani & Paw Paw variety I covered in the November Empties article, I had no issues with this pump - I reckon the other one was just a bad egg on the production line so I won't hold it against Essano lol. My favourite scent of the two ♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely ♥...

Thankyou Milk Body Wash - Botanical Lemon Myrtle & Goat's Milk (500ml, RRP $8)

If you enjoy lemon myrtle fragrance, then hot tail it to your local supermarket and grab this beauty - absolutely adore it! SO refreshing and SO hydrating, I haven't been this excited about a shower milk in a while. I really enjoyed their Geranium & Rosewood Body Wash (review HERE), but this one is totally my kind of thing all year round, but especially in the hot weather when I go for tangy crisp scents ♥...

Repurchase?

Forever ♥...

Face

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

Full review HERE ♥...

Repurchase?

I have quite a few new ones on the shelf to try, and if none of them ring my bells, I'll be buying this one again ♥...

Beauty by Nicholas Eye Alchemy (15ml, RRP $49.99)

This was in the beautyheaven 10th Birthday swag bag - I won't give away too much here as I'll be doing a dedicated post on this product very soon, but let's just say it's my new HG eye cream ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I've already bought two more bottles, sigh ♥♥♥...

botanicES Face Creme (50ml, RRP $45)

Numerous raves about this cream (and the range in general) on my blog (main one HERE), it's the only face cream I buy over and over again. Perfection for the warmer months when my skin doesn't need an over-enriched moisturiser, but still needs to be hydrated and cared for ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Always ♥♥♥...

Harvest Garden Pink Grapefruit & Passionflower Lip Balm (5gm, RRP $6)

I'm crazy in love with their soaps, and this lip balm is just as wonderful. All natural ingredients - Sweet Almond Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil, Organic Shea Butter, Beeswax, Vitamin E and Essential Oils. It's softer and squishier than other brands, but that's what I love about it. Gonna try the Orange, Ginger & Turmeric one next ♥...

Repurchase?

Undoubtedly - promised myself I'd finish at least one more lip balm before I bought another, but this is top of my list ♥...

Innoxa Hydrating Micellar Cleansing Water (300ml, RRP $16.95)

Excellent performer, this cleanses thoroughly and has plenty of slip so the cotton pad never drags over the skin. Not so keen on the florally fragrance - it's pleasant enough, but I'd rather no fragrance at all, or something a wee bit more on the herbal side. Love that it's not tested on animals, safe for sensitive complexions, and the skinny tall bottle takes up little space on my bench ♥...

Repurchase?

Already have, but I probably shouldn't have as there's at least 5 more in the cupboard that I haven't even road tested yet - might be time to resurrect my Micellar Magic series! ♥...

L'Occitane Immortelle Precious Cream (50ml, RRP $87)

Magnificent cream that smells divine, and makes my skin feel so soft, supple and nourished. Some high priced skin care can be disappointing, but not this. I used to lust after La Mer and La Prairie, but after trying both of them, I found the formulations were too intense for my skin and I ended up with massively clogged pores, whereas the L'Occitane ranges are perfectly balanced for my combo face ♥...

Repurchase?

I'd love to but I doubt it - I reckon I can get similar results from something less expensive, but if I wanted to give myself a luxe treat, either this or the Immortelle Divine one would be it! ♥...

Nutrimetics Restore Anti-Ageing Extreme Serum with Grape Stem Cell Technology (30ml, RRP $75)

Bought this on special - I would have been a tad disappointed if I'd paid full price. It's a lovely serum, but no better than products with half the price tag. I'm a long-time Nutrimetics fan - all their stuff looks and smells divine, but the performance of this serum was a little average. It hydrated my skin beautifully, but I was hoping for a visible improvement either in firmness or wrinkle reduction. Mind you I've since used another of their serums that was fabulous, and that mini-review will be in my January empties post ♥...

Repurchase?

No...

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

Reviewed HERE ♥...
Repurchase?

Yes, but not for a while as I have a stash to clear ♥...

Face Masks

Skin Republic Gold Hydrogel Mask (25g, RRP $12.99)

I've waxed lyrical about this mask many many times ♥...
Repurchase?

Silly question ♥...

Facial Fresh GreenTea Cloth Facial Treatment Mask (RRP $8.95)

Not the most perfect fit, but a relaxing experience all the same. Calming & refreshing, these masks are only available in Australia from Bellabox. Couldn't smell any green tea, but who cares hey...

Repurchase?

Perhaps - the cloth mask market is expanding at a great rate of knots, already way too many choices lol...

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

This is a wonderful formula, but the fit is very poor across forehead and nose, and while the neck flaps are a BRILLIANT innovation, they just flop around and don't stay stuck to the skin, so the design needs refinement. I do love how this makes my skin look and feel, but the annoyance at getting the darn thing to sit properly on my face counteracts the relaxation factor - boo!...

Repurchase?

These work out to be $20 each - for that price they need to be perfect, so no...

Purederm Botanical Choice Ginkgo Eye Puffiness Minimizing Patches (2 pairs, RRP $3)

Raved about these last month and I'm still raving - definitely one of my greatest finds last year, these are the go for reducing under-eye puffiness. I wear them to bed and they're still on the next morning! ♥...

Repurchase?

I have no less than 10 packs stashed away - YES! ♥...

Hair

Goldwell Kerasilk Color Shampoo (250ml, RRP $34.95)

Picked this up for free from beautyheaven's beautorium ♥ - it's just as brilliant at taming frizzies as the control one, just especially formulated for coloured hair ♥...

Repurchase?

Now that I'm not into bold bright hair colours, I'll stick with the Control version to maintain my Kerasilk treatment, but if I ever go red again, this would be a sure bet ♥...

Giveaway!

I've picked three faves from this month to giveaway to one of you lovelies ♥...

• 3 packs of Purederm Botanical Choice Ginkgo Eye Puffiness Minimizing Patches (6 pairs)
• 1 x Innoxa Hydrating Micellar Cleansing Water
• 1 x 50ml botanicES Face Creme

All products were purchased by me, the total value is approximately $70, and because of the liquid content, this giveaway is open to...

Australian Residents Only

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 Anna M. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 31st January to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Anna has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,
kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: 4th Quarter 2017 Fave LOTD's - Part 2...

It's pretty obvious that I love and wear a wide range of lipstick colours, and it's incredibly difficult for me to pick one all-time fave. But I might just stick my neck out and say that there's one on this page that hits the mark every time I slick it on, so let's get on with the big reveal lol ♥...

Categorising colours is a matter of personal interpretation, and it's clear from the names that brands give their lippies that not everyone sees the same thing! Often I'm torn between one classification and another, but I'll start with what I call plums, although there's only a couple...

This first one is a good example of "what colour do you call it?" In this photo, it's close to being a bricky red, but in reality it has too much pink in it to appear in Part 1 - it's a mini Matte Lipgloss from SAVVY by DB and it's called Flame. The middle one was another gift from my (darling!) beautyheaven Secret Santa - Velvet Matte Liquid Lipstick by PUR Cosmetics in the shade Addiction. Fabulously pigmented and long-lasting. On the right is NYX Metallic Matte Liquid Suede in Pure Society. Crikey I fell hook line and sinker for this lippie store-swatch, that was until an hour after I applied it and it started flaking off. So saddening as it's the most gorgeous GORGEOUS colour, but the lip shrivelling formula sucks big time...

In case you hadn't noticed we're into the berries now, and this Rouge Laque Purpledelique by Bourjois is a star - lasts for ages, it has just the right amount of gloss, plus it's non-drying. The second pic is the same lippie, but with another layer added so you can see that this baby is also buildable to really bring out the berry. The third pic is (drum roll please)... "The One". Oh my gosh, have you ever seen a more brilliant pink? NYX Cosmic Metals Lip Cream in Fuchsia Fusion. I've mentioned before how much I love this whole range for intensity and comfort, and of all the colours, this is my favourite (yes even above the purples!). If you wear this, I can guarantee you will receive numerous compliments, and lots of gals will want to know what it is. Simply stunning! ♥...

You can probably tell I'm a big fan of bold and bright pinks - for me they're 100% smile-inducing, and this mini Matte Lipgloss in Flicker from SAVVY by DB is a hottie. In the middle is Pink Macaroon NYX Intense Butter Gloss - one that will always be in my kit, well as long as they keep making it. NYX glosses are the bomb. And on the right is another lovely pink, a warmer one this time, and yet another of the SAVVY by DB mini Matte Lipglosses - Fire. Can't get over how wonderful these are for $1! ♥...

For those wanting something a little less out-there, here is Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Amethyst Shimmer - another babe I've had for a while, and a regular throughout Spring. Such a flattering hue, and totally lip-friendly. I included the next one because it's such an unusual shade - it's by Trifle Cosmetics, and came in a Lip Monthly bag. Called Matte Decadence Multipurpose Matte Crayon for Lips & Cheeks. It's a little drying, but the colour is so unique. The last one is Lily Lake Natural Lipstick by Burt's Bees - beautifully moist formula, this could easily be classed as a nude, but alongside my others, it's definitely a pink ♥...

And for the purple lovers, we have a borderline pink/purple by BYS - Diamond Lipstick in Sparkle Baby. Would prefer something a little more hydrating, but the shade is ever so pretty. If you''re not sure if you're a purple gal, then this is a beaut introduction. In the centre is W7 Liptember Lipstick in Neon Purple - quite sheer, but a few extra slicks will give you this amazing colour pay-off. On the right is another NYX Intense Butter Gloss, this time in Berry Strudel. It looks a little blue around the edges, but that's because I used an eyeliner as my lipliner, and it was the closest one I had to the colour - I've since bought a matching one from NYX. Again, LOVE NYX glosses! ♥...

And now we get to the REAL purples. On the left is Colourpop Satin Lip in So Wavy. I'm a satin or gloss gal at heart - I find so many of the mattes to be too drying, and this one works exceptionally well. Centre stage is what I classify as the ultimate purple - only recently added some JeffreeStar lip products to my collection, thanks to a blog sale by Sarah from More Than Adored. This one is called I'm Royalty, and there was never a more appropriate name hey. One of the best matte lip products in the marketplace, and possibly the only one that I can wear comfortably all day long. And I'm finishing up with more JeffreeStar - this is a blend of Blue Velvet (100% blue, which I doubt I'll ever wear on its own) and Blow Pony (a pale pinky purple). I mixed the two to match my outfit, and they blend together amazingly well with no streaking ♥...

So that's it for 2017! Thanks for stopping by lovelies - anything here you fancy?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: 4th Quarter 2017 Fave LOTD's - Part 1...

Time to recap the LOTD's for the final three months of 2017! These are the nudes, oranges and reds - no browns this time around, it's just not a colour I usually wear in Spring/Summer, but no doubt I'll get back into it once the weather cools down a bit ♥...

As usual, there are some repeaters here - I have lots of lippies, but some I adore so much they deserve to get trotted out a little more frequently. So let's get started with the nudes...

First up is a soft beige from SAVVY by DB - Rich Coffee. Have had this one a while, but it's still moist and slick, and goes on nice and evenly. In the middle is one that keeps appearing on these pages, and will for a long time to come - NYX Cosmic Metals Lip Cream in Speed of Light. The Cosmic Metals are my favourite glossy metallic lip products of all time, fabulous formula, awesome colours, and the most comfortable to wear. LOVE! On the right is a surprise find from MUD - Full Colour Lip Lacquer in Vintage Pink. I'd be more inclined to name it Vintage Coral, but what do I know haha. Absolute bargain for $6 from Woolies ♥...

These next three are heading into pink territory, but I still classify them as nudes. On the left is a mini lipstick from SAVVY by DB - if I could find this in a full size I would, just love it, it's called Raspberry. The second one is another firm favourite - Covergirl Katy Kat Matte in Catore. Moist and not entirely matte, my kind of matte.  No. 3 is another one that's up near the top of my list - Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip Color in the shade Kisses - love this whole range actually ♥...

Such a challenge to find a pretty and intense orange that isn't patchy or streaky, but these are all winners in my book of this sunny colour. First one is by BOE Beauty, called Primped, and it's $2 from Big W - yessssss! Astounding formula, long lasting, amazing colour, what's not to love hey. The middle one is by Ulta3, called Sweet Passion. It's almost a metallic, and a rare and pure unadulterated orange. The third one is SO close to a red - it's one of the ModelsPrefer Artist Collection crayons - Carnation, and 3 for $5. You can count on me to let you know about lippie bargains! ♥...

Ooh ooh, we're getting into the REDS! Tip of the Day - if you're ever feeling blue, put on a red lipstick. It's a sure bet this colour will give me a boost and an instant dose of sass, not to mention a bucketload of don't-mess-with-me 'tude! On the left is a bricky red, but still a red, and great if you're not feeling quite so daring. This is Bourjois Rouge Edition Lipstick in Brun Boheme. Exquisite formula, I'm a late starter with Bourjois, but I'm making up for lost time lol. Centre stage is another Bourjois - from their Rouge Edition Aqua Laque range, Brun'croyable. Ooh la la! And on the right is SAVVY by DB Matte Lipgloss in the shade Glow. Came in a box of 10 for $10, what a $1 stunner ♥...

On the left is the same SAVVY by DB Matte Lipgloss in the shade Glow, but with a slightly pinker lipliner underneath - it's bold but sheer enough to be versatile so I can get away with a few subtle adjustments. In the middle is probably my ultimate red - JeffreeStar Velour Liquid Lipstick in Redrum. This fella sure knows how to make a lip product that's non-drying, long lasting and intensely pigmented, whoa! The last one in this row is something that came in one of my Lip Monthly bags - Appeal Cosmetics Ultra Shine Liquid Lipstick, and it's (very appropriately) called Vixen. Freaking awesome colour and super moist - unfortunately it bleeds severely, and I haven't found a way to stop that as yet...

This first glorious red was a gift from my beautyheaven Secret Santa, and I will be eternally grateful ♥ PUR Cosmetics Velvet Matte Liquid Lipstick in Key Red. She couldn't have chosen anything more wonderful for moi hey ♥  Centre one is another $1 Matte Lipgloss from SAVVY by DB - this one is called Warmth. Has a wee bit of blue in it for those of you who go for cooler reds. And on the right is one more Lip Monthly winner - Seraphine Botanicals Long Lasting Velvet Lip/Cheek Crayon in Quince & Crimson. These are definitely worth investigating further - the formula is vegan, smooth as silk, and non-drying ♥...

Well looky here, another Matte Lipgloss from SAVVY by DB - Heat. You may have gathered I'm quite taken with these ridiculously cheap lippies. Piggy in the middle is an Ulta3 Lipstick in the shade Prom Night. I find Ulta3 lipsticks to be a bit hit and miss as far as density is concerned, but the ones I've mentioned here are perfect. Lucky last is Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid Lipstick in Fuchsia Ecstasy. Crazy about this range too - has everything I could want in a liquid lipstick. I probably should have included this shade in the pinks (post up soon!), but I always have this dilemma with fuchsias - are they pinky reds, or reddish pinks?

Hope you've enjoyed this review -  Part 2 will be up later this week, and that'll be pinks, plums, berries and purples ♥...

Take care of you,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: Jewellery Collection - Ring Storage Update (Part 7)...

Happy New Year everyone! I've been revelling in a couple of weeks off work, my first significant holiday in 2 years, and while destressing, relaxing and re-establishing my (much needed) exercise routine have been my highest priorities, I've also been rethinking some of my jewellery storage options. I reckon that even if something works well, it can most likely be improved with a regular reassessment and further investment. My ring storage needed an overhaul if for no other reason than my collection was outgrowing its housing, so I was inspired to seek out a better way to store my bling...

Back in June 2016 (oh wow, I can't even say "last year" any more lol!), I'd found some plastic swivel containers (Part 2 HERE), and they worked pretty well up until recently when I ran out of room, plus it was becoming increasingly difficult to swing out the shelves without the whole thing toppling over. So off I trotted to KMart, and to my delight, spotted the below acrylic 3 drawer organisers for $9 a pop. The drawers slide in and out easily, and the bonus is that they're pre-lined with a protective gauze - score! So I bought 6 sets, which gave me enough room to spread out my collection, as well as allow for future expansion (whoops! - ha ha)...

As you know I organise just about everything in my wardrobe and makeup collection into colours of the rainbow - honestly, it's the only way I can manage to put my outfits together each day! And my rings are the same - I've sorted them into colour families if they contain stones, and then there's a drawer for gold, rose gold, silver, silver with diamantes etc. The boxes stack pretty well too, and I've placed a non-slip mat under each one so they don't move ♥...

Overall I'm delighted with how this new storage system is performing - next job to tackle is the rest of my jewellery collection, which has also almost outgrown its current home. Hmm, maybe I should just stop walking into Lovisa and Colette! ♥

Take care of you,

kats xxx