REVIEW: essano Rosehip Clarifying Clay Masque...

The first of quite a few reviews I'll be doing of the delish products we were so kindly gifted at the recent Glosscar Awards Marketplace Member Event, and I'm delighted to declare that the essano Rosehip Clarifying Clay Masque is a beauty - I've used it twice already, and so looking forward to the next time I can give my skin a dose of goodness from this little pot of pretty pinkness ♥...

Inside the 100g plastic jar is the usual lift-off insert to keep the contents fresh and stop it drying out. The pastel pink paste has a beautiful and natural rose fragrance, the consistency is smooth and creamy, and it's super easy to spread a thin layer all over, avoiding the eye area of course. I often include my neck and chest area when I'm using cream masks, especially in the warmer weather when I'm not wearing so many clothes, and this masque is perfect as it's so pale, and won't stain my clothing if I'm a bit over-zealous with my application...

Ingredients include bentonite clay (2nd highest content after water), rosehip seed oil, aloe vera and shea butter, so it's no wonder my skin feels so deeply cleansed, soft and hydrated afterwards. I'm really quite impressed with essano products in general - they're a New Zealand company that promise to exclude parabens and chemical sulphates, and 99% of the ingredients are naturally derived...

I also love that as it dries (10-15 minutes), my face doesn't feel like it's going to crack in two - sure there's a tightening sensation, but nothing extreme, and the paste rinses of easily with a damp cloth...

Absolutely LOVE this masque, and will be using it at least twice weekly as part of my skin-care routine - I've already noticed a reduction in the pore congestion I'm prone to around my nose and chin. At $16.99 and available from Priceline and some supermarkets, it's a fabulous beauty bargain. And apart from all the skin benefits, I'm looking forward to making a habit of some extra me-time, and thoroughly enjoying the whole rose-scented experience ♥...

Thank you beautyheaven and essano - I didn't even know this existed, but I'm certain it's going to become one of my can't-live-withouts!...

Take care of you,
kats xxx

Beautyheaven Glosscar Awards Marketplace Member Event...

Yesterday I had the absolute pleasure of attending one of the Beautyheaven Glosscar Awards Marketplace Member Event sessions at bh headquarters in the Sydney CBD ♥ The Beautyheaven Glosscar Awards are an annual affair, and members can vote for their favourite beauty products released in the previous 12 months. This Marketplace Event was a fabulous opportunity to learn about and experience some of the amazing products nominated this year, from MAC, Estee Lauder, Bobbi Brown, Beauty by Nicholas, L'Occitane, Essano & Proactiv ♥...

Image courtesy of beautyheaven.com

While we were only there for an hour, we were provided with some delicious refreshments, and there was time to take in everything on display, as well as catch up with some long-time member friends and the bh Team of lovelies. After missing out on a pic with the gorgeous Debbie Black from beautyheaven at the 10th Birthday Party Event last October, I made sure to hijack her this time around - she's a total doll! ♥...

There were seven beauty stations to visit, manned either by bh staff or sponsor representatives, and we were able to sample the products, ask questions, and were generously gifted with items from every stand. I've been a fan of the Beauty by Nicholas brand ever since discovering them at the previous bh event I attended last year and chose the only product from their range that I hadn't tried before - Omega Hydroxy Night Rejuvenation ♥...

I left it too late to take a photo of the Bobbi Brown stand before it was swamped (lol!), but all 20 colours of their Crushed Lip Colour lipsticks were on display and available to swatch, and you can imagine all us girls went to town on that opportunity! ♥... 

I chose the shade Watermelon, a stunning red with lots of pink, or is it pink with lots of red? Either way the formula is a wonder combination of long-lasting pigments and a matte finish that's comfortable to wear ♥...

At the Essano station, we learned about their Rosehip Clarifying Clay Masque, which I tried last night and it's brilliant! Delectable rose fragrance, the prettiest soft pink colour, and it left my skin glowing and deeply cleansed. Also gifted was their Clear Complexion Detoxifying Serum, which I also included in my Saturday night beauty routine, and will continue to use to help control my oily-T zone ♥...

The Estee Lauder experts were on hand to colour match us with their new Double Wear Nude Water Fresh Makeup which includes SPF 25. They used one of those nifty electronic gadgets that they hold against areas of the face and neck in order to find the perfect match. We were gifted with a full-sized bottle of this delightful foundation, and my match was Ivory Beige 3N1, which I'll be road-testing tomorrow ♥...

Our lovely L'Occitane rep treated us to samples of the latest moisturisers, and we were so kindly gifted with their miraculous Shea Butter Intensive Hand Balm, and a bottle of Terre De Lumiere EDP. I'll be reviewing this separately, but let's just say that it's a crisp and spicy, sensual gourmand floral masterpiece! ♥...

Here's bh's stunning and ever so friendly Steph at the MAC stand, where we were introduced to the Bold & Bad Lash mascara. Of course, I'll be doing an in-depth review in the weeks ahead, but if the contents are as magnificent as the packaging, I'll be happy as a clam! The spectacular silver, red and black tube has two brushes, one each for top and bottom, and the bottom lash formula is smudge-proof - we shall see! ♥...

I've not tried any Proactiv products before - their speciality is troubled skin, and I only experience maybe one blemish in a year, but I am regularly dealing with blackheads on my nose, so I was delighted to have the opportunity to try their Blackhead Dissolving Gel. It's designed to shrink pores as well - my hooter has already had a treatment, and I'll report back to you soon. Incidentally, it smells divine ♥...

How beaut it was to play catch up with some of the other bh members, so many of whom are fellow beauty bloggers, like these two babes - Leah from Temporary Princess, and Marisa from Marisa Robinson Makeup Artist ♥♥♥...

And here's what was in my loot bag - I feel totally spoiled and so chuffed to have received so many delish products to try ♥...

 

If you're not already a beautyheaven member, I can assure you the rewards are amazing, and if you join now and vote, you can be in the running for one of 10 prize packs valued at around $1,000. I've been lucky enough to win two of these mammoth prize boxes in my 9 years as a member so I won't be entering the comp, but I WILL be voting for my fave products before the closing date of this Thursday 29th March...

Huge thankyous to the beautyheaven team (& sponsors) for this fun experience - you guys always put on the best show! ♥...

Take care of you,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: February Empties + Giveaway!...

We all know that February is a short month, but I didn't let that stop me powering through my usual truck-load of products - looking at this collective pic though, it seems that my sheet mask obsession is taking over lol! Actually, it's because I've been experimenting with "multi-masking" - applying up to four different masks concurrently on different areas. Well, why not I say? ALL my bits need work, so why only treat one section at a time, anyways here we go ♥...

Body

Compeed Blister Plasters (Box of 5, RRP $12.95)

I have quite a few pairs of sandals that have a closed in heel & ankle strap - for the first couple of wears when they're new, I find they often rub on the back of my heel, creating painful blisters. BUT, if I put on one of these patches first, it never happens. They are AHH-mazing, and even if a blister has already started to form, sticking one of these over the top stops the blister from a) getting any bigger, b) allows the inflamed area to heal without any risk of infection ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Never without a pack of these in my handbag! ♥♥♥

Natural Secrets Goatsmilk Moisturising Soap with Lemon Myrtle (100g, RRP $3.75)

There are a few varieties of this soap, but the Lemon Myrtle one is my fave, with a lovely crisp and fresh scent. The fragrance is very delicate though and doesn't transfer to your skin, so if you are sensitive to scents you won't have a problem. I always have a cake of this on the vanity for those times when I want a real good lathering that won't dry out my hands ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

This one was so kindly sent to me, but I've already bought another, it's so cheap hey ♥♥♥... 

Nature's Way Beauty Collagen Gummies (Jar of 40, RRP $19.99)

First discovered these in the beautyheaven 10th Birthday bag and it was love at first munch. I decided to keep buying them and give them at least 3 months to see if there was any change in my skin structure or texture. The result was a very slight firming around the jawline, but sadly not enough to be noticeable by anyone except me. Already I miss the taste though lol...

Repurchase?

No - the improvement was negligible, and not worth pursuing for just over $40 a month...

Purederm Moisture & Nourishing Hand Mask (RRP $4)

I haven't tried too many Hand Masks, but this one is the best so far. Very softening and hydrating, and while the gloves are voluminous enough to fit the Incredible Hulk, they at least stayed on my hands while I napped. The serum contains peach extract and shea butter ♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, I have a couple on my bench to get me through the dehydrating winter months ♥...

Thankyou Botanical Geranium & Rosewood Body Wash (500ml, RRP $8)

Full review HERE...

Repurchase?

While I enjoyed this variety, the Lemon Myrtle & Goat's Milk has won my heart ...

Face

A'kin Micellar Water (150ml, RRP $14.95)

Mmm one of the loveliest micellar waters I've had the pleasure to use - effective, soothing and cooling with a subtle botanical fragrance, contains organic coconut water & green tea. But for the $$$, it would want to be lovely! When you compare it to Essano or Garnier, the quantity equivalent would be $40, putting it up there with Bioderma pricing ♥...

Repurchase?

I'll probably buy another bottle as a treat for myself now and then ♥...

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

In-depth review HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely - haven't found anything better yet! ♥♥♥...

Grown Alchemist Hydra-Repair Day Cream Camellia & Geranium (65ml, RRP $65)

Came in a DJ's beauty bag from memory, beautiful BEAUTIFUL cream, exquisitely fragranced, amazingly hydrating. It's one of those rare products where water is not first on the ingredients list, instead there's Aloe Vera, followed by no less than eight botanical oils. No wonder it's pricey! It's actually so intense I was using it as a night cream, although it's surprisingly non-greasy. Certified organic ingredients, and not tested on animals. If you're into organic natural skin care, then this is the bomb ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Probably - I have a stack of other day creams in my drawer, which I need to work through before they go past their use-by date ♥♥♥...

L'Oreal Pure Clay Exfoliating Scrub (150ml, RRP $15.95)

Lovely gentle scrub that I would use every day if I wasn't the kind of gal who gets bored easily, but I am, and so I have a wide variety of scrubs because I don't want to tire of the ones I adore. Having said all that, this is a keeper - it smells so nice, and leaves my skin all smooth and flake-free ♥...

Repurchase?

Sure will, just as soon as I have some room in my shower caddy ha ha ♥...

Sukin Oil Balancing Charcoal Purifying Gel Cleanser (125ml, RRP $12.95)

Being a charcoal fiend, I just had to try this, and it's an equal favourite with  Graham's Natural cleanser (the range is now available at Chemist Warehouse BTW!). I'm particularly loving gel cleansers at the mo', and this Sukin one is a pleasure to use - takes off all my long-wear makeup, doesn't foam up too much, very subtle charcoaly sent, it's a very pale greyish colour which doesn't stain my washcloth, non-drying, and of course no harsh chemicals, and not tested on animals. Amazing value for such a quality product ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Done deal! ♥♥♥...

Face Masks

Garnier SkinActive Pure Charcoal Tissue Mask with Black Tea (RRP $4.95)

Same great fit as the Black Algae one, but not as hydrating for my skin's needs

Repurchase?

No, the Black Algae one is best for moi...

Lacura De-Stress Cloth Face Mask (RRP $2.99)

Some Aldi products are so-so and others are brilliant - this is one of the brilliant ones, and if you ever see it on their specials tables in the centre of the store, then you can't go wrong for the price. Lashings of serum that penetrated my pores for a major moisture boost. It's a bit sticky afterwards until it dries/sinks in, but that doesn't bother me ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

If I ever see it again, YES! ♥♥♥...

LonVitalite C7 Collagen & Gold Lip Mask (Box of 6, RRP $35)

Had to try these now didn't I (in the pic below) - totally in love with them, they work out at around $6 each, but well worth it if you have vertical lines above your mouth, the smoothing of them lasted till well into the wee hours, so these are the go for special occasions ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely - hoping that Adore Beauty has them on special soon! ♥♥♥...

Mirenesse Power Lift Superstar Eye Sheet Mask (RRP $16)

Was very happy to receive these in one of my bi-monthly VIP packs. Cooling, firming and hydrating, but the $16 price tag is over the top for what you get. I've had the same results from my $3 for 2 pairs Purederm ones below...

Repurchase?

No...

Purederm Ginkgo Eye Puffiness Minimising Patches (2 pairs, RRP $3)

Still raving about these ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Forever ♥♥♥...

Sephora Rose Lip Mask (RRP $4)

Already covered this in my November Empties post...

Repurchase?

I prefer the Shea Butter formula, so probably not...

Skin Physics Instant Lift V-Shape Vitality Mask (RRP $14.99)

Oh wow, if you have a sagging jawline or jowls, you need this. It's a two-part pack - top section contains a serum that you massage into the lower half of your face, and then stretch the "sling" to cradle the area, and hook it onto your ears. As you can see this is appearing in three of my pics because it's just sensational. I stocked up at the Priceline sale, and will do so again whenever it's on next! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

In a heartbeat, but I'm prepared to wait till it's on special ♥♥♥...

Skin Physics Total 360 Eye Revive Mask (RRP $9.99)

Another one to add to your Priceline Skincare sale next time around - hydrogel material that cools, hydrates and firms (pic above). Love how it covers the entire eye area - not quite as remarkable results as the aforementioned Instant Lift one, but still pretty darn good ♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, but probably only if it's on special ♥♥... 

Fragrance

Chi Chi Strawberry & Violet EDP (50ml, $19.95)

Reviewed HERE - love this perfume, pure romance, sounds like it will be really sweet but the blend is perfection ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I can't really justify it right now as I have so many, but I know I'll miss it too much, and undoubtedly cave! ♥♥♥...

Hair

Olaplex Hair Perfector No 3 (100ml, RRP $49.95)

My hairdresser put me onto this after a bleaching disaster that fried some of the hair on my crown. I swear there is no damage that this BRILLIANT product can't repair. You wet your hair and apply it for at least 15 minutes (1 hour for me) before shampooing - it rebuilds the hair shaft, and transforms stretchy cotton-woolly strands into strong healthy ones. This is often on special at Adore Beauty which is where I bought my last batch ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

For as long as I'm home-colouring my tresses, YES! ♥♥♥...

Makeup

Australis AC On Tour Contouring & Highlighting Kit - Cool Tone Cream (RRP $24.95)

Have included this in empties posts before - it's the only kit I've come across (and I've tried HEAPS) that has one pan that's the perfect shade for contouring my nose ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Always, but I never pay full price for it ♥♥♥...

Colourpop Creme Gel Liner - Over Board (RRP USD5)

I'm a huge Colourpop fan, and their Creme Gel Liners are my 2nd favourite for the waterline because they're creamy, they last so well, and don't irritate my eyes. I have one major gripe though - the colour product of every single pencil or wind-up liner I have in my kit from this brand has broken off or become detached from the base. It either gets stuck in the lid or it falls on the floor. Major design flaw - grrrrrr...

Repurchase?

Despite my above wingeing, probably - this bronzey colour is just plain gorgeous and I'm pining for it already ♥♥♥...

Maybelline Volume Express The Falsies Waterproof Mascara (RRP $19.95)

I go through one of these every three months - the only waterproof mascara for me ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

It's a done deal ♥♥♥...

GIVEAWAY!

As usual, I've picked some faves from this month to giveaway to one of you lovelies ♥...

• Olaplex Hair Perfector No.3
• Sukin Oil Balancing Charcoal Purifying Gel Cleanser
• Lacura De-Stress Cloth Face Mask
• Purederm Moisture & Nourishing Hand Mask
• Skin Physics Instant Lift V-Shape Vitality Mask

All products were purchased by me, the total value is around $85, 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 on this page, 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

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Michelle F. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Friday 30th March to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Michelle has claimed her prize ♥ 

Thanks for entering lovelies - there'll be another giveaway soon!

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

Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

REVIEW: Bodyblendz Collagen Masks & Coffee Scrub...

Last month I was contacted by the lovelies from Team Bodyblendz, an international skincare company based in Australia. I'd not heard of this brand before, but after reading about their natural body scrubs, the ingredients they use, their cruelty-free philosophy, and the fact they have free worldwide shipping, I was super keen to try some of their products, especially their Collagen face, lip and eye masks. Given my passion for masks (which I expressed to them), below is the selection of goodies they so kindly sent me ♥...

Sugar Glow Coffee Scrub

The fat pack is a generous 200g, and it's the usual presentation in a resealable pouch. The sugar granules are very fine, the coffee bits are bigger, but together they're gentle enough for the face, and I found this scrub easier to apply with my bare hands than others I've tried. The caramelish coffee fragrance is potent and delish while you're in the shower, but it doesn't linger on the skin - the only thing that hangs around afterwards is ridiculously soft and smooth skin! The recommendation is to leave it on for at least 2 minutes, so I usually start with my face, and then work it down one side of my bod before rinsing. Apart from the sugar & coffee exfoliators, ingredients include olive oil, jojoba oil, orange oil & vitamin E. All their scrubs are made in Australia and retail for $19.95, and there's a 25% price reduction if you subscribe, which means they automatically send you another pack every 30 days, and you can cancel any time after the 3rd charge...

Rose Collagen Facial Mask

The large box contained 4 funky looking masks, 2 Rose and 2 Brightening ones. Instructions #3 & #4 on the back of the pack (below) were a little puzzling as there's no tissue or paper backing to remove (?) and you need to be careful opening the foil pouch as the serum is as runny as water, so I suggest holding it over a bin or a towel while you're removing the tray. All the masks are made in China...

And here it is in action. Somewhat tricky to apply while you're vertical as it falls off at the slightest twitch, so if you're planning to move around while wearing it, forget it. I recommend positioning it and holding it to your face, and then lying down asap - this is a good thing as I firmly believe the benefits of this kind of face mask are increased if you relax as much as possible, and let it do the work. It has a beautiful natural and quite an intense rose fragrance, and given the eye and mouth slits are so narrow, best to keep all these closed during the process (quite a challenge to take a selfie!). There was a slight tingling and cooling sensation throughout, and 30 minutes later my skin was deliciously refreshed and hydrated, and I didn't feel the need to follow with my usual serum and moisturiser ♥...

Brightening Collagen Facial Mask

Of the two, this was my fave, although it made me look like Hannibal Lecter! Has the same rose fragrance (but not as potent) and similar issues getting it to stay on my face until I made it to the bed. This one has slightly different ingredients including Grape Seed Extract and a wee bit of Retinol, and I could feel all sorts of activity going on underneath the mask - almost like a tightening and pulling sensation, but not uncomfortable at all. The big difference afterwards was in the brightness and lightness of my complexion - wow, my skin looked like it was lit from within! Freckles appeared less intense too, and again there was no need to apply anything else. LOVE! ♥...

Collagen Eye Mask Kit

The box contains 5 pairs of eye masks - one pair is plain white, there's a green and pink set, and the gold and silver ones have little sparkles embedded in the jelly-like material. These are primarily for hydration, and they do just that. Comfortable to wear and they hold on the skin far better than the face masks so you can wear them while doing other activities. No reduction in my under eye puffiness, but the delicate skin looked and felt supremely moisturised ♥...

Collagen Lip Masks

No information on these at all, nor can I see them on the website (maybe they're new?), but I guess they have similar ingredients to the others.  As you can see in the pic below, they are HUGE and cover the entire lip area, and make me look like a parrot ha ha! 

The lip masks are quite a treat and really boost the moisture content of both the lips and the surrounding area. I have some vertical lines above my top lip, and for a few hours after the treatment, they were simply non-existent. I'd love to get my hands on more of these ♥ Incidentally the above photo was taken immediately AFTER using the Brightening Collagen Mask, and shows how luminous my skin looked from the treatment ♥...

Delighted with all of these products, and I'm keen to try more from this brand. The face and eye masks only seem to be available as part of the Facial Glow Gift Set, which is on special at the mo' for $59.80, and includes a Citrus face scrub, headband, and 2 of the lip masks...

Thanks heaps Bodyblendz for the opportunity to try these terrific products - looking forward to exploring your whole range ♥...

Take care of  you,

kats xxx

EOTD Catch Up!...

Was going through some of my old posts and realised I haven't done an EOTD upload since May last year! The simple fact is that time is my enemy, both from an ageing perspective, as well as how long it takes to make it all happen. I'm still way passionate about eye makeup (I can't imagine that EVER changing!), and invariably create a look up to 6 days a week, but the camera is becoming more unkind by the day, and adjusting my technique for closeups (like drawing on the crease or combing my fringe WAY down lol) to disguise the sagging, bagging and wrinkling sometimes just doesn't do the trick. I'm still putting some up on Instagram fairly regularly, but considering it was an EOTD that got me started on blogging, I figured some pics were well overdue here. I've also had a major change of hair colour (work in progress) and I'm tending towards cooler eyeshadow hues, so here's a few of the looks from the last few months, plus the full face makeup, clothing and accessories so you can see the whole effect ♥...

Morphe Brushes 35B palette, Eye of Horus Jewel Amethyst Goddess Pencil on the waterline

L'Oreal Infallible Lipstick - Eternal Rose

The Balm Matt Johnson & Matt Malloy, Natio Steel Grey Define Eye Pencil on the waterline

Cosmoholic Liquid Lipstick - Prudish Pink

BYS Peach Palette - Lavish & Peachy, Revlon Jade Colorstay Eyeliner on the waterline

 Revlon Ultra HD Lip Lacquer - Sunstone

Chi Chi Cosmetics Oasis palette, Eye of Horus Teal Malachite Goddess Pencil on the waterline

Mirabelle Beauty Modern Matte Lipstick - Crimson

Morphe Brushes 35B palette, Eye of Horus Scarab Sapphire Goddess Pencil on the waterline

NYX Cosmic Metals Lip Cream - Fuchsia Fusion

Makeup Revolution Envy, Colourpop Coconut, Eye of Horus Teal Malachite Goddess Pencil on the waterline

Dirty Little Secret Lipstick - Sugar Daddy

MBA Cosmetics Navy & Babybaby, Natio Steel Grey Define Eye Pencil on the waterline

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick - Vintage Pink

Chi Chi Oasis palette - olive & lime, blend of Models Prefer Lime Tart Infinite Colour Eye Pencil & Eye of Horus Serpentine Sultry Goddess Pencil on the waterline

 JeffreeStar Velour Liquid Lipstick - Unicorn Blood

Colourpop Tink, bhcosmetics Wilde & Free palette - ice blue, Natio Steel Grey Define Eye Pencil on the waterline

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick - Fatal Red

Hope you enjoyed these looks - in all pics, I've lined my lower lashline with Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner, and mascara used was Maybelline The Falsies Waterproof, and L'Oreal False Lash Superstar XFiber. As always, I ignore the majority of recommendations for mature age makeup colours and techniques, and just do what I want!

Do any of these EOTDs appeal to you?

Take care of you,
kats xxx