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

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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 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!

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx