SPOTLIGHT: March Empties 2018 + Giveaway!...

Well, I guess no-one can say that I never finish products! Not a bad effort for March and this post is late yet again because of the time it takes to put it all together, but I sure do get a wonderful sense of achievement when I hit "Publish", and my recycle bin gets a good feed haha. Oh and there's a special treat with the giveaway this time around, so off we go lovelies ...

Body

Cutex Nourishing Nail Polish Remover (100ml, RRP $4.99)

This was my polish remover of choice (for my toes), but as of a couple of months ago, I stopped painting my own toenails, and now I have them shellacked at a salon - holey guacemoley, what rock have I been living under?...

Repurchase?

Not anymore, but it was the best and most effective for standard gel nail polish...

Cutex Acetone Free Nail Polish Remover (100ml, RRP $4.99)

So much kinder to my nails than regular remover, but takes a bit more soaking and rubbing...

Repurchase?

Even though I'm now having my toenails painted at a salon, I still need this for removing sticky marks that come off my shoes and dull the shellac, and it doesn't damage the glossy finish, so yes, bought some today in fact ♥♥♥...

Natura Siberica Oblepikha Shower Gel (400ml, RRP $12.99)

I wasn't a fan of this shower gel when it first came out - there was a sharpness to the fragrance that didn't appeal initially, but things change, well...I changed, and now I love it! Being tall and slim it takes up minimal space in my caddy, the turquoise bottle is a standout amongst the others, it contains lots of interesting Siberian herbs, no SLS, and it doesn't dry out my skin. Hoping that one day I'll be able to pronounce it lol...

Repurchase?

Definitely! ♥♥♥...

Nutrimetics Nutri-Rich Shower Oil (200ml, RRP $38)

This creates such a beautiful shower experience, I wish it wasn't so expensive. But just about everything from this brand eventually goes on sale, and surprise surprise, the replacement for this bottle was a freebie with my last order - score! A very interesting product - yes it's an oil, but when mixed with water it foams into a light and creamy cleanser that moisturises the skin without leaving it feeling greasy, or making the shower floor slippery. The apricot fragrance is to die for, and I don't need to apply any body lotions or potions afterwards. Very softening, very hydrating, very nice...

Repurchase?

Undoubtedly ♥♥♥...

Nutrimetics Ultra Care Platinum Hand Therapy (75ml, RRP $42)

Well, it's called Hand Therapy, and that just about sums it up. Superb hand cream with a soft baby powder scent that smooths and hydrates the most withered skin. I didn't notice any reduction in my brown spots, but I'd say a few tubes would be needed for that. Love the glam silver (platinum) packaging. It's as good as the L'Occitane Shea Butter one, and absorbs COMPLETELY!...

Repurchase?

That'll be a yes, as soon as it's on special ♥♥♥...

Original Source Limited Edition Hibiscus & Pomegranate Tea Shower Gel (250ml, RRP $3.99)

Fell for the scent of this bargain shower gel quite a while ago, and being a Limited Edition, I stocked up. Crisp and refreshing, this is a beaut all-year-round body wash that lathers well and the delicate fruity-floral fragrance is 100% natural. Contains SLS, but unlike numerous other products with this tricky ingredient, it doesn't dry or irritate my skin ...

Repurchase?

Would if I could but I think it's only available on eBay now - fortunately I still have several bottles stashed away in the cupboard ♥♥♥...

Face

BioEffect Day Serum (5ml sample, 30ml, RRP $195)

Crikey, from memory this sample came in an Adore Beauty order, but I nearly fainted when I looked it up and found out that a 30ml bottle costs $195!!!! It's an interesting formulation - the clear gel is amazingly smooth and a tiny amount spreads in a flash. It feels almost like silicone, but boy does it hydrate! No scent that I can detect and some of the online reviews are from gals that swear by it. Honestly, I didn't notice any change or improvement in the short period of time I was using it, but I may have been a bit more observant and frugal with the dispensing if I'd known how much it costs lol...

Repurchase?

Umm, I doubt it - lovely serum, but for that price, I need it to work an overnight miracle!...

L'Oreal Pure Clay Detoxifying Gel Wash (150ml, RRP $14.95)

Definitely one of my favourite cleansers. My passion for anything clay or charcoal is well documented, and this contains both, so it was bound to be a winner. Love the fresh fragrance, and while it's blackish in the tube, it becomes lighter grey when mixed with water and even foams up. It's one of those rare cleansers that removes every molecule of makeup from my face, and the rinse water doesn't leave a ring around my basin, which makes it a winner...

Repurchase?

I already have several of these stashed away (bought on special!) ♥♥♥...

L'Oreal Age Perfect Cell Renewal Advanced Regenerating Serum (30ml, RRP $49.95)

Trialled this for beautyheaven in March and gave it 5 stars - my review is towards the bottom of the page HERE. It's even better than the original formula, and I so looked forward to my beauty routines, both for the feel of it on my skin, and the revitalising lemony scent. Perfect overnight serum hydration-wise, and a beaut base for makeup too as it absorbs very quickly, and the pearly liquid contains tiny gold particles that give a slightly shimmery radiance to the complexion...

Repurchase?

No less than 6 serums on my bench, but as soon as they reduce to 3, I'll definitely be picking up another of these gems ♥♥♥...

Sukin Super Greens Detoxifying Facial Scrub (125ml, RRP $12.95)

My rave review of this is HERE...

Repurchase?

You betcha! ♥♥♥...

Face Masks

BLAQ Charcoal Hydrogel Eye Mask (pack of 5, RRP $29.99)

My latest under-eye-depuffing love (pictured below underneath the brown face mask) - these are slippery little suckers, so you can't really walk around with them on as gravity and the slightest movement makes them slide down, but they work a treat AND they contain charcoal. They work out to be $6 a pop, but who cares. LOVE!...

Repurchase?

Affirmative ♥♥♥...

Purederm Black Food Recipe MG:Gel Mask (RRP $3)

Exceptionally hydrating, and even (temporarily) firmed my jawline. Contains 17 black foods - whoa! - including black rice, black bean and blackcurrant. The blurb says that if you store it in the fridge, even more moisture will be released when you slap it on, so for me that little extra tip is a hot weather only one. Anyways for $3 from Kmart, it's a bargain and well worth trying to find it in amongst the gazillion masks they have for sale these days...

Repurchase?

Sure will - I have at least 30 sheet masks in stock to use up (gaahhhhh!), but I'll definitely be buying this one again ♥♥♥...

South Mane Lip Gel (Pack of 3, RRP US$9)

Also pictured above partially covered by the face mask, this pack of 3 came in a Lip Monthly box. They're huge and cover the entire lip area and surrounds, but are also very slippery so you need to lie down and not move your mouth at all. Nicely softening, but very little moisturising beyond the 10 minutes of wear...

Repurchase?

They seem to be only available from the US website, so I'll stick with the LonVitalite ones...

Skin Republic Bubble Purifying + Charcoal Face Mask (RRP $7.99)

Already raved about this one numerous times ...

Repurchase?

Absolutely! ♥♥♥...

Fragrance

Lanvin Eclat d’Arpège EDP (100ml, $140)

Just can't live without this beautiful fragrance in Spring & Summer - been buying it for years, and always ALWAYS receive compliments. Covered it succinctly in a previous empties post in 2016 (HERE) and nothing has changed - this stunner will forever be part of my life. BTW it is regularly on special at various outlets/websites, and I've never paid more than $65 for it...

Repurchase?

I make sure I have a spare even before I open a new bottle ♥♥♥...

Glasshouse Fragrances Beverly Hills Pink Lemonade Reed Diffuser (250ml, $42.95)

A full review of this beautiful baby HERE - it's so summery and fresh and fun! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Affirmative, but not till next warm season ♥♥♥...

Hair

Schwarzkopf Live Colour Silver Toner (RRP $5.49)

I think this may work best if you have bleached blonde hair - it toned down the yellow in mine, but overall my colour was too dark for this to have anything other than a neutralising effect. Leaves the hair nicely conditioned and glossy though...

Repurchase?

No - the one below is what works for me...

Schwarzkopf Live Colour Pastels Cool Grey (RRP $5.49)

Now, this is the go - it actually adds colour, a lovely soft grey (not purplish or bluish). It may sound odd that I wanted to put grey in my hair, but it's true - my ultimate goal is ash blonde with silver streaks. I've decided to go with the flow a bit more, and change my colour to something that blends a whole lot better with my white roots, which are killers to cover up every 2 weeks. This cheap-as-chips semi-permanent has already helped get me closer to where I want my tresses to be without any more damage, and I will continue to use it every month or so (in addition to the Schwarzkopf Colour Specialist) to keep the yellows at bay... 

Repurchase?

It was recently on special at one of the supermarkets, so I bought 8 (yes 8!) boxes ♥♥♥...

Makeup

Maybelline COLORdrama Intense Velvet Lip Pencil - In With Coral (RRP $9.95)

The perfect coral colour for my skin tone and I also use it as a liner for some of my other lipsticks - lovingly reviewed the range HERE...

Repurchase?

Can't live without it ♥♥♥...

GIVEAWAY!

As usual, I've picked some faves from this month to giveaway, and the thought crossed my mind, why only have one winner? So to double the fun, there are TWO prize packs this time around!

Up for grabs are 2 packs (1 for each winner) containing...

• L'Oreal Pure Clay Detoxifying Gel Wash
• Skin Republic Bubble Purifying + Charcoal Face Mask Sheet
• Original Source Hibiscus & Pomegranate Tea Shower Gel
• Sukin Super Greens Detoxifying Facial Scrub
• BLAQ Charcoal Eye Mask

All products were purchased by me, and each pack is valued at around $45.

And again because of the weight, the giveaway is open to...

AUSTRALIAN RESIDENTS ONLY 

(To all you gals who are overseas, there'll be another International Giveaway soon - dinks!)

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 following 2 beauties as the winners!

Sonia A. & Leonie C.  

Congratulations lovelies! 

Sonia & Leonie please respond to the emails I've sent you by

Wednesday 9th May to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Sonia & Leonie have claimed their prizes ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

REVIEW: Covergirl Katy Kat Matte Lipsticks...

In my post last Saturday, I had a bit of a whinge about matte lip products, but I should perhaps clarify that I have the most trouble with dehydrating matte LIQUIDS. There are some regular bullet lipsticks that are matte-ish and yet hydrating and totally wearable, like these Covergirl Katy Kat Matte Lipsticks - ever so comfy on my parched pout, they have a slight sheen, they're long-lasting and the range has some gorgeous colours ♥...

This first one is called Kitty Purry, and it's such a lovely soft muted pink - it's actually the perfect match for a polo sweater I have in my winter wardrobe, so it'll be making several appearances in the coming cooler weather ♥...

My favourite of the four, this is Catoure - I'd call this a mauve, but some would say it's a nude. Whatever it is, I adore it, and it's quite unique in my collection ♥...

Here we have Crimson Cat - a bold but not out-there cool red that's going to brighten those dull dreary days ♥...

And this last one is Maroon Meow - a deep purple-red that I'd classify as a berry, a blackberry in fact! It's a shade that will be adorning my pucker a lot as it doesn't bleed into the lines around my mouth, something that annoys the hell out of me with darker shades from some other brands ♥...

Ingredients include shea, avocado and aloe butters which explains why it's so comfortable to wear. They have a slightly sweetish scent, not at all strong, almost like vanilla...

There are 11 shades in the range - RRP is $17.95, but they're often on special at Priceline or Chemist Warehouse for half that. Absolutely love the formula, well done Katy Perry ♥♥♥...

Have you found a matte lipstick that's comfortable to wear?  Oh do tell, please!

Take care of you,
kats xxx

REVIEW: MAC Bold & Bad Lash Mascara - Glosscar Winner!...

Another of the gems that came my way at the recent Beautyheaven Glosscar Awards Marketplace Member Event. This MAC Bold & Bad Lash Mascara is a stunner in all departments - from the outrageously fabulous packaging to the two lash-lushing formulas in the dual-brush compartments...

Oh how gorgeous it is from the get-go! The main fat silver tube is covered in embossed graffiti made of a velour material - so funky, and to touch it is to love it lol ♥ There are two tubes with two different brushes and two different types of mascara. Unscrewing the black section reveals a solid stem with a generous and tapered brush - the product is the blackest black and designed to lengthen and bulk up the top lashes. I didn't find it did much for my length, but it coats effortlessly and sure makes my spindly lashes stand out without any hint of clumping - the brush separates the lashes brilliantly...

Under the red cap is a teeny weeny wand - honestly, the smallest and finest mascara brush I've ever seen, and it coats every lower lash you possess, even the invisible ones you didn't know you had ♥ The formula is different in that it is smudgeproof (bonus!) and for someone who blinks constantly, I'm very happy to report that it passed the kats under-eye-smudge-smear-flake test with flying colours...

I apply two coats from the red on the lower lashes and one coat of the black on the top. I then curl the top lashes and apply another coat of the black, and finish with a topcoat of smudgeproof - all set for the day, and yet it comes off with micellar water...

It's no wonder that it has, in fact, won a beautyheaven Glosscar Award 2018 for the best new mascara!

Thanks beautyheaven, and congratulations to MAC on this innovative mascara in a way WAY over-saturated market - a bold breath of fresh air! RRP is $42 - double what I usually spend, but if it's ever on special, I'm in ♥...

Take care of you,
kats xxx

REVIEW: Nutrimetics nc Hydra Brilliance Lipsticks...

Call me old-fashioned, but I'm so over this matte lipstick trend. Give me any kind of lip product - liquid, balm, bullet, wand, crayon - anything, so long as it doesn't wither my lips stat, or glue them together in the first few minutes after applying. Of course, non-matte lipsticks are still being made by most companies, so it's not like I'm panicking or anything, it's just, well, I've decided to not invest in any more lip shrivellers. Despite promises of pucker comfort, most of the time I'm bitterly disappointed with the formulations, even from my fave brands, so I'm officially getting off the matte bus. There I've said it! Which brings me to my latest pout purchase Nutrimetics, nc Hydra Brilliance Lipsticks. They're strictly a BM (Before Matte) style - creamy to the last molecule, not too waxy, not too slick, subtle sheen, dense pigmentation, bold colour. In short, my kind of lipstick ♥...

I was so excited to try these out I broke the blogger's rule of slicking them on before I photographed them, but you can still see that the bullet is majestically curved. The silver packaging is ritzy and modern, and the cap closure has an innovation which I reckon is awesome - there's obviously magnets involved because as soon as the lid is almost on, it snaps into place all on its own, and conversely requires a wee bit of effort to de-cap. Love it!

These were on special (usually the only time I buy Nutrimetics products), and I was intrigued enough to dish out $22.90 (RRP $30) to see if this amazing skincare company could put together a great lippie, and they can! Below is Garnet (122C) - a beautifully soft but intense red that will be getting regular workouts during Autumn/Winter...

And this is Orchid (115C) - such a gorgeous purply pink/pinky purple that looks particularly fab with the navy and teal elements in my wardrobe...

They're long wearing, dermatologically tested, no fragrance, and the blurb says they're enriched with Vitamin C & E and "Aquatic Herbs" - no information as to what they are but the ingredients list includes salicornia herbacea. There are 20 shades to choose from (HERE) and I love that on their website, the range is grouped into warm and cool hues...

Nutrimetics is against animal testing, and there's a 60-day money back guarantee. In summary, LOVE! ♥♥♥

What's your verdict on the matte vs regular lippie debate?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Nutrimetics Sweet Pea Posy Fragrance Diffuser...

My passion for colour and fragrance is pretty much limitless, so when I find something that combines the two (especially purple!), I'm literally in heaven. So I did a little happy dance when I spotted this Nutrimetics Sweet Pea Posy Fragrance Diffuser.  It's just the most gorgeous home accessory I've seen in a while, smells divine, so practical and clever, AND it's so beautifully presented ♥...

Most fragrance diffusers use a reed delivery system, but this one has a fabric flower with a wick attached which you sit on/in the open bottle, and the fragrant oil travels up into the petals. They gradually take on the soft violet hue of the liquid, and you're left with a very compact and stunning little posy whose delicate scent permeates the surrounding area ♥ Mine hasn't coloured up yet - takes about 7 days, and I'm so looking forward to the lilac end result. The bottle is heavy and square, so there's barely any risk of it toppling over. It's just the perfect thing to have on your bedside table hey!...

The fragrance is a combination of various flowers - I can't identify anything in particular, but from the name I'm guessing that sweet pea is one of them (lol!), and possibly lilac & violets too. It's a lovely and balanced floral combination, actually one I would dab behind my ears if it was available as an EDP, not fake in any way or overly sweet, and it honestly smells like you have a bunch of spring blooms in the room ♥ RRP is $40, but it's on special at the moment for $30. According to the box, the liquid should last around 4 weeks, but I intend to hang onto the container and fill it with something else (maybe lavender oil?) because I just adore the look of it, plus I don't have to flip any sticks over to maintain the scented radiation...

MOTHER'S DAY GIVEAWAY!

I reckon it's the perfect Mother's Day gift, and so I'm giving one away to one of you lovelies to gift to your precious Mum on her big day (or keep for yourself!) ♥...

And because Mum's are so special, I'm also including this boxed travel-size Nutrimetics Apricot Luxuries Collection containing...

• 50ml Nutrimoist Moisturising Creme
• 50ml Apricot Body Dew
• 50ml Loofah Shower Gel
• Shower Puff

Total prize value is $80, all products were purchased by me, and because of the weight and liquid content, I'll have to restrict this giveaway 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 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 Tigerlily as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 25th April to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Tigerlily has claimed her prize ♥

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

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I'm repeating that you MUST leave a comment on this page to be included in the draw - in previous giveaways, some lovelies have been entering via the Rafflecopter, but not commenting so PLEASE comment below so that I don't have to disqualify you ♥...

Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

REVIEW: Schwarzkopf Colour Specialist Supreme-Care Colour Creme...

Back in February, I discovered this ever so gentle home hair colouring kit through a Trial Team invitation from beatyheaven. Somehow I'd never spotted this Schwarzkopf Colour Specialist Supreme-Care Colour Creme, probably because to date I've only found it at Priceline, and I usually buy my hair dye from the supermarket. Anyways, I was so excited about the concept of the Omegaplex Anti-breakage Technology that I bought a box even before the trial began, and as you can see, I've used it quite a few times since, and I'm thrilled with the results...

All but one box in the photo above is 8.1 Cool Light Blonde, and it's pretty obvious in the pic below that my hair didn't turn out like the shade on the pack...thankfully! In fact, I'm ecstatic - it finished up being super cool and ashy (which is what I was after), but darker than I planned (the photo is with a flash so it looks lighter than reality), no doubt because my hair is so porous from a lifetime of home colouring/streaking. So I've bought the 10.1 Cool Ultra Light Blonde (top right) to see if that's more like the light ash blonde hue I'm aiming for, and I'll report the shade results at a later date. I'm pretty hopeful though, and despite it being such a pale colour, they still promise 100% grey coverage. Actually, I usually buy two shades once I'm set on a colour path, one darker one lighter, and alternate between the two to minimise build-up ♥...

Below is what's included in the pack - the usual tube of colourant, developer, gloves and instructions,  and there's also a blister pack of anti-breakage serum that you mix into the other contents of the bottle, plus two sachets of conditioning creams. No.2 (black) is a "repair sealer" that you leave on for 2 minutes after rinsing, but I have to say that even before I applied it, my hair felt as soft as silk with no tangles - amazing! Sachet No. 3 (silver) is what they call a "repair reviver" and you apply that 3 weeks after the initial colouring to maintain the glossy condition (and colour) of your tresses. My hair is short and I found there was enough for two applications, so I've been combing it through my hair weekly (I colour the white roots every fortnight), and it's stayed soft and manageable with lots of shine. Incidentally, there's barely any of the usual ammonia smell during the dyeing process ♥...

On the back of the box is an explanation of how the "micro-bonds protection" process works, and work it sure does! ♥...

In summary, it's the best, kindest and most loving home hair dye kit I've tried in over 40 years (!), and it's the one I'll be using going forward. At $18.99, the price is quite a bit more than I've been used to paying but so worth it for the way less damage it does to my hair. Thanks a bunch beautyheaven for introducing me to this brilliant box of mane colouring benefits! ♥...

Do you dye your hair at home?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

REVIEW: Nutrimetics Mysterious Aqua EDT...

It's a bit late in the season to be reviewing a hot weather EDT, but I only scored this a few weeks back, and I've been so enjoying a new fragrance to keep me cool and fresh during this odd extended Sydney Summer (that's not a complaint by the way - I'm a warm weather lover ♥)...

Mysterious Aqua EDT by Nutrimetics was a blind-buy and one I gave myself a pat on the back for NOT resisting the 60% off sale price! The blurb says it's a combination of floral hibiscus, pineapple and sea salt, and while my nose can't tag any of those individual ingredients, it's been tingling with delight at the end result - a flower fresh concoction with a tropical zing that's been lifting my spirits high above the steamy humidity. While the bottle isn't what I'd call a stunner, the deep cyan colour is a standout on my perfume shelf, and it sure does have some seriously sensual womanly curves...

Being an EDT it doesn't hang around for more than an hour or so, but when I'm melting and want a cooling hit to clear the steamy cobwebs, intensity or longevity is not on my list anyway, and this aqua beauty just hits the spot. Having said that I don't think I love it enough to pay the full RRP of $38 for another 50ml, - but like a lot of online beauty companies, the trick is to wait till there are sales, and this was well worth the $16.90 I paid for it...

Do you ever blind-buy fragrance? Were they winners or losers?

Take care of you,

kats xxx