REVIEW: Ecotools Wonder Cover Complexion Brush...

Every once in a while something comes my way that not only skyrockets to the top of my can't-live-without list, but also has a major impact on my beauty life, and this Ecotools Wonder Cover Complexion Brush is the BOMB! ♥...

Part of a gifted PR pack, it sure didn't look like any of my other foundation brushes, but nothing could have prepared me for the difference it would make to my daily face routine. I mean, this fabulously compact 100,000 bristles brush has cut my foundation application time by minutes, and when minutes count, that's a bonus worth a blog rave! ♥...

First up it's very short and stubby, and incredibly dense, and that's why it's so magical - it picks up liquid foundation in the blink of an eye, and combined with its unusual oval shape, my makeup is on my face and streak-free in less than 20 seconds, I kid you not ♥...

On most days I need medium to full coverage. While I don't have to deal with blemishes, I have scars, spider veins, pinkish patches and freckles (which, now that I'm older, are shatteringly referred to as age spots), and while I can get away with sheering out my foundation on some days, there are times when I just want to cover the lot and go for as flawless as I can get. Well, with this brush, it's finally possible! The slim but firm shape makes it super easy to push my base into the sides of my nose, under the brow bone and around my hairline without getting any slap where it's not supposed to be, and the bristles aren't just firm, they're also incredibly soft, which means the application is smooth and even ♥...

Another bonus is that the box says "best with liquid & cream foundation", but I find it BRILLIANT for applying powder foundation too! I've been using a baby kabuki for my mineral makeup, but have always had to pinch the bristles together to apply the powder evenly and thoroughly around my angular bits. However with this Wonder Cover brush, I can slap it on in a flash, and the finish is magnificent ♥...

Totally blissing out over this brush, and if you need full coverage, then this is the tool you've been waiting for. The blurb also says that dampening the brush before application will allow you to sheer out the finish, although I haven't tried this yet - I'm still basking in the afterglow of hiding all my flaws in a fraction of the time it usually takes ♥...

The Ecotools Wonder Cover Complexion Brush RRP is $24.99 - I've not seen it in my local Priceline store, but it's available on their website, and on special at the mo' for $19.99. Gonna get me another one of these for sure. There's also a Wonder Impact Shadow Brush (25,000 bristles) which I'll be reviewing soon, and a Wonder Colour Finish Brush (60,000 bristles) in the same range. Ecotools brushes are cruelty-free and the handles are made from renewable bamboo ♥...

Thank you Ecotools for sending me this awesome timesaving, skin-perfecting brush - I'm in love! ♥...

Take care of you,

kats xxx

REVIEW: Sarah Jessica Parker - Lovely EDP...

If you're in Sydney you'll probably agree that Spring has taken her time to get started. I hadn't quite begun to despair that the chill wasn't ever going to release its grip, but I was sure getting to the point of wearying of that icy tinge in the air every morning. But I reckon we've finally turned the corner, and I even took the plunge on Friday night and packed away all my boots, beanies, gloves, woolly jumpers and scarves - it's not the most exciting way to start a weekend, but it sure felt good! To give Mother Nature a big hint, I'd already rearranged my fragrances a few weeks back so that the cold weather scents were safely ensconced in their dark little corner, and moved the florals, fruits, aquatics and crystallines to the forefront. I have a fairly extensive perfume collection, but like lipsticks, there's always room for one more, and I decided to celebrate the seasonal change by adding another little darling to the lineup - Sarah Jessica Parker Lovely EDP ♥...

Although this was SJP's first ever fragrance created way back in 2005, I admit I'd never sampled it, nor did I even before buying this 30ml bottle from Chemist Warehouse for $9.99. But, for that the crazy low price and the fact it's still on the market after 13 years, I figured I couldn't go too far wrong, and I was right lol! This is a precious little "lovely" in amongst a sea of often vanillary fruit celeb scents, and just what I had in mind to lead me out of the chill, and into the sunshine ♥...

The perfect size for my handbag, the bottle is beautifully curved, shaped almost like a drop of water, and it's the palest shell pink. The rounded cap is grooved, and there's a matching ribbed grey fabric ribbon around the base of the spray nozzle. Overall the look is pretty and feminine, and masterfully elegant considering how much it cost ♥...

The scent is a springtime delight - soft, subtle and light, so light I would categorise it as "barely there", so I doubt that folks who often experience headaches from a fragrance will have a problem with this sweetheart. The opening notes of soft citrus (mandarin & bergamot) and rosewood with a splash of lavender instantly captured my heart. (There's supposed to be apple martini as well but I couldn't pick up even a splash of that crispy fruit, although there is a hint of gin ha ha.) Still, the enchantment continues unabated as the (surprisingly delicate) patchouli, orchid and paperwhites (narcissus) wake up from their slumber and add another dimension to the elixir. And then as the minutes go by, delightful little wisps of cedar, white amber and musk begin to rise from the base to cradle the flowers and gently fading fruit - so, so beautiful ♥...

I would classify this as a delicate woody floriental, which in my perfume book makes it the perfect transition from winter to spring - the woodsy/musky components balance the flowers brilliantly and add a little mystery to what could have been a plain jane floral. In quite a few online reviews, some folks have griped that in recent years, the scent is nowhere near as potent as it was on first release, some going so far as to say that the market is riddled with fakes. I guess it's possible, but also possible is that the components or source and/or quality of the ingredients may have changed, as has been known to occur (but not admitted) with far more expensive perfumes from longstanding fragrance houses. But having never sampled the original, I have no cause for complaint - the scent I have is a delicate little treasure that lasts 3-4 hours, and I'm so happy to have FINALLY added SJP Lovely to my fragrance lineup ♥...

Have you tried this perfume? Any others from SJP you would recommend?...

Take care of you,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: September 2018 Empties & Giveaway!...

Whoa, what happened to September? Soon it will be Halloween with Christmas not far behind, closely followed by another year coming to a close. There always seems to be an acceleration of time in the last few months of the year, probably because there's quite a bit going on in the celebration and social scene (let's not forget Melbourne Cup), so before October sinks into the sunset, here are my Empties from last month ♥...

I haven't listed the Skin Republic Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patches or the Purederm Ginkgo Eye Puffiness Minimizing Patches because I use them every month, without fail ♥...

Body

Dove Go Fresh Rejuvenate Pear & Aloe Vera Body Wash (375ml, RRP $6.99)

This was left over from last summer and one of the few remaining body washes in my caddy that contains SLS. It's such a shame as it smells divine, and it really is quite moisturising, but I'm determined to eliminate this ingredient from my shower-time ♥...

Repurchase?

Not until Dove removes SLS from their formulas ♥...

Johnson & Johnson Hydrocolloid Band-Aids (Box of 10, RRP $8.47)

Covered these in a post last November - the only band-aids I buy these days ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Always have a box or two in the house ♥♥♥...

Natures Commonscents Goats Milk & Oatmeal Scrub with Vitamin E (600ml, RRP $8)

For my winter skin, I tend to go for more gentle body scrubs, but use them more frequently (every other day) to keep on top of the flakies, and this one from Natures Commonscents is ideal for a mild sloughing that's non-drying. My skin always feels more fragile in the cold weather, and I find the oatmeal content to be calming & restoring, and the goats milk is always a winner for softening and hydrating. This is a massive bottle for the price, and whaddya know, I've just found a coupon for a $4 discount at Woolworths (HERE) which is valid till the end of February 2019! The formula contains no sulphates, parabens or poly beads (oatmeal flakes are the exfoliators), the scent is oaty (is that a word?) and very mild, and this company doesn't test on animals ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely, and especially when it's half price with the checkout voucher ♥♥♥...

Nutrimetics Ultra Care+ Extreme Night Hand Repair (100ml, RRP $44 for Day/Night)

This is one half of a hand repair "kit", which includes a pair of white cotton gloves for extra nighttime protection, and the other tube is a day cream that contains SPF15. I haven't been using the day formula because it's quite greasy, the SPF fragrance is strong, and to be honest I don't see the point of sun protection in a hand cream unless you're going to reapply it every time you wash your hands, which for me is all the day long. But this night formula is awesome! I've had some very intense and large freckles on my hands since my childhood, and nothing NOTHING has worked as effectively as this cream to fade them. I mean I've tried at least 5 different spot fading products over the years, and religiously applied a well-known cream twice a day for 12 months (plus the accelerator) and didn't get results close to what I have seen in 3 months with this gem ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I've already bought another set (on special) - initially, the plan was to include the second tube in my usual monthly giveaway below, but sorry not sorry, I need it! ♥♥♥...

Face

Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm (125ml, RRP $55)

This was gifted at the beautyheaven Turns 10 Birthday Bash last October, and one of the two reasons why I've converted to a balm for winter cleansing (the other is below). I'm quite late to board the balm bus, but I'm sitting comfortably in my seat and expect it to be a rewarding and comfortable journey. This stuff is miraculous and actually warms the skin while it cleanses, which makes it a cool weather only product, but one I'm thrilled to have discovered. So gentle yet so effective, this is quite solid until you scrape some onto your hands, and then it melts into an oil in a flash. Deeply cleansing and hydrating, non-greasy or oily, and for those with sensitivities, it's also fragrance-free. I add a little water after massaging it all over my face and then wipe off with a damp cloth. The jar is made from lilac-coloured super sturdy plastic, and I've kept it as a container for one of my scrubs that's in a glass jar (no glass in the shower!). My beautyheaven review of it is 3 from the bottom of the page HERE. Adore it! ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Definitely, but not till next Autumn ♥♥♥...

Nutrimetics Nutri-Rich Cleansing Balm with Apricot Oil (100ml, RRP $39)

Went on about this in a dedicated posted back in June HERE. Another balm that I'm totally sold on, and with the delish Apricot Oil scent, my fragrance craving is satisfied. I've been alternating this with the one above, and my usual cold season shrivelled snake-skin face just didn't happen this year - woo hoo! ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Definitely, but not till next Autumn ♥♥♥...

L'Oreal Age Perfect Cell Renewal Revitalising Day Cream SPF15 (50ml, RRP $44.95)

I trialled this set for beautyheaven back in March and gave it 5 stars. Actually, I always give L'Oreal skincare 5 stars as it's always so good, and my face loves ALL of their products. The problem is which one do I stick with? This one has black truffles included in the formula, and while it's a bit SPF stinky, it sure is a lovely cream that left my complexion amazingly smooth and soft, and the black and gold packaging is so ritzy looking ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Possibly, probably - I do love it, but I'm always drawn back to the Laser X3 range, and then again I've just finished trialling the Intense Nutrition range which I also loved. Sheesh, what a dilemma! ♥♥♥...

Olay Luminous Micellar Water with Rice Bran Extract (237ml, RRP $12.99)

Regular readers will know of my fascination for micellar waters and the fact that I've tried literally dozens. I actually published a whole series called Micellar Magic back in 2016, and have since road tested even more. Overall they were pretty good, some were better than others, one was awful, and regrettably, this one is awful too. I bought it because it was Olay, and it had a groovy dispenser cap where you place the cotton pad on the top and push down, and the pump squirts the right quantity of product onto the pad. It took me a while to get used to this little gadget - when you're done, you have to remember to twist it anti-clockwise to lock it or else water squirts out when you snap the cap closed. Fine. I can adjust, but the product itself was quite weird - it's fragrance-free but smells peculiar, and I found it dragged over my skin (give my old face some slip puh-lease!), and then the pad started to break up. I also found it quite drying, and didn't see any luminosity. In short, I tipped it out after a week - I have so many on the shelf that I know are great. Sorry Olay, for me this was a fail... 

Repurchase?

No, just no...

St. Ives Blemish Control Apricot Scrub (150ml, RRP $9.99)

My ancient (2014) review is HERE, but nothing's changed - I still love it and it's still a regular in my scrub collection ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Always ♥♥♥...

Voeu Micellar Water with Witch Hazel Extract (200ml, RRP $4)

For four bucks, this is a beauty and great value. Has a barely there witch hazelly scent, cleanses effectively, doesn't dry out my skin, and there's plenty of slip. Also contains Provitamin B5 & Hyaluronic Acid. The only thing I don't like is the screw cap - give me a flip top any day! Available from Woolworths and BigW only ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

I still have a backlog to clear, but yes this is on my repurchase list ♥♥♥...

Face Masks

Eaoron Ultimate Botox Mask (Box of 5, RRP $29.95)

Quite impressed with this - firming, hydrating, smoothing, and I picked up the box on special for half price, so each mask worked out to be $3! It's one of the best face-fits I've experienced - unusual because it completely covers both upper and lower eye area (with zero stinging), and even includes lips. Sort of a one-sheet-does-everything approach, and I love it. Hardly a substitute for Botox, but it'll do for what I want ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I reckon so - even at full price ($5 each), this is great value for the total coverage and excellent results ♥♥♥...

L'Oreal Paris Pure Clay Detoxifying & Brightening Charcoal Mask (50ml, RRP $19.95)

My favourite of the range, always leaves my face feeling deep cleansed and helps to refine my pores. Like most charcoal products it stains my washcloth, but it's a clean stain, right? ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I will for sure as soon as I get through a couple of others on the shelf  ♥♥♥...

Minenssey Deep Cleansing Mask (Box of 9, RRP $79)

A selection of all four kinds was gifted at the bh Best in Beauty Event last month. It's a beautiful formula that unlike most creamy masks, doesn't actually dry out or feel tight on the skin. There are 9 single-use "pods" in the box, so the ingredients are always fresh and active. It's quite an indulgence (but one I deserve!) and left my skin feeling calm, cool, super clean and lovingly pampered. Lots of Australian plant extracts plus green clay ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I'm in two minds about these masks - they are divine and the presentation is exquisite, but I have concerns that you have to buy a whole box and brush every time, a refill option would be great ♥♥♥...

Olay Magnemasks Infusion Rejuvenating Sheet Mask (Box of 5, RRP $28.99)

Oh yassss! I loved this so much I went out and bought another box the next day. The simplest easiest to use mask ever - no backing sheets, you just tear open the sachet and fit the two pieces onto your face. They cover just about every area and this particular flavour targets fine lines & lack of firmness. I didn't buy the magnetic gadget that you use afterwards to push the leftover serum down deep, but I may indulge at a later date. My skin looked so good after this ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

It's a sure bet - I just LOVE that Olay products are so often on special too ♥♥♥...

Skin Republic Platinum Peel-Off Face Mask (3 applications, 27ml, RRP $12.99)

I've never been a fan of peel-off masks. Apart from the concern about stretching my skin unnecessarily, I'm one of those gals with peach fuzz - I have tiny little hairs all over my face, and when it comes to peeling off the mask, it's almost as painful as waxing, although the hairs aren't removed.  But I decided to try this and the 24K gold one to see if the results were worth the pain, and the answer is yes. This formula supposedly contains real diamond powder - what that does I have no idea but my skin looked pretty darn good afterwards. It also contains 6 fruit acids for a chemical exfoliation. The blurb says it's for preventing premature ageing - too late for moi! ♥♥...

Repurchase?

Probably not - I think the gold one works better for me ♥♥...

Skin Republic 24K Gold Peel-Off Face Mask (3 applications, 27ml, RRP $12.99)

Ditto the above, just substitute 24K gold for platinum. No diamond powder, but holey guacemoley, how smooth and youthful does my skin look in the pic below? Whoa! Pity it doesn't look that way when the mask is peeled off ha ha. Anyways as you can see this one applies far more evenly than the platinum one (I used a brush for both) and left my skin texture looking more refined with smaller pores all over, and in general my face felt cleaner. The target for this one is fine lines and wrinkles, and they sure disappear while you're painted ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yeah - even though it's quite torturous, the results are worth a few minutes of discomfort ♥♥♥...

BeautyCare (Kmart) Rosehip Under Eye Patches (3 pairs, RRP $2)

Also in the above pic are these el-cheapo cloth patches from Kmart. Wasn't prepared for them to be so good, but they were! Reduced my eye bags considerably (if only temporarily) and the serum was so softening, I put one on my lips too. These are FABULOUS for the price, however, be warned they are made in China ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Sure did - I went back a week later and they were sold out, tried a few more times and when the shelves were eventually reloaded, I bought a stack! ♥♥♥...

Swisse Manuka Honey Detoxifying Facial Mask (70g, RRP $17.99)

This was a sachet I received from...can't remember, but wherever or whoever it was, thank you! Absolutely loved this and how soft and clear it left my complexion - contains charcoal and kaolin clay and is aimed at combination skin. Mine is becoming drier as I age, but I still experience pore congestion from time to time, and this is designed to clean out the gunk. I might even prefer this to the L'Oreal one. Interestingly, Swisse skincare has only come to my attention recently - I thought they only made vitamins, but I'm really quite impressed with this and the Hyaluro mask ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes indeed, again, once I've finished off a couple of others ♥♥♥...

Hair

Kevin Murphy Shimmer.Shine Repairing Shine Mist (100ml, RRP $42.95)

I raved about this last October. It's a fabulous shine spray for golden blondes that contains the finest and teeniest little particles of gold glitter, and while it's no longer all that suitable for my ashy tresses, I couldn't bear to toss it without using it all up first. This is shine and gleam without the glug ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

No, but I'll definitely be buying the ash (purple) version called Shimmer Me Blonde ♥♥♥...

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

My hair can't live without this - the best, the most magical, ultimate restorer of health to damaged tresses. Expensive but SO worth it for shiny, strong healthy locks. If you home colour, you need this ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Forever - I usually buy the (best value) $75 duo pack from Adore Beauty but it's out of stock at the moment. Just as well I still have one bottle left ♥♥♥...

Scott Cornwall Colour Restore Iced Platinum Anti-Yellow Toner (100ml, RRP $16.95)

So this is my new antidote for the yellow tones that always emerge as my ash hair colourant fades between sessions. The Schwarzkopf Live Colour Pastels in Cool Grey I was using started to turn my hair green - fine for Halloween but not the rest of the year lol! I will experiment with mixing it in with a purple shade, but in the meantime, this Scott Cornwall one is working for me. I use it after colouring my roots - I mix about half a tube in with my hair mask and then plaster it all over for 20 minutes. Perfect ashy highlights that last till the next time I colour! ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Yep, recently stocked up at the Priceline sale ♥♥♥...

Home

Models Prefer Scented Reed Diffuser Sampler - Paris (Box of 5, RRP $30)

Bought this sampler set because it was half price, and I'm always on the lookout for reed diffusers - I prefer them to candles as they are continuous, and there's no flame danger. There's no denying these are such cuties! The frosted bottle has images of capital city landmarks etched on all sides, and each one has a relevant silver charm around the neck - this being Paris, the charm was the Eiffel Tower natch. The fragrance itself was fresh and crisp, with notes of Iris, Lily & Patchouli. It's such a tiny little thing though, and in my big room I could only smell the fragrance when I was next to it, but it would probably be effective enough for an enclosed toilet situation. Would I buy the full-size versions? Maybe - I'm currently sampling the London one (rose, tangerine & musk), just not sure whether any of the scents would be powerful enough for what I'm after ♥... 

Repurchase?

Peut-être (maybe) ♥...

Makeup

Eye of Horus Goddess Pencils - Serpentine Sultry (dark olive) (RRP $30)

Endless love ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Affirmative - after charcoal, this is the colour I use the most ♥♥♥...

Maybelline Total Temptation Brow Definer - Blonde (RRP $13.95)

Reviewed HERE, I go through one of these every month - yes that's right, I have no brows! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Recently bought enough on sale to last me till halfway through next year ♥♥♥...

Giveaway!

As usual, a selection of this month's empties for one of you lovelies...

• 1 x Skin Republic Platinum Peel-Off Face Mask
• 1 x Skin Republic 24K Gold Peel-Off Face Mask
• 2 x Eaoron Ultimate Botox Masks
• 2 x Olay Magnemasks Infusion Rejuvenating Sheet Masks
• 2 x boxes of BeautyCare Rosehip Under Eye Patches (6 pairs)
• 1 x L'Oreal Paris Pure Clay Detoxifying & Brightening Charcoal Mask

All products were purchased by me, the total value is around $70, and 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 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 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Isabel B. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

Isabel please respond to the email I've sent you by midnight

Wednesday 31st October to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Isabel has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

REVIEW: Nutrimetics Nutri-Rich Intensive Lip Treatment SPF18...

Well now here's yet another Nutrimetics product I've added to my can't-live-without list ♥ Their Nutri-Rich Intensive Lip Treatment with SPF18 is one of my recent purchases (and a bargain one too), and I'm excited to at last have a lip balm in my kit that not only performs brilliantly, but it looks absolutely gorgeous too!...

This super-softening balm has the look and feel of a high-end lipstick. The case is a glam metallic gold base and cap with a silver (labelled) band in the middle. No more tatty balm sticks with the label wearing off - this one is a stunner, and one I'll be keeping in my handbag forever lol!...

Inside the tube is 3.8g of product - apricot kernel oil and Vitamin E blended into a non-sticky non-greasy lipstick bullet that beautifully hydrates my pout with a slight sheen, plus there's SPF18 for added UV protection. It has the familiar Nutrimetics apricot oil fragrance, but it's very VERY faint, and has the merest hint of an apricot taste...

Like most Nutrimetics products, the trick is to wait for them to be on sale, which fortunately is often. This balm has an RRP of $36, which is way over the top for what it is, and for my budget, but it's available at the moment for $14.90, so I snapped up several...

As always, I love to share when I discover something special, so I'm giving one of these lip treatments away to one of you lovelies. And to sweeten the pot, I'm including a couple of extra Nutrimetics goodies ♥...

• 1 x Nutri-Rich Bathing Bar with Apricot Kernel Oil
• 1 x Nutri-Rich Smoothing Lip Polish with Apricot Kernel Oil
• 1 x Nutri-Rich Intensive Lip Treatment

All items are sealed, were purchased by me, and the 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 
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

Also please note a couple of important things about this, and ALL my giveaways:

• If you don't leave a comment on this page, you won't be included in the draw!
• If the name you use to comment on this page is different to the one(s) you use to follow me, you must let me know in the email address section inside the Rafflecopter what name you have used to comment so I can match it up.

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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 Anissa as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

Anissa please respond to the email I've sent you by midnight

Wednesday 24th October to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Anissa has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

REVIEW: SheaMoisture African Black Soap...

Yay for Spring hey lovelies! And you know what that means - time to begin peeling away multiple layers of clothing, and ultimately revealing a bit more skin as the weather warms up. And if your Winter skin is anything like mine, you might need a bit of help preparing for the big reveal, well legs and arms anyway. So here is what's been helping me transform my cold weather scaly bits - the SheaMoisture African Black Soap range. I'd never heard of this brand until I was recently invited to trial their Jamaican Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Hair suite of products for beautyheaven, and I was so impressed with the quality, natural ingredients, moisturising properties AND the cruelty-free philosophy, I ordered this "body pack" from their website and it's still on special ♥...

This range is particularly for troubled skin - acne, psoriasis & eczema, none of which I'm dealing with (fortunately) but I figure if it's designed to comfort, balance and soothe any of those icky troubles, it could only be of benefit to my flaky old skin, and I figured right. Here's what's NOT in the products:

No Parabens

No Phthalates

No Paraffin

No Mineral Oil

No DEA

No Petroleum

No Formaldehyde

No Propylene

No Sulfates

It's a four generation-owned family business, they only test on themselves, and the shea butter they use is Certified Organic and Fair Trade. So let's get on with the goodies, and what else IS in them ♥...

African Black Soap Premium Large Bar Soap  (230g, $13.95)

Oh wow, I wasn't prepared for this to be so good! It smells fantastic, and it's such a massive size that will last forever because you only need a couple of rubs on your flannel for a complete head to toe cleansing experience. The bubbles literally go on forever, and my skin is left feeling soothed, nourished and hydrated. The fragrance reminds me of those white milk bottle lollies, so I guess that puts it in the category of sweetened vanilla - it's a subtle scent, but ever so delicious, and I love this so much I've already bought another cake for the hand basin ♥...

African Black Soap Body Wash (384ml, $24.95)

Well now, pretty much the same goes for this Body Wash - one squirt from the pivot cap and you've enough softening and intensely moisturising suds to last all the way down to your toes. The bubbles are amazing - so creamy and rich, and yet the shower floor isn't the slightest bit slippery. The fragrance is distinct and yet very delicate - like vanilla baby powder, but sweeter. The liquid is darkest brown with little black speckles, which I reckon are Cocoa Pod Ash, but that's a guess. The ingredients list goes on for a bit, but the number one position goes to aloe vera. There's also coconut, shea butter, Vitamin E, oat bran extract and palm. My skin feels SO soft after showering and I'm officially declaring this to be my new favourite body wash! ♥♥♥...

African Black Soap Soothing Body Mask (340g)

This mask was the last one I tried from the bundle, only because it requires quite a bit of skin exposure for 20 minutes, and I've been waiting for a warmer day so I could partake of its goodness. Well, the day came and I slathered this on my chest and upper arms, and what a difference there was after I rinsed off - instantly soft, smooth, becalmed and refined skin! Ok so we have bentonite, kaolin, shea butter, charcoal powder, cocoa pod ash, tea tree oil, colloidal oatmeal, jojoba oil, allantoin, tamarind extract, calendula extract and rice bran oil in the mix - with all that, how could my skin be anything but sensational? Again this light grey creamy paste has the delicate fragrance of milk bottle lollies. Divine! It's not listed separately on their website as yet, but I'm guessing that it will eventually be available to buy on its own ♥♥♥...

African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Body Scrub W/Tea Tree Oil (170g)

You know I love all of these products, but this Body Scrub just might be my pick of the bunch - it's one of the best body scrubs I've ever had the pleasure to use. A thick pale pearly grey concoction primarily of mango seed oil, shea butter, jojoba oil, bamboo charcoal and tea tree oil, you can see the teeny black charcoal grains that gently slough all the rough bits off your bod, and leave your skin as smooth as silk. It has a very faint vanilla charcoal scent which I doubt would bother anyone, and while twice weekly use is recommended, it's so gentle I've been scrubbing all over every second day because it's that darn good, and an absolute delight to use. It's in short supply at the moment so this one isn't listed separately on their website either, but fingers crossed that will change soon ♥♥♥... 

As always I am IMPELLED to share the love when I find something that really rings my chimes, so I'm giving away a couple of the delicioso products from their range...

There's a jar of their Balancing Moisturiser, which I haven't tried, but it was sent to me by mistake as part of the body pack. I contacted the company, and they sent me the missing body wash, and then very kindly said I could keep the cream or give it to someone who might need it. Nice one! As I have enough moisturisers to last me till 2025 (I'm joking, but it sure looks that way on my bench), I'm passing it onto one of your lovelies, plus one of the regular sized soap bars, which incidentally is safe to use on your face. If you would like to try these, let me know in the comments section below and I'll put all the names in a hat and pick a winner at random ♥...

At this stage, the SheaMoisture product range is only available from their website (HERE) or Priceline.

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. Editing this post because I'm excited to say I now have a discount code for you for SheaMoisture purchases from their website - enter KATS at the checkout and receive 30% off! ♥♥♥

P.P.S. Editing again to announce that the name I pulled out of the hat for the giveaway was...FREAKY

Hi Freaky, please email your address to katshepsutt(at)gmail.com so I can send you the goodies ♥