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