Arden Beauty EDP by Elizabeth Arden...

When I recently bought a bottle of Green Tea Scent Spray, I didn't realise it would be the start of a whole Elizabeth Arden fragrance exploration. Till then I'd only tried (and loved) True Love 3 years ago, and I guess as usual I was distracted by the plethora of perfumes on the market and didn't get around to sampling any more. But with quite a few from the range seemingly discounted to (in most cases) half price in the last month, it was the perfect opportunity to investigate more from this house. And after reading an online description of Arden Beauty followed by a quick spritz in Chemist Warehouse, I just had to add her to my collection ♥...

The bottle is quite plain, but there's a classic elegance to its simplicity, with the only adornment being the frosted gold name band at the top and a translucent red cap. You'll probably need to decant this one as it's 100mls and the flacon is thick, solid and heavy. The glass is colourless and the liquid inside is tinted with the merest hint of gold...

The fragrance is quite the stunner - light and crisp but with an air of sophistication, definite but not overpowering, and reasonably long-lasting (+4 hours). To me it conjures up autumn - when the mornings and evenings are starting to chill off, the leaves are turning amber and gold, and you can almost smell the moist earth in the air. On the other hand, I'm loving it right now in the spring, and I'm certain its freshness will carry me through hotter days as well. Created in 2002, it's usually classified as a green floral, and I almost concur, although I would start the description with "spicy" or maybe even label it as a "green floriental" as it has an eastern edge to it, an unmistakable tang, possibly from the inclusion of ginger and rhubarb. I've also seen it described as a woody oriental, but hey, we all know how subjective and personal perfume is. There's also iris and bergamot, orchid and lily, and the base is a blend of my all-time loves - musk, amber and sandalwood...

Since my purchase, I've been poking around and can't see it on the EA website, and one fragrance site actually listed it as "discontinued" - if that's the case it's such a shame after all these years, and especially as this beauty and I have only just been introduced. Needless to say, I'll be hoofing it back to Chemist Warehouse and grabbing another bottle ($14.99) in case it will soon be gone forever ♥...

Do you have a favourite Elizabeth Arden fragrance?

Take care of you,
kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: October 2018 Empties & Giveaway!...

Late again, but that seems to be the way with my Empties posts, so I'll just get on with all the amazing things I finished off in October - only one dud lol!...

Body

Coffee Bar Vanilla Latte Body Exfoliator (60g, $5.99)

Hmmm - have you ever wondered what it would be like to rub your skin with a cheese grater? Not something I'd thought about, but I reckon this bar does an admirable impression. I was not prepared for how painful this would be - I mean, there's no warning on the pack to say "can be used as a torture device".  I'm joking of course, but if you have sensitive skin, don't even go there. It's not technically an empty as I still use it occasionally on my heels, but only if I'm feeling particularly brave...

Repurchase?

One word, two letters - N O !!!

Ecostore Vanilla & Coconut Body Wash (400ml, $8.99 from Woolworths)

Had another rave about this on Sunday in my SLS-Free post ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Always! ♥♥♥...

Natural Secrets Goatsmilk Moisturising Shower Gel (500ml, $11.99)

A full and glowing review of this skin soothing wonder HERE. It's also SLS-free ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely, just have to finish off something else to make room lol ♥♥♥...

Thankyou Botanical Patchouli & Vanilla Hand Wash (500ml, $7.50)

Love this for the cold months as it's quite a warming earthy scent, and it's terrific value - the bottle lasts and lasts ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Definitely, but not till next autumn - I've already bought the Lemon Myrtle one for summer ♥♥♥...

Face

Alpha-H Liquid Gold (100ml, $59.95)

This was a 200ml bottle I bought on special last year. About 6 months ago I switched from using it every night to once per week because my skin seemed to have become used to it. But after reducing the frequency, I'm back to seeing the usual and wonderfully dramatic results, as well as experiencing the comforting tingle of this ahh-mazing skin resurfacer ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I still have a 100ml bottle in reserve, but once that's done and dusted, definitely ♥♥♥...

DB Pore Minimising Primer (25ml, $14.99)

Interestingly I stopped using primer earlier in the year as I was mixing together my CC cream and foundation (50/50) and didn't seem to need anything to prep my skin other than moisturiser. But, I was recently gifted with some Nude by Nature Mineral Cover, and it looked terrible on my face UNTIL I dug into my drawer and found this neglected tube. It's actually a brilliant primer and certainly fills in the pores so that the powder foundation sits magnificently, and lasts all day. It's a mousse consistency, oil & talc free, vegan and not tested on animals - WINNER! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Till the cows come home ♥♥♥...

Grahams Natural Organic Lip Balm - Raspberry (4.25g, $7.95)

Sometimes I wonder why on earth I bother with any other lip balm when this is my favourite, and the most effective ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Just placed an order this weekend for four more tubes ♥♥♥...

L'Oreal Age Perfect Golden Age Rosy Re-Densifying Day Cream SPF15 (50ml, $38.95)

The Beautyheaven Trial Team has been the source of pretty much all the L'Oreal skincare I've tried - my 5-star review of this particular flavour is fourth from the bottom HERE. My blog review of the earlier version minus the SPF15 is HERE. If I wasn't so fickle with face products I'd probably keep buying L'Oreal stuff as it's always excellent, and my face has loved every variety I've been lucky enough to trial. But as mentioned last month, I'm torn as to which set I should use as they treat different concerns. I guess I'm waiting for them to bring out a 60+ radiance-enhancing, pigmentation reducing, pore-refining, wrinkle erasing, neck and chin lifting, combination skin formula - ha ha! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Gee...probably ♥♥♥...

L'Oreal Age Perfect Intensive Re-Nourish Extraordinary Repairing Serum (30ml, $36.95)

Another one I trialled for bh (4th from the top HERE) - loved it SO MUCH I bought a second bottle because the results were SO GOOD in the firming and texture refining department. I've only stopped using it because I have a drawer stacked with other serums that I simply must use up or they'll expire ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Once I've gone through a couple of others, without a doubt! ♥♥♥...

Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence (40ml, RRP $39.99)

One of the few products that I use every single day, and will do so forever - this is the bomb for youthful radiance, and to improve the effectiveness of whatever serum I'm using ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Whenever it's on special, I have three spares in my drawer ♥♥♥...

Sukin Moisture Restoring Night Cream (120ml, $19.95)

Sukin can do little wrong in my book, and this night cream is excellent but nowhere near rich enough for my winter skin needs, so I switched to something more potent in May - this is fine for me in the warmer weather & it's a lovely cream in a huge jar, but to be honest, I need something with major anti-ageing additives. And because of my usual dilemma of up to five opened moisturisers on my bench at any one time, I used it up on my body so it wouldn't be wasted, which was a brilliant idea as it was a totally divine all over moisturising experience for the better part of 2 weeks! ♥...

Repurchase?

No, but only because I need more high tech help than this can provide ♥...

Face Masks

Dr.Lewinn's Ultra R4 Lift & Firm Collagen Firming Face Mask ($9.95)

Mmmm nice one -  all in one piece, but there's a split along the cheek line so you can stretch and reposition the lower half to get the best fit. It's one of those jelly types, very cooling & refreshing, left my skin beautifully smooth and slightly pumped. Didn't notice much firming but I did look all glowy afterwards ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Will do, but will probably wait till it's on special ♥♥♥...

Garnier SkinActive Hydra Bomb Eye Tissue Mask ($3.99)

Very flimsy under eye patches (in the pic below) - this was not a good test as they moved around underneath the clay mask I stuck on over the top, so I'll reserve judgement till the next time I try them. They were lovely and cooling though, just not sure if they're any good for eye bags ♥...

Repurchase?

Perhaps ♥...

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

Love these, used two this month ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Priceline had them on special so I stocked up ♥♥♥...

Skin Republic Green Tea Mud Sheet Mask (18g, RRP $12.99)

Went on about these back in July - I think this is my #1 favourite mask  ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Finally nabbed a few on special ♥♥♥...

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

Have reported on these before - brilliant! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

You betcha ♥♥♥...

Skin Republic 24K Gold Aquagel Under Eye Patch (2 pairs, RRP $12.99)

Adore! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Got some on special! ♥♥♥...

Skin Republic Pink Clay Mud Sheet Mask (18g, RRP $12.99)

I think I'm keeping Skin Republic in business - if they make a record profit this year it will be because of me ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Ooh yes ♥♥♥...

Overnighters:

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

Went through three packs of these ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Every other week ♥♥♥...

Hair

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

Haven't found anything better than this as yet for maintaining my ashy tones - going through a tube every month ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Yes indeedy ♥♥♥...

Home

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

Covered the background of this last month - lovely scent combination of rose, tangerine & musk, and a cute little Big Ben charm around the neck ♥... 

Repurchase?

Maybe - I prefer the Paris scent overall, but this is nice for the cooler months ♥...

Makeup

IT Cosmetics Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer - Light (8ml, $38)

I bought this two years ago (review HERE), but it was way too light and I ordered the medium which is perfect. So it's been languishing in my makeup drawer for all that time, but I couldn't bear to throw it out - turns out that was wise as it was just the thing for my ghoulish Halloween complexion in the pic below. I mashed up an old green eyeshadow and blended it with the entire tube of concealer, and then plastered it all over my face and down my neck for an instant Morticia Adams/Angelica Houston! ♥...

Repurchase?

Not the light one - medium is the right shade for me ♥...

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

Reviewed HERE, my go-to brow product ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Forever ♥♥♥...

Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner (RRP $15.95)

The only lower lashliner I use ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I go through one of these every three months ♥♥♥...

NYX Ombre Blush - Mauve Me (8g, $17.95)

My favourite blush of all time - this is my second pan, and like the first one, I've gone through it in 12 months because it's the most beautiful shade that perfectly matches my skin tone. There's a picture of it in my review HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I bought a spare about 6 months ago, and I'm so glad I did because it's no longer listed on their website, or available in Priceline, which probably means it's been discontinued - WAAAHHHHHHHHHH! ♥♥♥...

Giveaway!

• Skin Physics 24K Gold Aquagel Under Eye Patches
• Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence
• Grahams Natural Organic Lip Balm - Raspberry
• DB Pore Minimising Primer
• BotanicES Body Crème - 100ml

All products were purchased by me, the total value is around $100, 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 Leonie C. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Thursday 6th December to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Leonie has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

REVIEW: SLS-Free Body Washes...

It's been an age since I did a multi-body-wash post, and given I've decided to NOT buy any more that contain Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), I figured it was a good time to let you know which ones I've found and loved (so far) that are SLS-free. There are heaps of others out there of course and I've barely scratched the surface of shower products that are minus this dodgy ingredient, but below are nine that are currently in my caddy(s) which I can highly recommend, and would most definitely repurchase as they are non-drying, pleasantly fragranced, reasonably readily available, and don't break the bank ♥...

I've already raved about the majority of these in earlier (either dedicated or Empties) posts, but there's a couple of newbies which I'm excited about too, so here we go, from left to right ♥...

Sukin For Men Body Wash - (500ml, $13.95)

I scored this for free from the beautyheaven Rewards Room, and it's delish! The scent is a combination of mandarin, lime & cinnamon oils which is fabulously refreshing, and also in the mix is aloe, jojoba, baobab, pepper & sesame oils. I really like the chubby squat bottle, and the bubbles are creamy, super concentrated, and even put a little moisture back into my skin ♥...

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

Reviewed last month (and more from the range) HERE. Absolutely crazy about this body wash - available from Priceline or the SheaMoisture website (HERE), and a reminder that there's a 30% discount code if you enter KATS at the checkout ♥...

Dove Deep Moisture Shower Foam - (400ml, $9.00)

Oh yay, at last, Dove has created a body wash that's sulfate-free! This shower foam has the classic Dove fragrance which I find so refreshing and zingy-clean, the suds are amazingly thick and rich, and two pumps will deliver a hefty hit of skin softening lather to deep clean your entire bod ♥...

Natures Commonscents Natural Goats Milk Body Wash - (500ml, $8.00)

Another beauty that's awesome value - there's a $4 discount voucher HERE for Woolworths which makes it half price! VERY subtle baby powderish fragrance, also contains vitamin E, and it's an Aussie brand that doesn't test on animals. This and their oatmeal scrub are ALWAYS in my shower - it's such a massive bottle with an indestructible pump, and so skin-loving and hydrating ♥...

Grahams Natural Body Wash with Cucumber & Aloe Vera - (250ml, $15.95)

Huge fan of the brand (which is now available from Chemist Warehouse), and I did a full review of this fabulous body wash back in February (HERE). Bliss if you have dry, sensitive or troubled skin and an absolute pleasure in the warmer months when the herbal green tea fragrance will give you an uplifting shower experience. Incidentally, it's on special at the moment (until 26th November) from their website for the ridiculous price of $4.95 - I've ordered several! ♥...

OGX Extra Hydrating Radiant Glow Argan Oil of Morocco Body Wash - (577ml, $17.99)

I had no idea that OGX made body washes & lotions as well as hair products, but I discovered this tucked away on a side wall in Priceline a few months ago. The most expensive body wash in this bunch, but well worth it for the moisture it feeds into your skin while it cleanses. There are a few other varieties in the range, and I'll be reviewing the Tsubaki Blossom (divine!) one in my November Empties post. This one is delightfully (and delicately) fragranced, and the bubbles are endless - currently half price at Priceline, but who knows for how long ♥...

Ecostore Vanilla & Coconut Body Wash - (400ml, $8.99)

I think this is my 5th bottle of this wonderful body wash. The best (all natural) vanilla & coconut scented product my nose has had the pleasure to detect. Totally non-drying, ingredients include harakeke, a medicinal plant that's used to treat boils and burns. Love that this range is available from Woolworths, and it's cruelty-free. I also use their hand wash, which smells just as yummy ♥...

Thankyou Botanical Lemon Myrtle & Goat's Milk Body Wash - (500ml, $7.99)

Another one that I've bought numerous times from the supermarket, and raved about in several  Empties posts - my favourite scent from this brand, it's SO lusciously lemony I could just sniff it all day long, and it comes in a hand wash too! The soothing and softening formula also contains aloe & chamomile, and this company is doing wonderful things for people in need ♥...

Marc Anthony Renewing Macadamia Oil Body Wash - (500ml, $12.99)

Another gem I spotted in Priceline, there are four flavours in this range, and I chose this one because it was labelled "extra nourishing", and it sure is. There's Tahitian vanilla, hibiscus & green tea along with macadamia oil & Vitamin E, and while the packaging is meh, what's inside is a subtle delight for the senses, as well as a treat for dry skin - definitely a keeper ♥...

Well lovelies, that's a wrap for the time being - hope this information is helpful to those of you whose skin objects to SLS ♥...

Take care of you,

kats xxx

Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Scent Spray...

Feeling extra good about this fragrance review catch-up - with so many choices available, I for one get SO lost in perfume-land, and even with regular sampling, it's a challenge to maintain a discovery pace. So when I find one I adore, I like to get a post up here asap hoping it might help one of you lovelies decide what to target in your searches. And here's another that I've only discovered recently, although it's been around for almost 20 years - Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Scent Spray ♥... 

First off I should clarify that this is neither an EDP nor an EDT, but rather a very light body spray. Consequently, it has very poor longevity, and very little potency, but that's by design, and precisely what makes it perfect for a hot summer's day when you just want an overall freshen up without swamping either yourself or the surrounding area in a strong scent ♥...

Officially, the ingredients are bergamot, caraway, rhubarb, lemon, orange zest, green tea, peppermint, jasmine, carnation, fennel, celery spice, amber, oakmoss & musk - whoa! What I smell when I generously spritz it on is a delicious yet delicate lemony-herbal scent with a splash of mint and a sprinkling of spice. If you are fragrance sensitive, then this might be just the ticket for you - it fades within a few minutes, and for an hour or so, leaves behind that just-stepped-out-of-the-shower tang, without being the slightest bit soapy. Can't imagine this offending a living soul ♥...

I'm absolutely loving it, and this huge 100ml bottle is currently on special at Chemist Warehouse for $12.99, which is less than half the usual RRP of $29. I think it would make a gorgeous and totally "safe" gift for any gal as it's so soft, uplifting and refreshing ♥...

Have you tried this pretty scent?

Take care of you,
kats xxx

REVIEW: Lacura Beauty Photo-Fit Lipstick + Giveaway!...

Looking back, I can't remember buying a Lacura Beauty lipstick that didn't impress me. The formula of any Aldi lipstick in my kit has always been creamy, super pigmented and moist, and they wear pretty well too, which is why every time there's a new range on special, I buy the lot - that, and the fact that they are as cheap as chips ♥ This most recent release of Photo-Fit Lipsticks were $4.99 each, amazing value as usual, and I have to hand it to Aldi - the packaging just keeps getting better, and you can really appreciate what I mean when you compare them to the first set I reviewed back in 2014 HERE (there's been a dramatic improvement in my photography and lip swatching skills too, thankfully!)...

I don't review every variety they sell as they are often "specials" and therefore gone within days (sometimes hours) and what's the point of writing a rave about something that no-one can get their hands on. But I made an exception with this lot as I was able to still find them five days after the release (mind you I had to go to four stores!) and picked up an extra set for the giveaway. Sadly, only four shades in the range, but surprise surprise, for me they are actually ALL wearable ♥...

This first one is New York and the lightest of the set. I was fully expecting to swatch and then bin it immediately as being too pale for my complexion, but it's really quite pretty and doesn't look half bad on me, which is a major achievement for a barely-there pastel pink ♥...

This is London, and I reckon it's the standout because it's such an interesting nude+/mauve, and I don't have many lipsticks in my kit that are a similar hue, plus it's so amazingly flattering ♥...

This pretty bold pink is Milan, and only one layer - another couple of swipes gives an impressively dense and intense fuchsia that will take you through spring and summer with some attitude lol ♥...

The last one is Paris, a sensational orange-red - ooh la la, it's so vibrant it may even glow in the dark ha ha! ♥...

So so comfortable, all of these kept my lips supple and moist for hours - they don't survive a meal, but that's pretty standard for such a hydrating formula. They have a very very faint caramellish fragrance and taste, but honestly, it's barely detectable. If you're looking for them in-store, the packaging is red and black, which brings me to the giveaway!...

If you missed these, then here's your chance to pick up all four shades, and because the parcel will be so lightweight, I'm opening this giveaway...

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 me 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 Bilqees as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Thursday 15th November to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Bilqees as claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx