December 2018 Empties & Giveaway!...

A predominance of charcoal products last month (I love pretty much anything charcoal), and much to my amazement, two perfumes - always quite an achievement given I have a somewhat large collection of cheap and cheerful fragrances. There's a nice little bundle of faves in the giveaway too, so read on ♥...

Body

Thankyou Botanical Lemon Myrtle & Goat's Milk Hand Wash (500ml, $7.50)

This divine smelling hand wash is pretty close to being my all-time favourite. Just like the body wash, it has everything going for it - the lemon myrtle scent of the creamy and non-drying bubbles is just so refreshing on a hot day, it's a generous 500ml, SLS-free and not tested on animals. I've raved about it before and will continue to do so to spread the word about this Aussie-made range where 100% of the profits go towards ending global poverty ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Sure bet ♥♥♥...

White Glo Charcoal Total Mouth Detox Whitening Mouthwash (500ml, $6.99)

Delighted to have found a pleasant tasting mouthwash that contains fluoride and activated charcoal, so it strengthens teeth enamel as well as keeping my pegs whiter and my breath fresher. Has a not-too-strong spearmint taste and it tingles a little, but my gums are looking and feeling the better for it ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yep ♥♥♥...

Face

Antipodes Hosanna H2O Intensive Skin-Plumping Serum  (30ml, $48.99)

First raved about this gem back in June 2017, and nothing has changed other than I don't use it all the time because these days I need bucket loads of retinol to slow my wrinkle progression. But I alternate with this because I adore it. If I'm ever feeling stressed I just sniff the bottle and the fragrance calms me down ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Yes, and there's a spare in my drawer ♥♥♥...

Bioré Charcoal Cleansing Micellar Water (300ml, $10.99)

Current fave, I reckon it's even better than Bioderma - love the smell of it, the feel on my skin, and its sensational cleansing power ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Several in my stash ♥♥♥...

Blistex Pearl Soft & Silky Lip Balm (RRP $5.95)

I didn't finish this because it was just awful - possibly the worst lip balm ever. Smells and tastes sickly sweet, and does barely anything to hydrate my lips. It gets such rave reviews, I wonder if I received a dud. It was a freebie with one of my beautyheaven beautorium orders. Love the purple packaging and the pearl-in-an-oyster-shell concept, but this is not for me...

Repurchase?

Never...

Essano Rosehip Gentle Foaming Facial Cleanser (140ml, RRP $14.99)

Excellent cleanser, but I can no longer tolerate the fragrance so there was still some left in the bottle when I binned it - smells like old tinned cherries, I didn't even want to use it to clean my brushes...

Repurchase?

No...

Lancôme Advanced Génefique Youth Activating Concentrate (30ml, $99)

I won this in an Adore Beauty Instagram comp - wildly grateful for the win and the opportunity to experience a full bottle of this wildly popular elixir, and I thoroughly enjoyed using it, but from a results perspective, it didn't blow my skirt up. I reckon it's an age thing, with this awesome product being more suited to younger complexions ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Negative - if I'm going to spend that many $$$ I would invest in Visionnaire, which I've used before with sensational results ♥♥♥...

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Cleanser (145ml, $15.99)

Have fallen for this big time, especially in this hot steamy Sydney summer. So cooling and refreshing and brilliant for taking off every bit of grime, grease and slap without leaving my face feeling dry and taut. The scent is uplifting and I've been reaching for this just about every night - basically, the other cleansers on my bench haven't had a look-in since this arrived, and that's not likely to change any time soon ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely - can we have a bigger bottle please Neutrogena? ♥♥♥...

Nivea Hyaluron Cellular Filler Day Cream with SPF15 (50ml, $27.99)

A lovely day cream that came my way via the beautyheaven Trial Team back in September. I wrote a glowing review with 5 stars. It's a terrific day cream, smells delish, and providing I don't slap on too much, it doesn't make my skin greasy or give me any extra shine. Didn't observe much filling in of my wrinkles, but there was an overall improvement ♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes but probably not till next Summer - I'm using something else at the moment that will take me through till Autumn, and then I'll be back on my heavy duty cold weather hydrators ♥♥...

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

I go through one of these every two months - one dropper-full every morning and night. Does nada on its own, but improves the absorption and effectiveness of any serum you use. ADORE!!! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Till the day I die ♥♥♥...

Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Flash Perfection Exfoliating Treatment (100ml, $59.90)

Scored this at a beautyheaven even last August, and I'm sold on its effectiveness as an exfoliator, and as a treatment. Wowee, it's fantastic! Leaves my skin so smooth and soft, instantly shrinks my pores, and it's gentle enough to use every day. The price is outrageous though, so I've been making it last by giving myself one treatment per week. It's a winning combination of mechanical and chemical exfoliation, Aussie made and not tested on animals ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I haven't yet, but I reckon when my face starts its winter-wither, the price won't seem quite so exorbitant ♥♥♥...

Sukin Oil Balancing + Charcoal Pore Refining Facial Scrub (125ml, $13.95)

Reviewed HERE, I'm still loving this scrub ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Affirmative ♥♥♥...

Face Masks

In the last few months, various events have been thwarting my Self Care Sunday sheet masking plans, but I'm confident that my usual weekly routine will resume in February ♥ 

Garnier SkinActive Pure Charcoal Tissue Mask with Black Algae (RRP $4.99)

Love this mask, one of the best pore shrinkers in town ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Always 3 or 4 in reserve ♥♥♥...

Skin Republic Volcanic Ash Mud Sheet Mask (RRP $12)

I go through at least one Skin Republic sheet mask every month - this is one of their best for overall texture refinement and deep cleansing. If you ever see it on special, by two! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Ah-huh ♥♥♥...

Regulars:

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

Went through seven packs in December, that's 14 pairs, which is roughly one pair every second night ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Till the cows come home ♥♥♥...

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

LOVE! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Stocked up on sale not long ago, but I need to get more - I always feel a bit anxious when there's only one left lol ♥♥♥...

Fragrance

Vera Wang Be Jeweled Rouge EDP (50ml, RRP $?)

Lovingly reviewed HERE, it's taken almost two years to go through this bottle, but that's pretty good considering how many are on my fragrance shelf, and a testament to how lovely it is. Like the original Be Jeweled, I've kept the ring of jewels from around the neck of the bottle - they're way too gorgeous for the bin! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Sadly I believe it's been discontinued - can only find it on eBay ♥♥♥...

Chi Chi Peach & Mango EDP (50ml, RRP $19.95)

Also lovingly reviewed HERE, still adore it! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Definitely - thank goodness this one is still available ♥♥♥...

Hair

Goldwell Kerasilk Control Intensive Smoothing Mask (200ml, RRP $42.95)

This may seem expensive, but it's the best hair mask I've ever tried. I use it after colouring, sometimes leaving it on overnight under a beanie, and it leaves my hair ridiculously silky soft and smooth. This jar has lasted me 6 months, and I will never EVER be without it ♥♥... 

Repurchase?

I buy one twice a year from the salon that does my Kerasilk treatment - it's simply the best ♥♥♥...

Makeup

All the makeup items I finished are repeaters and staples in my kit, and I've covered them numerous times before. They are all totally awesome, and can't-live-withouts ♥♥♥

Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder

Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner

Maybelline The Falsies Waterproof Mascara

Maybelline Total Temptation Brow Definer

Giveaway!

• Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder
• Bioré Charcoal Cleansing Micellar Water (75ml)
• Garnier SkinActive Pure Charcoal Tissue Mask with Black Algae
• Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner
• Maybelline The Falsies Waterproof Mascara
• Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Cleanser
• Skin Republic Pink Clay Mud Sheet Mask
• Sukin Oil Balancing + Charcoal Pore Refining Facial Scrub

All items were purchased by me and the total prize value is approx $100. 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 (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

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This giveaway is now closed  - check back later tonight to see who won

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Amanda C. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 6th February to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Amanda has claimed her prize ♥

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

REVIEW: SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Hydrating Body Wash & Soap...

One of the many beauties of blogging is having a voice - when I find something I absolutely adore, I invariably bang on and on about it because there's a chance of it becoming something that one of you lovelies might love too, especially when it calms, hydrates and soothes the biggest organ of our bodies - skin! I've already posted a WOW article covering some of the products from SheaMoisture (HERE) and there will no doubt be others as I work my way through their range, but today my rave is all about the Raw Shea Butter Hydrating Body Wash & Soap, with Frankincense & Myrrh extracts...

My skin is becoming drier and drier by the day - it's inevitable really as oil production slows down with age, and moisture retention becomes an even bigger challenge. To help keep my skin as hydrated as possible, I've been gradually eliminating all the products from my bathing routine that contain SLS, a move that has calmed the itchy patches on my arms, and the cracked and scaly areas on my legs aren't anywhere near as troublesome as they were. But I still need to be careful of what I use, and the next phase of my skin plan was to only use SLS-free cleansers that also replenish what washing takes away - enter SheaMoisture and their Raw Shea Butter range specifically for dry skin ♥ As luck would have it, just before Christmas, they had a special offer of 40% discount, and that plus my "KATS" coupon code of 30% (which you can still use at the checkout) added up to the perfect opportunity to try more from this fabulous brand ♥...

I'll start with the soap as it's my favourite of the two, which is so interesting as my preference shifted right away from soap bars and into body washes and shower gels many MANY moons ago, but this gorgeous chunk of deliciously scented and amazingly hydrating bubbles has converted me right back! It's a massive 230g, and the fragrance is divine - it reminds me of an exxy men's cologne, but still feminine enough for us gals and sufficiently subtle to not be a bother to those with sensitivities. I've been smothering my bod with its creamy and delicately fragrant lather for over a week, and not once have I needed to apply any rehydrating lotions or potions - all over, my skin has stayed soft and supple without even a hint of dryness. Winner! ♥...

The Hydrating Body Wash is equally moisture replenishing. The main ingredient listed on the label is aloe, and as well as the shea butter, frankincense and myrrh extracts, other formula inclusions are coconut oil, carrot seed oil and mango seed butter. With all those skin-kind goodies in the recipe, it's no wonder this bottle of cleansing suds leaves the skin so refreshingly hydrated. I was hoping it would have the same fragrance as the soap and was a tad disappointed to find it has barely any scent at all, but that will no doubt appeal to many of you. It has a very runny consistency, so you'll need to be cautious when dispensing, but the pivot cap makes controlling the flow super easy. I'm loving showering with this too, but because of the minimal scent, my heart belongs to the soap bar ♥...

In summary, both of these products are brilliant for folks dealing with dry skin, and I highly recommend them for replenishing the moisture that cleansing takes out.  And because of the super special deal I scored, I'm giving away one of each to an Aussie follower ♥...

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

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This giveaway is now closed  - check back later tonight to see who won

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Ange L. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 30th January to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Ange has claimed her prize ♥

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: Favourite November 2018 LOTD's...

Another month of lip slickers, although not so many to choose from as I wasn't working and therefore not getting all dolled up every day. But I still managed an array of colours - when you love lipsticks as much as I do, there's very little chance of NOT wearing something, even if not venturing out in public ♥...

There are four brand-newbies here, and I also took advantage of the downtime to revisit some of the long-forgotten nude-ish shades in my collection, and I'm so glad I did as there were some darlings languishing at the back of the box...

1. Hikari Lip Crayon - Armour. Fabulously bold red with the barest hint of blue, beautifully moist and comfortable to wear ♥...

2. Lacura Photo-Fit Lipstick - Paris. One of those "special buys" that Aldi is famous for. This stunning red is smooth, sleek and a moisture-rich delight on the lips. Here's hoping this range (all with capital city names) is added to the permanent collection ♥...

3. Bellapierre Cosmetics Mineral Lipstick - Sassy. Such a pretty coral shade, this came in a Lip Monthly bag ♥...

4. Revlon Superlustrous Lipstick - Peach Me. This is one that I buy on repeat - the colour is so flattering, it's wearable all year round, and Revlon lippies are great value ♥...

5. Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick - Iced Coffee. An old fave, I trot this one out fairly regularly - it's a beaut neutral shade that goes with so many things ♥...

6. Covergirl Katy Kat Matte Lipstick - Catoure. One of my favourite nudes, and one of the best matte-ish formulas around ♥...

7. ModelCo Lip Lacquer - Casablanca. From memory, I scored this on a magazine cover. Another great nude, and I like the glossy finish although it's a wee bit sheer and needs a liner underneath ♥...
8. Lacura Photo-Fit Lipstick - London. My #1 discovery in November, I reviewed the whole range HERE. Absolutely ADORE this - could easily wear it every day ♥...
9. Lacura Photo-Fit Lipstick - Milan. Awesome pink, these are the best lipsticks that Aldi has produced so far ♥...

10. Maybelline Colordrama Intense Velvet Lip Pencil - Fuchsia Desire. I doubt I'll ever stop loving these crayons - reviewed HERE, and they're obviously still so popular - this range is now four years old, one of Maybelline's greatest successes ♥...

11. MBA Cosmetics Liquid Matte Lip Color - Immortal. How divine is this purple, and considering it's a liquid matte, comfortable ♥...

12. Essence Wanted Sunset Dreamers Marble Lipstick - Rise Into Sunset. Another gorgeous one for those of us with a passion for purple, creamy and moist, cheap as chips, but alas, a limited edition ♥...

That's it for another month - would love to know if any of these appeal to you ♥

Take care of you,
kats xxx