February 2019 Empties & Giveaway!...

Dear March, before you disappear completely I just wanted to say hello, and I'm sorry I've been way too busy with work commitments to really appreciate how wonderful you are! Every year I so look forward to your cooler nights and temperate days, and you're just what I need to fully recover from Christmas (February simply isn't enough), so thanks a squillion for being there for me even though we've not had much quality time together. And the same goes for you dear readers - boo to me only managing three posts this month, but that's what happens when you work for a company that has a 31st March end of financial year ♥...

I seem to be repeating myself quite a bit these days, which actually means I'm quite content with my regular skincare and makeup lineup, but I hope you don't get bored with the sameness of these posts ♥...

Body

Dove Cucumber & Green Tea Moisturising Hand Wash (500ml, RRP $8.99)

The last of the body products in the house that contains SLS. It's a lovely scent for summer and it's quite softening and moisturising, but I promised my skin no more SLS ♥...

Repurchase?

No...

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

This is a regular in my shower stall, a delicious fragrance that smells like a creme brulee, SLS and cruelty-free, non-drying, what's not to love ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Done deal ♥♥♥...

Graham's Natural Body Wash with Manuka Honey & Coconut (250ml, RRP $15.95)

While I've thoroughly enjoyed the scent of this skin-loving body wash over the last few months, my heart belongs to the Cucumber and Aloe Vera variety ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, but not until next Summer ♥♥♥...

Face

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water (400ml, RRP $13.99)

This was a mini 125ml bottle that came in a beauty box - it's a terrific product, highly effective and gentle, and one I would fall back on if my fave Bioré one wasn't available. Full review HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

For sure ♥♥♥...

Neutrogena Deep Clean Micellar Gel to Foam Cleanser (dry skin) (142ml, RRP $16.99)

Like the oily skin kind I reviewed in January's Empties post, this one is also too drying for my face...

Repurchase?

Nahhh, I'm a huge fan of the Hydro Boost one though...

RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum (3ml, RRP $65)

I've been using this since 2011 and don't think I can ever give it up. My 2014 review of it is HERE. I've tried numerous other brands but none of them works as well as this one, nor does it sting.  Pharmacy Online always has it for sale for $49, so I order three at a time to get free shipping, and that little bundle lasts me a year ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Forever ♥♥♥...

Sukin Purely Ageless Intensive Firming Serum (30ml, RRP $25.99)

LOVE this serum, and if I wasn't committed to another retinol range, I would be using this every morning ad infinitum. Perfect for under makeup as my skin drinks it in - I was really quite surprised at how much of a glow it gave me as well as softening my creases. It's as good as other serums that are at least twice the price ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely! If my retinol one becomes too drying over winter, I'll go back to this ♥♥♥...

Face Masks

Dermalogica Age Smart Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque (75ml, RRP $85.50)

Found this 15ml tube in my samples drawer - who knows how long it's been there but whoa, this sure is some awesome treatment. I had no idea it was so expensive but can understand why. It's one of those healing and soothing masques that doesn't completely dry out, you leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse off to be rewarded with brand new, plumped, soothed and hydrated skin. Contains vitamins A, C, E & F ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Umm, yeah, gonna put my pennies aside for this one ♥♥♥...

Dr. Lewinn's Ultra R4 Collagen Firming Face Mask (RRP $9.95)

Stunning mask! If it's ever on special, buy as many as you can afford. All in one piece with cheek splits so you can fit it snugly to your face. It does what it says - firms, plumps, hydrates, smoothes lines & wrinkles - afterwards, my skin looked like it had been bathed in crushed pearls ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, yes, yes ♥♥♥...

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

Tried my first one of these back in September, and had forgotten how great it was. The sheet covers the entire face including lips and upper eyes. It doesn't contain Botox, but the blurb on the pack says one of the ingredients "behaves like Botox".  It certainly hydrates and firms, and is pretty good value for $5 a pop ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, but I'm torn between this and their charcoal brightening one ♥♥♥...

Skin Republic Green Tea Hydrogel Mask (RRP $12.99)

This was February's ultimate bargain - there have been two Priceline stores at my local Westfield for ages (they took over a small independent pharmacy), and the main beauty store closed down earlier this month (sob!) but not before having a clearance sale, and I scored this for $2.50! It's really quite special as it calms redness, and chills the skin magnificently, so much so that I would classify this a summer-only mask. Being hydrogel though, you can't walk around in it as it falls off. Supremely hydrating, you need to lie down for at least 30 minutes ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Next summer for sure ♥♥♥...

Face & Body Regulars

DB Pore Minimising Primer (25ml, $14.99)
Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover (112ml, RRP $10.89)

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

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

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

Hair

Eleven Make Me Shine Spray Gloss (145g, RRP $23.95)

One of my pet peeves is discovering a BRILLIANT product, and then when I go to repurchase it, I find out it's been discontinued. BOO!!!!! In my (daily) travels I've (discreetly) observed ladies a fair bit older than me, and in my opinion, one of the things that sticks out in the ageing process is dull matte hair, so I'm a shiny hair freak, and this spray was fabulous for providing instant gloss without the goo, and now they've stopped making it. Merde! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Would if I could ♥♥♥...

Makeup

Chi Chi Highlighting & Contouring Palette (33g, RRP $24.95)

This palette has lasted me at least two years, although I've only used three of the eight pans -  #5, #6 and the highlighter #1. The two contouring shades are golden brown, not grey-brown or orange-brown like a lot of others on the market, so they suit my complexion perfectly. The highlighter is subtle and provides a soft glow without a glowing in the dark ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Already have ♥♥♥...

Eye of Horus Emerald Tabula Goddess Pencil (1.2g, RRP $30)

My go-to waterliners - I reckon these are the best on the market. Long wearing, so full of goodness, and they don't irritate my eyes. This green one is a fave as it enhances my tealy eye colour. Lasts me about 18 months ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

They were on special recently so I stocked up - I'm a bit concerned that they might be discontinuing this colour as they're giving one of these away with every purchase, from 3rd to 4th April ♥♥♥...

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream (32ml, RRP $61)

Raved about this gem of the cosmetic world HERE. I mix it 50/50 with my foundation for perfect coverage on weekdays, and on weekends I wear it on its own. The medium shade is perfect for me, and the only reason I mix it with a foundation is because I have a stack of old font de teints to use up. Once they're gone, I expect I'll wear this exclusively ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Not right now - I have a tube of the Illumination one to get me through the next 6 months ♥♥♥...

Makeup Regulars

Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder (RRP $13.95)

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

Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner (RRP $15.95)

Giveaway!

As always, a few of the favourites from my stash, plus a bonus Skin Physics Eye Rejuvenation Gift Set which boasts a complete 21-day eye renewal!...

• Skin Physics Limited Edition Eye Rejuvenation Gift Set
• Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder
• Bioré Baking Soda Cleansing Micellar Water mini
• Eye of Horus Emerald Tabula Goddess Pencil
• Eaoron Ultimate Botox Mask
• Skin Republic Green Tea Hydrogel Mask

All items were purchased by me and the total prize value is approx $150. 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

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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 Fei W. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 10th April to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Fei has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: Favourite January & February 2019 LOTD's...

Even I'M bored with the number of times I've mentioned I need to do a "catch-up" of my LOTD's, so here it is - a combo of January & February. There were actually quite a few that appeared in both months, so rather than repeat myself, I've culled the lot down to 20 faves, and am now officially up to date yay! ♥...

With so many pinks, mauves and purples, you'd think this was a spring edition. Actually, my only obvious concession ot the seasons is that I tend to keep my dark and broody shades for the cold weather, and there'll be plenty of that soon - yikes! Meanwhile, here we go with what's left of summer...

1. Maybelline Colorsensational - Bronze Metal. Not everyone is a fan of brown lipstick, but I love it now and then, especially when I'm wearing more natural coloured clothing, like creams, beiges, tans and even soft leafy greens. This is an oldie but a goodie, have had it for years but it hasn't deteriorated in the slightest...

2. Lip Monthly - 02. Adore this one - it's definitely orange, but kinda scorched so it's not overly bright. I'll be trotting this one out several times during autumn - it reminds me of maple leaves...

3. Revlon Ultra HD Lip Lacquer - Sunstone. Another blast from the past - the sheer volume of my collection is the only reason why I haven't worn this in ages. Deliciously moisturising, and such a gorgeous colour...

4. Ulta3 Matte - Bitter Sweet. Reasonably comfortable for a matte, I've included it because it's such a pretty coral. Most of my other ones have a much higher pink content...

5. Maybelline Colorsensational - Rose Rush. Love this, the only coral red I have in my kit, and MNY has nailed this formula...

6. Ulta3 Ultra Matte Longwear Lip Cream - Wild Fire. Another one that's on the dry side but it's tolerable, and I'm prepared to put up with the slightly shrivelly effect as it's such a stunningly bright orange-red...

7. Jeffree Star Liquid Lipstick - Red Rum. Bless Jeffree - he knows what he's doing, this is a classic...

8. Rimmel The Only One - Best of the Best. Hard to beat this bold and sassy gem from Rimmel. Super moist, super red, super glossy...

9.  Maybelline ColorDrama Intense Velvet Lip  Crayon - Red Essential. My love for these crayons continues unabated - the perfect deep winter red...

10. Essence Lights of the Orient Matte Lipstick - Belly Dancing Queen. Very comfy for a matte, and it has enough pink in it to qualify as a berry...

11. W7 Matte Lipstick - In The Pink. Soft and feminine, this is girly all the way and doesn't dry my lips...

12. Nutrimetics Hydra Brilliance 50th Anniversary - Frosted Grape. You've seen this before and will again, countless times. So kind to my old pucker...

13. Revlon Superlustrous Lipstick - Liptember Mauve. Totally mauvalicious, sometimes I loathe Special Editions like this because I fall in love, and then I can't buy it again. Boo!...

14. Ulta3 Lipstick - Orchid. Another soft and pretty baby. Ulta3 lipsticks are amazing value - they have a tendency to be sheer, but I've worked my way through the whole range and found all the ones that are dense enough to cover my freckles, like this one...

15. Revlon Superlustrous - Fuchsia Fusion. What's a lipstick collection without a few fuchsias? If the truth be known, it's only recently I've gotten the hang of how to spell fuchsia ha ha. Well done Revlon, this is a darling...

16. Nutrimetics Hydra Brilliance - Magenta. Oh Barbie, this one's for you!...

17. Ulta3 Lipstick - Lilac Glow. More pink than lilac, but one of their finest, and highly recommended if you want something moist but not glossy, total coverage and excellent longevity... 

18. Avon Mark Lipstick - Berry Cute. One of the best magazine cover giveaways ever - adore this lippie, so creamy and moist...

19. Sash Cosmetics Luminous Lipstick - Gypsy Child. I call this shade mystic purple - just my little thing lol. I fear Sash Cosmetics has folded, and their Christmas giveaway was a loving way to say goodbye. Both their Facebook and Instagram pages are no more - so sad...

20. Sash Cosmetics Luminous Lipstick - Insomnia. This purple is heading into brown-land, but it's still purple in my beauty book, and another one that's ideal for the cooler months - a darn shame I can't get hold of any more from this brand as the formula is a winner...

Would love to know which ones you like ♥...

Take care of you,
kats xxx

Beautyheaven Glosscars Markeplace Event 2019...

Despite all attempts by Transport for NSW to thwart my travel to beautyheaven HQ yesterday, thankfully I made it in time to attend my nominated session of the beautyheaven Glosscars Marketplace Event. As always, it was the best and most fun 45 minutes any self-respecting beauty blogger could hope to experience - lots of new products to discover and photograph, quick chats with old (and new) friends, and expert info from the glam, warm and welcoming Team BH staff ♥... 

This is an annual event that precedes the Glosscar Awards voting for products launched in the previous 12 months, and an opportunity for close-to-Sydney members to sample some of the nominees. I so look forward to this every year and count myself most fortunate to have received an invitation ♥...

The participating brands this year were Blessed by Nature, Bodecare, Handsome, Jane Iredale, Nude by Nature, Olay, Pump Haircare, Skin Nutrient and Skin Physics. Believe it or not, I'm familiar with only ONE of the products that were gifted (Nude by Nature Moisture Shine Lipstick), so I'm blissing out to have the following goodies to road test before voting begins next week ♥...

 Blessed By Nature Foaming Facial Cleanser...

Oh yum! Containing Lavender, Aloe Vera, Calendula & Chamomile, this cleanser will have your face makeup and grime free in a flash. I used it last night to take off all my beauty-party slap - smells divine, and my second cleanse with micellar water resulted in a cotton pad that was as clean-as-a-whistle. Super effective and non-drying, the formula contains no sulphates, alcohol or parabens, it's 100% vegan, not tested on animals, and the company is all-Australian owned. Score! ♥...

Bodecare Organic Egyptian Loofah...

The biggest loofah I've ever seen, let alone used! Also vegan, I gave my bod a good going over with this gem in the shower this morning, and I'm sold. It feels really nasty when dry - by that I mean hard and as scratchy as sandpaper, but as soon as you wet the sponge, it softens and becomes flexible while retaining enough firmness to give your skin a thorough and stimulating sloughing - a few weeks of this and I'll be loving my thighs again ♥...

Handsome Men's Skincare Facial Moisturiser...

As this moisturiser contains Organic Cedarwood, Bergamot, Aloe Vera, Shea Butter, Rosehip and Vitamin E, the man of the house may not even get to try it lol! Only joking of course - I'll have to report on this at a later date, but I can tell you that it absorbs in seconds and smells like a herb garden after a spring rain. Also Aussie-made and not tested on animals - definitely a contender for a prize ♥...

Jane Iredale Triple Luxe Long Lasting Naturally Moist Lipstick...

Oh wow - this is my kind of lipstick! Smooth and creamy, full of moisturising goodness (Moringa, Avocado and Sunflower Seed Oils), vegan, cruelty-free, AND it lasts for hours. Where have you been all my life? I chose the shade Ella, which according to the information card we were given is a "deep rose brown", although in the artificial light I thought it was more of a plummy pink. I wore it today and the shade is incredibly flattering, the formula is exceptionally comfortable, and I didn't need to re-apply after breakfast. Adore! Instagram swatch will be up this week ♥...

 Nude by Nature Moisture Shine Lipstick...

I'm already a fan of Deep Plum and Garnet in this range, and the formula is a beauty. Delighted to have received Blush Pink for those days when I want a quiet but pretty nude. The Vitamin E, Kakadu Plum, Shea Butter & Jojoba Oil content keeps my lips moist and supple for hours. It's going to be a tough decision as to which of these two brands to vote for - I'm hoping there'll be two categories so I don't have to choose! ♥...

Pump Haircare Thickening Mask with Gotu Kola Extract...

So looking forward to trying this hair mask which has heaps going for it - sulphate free, contains Soy and Rice Protein, Olive Leaf, Gotu Kola (a scalp nourisher, I looked it up) & Horsetail extract and Argan Oil, cruelty-free, and it smells delicious enough to put on my face. Only needs to be left on for 10 minutes, but you can sleep in it too ♥...

Skin Nutrient Goat's Milk Magic Touch...

This moisturiser was a huge surprise - it looks like oatmeal coloured jelly, and I can see and feel teeny little pearly balls as I massage it in, but they dissolve almost immediately leaving my skin feeling crazy soft and hydrated. I treated myself to this last night and woke up to a super smooth and perfectly moisture-balanced complexion. This will be ideal for me for the coming cold season ♥...

 Skin Physics Advance Super Lift Hand & Nail Renewal Cream...

Well now, this just might be my new go-to anti-ageing hand cream. We saw some before and after photos of weathered, wrinkly and spotty hands transformed into smooth, even-toned and plumped paws - will let you know how this goes, but coming from Skin Physics, I'm supremely confident of some obvious improvement in my hands and nails. Contains SP15 and caviar! ♥...

Olay Regenerist Whip Active Moisturiser & Magnemasks Infusion Hydrating Sheet Mask...

The only presentation stand I forgot to photograph! There are three formulations in the Whip moisturiser, and predictably I chose the Regenerist flavour which is aimed at firming skin and reducing lines and wrinkles, all of which I need a lot of ha ha. I used this today under my makeup and it helped control the shine I normally experience in my T-zone, but my skin still feels hydrated now 12 hours later. I'm already a huge fan and regular user of the Rejuvenating Sheet Masks, so I opted for the Hydrating variety. These masks are one of the easiest to use as there's no fiddling around with backing sheets, the coverage is excellent, and they're one of the best face-fits on the market ♥...

Event Babe Gallery...

Why do I punish myself by having my photo taken with stunning women? Because they are all such gorgeous human beings, and who doesn't want to surround themselves with beautiful things!...

This is darling Leah aka Temporary Princess - don't you wish your girlfriend was hot like her?

And here's my dear pal Ingrid aka Fabulous and Fun Life - she's that magical blend of beauty and wisdom...

And this is the stunning Izzy from Team bh - isn't she gorgeous? I would kill for her skin...

And who knew there was a supermodel on the beautyheaven team? Well, her name is Sophie and she's a total doll - glam goals!

There were delicious snacks and drinks provided as well, and all up it was a fun and thoroughly enjoyable experience. Huge thank yous to beautyheaven and all the sponsors for the opportunity to try these terrific products. Best of luck to the nominees! 

Take care of you,

kats xxx