Sunday 31 March 2019

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

    Best of luck to all who enter!

    Take care of you,
    kats xxx

    26 comments:

    1. My number 1 is the Olay Eyes. Within 2 days of using this you will see a positive change. It really is awesome and does as claims. The perfect partner for the Olay Essence :)

      I really do love reading your blog and im always excited when you make a new post....im addicted.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Bless you dear Fawn! I'm off the stores to buy the Olay Eyes - if it's anywhere near as good as the Essence, I'm sold already lol! And thanks for the lovely feedback, you're such a wonderful supporter ♥

        Delete
      2. The one in the red tube is awesome. It has retinol ....no joke it gets rid of fine lines almost instantly.

        Delete
    2. I haven't found my number 1 eye cream yet but I want to buy The ordinary caffeine serum for my eyes hoping it is a good one for me.
      OOOHHH I for ages wanted to try the Eye of Horus Goddess pencils and this is a good opportunity. Whenever i see EOH products it reminds me of you beautiful Kat.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Moonlight my dear, let's share the love when we find our numero uno! I've tried a few good ones, but still searching for the ultimate that does EVERYTHING I need it to do without breaking the bank ha ha ♥

        Delete
    3. Hang on....have been looking for good lash serum for ages! Thank you for the recommendation, will check it out! Dr. Lewinn's masks are on sale at CW, will check them out too! Recently 1/2 price but did not get any, what an ......meh, will get couple of them to try now

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Hi there Angela, the Rapid Lash is brilliant. I've tried a few that did absolutely nothing, and then there was one that seemed promising, but I developed an allergy to it and it became too painful to use. Thanks for the CW Dr. Lewinn's masks tip!

        Delete
    4. Great blog post!! I'd love to try the Firming Mask before a night out! My number one eye cream hmmm I don't usually use eye creams, butttt with that being said I do like Kiehl's - avocado creamy eye treatment.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Oh yum, avocado eye treatment? Sounds like something I would adore Dara, thanks a bunch! I tried their Midnight Eye Recovery many moons ago and loved it, so glad you reminded me of this brand ♥

        Delete
    5. I really love to use eye cream , I don't have a favourite.I am using Swisse eye cream at the moment, I find it really good and my skin seems to enjoy it .Raluca

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Thanks for sharing the Swisse one Raluca - there's so many on the market it's quite a challenge to choose what to try next, but your info is really helpful xxx

        Delete
    6. I can’t find the rafflecopter, but wanted to say thanks for the face mask reviews and photos. I’m always overwhelmed by the variety and all their magic ingredients and effects.

      ReplyDelete
    7. Oh, ok, I found it, wasn’t what I xpected it to be. I think my favourite eye cream is the one in the ‘simple’ range. I have to do odourless, and that one fits the bill and is also nice and light and hydrating.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Hi there MerryGoRound, thanks for stopping by ♥ I haven't tried the Simple eye cream as yet- thanks for letting me know, that's a great price too xxx

        Delete
    8. A good eye cream is like a good man...hard to find! My current fave is NIOD Fractionated Eye Contour Concentrate. It has really worked well on my elevens between my brows. It’s pricey so wait until Deciem do a deal!

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Couldn't have said it better Tigerlily - ooh I'm excited about the NIOD concentrate, thanks doll! My elevens are more like deep tram lines which seem to defy anything, so it's on my list to try whenever it's on special ♥

        Delete
    9. in.a.glimpse Mel7 April 2019 at 13:19

      I have used many over the years. At the moment loving the roll on oil one from Kora. Seems to brighten and smooth eye area nicely.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Yay Mel, thank you, that's another one I've yet to try - the fact that it's an oil makes it especially appealing for the cold months when my skin seems to shrivel xxx

        Delete
    10. My favourite is an Estee Lauder eye serum, it's very nice but I could never bring myself to buy it at full size at Australian RRP, but thankfully they always seem to include a deluxe size in their GWP and they last a while

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Ooooh yes, I remember when I used to get hold of it that way too stackcats - thanks for reminding me about the GWP, it's time for a re-try I reckon ha ha xxx

        Delete
    11. Yes, I've noticed dullness in older ladies' coloured hair, too.

      I always love your mask pics, haha!

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. I'm gonna be a shiny haired senior with glossy lips misfortune8! Glad you like the face mask photos - they're pretty raw, but honest lol xxx

        Delete
    12. Hi Kats are you talking about the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel? I've just started a couple of sample tubes and am loving it. I haven't discovered a holy grail eye cream yet.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Hi Okatko - I'm not sure what you mean. The Neutrogena empty I mentioned in this post is the Micellar Gel, but I love the Hydro Boost cleanser to bits - I just don't use it in Winter xxx

        Delete
    13. Its not a cleanser - its a moisturiser but I see which one you are talking about.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Ah ha! I have the Hydro Boost moisturiser in my drawer, but I haven't tried it yet - gotta finish a couple of others first ♥

        Delete