March 2019 Empties & Giveaway...

Not my highest number of empties ever recorded, however 24 is a pretty good effort, and of course, a bottle of perfume and two foundations will always be a significant achievement for me given the sheer volume of part-used ones in my kit. Another noteworthy inclusion is that the Neutrogena skincare I listed in the January post is here again - that's quite something considering how frequently I change the lineup in my routine, and there's every likelihood that you'll see them in the Regulars section next time around. Oh, and in case you're wondering, there's no Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence in the photo purely due to timing - it's still one of my essentials, I just didn't finish the bottle before the end of March...

Body

Dove Go Fresh Pomegranate & Lemon  Verbena Moisturising Cream Deodorant (40g, RRP $5.99)

My preferred natural deodorant doesn't control wetness enough in the hot humid weather, so I go back to my fave Dove for the sticky months. The usual formula wasn't in stock so I bought this instead - works just as well, and it's quite a nice fresh scent, but I prefer the baby powder fragrance of the blue one ♥♥...
Repurchase? 
Yes, but only if the original version isn't available ♥♥...

Graham's Natural Body Wash with Cucumber & Aloe Vera (250ml, RRP $15.95)

One of my summer staples, full review HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, but not until later in the year ♥♥♥...

Oral-B 3D White Luxe Glamorous White Toothpaste (96g, RRP $9.49)

I'm pretty good with remembering to keep the containers of whatever I finish each month, except for my toothpaste tubes. Just mentioning it because the last time a tube of chopper cleaner appeared in one of these posts was in June last year, and in case my dentist is reading, I can assure you I NEVER go to bed without cleaning my teeth lol! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely - love the fresh peppermint taste ♥♥♥...

Shea Moisture African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Body Scrub (170g, RRP $10)

Absolutely delighted this is now available on their website ("KATS" checkout code for 30% discount!), although it's listed under "Limited Editions", but it's the best $10 you can spend on your bod, full review HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I've stashed a few away ♥♥♥...

Sukin For Men Cinnamon & Mandarin Body Wash (500ml, RRP $13.99)

Raved about this in my SLS-Free article HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes indeedy, Priceline sells it yay! ♥♥♥...

Regulars

White Glo Charcoal Total Mouth Detox Whitening Mouthwash

Face

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Anti-Ageing Moisturiser with Accelerated Retinol SA & SPF 15 (29ml, RRP $39.99)

Still loving this day cream, only wish it had a higher SPF content, but then again that might make it too greasy. As it is my skin is loving it, and I plan on keeping this in my routine throughout the winter - actually I've decided to stick with this range for 12 months to see what happens. That's so unusual for me, so I must be impressed ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

You betcha ♥♥♥...

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream with Accelerated Retinol SA (48g, RRP $48.99)

In my January Empties post, I was humming and hah-ing as to whether this night cream was potent enough to get me through the winter, and I'm now convinced it is - I only need a smidgin to give my face all the moisture it needs to get through the night, love it ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Ditto above ♥♥♥...

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum with Accelerated Retinol SA (29ml, RRP $42.99)

Still loving it, and only using at night so that I can clear the backlog of my opened stash, as well as a Nivea Anti-Spot serum I'm currently trialling for beautyheaven ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Ditto above ♥♥♥...

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream with Accelerated Retinol SA (14ml, RRP $34.99)

This is the only product in the range that I'm not shouting about from the rooftops. It's potent that's for sure, so much so I can only use it at night or else the skin above my eyes starts to peel. While it's keeping the area hydrated and firm, I can't honestly say I'm seeing any startling improvements in my wrinkles. I'm onto my second tube and will definitely finish it, but it had better start working some magic ♥...

Repurchase?

Maybe ♥...

Nivea Q10 Plus Anti-Wrinkle Replenishing Pearls (40ml, RRP $29.99)

One of way too many serums on my bench, but one I will definitely buy again - I love everything about it, how it makes my skin look and feel, and the scent has been a refreshing and uplifting blessing throughout this steamy season. I've only been using it in my morning ritual (night is the retinol one above) and I've been very happy with the performance and how it preps my face for makeup. Plus I love the "squish the pearls" concept! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

For sure ♥♥♥...

Sukin Oil Balancing Charcoal Purifying Gel Cleanser (125ml, RRP $12.95)

This is actually one of my favourite cleansers, but it hasn't appeared here for 12 months, purely because I was on a mission to clear the other nine opened cleansers on my bench. I'm still not there yet (three more to go) but I missed it so much I went back to it for the last part of the summer. I love that it is low-sudsing and doesn't dry my skin, but still takes off all the goop. And well hey, it's charcoal ha ha! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Done deal! ♥♥♥...

Face Masks

Essano Rosehip Clarifying Clay Masque (100g, RRP $16.99)

Have enjoyed this for almost a year, usually every second or third week - it's an excellent formula, very creamy and smooth, and one my skin has responded to by becoming less congested over time. I adore clay masks, and this is a beauty. My review of it is HERE ♥♥...
Repurchase? 

Interestingly, no - it's such a great product, but I've become quite sensitive to the scent (actually in most Essano products) so it's time to try something new ♥♥...

Olay Magnemasks Hydrating Sheet Mask (Box of 5, RRP $28.99)

I was already a fan of the Rejuvenating variety, and this one came my way at the beautyheaven Glosscars Marketplace event. Absolutely loved it - intrigued and delighted to have eye flaps for a COMPLETE experience. This is ultra hydrating, fits really well, and I didn't apply anything else to my skin that night - whoa! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase? 

Gonna get me a box of these stat! ♥♥♥...

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

The mud impregnated masks are my favourite kind from this brand - they adhere well to the skin so you can do things while you're having the treatment without them shifting or peeling off, and I find they deliver as advertised. This one really does tighten and firm, and the surface of my skin always looks ultra smooth and refined afterwards, and there's no mess. The trick is to wait till they're on special, and then buy a few - highly recommended, the Pink Clay and Green Tea ones are also brilliant ♥♥♥...

Repurchase? 

For sure ♥♥♥...

Regulars:

Purederm Ginkgo Eye Puffiness Minimizing Patches

Skin Physics Instant Lift V-Shape Vitality Mask

Fragrance

Versace Bright Crystal Absolu EDP (90ml, RRP $150)

This is my third bottle of this stunningly refreshing spring/summer fave - I raved about it 3 years ago HERE, and I can't imagine my collection without it, not now, not ever ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Sure have - feelingsexy always has it in stock for less than $90 ♥♥♥...

Hair

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

Have slowed down on my use of this as my hair seems to be holding the ashy tones for longer, but I still use it from time to time as a booster ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Yep - a couple of spares on the shelf ♥♥♥...

Urbane Mess Pomade (85g, RRP $7.99)

Since changing my hairstyle to something far less structured (which is a nice way to say messy lol) I've needed a product that would shape and define my hair, even spike it a bit without buildup, and this does the trick. Cheap as chips, washes out easily, lots of shine and available in supermarkets and Priceline ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Sure have ♥♥♥...

Makeup

Australis Stayput! Longwear Foundation (23ml, RRP $16.49)

Love this foundation, and Natural Fawn is a great match for my skin tone. Lasts all day and doesn't transfer - it's been the best performer this summer, surviving some of the sweatiest days I can remember. Great price and it's not tested on animals - well done Australis ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I still have eight opened foundations on my bench, so I probably won't buy this again till next  November ♥♥♥...

Maybelline Dream Cushion Foundation (14.6g, RRP $26.95)

Another foundation winner from Maybelline - Sand is my shade, and apart from the flawless finish, I love that this has SPF40. My dedicated review of it is HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Indeed - I bought two last time it was on special, so I'm good for a while now, although I won't open it till I've cleared some of the others ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Maybelline The Falsies Waterproof Mascara

Maybelline Total Temptation Brow Definer

Giveaway!

• Graham's Natural Body Wash with Cucumber & Aloe Vera
• Shea Moisture African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Body Scrub
• Sukin Oil Balancing Charcoal Purifying Gel Cleanser
• Revlon Get Lippy Ultimate Suede Lipstick pack - Couture & Supermodel
• Colette Rose Gold-toned Geometric Necklace
• Colette Rose Gold-toned Hoop Earrings

All items were purchased by me and the total prize value is approx $110. 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 Yohanna as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 1st May to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Yohanna has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

REVIEW: Breeze Balm Pineapple Pash...

Well, the seasonal change has been quite sudden here in old Sydney town - two weeks ago I was in shorts and sandals, and this week I dusted off my boots (and on one particularly chilly morning, a woolly scarf). It's like someone flicked a switch and turned off the heat lol! Not that I mind - I'm a warm weather gal, but even I enjoy a break from the steamy days and hot nights, and who doesn't like to snuggle under the doona? Plus I'm bored with my summer wardrobe ha ha. But the cooler winds mean my skincare routine also has to change to include something considerably more moisturising, and I've found the perfect balm to keep my pucker soft and silky smooth - Breeze Balm by Sammy Leo ♥...

I'd never heard of this brand before, but the lovely Renee contacted me with an offer to try one of their flavours, and I jumped at the chance to sample Pineapple Pash.  Great choice kats! Holey guacamoley, this puts the pineapple back into pineapple! With a fabulously delish scent and taste, the balm itself is dynamite for dry flakey lips. Thick and rich and outrageously hydrating, this creamy balm will blast away dry scratchy skin even before you've finished applying it ♥...

I've also been rubbing it onto the red patches on my elbows, and these notoriously scaly areas were transformed into soft supple NORMAL skin after only one application. So it isn't just for lips, but spreading it onto anything but my pout seems such a waste of the fruity fragrance and taste, so I'm planning on ordering a tube of one of the more subtle scented choices, like the vanilla Hero one. But what I really REALLY want is the limited edition Bananas For You -  sigh...I bet it's heavenly ♥...

All up there are seven varieties for $19.95 each, and the generous 15g tube is jam-packed with lanolin and beeswax, and has an angled tip for easy application. All are paraben free, no mineral oils, artificial colours or ethanol, and they're not tested on animals - perfect ♥...

Thankyou Team BB for turning me into a Breeze Balm Babe - yum balm! ♥♥♥

Take care of you,

kats xxx

REVIEW: Nutrimetics Silk Crème Lipsticks...

Nutrimetics recently introduced a new lipstick to their range - nc Silk Crème - and I took advantage of the March pre-launch pack which included three from the collection. Being a massive fan of their ultra-moist Hydra Brilliance lipsticks (rave review HERE), I was hoping these would be just as fabulous (but probably not quite as glossy) and I sure wasn't disappointed ♥...

These are truly stunners, and if you like your formula to be rich but with less shine, and a whole lot longer wearing, you're going to adore them. The packaging is ultra-luxe - square mirrored silver cases (that are a nightmare to photograph btw!) with the now-popping-up-everywhere magnetic snap closure. Just like the name, the formula is creamy and silky and has a satin finish which sets to a semi-matte velvety finish that is SUPREMELY comfortable to wear, and will last for hours - score! The pigmentation is rich, lustrous and incredibly dense, so much so you'll only need a couple of swipes for brilliant colour depth and intensity ♥...

L to R: Coco Rose, Violet, Scarlet

The shades that came in the pack were Coco Rose, Violet & Scarlet - these last two are right up my alley colour-wise, but I know the Coco Rose will be too pale for my taste, and I might just have to give that one away, so keep reading ♥...

Violet

More of a berry pink than a violet, this is still my kind of shade - just beautiful! Not too bright and yet bold enough to say hello in any language. I wore this on Friday with an aqua and navy blue outfit (perfect!) and reapplied it...ONCE...after lunch. All the while my lips stayed supple and hydrated, and even when it started to wear off, there was still plenty of stain left. ♥...

Scarlet

Oh wow, the perfect Winter red - deep, warm and luscious, and maximum vamp impact without the fire-engine horn blaring. I put this to the test (magically teamed with an all-grey outfit), and again I reapplied it only once throughout the day - the hue deepens a little over time because the satin finish becomes more matte-ish as it wears, and yet my lips never feel dry. Crikey, I'm in love! ♥...

Coco Rose

This rose shade with a hint of brown is SO pretty, but it will be wasted on me, so I haven't swatched it and only opened it to take the photo. I'm sure it would suit one of you gals, so I'm giving it away, along with a matching nc Velvet Crème Lip Pencil in the shade Rose, plus an nc Pencil Sharpener! If you're interested, let me know in the comments section what outfit you'd wear it with, and I'll choose a winner ♥...

These lipsticks are truly gorgeous. There are 12 in the range, they retail for $32, have barely any fragrance, they're paraben free and not tested on animals. I plan on picking up a few more shades (like Rhubarb, Mocha, Plum & Chilli) as they're on special at the moment - two for $45, which is a beaut deal ♥...

Take care of you,

kats xxx

REVIEW: DKNY Be Delicious City Blossom Urban Violet EDT...

Never enough - that's how I feel about fragrance ♥ It doesn't matter how many bottles are on my shelf, there's always another that captures my heart, and my most recent ticker entrapment was orchestrated by DKNY Be Delicious Limited Edition Urban Violet.  If you've a passion for violets and soft, powdery florals with a splash of fruit, then you will fall in love with Urban Violet, just like I have ♥...

There are around 60 variations in the Be Delicious range, the majority in similar almost spherical bottles, which are cute-as, but a challenge to photograph (reflections!) and actually quite difficult to handle when you want to decant the perfume into something more purse-friendly, but I won't hold that against Ms Karan because she designs such glorious everyday scents for the young at heart. I have two others - Skin Fresh Blossom EDP (reviewed HERE) and Eau So Intense (reviewed HERE) and was therefore already familiar with this particular DNA...

And so as luck would have it, the universe was most definitely looking after my interests a few Saturdays ago when I popped into the local Priceline Beauty Store that was closing down (sob!) and spotted this fabulously purple elixir all alone on a "Clearance" table for $10. $10? Are you serious? I took it to the counter to have it checked, and sure enough, that was the price. So my perfume stars had aligned yet again, and this fruity fresh floral precious was mine ♥...

Released in 2014, her opening notes are a green burst of apple blossom, crisp red berries and juicy mandarin, followed by a garden bed of freesia petals, and then...and then...the violets raise their pretty heads and start swaying in the breeze, their soft scent wafting up into the fragrant cloud that by now is surrounding me. Sigh. A few blissful minutes later, the sandalwood, musk and orris lend their support to the fruit and flowers, and then this fresh, fun and carefree strictly all-girl band plays the Urban Violet symphony on my skin for the next few hours ♥...

Despite being a limited edition, Priceline still has this 50ml bottle on their website for $49. She's an absolute darling, and I only wish she was an EDP just so I wouldn't have to spritz quite so frequently, and the bottle would have a better chance of lasting me a full season. As it is, the level has already dropped considerably, but I'm putting what's left of this sweetheart away till next Spring when I'll dust her down, polish her mirror cap, and we'll blossom and bloom fragrantly together ♥...

Take care of you,

kats xxx