Sunday 26 May 2019

REVIEW: Nutrimetics Mineral Clay Masque...

If you've been here before or follow my Instagram account (@katshepsutt), you'll know that I'm pretty mad keen on simple home face treatments - sheet masks in particular for my Sunday treat, and there's usually quite a few descriptions and pics in my Empties posts every month. But I've also been reaping the benefits of a mid-week cream masque - the combination of the two different styles is keeping my complexion fresh, clear and hydrated. Interestingly I haven't reviewed many cream-style masques over the years mainly because I find a pot or tube will last me 12 months or more, and so I don't tend to buy/try many in case they go off or dry up.  My latest discovery though deserves its own page 'cos it's just so darn good - Nutrimetics Mineral Clay Masque with Apricot Extract & Soybean Oil ...


Clay masques are my absolute favourite for deep cleansing & pore refining - there's something about the kaolin and bentonite that draws out the goop from any clogged pores, which always look a bit smaller afterwards (bonus!). I've been using this one religiously every week for around two months, and my complexion is certainly the better for it - more refined, refreshed and becalmed. The cream is a pale caramel colour - far less frightening if you're spotted mid-treatment, and while the consistency is thick and rich, it spreads effortlessly. The scent is very faint, earthy and organic, and there's no added fragrance listed in the ingredients ...


Apart from water, the formula contains kaolin, zinc oxide, bentonite, glycerin, burdock, verbena & apricot extract, and soybean oil - some of these inclusions are known to assist with troubled skin, whether it be dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema or acne, none of which I'm blessed to NOT be dealing with, but I sometimes experience dry patches or flaky areas, all of which have vanished since I started including this baby in my regime ...


Below you can see the density and skin flattering colour of the cream on the left - the pic on the right was taken after 30 minutes, almost completely dry, and you can probably guess why I didn't photograph this on my face lol! After rinsing with a soft cloth and warm water, my skin is ridiculously soft, deeply cleansed, and even more ready to absorb the rest of my skin care products ...


The packaging is the simple and elegant standard presentation from Nutrimetics - a tube with a flip top cap, which I far prefer to a jar for both ease of dispensing, as well as protection from contamination, and reduced chances of the product drying out ...


The tube is 125ml and the RRP is $40 - as with all my Nutrimetics product purchases, I picked this up on special for almost half that. I was so impressed after the first couple of uses, I ordered another one stat, and I'm giving it away to one of you lovelies who'd like to try it ...

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!) If you're unable to leave a comment for technical reasons, please email your answer to katshepsutt(at)gmail.com.
  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
    Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Annamaree as the winner.  
    Congratulations gorgeous! 
    Annamaree please respond to the email I've sent you by midnight
    Wednesday 5th June to claim your prize :-)
    Edit: Annamaree has claimed her prize 
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Best of luck to all who enter!

    Take care of you,
    kats xxx

    Saturday 18 May 2019

    April 2019 Empties & Giveaway...

    Getting in relatively early with my empties post this month  Finished three makeup items in April, and discovered a standout serum thanks to a beautyheaven trial. Also concentrated on using up some traditionally summertime products rather than putting them to the back of the cupboard. That's the plan from now on primarily because just the other night I found a partially used cream cleanser I'd completely forgotten about that had a use by date of July 2017! Honestly, I'm over having half a dozen opened products in each skin care category on my bench, so you'll be seeing quite a few strays over the next few months as I do a big cleanout ...


    Body

    Dove Deep Moisture Shower Foam (400ml, RRP $9)
    I quite enjoyed this - one of a few shower products from this brand that are sulfate free. Love the classic fragrance, and it lasts quite a long time. But to be honest, I'm not keen on pre-foamed anything, whether they are facial cleansers, hand washes or shower products - I prefer to make my own suds as part of the cleansing process. This one is nicely moisturising though, and I bought it to encourage Dove to make their whole range sulfate-free ...
    Repurchase?
    No...

    Dr. Bronner's 4-in-1 Sugar Lemongrass Lime Organic Pump Soap (355ml, RRP $17.95)
    Have had this for a couple of years, alternating between the bench for hand washing and the shower stall. It's terrific for either, non-drying and the fragrance is fruity-fresh and zesty. Just about every ingredient is organic, at least 55% are Fair Trade, and it will take you around five minutes to read everything that's on the label. I added this to an iHerb order for the free shipping, but you can buy it here from their Aussie website (https://www.drbronner.com.au/collections/pump-soap/products/dr-bronners-hand-and-body-pump-soap-lemongrass-lime). Super concentrated, you can also use it as a shampoo although I didn't try that. Very nice product ...
    Repurchase?
    Yes, but not this scent till next summer, might try the lavender one next. They also have an unscented one for babies ...

    Swisse Vitamin C + Manuka Honey (120 chewable tablets, RRP $32.99)
    Most of the supplements I buy are from Swisse - I find them to be excellent quality and more affordable than other brands as they are often on special. Which is how I came to buy these Vitamin C tablets, and I was keen to see what difference the manuka honey would make to my immune health. I still caught the flu, but it didn't seem to last as long so these daily pills may have contributed to the shorter sniffle duration. But...the taste is plain awful. I thought the "Natural honey & lemon flavour" would be ok, but it's almost intolerably sweet - like I mean sickly sweet. so I won't be buying them again...
    Repurchase?
    Negative ...

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


    Face

    Essano Rosehip Gentle Facial Cleansing Micellar Water (400ml, RRP $12.99)
    I gave this quite a glowing review in my Micellar Magic series (HERE) and it's a lovely gentle product, but for some reason, it now becomes super foamy on my skin - not sure if it's related to the cleansers I've been using, but I doubt it as I don't have this problem with other micellars. Besides, if I shake the bottle, it gets all frothy, and I don't remember it being like this before. Anyway, it annoys me that I end up with suds on my face, so that's the end of that ...
    Repurchase?
    Nope...

    Grahams Daily Facial Gel Cleanser (125ml, RRP $12.95)
    Still one of my favourite ever cleansing gels - I go through a couple of bottles every spring/summer. So cooling and refreshing with its green tea, aloe vera and cucumber ingredients. Full review of it is HERE ...
    Repurchase?
    Always ...

    Nivea Hyaluron Cellular Filler Anti Spot Treatment Serum (30ml, RRP $34.99)
    This was the find of the month, thanks to beautyheaven. A beautiful serum that smells divine and hydrates like there's no tomorrow. Has helped fade my freckles, which always become more intense over summer despite the application of sunscreen. I also have a few pigmented marks around my hairline that had noticeably lightened by the end of the four-week trial, and I've been massaging the excess onto the backs of my hands which has helped the freckles there become paler too. My review of it is fourth from the top of the page HERE ...
    Repurchase?
    Yes, on my second bottle now ...

    Nutrimetics Honey & Almond Scrub (125ml, RRP $38)
    I can remember this from years ago. It's a very thick creamy paste with almond granules and oatmeal grains to scrub away all the dead skin cells - non-drying, supremely effective, and a little goes a long way. What's weird though is that it's fragranced with peppermint oil - given the name, it's quite unexpected, and there's no mention of it in the advertising. I kinda would prefer a honey/oatmeal scent, but the mint is actually quite refreshing early in the morning. I use this twice a week without fail ...
    Repurchase?
    I bought another one recently intending it to be part of this giveaway, but I've decided I love it too much, so I'm keeping it - sorry about that lol! ...

    Regulars
    Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover (112ml, RRP $10.89)
    Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence (40ml, RRP $39.99)


    Face Masks

    Burt's Bees Detoxifying Charcoal Sheet Mask with Honey (RRP $9.95)
    I had no idea that Burt's Bees made sheet masks, although just about every brand is bringing them out now, so I should have guessed. I picked this up on special, and it's lovely. It doesn't adhere all that well to the skin so you'll have to stay horizontal, but it left my skin feeling clean, fresh and blissfully hydrated. There's one weird thing about it though - the instructions say to leave it on for 2 minutes. 2 minutes?!? I ignored that because there's no way I would go through all the fiddling, or spend $10 on something that'll be over in a flash ...
    Repurchase?
    I would, but only if it's discounted - the Garnier Skin Active charcoal one is my fave and it's half the price ...



    Jiinju Beauty Face, Lip & Eye Mask Set (RRP $15?)
    This Korean range sells in Woolworths, and I spotted the boxed set reduced to $5, so how could I resist? The pack contained an Avocado Sheet Mask, Red Cherry Gel Lip Mask and Ginseng & Eucalyptus Under Eye patches, so I whacked them all on at the one time. The face mask was a reasonable fit although the nose flap was way too short. The gel lip mask covered the entire mouth area (and more) but only stayed on because I positioned the sheet mask over the top - used on its own, you would need to lie down first and then press it on as it's super slippery. The eye patches were soothing and fitted right up to the lash line without any discomfort. Once I was horizontal, the whole experience was pleasurable, and my skin tone looked more even afterwards, and pleasantly hydrated. Like most Korean products, the packaging is super cute ...
    Repurchase?
    Probably although I don't know what the usual price is - it was a great deal for a fiver ...



    Neutrogena Youthful Boost 100% Hydrogel Mask (RRP $5.99)
    After falling for the Hydro Boost variety big time, I decided to give this flavour a shot - not as hydrating as the one in the blue pack, but an equally delightful experience. The optional eye and lip flaps are a huge bonus -  I'm impressed that they've thought this whole face mask thing through and come up with something that covers the entire face, plus it's almost invisible, so no worry about frightening the cat. My complexion did indeed look and feel crazy smooth afterwards ...
    Repurchase?
    I'm more likely to go for the Hydro Boost ones as I want that extra moisturising hit ...



    Skin Republic 24K Gold Aquagel Under Eye Patch (2 pairs, RRP $12.99)
    No action shots 'cos I slept in these four times - they shrivel and fall off at some stage during the night, but I reckon they're on for at least an hour, and my bags don't look nearly as voluminous the next morning. Adore! ...
    Repurchase?
    Forever ...


    Hair

    Goldwell Kerasilk Control Conditioner (200ml, RRP $35.95)
    Hard for me to go past this conditioner and it's partnering shampoo, actually the whole range is awesome. A bottle of each is included free every time I have my Kerasilk treatment done at the hairdressers (every 3 months), and I usually only have to buy one more to get me through till the next appointment. Sulfate-free it's truly the best and most silkening product for my naturally frizzy mop ...
    Repurchase?
    Sure will ...


    Makeup

    Crop Natural Concealer Pencil - Light (RRP $16)
    Loved this little pencil for reverse outlining my lips - it was the perfect shade and texture ...
    Repurchase?
    The range is no longer available at Coles, and it's not listed on their website, so I guess they've discontinued the product - boo! I've replaced it with a NYX Wonder Pencil which is working well, but it's more pinkish than the Crop one sigh ...

    Regulars
    Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder (RRP $13.95)
    Maybelline Total Temptation Brow Definer (RRP $13.95)

    Giveaway!


    • Skin Republic 24K Gold Aquagel Under Eye Patches
    • Neutrogena Youthful Boost 100% Hydrogel Face Mask
    • Grahams Natural Daily Facial Gel Cleanser
    • Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover
    • Grahams Natural Organic Lip Balm - Raspberry
    • Bourjois Rouge Velvet Lipstick Duo Pack - shades Don't Pink of It & Nude-ist

    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!) If you're unable to leave a comment for technical reasons, please email  your answer to katshepsutt(at)gmail.com.
    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
      a Rafflecopter giveaway
      Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Raluca P. as the winner.  
      Congratulations gorgeous! 
      Raluca please respond to the email I've sent you by midnight
      Wednesday 29th May to claim your prize :-)
      Edit: Raluca has claimed her prize 
      ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

      Best of luck to all who enter!

      Take care of you,
      kats xxx

      Sunday 5 May 2019

      SPOTLIGHT: Favourite March 2019 LOTD's...

      Given I have such an acute obsession with lipstick, I've always wanted to send a massive "thank you!" into the ether to whoever invented it. So I did a bit of digging (aka googling) and yes, no one knows who came up with it, but the practice of colouring the lips can be traced back at least 5,000 years. And in those early days, red lip colourant was often extracted from highly toxic substances that eventually poisoned the wearer, and apparently, this is where the term "kiss of death" comes from. Whoa - who knew? Fast forward to today when we still need to be careful with what we use to decorate our pouts, but fortunately, there is a multitude of choices available, both in formulation ingredients and presentations, so let's just say I'm eternally grateful to anyone and everyone who has contributed to the evolution of this most magically uplifting cosmetic ...


      And so here we go with the products and hues that clanged my chimes in March ...


      1. Revlon Super Lustrous - Bronze Beauty. Have had this one for a long long time - according to the purists I should have tossed it 2 years ago, but it's still going strong, comfortable, no colour change and doesn't have a weird smell. Ok, so I'm not a purist lol ...
      2. Mirenesse 3D Forever Gloss - Star Struck. Another one that's older than I care to admit, but I just ADORE the colour, and they don't make it any more sob ...
      3. David Jones Moisture Cream - Terracotta. This autumn stunner is a long time favourite, and exactly 2 years old - I guess you can tell that I was rummaging through my aged lippie box in March! Seriously though I've had a major blitz in the last couple of months and tossed out a whole bunch so that I can rotate my precious lippies more frequently ...



      4. Appeal Cosmetics Ultra Shine Liquid Lipstick - Vixen. This one hasn't made an appearance in these posts since 2017, but I have been wearing it fairly regularly - it's the ultimate in glossy red liquid lipsticks, but you definitely need a lipliner as it has a tendency to bleed, well on me anyway ...
      5. Mirenesse Mattfinity Rouge - Ibiza. This one is still available - luscious formula, intense colour, supremely comfortable, but not really a matte (thank goodness!) ...
      6. Rimmel The Only 1 Matte - High FlyerLove this nudey pink - I have a few from this range and they are very kind on the lips. I've binned all the ultra-drying lip products I had in my kit, but this one is a stayer ...



      7. Jane Iredale Triple Luxe Long Lasting Naturally Moist - Ella. Oh oh oh, this was a freebie at the beautyheaven Glosscars event. The formula is to die for - so rich and creamy, silky smooth, and it even survived a meal. More please! ...
      8. Covergirl Katy Kat Matte - Catoure. A regular in these posts, there's something about this shade that I just love on my skin, and it's also one of the non-lip-shrivelling mattes left in my collection ...
      9. Lacura Photo-Fit - London. Discovered this range last November, and I've been a fan ever since. There's a fabulous red and hot pink too, but this mauve has won my heart ...



      10. Maybelline Colorsensational - Pink Me Up. I admit I have now let this one go - they don't make it any more, and while it was way paler than I normally wear, I loved pairing it with the occasional pastel outfit ...
      11. NYX Cosmic Metals - Fuchsia Fusion. My ultimate hot pink gloss of all time - these were a limited edition and I'm totally bummed as they were unquestionably the best metallic lip glosses I've ever tried. NYX, please reconsider!!! ...
      12. Revlon Ultra HD Metal Matte Lip Color - Dazzle. One of the few matte liquid lipsticks I've kept - it's quite drying but I simply can't let this fabulous orchid purple go ...

      Well lovelies, that's it for March - April will follow soon!

      Take care of you,
      kats xxx