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

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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 ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx