May 2019 Empties & Giveaway!...

This may well be my biggest empties post yet! I mentioned in my April article that I was "over" having multiple opened skincare products on my bench, so I'm in the middle of a blitz clearing everything that's part-used. While there are only two "old" creams here (eye & day moisturiser), the big win was actually the shower stall where I managed to clear several hair products and face scrubs that I've had in rotation for many months. Feels SO GOOD I can assure you! ♥...

Body

La Roche-Posay Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil (400ml, RRP $33.95)

This 100ml sample tube came in a beauty box a long long time ago - having only recently experienced its wondrous moisturising powers in the shower, I was feeling quite silly for keeping it in the drawer for so long. But then I read the label and saw the SLS content, and now I'm in a quandary because my skin sure seems to love this slightly foaming cleanser ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Despite it being such a lovely product, probably not...

Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)

I keep forgetting to hang onto this container to include it in my empties. After this post, it will appear in the Regulars section as I go through at least one pack a month flossing after every meal. This is a can't-live-without, the ONLY floss worth buying in my book! I have a mixture of wide and tight gaps between my teeth, and this tape is the only one that works for every instance, doesn't fray, and doesn't hurt my gums. Being extra wide, it lifts out even the minutest chunks of debris and those hard to shift berry seeds. The crazy thing is that I can only buy it at Chemist Warehouse, so I usually pick up in-store or order online at least five packs at a time ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

For as long as I have teeth! ♥♥♥...

SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Hydrating Body Wash (384ml, RRP $24.95)

So softening, so moisturising, so beneficial for dry skin. My review is HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Most definitely - a reminder that if you enter the "KATS" code at the checkout, you get 30% off! ♥♥♥...

Skin Physics Advance Superlift Caviar Age-Recovery Hand & Nail Renewal Cream SPF15 (75ml, RRP $39.99)

Hand cream is another I'll be putting into focus over the next few months as I'm notorious for having anything up to 10 "in progress" tubes lying around the house, office, handbag, car. But it will be a big challenge to clear those as I fell so deeply in love with this hand cream that came my way at the beautyheaven Glosscars event back in March. At $40 for 75ml, it's what I would call expensive, but I'm prepared to pay that much for my next tube because I consider it a treatment product. If the ingredients list sequence is anything to go by, I don't think there's much caviar content, but the formula is certainly a winner for hands of advanced age like mine. The cream is quite runny, but sure packs a punch as far as moisturising potency is concerned, together with delivering tangible results in spot lightening, wrinkle reduction, nail strengthening and overall skin plumping. It has a faint fresh scent and absorbs lightning fast, leaving no greasy residue. The only thing I don't like is the tube, which is flat and unstable when stood on end - it topples over when the cat sneezes in another part of the house, but I can live with that because it's so good ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I certainly will, just as soon as I finish off my MASSIVE tube of L'Occitane, that was also gifted by beautyheaven ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Johnson's Baby Cotton Buds (Box of 60, RRP $2.99)

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

Face

BotanicES Eye Creme (15ml, RRP $40)

My review of this fab eye cream is HERE. I've been somewhat unfaithful to it over the last 18 months in that I've been trying quite a few others that came my way as gifts, freebies or trials, and am currently stuck on a retinol one, but I'll get back to this darling for the summer, which is when the consistency and moisturising power are perfect for my peepers ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yep ♥♥♥...

Neutrogena Deep Clean Purifying Cooling Gel Scrub (100g, RRP $11.99)

Love this scrub, and especially its invigoratingly fresh scent, which wakes me up nicely on these cold dark mornings. Gentle yet effective for keeping my pores goop-free ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Already have ♥♥♥...

Nivea Cellular Anti-Age Day Cream SPF15 (50ml, RRP $27.99)

This was left over from last September when I was sent the revamped (Hyaluron) version to trial for beautyheaven. After that, I shifted to a retinol range, and then the Elasticity & Re-Densifying Day Cream arrived for trial (again from bh), so this one has been languishing on my bench with about one third left in the jar. Didn't want to toss it though as it's excellent ♥♥...

Repurchase?

It's not available any more, the new Hyaluron version is even better...

Nutrimetics Honey & Almond Scrub (125ml, RRP $40)

Actually covered my first tube of this (in many years) last month, so I may have to shift it to the Regulars section next time around. I powered through this second one in six weeks, that's how often I use it ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, love it! ♥♥♥...

Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging Detoxifying Pore Scrub (150ml, RRP $14.99)

Another scrub that I absolutely adored. I bought it purely because it was on special, and I've decided it'll be a regular in my skin care kit from now on. Smells divine and it's gentle enough to use every other day - the exfoliant is silica. My only beef with this is the packaging - the red colouring of the label starts to wear off after a while, and it took a few "what the hell is that?" episodes before I figured out where the little red flakes on my face were coming from! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes indeedy ♥♥♥...

St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub (150ml, RRP $9.99)

My shower caddy is never without this - it's my deep dive super clean mega scrub that I use once a week to really pare back the dead surface cells. Love the apricot scent, and even though it's the strongest scrub in my kit, it never ever causes any irritation. Been using it for years, and will continue to do so for as long as they make it ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Forever ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover (112ml, RRP $10.89)
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Anti-Ageing Moisturiser with Accelerated Retinol SA & SPF 15 (29ml, RRP $39.99)
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum with Accelerated Retinol SA (29ml, RRP $42.99)

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

Face Masks

Skin Republic Pink Clay Mud Sheet Mask (18g, RRP $12.99)

With the regularity of their appearances in these posts, it's safe to say that Skin Republic masks are very dear to my heart, and whenever they're on special, I stock up. This Pink Clay Mud one has been featured several times because it has so much going for it - full coverage, great fit, mess-free, deep cleansing, and it tightens pores. The only drawback is the price - but if you're like me, you'll hunker down until there's a deal at Priceline, Chemist Warehouse, Woolworths etc ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

That'll be a yes ♥♥♥...

Skin Republic Seaweed Hydrogel Mask (18g, RRP $12.99)

It's hard to beat hydrogel masks for a hydration boost. As effective at calming redness and infusing moisture as the Green Tea one, this one doesn't have quite as much chill so it's a more comfortable one for winter. They're both terrific, and my preference is always for a two-piece as they fit heaps better, and seem to be less likely to fall off ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Affirmative ♥♥♥...

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


Fragrance

Vera Wang Princess Revolution EDT (50ml, RRP $49)

I reviewed this lovingly HERE. It's taken me three years to get through this totally gorgeous bottle of edgy deliciousness, but that's not surprising given I have so many others on my shelf (oops!). Sadly I can't find this anywhere except on eBay, so I guess I'll have to replace it with one of the many others in the Princess series ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Would if I could ♥♥♥...

Hair

Goldwell Kerasilk Control Shampoo (250ml, RRP $35.95)

Oddly enough, this is the first appearance of this brilliant shampoo on my blog, which is puzzling since I've been using it for years. A free bottle is included with every Kerasilk treatment (usually every three months) and then I only have to buy one more bottle to tide me over till the next session. Oddly enough it contains SLS (I've only just spotted it on the label - quelle horreur!) and yet it doesn't have any negative effects on either my hair or scalp. It has a lovely fresh scent and keeps my tresses glossy and in tip-top de-frizzed shape ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Despite the SLS content, always ♥♥♥...

O&M Original Detox Shampoo (350ml, RRP $32.95)

This was recommended by my hairdresser as I use quite a few styling products to achieve my latest messy look (lol!), and it works a treat as a clarifier - doesn't strip away the necessary oils nor any colourant. Being SLS-free it takes a bit of doing to get the first wash to foam up but after that no problem. What I'm not so keen on is the strong peppermint content, which I enjoy in toothpaste, mouthwash, Minties and chewing gum, but as a rule, not anywhere else ♥♥...

Repurchase?

No - I've since found something even more effective with a fragrance that I love...

Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Keratin Cream Rinse (250ml, RRP $34.95)

This bottle was left over from the time when I was unable to buy the Goldwell Kerasilk Control Conditioner, and if I ever have that problem again, this is the conditioner I would purchase in a heartbeat as a replacement. It's truly fabulous - leaves my hair SO SOFT it doesn't even feel like hair ha ha! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely, but only if I can't find my Kerasilk fave ♥♥♥...

Schwarzkopf OSIS+ Sparkler Shine Spray (300ml, RRP $27.95)

Discovered this during my ongoing search for a shine spray that doesn't weigh my hair down or build up after multiple uses. Well, this one (recommended by a Priceattack assistant) is pretty darn near perfect - unbelievable mirror shine, plus de-frizzing and conditioning. It does build up a little if you use it in the same quantity as hairspray but applied as recommended in short bursts, it's the ultimate gloss and makes even grey hair look fabulously healthy and vibrant ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

You betcha ♥♥♥...

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


Makeup

Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation - Beige (30ml, RRP $29)

Awesome foundation - the perfect colour match for my skin tone. Medium coverage with a soft dewy finish, I mix it most days (on the back of my hand) 50/50 with am SPF50 CC cream for a tad more density and protection. But it works brilliantly on its own as well, lasts a good 12 hours, more in the cooler weather when I don't sweat so much ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Definitely - as soon as I finish a couple of others ♥♥♥...

DB Cosmetics Flawless All in One Foundation Stick - True Beige (15g, RRP $14.99)

I always prefer to have at least one stick foundation in my kit at all times - reminds me of my drama school days and the pro makeup stash underneath the stage that we were able to raid whenever there was a performance. This one from DB is excellent for the price - it's quite creamy and provides full coverage if you need it, has a slightly dewy finish (that I set with a translucent powder,) lasts well throughout the day, and True Beige is a great match for me. I also use this with a cotton bud to clean up mascara or eye shadow specks around my eyes even when I'm using other foundations ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I was supposed to wait until I cleared some of the backlogs, but I bought another one today ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner (RRP $15.95)

Maybelline Total Temptation Brow Definer (RRP $13.95)

Maybelline Volume Express The Falsies Waterproof Mascara (RRP $19.95)

Giveaway!

As usual, I've bundled up some of this month's faves and added a cute Lovisa boxed jewellery set ♥

Here's a closeup of the necklace and earrings - they're so sparkly!

• Lovisa Owl Necklace & Earring Set
• Maybelline Volume Express The Falsies Waterproof Mascara
• Neutrogena Deep Clean Purifying Cooling Gel Scrub
• Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging Detoxifying Pore Scrub
• Reach Dentotape
• Skin Republic Pink Clay Mud Sheet Mask
• Skin Republic Seaweed Hydrogel Mask
• St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub

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 - check back later tonight to see who won!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Candice N. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 26th June to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Candice has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx