Missed writing a post last weekend - I've just started a new job and it's eating into my blogging time, but hey, it pays the bills and keeps my beauty addiction going, so I can't complain. And yes lovelies - this is my biggest Empties post of all time! It will probably hold the record forever as I've now pretty much cleared my shelves and benchtops of the partially used beauty bits and bobs that have been clogging up the works for years. Feeling much freer because of the cleanout, although it will take a fair amount of personal discipline to not let the buildup happen again, but...I'm up for a challenge of such magnitude lol ♥...
Body
OGX Extra Hydrating Radiant Glow Argan Oil of Morocco Body Wash (577ml, $17.99)
Reviewed in my SLS-Free Body Washes post HERE ♥♥...
Repurchase?
You betcha ♥♥...
Shea Moisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Creme Sugar Scrub (227g, RRP $10)
One word, two syllables - di-vine! This is listed on the "limited editions" page of their website. I don't know what that means in terms of availability going forward, but I've just bought another jar, and because my order total came to >$50 I was able to choose a second jar for free - woo hoo! Smells fantabulous and it works a treat on my rough bits leaving my skin silky smooth and deliciously nourished. The main ingredient is sugar, closely followed by coconut oil, and there's some shea butter as well. Love it to bits! ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
Absolutely ♥♥♥...
Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Soap (230g, RRP $13.95)
I think this is my favourite soap in the whole wide world - reviewed HERE ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
I have a few bars scattered around the house and just ordered a spare ♥♥♥...
P.S. Reminder: use code KATS at the website checkout to receive 30% off - it doesn't apply to Limited Editions but works with the regular range
RegularsShea Moisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Creme Sugar Scrub (227g, RRP $10)
One word, two syllables - di-vine! This is listed on the "limited editions" page of their website. I don't know what that means in terms of availability going forward, but I've just bought another jar, and because my order total came to >$50 I was able to choose a second jar for free - woo hoo! Smells fantabulous and it works a treat on my rough bits leaving my skin silky smooth and deliciously nourished. The main ingredient is sugar, closely followed by coconut oil, and there's some shea butter as well. Love it to bits! ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
Absolutely ♥♥♥...
Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Soap (230g, RRP $13.95)
I think this is my favourite soap in the whole wide world - reviewed HERE ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
I have a few bars scattered around the house and just ordered a spare ♥♥♥...
P.S. Reminder: use code KATS at the website checkout to receive 30% off - it doesn't apply to Limited Editions but works with the regular range
Oral-B 3D White Luxe Glamorous White Toothpaste (96g, RRP $9.49)
Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)
White Glo Charcoal Total Mouth Detox Whitening Mouthwash (500ml, RRP $6.99)
Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)
White Glo Charcoal Total Mouth Detox Whitening Mouthwash (500ml, RRP $6.99)
Face
Dr.Lewinn's Eternal Youth Rejuvenate & Refine Skin Polishing Exfoliant (100g, RRP $29.95)
The last of my scathingly brilliant bargains from the Priceline Hornsby Beauty Store closure - it was on the shelf for $5, and if it wasn't for the store closing, I may never have had the opportunity to fall in love with this wondrous scrub. Before I start my rave, I'm not happy with the screw cap - don't companies realise how hard it is to remove the lid, squeeze out the contents and screw the lid back on when you're all soapy in the shower? Now for the rave - LOVE this! Delish refreshing scent, the cream itself is dark grey (from the charcoal) and the exfoliating bits are finely ground walnut shells. Gentle enough to use every day, I treat myself to it once or twice a week just so I can make it last. Leaves my skin surface as smooth as glass, and perfectly prepped for the rest of my morning regime ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
Picked up two more on special, and I'm giving away one at the end of this post (I must be crazy lol) ♥♥♥...
Elucent Anti Ageing Eye Cream (15g, RRP $50)
This was a blast from the past - haven't had a tube of this for over five years, and it came my way I think from Beautyheaven, but remembering the source is a huge problem when you have too much stuff. Wherever it came from I was delighted to be reminded of this classy cream that I used faithfully for several years. Feels lovely on the skin and kept my delicate eye area well hydrated, however, nothing much else in the way of apparent improvements in the wrinkles, sagging skin or baggy areas. As I keep saying, I need creams that can work miracles, and sadly this one just doesn't cut my old mustard ♥...
Repurchase?
No ♥...
Garnier Skin Active Micellar Cleansing Water (125ml, RRP $6.95)
Covered this in my Micellar Magic Series Part 1 HERE. One of the best there is! ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
Yup! ♥♥♥...
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream (48g, RRP $48.99)
Been quite a while since I first discovered this skin care masterpiece (even before I started posting empties), and I'd quite forgotten how fabulous it is. This sample jar came from...I can't remember...but it's been sitting part-used on my bench for over a year, and I'm so glad I finally finished it off. I'm in love with the fragrance and how enriching the formula is, especially for my dry winter skin. Because there's no SPF I've only been applying it at night, but I do love the feel of it on my face, as well as the way my skin looks and feels the next morning. If I wasn't on my retinol path, I'd be quite content to use this all the time ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
Not at this stage because of the Neutrogena range I'm working with - but I have another (unopened) sample jar in the drawer so I won't forget about it again ♥♥♥...
This one's been hanging around for a while. I'm such a Sukin fan and was mad keen to try this (and the Night Cream) when they first came out (was it last year?) - their skincare is SO good and so affordable. This is a beautiful cream with a delightful and delicate floral fragrance, but no SPF, and it's just not potent enough for all my ageing issues. Like a lot of others in my backlog, I've been using it as a body moisturiser (what a treat!), and I'm kinda sad that it's come to an end ♥♥...
Repurchase?No - it's lovely, but I need much more powerful guns in my arsenal ♥♥...
Sukin Super Greens Detoxifying Facial Scrub (125ml RRP $13.95)
Detailed review HERE. Next time this will appear in my Regulars ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
I actually bought another one yesterday at Priceline - on special 3 for 2, so I chose the Oil-Balancing & Rejuvenating ones as well ♥♥♥...
Regulars
Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover (112ml, RRP $10.89)
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream with Accelerated Retinol SA (48g, RRP $48.99)
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum with Accelerated Retinol SA (29ml, RRP $42.99)
Nivea Hyaluron Cellular Filler Anti Spot Treatment Serum (30ml, RRP $34.99)
Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence (40ml, RRP $39.99)
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream with Accelerated Retinol SA (48g, RRP $48.99)
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum with Accelerated Retinol SA (29ml, RRP $42.99)
Nivea Hyaluron Cellular Filler Anti Spot Treatment Serum (30ml, RRP $34.99)
Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence (40ml, RRP $39.99)
Face Masks
Beautycare (Kmart) Raspberry Leaf Botanical Eye Mask (pack of 2, RRP $3)
These were the find of the month. Kmart has been out of stock of my fave Purederm Ginkgo eye patches for weeks (what the hell is going on?), so in desperation, I thought I'd give these a shot, and they're awesome, and a pretty good substitute. You can just make them out in the piccie below - they're clear with a sort of cross-hatch pattern, and they stick really well considering they're the gel kind. I'm going to experiment with sleeping in them (which is how I use the Purederm ones) - very cooling and they do seem to firm the under eye area a bit ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
Already have ♥♥♥...
Skin Republic 24K Gold Aquagel Under Eye Patch (2 pairs, RRP $12.99)
So happy I revisited these - they're really something special because they actually reduce my puffy bags, if only for a short while ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
On and on, and on, and on ♥♥♥...
Skin Republic Retinol Hydrogel Under Eye Patch (3 pairs, RRP $9.99)
If you've been reading my Empties posts for a while you may remember last year I couldn't stop raving about the Collagen Eye Patches from Skin Republic - well, these Retinol ones are EVEN BETTER. There aren't any pictures because I slept in them every night for 12 nights last month, and they made quite a difference to my under eye area, smoothing the wrinkles and reducing the annoying pigmentation that I have to cover every day with concealer. I came to the conclusion I should sleep in them every night, but my bank balance would take too much of a hit ($100 per month), so I'll just treat myself to a mini-series of them whenever I need a boost ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
Oh yeah, baby ♥♥♥...
Regulars
Garnier SkinActive Pure Charcoal Tissue Mask with Black Algae (RRP $4.99)
Neutrogena Hydro Boost 100% Hydrogel Mask (RRP $5.99)
Skin Physics Instant Lift V-Shape Vitality Mask (RRP $14.99)
Skin Republic Volcanic Ash Mud Sheet Mask (RRP $12)
Hair
Amazon Series MuruMuru Anti-Frizz Smoothing Masque (250ml, RRP $29.95)
Embarrassed to say I've been working through this jar for over 2 years. My hairdresser recommended it, and it's truly fabulous for controlling the frizzies, but I prefer to use the Kerasilk mask as that's what's recommended to maintain my post-treatment condition. And for a while, I couldn't find where to buy it, so this was the next best thing. The MuruMuru is full of botanical goodness, contains no parabens, and it smells like heaven - highly recommended! ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
If I can't find Kerasilk, then yes ♥♥♥...
Schwarzkopf Live Salon Permanent - Ultra Light Ash Blonde & Medium Ash Blonde (RRP $13.99)
These should actually be in regulars as I go through 2 packs of each every month. But looking back I haven't included the Medium one before. Anyway, I mix these two together 60/40 (medium/light) in order to get the colour I want because they don't actually make a Light Ash Blonde, the Medium is too dark, and the Ultra Light doesn't take on my white roots. I've tried other brands but the colour either turns out too yellowy, or the formula is too damaging for my hair. What I actually want is to dye my hair silver grey, but it doesn't seem to be possible in a home colourant - boo! ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
I stock up whenever they're on special, but the Ultra Light is becoming harder and harder to find - a fact that I'm trying not to stress about ♥♥♥...
Regulars
Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector (100ml, RRP $49.95)
Scott Cornwall Colour Restore Iced Platinum Anti-Yellow Toner (100ml, RRP $16.95)
Makeup
Australis HD Translucent Loose Setting Powder (6g, RRP $15.95)
Well now, when I went to pick up my usual Ready-Set-Go Finishing Powder from the stand and found this there instead, I'll admit to having a moment of panic. I've been using it for more years than I can remember and was mortified at the prospect of it being discontinued and replaced with something that might not be as good. But I needn't have worried as this HD one is almost identical - the original was flat matte, and this just has the merest hint of shimmer, but nowhere near enough to be a problem. Phew! ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
Forever, well at least until they revamp it again ♥♥♥...
Beauty by Nicholas Foundation No More - Medium (30ml, RRP $30)
Love this foundation, and it's come down in price considerably since my in-depth review HERE ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
You know the score - just as soon as I use up some others on my bench l ♥♥♥...
Regulars
Australis AC On Tour Contouring & Highlighting Kit - Cool Tone Cream (RRP $24.95)
Giveaway
Ok, so this month we have up for grabs...
- Australis HD Translucent Loose Setting Powder
- Beautycare (Kmart) Raspberry Leaf Botanical Eye Mask
- Dr.Lewinn's Eternal Youth Rejuvenate & Refine Skin Polishing Exfoliant
- Olay Regenerist Starter Kit
- Shea Moisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Creme Sugar Scrub
- Skin Republic 24K Gold Aquagel Under Eye Patch
All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $100. The giveaway is open to...
Australian Residents Only!
Here's how to enter...
- 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.
- Leave your email address inside the Rafflecopter so I can contact you if you win
- Follow my blog one way or another from the many choices listed
- 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
Best of luck to all who enter!
This giveaway is now closed - check back later tonight to see who won!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Christine Y as the winner.
Congratulations gorgeous!
Christine, please respond to the email I've sent you by midnight
Wednesday 24th July to claim your prize :-)
Edit: Christine has claimed her prize ♥
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Best of luck to all who enter!
Take care of you,
kats xxx
I am trying really hard to focus on clearing some of my stash. Im at a point at the moment where there is a bunch of goodies that are so close to being finished. A large bottle of perfume, 1L conditioner, body wash, 500ml body lotion, hand cream, Eye shadow trio, a color tattoo, and a blush. I am feeling very good about my efforts so far this year but need to keep working at it.
ReplyDeleteOh wow Fawn, finishing off the large conditioner & body lotion bottles will definitely deserve a pat on the back, as will the perfume - fragrance is always my greatest challenge, but I'm about to hit pan on one of my winter ones too ♥
DeleteI have about 7 perfumes that I have decided that I really need to focus on and finish up so i am refusing to open new bottles until these ones are done. I dont know if I will stick to that but im at least trying :)
DeleteWay to go Fawn - you have my very best wishes for a fruitful fragrance finalisation!
DeleteI'm always fascinated by your empties posts. Such dedication wow. I can never finish that much products. I always open new ones and then struggle to finish them. I need to clear out my stash like you .
ReplyDeleteHi darling Moonlight - it's certainly a challenge for us beauty fanatics, and being members of beautyheaven compounds the problem, although I would never EVER complain about the volume of wondrous products us bh babes are fortunate to receive ♥
DeleteI have big issues with not breaking into new stuff before finishing the old.... I usually end up using face creams in my hands and chest just to use them up!
ReplyDeleteIt also bothers me a lot duality, but it happens fairly regularly when I receive products to test, and I find it so hard to NOT accept skin care trials from bh lol! But face creams are fabulous for legs and arms, and I have absolutely no problem using them that way too ♥
DeleteWell done on making such a dent in your stash! I'm guilty of having multiples open at once but I'm slowly getting more disciplined. Still having an issue with shower products (gels and scrubs) though!
ReplyDeleteThere's a comfort in knowing I'm not alone in my dilemma Mayday ha ha! Oh yeah, shower products are a challenge - but my philosophy with them is variety, I simply must have different kinds to choose from on any given day, so I don't feel so bad that I have 8 in my rack at any one time ♥
DeleteActually, because I have SO much product I'm getting a lot better at finishing things off because my partner has gone a bit crazy about how much drawer space I hog up. However, the problem I have is that I end up with loads of one or two of a particular type of product meaning I still need to go out and buy (for example) eye cream.
ReplyDeleteHey Alex, it's probably a bonus to have the added incentive of limited space, but I feel your pain with missing certain kinds - I just looked at my bench and I have 3 day creams and I'm about to run out of night moisturiser!
DeleteYou did amazing getting through so many empties! It must feel really satisfying. I try to empty as many products as I can before repurchasing new ones now so my collection doesn't get out of control. I did a really thorough declutter so it's easy to see what I need to use up
ReplyDeleteHi Nyssa - thanks for joining in the fun! Yes ma'am it sure does feel good to put all those tubes and jars into my monthly collection box, and even more so when they're tossed into the recycle bin after writing up my post ♥
DeleteI'm literally the worst at finishing! I'm always Keen to start using something new and quite rarely end up 'finishing'any product completely unless I find it absolutely incredible
ReplyDeleteHa ha well it seems we're all in the same boat Sarahmary! I do my best to use up things elsewhere on my bod, but it isn't always possible, like when mouthwash or toothpaste is just too yucky to finish. So I tend to stick with what I've tried before wherever possible, but I'm regularly tempted by new products - it's a problem that's for sure ♥
DeleteI actually do quite well in finishing opened items... but not so well in not acquiring excessive items! :)
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to read you SJ - I'm strangely comforted by your comment ♥ I think an over-abundance of acquisition is actually the root cause of my problem ha ha! xxx
DeleteFinishing off products. What's that? I rarely finish anything off, certainly not before starting new ones. This year in an attempt to get rid of some of my backlog, I haven't bought any new skincare.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, have you ever done a full review of the Olaplex? I know you've made some positive comments about it on BH, as well as brief reviews here in your Empties post. Could you please consider do a more detailed review?
Thanks
Lina
Hi Lina, wow no skincare purchases so far this year? I'm in awe of your restraint - good on you! As for Olaplex, it's on my "to do" list for the blog - it certainly deserves its own dedicated rave ♥
DeleteI love trying new products, so I often have some items already opened & unfinished before I start using another. Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteIt's so tempting hey Nancy - I'm always looking for my holy grail of skincare so I find it almost impossible to resist anything new that comes out and gets rave reviews.
DeleteWhoa! This is definitely a bumper issue! I love Sukin Super Greens Scrub & Olaplex too! I've got to thank you again for my past win which included the Olaplex - wow!
ReplyDeleteOlaplex is amazing hey misfortune - I've read some gals didn't find much difference in their hair after they used it (I reckon their hair wasn't all that damaged), but in most cases, folks are in awe of it's powers. Thrilled it worked for you! xxx
DeleteI've used the Olay Regenerist Micro sculpting cream and I did like it but unfortunately it made me break out in pimples. I'm trying to get through my stash Kats but it might take me a while. I have a tube of the Elucent eye cream that came as a freebie with a magazine but I haven't used it yet.
ReplyDeleteThat's a shame about the Olay cream Okatko - everyone's skin is so different, which I guess is why there are SO MANY products on the market. Good luck with the clean out,and fingers crossed the Elucent eye cream is a winner for you xxx
Delete