July 2019 Empties & Giveaway!...

Well, it's official - I'm high maintenance! I was looking back through my old Empties posts and found the first one I uploaded (in November 2015 HERE), and while it wasn't too shabby an effort, these days I require almost double the products to get me through a month, and I don't see the situation improving any time soon. In fact, it's likely to get worse - as I age it takes more and more effort (and stuff) to keep me looking reasonably well-groomed, so I guess the beauty industry will stay afloat for a while longer lol ♥...

Body

Glow Lab Amber & Sage Hand Wash (300ml, RRP $5)

Mmmm loved this hand wash, actually I'm quite taken with this brand, and have bought several other flavours, as well as their body wash. Fabulously comforting fragrance (anything with amber gets me in every time), no sulphates, cruelty-free, can buy it at Woolworths and doesn't dry my skin. NZ is really churning out some great skincare ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Already have, plus the coconut & spiced fig one ♥♥♥...

L'Occitane Intensive Hand Balm (150ml, RRP $47)

Holey guacemoley, this is the biggest, fattest most long-lasting tube of hand cream I've ever come across! Gifted by beautyheaven ages ago, I've been looking at it in my drawer for yonks, not wanting to make a dent in it. It's the most enriching hand cream, smells delish, and it worked wonders on my old skin. My only beef is with the packaging - why oh why do L'Occitane keep using metal for their tubes? The cap is so tiny that it won't stand up on my bedside table plus the lid is so fiddly to screw back on, and from the first use, the tube looks crap - battered and worn, and halfway through it started splitting at the sides. Boo!...

Repurchase?

Not unless it comes in a travel size, or they change the packaging to plastic...

White Glo Charcoal Deep Stain Remover Whitening Mouthwash (500ml, RRP $6.99)

Tastes the same as the Total Mouth Detox one, and didn't notice any difference in the whiteness of my teeth - I don't have any deep stains to remove, but I was curious to try it ♥♥...

Repurchase?

Probably, but if I have a choice, I'd go for my regular Detox one ♥♥...

Regulars

Natures Commonscents Natural Goats Milk Body Wash (500ml, $8.00)
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)

Face

Dermalogica Daily Superfoliant (57g, RRP $85)

I do love this powder - it's so gentle and I love the polishing effect on my skin. Was delighted to receive this 13g sample size from a long-forgotten source, and anything containing charcoal is a sure bet winner with me ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely, but probably not till I get a full-time job as it's not very budget-friendly ♥♥♥...

Kosmea Revive Illuminating Essence (10ml, RRP $21.95)

This 3ml sample came with one of my beautyheaven Rewards Room orders. Absolutely loved its hydrating qualities, and the scent is divine - very fresh and organic, and my face literally drank it in ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Would definitely consider it if I ever get off the retinol bus ♥♥♥...

L'Oreal Clinically Proven Lash Serum (2ml, RRP $29.95)

Can you believe it I've stopped buying RapidLash after 5 years - either my lashes are used to it, they changed the formula, or I'm buying fakes, but anyway it's not working any more. And because I no longer photograph my eyes, I figured I can survive with what nature gave me. But given I apply three coats of waterproof mascara almost every day, I wanted to show my lashes a little bit of love, and this works a treat. Keeps them supple and I've not had any breakages since I've been using it ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes ♥♥♥...

Mirenesse Fast Fix Solutions Chin Tuck (40g, RRP $79) 

This is one that had been lying idle in my drawer for over a year. It did nothing for my saggy neck or double chin but it came in a VIP pack so at least I didn't waste $80 on it. It feels lovely when applied, and there's a steel roller built into the tube, but I think my under-chin is just too far gone ha ha!...

Repurchase?

No ...

Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes (Pack of 25, RRP $7.99) 

These should have been appearing in my Regulars section since I started these Empties posts - I usually go through two packs every month. Not necessarily on my face, although I have used them occasionally when I've been in a hurry to get to bed - I use them to clean my brushes daily. It's the best way I've found - the brushes don't get wet and they never shed ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Always at least six packs stashed away ♥♥♥...

Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Moisturiser SPF 15 (29ml, RRP $39.99)

Bought this to try instead of the Rapid Wrinkle Repair one - didn't notice any difference, but it's just as lovely. I think this Neutrogena retinol skincare is awesome ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

If I can't find my usual, yes ♥♥♥...

Olay Regenerist Whip (10g, RRP $11.99) 

A freebie from a beautyheaven event - a beautiful cream, rich and yet light and non-greasy, perfect as an under makeup base, just wish it had SPF. This 10g size is just the cutest! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

If they bring out one with SPF, then yes ♥♥♥...

Olay Eyes Pro-Retinol Eye Treatment (15ml, RRP $48.99) 

Recommended by dear Fawn - thanks treasure! Absolutely LOVE this eye cream, in fact I think it's my latest contender for the HG title. Very calming, cooling and soothing, I noticed the fine wrinkles under my eyes disappeared in the first few days - let's hope it works as well on the crevasses! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I stocked up at the last skincare sale ♥♥♥...

SheaMoisture African Black Soap Clarifying Facial Wash & Scrub (118ml, RRP $29.99)

I'm a massive fan of this brand. This is a lovely and gentle scrub that's full of goodness, enriching and doesn't irritate my skin. It's very runny though, and that's why it's not my #1 - if I'm not careful it slips through my fingers and quite a bit is wasted. Love the milk lolly scent, just wish it was firmer ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Maybe ♥♥♥...

Skin Nutrient Goat's Milk Magic Touch Moisturiser (50g, RRP $35.95)

Another gift from a bh event. I had high hopes for this as it seemed to be sufficiently moisturising for my dry winter skin, but alas no. It would be fine for summer, but to be honest, it's just too weird. A gel with tiny white flecks (milk solids?) that are a little gritty and sometimes dissolve, but not always. For that reason, I would only use it at night. Nice fresh fragrance though and I like that they've attempted something a bit different with their packaging ♥...

Repurchase?

No ♥...

Swisspers Make-up Pads (Pack of 80, RRP $3.79)

Another pack that should have appeared regularly before, but will again. I go through probably three per night when I double cleanse with micellar water. I also spray my perfume onto one and tuck it between my boobs - my bras were becoming stained from my everyday spritz, but this does the trick, keeps everything clean, and the scent lasts all day. These are the ONLY makeup pads I buy - they don't disintegrate and yet they're baby soft ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Forever ♥♥♥...

Trilogy Rosehip  Transformation  Cleansing Oil (110ml, RRP $28.95) 

Another one from beautyheaven - yes they continue to be one of my main sources of new products! A gorgeous oil cleanser that smells divine and takes off all my makeup. I've never been into oil cleansers, and I'm still not as I prefer a balm in winter, but this is truly a lovely product. Liquid oils are just too messy for me and I don't like that they drip into the basin, which is why I prefer a solid balm ♥♥...

Repurchase?

As lovely as it is, not likely ♥♥...

Regulars

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

St. Ives Oatmeal Scrub & Mask (150ml, RRP $9.99)

Face Masks

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Mask (Box of 5, RRP $19.99)

Oh boy, my current job is so intense it has impacted my weekday nights (10-12 hour days) as well as my weekends, and this was my only sheet mask in July. I'm so glad it was a beauty - it's a one-piece with cheek splits,  one of the best face-fits ever, supremely hydrating and I could literally feel my skin soaking up the moisture. Definitely a keeper! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes indeedy! ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Skin Republic Retinol Hydrogel Under Eye Patch (3 pairs, RRP $9.99)

Skin Republic Foot Peel (1 pair pre-filled boots, RRP $15.99 )

Was keen to try this to compare it to Milky Foot (which I reviewed in my one and only YouTube video HERE).  My verdict? It's not as effective as Milky Foot, but hey, it's half the price. As you can see above it certainly peeled a fair bit of the yucky skin off my feet after a week, and there was no discomfort whatsoever, but it was all in the form of tiny flakes and the corns on my little toes are still there. Fine if you don't have much work to do on your feet, but for my money, I'd rather pay the extra for Milky Foot and only have to do it once per year ♥...

Repurchase?

No...

Fragrance

Estée Lauder Youth Dew EDP (67ml, RRP $80)

Adore this fragrance in the cold months - my in-depth review is HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Can't live without it ♥♥♥...

Hair
Regulars

Goldwell Kerasilk Control Shampoo (250ml, RRP $35.95) Schwarzkopf Live Salon Permanent - Ultra Light Ash Blonde & Medium Ash Blonde (RRP $13.99)

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

Makeup

BYS Highlighting Palette (5 pans + brush, RRP $14.95)
Absolutely LOVE this palette! Mind you I only used up two pans (the champagne gold and the bronze) but well worth it. The perfect amount of shimmer for my needs. The champagne goes down the centre of my nose and across my cupid's bow, and I've even been daring enough to use a kabuki brush dusted with a combo of the gold and bronze all over my face for a teeny bit of glow - unheard of for me lol! ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
Sure have ♥♥♥...

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness (11ml, RRP $54)
I waited almost a year to purchase this, and I wasn't disappointed from a coverage perspective. It's too pale for me to use on its own, but it's impossible to see any imperfections once it's applied. I do love this brand, but I loathe the fact that everything I want is almost always out of stock - it's a total joy-killer for me ♥...
Repurchase?
I doubt it - very expensive for the tiny amount I use, and sadly it dried up in the pot before I could finish it ♥...

Regulars

Australis HD Translucent Loose Setting Powder (RRP $15.95)

Eye of Horus Emerald Tabula Goddess Pencil (1.2g, RRP $30)

Maybelline Total Temptation Brow Definer (RRP $13.95)

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

Giveaway

Ok, so this month we have up for grabs...

• Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence
• Olay Eyes Pro-Retinol Eye Treatment
• Neutrogena Hydro Boost Mask
• Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes
• Australis HD Translucent Loose Setting Powder
• Covergirl Katy Kat Matte Lipstick - Catoure
• Lacura Beauty Photo-Fit Lipstick - London

All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $140.  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 Annamaree M. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 11th September to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Annamaree has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx