SPOTLIGHT: Favourite September 2019 LOTD's...

Yay for Spring! A distinct lack of deep plums and berries in this collection, but that's to be expected as I slowly shift to the warmer weather wardrobe Every year the October long weekend is my signal, and every year, the week after I pack away the woollies, it gets cold again lol! Usually just for a week or so, but what's the point of patterns if you don't learn something, so this time I was smart and kept a few outfits aside just in case, and I actually didn't box my boots till today. It's still a bit too chilly in the mornings for strappy sandals, but I've dusted off the between-season shoes, the fake tan bottle is on the bench, and I've rearranged the wardrobe so I'm ready for the >25 degree days ahead -  bring it on! ♥...

Only one red last month - I've been wearing more pastel shades so far, but I've no doubt it'll make a comeback once I get into the summery brights that are starting to wave at me from the closet ♥...

1. Revlon Super Lustrous Pearl - Gold Goddess. This isn't a true representation of the actual lipstick - it's a gold slightly metallic shade, quite pale and sheer, but because I rarely want to look like I've just stepped out of a Bond movie (lol), I apply it over the top of something else, usually a brown that isn't golden enough to match my outfit, and it does the trick ♥♥♥...

2. Bourjois Rouge Velvet - Brownette.  One of my fave brown lippies, this one seems to go with any of the earthy shades in my wardrobe. The formula is super comfortable, and I usually only reapply after eating ♥♥♥...

3. Australis Metallic Velour Lips Matte Lip Cream - Bang Kok. Another one from my Australis $3 sale splurge. Simply adore the colour, but I'm not a fan of the drying effect it has on my lips so I carry around a toning gloss which I apply just to the inner part of my lips to stop them sticking together ♥♥♥... 

4. Covergirl Katy Kat Matte - Catoure. Have had this one a while, and I have a spare just in case it's discontinued, although I can still see it on the Priceline website. LOVE this shade, the feel and the finish. It's a demi-matte which is the only kind I can wear comfortably ♥♥♥...

5. Revlon Ultra HD Lip Lacquer - Sunstone. In theory, this should be EOL as I bought it in...2015! I know because I reviewed some of the range HERE, and there are still some colours available, sadly not this one. What a brilliant formula though - to last this long with no change in taste, smell, texture or colour. Still awesomely hydrating, and the gloss just keeps on keeping on! ♥♥♥...

6. Innoxa Summer Matte - Tangerine. My lipstick cull has slowed lately as I keep finding ancient lippies (like this one) that are still perfectly viable. And this being such a juicy and vibrant orange, I simply can't toss it yet, although I bought it in 2014! Holey guacemoley, how is that possible? Streak-free oranges are so hard to come by, so this will stay with me for a while yet ♥♥♥...

7. Nude By Nature Satin Liquid Lipstick - Sienna.  One word - divine! I have a few of these now, just hanging out till they expand the range into some brights, like a red or a fuchsia or a purple This is the boldest one I've swatched (and bought) so far, and given how blissfully comfortable this creamy liquid is, I hope they realise they're onto a good and great thing, and cater for us gals that go gaga over loud lip products ♥♥♥...

8. Maybelline ColorSensational Made For All - Red For Me. I think you know by now how I feel about this little darling. Full review of the range is HERE ♥♥♥...

9. Nude By Nature Satin Liquid Lipstick - Rich Plum. Ditto #7 ♥♥♥...

10. Nutrimetics Hydra Brilliance 50th Anniversary Lipstick - Marshmallow. I should have bought more of these. Actually, I did, but I gave them away! This shade is just so gorgeous, flattering and versatile. Looks equally fab with navy, khaki, grey or teal ♥♥♥...

11. Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid Lipstick - Electric Pink. Almost three years old, this one never fails to keep my lips hydrated, or brighten my day. Another one that I can't toss - I still have the whole set that I reviewed HERE ♥♥♥... 

12. Australis Liquid Lips - Pan-Na-Cotta.  Far more comfy formula than the matte range - I can handle this one, and of course, this shade is to die for. I'll be giving it a hammering this summer as I KNOW it will go perfectly with so many outfits ♥♥♥...

That's it for September lovelies - October collage is in the pipeline!

Take care of you,
kats xxx

September 2019 Empties & Giveaway!...

At the risk of boring you, yep - two Empties posts in the same month! Thank goodness I was able to fit this second one in well before the end of October. I'm in a life phase where I just can't seem to manage more than one upload per week, but the wonderful feedback I receive from you folks on these mini product reviews is so encouraging, I no longer have any guilt about the frequency of my writing. Mind you, in this particular article there are so many regulars, it hasn't taken all that long to put it all together, which means I'm already working on the next one lol ♥...

Body

Glow Lab Coconut & Sandalwood Body Wash (400ml, RRP $9)

I'm crushing on this brand big time - these body washes are beautifully scented, and they give my bod a good dose of Betaine, Pro-Vitamin B5, Vitamin E & Argan Oil. Nicely hydrating, this and the Blackberry & Bay one make my shower experience even more pleasurable. The sandalwood fragrance is more pronounced than the coconut, but that suits me just fine. Not tested on animals, no sulphates, no parabens and available from Woolworths ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Grahams Herbal Mineral Deodorant Roll-on (65ml, RRP $8.95)

Oral-B 3D White Luxe Glamorous White Toothpaste (96g, RRP $9.49)

Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)

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

Thankyou Botanical Lemon Myrtle & Goat's Milk Body Wash - (500ml, $7.99)

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

Face

Ecopure Bath Bamboo Fibre Face Cloths (pack of 2, RRP $12.99)

This pack finally appeared on the Priceline website, which is rapidly becoming the only way I shop with them - the local store so rarely has what I want in stock so I don't even bother going in any more, and they even admitted they don't sell any face washer other than the Halo. But I digress - these are my numero uno face cloths, so soft and gentle on my skin, yet they take all the gooped-up cleanser off, and with it all my trowelled-on makeup. They rinse out in seconds, the size is just right and they dry in a few hours ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Always ♥♥♥...

L'Oreal Micellar Water - Normal/Combination Skin (400ml, RRP $14.95)

I enjoyed using this and it worked brilliantly as my second cleanser - plenty of slip so the cotton pad didn't drag or break up, and removed whatever skerricks of gunk I'd missed with my cleanser, mainly around the hairline. It's been on my shelf for over a year, along with a few others remaining from my Micellar investigations. A wee bit more expensive, but they do claim that the water they use is 95% purified, so I guess that adds a premium ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Maybe - my fave is still the Biore Charcoal one, I just adore the scent of it ♥♥♥...

MAC Prep + Prime Skin (30ml, RRP $50)

What a treat to find a sample tube of this in last year's Myer Little Box of Beauty (fingers crossed they have another one this year). I've never been into MAC products - have tried and loved a few, but not this one, which gets raved about to this very day. And yes, it's a lovely primer, but is it any better than my DB Pore Minimising Primer that costs $15? Not for me - doesn't extend the life of my makeup any further, and the finish wasn't anywhere near as spectacular as I'd hoped. It's a beaut product, but I honestly can't see what all the gushing is about ♥...

Repurchase?

Naaah, I'll stick with my usual ♥...

Nutrimetics Ultra Care+ Platinum Tight Firm & Fill Eye Serum (10ml, RRP $66)

I'm a bit on the fence with this one. The matching face serum is UNBELIEVABLY effective however at $100+, it's a little out of my league. But I picked up this eye serum on special and was hoping for the same level of improvement to my old eyes, but it didn't quite happen. Being of advanced years, perhaps I need to use several tubes to see more obvious results. Sure it hydrates and firms, and has an interesting triple rollerball applicator that massages the serum into the skin, but I reckon the Olay Eyes delivers more noticeable improvements ♥...

Repurchase?

I think not ♥...

Trilogy Rosapene Radiance Serum (30ml, RRP $42.95)

I scored two bottles of this divine smelling serum back in the good old days when the Priceline Pink Diamond Quarterly Rewards included full-sized products, and you could choose which ones you wanted. I've not tried much from the Trilogy range but I'm quite impressed with this serum. Exceptionally hydrating, it absorbs well and really does give my skin a healthy-looking glow from within (pardon the advertising lingo), plus it had quite an obvious refining effect on the texture of my complexion - a truly lovely serum ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I would say yes, except that I've fallen love with the L'Occitane Immortelle Reset Serum that I treated myself to with my tax refund, I doubt I can keep buying it though as it's quite pricey, so the Rosapene will be a great alternative ♥♥♥...

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 Eye Cream (14ml, RRP $34.99)
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream with Accelerated Retinol SA (48g, RRP $48.99) 

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

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

Face Masks

Skin Republic Wild Purifying Charcoal + Green Tea Panda Face Mask Sheet (RRP $7.99)

Darn it, I've not been making the time every week for my regular Selfcare Sunday sheet mask treat for months now, but I did manage a couple in September. This one was strictly for fun - it's quite impractical as the ears are soaked in serum and they stuck to my hair so it was a bit on the messy side. Nicely hydrated skin afterwards, but it didn't fit my face properly, and it's all a bit too gimmicky for me ♥...

Repurchase?

No - the Garnier one below is more effective, and a lot less trouble ♥...

Regulars

Garnier SkinActive Pure Charcoal Tissue Mask with Black Algae (RRP $4.99)

Skin Physics Instant Lift V-Shape Vitality Mask (RRP $14.99)

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

Fragrance

Ecoya Apricot & Tonka Bean Reed Diffuser LE (200ml, RRP $37.46)

Oh oh oh. You know that feeling when you find THE product that is precisely what you're looking for and meets, even exceeds your performance expectations? Well, this Ecoya Reed Diffuser is THE ONE for moi. Mind you it is a Limited Edition, so I've just bought three of them from DJ's so I can continue to experience the bliss that is this room fragrancer for many months to come. It's the most beautiful fruity fresh but also soft and cosy apricot, papaya and mango scent with an undercurrent of tonka bean. It calms me every time I walk into the room and take a long slow breath. I've tried SO MANY reed diffusers over the years, but nothing beats the way this particular one permeates the entire room without overwhelming it. Absolute perfection! ♥♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Ridiculous question! ♥♥♥♥...

Hair

Provoke Touch of Silver Toning Treatment Mask (200ml, RRP $12.95)
This works well to neutralise brassiness, and it does add ashy tones when left on for 10 minutes or so. It also conditions nicely, but like a lot of these drugstore products for blondes, the smell is pretty bad. I used it up to not throw it away, but the Goldwell Color Revive is far superior, and the one I will be using going forward ♥...
Repurchase?
Negative ♥...

Salon Professional Supplies Pro-Colour - Violet Toner (100ml, RRP $14.95)
Ok so I mentioned in my last Empties post that I'd changed my home hair colouring process, and this product is a key element in the strategy. I decided to go grey and stop using permanent colourants the last time I had my Kerasilk treatment in September - a side effect of the treatment is that a whole lot of (home) dye is removed during the process without damaging the hair follicle. So there I was, a very pale slightly strawberry blonde and I thought the hell with trying to cover up white roots every two weeks, plus my brain must be so loaded with chemicals that have seeped in through my scalp over the years ha ha. AND, you can't buy permanent grey hair colour in stores - you can only have it done at a salon. So I decided to get rid of as much of the leftover gold as possible (ultimately getting back to my natural white), and then only use semi-permanents, like the Live Colour ones below.  This Violet Toner is simply the best - I had to apply it a few times mixed with 30 Vol peroxide, but my hair has been pretty much neutralised now, so I should only have to use it sparingly going forward, if at all, and paired with the weakest peroxide solution ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
Yes, I have a tube squirrelled away for when the yellow returns ♥♥♥...

Schwarzkopf Live Colour Pastels - Cool Grey & Metallic - Lilac Chrome (RRP $5.49)
My new hair colourants! The Cool Grey has a slightly greenish tinge when applied over hair with even a tinge of gold, so I've been balancing it out with the Lilac Chrome. I mix the two together in a bowl and leave it on for 45 minutes - the result is a gorgeously intense gunmetal grey that fades to an equally gorgeous steel grey after a few weeks. The beauty of this new system is that even though my roots are white, they blend in far more naturally with the grey. I'm as happy as a clam ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
I have about 10 packs of each under the bathroom sink, all purchased on special ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Goldwell Kerasilk Control Conditioner (250ml, RRP $34.95)
Schwarzkopf OSIS+ Sparkler Shine Spray (300ml, RRP $27.95)

Makeup

Regulars

Australis HD Translucent Loose Setting Powder (RRP $15.95)
Eye of Horus Serpentine Sultry Goddess Pencil (1.2g, RRP $30)

Giveaway

Up for grabs are some of my beloveds...

• Ecopure Bath Bamboo Fibre Face Cloths
• Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream
• Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum with Accelerated Retinol SA
• Schwarzkopf OSIS+ Sparkler Shine Spray

All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $115.  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 and I'll post it for you. But you will still have to enter the comp via the Rafflecopter.
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 find out who won!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Lauren A. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 30th October to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Lauren has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

REVIEW: Juliette Has a Gun Fragrance Discovery Kit...

I often talk about my penchant for perfume as a passion, which it most certainly is, and my (possibly excessive) collection is a testament to my desire to continuously surround myself in a wide variety of fragrant clouds, no matter the time of day or whatever I'm up to activity-wise. But it's also a fascination - these exquisite elixirs that gifted men and women around the globe spend months and sometimes years perfecting can alter my mood in a split second, and turn dreary into dreamy with one tiny spritz. And so I'm in an endless pursuit cycle for the next concoction that will send my spirits soaring. It can be an expensive addiction, so when I stumbled upon a sample pack of eight fragrances created by the great-grandson of Nina Ricci for $39, it was in my Adore Beauty cart in a heartbeat ♥...

I had heard and read a little about this range before, well one in particular - Moscow Mule - mainly gals saying they don't wear anything else any more, so I was both intrigued and excited to sample so many for such a reasonable price in this Juliette Has a Gun Discovery Kit...

It's quite an impressive presentation - the box contains eight glass vials with spray caps, all with the perfume name printed on the tube. The larger one is 4mls ("Not a Perfume") and the other seven are 1.7ml, all made in France. Each vial fits into its own unique slot that has the fragrance name and the main note(s) inked into the cardboard base...

Also in the pack is a very thoughtful and useful cardboard brochure with a descriptive sentence or two of the fragrances, and pictures of the full-size bottles - reminiscent of those leaflets inside a box of chocolates, so you know which one to go for, and what to leave for someone else. On the back is a picture of the founder, Romano Ricci, and some interesting information about him and his background, and you can read that in the pic further down the page...

But let's get on with the best part, the actual scents, in the order they are presented in the box...

Not a Perfume

The unusual name comes from the fact that apart from ethanol, there is only one other ingredient - Cetalox, which according to my friend Google is a synthetic form of the ambergris scent. It's the base of many other fragrances on the market, but Mr Ricci wanted to present it as-is - a modern, minimalist fragrance that is allergen-free. On my skin, it smells like the most beautiful clean powdery musk but apparently manifests differently on everyone, depending on your body chemistry. Long-lasting, comforting, sheer genius ♥♥♥...

Mmmm...

Launched in 2016, this is my least favourite - very heavy on the jasmine and vanilla, it's a gourmand that's just a bit too sweet for me. Main ingredients on the leaflet are Neroli, Raspberry, Tuberose & Iris Butter, although the box says Jasmine, Vanilla & Raspberry. This is probably the only one in the kit that extends beyond the body - i.e. it's a tad intrusive on the surrounds ♥...

Anyway

The Green Lime in this one is refreshing and uplifting, but only on the initial spritz and about 10 minutes after that - doesn't last anywhere near as long as the others, but that may just be me and my skin. Also contains Hedione & Musk, but I honestly can't smell anything much at all after half an hour ♥...

Sunny Side Up

This is gorgeous - Vanilla and Sandalwood with a hint of Jasmine, and a dash of coconut. True to its name I find this crisp, so cheerful and fun, and yet it has an air of sophistication. I'm a huge sandalwood fan, which is probably why I love this so much. Launched in 2017, I would definitely buy the full-size bottle of this smile-inducing scent ♥♥♥...

Moscow Mule

Inspired by the famous cocktail, this delicious scent has me wanting to head to the bar to try its namesake! This has a crystalline quality, not unlike Bvlgari Omnia Crystalline or Versace Bright Crystal Absolu. I can see why it's a firm favourite. Also launched in 2017, the notes are ginger, lime and bergamot on an amber base, just my kind of warm weather citrusy floral fragrance. Longevity is not on a par with Bright Crystal, nor is it anywhere near as intense, but it's a beauty all the same. Actually, I've spritzed it again on my wrist an hour ago, and I can't stop sniffing it lol! ♥♥♥...

Mad Madame

Interesting, glam, and more exotic than any of the others, but not my style. There's a sourness to the initial spritz that doesn't appeal, but then again I'm rarely ever grabbed by a chypre. This has quite a buffet of ingredients - Rose, Blackcurrant, Freesia, Patchouli, Tuberose, White Musk, Vanilla just to name a few! Mind you it does improve dramatically after 5 minutes, long-lasting and more intense than some of the others, but it's all a bit too rich-elderly-lady for me ♥...

Lady Vengeance

Created in 2006, this is the oldest of the set. Rose, Vanilla & Patchouli all the way - very big on the rose, but it's a stunning rose, so soft and romantic, and in no way cloying or heavy. I'm a little puzzled by the name though - my nose doesn't pick up anything vengeful at all. The ad apparently said "Rock meets Romance" but to me, it's just pure clean romance, although the patchouli does deliver a kick of spice after the dry down ♥♥...

Another Oud

Love this one, and it's the one I've worn the most since the pack arrived - the Raspberry fades pretty quickly, but the Bergamot keeps the fruit flag flying until the Oud Wood and Musk pick up the beat, which is not long after the initial spray. I was expecting this to be a heavier oriental style and more woody and spiced, but it's actually quite crisp and zingy. Simply divine, one I would wear all year round, and actually the raspberry comes back in about an hour. This one is on my Christmas list ♥♥♥...

Overall I would call these fragrances "personal space scents" - if you want to walk into a room and instantly let people know you've arrived, then I doubt these are for you. They are more subtle, more body-enveloping, yet long-lasting...

To summarise, I think this is a fab collection, and what a brilliant gift for someone that adores musky, woody fragrances and doesn't want a scent that's too loud. The beauty of these is that they lend themselves to layering with other fragrances, particularly Not a Perfume, but they are all eminently wearable on their own. I'm delighted that out of the eight, there's only three that I'm not jumping up and down about. Highly recommended! ♥♥♥...

Have you tried any fragrances from the Juliet Has a Gun range?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

August 2019 Empties & Giveaway!...

Hello October ♥ I'm so glad you're here - daylight saving, no more early morning frost on the windscreen, winter woollies packed away, Halloween on the horizon, self-tanner on the bench, pedicure booked in, woo hoo! But arriving seemingly super fast, you've also landed me in a bit of a pickle - I'm literally drowning in empties! Three buckets, two brimming with tubes, bottles, packets and jars that need to go into the recycling bin stat, and one that I already can't see the bottom of. Note to self: earning a living is important, but there needs to be a balance between work and play. So...at least one day of this long weekend is for catching up with my blog posts (and a sheet mask), so let's get started ♥...

Body

Ecostore Vanilla & Coconut Hand Wash (250ml, RRP $5.50)

Pretty close to being my favourite hand wash - I simply ADORE the fragrance, plus it's non-drying, made in New Zealand (the land of fantabulous skincare), no SLS, not tested on animals, the shape of the bottle means that it sits nicely on the narrow laundry and kitchen sink ledges, and the packaging colour scheme goes perfectly with my creamy toned ensuite ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Easy peasy, plus I can find it at Woolworths ♥♥♥...

Johnson's Pure Cotton Buds Applicators (150, RRP $2.69)

The only cotton buds that go anywhere near my ears because they never shred or fluff off - also essential for makeup cleanups, and the plastic container is super handy for storing bits and pieces 'cos the lid snaps firmly in place ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Forever ♥♥♥...

Nubian Heritage Coconut & Papaya Bar Soap (142g, RRP $10)

One of many Limited Edition soaps available from Shea Moisture. They're all deliciously fragranced, super softening and creamy, an elegantly curved shape, and not tested on animals. I bought several to try and I opted to start with this one as it matched my bathroom decor the best. It's really long-lasting, and I haven't actually finished it yet, but how do I take a picture of a used soap bar? ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Definitely, well as long as the Limited Editions are available ♥♥♥...

Schick Hydro Silk Razor (RRP $14.25)

This aqua blue version is SO old I don't think they make it any more, but the purple one seems to be the replacement. It still works with the latest refills but on close inspection, I noticed it was really quite stained and ratty looking, so I decided to treat myself to a new one ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yep - shaving is the only hair removal I can be bothered with, and the Schick razors are always reliable, safe and effective ♥♥♥...

Shea Moisture African Black Soap Soothing Body Wash (384ml, RRP $19.99)

Lovingly reviewed HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Always, and if you apply the KATS code at the Shea Moisture checkout, you'll still get 30% off! ♥♥♥...

Sukin Botanical Body Wash (250ml, RRP $8.95)

A lovely body wash that's non-drying and leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean. I'm a big Sukin fan, and this has a very pleasant herbally fragrance, but it's not quite interesting enough to entice me to buy it again ♥...

Repurchase?

I doubt it - I prefer the scent of the Lime & Coconut variety, or the Sukin for Men Cinnamon & Mandarin one ♥...

Weleda Skin Food (30ml, RRP $14.95)

Gifted at the August Beautyheaven Natual Beauty Event, I'm in awe of this cream, and at a total loss as to how I haven't come across it before now. Quite simply the richest moisturising cream I've ever used, and to top it off, the lemony fragrance is to die for. Holey guacemoley - way too intense to use on my face, the restoration work this did on my Winter-withered hands as an overnight treatment was phenomenal. So much so I'm kicking myself for forking out almost double the $$$ for another brand of hand cream that only recently became my HG. I'll still use it during the day of course, but this Skin Food has instantly earned a forever place in my beauty stash - whoa! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

You betcha. and the large tube at that ♥♥♥...

Regulars

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

Shea Moisture African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Body Scrub (170g, RRP $10)

Face

Eaoron Makeup Remover Balm (90g, RRP $26.99)

My go-to Winter cleanser - love it to bits, and now available at Priceline as well as Chemist Warehouse.  My in-depth review is HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Sure have, I stocked up at a recent CW sale ♥♥♥...

Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Daily Youth Restoring Serum Capsules (60 capsules, RRP $140)

I scored a sample tube of seven capsules from somewhere, and I hesitated to try them because I was concerned I'd fall in love with them, and then my beauty budget wouldn't stretch to keep the supply going. Well, they were indeed a lovely experience, but I needn't have worried as the results were not sufficient for me to invest in any more. Exceptionally hydrating yes, but I saw no visible improvement in texture or wrinkles, and to be honest, I found trying to rip open the little pea pods without the precious contents running through my fingers quite annoying ♥...

Repurchase?

No, said she as her Bank Manager breathed a sigh of relief ♥...

Lacura Green Tea & Olive Leaf Clarifying Facial Scrub (150ml, RRP $4.99)

I bought this to try, instead of the equivalent St. Ives one. It's very similar, both in fragrance, texture and performance, but I think the St. Ives one has the edge ♥...

Repurchase?

Probably not - there are so many other scrubs I prefer, and this one is a bit boring in comparison ♥...

Lancôme Renergie Multi-Lift Day Cream (50ml, RRP $159)

A 15ml sample jar leftover from a 2 years-ago GWP. A stunning cream, but too rich for my skin...and because of the price, fortunately, lol. I knew that before I opened it, but I wasn't going to toss it, and it was too old to give away. Even for the short time I used it, my pores clogged, but the problem went away soon after I finished it. Still, I won't go there again - for the record, the same thing happens with La Prairie and La Mer creams, so with the exception of L'Occitane, I'm not destined to use high-end skincare - phew! ♥...

Repurchase?

Negative ♥...

Wrinkles Schminkles Morning After Glow Serum (50ml, RRP $44.95)

I bought the Wrinkles Schminkles Eye Smoothing Kit (silicone eye pads), and this is the serum that's applied the next morning. Well the pads haven't done anything for my under eye area so far, but I'll persist, or I'll try them on my upper lip. This serum is quite lovely - silky, soothing and softening with a fresh lemon scent, but there are so many others I prefer (like my latest passion, L'Occitane Immortelle Overnight Reset serum - ooh la la!) ♥...

Repurchase?

I don't think so ♥...

Regulars

DB Pore Minimising Primer (25ml, $14.99)
Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover (112ml, RRP $10.89)

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)

Face Masks

ActivLayr 5 Sec Firming Eye Mask (7 pairs, RRP $89.99)

These were my greatest August discovery (review HERE) - I loved them so much I bought two more boxes (the first was a PR gift). I have more pictures of terrific results for another post, but just haven't had the time to put it all together yet. Keep an eye out for this brand though, and whatever they bring out next - I reckon their marine collagen products are going to be big ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I'm waiting for the full face mask (or entire body suit lol) ♥♥♥...

Yes To Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Mud Mask (10ml, RRP $5.99)

This was in the July Bellabox - was SO looking forward to it, but was disappointed that I could barely scrape it out of the sachet. It was set quite hard and thick, and took a bit of doing to get it onto my face and spread it out. It left my skin soft and deep cleansed, but I was puzzled as to why it was so dry - that was until I noticed the expiry date of "4/19". Whether Bellabox knew this or not, or whether Yes To provided old stock to Bellabox, I think it was bad form to include a product that was past its use-by date...

Repurchase?

I doubt it - the experience put me off trying any of their other products...

Regulars

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

Fragrance

Chi Chi Strawberry & Violet Eau De Parfum (50ml, RRP $19.95)

Can't imagine my fragrance collection without this - it's so beautiful, and I receive regular compliments and queries whenever I wear it. I first discovered it back in 2015 when I called it "shamelessly romantic and totally feminine", and that's still the case. Review HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, it's a keeper ♥♥♥...

Hair

Coco & Eve Like A Virgin Super Nourishing Coconut & Fig Hair Masque (212ml, RRP $64.90)

Another sample (38ml) treat from the July Bellabox - it's definitely bliss-worthy. The fab fragrance enveloped me in the shower, and the beauty of it is that you only leave it on for 5-10 minutes. Incredibly nourishing, my hair felt so silky and smooth afterwards ♥♥...

Repurchase?

As much as I enjoyed it, unlikely - too expensive, the Kerasilk one I love is just as good ♥♥...

Nordic Blonde Blonde Toner (150ml, RRP $12.99)

This worked quite well to counteract the yellowing in my hair, but it does stain the fingers a wee bit, and the smell is just plain awful...

Repurchase?

No way - ewwwwww it stinks...

Schwarzkopf Live Colour Metallic - Denim Steel (RRP $5.49)

This is a gorgeous and intense deep blue-grey. I've actually changed my hair colouring now to this range because it doesn't actually dye the hair. I'll go into more detail in a later post, but I've decided to move away from permanent colourant, and these "8 washes" sachets are working brilliantly for me ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, plus the Cool Grey and Lilac Chrome ♥♥♥...

Regulars

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

Makeup

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

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

• DB Cosmetics Pore Minimising Primer
• Eaoron Makeup Remover Balm
• Lacura Makeup Brush Cleaner & Dryer
• Nubian Heritage Olive Oil & Green Tea Soap
• SheaMoisture Bamboo Charcoal Body Scrub

All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $80. 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 find out who won!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 16th October to claim your prize :-)

Edit: MerryGoRound has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx