REVIEW: Colour by TBN Lipsticks...

Over the last six months, I've been gathering some Colour by TBN Lipsticks from their range to add to my (already ridiculously huge) lippie collection (oops), and I thought it was about time they had their moment in the spotlight because they really are something special ♥...

I found them in a perspex fishbowl near the counter in my local Price Attack store. For $3.95, they can't be beat for value. Vegan and cruelty-free (what?) there are 20 shades in the range - a mix of gloss, demi-matte and pearlised finish. No purple, but I won't hold that against them because the formula of these pout-paints is smooth and creamy, comfortable to wear, and they last well with little transfer. The packaging is amazing for the price - quite sturdy, colour-coded to reflect the contents, and the lids click firmly in place. The base is a clear box containing some of the product so you can see exactly what you're getting. What's not to love? ♥...

So let's get on with the swatches so you can see how gorgeous these shades truly are ♥ (I'm listing them in order of their numbering). Some of these have already appeared in my monthly faves so the bullets aren't pristine, but I'm including them so you can see all the colours together...

Oh My Melon (924)

I adore this shade, but like many orangey ones, it's a bit streaky and doesn't apply (or wear) all that evenly. I get around that by applying a closely matching liner all over my lips and then slicking this over the top. It's more like a bright orange coral than a melon, but it's such a happy summery colour hey ♥...

Teak-alicious (928)

Quite a bright red that's softened by a tinge of brown, light enough to wear all year round though, this will go with anything except maybe pastels ♥...

Raisin Rage (930)

I've worn this one a few times already - similar to the one before, but more subdued and with more brown. Still bold enough and perfect if you don't want your lips to be too loud - this looks SO good with khaki and olivey shades ♥...

Vampira (931)

Mmm now you're talking - doesn't get much more blood red than this, and aptly named. The darker shades do stain the lips a little, which I prefer but it comes off easily with makeup remover ♥...

Blackforest Babe (932)

For those of you who love your lips all dark and broody ♥ I'll probably put this aside till Autumn when I can pair it with black, navy and claret velvets - ooh yes, looking forward to it ♥...

Made in Magenta (935)

I have a stack of magentas in my kit, but none with quite as much depth and wow power as this one. Magnificently pigmented, I gave it a test run back in November with a black, white and grey outfit - totally lifted it out of the doldrums. Made in heaven ♥...

Love Seat (937)

The palest of this set, it's an unusual shade - kind of peachy with a tad more red than the other lobster or apricot ones in my stash. It also has a pearlised finish\ which I love - I think the soft shimmery formulas are so flattering to us older gals ♥...

French Kiss (938)

Well now, how pretty is this pink? This is what I would call a deep rose - a shade I rarely wear because I don't think it suits me all that much. But this one has changed my mind - I absolutely love it ♥ It's also the most matte-ish of all the ones I have, but still moist enough to be comfortable ♥...

Caramello Qween (940)

Love me a soft juicy brown, and this one ticks all my boxes. It's deeper than it looks in the bullet picture above, but because it's a pearly one, the light bounces off and makes it look paler than it is. Toffee lovers rejoice! ♥...

Well, nine down, eleven to go lol! If you want to see the entire colour range, there are pics HERE although they're not all that accurate colour-wise. But I'll be buying more, so I hope you'll come back for the next round ♥...

Have you tried any of these Colour by TBN lipsticks? Which one of the above is your fave?

Take care of you, and Happy New Year lovelies!

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: Aluminium-free Deodorants, Part 2...

With summer well and truly here in Australia, my search for an effective Aluminium-free deodorant is in full swing. In Part 1, I was delighted to report I'd found a winner (Schmidt's), and I'm even happier to declare a second contender for the number one slot in this Part 2, so read on ♥...

Graham's Natural Herbal Mineral Deodorant (65ml, Website RRP $8.95)

I've been using this one for the last 2 years, but only from say April to October/November - either side of those months I need something more potent. It's certainly effective though when the weather isn't hot or humid. I love that it's a roll-on and this particular fragrance is lovely and fresh (there are four others to choose from), but at the end of a hot summer's day, I definitely have a bit of BO. Mind you it's not an offensive smell, but I'm aware of it, and I never ever want to risk that others are too. Other than that it is alcohol, aluminium, paraben and cruelty-free, and the only ingredients are purified water, potassium alum, xanthan gum, aloe leaf extract and natural fragrance. I will always recommend products from this awesome Aussie brand, I just need extra oomph in summer. 7/10 ♥♥...

Simple Pure Deodorant (50ml, Supermarket RRP $4.50)

To be honest, I bought this one purely based on the fragrance - it has that just-out-of-the-shower smell that I love (apparently it's a subtle mix of patchouli and cedarwood), and I felt all fresh and clean after applying it. Sadly that feeling didn't last beyond lunchtime, and I quickly applied one of my proven reliables to get me through the rest of the day. A pity, but I also decided to give the brand another chance and I've bought the aerosol version - it seems to have some different ingredients, which may or may not improve its effectiveness. Anyhow that one will probably be in Part 3 - yes, this exploration may go on for some time! For now, it's a no for the roll-on. 4/10...

Fresca Natural Deodorant - Wooden Spice with Sandalwood & Carrot Seed (50ml, Nourished Life RRP $16.50)

Another winner! This one is as good as, maybe even half a notch better than the Schmidt's, and that's saying something. First of all, it's a mess-free roll-on, it's in a squat topple-free container, and then there's the fragrance - yassss! I may be weird but I actually prefer the smell of men's deodorant, and this one is a beauty. The scent comes from essential oils only - sandalwood, carrot seed, cedarwood, chamomile, frankincense and cold-pressed lime, no wonder I love it. I don't find it blokey at all, just delightfully aromatic and earthy. No alcohol or aluminium and not tested on animals, this not only keeps my pits pong-free all day and night, but it also seems to absorb a lot of the wetness (aerated salt content?) so I'm comfortable whatever I'm doing, or how hot it gets. Wow, it even has a use-by date, and there's a big red tick on the back that says Naturopath Recommended. It's a bit pricey (still cheaper than the Schmidt's), but I'm willing to pay extra for the guarantee of staying fresh and stink-free all day. 9.5/10 ♥♥♥...

I'm so looking forward to Part 3 - hope you are too, should be up early in the New Year ♥...

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. I've also updated the others in Part 1 with kats love hearts (♥) and a rating out of 10.

SPOTLIGHT: Favourite November 2019 LOTD's...

Sneaking in a second LOTD post - I don't want to start the year on the back foot! A couple of new ones in this batch and some old faithfuls that never let me down. And of course, the return of the reds (yay!) that took a breather in October ♥...

1. Color by TBN - Caramello Queen. Only discovered this brand in June at Price Attack - loved what I bought so I went back and rifled through the bowl for more colours, which I couldn't swatch, but for the price ($4.95) I didn't give a hoot. Total bargain - smooth, creamy, moist, and I'm a goner for this soft brown ♥...

2. Covergirl Colourlicious - Ravish Raspberry. Had this a long time - slightly more pink than my-lips-but-better, super comfortable and wears well. I reckon Covergirl lipsticks are underrated in the lipstick world ♥...

3. Nutrimetics Hydra Brilliance 50th Anniversary - Coral Silk. Isn't this just the softest, prettiest coral? Nutrimetics lipsticks are up near the top of my list of faves for comfort & value (when they're on special), and their colours are just that bit different to what else is out there. Sadly this is a limited edition, full review HERE ♥...

4. NYX Liquid Suede - Life's a Beach. Hard to go past this baby when I want a pinky coral. Not as hydrating as I'd like, but I adore the colour so much, it's a keeper ♥...

5. Nutrimetics Hydra Brilliance - Russett. Oh, why don't I wear this more often? Such an unusual orange, kinda burnt, and lots of red content - it's very autumnal but looks amazing with navy, black and grey, so that makes it an all-year-rounder for moi ♥...

6. Maybelline Colorsensational Matte - Craving Coral. This little darling is almost luminous! No way is it coral, more like scarlet, and as sassy as that gal in Gone With the Wind. Comfier than I expected from a matte - yep MNY has my heart ♥...

7. NYC - Retro Red. Another one I plucked out during the cull - ain't letting go of this one in a hurry though, that extra bit of glossy sheen gets me every time ♥...

8. Maybelline Colorsensational Made For All - Red For Me. You KNOW I love this range - probably has two more micro-millilitres of blue (or green, not sure) in it than the previous one, but it's easy to tell them apart IRL. LOVE! ♥...

9. Covergirl Katy Kat Matte - Crimson Cat. I swear every single one of my red lippies is different lol! Love this one as it's verging on tomato, and sometimes I need this EXACT slightly softer red shade to match my outfit ♥...

10. Jane Iredale Triple Luxe Long Lasting Naturally Moist - Ella. Another one I forgot about after Winter - kicking myself though as it's a stunner. One of the best formulas around, and looks sensational with pastels like beige, pink & cream ♥... 

11. Color by TBN - Made in Magenta. Yes, one more find from the Price Attack fish bowl - super pretty. I have quite a few magentas in my kit, and each one has unique shade qualities. Love the way this one almost glows ♥...

12. IBY Beauty High Intensity - Mardi Gras. Not as hydrating as some, but with a toe in purple-land that gives it some extra punch, I've moved this to the front of the box - summer is the time for whoa pinks! ♥...

Hope you're having the most wonderful day with your families, and may your 2020 be truly awesome!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

November Empties & Christmas 2019 Giveaway!...

Hi lovelies! Hope you are all safe and well, and not getting too stressed over the silly season. Only two more sleeps till the magic of Christmas is well and truly sealed. I decided this year to not have a separate giveaway for this special time as I'm one of those who believe that the spirit of Christmas should be in our hearts all year long, which is why I have a giveaway every month. So it's business-as-usual at kats colourings, but I have added a few little extras to the giveaway to mark this extra special occasion. And of course, there are my November empties to cover (almost all of them are regulars!), so let's proceed before all the chimneys are full of red legs lol ♥...

Body

Johnson & Johnson Advanced Healing Hydro Seal Band-Aid  (box of 10, RRP $8.47)

Last reviewed a few years ago and should be a regular, but I keep forgetting to hold onto the box, and the 10-pack lasts over 12 months. This is the only product I use for cuts, blisters and mosquito bites (stops me scratching them) - almost invisible and the stay put till the spot is healed. More expensive than regular band-aids, but there's no comparison when it comes to effectiveness ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely ♥♥♥...

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

The last time this appeared was in October 2016, but having rediscovered it recently (when bestie gave it to me 'cos she couldn't take the scent) I've no doubt it will be included in the Regulars section going forward. The formula is the same creamy moisturising delight as the plain Goats Milk one but differs in that it has this unusual Paw Paw scent, which probably isn't for everybody. There's something a bit sour about it, and I while I would call the scent authentic, I didn't review the smell all that joyously back then, but it's grown on me. No sulphates, parabens or tested on animals, it is deliciously hydrating, and the bottle is HUGE. Just wish I could find the oatmeal scrub one, but it seems to have slipped under the supermarket radar ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Already have ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Oral-B 3D White Luxe Glamorous White Toothpaste (96g, RRP $9.49)
White Glo Charcoal Total Mouth Detox Whitening Mouthwash (500ml, RRP $6.99)


Face

Beechworth Honey Bush Honey & Macadamia Gentle Scrub (100ml, RRP $12)

Sad this is no longer available in supermarkets, but I love it so much I buy it from their website. My review HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Forever ♥♥♥...

Breeze Balm Lip Balm - Pineapple Pash (15g, RRP $19.95)

The best, most effective, most delicious lip balm I've ever tried. I thought I would love the banana one more, but Pineapple Pash is the winner for its fruity-freshness. Makes me smile whenever I apply it, lasts for ages. Full and lovingly raved-about review HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Oooh yes, plus I ordered their Fruit Smash Trio, which is Go Go Mango, Watermelon Crush & Apple Burst which I'll review separately once I've cracked the seal ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes (Pack of 25, RRP $7.99) 
Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover (112ml, RRP $10.89) 
St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub (150ml, RRP $9.99)
Swisspers Make-up Pads (Pack of 80, RRP $3.79)


Face Masks

Oh boo! Not one sheet mask in November - a testament to my workload, extra Sunday sleeps and a few unexpected social activities. But I'll be back with a vengeance in 2020 as there are HEAPS more on the market to try, as well as renewing my acquaintance with my longtime faves ♥♥♥...

Regulars

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

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

Hair

Goldwell Dualsenses Color Revive Color Giving Conditioner - Icy Blonde (200ml, RRP $32.95)

The only color conditioner I use these days - smells divine and it certainly counteracts the yellowing that is inevitable when going ashy ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Can't live without it ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Goldwell Kerasilk Control Conditioner (250ml, RRP $34.95)
Goldwell Kerasilk Control Shampoo (250ml, RRP $35.95)

Schwarzkopf Live Colour Pastels - Cool Grey, Metallic - Lilac Chrome & Denim Steel (RRP $5.49)

Makeup

Eye of Horus Precision Sharpener (RRP $10)

The best sharpener for their awesome Goddess Pencils. I go through one about every 12 months - it does lose it's sharpness eventually, but I wouldn't dream of using anything else to keep my eye crayons in perfect shape ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
You betcha ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Australis AC On Tour Contouring & Highlighting Kit - Cool Tone Cream (RRP $24.95)

Maybelline Master Precise Allday Liquid Eyeliner (RRP $15.95)

Maybelline Total Temptation Brow Definer (RRP $17.95)

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

Giveaway

A selection of my favourites, plus a few little extras to sweeten the pot. I'll keep this going for an extra week in case some of my faithful followers are away on hols...

• Beechworth Honey Bush Honey & Macadamia Gentle Scrub
• BreezeBalm Lip Balm - Pineapple Pash (love!)
• Maybelline Master Precise Allday Liquid Eyeliner
• Maybelline The Falsies Waterproof Mascara - Very Black
• Nutrimetics Nutri Rich Oil Ointment with Apricot Kernal Oil
• Nutrimetics Iris & Geranium Scented Hand Creme and Soap
• Skin Republic Retinol Hydrogel Under Eye Patches
• The Elizabeth Taylor Miniature Fragrance Collection - White Diamonds EDT, Passion EDT, White Diamonds Night EDT (a personal fave), Forever Elizabeth EDP

All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $175.  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 Manda G. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 8th January to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Manda has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter, and Merry Christmas!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: Aluminium-free Deodorants, Part 1...

Been many moons since I started a new series on the old blog, and the perfect opportunity presented itself when I entered search mode for an effective natural aluminium-free deodorant. Judging by the answers to one of my giveaway questions, there seems to be quite a bit of interest in this arena. And given I had some time off work around the October long weekend, I was able to also put the selection below through the not-in-aircon test, which is essential in my opinion. While those five days weren't exactly topping the temperature gauge, it was pretty steamy, and I was quite active, so I was able to put them through their paces to see which ones pass the stinky kats test. The results were interesting, to say the least, and while deodorant is a totally personal product due to its impact on the skin and the interaction with an individual's biochemistry, some of the recommendations I received worked brilliantly (thanks lovelies!). So with that in mind, I'm hopeful that there may be one here that suits you too ♥...

This first round of choices was limited to the solid stick or roll-on variety because that's always been my preference. I've never been keen on aerosols (too many accidental face sprays lol), and I've always avoided the wet spray kind because I don't like to start the day with drippy underarms, but I may give a couple of those a shot in another round just so I'm covering all bases of what appeals to other folks. I should add that I've been using one successfully (will be reviewed in Part 2) all throughout winter (so I'm not exactly transitioning) but found it to be not quite effective enough in a Sydney heatwave, hence my search for an alternative. This selection is a mixture of supermarket and specialist website products, so let's get started ♥...

Myaura Organics All Natural Deodorant Stick - Bergamot Lime Coconut (Supermarket, RRP $9)

This one also comes in a couple of other varieties, including Vanilla & Jasmine, but this combo is the one that appealed the most. Incidentally what I've found so far with all of the stick varieties is that the cream is softer than mainstream ones, and so there's always some product that squishes around the top of the container after application - I can live with this though, I just wipe it off with a finger and stroke it under my arms. I may come up with a less wasteful way to apply this type, so watch this space. But I digress. Ok, so the Myaura Organics deodorant stick had a clear plastic protective cover over the stick which I removed to take the photo. The fragrance is fresh and beautiful and the cream quite thick and smooth. No aluminium, zinc, preservatives or palm oil, and the vegan-friendly ingredients include arrowroot powder, coconut and soybean oil, bi-carb soda, shea butter, vitamin E and aloe vera. I was extremely hopeful and it worked well for half the day, and then rapidly lost its effectiveness - I was aware of becoming a bit stinky so I applied more, but realistically, I was not comfortable or confident. I'm keeping this for winter though as I'm sure it will be fine in cooler weather, just doesn't cut it for me on hot steamy days. 5/10 ♥...

Dermal Therapy Crystal Deodorant (Supermarket, RRP $6.95)

This was the first one I tried after commencing this journey, and it fascinated me. It's a solid stick, as hard as a rock, and you wet the top and then stroke it under your arms. The label says it's 100% natural, aluminium, alcohol & fragrance-free, hypo-allergenic and not tested on animals. I had to re-wet it a few times so that it didn't drag on my skin, and it worked brilliantly for three days - no stink, not even any wetness and I thought wow this is the one, and then I broke out in a rash. Holy crap, it was painful. I don't normally react to anything very much, but this was quite bad. Not in my armpits themselves, but in the area surrounding them. It took three days of using a regular deodorant for the rash to subside, and it was stinging like mad almost the whole time. There are no ingredients listed on the container, but their website says it is made of Crystallised Alum. Whatever that is, it's a no-no for moi. 0/10...

Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Deodorant Original (Supermarket, RRP $5.35)

I'm not at all keen on the smell of Tea Tree, so I hesitated to purchase it, but the roll-on dispenser appealed, and I figured for the price I had little to lose. Well, I should have trusted my nose because it was an epic fail. No irritation, but no deodorising power after the first two hours. Honestly, by mid-morning I stank so much I had to have a shower - thank goodness I didn't try it on a workday lol.  Binned this one I'm afraid. 0/10...

Schmidt's Charcoal + Magnesium Mineral Enriched Natural Deodorant (Nourished Life, RRP $19.95)

At last, we have a winner! (thanks a bunch Fawn ♥) So as you can see it's a rather lumpy looking stick of greyish goop, but boy is it effective. No stink and very little wetness. Certified vegan & cruelty-free with no artificial fragrance, this marvel contains arrowroot powder, baking soda, coconut oil, shea butter, jojoba oil, magnesium hydroxide, and activated charcoal. It has a very delicate vaguely lemony scent, and you hold it against your skin for a few seconds to soften it, then swipe a few times for a guaranteed 12 odour-free hours, and even then there's just the vaguest sweetish smell that isn't at all unpleasant. I'm so confident I've been wearing this to work, and it didn't let me down even when I had a job interview, which is always stressful for me. I'd give this a 9/10, and it's the best one so far ♥♥♥...

Part 2 will be up soon! 

Have you switched to an aluminium-free deodorant? Have you tried any of these?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: Favourite October 2019 LOTD's...

Whoops, December kinda snuck up on me - this post was supposed to go up last week (when it was still November), but the lure of becoming Christmas-ready was too great, and I succumbed. While I'm bummed if I don't manage to upload something every weekend, right now I'm feeling pretty satisfied with myself for finishing off the pressie shopping, and just this afternoon I found a home for the last string of solar lights in the garden. As for the lipstick collection, I'm STILL culling, and boy doesn't it feel good ♥...

1. BYS - The Golden Ticket.  No tube included in the pic because it's looking too battered and worn, but the lipstick itself is still in great shape after at least 2 years. This one turns out different every time I wear it depending on the shade of lipliner I use underneath, and it also goes so well over the top of anything else if I want to add a bit of golden lustre into the mix ♥...

2. Revlon Super Lustrous Matte - Gold Goddess.  Ditto this one although it's relatively young in comparison. More of an orangey gold though and doesn't look half bad on its own, just a bit pale for me so a reasonably pigmented liner is a must. Of course, it has the same usual Revlon formula which is moist and lush ♥...

3. Revlon Super Lustrous Pearl - Sandstorm.  Every time I trot this out I think it will be the last time, but it never turns out that way - just as creamy and shimmery as it was the day it joined the team, which is years ago. Sadly not included in the shade range any more ♥... 

4. Maybelline ColorSensational Made For All - Mauve For Me.  Yes again! Can't not wear this at least once or twice in a month - goes with just about anything, still hanging out for more in this range, like orange or purple, please ♥...

5. Bobbi Brown Crushed Lip Color - Watermelon. Stunningly vibrant coral shade, one of the most comfortable lipsticks I've ever come across, gorgeous packaging, need more ♥...

6. Maybelline Colordrama Intense Velvet Lip Pencil - In With Coral. Not quite as bold as the previous BB one, but we're talking under $10 instead of $46, so I can have four of these lol! The best lip crayon around for comfort. colour range and price ♥...

7. NYC Lipstick - Ruby. She's just so pretty and soft - I have three from this brand and they're all lovely, moist and last well ♥...

8. Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid - Rebel Red.  MNY lip products seem to have a very long life - this is three years old, and not showing any signs of throwing in the towel. It's not matte, but that's one of the many reasons I love it, and it's just so sassy ♥...

9. Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick - Sloane's Plum. Who said darker lipsticks are for the cooler months? Not me, although I do tend to wear brighter and lighter shades as the temperature climbs. Still, this one has enough colour oomph to look fab with anything, except maybe red or orange, so I'm not packing it away ♥...

10. NYX Intense Butter Gloss - Spice Cake. This one appears regularly here, and why not - it's simply divine, and truly one of my all-time favourite shades ♥...

11. Ulta3 Lipstick - Lilac Glow. Well hello my pretty. Is this peony pink? I think so, and I really MUST pluck this out more often. For $4.95, you can't go wrong with this range, especially with 17 colours to choose from ♥...

12. L'Oreal Color Riche Balmain - Freedom. Last outing for this one. To-die-for purple, but the formula is one of the biggest disappointments I've had in lipstick-land. Totally sucks the juice out of my lips, and it goes on patchy. The presentation is stunning but sadly the contents don't match. So glad I only bought one ♥...

Would any of these suit you?

Take care of you,
kats xxx