REVIEW: Maybelline Smoked Roses Lipsticks...

Thanks to my friend Sparkle 77, I was inspired to go poking around the Maybelline stand at Chemist Warehouse and fell instantly in lip-love with their new Smoked Roses range. Of course, it helped that they were half price at the time, but I was pretty strong and didn't indulge in the entire set, just the three that I absolutely adored ♥...

 Frozen Rose (305)

Be still my beating heart! This is a tad paler than I would normally wear, but it was just too gorgeous to not add to my collection. So creamy and dreamy ♥...

Steamy Rose (320)

From creamy and dreamy to steamy! Love this medium pink, and it's very flattering to my particular skin tone. Have worn this with black and white, but it's the kind of pink that will go with blues and greens too, both pastels and deeper hues ♥...

Blushed Rose (340)

I love them all but this is my favourite of the three - so unusual. Not a coral, not a red, but way more than a pink. I rocked it with aqua, but it will also be stunning with olive, navy and emerald...

They're the usual fantastically softening, moisturising and brilliantly pigmented Colour Sensational formula, and it's no secret that I have more Maybelline lipsticks in my kit than any other brand ♥...

Have you indulged in any of these new colours?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: Aluminium-free Deodorants, Part 4...

Delighted to be back with you for Part 4 of my Aluminium-free Deodorant series. Having already covered those available from Supermarkets, the success rate has sky-rocketed, with four out of the six below scoring 9/10 or better, which means that performance-wise, they're up to the task of replacing my regular Dove deodorant that does contain aluminium. Except that it's no longer my regular deodorant - instead, I now have a selection of way more natural (and healthy) ones to choose from that I trust 100%, so read on ♥...

Dr.Organic Hemp Oil Deodorant with Vetiver & Patchouli Oil (50ml, Health food stores & some pharmacies, RRP $12.95)

Another one recommended by one of you lovelies ♥ I found this in my local health food store. There were a few different scents available, but the Hemp Oil one was the most appealing on the day, with an almost herbal freshness to it. LOVE that it's a roll-on, and because it was so highly recommended, I did the unthinkable and wore it to work without testing it beforehand. Gaaaaahhhhhh! Well, after cleaning my new workspace, setting up two computers, three monitors and organising my desk drawers, I was quite damp under the arms, and it was only 10am. So, armed with a backup deo in my makeup bag, I headed to the loo for a quick stink check, and there was...nothing. I did regular checks throughout the day because my pits stayed quite wet, but there continued to be no odour whatsoever. I mean. I couldn't even detect the scent of the deo. WTF? Prior to this, underarm wetness for me automatically meant underarm stench, so I've always sought a formula with anti-perspirant properties. I have to admit that I'm not all that comfortable with drippy pits, but I'm TOTALLY at ease with the deodorising effectiveness of this baby. The final test was to not shower before bed, and then see what developed overnight. I swear, even the next morning, my pits were pong-free. Holey guacemoley, the Doctor sure knows what he's doing...

The formula is vegan, the ingredients list goes on for days (mostly natural oils - I counted 13), and it's free from aluminium, parabens, SLS and mineral oils. Rating-wise I'm giving it a 9/10 - it probably deserves higher because it is 100% effective in preventing odour, but the underarm wetness will take me quite a bit of getting used to, so for now, the Fresca is still my fave ♥♥♥...

A'kin Geranium & Cedarwood Natural Deodorant (65ml,  Priceline/Chemist Warehouse etc., RRP $10.99)

With a label declaring "24hr Clinical Protection Absorbs Wetness", 100% vegan, not tested on animals, Australian made & owned, this was another one I had high hopes for. Absolutely adore the fragrance - it's definitely woody, but the geranium adds a sweetness and softness to it, making it a tad more girl-friendly. Worked well for six hours, and then the wheels fell off. I tried reapplying, but in the end, I had to go with something else or spend the next 12 hours alone in my room. Mind you it was a very hot and humid day, so I will keep this one aside for the cooler weather. 5/10 ♥...

Schmidt's Cedarwood + Juniper Natural Deodorant (92g, Priceline, RRP $13.99)

Was ecstatic to find this at Priceline a few weeks back, and way cheaper than Nourished Life ($19.95). Because of this research series, I now have quite a few deos in the stash, but I was curious to find out whether this would work as well as their Charcoal & Magnesium formula that I fell in love with in Part 1 - the answer is a resounding YES!. This one is super smooth and less messy, but it's also heaps more masculine in the scent department. Wood, wood and more wood. Like if you got down on your hands and knees and sniffed your deck ha ha. I don't have a deck but the fragrance reminds me of timber outdoor furniture that's just been painted with the stuff that protects it from the weather. Not unpleasant, but quite strong, and it's always there in the background all day. Definitely a great one for the fellas, and I'm also giving it a 9/10 because it works brilliantly and absorbs 90% of wetness - very comfortable ♥♥♥...

P.S. Thanks to Fawn for letting me know that this range is currently on special at Priceline (in-store only) for $9.79!

Noosa Basics Organic Deodorant - Sandalwood (60g, Nourished Life, RRP $16.95)

I chose this based on the user reviews at Nourished Life - they were a bit mixed but predominantly positive, which is what I've found for just about all these natural deodorants. Some folks swear by them and others say don't even bother, so I can't stress enough that it's a matter of finding what works for you. Having said that I'm pretty fussy with my personal hygiene - I don't do heavy-duty workouts at the gym, but I do get a glow-up just being me (lol!), so if something doesn't work on my bod, I wonder how far more active people cope. This one is a slightly grainy paste with a quite delicate sandalwood scent (there are more fragrances to choose from), but as with several others I've tested in this series, once I hit the 6-hour mark, I needed more support. I had planned on trying out their Charcoal activated flavour, but considering the results I've had from some of my earlier research, plus the next two stunners below, I'll give it a miss. Ok for Winter, 5.5/10 ♥... 

No Pong All Natural Anti Odourant (35g, RRP $8.95)

One word - awesome! Smooth creamy paste with a fabulous (predominantly lemongrass) fragrance, I was not expecting this to work as well as it did, but there you go - you just never know till you try. I like that it's in a tin instead of plastic, but that's also my one and only beef. All my life I've failed tin-opening, even the old shoe polish kind with the little metal lever on the side. If this had a screw cap, I'd be fine - I just don't seem to manage ones where I have to use a fingernail to prise the top off. That annoyance aside, this is another one that seems to last all day and all night. Mind you yesterday wasn't quite as hot as some others during this process, but it sure was sticky-as, so I'm confident my results are accurate. The ingredients are coconut oil, baking soda, corn starch, beeswax and a blend of the following oils for the scent - orange, vanilla, lemongrass, cedarwood, bergamot, lime, frankincense, ylang-ylang & geranium. No wonder it smells so good! The instructions say "apply a pea sized amount to each armpit" - I used a little more, but not much. 9/10 - would have been more but getting the lid off is a total pain ♥♥♥... 

Black Chicken Remedies Axilla Deodorant Paste (15g mini, RRP $7.95, 75g, RRP $18.50)

The Black Chicken Axilla paste is the only one that I'd actually heard about (rave reviews actually), which is why I left it to last. I knew that if I started with this gem, I probably wouldn't have explored all the other possibilities that are out there. For those of you who already use this product, yep it's a legend. If you've not heard of it before you're probably wondering why it has such a weird name. Well, it turns out that axilla is the anatomical name for the armpit, and the company founder (Chey Birch) began her journey back in 2000 (in Bondi) mixing natural ingredients in a small bowl that was decorated with a black chicken ♥ So this is Aussie owned and made, vegan, and comes in a plastic recyclable container with a screw-top lid (score!). The paste is smooth but has teeny little granules (possibly bi-carb soda, tapioca or kaolin clay?) that dissolve into the skin. The delicate fragrance comes from a blend of essential oils - lime, clove, lavender, cedarwood, cajeput (melaleuca), mandarin, peppermint and rose geranium. It's a lovely organic mix which to my nose smells mostly of peppermint and clove. You rub in a pea-sized amount until it's absorbed and then forget about BO & wetness for the next 24 hours - dinks!...

There are 675 customer reviews on their website, 632 of which give it 5 stars, and 39 awarded 4 stars. If you do the math, that leaves only 4 reviews which aren't so positive. But those stats pretty much sum up this product (they're not paying me to write this by the way). I'm giving it a 9.4, but only 'cos I have to use my fingers ♥♥♥...

Part 5?

Having found six relatively "natural" deodorants that work either brilliantly or well enough for me to trust them on a busy workday, I've decided to put this series on hold until next Summer - if I buy any more now, I'll never get through them, and with most being organic, I don't want them to go off or lose their effectiveness. But there are still a lot more to try - Body Shop, Lavera, Lush, Ethique, Woohoo!, LaVanila. It goes on and on and on, so I'll resume probably around October ♥...

So to summarise, here's my Top Six Aluminium-free Deodorants, in order of my preference based on how well they work for me and the convenience of the presentation. Cost is a factor of course, but when it comes to body odour, price is way low on my list of purchase criteria ♥♥♥...

1. Fresca Natural Deodorant - Wooden Spice with Sandalwood & Carrot Seed (Part 2)

2. Schmidt's Charcoal + Magnesium Mineral Enriched Natural Deodorant (Part 1)

3. Black Chicken Remedies Axilla Deodorant Paste (Part 4)
4. No Pong All Natural Anti Odourant  (Part 4)

5. Dr.Organic Hemp Oil Deodorant with Vetiver & Patchouli Oil (Part 4)

6. Earth Purities Natural Deodorant - Nero For Him (Part 3)

Hope this series has been helpful to you - it's sure sorted out my underarms!

Take care of you,
kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: Favourite December 2019 LOTD's...

Something for everyone here in these December faves, although silly me created this collage before I posted my ho ho ho Christmas red lippie, so I'll include it in the January collection. That'll teach me to prepare too far in advance lol ♥...

1.  Revlon Super Lustrous - Naughty Plum. I don't seem to have included this one before - no idea why 'cos it's absolutely gorgeous hey. I think it's just that I have too many in my kit, so a few are bound to miss out. Anyways I'm thrilled this one has made the spotlight at last - these Revlon lippies are literally unbeatable for performance, pigment and comfort factor ♥...

2.  Maybelline Made For All - Pink For Me. Adore - full review of this whole range HERE ♥...

3.  Covergirl Katy Kat Matte - Catoure. Lost count of how many times this darling has appeared - one of my fave nude-with-benefits of all time. Full review of some of the range HERE ♥...

4.  BYS - Dangerous Diva. Another one that has emerged from the shadows, she's such an interesting one with her slightly pearlised finish, and very comfortable to wear. BYS make some terrific and amazingly affordable products ♥...

5.  NYX High Voltage - Free Spirit. Such a pity this range was discontinued - orange lipsticks that aren't patchy and streaky are a rare find. This is old but I won't be tossing it any time soon - the colour is so fab, so summery ♥...

6.  BOE Beauty Matte - Primped. This $2 lippie is exceptional value. Had this one a long long time and it still has the same colour and smell, and it doesn't dry out my pout. $2! ♥...

7.  Nude by Nature Moisture Shine - Garnet. At least two previous appearances, this lipstick is so creamy and so full of goodness it's a wonder I don't wear it every week. Such a flattering bricky red, and of course the rose gold packaging is stunning ♥...

8.  Nutrimetics NC Hydra Brilliance - Garnet. Not sure why but I have a tendency to wear multiple "garnets" in the same month! Always fascinates me how different the interpretations are by various brands. This to me is true garnet - a deep pinky red that's wearable with just about anything, and I love how soft this leaves my lips ♥...

9.  NARS - Audacious. I'm still in two minds as to whether to classify this as a pinky red, or a reddish pink. Either way, I should trot it out heaps more often as it's simply divine n'est-ce pas? The black case makes it hard to spot in the collection, so I've moved it into the "revisit regularly" section I've created for forgotten gems such as this ♥...

10.  Maybelline Made For All - Fuchsia For Me.  Definitely made for me - talk about a success story for MNY, still waiting for an orange and a purple, please ♥... 

11.  NYX Cosmic Metals Lip Cream - Fuchsia Fusion. The last hurrah for this irreplaceable stunner. Nothing else in my kit that can match it and I've had to let it go after using the last molecule for this outing. I still have a couple of purples, a bronze and an orange from the (discontinued) range, but my heart aches for this gorgeous galactic gal ♥♥♥...

12.  Rimmel The Only 1 Matte - Run The Show. Such a pretty purple - the ones like this with more pink than blue definitely suit me better. And this formula is one of the few matte ones that I can wear all day and not get flakey lips ♥... 

What's your current fave lipstick?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: Aluminium-free Deodorants, Part 3...

Well now, what an interesting exercise this is turning out to be. Quite frankly I'm staggered at the uselessness of some of the aluminium-free deodorants I've been putting to the test, so much so that I wonder why they're even on the market. I guess it's just that everybody's needs are so different, and the ones I'm classifying as duds must actually perform ok for some folks. Anyways, let's get on with Part 3, which will essentially complete my supermarket coverage ♥...

Weleda 24h Roll-On Deodorant - Sea Buckthorn (50ml, Website, RRP $16.95)

After giving this a go on both a 20 degree and 30+ day, the results are pretty much the same. Maximum four hours of worry-free protection, and about 1 hour before the sticky-pits scenario sets in, and that's without any exercise or exertion. Today was the lower temp day - it's now 7pm, and while I'm not exactly tainting the environment, I'm keeping my arms close to my sides as my pits are sour. Disappointing as I love some of their other products, but it might be ok in winter. The orangey fragrance is pleasant, the bottle is 70% recycled plastic, and it's made in Switzerland. I'll give it a 6.5/10 ♥...

Earth Purities Natural Deodorant - Nero For Him (50ml,  Nourished Life, RRP $12.95)

I mentioned in one of my other posts that I often prefer deos targetted for males because of the woody or musky scents they have, but I also go for them because I figure that they'll be a tad more potent, given that fellas often need a bit more help in the underarm department. Well this one is a treat for citrus lovers as it's scented with bergamot and lemon, and it worked well for me for 12 hours on a very humid day - it didn't keep me all that dry but I can live with that. Vegan, not tested on animals, Aussie made and owned, the container is recyclable glass, and it has a "best before" sticker on the base (June 2021). 8/10 ♥♥♥...

Redwin Sensitive Skin Anti-perspirant Deodorant (150ml,  Supermarket, RRP $5)

As promised this is a pump spray and a generous one for the price. To me, it smells like a generic men's aftershave or cologne, so it might not appeal to some of you gals. On the other hand, I'm not sure if anyone would benefit from this - I needed to reapply it every two hours, and squirting it on while dressed is not my idea of practical, especially as I had to wait 5 minutes for the spray to dry enough to put my top back on. While I didn't feel the need to re-shower, I ended up slicking on one of my success stories after the third respray. Sorry, no - 2/10...

Simple Pure Deodorant - Aerosol (200ml, Supermarket, RRP $7)

This started out really well, and then sadly faded after four hours, just like the roll-on variety with the same name. Same deliciously fresh scent, I enjoyed the sensation of the cooling, dry almost powdery spray, and it was much easier to reapply, so I'm giving it one point extra over the roll-on. However, that still doesn't give it enough of an anti-BO oomph factor to pass my test - I'll use it up on my feet. 5/10 ♥...

Sukin Signature Natural Deodorant (125ml, Supermarket RRP $6.95)

Another one that was recommended by one of you gals (♥). Sukin is such a terrific brand, and this is the best of the pump sprays so far (it comes with a protective cap on the nozzle, but I can't find where I put it lol). A fairly confident 10 hours without having to reapply, I love the scent of this one - a mix of mandarin, lavender and vanilla. Doesn't do much for wetness but the formula does a great job of neutralising odour.  It's a close call as to whether I would wear it on a work-day as I do quite a bit of running around and attend a lot of meetings in very small rooms. I think I'll keep it for the cooler weather, and give it a 7.5 ♥♥... 

Norsca Anti-perspirant Deodorant - Rosewater & Lotus Scent (50ml, Supermarket, RRP $4.99)

Quite a pleasant fragrance, but I hit the stink wall after two hours.  Maybe in the next life - 1/10.

Overall it's looking like 8/10 is about my threshold for what I would wear to the office - I'm confident with anything rated that or above. Between 5 & 8 I'll keep for the chilly season or around the house, and if it's less than 5, I'm giving it to the garbos (once emptied wherever possible of course). I would say that apart from the Sukin one, I wouldn't bother with those from the supermarket - they just don't cut it performance-wise. Having said that, perhaps I'm an overly stinky sweaty gal and they may, in fact, work for you - as always, it's best to try for yourself, deodorant is even more personal than perfume ♥...

Unfortunately, my research will slow down from now on as I'm back at work next week, and will only be testing new discoveries on the weekends. But Part 4 is in the pipeline, and already there are a few winners to bring to light, so hope you'll be back for a read soon ♥...

And if you missed them, here is Part 1 & Part 2.

Take care of you,
kats xxx

December 2019 Empties & Giveaway!...

Another round of solid support for the retail sector! And getting in my December 2019 Empties post while the goodies are fresh in my mind, and before I resume the work routine, which will (sadly) restrict the frequency of my uploads, but on the other hand, will allow me to maintain my beauty addictions. ♥♥♥ I've also included a few little extras in the giveaway at the end to keep the spirit of Christmas going into what has been a devastating start to 2020 here in Australia. Praying those of you in fire-affected areas are all safe, and sending heartfelt thanks to all the brave Aussies working tirelessly to defend our beautiful country, and all the kind and generous souls offering their much-needed support in whatever way they can to the families and wildlife that are suffering ♥♥♥...

Body

Antipodes Deliverance Kowhai Flower Hand Cream (75ml, RRP $32)

Oh, I do so love this hand cream! Every application has been an absolute delight for its nourishing & moisturising properties (avocado, marigold & macadamia oils), the total absence of greasy aftermath, and the scent is right up my alley - orange and cedarwood, which is both comforting and refreshing. Don't like metal hand cream tubes from any brand, but this one at least didn't split before I used the last ml. Wherever I bought this from I certainly didn't pay $32 for it ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Yes, but like most of my beauty purchases, I'm not prepared to pay full price, and probably not for a while as I have a stack to get through ♥♥♥...

Bosisto's Desert Lime & Eucalyptus Revitalising Hand Wash (300ml, RRP $6)

I think this is new - spotted it (and their body wash) for the first time not long ago at Coles, and pretty much any hand cleanser or shower gel that is SLS-free and not tested on animals will go into my trolley at least once. It's quite a pleasant scent, but the eucalyptus makes it a tad clinical - by that I mean a bit disinfect-y. Overall it's pretty good but has one flaw in the kats beauty ledger - it's too runny. When you depress the pump it has a tendency to squirt quite a long way (i.e. clean across the hand basin) unless you have your hand directly in front of it at the time. This happened in the rushing-out-the-door chaos of a workday morning and it landed on my top (grrrrr), so after that, I put it in the laundry to use it up ♥...

Repurchase?
No - it has a lot going for it, but the consistency is not what I could call user-friendly, and the marketplace has quite a few similar others that are way less squirty ♥...

Johnson's Pure Cotton Buds Applicators with Paper Sticks (Box of 150, RRP $2.69)

I used these for years then defected to another brand, but now I'm back and I'm staying. The only buds I (very carefully) insert in my outer ears because the tips don't ever fluff or fall off. They're also indispensable for cleaning my Bluetooth earbuds, makeup goofs, the insides of my lipstick tubes that get a bit mucky, and goodness knows what else. I keep the containers for bits and pieces like jewellery that needs repairing, collecting dead batteries for disposal, lipliner crayons that are too short for my standard holder etc. etc. They'll be in the Regulars section from now on ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
For as long as I wash my hair or wear makeup, which will, of course, be forever ♥♥♥...

Swisspers Dual Cosmetic Tips (Box of 100, RRP $2.99)

Another indispensable makeup tool, I use the pointy end to flick off unwanted mascara bits, tidy up my lipstick outline, and to clean my crayon sharpeners. The paddle end is brilliant for applying an extra touch of concealer or absorbing excess moisture from the eyelid crease. They've appeared before but will also join the Regulars section next time ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
They're sometimes hard to find so I stock up whenever I see them - currently four spares in the cupboard! ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Natures Commonscents Natural Goats Milk Body Wash (500ml, $8.00)
Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)
SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Hydrating Body Wash (384ml, RRP $24.95)
White Glo Charcoal Total Mouth Detox Whitening Mouthwash (500ml, RRP $6.99)

Face

Klara Cosmetics Zero Pores + Primer (20ml, RRP $29.99)

Picked up two of these on clearance from Priceline without realising it was so expensive. It's actually a terrific primer and creates a beautifully smooth base for foundation, or I've even worn it on its own (around the house lol) - the clear silicone type but it doesn't leave any oily film on the skin surface like others I've tried, leaves the skin matte, smooth and even. It doesn't have any scent and it's not tested on animals. While Priceline no longer stocks the brand, they have a website, and this primer is listed as sold out ♥♥...

Repurchase?
While it's good, I doubt it - my fave one from DB Cosmetics is half the price ♥♥...

Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Acne Wash (175ml, RRP $14.99)

Every summer I switch to a cleansing gel - the oil production in my T-zone goes into overdrive and I need something to control the flow as well as keep the blackheads from taking over. This time around I've renewed my acquaintance with this highly effective yet gentle-enough-for-mature-skin cleanser PURELY because I needed the pink grapefruit fragrance hit! I love it soooo much, especially in the really hot weather when I want something super refreshing at the end of the day. I used to buy the same thing as a scrub but I haven't seen it for years so it's probably discontinued - this one I can only find at Chemist Warehouse ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Yep, bought another one 'cos I just can't get enough of the scent ♥♥♥...

Nivea Hyaluron Cellular Filler Day Cream SPF15 (50ml, RRP $27.99)

A bit embarrassed to say this was leftover from a beautyheaven trial in September 2018! I'd put it aside as I switched to retinol products and only just finished it now - no deterioration in the product though, and I gave it 5 stars in my bh review (about halfway down the page HERE). It's a beaut cream, but for me, its richness is better suited to cooler weather ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
I'll think about it closer to April ♥♥♥...

Nivea MicellAIR Skin Breathe Expert Make-up Remover (400ml, RRP $13.99)

Interestingly, I wasn't all that impressed with this, either as the main cleanser or second cleanser, even though it was quite effective. But then again I'm pretty fussy when it comes to the experience of a product. So this worked reasonably well at removing makeup, although I went through at least six cotton pads per go - the problem for me is that there isn't enough slip. I can't bear the feeling of something dragging over my skin - lord knows I don't need anything to pull my already sagging face, and I found this just didn't cut it, plus the remover pad started to disintegrate after the 3rd swipe, and that just doesn't happen with other products. The absence of a flip-top lid also niggled so I left the cap off permanently. Anyways, it has quite a lot going for it, but not for moi...

Repurchase?
No - I prefer a regular cleanser, washcloth, and micellar 2nd cleanse...

Sukin Rosehip Rejuvenating Facial Scrub (125ml RRP $13.95)

LOVED this! I'm mad keen on all Sukin scrubs, and this one just hit the #1 spot. I was a little nervous as I've given up some other rosehip products (from a different brand) because the scent was making me feel peculiar - not this beauty though. Such a gorgeous delicate fragrance and I love the texture of the scrub - not too grainy, but enough ground rosehip seeds and walnut shells to leave my face feeling smooth and soft ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

You betcha, and probably before any of the others from the range, that's how good it is ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Neutrogena Deep Clean Purifying Cooling Gel Scrub (100g, RRP $11.99)
Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes (Pack of 25, RRP $7.99) 
Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover (112ml, RRP $10.89) 
Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence (40ml, RRP $39.99) 

Face Masks
Regulars

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

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

Fragrance

Elizabeth Arden White Tea EDT (50ml, RRP $50)

One of my favourite spring/summer fragrances ever, I've decided I can't go through a sunny season without it. Bought this because of beautyheaven's review of it by @skincare junkie, and I was sold at first sniff. So pure, fresh and clean, my full review of it is HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
I had assigned it the kats-can't-live-without status months ago and bought the 100ml bottle on special from feelingsexy for half price - score! ♥♥♥...

Hair

Goldwell Kerasilk Control Intensive Smoothing Mask (200ml, RRP $42.95)

Last appeared in December 2018 Empties post - this jar has lasted 12 months (instead of the usual 6) because I've been trying a couple of others that I scored, but this one is the ultimate. Nothing leaves my hair softer than this powerhouse, which is well worth the $$$ ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Picking up another one tomorrow ♥♥♥...

Hi Lift True Colour Hair Colour Creme - Light Ash Blonde (100ml, RRP $6.95)

Soooo, my plans to no longer dye my hair with a permanent colour have been shelved for the time being. Basically, colouring with semi-permanent turned out to be exceptionally high maintenance, the results weren't necessarily as expected, the finish was sometimes uneven despite all my care and attention, and going to work with greenish, purplish or bluish hair wasn't quite the right look for my role lol. So I've resumed the permanent regime, just adding the semis to achieve the silvery grey colour I'm after. How I wish I could buy a permanent silver hair colour in this country! As for this dye, the pigment wasn't as potent as the Salon Professional Brand (below), but hey it was half the price... 

Repurchase?

Nope - I only bought this because the store was out of the other brand...

Salon Professional Supplies Creme Peroxide 20 vol (200ml, RRP $5.95)

This is the developer for the hair dye I'm using - comes in various strengths and it's not too stinky... 

Repurchase?

I determined that I need the 30vol for the base, and 10vol for the toner, so no...

Salon Professional Supplies Pro-Colour - Extra Light Ash Blonde (100ml, RRP $14.95)

This wasn't dark enough, but I'm still experimenting to find the right intensity. In conjunction with the peroxide, it doesn't seem to be too damaging a combo, but I will still be adding my Olaplex every time I colour ♥... 

Repurchase?

Will buy the Light or regular Ash Blonde as soon as they are back in stock ♥...

Regulars

Salon Professional Supplies Pro-Colour - Violet Toner (100ml, RRP $14.95)
Schwarzkopf Live Colour Pastels - Cool Grey, Metallic - Lilac Chrome & Denim Steel (RRP $5.49)

Makeup

NYX Cosmic Metals Lip Cream - Fuchsia Fusion (discontinued...sob)

The pinkest, fuchsia-est, most metallic, most vibrant, most compliment generating, most comfortable lip cream ever. Sorry NYX but what is wrong with you? Why oh why was this range a limited edition? The tube is empty, and my heart is broken ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Would if I could, in a (broken) heartbeat ♥♥♥...

Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer (10ml, RRP $40)

Find of the month. Quite frankly, The Best Concealer I Have Ever Used. There...I've said it. This stuff covers ANYTHING and EVERYTHING and it doesn't crease, not even over and around my massive eye bags and the plethora of crinkles. At the end of the day, there is no change. Wow, I mean wow, the hype is true. I bought Light Neutral (22N) as it's a bit yellowy, perfect for my skin tone, and to cover the freckles under my eyes. I used to rave about IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye, but this Tarte is even better. Holey guacemoley, this is the one ♥♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
I have five other concealers, including two Kat Von D ones, but none of them is as effective, so yes, I just ordered another from Sephora ♥♥♥♥...

Regulars

Australis HD Translucent Loose Setting Powder (RRP $16.95)

Maybelline Total Temptation Brow Definer (RRP $17.95)

Giveaway

Up for grabs are...

• Olay Regenerist Pre-Essence
• Klara Cosmetics Zero Pores + Primer
• Elizabeth Arden White Tea Pure Indulgence Body Cream (100ml)
• Essence Crystal Power Eyeshadow Palette
• Essence Crystal Power Blush & Highlighter Palette (personal fave!)
• Lovisa Something Special Pale Pink Swarovski Halo Silver-tone Necklace & Stud Earrings set

All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $135.  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 Karen C. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 22nd January to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Karen has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. I've now included links to my reviews of the regulars wherever possible ♥