Sunday 22 March 2020

February 2020 Empties & Giveaway!...

Hi everyone and welcome to Autumn, which officially began with the equinox on Friday at 2:49pm. Just like our recent Summer, this Autumn is shaping up to be like no other - wherever you live, our world is changing and with it, our lifestyles and habits must change too. I plan to keep posting on my blog through these challenging times, so I hope you'll continue to join me here for reviews, empties and my usual monthly giveaway, which this time around is a special one for Mother's Day - it's not till May, but given the current global circumstances, I thought it best to get in early ... 


Body

Glow Lab Blackberry & Bay Body Wash (400ml, RRP $9)
Mmmm, can't decide whether I like this one more than the Coconut & Sandalwood one - let's just say they are equally delicious, but this scent is probably the one I'll go for just that little bit more in the cooler weather. I've tried quite a few products from their range, and have been pleasantly surprised by all of them - love that they're cruelty-free and even the pump is recyclable ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
New one in the shower, one in reserve ♥♥♥...

Schmidt's Charcoal + Magnesium Mineral Enriched Natural Deodorant (75g/92g, RRP $13.99/$19.95)
In my not-so-long-ago series on aluminium-free deodorants, I rated this second to Fresca roll-on, but I've done a switcheroo, and made this my numero uno. They are equally effective at controlling odour, but I reckon the Schmidt's wins by a butterfly's eyelash as far as keeping me dry, PLUS (and this is a biggie) the 75g size is available from my local Priceline store - not having to pay shipping is a bonus ...
Repurchase?
Even though I'm working my way through the other locally available scents in the range, yes ...

Sensodyne Rapid Relief Original Toothpaste (100g, RRP $11.49)

My dentist gave me a sample size after I had some work done on a molar, and it sure helped reduce sensitivity after I had the crown fitted. Tasted good too, and there was enough in the tube for a week's use. He also gave me another brand which made my lips go numb (binned) so this would be my choice if I ever need something like this again ...
Repurchase?
Sure would ...

Regulars
Compeed Blister Plasters (Box of 5, RRP $12.95)
Johnson & Johnson Advanced Healing Hydro Seal Band-Aid  (box of 10, RRP $8.47)
Oral-B 3D White Luxe Glamorous White Toothpaste (96g, RRP $9.49)
Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)
White Glo Charcoal Total Mouth Detox Whitening Mouthwash (500ml, RRP $6.99)


Face


Freezeframe Wrinkle Block Age Prevention Multi Stick (30ml, RRP $69)

I wrote quite an extensive review of this product last month (link HERE). This was my second stick and while I haven't quite finished the third, I don't think I'll be continuing on this path. Yes, it has made a difference to my fine lines, and my neck looks less craggy, but the deeper lines haven't budged since stick number 1, and there's still no impact whatsoever on my eye bags. The price is somewhat prohibitive, and at the end of the day, the benefits aren't sufficient for me to continue on for $70 a month. I've also decided that in my particular case, smooth texture, plumpness and radiance are more important than reducing wrinkles, so I just use it on my neck now ...
Repurchase?
If it's half price, maybe ...

Proactiv Amazonian Clay Mask (28g, RRP $?)
Interesting! This was sent to me to trial by beautyheaven over the Christmas period - I loved it, and even made a 3-minute video as part of my review. The text was published on 4th January, but no longer appears on the site, in fact, Proactiv is no longer listed full stop, so I guess they pulled the plug on the funding. Anyways, a beaut mask - quite thin, earthy scent that isn't overpowering, didn't make my face feel like it was going to crack up, and sent my blackheads packing ...
Repurchase?
Would if I could find it through an Aussie supplier, no luck so far ...

Regulars
Ecopure Bath Bamboo Fibre Face Cloths (pack of 2, RRP $12.99)
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 Advanced Anti-Aging Detoxifying Pore Scrub (150ml, RRP $14.99)


Face Masks


BLAQ Charcoal Hydrogel Eye Mask (pack of 5, RRP $29.99)
Love these and first wrote about them back in March 2018, but I can no longer find them at Priceline and they only seem to be available from the Blaq website. Pity as they're really something special. They do have a tendency to slip down if you walk around in them, but I've been wearing them to bed, and they seem to stay on long enough when I'm horizontal ♥♥...
Repurchase?
If I can find them locally, yes ♥♥...

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


Fragrance

Estee Lauder Pleasures EDP (50ml, RRP $105)
Still one of my favourite Spring-Summer scents - my 2014 review of it is HERE ...
Repurchase?
Absolutely, but not till later in the year ...


Hair

Creative Image Adore Semi-Permanent Hair Colour - Platinum (118ml, RRP $16.45)
Well now, this was a bonus find at Price Attack - vegan and cruelty-free, I add this to my fortnightly colouring concoction, and mix a little into my conditioner to keep my tresses as ashy and yellow-free as possible. There are heaps of other colours in the range, but this platinum one works best for me. It's a mauvey mushroomy colour, and while I would prefer something more silvery, it'll do for now ...
Repurchase?
You bet, another one and a spare ...

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

Brief review of this last month, but it won't be a regular - the shade doesn't turn out as ash or intense as the Salon Professional Supplies brand, and I only bought it because they were out of stock of my fave... 
Repurchase?
No...

Regulars
Goldwell Kerasilk Control Conditioner (250ml, RRP $34.95)
Salon Professional Supplies Pro-Colour - Light Ash Blonde (100ml, RRP $14.95)
Schwarzkopf Live Colour Pastels - Cool Grey, Metallic - Lilac Chrome & Denim Steel (RRP $5.49)


Makeup


Australis Stayput Long Lasting Retractable Lipliner - Romance (discontinued)
Boo to discontinued products! Great bricky-nude shade and lasted almost the whole day ♥♥... 
Repurchase?
Sadly it's no longer available ♥♥...


Mirenesse Smooth Nude CC Hydra Makeup Mousse (40g, RRP $50)
Raved about this last January and I still love it, but with Mirenesse products, you need to be a VIP member to get special discounts and free shipping ♥♥♥... 
Repurchase?
Probably not - I cancelled my membership when I was retrenched, and can't see myself rejoining any time soon ♥♥♥...

Regulars
Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder (RRP $13.95)


Giveaway



With Mothers Day coming up soon, I decided to put together a special pack for a special Mum, rather than the same old favourites from the Empties collection. This bundle is made up of...
  • Sweet Little Things Floral Scented Soap Petals
  • Nutrimetics Fragrance Discovery Collection - 3 rollerball EDTs, Love & Courage, Fleurever & Breathtaking (personal fave reviewed HERE)
  • Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Hydration Celebration Pack - Rose Quench Lip Rescue Balm, Quench Hydrating Primer, Drink of H2O Hydrating Boost Moisturiser & 4-in1 Setting Mist

All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $110.  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

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    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 Tracy M. as the winner.  
    Congratulations gorgeous! 
    Tracy, please respond to the email I've sent you by midnight
    Wednesday 1st April to claim your prize :-)
    Edit: Tracy has claimed her prize 
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Best of luck to all who enter!

    Keep safe lovelies, and take care of you,
    kats xxx

    26 comments:

    1. I have just discovered Alien by Thierry Mugler and love the scent, plus it's staying power lasting the entire day and will be using it in the cooler months and beyond. Great post Kats and stay safe in these scary weeks to come.

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      Replies
      1. Hi Tracy, thanks for your kind wishes - back to you and your family ♥ You know Alien is a fragrance I've wanted to sample for years, but I've never been able to find a sample, or just not made the time to wait for an attendant to unlock the cabinet. But I've been hearing such great comments about it in the last few months, it's time to make it happen ♥

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    2. I am working my way through my perfume collection this year.
      At the moment its still quite hot here so im still using my "Pure DKNY" but AI have been eyeing my bottle of "Heat by Beyonce" Im thinking that will be the one that I will turn to when the cooler months hit.

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      Replies
      1. Sounds like a plan Fawn - I have her Midnight Heat and Heat Wild Orchid which I love and I also keep for the Autumn/Winter. Which reminds me it's time to rotate my perfumes! ♥

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    3. My favourite perfumes for the colder weather are Black Opium and Lancome Tresor Midnight Rose

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Oooh I like your choices Amazeballs - this will be my first winter with Black Opium. It's still a bit too warm to crack it open, but it beckons me every time I walk past the shelf lol. And the Midnight Rose is another one I'm lusting after - maybe once we're out if this nightmare scenario, I'll treat myself to that beauty ♥

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    4. I like anything by Juicy Couture

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      Replies
      1. Yes Elly - right with you there. I have Viva La Juicy Noir, and it's time to bring it to the front again - delish! ♥

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    5. Hello Kats, Oh I love perfumes. Tresor by Lancome is amazing, I have loved it for decades lol, and I always will, it is lovely in the cooler weather.

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      Replies
      1. Me too Ariane! Sadly Tresor changes on my skin and smells not so good, but the Midnight Rose is a dream ♥

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    6. I only wear one fragrance (Chanel No 5) so it's my favourite for the cooler weather & the warmer weather! Sometimes I wish I didn't just stick to one but it makes it very easy for people to buy me fragrance related presents!

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      Replies
      1. Aahhh - a classic! And what a dream you are to buy for Alex. Hey if you love, keep wearing it - sounds like it's truly your signature scent ♥

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    7. Posting on behalf of Rose P:
      My favourite fragrance for the cooler weather....I tend to wear my Chloe all year round. It’s my signature scent and has been for many years.
      I’ve got a few others that I wear when I feel like it, and plenty of others on my radar. Sigh.....Rose xxx

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Hmmm Chloe - I must have been living under a rock but I've never tried it Rose. How weird is that, given I love variety so much? But hey there's SO MANY out there, and I only have one nose ha ha ♥

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    8. Ooh that's a tough-ie Kats! If I was a drinker (which I'm not) and alcohol was a fragrance (which it kinda is in a way as most perfumes contain plenty of it) I would say something along the lines of Rum. Haha!

      But, to be more realistic you would catch me head over heels in love and drowning myself in Vanilla scented heavenly scents, like Viva La Juicy or Daisy by Marc Jacobs. Bliss!

      There just seems to be something warming and comforting about vanilla.

      Looks like a beautiful prize too! <3

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Hi Candy - when I put the question in the Rafflecopter, I wondered whether I was asking too much of you gals lol! Anyways I agree - vanilla is definitely a toasty and tasty scent. Can't wear it in the hot season, but come May/June, I'll be dousing myself in its warm embrace ♥

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    9. Hi kat,
      This look beautiful and I'm definitely new subscriber. I love reading blogs and beauty blog are always fun. I wish good luck for everybody. Thank you for the opportunity.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Welcome omyara15! Great to have you here my dear - my motto is you get what you give, so there's always some goodies up for grabs ♥

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    10. My favorite perfume at the moment is Gucci pour femme dylan blue amazing stuff.

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      Replies
      1. I don't know that one at all omyara15, but you certainly have my attention - it sounds gorgeous, will definitely check it out ♥

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    11. Oh dear, blister plasters as regulars ... I hope not too regular Kats

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      Replies
      1. Ha ha MGR - I only seem to develop blisters from new Summer shoes and sandals, NEVER boots! So have no fear, I doubt there will be any more of these particular empties till next January ♥

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    12. Posting on behalf of Sparkle77:
      I love the Mauve for Me (I also love the pinks, nudes & corals). You know I love lipstick like you ♥

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      Replies
      1. It's a bit of a dilemma hey Sparkle - I love them ALL, and yes my dear, your passion for lippies is well known to me ♥

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    13. Hi Kats sorry to hear about your work situation. I would have thought that with everyone working from home your expertise would be in high demand.

      Pleasures has always been a favourite of mine. I just need to work through my perfume stash and then I can purchase it again during a gwp offer.

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      Replies
      1. Thanks for you concern Okatko, but my work situation is all good - I was retrenched in August 2018, but I've been employed steadily (at the same company) since then as a contractor, and will hopefully continue to do so for a while. Delighted to hear that Pleasures is one of your faves too ♥

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