REVIEW: Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium EDP...

So here we are in June already, and it suddenly hit me that I haven't done a fragrance review on the old blogaroo so far this year - wtf? I've a bit of catching up to do as I've added a few to my collection in 2020 (some bought, some gifted), so I'll start with this beauty, Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium EDP. Scored this intoxicating elixir last birthday, put it away for the Summer, and I've only just started wearing it now that the weather has cooled down. Strictly an under 20 degrees Celcius perfume (well for me anyway), this darling scores 10/10 for wow factor & 11/10 for presentation. People in the know talk about fragrance DNA and that often flankers have a similar base, but this is a whole new beast ♥...

Same bottle shape as the original, but coated in a glossy black roughened texture (some say "sequinned", I say more like stone). The overall look is stunning, though nowhere near as photogenic camera-wise. I struggled for hours to find a background and lighting that would show off its beauty adequately, but I'm reasonably happy with the end result, and after all, it's what it looks & feels like in-person, and what's inside that counts hey ♥ The liquid itself is a soft blush gold that ties in with the box trim beautifully, a detail that is appreciated by this matchaholic lol. When sprayed onto a tissue it is the palest pink (important for those who spray their clothes) but dries to almost invisible...

But enough about the packaging, let's get onto the juice, and what a juice it is. Top notes are advertised as pink pepper, orange blossom & pear, but I get vanilla spiced with a sprinkling of coffee from the get-go. It only takes a few minutes for a cloud of jasmine to explode, and that just about wipes out the coffee on my skin. There's the merest hint of liquorice, and as the minutes tick by, the patchouli waves hello and that plus the cedar takes the edge off the sweetness of the vanilla, almost like it's been toasted. Fascinating. Every now and then I catch a little whisp of fruit (it's pear but I can't tell) but overall, it's pretty much an earthy, spiced floral vanilla ♥...

It doesn't last as long as I'd hoped (only a few hours) and it stays quite close to the body, but that makes it a lot more office-friendly. There are tons of fragrances out there with a strong vanilla element so competition is fierce, but Black Opium has a slightly more sophisticated and mature edge than the ones I have, so she's high on my list of faves. My heart still belongs to the original formula though ♥...

Is Black Opium in your collection, or do you prefer the original?

Take care of you, and keep safe,

kats xxx

REVIEW: Weleda Creamy Body Wash...

If you've been here before you'll be aware that I have a thing about hydrating body washes, and ones that don't contain SLS. It's not that I'm allergic to SLS (fortunately) but ever since I committed to not using any shower products that included this suss ingredient, my bod skin has been a helluva lot smoother and softer, and the little flaky and slightly crusty bits on my arms have disappeared completely. Consequently, I'm forever in search mode for body washes and gels that can maintain the progress I've made, as well as put some moisture back into my skin while I shower (I'm SO lazy with body lotion), in the cooler weather especially. So after falling head over heels for both versions of Skin Food, I decided to give the Weleda Creamy Body Wash a shot to see if it was worthy of joining my collection ♥...

I'm also a scentophile - one of those folks who absolutely MUST have a delicious scent to accompany every step of my body and beauty regime, and Weleda has fabulous fragrances in spades. If you're scent-sensitive though, keep reading as I have something for you too ♥...

Weleda Citrus Creamy Body Wash

I had my fingers crossed that this would have the same refreshing and uplifting lemon fragrance as the Skin Food and can confirm that it does. Oh bliss, oh joy! I usually park my citrusy shower products in the cooler weather, but I'm making an exception for this one as it is just that - exceptional! The formula is as advertised - creamy, and with the inclusion of organic sesame oil (second highest content after water), deliciously hydrating and leaves my skin soft, supple and lightly fragranced. All the cleansing ingredients in this product are plant-based, in fact, the entire formula is 100% natural. It doesn't lather up as much as some others, but the bubbles are super creamy and there is heaps of slip - my washcloth effortlessly glides over my skin with only a very small quantity. LOVE! ♥♥♥...

Weleda Pomegranate Creamy Body Wash

I was expecting this to have a pomegranate scent, but OMG it's something else again - a mix of vanilla, blood orange and sandalwood. It's fantastic! Fruity yes, but also sensual and spicy - I would wear it as a perfume if it was available. I find this formula is slightly more enriching and hydrating than the citrus one - as well as pomegranate seed oil, it has sesame, sunflower and macadamia seed oils, and actually the range is aimed at preventing premature ageing of the skin. Same creamy texture and low lather. LOVE LOVE! ♥♥♥...

Weleda Almond Sensitive Skin Body Wash

Even though I don't have what I would classify as sensitive skin, I bought this one as I find most products designed for skins that irritate easily are invariably super gentle, highly nourishing and contain very little or no scent. Hmm, I think I just described this little darling. The main ingredient is sweet almond oil (also contains shea butter), and while fragrance is listed (from natural essential oils) it's so faint I can barely detect it, even in the heat of the shower. But if I rub a little under my nose I can just make out...almonds. I'll be mixing this with a little of the Pomegranate Body Oil (that I just ordered lol!) to stop me getting bored, but that's just me and my passion for scented products ♥♥♥... 

So there you are lovelies - delighted to have these join my cold-weather collection, and I'll be exploring more from this brand. The Creamy Body Wash also comes in Lavender, Evening Primrose, Wild Rose and Sea Buckthorn varieties, most with matching bath milk, body lotion and hand cream. I bought mine from Nourished Life, but you can also purchase from the Weleda website.  RRP is $19.95 for 200ml - more expensive than supermarket brands, but they are highly concentrated so less is needed, they're free from the usual bad boys, contain 100% certified natural ingredients, and not tested on animals ♥...

What's your favourite Weleda product?

Take care of you, and keep safe,
kats xxx

April 2020 Empties & Giveaway!...

What a revealing month for Empties April was! With the rather sudden reduction in the volume of what I went through, it's pretty obvious that I use quite a lot of products for presenting myself to the outside world, and working from home combined with only venturing to the shops one day per week sure made a significant difference. I also decided to give my hair a break from any major colouring attempts and bought half a dozen newsboy caps instead lol. Still, there's a couple of interesting skincare items in this lot, so on with the reviews ♥...

Body

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

Rated this #3 in my Top 6 Aluminium-free Deodorants (review HERE), and the only reason it won 3rd prize is because I have to use my fingers to apply it. Other than that little fussy-folly of mine, this stuff is legendary ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

If they made it in a stick form, you betcha ♥♥♥...

KOi Relaxing Body Wash - Jasmine & Sandalwood (500ml, RRP $8)

Beautifully fragranced, natural ingredients, great price, SLS & cruelty-free - a truly lovely body wash available from supermarkets, but just not quite enough hydrating power to meet my new baseline requirements ♥♥...

Repurchase?

Maybe next Summer ♥♥...

Schmidt's Bergamot + Lime Natural Deodorant (75g, RRP $13.99)

Schmidt's deodorants are my current #1 in the aluminium-free range, and I'm crazy about the Charcoal & Magnesium, Cedarwood & Juniper & Lavender & Sage varieties, but not this one. It works brilliantly and has a lovely zesty fragrance, but the little lumps in it (I think it's baking soda) are way too hard and scratchy - so much so I found this quite painful to apply. I bought it on special at Priceline so it may have been old stock and dried out, but I won't get it again just in case that's the way it is - it's just too harsh for my pits...

Repurchase?

No...

Regulars

Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)

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

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

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

Face

Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream (50ml, RRP $205)

One of the ritzy-ditzy products in the 2019 lookfantastic Advent Calendar, and one I was super excited to try, especially given the rave reviews and hefty price tag. Well now, I'm a little puzzled as I really didn't find it fabulous at all. Mind you I only used it at night. On the plus side, it's a lovely textured cream, very light, and the tiniest amount spreads so easily and absorbs well, but I didn't find it the least bit special - there were no obvious improvements in my fine lines, moisture levels or elasticity. The fragrance was disappointingly bleah - like an old-fashioned el-cheapo cold-cream, but not even as pleasant as that. Marketed as "a revolutionary anti-aging product", sorry folks it didn't work for me...

Repurchase?

No way...

Indeed Labs Snoxin Facial Line & Wrinkle Fighting Serum (30ml, RRP ?)

This has been in my stockpile drawer for longer than I can remember (like maybe 2 years), and I probably shouldn't review it at all as it's no longer for sale (there is a new version Snoxin II). But the seal was intact so I decided not to toss it. Actually, a lovely and amazingly slippery serum which left my skin feeling so silky smooth, but there were no obvious improvements. The box said "4 x better than $500+ serums" - maybe mine was old and had lost its potency, but I can't discount how fabulous it made my skin feel, and would definitely try the new version ♥♥...

Repurchase?

Snoxin II, yes ♥♥...

Liar Wrinkle Cheater Eye Roller Serum (12ml, RRP $39.95)

This came in the July 2019 Bellabox, and because it has a metal roller ball, I put it away till the warmer weather as it felt so cold on my face. Silly me - it's SO good! The best roller-ball eye serum I've ever tried - I don't know how or why, but unlike every other eye cream with this kind of dispenser, the Liar ball never EVER drags on my delicate skin. On first application, there is an immediate tightening sensation, and my eyes look refreshed and feel perfectly hydrated. No improvement to my eye bags, but my crow's feet are less deep and the under-eye area especially has lost that crepey withered look - 100% natural ingredients too ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Ooh yes ♥♥♥...

L'Oreal Pure Clay Exfoliating Scrub (150ml, RRP $14.99)

Absolutely LOVE the smell of this scrub and how it leaves my skin so soft and de-flaked without being harsh, although I wouldn't use it on my old skin more than once a week. It's messy (like the charcoal one) so best used in the shower, but it's a great product and a great price. No less than three clays plus red algae ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes ma'am ♥♥♥...

Nivea Q10 Power Anti-Wrinkle Replenishing Day Cream for 60+ Skin (50ml, RRP $23.99)

Trialled this for beautyheaven throughout the summer, I gave it 5 stars - my review is 4th from the bottom of the page HERE. Needs a light hand with the quantity or else there's a high probability of T-zone shine, but overall I loved it. So often the creams made for us oldies are way too rich for my skin and I end up with clogged pores, but not with this darling. The fragrance is fresh and delightful, and the price is surprisingly low, just wish it was 30+ SPF ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Sure will ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover (112ml, RRP $10.89) 

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

Face Masks

Kmart Raspberry Leaf Botanical Eye Mask (2 pairs, RRP $3)

My latest passion in the eye patch arena. These are as cheaps as chips, supremely comfortable, and surprisingly effective - they're the jelly type, almost invisible on the skin, and they slide down if you're standing up, but I wear them to bed. And at $1.50 a pop, I can afford them every night! These ones are for firming, and they also come in Red Ginseng for brightening, and Evening Primrose for hydrating ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Silly question lol ♥♥♥...

Regulars

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

Fragrance

Sarah Jessica Parker  Lovely EDP (30ml, RRP $9.99)

One of my faves, and the 30ml bottle is the perfect handbag size as well as being totally affordable - lovingly reviewed HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Already have ♥♥♥...

Paco Rabanne Lady Million EDP (30ml, RRP $81)

The cutest little sample size, I forget how this came into my hands, but I'm glad it did as I sampled it years ago (when I was a different person ha ha) and didn't think much of it. Have definitely changed my mind about it, but maybe not quite enough to spend $80. Woodsy white flowers with a touch of orange and a base of patchouli. Quite the seductress, but I have caught a drift of it on quite a few gals, and that always puts me off a bit. Still, I might relent ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Maybe ♥♥♥...

Regulars

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

Hair

Kérastase Paris Densifique Densimorphose Treatment Mousse (150ml, RRP $48)

My stylist recommended this for my new spikey haircut, which needs some lift and has a tendency to reveal my scalp in places (and consequently my white roots if I've been slack), so I needed something to create a bit more fullness, and this is it. It doesn't make my hair all goopy and really fluffs it out without adding to the frizz. It's my first ever Kérastase product, and I'm already on my second can ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Affirmative ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Salon Professional Supplies Creme Peroxide 5 vol (200ml, RRP $5.95)

Salon Professional Supplies Pro-Colour - Violet Toner (100ml, RRP $14.95)

Schwarzkopf Live Colour Pastels - Cool Grey (RRP $5.49)

Makeup

Regulars

Australis HD Translucent Loose Setting Powder (RRP $16.95)

Eye of Horus Charcoal Obsidian Goddess Pencil (1.2g, RRP $30)

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

Giveaway

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

• Sarah Jessica Parker Lovely EDP 30ml
• Nourished Life Antibacterial Hand Sanitiser 125ml
• Shea Moisture African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Body Scrub
• Lacura Cherish Luxury Hand Cream with Peony Flower & Mandarin Oil Extract
• Peppermint Grove Patchouli & Bergamot Soy Candle 60g
• Colette Teardrop Diamante Stud Earring & Ring Set (Medium)

All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $65.  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 Ange L. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 27th May to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Ange has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you, and keep safe,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: Favourite March & April 2020 LOTD's...

Sadly I missed the upload boat for the fave March LOTD's. To be honest, when I started working from home, I didn't wear any makeup for the first 10 days (until it hit me how much I missed it!) so there weren't a lot of photos to choose from, soooo...I decided to combine the March and April posts to have as wide a colour and texture range as possible to choose from, so here we go ♥...

With the start of Autumn, I trotted out some of my precious browns...

1. NYX Slip Tease Lip Lacquer - Shady. These were March's Find Of The Month. For $7 each at Priceline, I couldn't possibly resist - dense, creamy, rich and deliciously moist, my full review of the first six I bought is HERE ♥...

2. Maybelline Color Sensational - Bean There. Probably one of the last few times you'll see this in a post as I've almost hit pan, and as is often the case with my loves, it's no longer available. Still on the hunt for a replacement - I have quite a few browns in my collection, but they all have a lot of red content, whereas this darling is golden all the way ♥...

3. Colour by TBN - Mocha-Chino. This range was last year's big discovery at Price Attack. For $3.95 they can't be beat for intensity, packaging, range and comfort. This is such a pretty and soft latte ♥There are two dedicated posts for these babies, HERE & HERE ♥...
4. L'Oreal Le Rouge Lumiere - Brilliant Brown. This was one I bought from Priceline recently (online) and which I was hoping would be a replacement for the MNY Bean There above. Of course, the trap with buying lipsticks online is that rarely are the website colours accurate, and this one is leaning more towards orange. But I'm glad I indulged as it's totally gorgeous and perfect for this time of year ♥...

5. NYX Slip Tease Lip Lacquer - Modern Soul. Possibly my most favourite orange of all time. I mean how unusual is it, and so different than anything else I have. I'm totally in love with these lacquers, and because they were (and are still) $7 from Priceline, I figured the range was being discontinued, but they are still listed on the NYX Aussie site, just not these shades, so perhaps they're just doing a colour revamp? Fingers crossed ♥...

6. Colour by TBN - Why So Orange.  Another amazing orange, and one that will brighten many a dull day in the coming winter - SO vibrant ♥...

7. Colour by TBN - Roses Are Red. Well now, I could just keep on raving about these lipsticks forever, but how about this red? I reckon it would almost glow in the dark! ♥...

8. Nutrimetics Silk Creme - Chilli.  Still loving all my Nutrimetics lippies, and Chilli red is another one that will punch a massive hole in the dreary ♥...

9. Maybelline Vivid Hot Lacquer - Classic. Sometimes I just need a super-duper glossy OTT out-there red, and when I do, this is the one I reach for. Bought it mid-2018 and there's been no deterioration in the formula or wham-factor ♥...

10. Colour by TBN- Milkshake. One of the most gorgeous rosy coral pinks ever! ♥...

11. Antipodes Natural Lipstick - South Pacific Coral.  This was in a gift pack that was sent to me recently, for which I will be eternally grateful ♥ Antipodes lipsticks are so full of goodness, and they never disappoint in comfort, density and moisturising power ♥...

12. Karen Murrell Natural Lipstick - Blushing Rose. Don't you just love it when companies put out a freebie with a magazine? This was one of three colours that came with the April issue of Marie Claire. I'd been wanting to try at least one from the range for ages, but hadn't gotten around to it. At $29.95 they're not cheap, but who cares when they're riddled with nourishing ingredients that make them so good for girl ♥...

13. NYX Slip Tease Lip Lacquer - Rosy Outlook. Absolutely nuts about this shade. Have been going through a discovery phase with rose coloured lip products, and delighted with the results, given that I'd always classified this colour family as "doesn't suit me". But this darling has changed all that ♥...

14. Karen Murrell Natural Lipstick - Bordeaux Rouge. Another from the Marie Claire GWP - perfect winter red, like mulled wine, and my lips drink in all the goodness ♥...

15. Maybelline Colordrama Intense Velvet Lip Pencil - Berry Much.  These lip crayons just keep on keeping on - this baby has had many many outings, and more to come. The formula is so comfortable, and these also work brilliantly as lip liners ♥...

16. NYX Slip Tease Lip Lacquer - Negotiator. Oh oh oh. Haven't lusted after a new purple for ages, but this one has my heart ♥...

Which ones do you like?

Take care of you, and keep your loved ones safe,

kats xxx