Sunday, 19 July 2020

June 2020 Empties & Giveaway!...

Well COVID-19 is not affecting my Empties, that's for sure! The usual mega selection of regulars, but there's a handful of new ones reviewed. I'm always excited when I finish a fragrance, and last month I spritzed the last of two bottles, both of which I've reviewed in detail in past posts, so I've included the links. June was also the month when I experimented with wearing the Skin Republic Eye Patches almost every night (both Collagen & Retinol) - I went through eight packs (all half-price specials), which equates to 24 pairs/nights, and can report that they made a difference to the puffiness of my eye bags, but not much change to my wrinkles. I'll probably go back to a couple of times a week as it was a bit of an indulgence and at full price, not one my budget can maintain. For the Giveaway, I have a super-duper special one - let's call it Christmas In July, so read on! ...


Body

The Body Shop British Rose Shower Gel (60ml, RRP $4)
This was part of a gift set sent to me at Christmas by one of my regular readers - a gorgeous, kind and generous lady (you know who you are sweetheart). British Rose is just that - pure and natural, the scent is the same as if you leaned over a rose bush in full bloom and took a deep breath, and the formula is non-drying. There was a body butter and hand cream too, and I just adore them all ...
Repurchase?
I will buy the big bottle for myself this Christmas ...

Schmidt's Lavender + Sage Natural Deodorant (75g, RRP $13.99)
I figure this formula would be just as effective as the charcoal one for completely stopping both odour and wetness, and I was right - what I didn't figure on was falling in love with the scent! I thought it would be a wee bit insipid or girly for winter, but it's fabulous. Definitely lavender, but the sage cuts the floral component in half and makes it herbally enough to be interesting and earthy - my new fave! ...
Repurchase?
Priceline sells this, so that'll be a yes, and I already have a few spares ...

Regulars
Glow Lab Coconut & Sandalwood Body Wash (400ml, RRP $9)
Nutrimetics Nutri-Rich Shower Oil (200ml, RRP $42)
Oral-B 3D White Luxe Glamorous White Toothpaste (96g, RRP $9.49)
Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)
Skin Physics Advance Superlift Caviar Age-Recovery Hand & Nail Renewal Cream SPF15 (75ml, RRP $39.99)
White Glo Charcoal Total Mouth Detox Whitening Mouthwash (500ml, RRP $6.99)

Face

Bioré Baking Soda Pore Cleanser (200ml, RRP $10.99)
As part of my "let's clear the bench" campaign, I finished off this cleanser, which has been hanging around with about 10 pumps left in it for 2 years. It doesn't seem to be available any more, which on the one hand is a shame as I enjoyed it's effectiveness on my combo skin, however, the decision to drop it from the range may have been something to do with the annoyance that I could never seem to remove all the little baking soda granules from my face if I used it at the basin. Who knows, but that was my only beef, and I quite liked the scent ...
Repurchase?
No - discontinued ...

L'Oreal Pure Clay Detoxifying Gel Wash (150ml, RRP $14.99)
Love this but it's incredibly messy unless used in the shower. Stains my wash cloth too but I'm prepared to put up with that as it works a treat to deep cleanse my face, and I've a passion for skincare products containing charcoal. It also has a very pleasant fragrance ...
Repurchase?
Yep, but not till the weather warms up ...

Olay Luminous Tone Perfecting Cream (14g, RRP $10)
I seem to have a stash of these trial-size jars of Olay creams from various sources, so I'll work my way through them whenever I finish something else. This one was truly a joy to use, refreshing floral scent and it left my skin lusciously hydrated and soft. Didn't notice any improvement in luminescence or spot fading, but hey, the jar only lasts a week which really is too soon to tell if it's working ...
Repurchase?
I'm about to start the Regenerist Retinol24 range, so no ...

Swisse Micellar Makeup Remover + Cucumber Extract (300ml, RRP $10.95)
Very good second cleanser and I always go for micellars that don't drag on my skin - this one has lots of slip and picked up every last trace of makeup left from the first cleanse, but the scent was a bit weird - not sure what it is, kind of earthy, but definitely not cucumber ...
Repurchase?
Doubt it - there are others that smell much nicer ...

Regulars
Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes (Pack of 25, RRP $7.99) 
Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover (112ml, RRP $10.89) 
Swisspers Make-up Pads (Pack of 80, RRP $3.79)


Face Masks

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


Fragrance

Britney Spears Believe Eau De Parfum (100ml, RRP $39)
I've had this bottle for six years, and only just finished it. Not one I would purchase on a regular basis, but I'll definitely be replacing this one with a smaller size, just 'cos I need it every now and then. It's very different from all the others from this gal. My ancient review of it is HERE ...
Repurchase?
Affirmative - the 30ml bottle is available from CW for $19.99 ...

Jennifer Aniston Chapter Two Eau De Parfum (30ml, RRP $19.99)
Love this floral oriental fragrance - my full review of it is HERE ...
Repurchase?
Definitely. There is a 50ml bottle but this one is small enough for the handbag, so I don't have to decant it. I'm actually leaning towards smaller bottles in general for the same reason ...

Hair

Regulars
Goldwell Dualsenses Color Revive Color Giving Conditioner - Icy Blonde (s00ml, RRP $32.95)


Makeup

Maybelline Volume Express The Falsies Mascara (RRP $19.95)
I actually use two mascaras when I'm going to work or somewhere special. I start with the waterproof variety of The Falsies, then curl my lashes (it holds the curl indefinitely), followed by a coat of this baby, and a waterproof layer over the top. I do this because this non-waterproof variety has heaps more fibres and gives my lashes some much-needed bulk ...
Repurchase?
I have a stash ...

Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Mascara (RRP $24.95)
Tried this during the lockdown, and it's good, but nothing special happened as far as lifting was concerned, so I'll stick with the original formulas ...
Repurchase?
No - the combo mentioned above works best for me ...

Regulars
Australis AC On Tour Contouring & Highlighting Kit - Cool Tone Cream (RRP $24.95)
Australis HD Translucent Loose Setting Powder (RRP $16.95)
DB Pore Minimising Primer (25ml, $14.99)
Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner (RRP $15.95)


Christmas In July Giveaway!


I think we could all do with a bit of a boost, so this month at kats colourings, we're having Christmas In July! The pack includes...
  • Olay Eyes Retinol24 Night Cream
  • Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturiser
  • Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Serum
...but there are also some extra surprises in store for the lucky winner, because Christmas is all about surprises hey?  All items were purchased by me and the approximate value of the pictured products is around $180, but the "surprises" take it a fair whack above that.  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 Claire F. as the winner.  
    Congratulations gorgeous! 
    Claire, please respond to the email I've sent you by midnight
    Wednesday 29th July to claim your prize :-)
    Edit: Claire has claimed her prize 
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Best of luck to all who enter!

    Take care of you,
    kats xxx

    24 comments:

    1. Another great post thanks Kats! I've been enjoying your perfume reviews and gorgeous photos over the past few weeks and ogling at the beauty and artwork that has gone into some of these bottles. I really liked your deodorant reviews during summer and although I had made the transition to aluminium free about a year before, I ended up trying some of your favourites and now have 2 excellent hot weather deodorants that don't fail me while working. I enjoy your Instagram posts that pop up in my feed daily and your honest, down to earth reviews.

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      1. Tracy thank you so much for this wonderfully supportive feedback, and I'm thrilled you've been able to add some new al-free deos to your collection that work so well. It's always a delight when someone else benefits from my personal discoveries - it's the main reason why I keep this little blog going ♥♥♥

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    2. Oh I so love your empties posts Kats.
      But for me even more exciting at the moment is seeing the Olay Retinol competition. OMG... You know how much I love Olay products as they suit my skin so wonderfully. I went into Priceline on Saturday to get the skincare gift bag and I had planned to buy the Olay Retinol Range but my store had sold out of the entire range :(

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      1. Thanks lovely lady ♥ I've only just started using this range but it seems to be just as terrific as all their other products. I picked up a few of each when the recent sales were on at the supermarkets (I have a thing about not paying full price for anything lol), but I've no doubt there'll be more deals in the future ♥♥♥

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    3. I have tried and been using new brands and more variety lately. Have you found that during the COVID restrictions you’ve increased that products that you use? It’s one of the few positive aspects of this current time......we’ve all been blessed with more free hours to use for self care. I’m certainly going to have to check out the Jennifer Aniston fragrance. It must have been living under a rock lately as I wasn’t even aware she had released such a line.
      Let’s just hope that stores have testers available to try.......
      AManda

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      1. Hi AManda - interestingly enough I'm not using any more products than usual, in fact I've been a bit slack on my cream masks of late. Working from home I find I'm actually spending more time working than I did before - I should put the "must do mask" into my meeting calendar! But the joy of an extra hour's sleep and not having to travel or get all dressed up makes up for the longer hours. As for the JA perfume, I'm with you under the same rock - honestly I'm an avid and active fragrance collector, but there are so many out there it just isn't possible to keep up with all that's released. Good luck with the tester hunt! ♥♥♥

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    4. Hello beautiful Kats,
      Thank you for another one of your amazing giveaways, always so generous xx
      Hope you’re keeping well, love Claire

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      1. Hi Claire - all good in my neck of the woods thank you, hoping the same for you and your fam ♥ And always delighted to organise these giveaways, especially for appreciative folks like yourself - best of luck my dear! ♥♥♥

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    5. Oh my goodness! After all my attempts to comment on your blog it’s worked!! Yay, don’t know what I did differently...lol

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      1. SO happy to see your comment Claire, without any intervention from me - congratulations on getting it to work! Who knows why or what changed (probably some security update) but fingers crossed it continues to function for you ♥

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    6. Always enjoy your empties post

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      1. Thank you so much - if you entered the giveaway, please let me know what name you used so I can match it up when I fire up the Rafflecopter ♥

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    7. I love the Skin Republic eye masks too, and always stock up when they have a sale. The Fast Fix eye masks from
      them are good too, I use them in the morning before work when I wake up with puffy eyes. I put all my eye masks in the fridge so their very cooling.

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      1. Oooh I haven't seen the Fast Fix ones yet - thanks for alerting me Juliana, what a great idea, and I'll be on the hunt for them for sure! ♥♥♥

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    8. Mini perfumes are everything! If the fragrance is 100mL, takes me ages to use it up and I want to try so many, but have no excuse buying.
      Question: Kats, how do you keep your lashes from not going gunky and stuck together when curling after first mascara application? I have tried it once...and it was a mess!

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      1. Aren't those minis just the best CJ! Over the years I've received a few boxed sets for birthday and Christmas - one of my favourite kinds of pressies ever! As for the mascara, it may depend on what brand you use, on the other hand I have very sparse lashes so there aren't enough to stick together anyway! I apply only a very thin coat of waterproof first and make sure I use the curler within a few seconds, and hold for a count of ten - it's pretty much dry by the time I apply the second coat ♥♥♥

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    9. Wow , a night skincare regimen, that looks interesting. I love all your reviews , the ones about the skincare are my favourite Xo

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      1. Well I reckon that makes us skin-care junkie comrades then Raluca ♥ So glad you enjoy the reviews - I will no doubt do a full one on this range once I've used it for a while ♥♥♥

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    10. Hi Kats. I bought the Olay luminous tone perfecting cream in the recent (?and still running) Priceline promotion and I got my goody bag (woohoo). I have had a few hits and misses with Olay but, like you, have the Miracle Youth Boost Pre-essence as a staple.

      I'm slowly trying to catch up on all your blog posts. I'll get there.... One of the ones I really need to read is the deodorant one.

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      1. Congrats on scoring the goody bag Okatko - at first it was listed as out of stock online, but I ordered some stuff a few days later and it was there, so fingers crossed it arrives eventually. And I can see you've been doing some reading - will catch up with your comments shortly. Keep safe! ♥♥♥

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      2. Fingers crossed for you too! Yes, I've been on a mission and a roll. All caught up now. I'm safe and hoping to stay that way. Watching Sydney with some concern though. So you look after yourself.

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    11. Love reading your empties and thanks for the tip that priceline sell Schmidt's Lavender and Sage deodorant - I'll keep a look out for it. Olay Miracle Boost Youth Pre-essence has been a staple of mine since your glowing recommendation - and the Retinol24 range is one I'd love to try out. Thanks for resurrecting Christmas in July - it's been missing this year!

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      1. Hiya Karen - yes I haven't spotted anything much about Chrissie in July this year either (no doubt due to the current global situation) but the response to my little effort has been wonderful, and it's been really fun for me to put the pack together. Stay well lovely! ♥♥♥

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    12. Oh my goodness Kats, the Olay Retinol range has been on my wish list, thanks for making my day. I’ve sent an email xx

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