Jewellery Storage Refresh...

I've been working on a personal project for a few months now - the refresh and re-org of my jewellery collection. My plan was to have it all done and dusted for spring, and I'm absolutely chuffed that I completed it with one day to spare! I have a vast array of costume jewellery that I've amassed over the years (only buying when items are on special, natch) - I guess you could call it part of my persona or my signature. In fact, I never leave the house without something pretty on my bod, although thanks to COVID, it's usually just earrings or bracelets as I'm constantly sanitising/washing my hands. But on the two days every second week that I head into the office, I get dressed up to the nines just like I used to in the old (BC) days. When you have a collection as big as mine, it's VITAL to be organised, so I'm also constantly on the lookout for new and effective ways to store the precious contents. The final piece of this "overhaul" puzzle came just last Thursday when I picked up the rainbow box (below left) from Spotlight, and I've been flat chat ever since cleaning, rearranging and culling all the bits and bobs to get them into their new homes...

The main impetus for the re-org was the fact that I was running out of space for my rings and earrings. The rings were so jammed into the drawers (below) that sometimes I couldn't open them without jiggling the box. I've had these perspex containers for several years (reviewed HERE), and while they provided a nice display, they've been in front of the window for so long that, as you can see, the plastic has dulled (and in some cases turned yellow) from the winter sun that comes streaming in (thankfully!). So, what to do?...

I was searching for another cabinet like the tall one below with 33 drawers, which up until today contained my earrings. But everything I found online looked too much like a toolbox you'd normally keep in the garage. And then I spotted the rainbow box (which has 60 drawers) on the Spotlight website - perfect for my earrings! And it just happened to be on special, so I thanked the Universe for providing the answer, and cleaned up and repurposed the black one for my rings ♥. Problem solved!

I already had the other 5-drawer cabinets for my necklaces and bracelets - also had these for years but they are still in good shape, so I dusted off the spare one I had on the shelf, re-lined the drawers of the old ones with some black non-slip vinyl I found on eBay, and then spent hours untangling everything and setting it all out so it looked pretty ♥. These drawer cabinets are actually for stationery, and Kmart still sells them for $18...

I'm over the moon with this new arrangement - like my wardrobe, everything is sorted according to colour or gold/silver, and I'm especially excited as I now have enough space to dedicate a drawer each to the rose and silver diamante pieces ♥...

So here's the final layout - I have wind out windows that I need to access so it's not entirely perfect, matching or symmetrical, but it works well, I know where everything is and I can find whatever I'm after in a flash. Incidentally, in the bottom right of this pic you can see my Empties tub, which is already overflowing, so expect a post soon ♥...

Stage 2 is to re-line my makeup drawers and sort/cull my lip liners which you can see on the right-hand side of the dressing table, but that won't take long. My lipsticks are stored separately (still the same as HERE), well away from the window so they don't get affected by the extra heat and light, along with my perfumes, the re-org of which will be Stage 3. It's endless lol!...

How do you store your gems?

Take care of you, and keep safe,

kats xxx

July 2020 Empties & Giveaway!...

Well now, in comparison to many of my other Empties posts, July was a bit of a fizzer - my collection tub was only two thirds full lol! Understandable as I took a break from the under-eye patches (I used 24 the month before), I was trialling a few new skincare items so my usual ones went on hold, plus I have quite a few products in rotation so I'll probably finish a whole bunch at the same time, which means that next month should be back to normal max volume ha ha. There are a few newbies in this collection though, so at least there's something interesting for you to read...

Body

Colgate Plax Alcohol-Free Gentle Mint Mouth Wash (500ml, RRP $6.49)

Because I get bored easily, and also so I wouldn't tire of the taste of the White Glo mouthwash that's always in my Regulars section, I chose this one mainly because of the description "Gentle Mint". Most mouth washes are way too strong for me - I don't like it when they sting, burn my tongue, or inhaling the fumes makes me cough, and this particular variety doesn't give me any such grief. In fact, it might well become my favourite - delish fresh mint taste, and it's available at the supermarket. The only negative is that it doesn't have any whitening power ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely! ♥♥♥...

Du-it Tough Hands Intensive Skin Repair (150g, RRP $11.99)

I'm a bit naughty when it comes to hand creams - I have around eight partially used ones in my bedside drawer, so I'm now on a mission to use them all up before I open anything else (wish me luck!). I think this sample tube was a freebie from a beautyheaven Rewards Room pack, but regardless of its origin, if your hands are in poor shape, it's really something special. Amazingly rich and restorative, it absorbs well and doesn't leave a greasy film on the surface - just enough to keep the healing going, especially overnight. Barely any scent but I don't mind as it's such a great cure for cracked and damaged paws ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Definitely need a tube of this on hand for when I'm doing dirty work and neglect to wear gloves ♥♥♥...

Sukin Arkie Hand Wash (500ml, RRP $9.95)

A lovely scent mix of tangerine, mandarin, lavender & vanilla, I bought this primarily because I spotted it at Coles, and my household is powering through the hand wash these days (like everybody else). Foams well, doesn't dry my hands, and with jojoba, avocado & rosehip oils, aloe vera and chamomile, well how could I not toss it into the trolley? ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

It's a limited edition, but if I spot it at Coles again, yes ♥♥♥...

Weleda Citrus Creamy Body Wash (200ml, RRP $19.95)

ADORE this body wash - my full review of it is HERE. It's officially a regular from now on ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Without doubt ♥♥♥...

Weleda Skin Food Light (75ml, RRP $24.95)

Ahh, Weleda - I'm a late boarder on this bus, but I'm making up for the lost time. There's a bit of a story behind how I discovered how AMAZING this stuff is. I knocked over a cup of freshly made tea onto my hand - my arm was in a sling from a major shoulder injury the day before, and literally trapped the just-off-the-boil water against my skin. In short, I had a rather severe burn across the back of my hand. Did all the right things with the ice, but it was bright red and very sore for days. Once the sting had gone I applied some of this magical potion every time I thought of it - let's say up to 10 times in a day. It was so soothing and cooling. After a few weeks, the skin started to peel - looked terrible while it was going on, dark brown and very wrinkly. But I kept applying the Skin Food Light until all the dead skin peeled off, revealing...smooth, clear, non-scarred skin. Unbelievable! My left hand now looks 10 years younger than my right. Weleda, you are my hero ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Silly question ♥♥♥...

Regulars

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

Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)

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

Face

Eaoron Makeup Remover Balm (90g, RRP $39)

My favourite cleanser for the cold weather. Don't be put off by the price - this seems to be permanently on special at Chemist Warehouse (currently $18) - a total bargain, and it's brilliant. Such a shame the jar isn't recyclable. My in-depth review of it is HERE. ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, every winter ♥♥♥...

Olay Eyes Pro-Retinol Eye Treatment (15ml, RRP $48.99)

Thanks to Fawn ♥ for putting me onto this gem. Improvements in under-eye skin texture within a matter of days, same for crows feet. I'm trying the new purple retinol one right now, and that has maintained the benefits already gained, but no startling new developments. I will always have a tube of this red jewel on hand. Pricey, but regularly on special, and I honestly don't care a fig about price if it works, which it does. No change to the baggies, but that's a given ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

You betcha ♥♥♥...

Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel (35ml, RRP $?)

This sample tube came in last year's lookfantastic Advent Calendar. The problem with these boxes is that a lot of the products simply aren't available anywhere in Australia, this one included (although ASOS will ship for free). So if you fall in love with any of them, you're pretty much screwed. I didn't exactly fall in love with this one (fortunately) but it's a lovely pink cleanser - it's almost an oil that melts into the skin and removes everything, with minimal suds. Smells a bit soapy, but tolerable ♥...

Repurchase?

Nah - I prefer my Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit cleanser any day ♥...

Skin Physics Dragon's Blood Facial Sculpting Gel (50ml, RRP $59.99)

This was sent to me to trial by theorycrew, and I'll be forever grateful. Loved it so much I bought two more jars when it was on special recently at Priceline, which is the only place you can buy it. It's a soother and a smoother, absorbs super quick and leaves my skin all glowy, plump & refreshed. Unlike other gels I've tried recently, this one doesn't leave any tacky feeling on the skin surface. Mega hydrating with very little scent (sort of earthy, coconut coffee maybe?) and I believe it's making a difference to my jawline. Watch this space ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, oui, si, ja etc. ♥♥♥...

Regulars
Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover (112ml, RRP $10.89) 
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil (30ml, RRP $42.99)
Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence (40ml, RRP $39.99) 
Sukin Rosehip Rejuvenating Facial Scrub (125ml, $14.99)
Sukin Oil Balancing Charcoal Pore Refining Facial Scrub (125ml, $12.95)
Swisspers Make-up Pads (Pack of 80, RRP $3.79)

Fragrance

Versace Dylan Blue EDP (30ml, RRP $102)

Cute little sample bottle from a DJ's beauty bag. Nice scent, but for me not worth buying as it fades quickly. Starts off fruity and flowery and then becomes wood, wood and more wood. Adore the bottle...

Repurchase?

No...

Hair

Schwarzkopf Professional Royal Permanent Hair Color (60ml, RRP $23.96)

Still hunting for a permanent silvery-blue hair colour - thought I'd found it in this one, but no. First time I used it, perfect! Fabulous shimmery steely grey - my dream shade. The second time, came out brown-ash, and third time, golden highlights. What is it with grey hair dye that no-one seems to be able to make it?...

Repurchase?

No - the search continues...

Makeup

Maybelline Brow Ultra Slim Eyebrow Pencil (RRP $15.95)

So Maybelline dropped my hero Total Temptation Brow Definer from their range - boo! This is the substitute, and it's a pretty good one. The thing is, now that I'm going silvery-grey (or attempting to at least) my brows look weird being blonde and even weirder if I go up a level. So I use this to create the shape, and then go over them very lightly with the MNY Tattoo Brow Pomade in taupe, because this Ultra Slim doesn't come in taupe - boo! Believe me, I've tried 15 different colours and brands in the last 3 months, even grey and they all make me look like a clown, or Sylvester Stallone's mother. So, for now, it's a two-step process, and that's working just fine, just takes longer ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Affirmative ♥♥♥...

Maybelline Face Studio Prime Pore Minimizing Primer (30ml, RRP $17.95)

Because of this primer, Maybelline you are forgiven for the above. My regular is by DB Cosmetics, but my local Price Attack is ALWAYS out of stock, so I tried this and it's almost identical. Does the same pore minimising and mattifying trick, and at least it's readily available in lots of places. In June I bought four tubes for half price at Priceline ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Not for a while as I'm sorted for now, but yes ♥♥♥...

Giveaway

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

• Maybelline Face Studio Prime Pore Minimising Primer
• Olay Eyes Pro-Retinol Eye Treatment
• Sukin Rosehip Rejuvenating Facial Scrub
• Weleda Citrus Creamy Body Wash
• 2 x Amber Rose Rose Gold-toned Indian Bracelets
• Lovisa Rose Gold-toned Mosaic Earrings

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 Manda G. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 2nd September to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Manda has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you, and keep safe,

kats xxx

REVIEW: Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover & Cleansing Towlettes...

Given the popularity of my Empties posts, I thought I'd do a series of catch-up reviews of the products that I list as "Regulars" - the ones I buy and use over and over because they are just so good, and fulfil my needs perfectly. The plan is that eventually, every item listed as a Regular will be linked to one of my personal reviews here on kats colourings. Some of them were part of my beauty routine even before I started blogging (seven years ago!), so they most certainly deserve a special place in the spotlight. Two that I simply can't do without are Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover and their equally amazing partner product, Makeup Remover Cleansing Towlettes ♥...

Every now and then I try another brand, but I've not found anything else on the market that is as effective, accessible and bargain-priced as these two beauties...

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

Truly my one and only, and if you wear waterproof mascara, this is the one to beat. My eyes water at the drop of a hat so I'm particular about the products I use, and this formula gives me no grief whatsoever. It's gentle, yet extraordinarily effective and has very little scent. I give the bottle a shake, tip a small quantity onto a cotton pad, hold it over my eyes for about five seconds, and then swipe across my lashes and lid. No need to rub - just a few light-handed strokes and every trace of waterproof eye makeup is history. I do the same on my brows, and it's just as easy to remove long-wear lipstick and lip stains in a flash, with no stinging or irritation. Definitely a kats hero product ♥...

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towlettes (Pack of 25, RRP $7.99)

Interestingly I rarely use these on my face, but on the odd occasion when it's very late or I don't feel like getting my face wet, they're my go-to for taking off every bit of slap. They're lovely and moist, super-soft and have a delicate yet refreshing floral scent. However, their primary use in my kit is to clean my brushes every day. Sure, I have one of those devices that swirls the brushes in liquid and spins them dry, but I only use that sparingly as I find getting the brushes even slightly wet reduces their lifespan. So I take one of these wipes, fold it a few times, then swish the brush across it from side to side until the cloth is clean, and wipe off any residue on a towel. Eye shadow, blush, foundation, lip-liner, brow brush - any and all of them get a going over every day. I've been doing this for years, and there's been no detrimental effect on any of my brushes, and it feels good to start each day with clean tools. Incidentally, I also use these to clean my benchtop - better than any of those spray-and-wipe formulas, and they even take off the remains of the sticky tape that retailers sometimes annoyingly wrap around lipstick cases to stop customers using them as testers. In summary, an all-round fabulous multi-tasking product ♥...  

So now you know some of my secrets lol! Both these awesome products are available from supermarkets and Priceline, and regularly on sale - I highly recommend stocking up whenever possible, although even at full price, I reckon they are bargains ♥...

Take care of you, and keep safe,
kats xxx

REVIEW:Makeup Revolution Precious Stone - Emerald Eyeshadow Palette...

I bought this fabulous Makeup Revolution Precious Stone - Emerald eyeshadow palette in October last year, and have only just started using it in the last few weeks. Until now, all I've done is look at it - how hopeless am I? Couldn't bear to muck it all up lol. It's not the first time that's happened of course, and I figured I would never EVER use it unless I reviewed it, because to review it I have to swatch the pans, and well, then after that it's no longer pristine and I can get on with experimenting with all the stunning colours and finishes it contains, so here she is ♥...

My eyeshadow palette purchasing frequency has reduced dramatically since I stopped photographing my eye looks a couple of years ago (too old and wrinkly now). I most certainly haven't lost interest though - I wear eyeshadow every day and I still have a stack of palettes, even after a cull of the really old ones. Around that same time, I decided to direct my beauty investments into skincare, haircare, lipsticks and fragrances, and that's what I've been doing. But then I saw this in Priceline and fell head over heels for the shades and textures in this glorious palette, and I just had to have it ♥...

Under the sparkly teal lid, there's a full-size mirror and 20 pans set into a luxurious shiny gold base - a mix of matte, shimmers and even a couple of glittery ones for those days when I'm feeling particularly brave. I bought it mainly because of the six greens - two stunning emeralds and four mossy olivey shades, but there are some gorgeous pinks, mauves, taupes, blues and purples as well as some pale ones for highlighting ♥...

Overall the range of shades is right up my alley, and apart from a couple of neutrals that probably won't get used all that much, they are all colours I will wear on a regular basis. The mattes are well pigmented and blend nicely, the shimmers are intense and creamy and glide on like butter, and the ones I thought would be really glittery aren't over the top at all - just a gorgeous extra sparkle that even I can wear daily. You have to admit, she's divine from any angle ♥...

But enough of the chatter, let's get on with the swatches...

This top row contains all mattes, all stunning colours, and how about that Royal one at the end - it swatches with more green content than it looks in the pan - in fact, it's a marine explosion! ♥...

The middle row has the extra shimmery/sparkly ones - Primitive has a gold reflect, and I thought that Azure was metallic grey but it has quite a lot of lichen green in it.  These are all faves, but I've been wearing Vivid the most ♥...

And the bottom row is a mix of slight shimmers and mattes. To be honest, I bought this palette based on Majestic - that truly awesome emerald is the one that blew my mind when I spotted it, but every other colour is a winner, and I adore them all ♥...

In summary, it's a rare thing to find a palette with no duds, but this is it. Can't recommend it highly enough - there are so many different finishes and the selection of shades makes it ultra-versatile. And gals, it's on special at Priceline right now for $15 - get it while you can! ♥...

Take care of you, and keep safe

kats xxx