REVIEW: OHLEO Cosmetics Creme Long Lasting Lipsticks - All Dolled Up Collection

Almost three months ago I bought two of these All Dolled Up Collection packs from OHLEO Cosmetics (and the makers of that fantabulous Breeze Balm) - one to keep and one to give away (congrats again Lady L.) - and it's only now that I've had the time to review these gorgeous lipsticks. I first discovered them back in June when I bought some loose ones when they were on special for a ridiculously low price. They still have a couple of the colours for sale, but sadly this collection is no longer listed on their website - I don't know whether that means it's discontinued or simply out of stock. They've recently released some tinted lip balms, so maybe that's what they'll be focussing on in the future. In any event, they are luxurious and luscious lippies, so in case they come back online or you fancy picking up the remaining KELLY or CHELSEA shades, here we go with the review...

The box contained four lipsticks in glamourous rose-gold cases with OH LEO engraved around the base section, and the inner bullet case is etched with the phrase You are Fierce. The formulas are all pretty much the same, although one seems to be a little less glossy than the others, but not drying in any way. They wear very well (survived yoghurt and berries brekky) and keep my lips comfy and supple all day. With no discernible fragrance, they are paraben-free and made in the USA ♥...

BECKY...

Such a pretty pink, but too pale for moi - I reckon it needs someone with blonde hair and a suntan! I recently did a cull of my entire collection, but I've kept this as I love the formula and can make it wearable by using a deeper lip-liner underneath ♥...

BRITNEY...

Love this shade - the bullet is almost a pastel terracotta and when swatched on my hand it has quite a bit of orange content, but on my lips, it turns out a soft slightly corally nude. While the others finish with a fair amount of gloss, this one is more satin. Super flattering and a bit different from the usual nudey pinks ♥...

KELLY...

My fave from the bunch - a fabulous fuschia that's the perfect antidote to a dull day. Isn't she gorgeous? Bold and sassy, I've worn this one the most so far ♥...

CHELSEA...

This one looks almost neon in the tube but applies as a reasonably subtle orange that I simply adore. No streaks either, which is a common complaint with lipsticks in this hue ♥...

Love these lipsticks, and I hope Breeze Balm will continue to make them available as I would gladly repurchase for myself, or for a gift ♥...

Take care of you, and keep safe,

kats xxx

November 2020 Empties & Giveaway!...

Well with two Empties posts this month my recycle bin is overflowing, but I'm so relieved to have been able to catch up at last! Lots of regulars but I finished some new products as well, and perhaps even my ultimate ashy/grey hair colouring solution, the search for which has been ongoing for well over 12 months. And as I've mentioned before, I believe Christmas shouldn't just be one day a year (which is one of the reasons why I have giveaways every month), but I have chosen some special products for this bundle to mark the occasion, and I hope you'll enter - the prize won't arrive till January, but it would be a beaut start to 2021 for one of my precious followers ♥...

Body

Nutrimetics Ultra Care Platinum Hand Therapy (75ml, RRP $39)

I do love this hand cream - still searching for my Holy Grail, but this is pretty close. I reckon if I used three tubes in a row, I'd see a significant reduction in the pigmentation on my hands. It does lighten the spots a little, but I want to get rid of them completely, so I'm hanging out till the next time this is on special. I've tried other brands that specialise in fading the spots, but none of them has worked for me - with this there is hope ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?

Will do ♥♥♥...

Palmolive Luminous Oils Hand Wash - Rejuvenating Fig Oil with White Orchid (500ml, RRP $7)

This contains SLS which is a no-no in my beauty routine, but I'll be honest I bought it for the colour (pastel coral pink) and the scent (I'm a fig fragrance fanatic). I wanted something pretty to decant into my clear glass dispenser, but I've since changed to an amber set, so colour is not a requirement any more. Can I live without the fragrance? Probably - but it was nice to try it, and  I had no irritation from the dodgy content ♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Perhaps ♥♥...

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

Ecostore Vanilla & Coconut Body Wash - (400ml, $8.99)

SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Body Wash - (384ml, $10)
SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Hydrating Body Wash (384ml, RRP $19.99) 
SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Soap (230g, RRP $9.99)

White Glo Micellar Whitening Toothpaste (100ml, RRP $5.99)

White Glo Toothbrush (free with the above toothpaste)

Face

Garnier Organics Anti-Age Sleeping Cream (50ml, RRP $19.95)

Gee this is such a lovely cream - I'm tempted to use it exclusively for the divine scent alone, but I'm not sure it's potent enough for my old skin. Mind you I had no issues with dryness or deterioration in my current wrinkle situation, but I think I'm at a stage in my life when I need some big guns - something that addresses my additional issues of enlarged pores and pigmentation ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Yeah, I'll keep a jar on the bench for when I need a lavender fix and the fabulous feel of this on my face ♥♥♥...

Nutrimetics Ultra Care+ Super-C & Retinol Serum  (20ml, RRP $70)

The other half of the buy-one-get-one-free deal - loved this second bottle as much as the first. I was concerned as the special deal was listed as "Clearance" so I figured it was discontinued, but I just found it on their website so I can relax. I raved about the first tube back in September - I still feel the same way about it, and I'd use it regularly if it was on special regularly ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Not till the next deal and if that happens in winter, I'd keep it for the warmer weather as it's hard to spread ♥♥♥...

St. Ives Energising Coconut & Coffee Scrub (150ml, RRP $9.99)

Love the consistency of this scrub - it's marked with an exfoliating factor of "Deep" and that suits me just fine for a once-a-week application, but I'm on the fence with the fragrance. Coffee & coconut is what it smells like, but I think I would prefer coffee and caramel, or coconut with something else. Anyways I'm a huge fan of St. Ives scrubs, but not so keen on this particular fragrance ♥♥...

Repurchase?

Possibly ♥♥...

Regulars

Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes (Pack of 25, RRP $7.99) 

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

Fragrance

Stoneglow Candles Bergamot, Vetiver & Patchouli Reed Diffuser (140ml, RRP $38.95)

This was my winter room scenter and it's lasted a particularly long time - opened the bottle in May, so that makes it a good six months. The fragrance is to die for and one of those that I would spritz on myself if it was available as an EDP.  Sensual, uplifting, comforting - divine. The local chemist doesn't seem to be stocking the brand anymore so I'm freaking out, plus this particular scent isn't listed on their website. But I'm keeping the glass container - the ombre blue to green is gorgeous. Sigh ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Would if I could ♥♥♥...

Hair

Hi Lift True Colour Hair Colour Creme - Extra Light Intense Ash Blonde (100ml, RRP $7.50)

This is the base colour I use with the Ash & Blue colours below. Being so light it doesn't contribute very much yellow or gold to the mix - that's a bonus, plus it's cheap as chips ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Yessiree - I have half a dozen tubes in the cupboard ♥♥♥...

Wella Koleston Perfect Permanent Creme Colour - Special Mix Clear, Blue Intensive & Ash Intensive (60g, RRP $19.97)

Found these on the Salon Warehouse website. While I'm still experimenting with the proportions (too much of the Intensive colours makes my hair look almost black lol) I'm confident that I'll get the quantity right within the next few applications, and then the yellowy tinge that ALWAYS creeps into my locks with other brands will be gone forever. These are pure pigments designed to boost the base colour, and they certainly deliver. I use the Clear one to dilute the Ash & Blue so that I have enough mixture to apply all over, and I've also used it with 40 Vol to lighten my hair if it's turned out too dark. Works a treat, pure silvery-grey here I come ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

You bet - I've recently stocked up so I have enough to play with ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Goldwell Kerasilk Control Conditioner (250ml, RRP $34.95)

Goldwell Kerasilk Control Shampoo (250ml, RRP $35.95)

Makeup

Tarte Double Duty Beauty Shape Tape Contour Concealer - Light Neutral (10ml, RRP $40)

Bought this in January from Sephora so it's lasted brilliantly, I think because it's so dense and therefore very little is required for complete coverage. I doubt I'll ever buy any other concealer - it's the best I've tried in all my years. I use it under my eyes to give the whole area a lift, around my nose to cover red spider veins, down the centre of my schnozz for contouring, and around the outside of my lipline, which helps me achieve a clean finish for my LOTD pics. It doesn't crease or flake and comes in 30 shades - truly awesome ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Already have, it's on my can't-live-without list ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Eye of Horus Bronze Amulet Goddess Pencil (1.2g, RRP $30)

Maybelline Brow Ultra Slim Eyebrow Pencil (RRP $15.95)

Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner (RRP $15.95)

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

Giveaway

Ok, so for the Christmas edition, we have up for grabs...

• Ecopure Milk & Honey Fragranced Hand Soap with Natural Honey Extract
• Ecopure Oh Be Hive Milk & Honey Fragranced Gift Soap
• Lovisa Sapphire Blue & Silver-toned Necklace & Earring Set
• Nutrimetics Juniper Fragranced Hand Cream
• Nutrimetics Juniper Fragranced Soap
• Nutrimetics Sequinned Makeup Bag
• Urban Rituelle Lemongrass & Lime Fragrance Diffuser Set
• White Glo Accelerator Dentist Blue Light Teeth Whitening kit

Here's a closeup of the jewellery so you can see how gorgeous the set is...

All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $150.  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 Sakina M. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Thursday 31st December to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Sakina has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

And in case I don't get to post again before Friday...

Merry Christmas Lovelies!

Take care of you, and keep safe,

kats xxx

REVIEW & Giveaway: Myer Little Box of Beauty...

Sadly I missed the advent calendar bus this year - the two that I had my eye on sold out lightning-fast, but thanks to my beautyheaven friend Okatko (treasure!), I was reminded to get in quick for the always tempting and never disappointing Myer Little Box of Beauty. This will be my third one - all have been beaut value and a beauty bargain hunter's delight. At $80 for $220 worth of products (five of which are fragrances) & free delivery, I'm actually amazed that it's still available (HERE) but get in quick. Alternatively, you can stick around and read my blog post because I'm giving one away - it is, after all, Christmas! ♥...

Even the box is gorgeous - very sturdy and compact with eight drawer-like boxes, you could even use it to store jewellery or trinkets after sampling all the goodies ♥...

So here's what's in the first box: 

• Clinique Moisture Surge - 15ml
• OPI Nail Lacquer - 3.75ml, shade Princesses Rule!
• Lancome Hypnose Mascara - 2ml, Noir Hypnotic

Next up we have:

• Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Porefining Face Mask - 13g
• Sohum Tahitian Gardenia EDT Roller Ball - 8m

And there's an eau de parfum that I simply love:

Carolina Herrera Good Girl EDP - 7ml

And in another box are three fragrance miniatures - heaven!...

• Chi Chi Warm Vanilla Sugar EDP Spray - 15ml
• Miu Miu Twist EDP - 5ml
• Coach Floral Blush EDP - 4.5ml

Incidentally, the contents of all the boxes are identical, except for the Miu Miu fragrance - it varies between the EDP or the EDT...

And what's a beauty box without some delicious MOR products:

• MOR Marshmallow Hand & Body Wash - 20ml
• MOR Marshmallow Hand & Nail Cream - 10ml

Not to mention a little dose of Philosophy:

• Renewed Hope in a Jar Refreshing & Refining Moisturizer - 7ml
• Purity 3-in-1 cleanser for face & eyes - 30ml

Next up are two little gems:

• Inika Certified Organic Pure Perfection Primer - 4ml
• Coco & Eve Like a Virgin Tangle Tamer

And last but definitely by no means least...

• Myerbeauty Rose Quartz Face Roller
• Wavertree & London Macaron Triple Milled Soap - 200g

All ingredients are listed on the back of the plastic sleeve, which keeps the covers tightly closed, but slides off in a jiffy...

I'm thrilled to have a variety of products to try, and I'm blissing out that there are five perfumes - most items are sample sizes, but that makes them perfect stocking fillers, travel companions or guilt-free treats for moi lol...

GIVEAWAY!

Yes, I'm giving away a Myer Little Box of Beauty - it was purchased by me, and 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 Natasha M. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Saturday 19th December to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Natasha has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter ♥

Take care of you, and Merry Christmas!

kats xxx

October 2020 Empties & Giveaway!...

Well, obviously I didn't make my December deadline for this October Empties post last weekend. Instead, all the outdoor Christmas lights are up as well as the tree and other inside decorations, and I'm giving myself a pat on the back anyway as this is quite an achievement, especially given how festive and beautiful the house looks. All the same, I'm determined to catch up this month, and I know I can do it as holidays are looming on the not so distant horizon, so I'll just get on with this lot ♥...

Body 

Bondi Sands Liquid Gold Self-Tanning Dry Oil (150ml, RRP $19.99)
This has been my go-to tanning product for years - love the natural-looking colour it gives my bod, and if I apply it on Sunday morning, I'm still looking reasonably tanned by the following Friday. It doesn't have the usual fake tan stink - this one is nice and coconutty. It's a non-aerosol spray that I squirt onto my Bondi Sands tanning mitt, it dries in 5 minutes so there's no waiting to get dressed, and doesn't stain my clothing or bed-linen. Perfect ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
Without a doubt, although I seem to have scored a couple of cans of the Aero foam variety, so I have enough to get me through this summer ♥♥♥...

Weleda Pomegranate Regenerating Body Oil (100ml, RRP $29.95)
Regular readers will know that I'm pretty much obsessed with using shower products that actually restore moisture to my skin, and this is another of my secret weapons. I mix a few drops with any of my shower gels or creams for an extra boost of skin juice - the scent is divine on its own, but not strong enough to clash with whatever wash I'm using, nor does it make the shower floor slippery ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yep, I reckon this is one in the "forever" category ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Schmidt's Lavender + Sage Natural Deodorant (75g, RRP $13.99)

SheaMoisture African Black Soap Soothing Body Wash - (384ml, $19.99)

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

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

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

Face

Breeze Balm Lip Balm - Go Go Mango (15g, RRP $19.95)

I'm still of the opinion that this is the best & most effective lip balm to ever soothe my lips. I've bought a few from the range now and they all have the same fabulous formula, just the flavour/scent changes. In that regard, this Mango one doesn't ring my bells, but I'm glad I tried it. I reviewed my fave Pineapple Pash HERE ♥...

Repurchase?
Pineapple Pash, yes! ♥...

Breeze Balm Lip Balm - Watermelon Crush (15g, RRP $19.95)

This was delicious, in fact, it's a close second to Pineapple Pash - love it! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Definitely ♥♥♥...

Garnier Organics Anti-Age Eye Cream (15ml, RRP $19.95)

This was sent to me to trial by beautyheaven as part of their Natural Beauty Month, and I was super impressed, 5 stars impressed actually. I'd been using a retinol eye cream which was so potent, the skin under my eyes towards the outside corners was quite flakey and my concealer wasn't sitting right. This marvellous and enriching cream fixed the problem in a couple of days, and I used it continuously, night & day, till it was no more. Smells divine ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Sure will. I have several other eye creams opened at the moment, but as soon as I clear one or two of them, I will grab another tube of this cream - it's awesome and a total bargain ♥♥♥...

Regulars

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) 

Skin Physics Dragon's Blood Facial Sculpting Gel (50ml, RRP $59.95)
St. Ives Oatmeal Scrub & Mask (150ml, RRP $9.99)

Swisspers Make-up Pads (Pack of 80, RRP $3.79)


Face Masks

Sukin Pink Clay Facial Masque (100ml, RRP $19.99)

This jar has lasted me 12 months. An interesting thing occurred during the COVID lockdown. I became quite slack in my face mask routine, which was a clay one every Friday night. Didn't do it for around 6 weeks, and my blackheads came back with a vengeance. I used to think that they were controlled by my morning scrubs, but this abstinence revealed that either the mask keeps them at bay, or a combination of mask & scrub does the trick. So revealing, and needless to say I resumed my weekly clay mask, and the blackheads are no more ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
For sure, but I had already bought the Sukin Super Greens Detoxifying one, so it won't be for a while ♥♥♥...

Regulars

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

Beyoncé Midnight Heat EDP (100ml, RRP $29)

Had this bottle for 4 years, and sadly wasn't able to completely finish it as it changed on me. It's the first one from this gal that I ever bought, and it's still my favourite of hers. My full review of it is HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Not for a while - there are so many more that I want to try, and my fragrance shelf is going to collapse unless I finish a few others first ♥♥♥...

Katy Perry Royal Revolution EDP (100ml, RRP $30)

This one I did manage to finish - I prefer this to Killer Queen, although I really like that one as well. Surprised myself with the fact that I never ever reviewed this on my blog - WTF? No idea why 'cos it's a special one, a lot fresher than KQ. Definitely a fruity floral, which is my fave combo for spring/summer - this one opens with red pomegranate and pink freesia, but the vanilla kicks in pretty quickly followed by leather and musk. SO interesting and I adore the bottle, although it takes up way too much room on my shelf because it has to lie down ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Another one that's "not for a while" for the same reason above ♥♥♥...

Hair

Indola Permanent Caring Color - Very Light Blonde Intense Ash (60ml, RRP $11.88)

On the website, the hair sample swatch is silver grey. On my hair, it turns out golden...

Repurchase?
Noooooooooooo...

Kerastase Densifique Densifying Treatment Mousse (150ml, RRP $48)

My hair is quite thick, but I have it chemically straightened every 3 months with a Goldwell Kerasilk treatment. The process leaves my hair silky soft but super straight and I use this fab mousse to give it a bit of body and root lift. Expensive, but well worth it as it doesn't make my hair gluggy ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Already have ♥♥♥...

Kevin Murphy Maxi Wash Detox Shampoo (250ml, RRP $40.95)

This is one of my life's embarrassing moments - bought it probably 5 years ago (eek!) and it's taken this long to use it up as it's a kind of once-every-few-months application. Takes out all the product build-up and has a refreshing fruity fragrance. Doesn't fade home hair dye, and doesn't leave the hair feeling stripped ♥♥...

Repurchase?
Probably not for the time being - I've changed the finishing products I use and so I'm no longer dealing with build-up, but if I ever need a clarifying shampoo again, this is it ♥♥...

Regulars

Goldwell Kerasilk Control Conditioner (250ml, RRP $34.95)

Makeup

Revlon Colorstay Life-Proof Matte Foundation Stick - Sand Beige (10g, RRP $24.95)

Yes, it's love - my current fave foundation of all time. Of course, the recipient of this accolade changes whenever better formulations are developed and released, but this is it for me for now. Perfect shade, perfect coverage, perfect finish. I've always loved stick foundations, but they're not all created equal - some I've tried have been too greasy or cakey, some have been too sheer, some transfer onto my clothing or don't last the day, but not this brilliant baby - it's smooth and creamy, blends like a dream, and finishes almost matte, but not dull enough to emphasise my wrinkles. The original Colorstay liquid was my #1 for almost 10 years, but Revlon has gone one better ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Definitely - I've bought two of these now, both half price. It's a dream come true ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Australis HD Translucent Loose Setting Powder (RRP $16.95)

Rimmel Exaggerate Full Colour Lip Liner - Peachy Beachy (0.25g, RRP $12.95)

Giveaway

Up for grabs are some of my personal favourites, and ones I'm currently using...

• Australis HD Translucent Loose Setting Powder
• Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence
• Schmidt's Lavender + Sage Natural Deodorant (aluminium free)
• Skin Physics Dragon's Blood Facial Sculpting Gel

All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $130.  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 Ariane S. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Friday 18th December to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Ariane has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx