Tuesday 8 December 2020

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 ...

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 
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Best of luck to all who enter!

    Take care of you,
    kats xxx

    22 comments:

    1. Things are down tuned a little here as we lost a loved one that wont be with us in the flesh and my eldest daughter and her partner who live in Melbourne have decided that they dont want to catch a plane and risk covid. Cant blame them after them being in lock down for several months. So a small Christmas for us this year. Just Me and two of my daughters and one of their partners.
      I will be cooking madly though all the same, just smaller amounts especially as i will be the only one here to eat left overs.
      We usually play boardgames after Christmas lunch which is loads of fun.

      I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a very safe and Happy New Year.

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      1. It sure has been a challenging year, and especially for you and your family Fawn, losing someone so close and so special. It seems Christmas will be a lot smaller and quieter for lots of folks, but I hope we can all still count our blessings, and look forward to a brighter 2021. My very best wishes to you lovely lady ♥

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      2. There will be many things to look forward to for me in 2021. Yesterday my girls and I met up via zoom meeting to see my eldest doing her wedding dress shopping. It was awesome fun. Her wedding is planned for November next year. All very exciting :)

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    2. Great post as always Kats, love your reviews, sometimes life gets in the way of beauty rituals, especially in December. We are taking it easy this Christmas, going to have my kids, 19 and 20 over for a big breakfast cook up and present opening, then an afternoon bbq and sloth out at home with the aircond cranked up. Merry Christmas to you.

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      Replies
      1. Ooh yes, let's take it easy please, your plans sound brilliant Tracy - hope the day is a special one for you and the fam! ♥

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    3. In my house, there is my husband and son, and we always have Christmas at home. We have my Mum over, as she lives alone, and we make it really special for her. My Dad has a partner, but they go elsewhere, to her family, but I hope to see him this year as he has just been diagnosed with brain cancer and has had 2 huge tumours rumoured and has just started radiation and chemo. Chrostmas is a nice time, and i love cooking, and i love all the leftovers as it means we are stocked up and that to me is great. I give my Mum some to take home too, she loves it.

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      Replies
      1. Hi SAE - I'm sad to read about your Dad. This year has been hard enough without such a major health challenge, I do so hope the treatment is successful. Your day sounds like it will be a lovely (and delicious) one though - keep safe and well won't you, and here's to a happier 2021 ♥

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      2. Thabks so much for your lovely words Kat, means so mich to me xx Take care too and keep happy and well xx

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    4. We do not celebrate Christmas.But always giving gifts and foods for our neighbour kids.

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      1. That sounds lovely shanika - very generous and kind of you. Best wishes for the new year!

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    5. Never have celebrated Christmas, but will be going to see family and bring over some prezzies. Oh joy! And eat food xD

      Merry holidays to all , celebrate every day! xx

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      Replies
      1. Hi CJ, I'm all for celebrating every day - all the best to you!

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    6. Ooh, might have to try that Weleda pomegranate body oil for my Christmas present to myself—I loooooove pomegranate!

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      1. Highly recommended MerryGoRound - makes my skin feel amazing. Merry Christmas to you! ♥

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      2. Forgot to mention you couldn't see your comment as I've had to implement the "moderation" function - some folks were posting inappropriate comments with links to porn sites, so now I approve all comments before they appear ♥

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    7. Christmas Day plans are going to be very low-key this year - just the immediate fam (3 kids and hub) and a lot of food. Can't wait!

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      Replies
      1. Yep - ditto in my neck of the woods Magdalena. No fuss and plenty of delicious eats - have a beaut day!

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    8. Our Christmas Day plans will be getting together with family and enjoying a full Christmas lunch spread with ham, turkey and sweet treats!

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      1. Oh yum - sounds like a great plan Angela. Fingers crossed it's not too hot and that you have a wonderful time with the fam! ♥

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    9. Always a pleasure to read your empties. I am glad you like the Garnier eye cream. It didn't really do much for me. I wonder if you use the Sukin clay mask all over or certain areas?

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      Replies
      1. So happy you enjoy them Stella! Interesting about the eye cream - always fascinates me what works beautifully for some folks and not for others. Makes it harder to find the right product, but it's fun searching hey. I use the mask all over my face and part way down my neck - my chest area is starting to look blotchy so I might even extend it down there next time and see if it helps ♥

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