December 2020 Empties & Giveaway!...

I've always felt blessed to have been born in this country, and especially given the state of the world right now, I'm grateful to live in what I believe is the safest place on planet earth, and wouldn't want to call anywhere else home - here's hoping your day is a special one ♥ As for my December Empties, it's two to one in favour of the regulars quantity-wise, but there's a few newbies that I'm delighted to report on, so without further ado ♥...

Body

Oral-B 3D White Diamond Strong Whitening & Enamel Strengthening Rinse  (473ml, RRP $9.99)

Given the comfort and success with both the White Glo and Colgate mouthwashes I've been using of late, I thought I'd try my luck again with one specifically targetting teeth whitening. But in hindsight, I was pushing my luck. While this Oral-B is an excellent product, my mouth is obviously overly sensitive and it stings way too much for me to use comfortably on a regular basis...

Repurchase?

No - for now I'll stick with the ones that are tried and true...

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

Back in May last year, I reported on this in my April 2020 Empties post that it was scratchy and too painful to use due to large hard lumps of baking soda. I still don't know if it was old stock or simply a dodgy batch, but I gave it another go and am relieved to find that in either ideal production or storage conditions, this is a winner. It's actually as smooth and creamy as the Lavender + Sage variety, and the citrus shot makes it even more desirable for the hot weather. It's actually my current fave, just wish I knew for sure what caused the issue with the formula of the first one I tried. I'm hoping it was old stock ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, I have another one stashed away and it looks like it's going to be just fine ♥♥♥...

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

Another one from the range to add permanently to the collection in my shower rack. The predominant scent is orangey (it's actually mandarin & grapefruit lol) on a sandalwood base (yum!) and the formula is just as softening and moisturising as the other three I adore (Citrus, Pomegranate & Lavender, which is to be reviewed shortly). Honestly, my skin loves this set, and they look so colourful and pretty in my shower stall ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Ry has them on special at the moment for $13.97 each, and with the enticement of free shipping, I've just placed an order (not that I needed an enticement ha ha!) ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Colgate Plax Alcohol Free Gentle Mint Mouth Wash (500ml, RRP $6.49)
Natures Commonscents Natural Goats Milk & Paw Paw Body Wash (500ml, $8.00)
Reach Dentotape (100m, RRP $9.99)
SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Hydrating Body Wash (384ml, RRP $19.99)
Swisspers Makeup Pads (Pack of 80, RRP $3.99)

Face

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel For Oily Sensitive Skin (200ml, RRP $25.95)

This 50ml sample came in a gift promotion, and I was pleasantly surprised with how gentle and effective it was despite it targetting an acne-prone audience. A lightly foaming gel that smells fresh and crisp (is it lemon?), it sure takes off my long-wear makeup without any effort. It's perhaps a bit of overkill on my mature skin which has a tendency to dryness in winter, but it did keep my oily-T under control when the humidity hit ♥♥...

Repurchase?

Probably not - there are so many cleansers out there that I love more, and are better suited to my older complexion ♥♥...

Nutrimetics Nutri-Rich Smoothing Lip Polish (15g, RRP $30)

This has been discontinued so I'm not going to spend too much time on it - bought it almost 2 years ago and only just now finished it. It was a great product and certainly softened and sloughed my lips whenever I used it (once per week), but somehow it was awkward to dispense and apply. So many times the product slipped off my finger before I could get it to my pout, so I wasted quite a bit. Perhaps they'll bring it back in a different format ♥...

Repurchase?

No - discontinued...

Olay Eyes Ultimate Eye Cream (15ml, RRP $48.99)

I've had this in my drawer for around six months, waiting till I'd finished a few of the others on my bench. Well, it was worth the wait - there's something about the formula and the soft apricot colour that instantly makes my under-eye area look and feel heaps better. Very hydrating, and while I don't have dark circles, I do have a tendency towards a faintly bluish tinge directly under my lash line, and this counteracts that in a flash ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I'm torn between this and the Regenerist one, which is more effective on my fine lines, but I'm pretty sure I'll grab another jar next time it's on special - it's ideal for day time, and I'll use the other one at night ♥♥♥...

Olay Regenerist Retinol Night Moisturiser (50g, RRP $59.90)

Was excited to try this whole range as products containing retinol do seem to have a more obvious impact on my face than those without. This is a lovely cream with limited improvements showing on my skin, but I have to admit I've been interspersing it with other night creams I was sent to test, so I haven't given it a proper chance to do what it's supposed to. While I can well appreciate that its lack of scent is a huge bonus to those folks who have sensitivities, I find it boring despite the purple packaging. If I buy it again I'll have to add a few drops of essential oil to it, which hopefully won't irritate my skin. Might seem silly, but for $60, I need to love it a bit more ♥...

Repurchase?

Will give it another chance next time it's on special ♥...

Skin Physics Oxygen-C Vitamin C Brightening Serum  (30ml, RRP $19.95)

This was sent to me to trial and I well and truly loved it. For what I would classify as an inexpensive serum, it really made a difference to the appearance of my complexion. Prior to using it twice daily I had areas of pinkness around my nose and chin that always seemed to be there, but they have literally gone bye-byes, and that's pretty impressive after a short period of use. It spreads so easily, and even shrank my pores a little and made my freckles less obvious ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

This will be a standby for me - I have several serums in the drawer that I need to use up first, but after that, for sure ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes (Pack of 25, RRP $7.99) 
Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Acne Wash (175ml, RRP $14.99)
Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover (112ml, RRP $10.89)
Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence (40ml, RRP $39.99)
Olay Regenerist Whip UV Cream SPF 30  (50g, RRP $48.99)
Skin Physics Dragon's Blood Facial Sculpting Gel (50ml, RRP $59.99)

Face Masks

Regulars

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


Fragrance
Regulars
Ecoya Cedarwood & Leather Mini Reed Diffuser (50ml, RRP $25.95)

Hair

Regulars

Salon Professional Supplies Creme Peroxide 40 vol (200ml, RRP $5.95)
Schwarzkopf OSIS+ Sparkler Shine Spray (300ml, RRP $27.95)
Wella Koleston Perfect Permanent Creme Colour - Special Mix Clear (60g, RRP $19.97)

Makeup

Australis Pressed Ready Set Go Finishing Powder (9g, RRP $16.95)

This is another product that I've been using faithfully for years, but somehow it's never made it to an Empties post because it lives in the makeup bag I take to work, plus I don't think I've ever hit pan - the hinge always breaks after about 6 months. Loose lids are one of my bugbears, so I toss it as soon as it snaps. Anyways it's what I use during the day if I need to counteract a little shine on my forehead, nose or chin, and despite the obvious packaging flaw, it's the best I've found ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely - recently stocked up when there was a special deal so I'm good for at least 18 months ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Australis HD Translucent Loose Setting Powder (RRP $16.95)

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

Giveaway

With Valentines Day just around the corner, I though I'd make this month's giveaway a bit more like a pamper pack...

• Glasshouse Rio De Janeiro Passionfruit & Lime Mini Candle (60g)
• Koi Relaxing Bath Range - Lavender & Argan Oil Calming Bar Soap, Geranium & Petitgrain Soothing Body Wash & Soothing Bath Fizz
• Nivea Hyaluron Cellular Filler Bi-Phase Nourishing Oil Elixir
• Nutrimetics Blossom Bouquet Fragrance Diffuser
• Nutrimetics Safflower Fragranced Soap & Hand Creme
• Skin Republic Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patches - 2 x 3 pairs
• Skin Republic Fast Fix Under Eye Masks - 2 x 2 pairs
• Skin Republic Retinol Hydrogel Under Eye Patches -2 x 3 pairs

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 see who won!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Misfortune8 as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

Misfortune8, please respond to the email I've sent you by

midnight 3rd February to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Misfortunate8 has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you, and keep safe,

kats xxx