Sunday, 28 March 2021

February 2021 Empties & Giveaway!...

Hope March has been kind to you - it's the busiest time of the year for me workwise as my employer has a 31st March End of Financial Year. So it's been 12-hour days for me for the last three weeks, and not much left in the tank for personal activities like blogging - boo! But the end (of the month) is in sight, and I've managed to put together my smallest Empties collection in a long, long time. I guess it's because there were only 28 days in February - either that or I have way too many products on rotation. Anyways, here we go with a very limited post, but a nice little collection of Nutrimetics goodies in the giveaway...

Body

Help@Hand 100% Pure Cotton Tips (200pk, RRP $2?)
I bought these because at the time they were the only ones available at Woolworths. Almost as good as Johnson's, which I don't seem to be able to buy anywhere any more. They are quite good quality, and the recyclable box has a hinged click-down lid, which I'll use to store broken jewellery or other bits and pieces ...
Repurchase?
Out of stock at the moment (which is why I'm unsure of the price), but yes ...

Regulars
Colgate Plax Alcohol Free Gentle Mint Mouth Wash (500ml, RRP $6.49)
Natural Secrets Goatsmilk Moisturising Shower Gel (500ml, RRP $9.95)
Reach Dentotape (100m, RRP $9.99)
Schmidt's Lavender + Sage Natural Deodorant (75g, RRP $13.99)
Swisspers Makeup Pads (Pack of 80, RRP $3.99)
Weleda Lavender Creamy Body Wash (200ml, RRP $19.95)


Face

Bioré Yuzu Lemon + Dragon Fruit Brightening Exfoliating Scrub (103.5ml, RRP $9.99)
Absolutely crazy about this scrub - the lemon & dragon fruit scent is so tangy and refreshing in the morning, totally wakes me up. The beads are firm and fine (I think they are made of wax) but have enough oomph to shift any flakey bits without causing any irritation, and my skin feels super smooth afterwards. Didn't notice any brightening effect, but I never really give a scrub a chance to perform as advertised because I use a different one each day. In summary, this is a winner ...
Repurchase?
Ooh yes ...

IT Cosmetics Confidence in an Eye Cream (15ml, RRP $59)
I won this in a set from an Adore Beauty Instagram comp. A wondrous cream that improved the appearance of my under eye area from the first application. The pale apricot tint instantly neutralises any darkness (which I didn't realise I had) and brightens and refreshes the skin. Overall I looked less tired, and that's certainly a bonus. I found it to be sufficiently hydrating for my dry skin, my concealer sat nicely throughout the day without any creasing or flaking, and it even seemed to firm my eye bags a little. My only beef is that once the level drops, it's quite difficult to extract the cream without a spatula due to the squat shape of the jar. A minor irritation though, this is a beauty ...
Repurchase?
I'm going to try my fave Olay one again for comparison - depending on the results I may well buy this one in future ...

Regulars
Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence (40ml, RRP $39.99)


Fragrance

Chi Chi Strawberry & Violet EDP (50ml, RRP $19.95)
The next empty bottle of this beautiful scent will be in the Regulars section. Adore this, and it's one of the few fragrances that I buy over and over again. Review from when I first discovered it back in 2015 is HERE ...
Repurchase?
Already have, I can't live without this sweetheart in my life ...


Hair

Regulars
Hi Lift True Colour Hair Colour Creme - Extra Light Intense Ash Blonde (100ml, RRP $7.50)
Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector (100ml, RRP $49.95)
Wella Koleston Perfect Permanent Creme Colour - Special Mix Clear (60g, RRP $19.97)


Makeup

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush (RRP $22.99)
I used this to blend my foundation (stick or liquid kind) - it was excellent for literally pushing the cream into my gaping pores, and left me with a streak-free flawless finish. Bought it 12 months ago and was quite impressed, but it started to shed badly, so I switched to a Manicare Glam one, which is going splendidly so far ...
Repurchase?
I've not found a foundation brush that survives longer than a year, so...maybe ...

Sephora Color & Sculpt Stick - 01 Clear Light (5.5g, RRP $19)
One of the more successful attempts I've made at finding a cream contour that's a suitable colour for my skin tone. Most on the market are too orangey, and my favourite Australis palette that had the perfect shade has been discontinued. This one worked quite well, although I still had to mix it with a lighter yellowish pan from another brand. The search continues ...
Repurchase?
If I'm unable to find a better colour match, then probably yes ...

Regulars
Maybelline Brow Ultra Slim Eyebrow Pencil - Blonde (RRP $15.95)


Giveaway



A truly pampering treat for any of you wanting to try some Nutrimetics products...
  • Blossom Bouquet Fragrance Diffuser
  • Magic Eraser Body Exfoliating & Polishing Cleansing Glove
  • Nutri-Rich Bathing Bar
  • Nutri-Rich Gentle Foam Body Wash
  • Nuri-Rich Nourishing Body Butter
All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $160.  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 Tracy M. as the winner.  
Congratulations gorgeous! 
Tracy, please respond to the email I've sent you by midnight
Wednesday 7th April to claim your prize :-)
Edit: Tracy has claimed her prize 
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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you, and keep safe,
kats xxx

Sunday, 7 March 2021

REVIEW: Urban Rituelle Aromatherapy Soy & Coconut Wax Candle & Natural Hand & Body Lotion...

On the one hand, I'm a little sad that this is the last in the current series of Urban Rituelle Natural Remedy product reviews - it's been such a pleasure to trial all these beauties. But on the other, I'm excited as I've just placed an order for the hand cream and lip balm from the same range, so it won't be long before they arrive, are put to the test and the results shared with you here. For now, it's my absolute pleasure to tell you all about the Natural Hand & Body Lotion, and Aromatherapy Soy & Coconut Wax Candle ...


Mandarin, Orange & Geranium Natural Hand & Body Lotion (500ml, RRP $39.95)


I mentioned in my review of the Hand & Body Wash (HERE) that I may not even need this partner product because the shower gel is so moisturising and skin softening. But the winter chill is on the horizon, which means that in a matter of weeks, my skin will transform literally overnight into a thirsty and flaky mess, so I'm thrilled I have this bottle of dry skin antidote at the ready! It has the same glorious essential oil fragrance as the body wash, and similar delicious ingredients (Kakadu Plum, Hibiscus Flower Extract, Argan Kernel Oil and Rosehip Fruit Oil) but with the added bonus of Shea Butter, Wheatgerm Oil, Olive Fruit Oil, Cucumber Fruit Extract & Chamomile Flower Extract. Quite possibly the most soothing body moisturiser to ever grace my vanity, I can't imagine anyone else not falling in love with this rapidly absorbed and intensely nourishing lotion. My skin feels supernally soft, smooth and supple - in short, the way it's supposed to be ...


Lemongrass, Ginger & Lime Aromatherapy Soy & Coconut Wax Candle (400g, RRP $44.95)


Candle lovers rejoice! This huge jar of uplifting goodness is literally a breath of fresh air and something I will treasure throughout the months ahead. I have several Urban Rituelle reed diffusers scattered through the house to maintain a continuously harmonious environment - in the larger spaces they work magically to provide a subtle scent as we swish past, and there's always one or two in the bedroom to aid relaxation. But for an intensive aromatherapy session, this candle is the ticket - whoa! Not only does it look beautiful (even before it's lit), the scent is sublime - lemongrass, lime and ginger are an inspired blend that lifts my spirits and creates a restorative atmosphere that's both energising and rejuvenating. Truly, I'm obsessed. Given the size and potential 80 hours of burn time, I was hoping this would see me through the winter, but at the rate I'm lighting it up (like, every night after work lol), I may need another one pronto ...


With dual 100% cotton wicks, the burn is even, slow and smokeless, and the glow of the amber glass is both warming and comforting. There's also Lemon & Star Anise Essential Oils in the mix, and a matching lid to sustain the fragrance when not in use, and keep the dust and bugs out. The 100% post-consumer recycled paper box includes detailed instructions on how to burn the candle safely, and to maintain its integrity. The jar is 100% recyclable, but this is one item that won't be hitting the yellow bin - I'm keeping it for my trinkets and/or cotton buds ...

This whole range is genius - congratulations UR Team, and thank you again for the chance to discover that stunningly fragrant and restorative products can be made, packaged and experienced without harming our beloved planet ...

Take care of you, and keep safe,
kats xxx