August 2020 Empties & Giveaway!...

Gosh, what happened to September? I know we had one but my 30 days dissolved into a puddle of work commitments, home priorities and an Instagram block that sure was a joy killer. Between them all my blogging suffered a big hit, but I'm back with a vengeance and October will be a catch-up month of two Empties posts and a belated 7-year (whoa!) Bloggiversary celebration. So we'll start with the August Empties which included some new discoveries ♥...

Body

(Aldi) Five Stars Antibacterial Hand Wash Refill Pack - Grapefruit (500ml, RRP $?)

I sniffed this in-store and had to have it - I'm a nutter for grapefruit scented body products, and this smelled just like the real deal. Lots of foam and non-drying - can't remember how much it was but it couldn't have been more than $5. To decant the pretty pink liquid, I bought a curvy ribbed glass dispenser with a rose gold cap, and the combined result looked gorgeous on my vanity ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

If I ever see it again, yes. Meanwhile, I'm loving the one by Method ♥♥♥...

(Aldi) Country Life Antibacterial Hand Wash - Lemon Myrtle (500ml, RRP $?)

Another one from Aldi that was as cheap as chips - absolutely adored the lemony fresh fragrance but it has minimal suds, and suds are needed for effective COVID capture so I didn't use it after venturing outside ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Again, yes if I ever see it again, but will only use it when I'm housebound ♥♥♥...

The Body Shop British Rose Petal-Soft Hand Cream (30ml, RRP $7)

Partner to the body wash I was gifted by one of my followers. The rose scent is mind-blowingly natural and divine. The cream itself is quite runny so it's more of a lotion than a hand cream ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

While it's not quite the heavy-duty moisturiser I need for my old hands, the scent is to die for, so yes ♥♥♥...

Weleda Almond Sensitive Skin Body Wash (200ml, RRP $19.95)

My review of this super softening and hydrating body wash is HERE ♥...

Repurchase?

No - I'm a scentophile and this has barely any fragrance. Besides I'm in love with the Citrus and Pomegranate varieties ♥...

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

Well it's official - I've switched from my usual Oral-B 3D one to this. Doesn't seem to be any more effective at whitening my pegs, but I'm prepared to see how it performs in the long term, and I'm a huge fan of micellar products. It has a delicious minty taste, but the bonus is the toothbrush that comes in every pack, so read on ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Definitely ♥♥♥...

White Glo Toothbrush (free with the above toothpaste)

I've always bought quality toothbrushes, but I never knew how good they could be until I tried this one. Firm enough to clean the surface, but gentle on my gums, this toothbrush combines both requirements to create the perfect one for me. Truly, I was amazed at how great this feels when I brush - just the right balance in my hand and makes me want to brush more frequently, and that's a good thing hey ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely ♥♥♥...

Regulars

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

Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)
SheaMoisture African Black Soap Soothing Body Wash - (384ml, $19.99)
SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Hydrating Body Wash (384ml, RRP $19.99) 

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

Face

Bioré Rose Quartz + Charcoal Gentle Pore Refining Scrub (113g, RRP $9.99)

When I first bought this scrub I absolutely loved it - such a pretty texture and colour, and just the right amount of exfoliating power to leave my skin feeling smooth, soft and not stripped of moisture. Plus the idea of it containing rose quartz and charcoal was super appealing, but I've always found the scent to be a bit odd - hard to describe, but it's definitely not natural.  By the time I got to the end of the tube, I simply couldn't handle it any more ♥...

Repurchase?

No - can't take the scent ♥...

Olay Luminous Whip UV Cream SPF30  (50g, RRP $48.99)

My second favourite day cream, primarily for the light fluffy texture and the SPF30 content. My fave is the Regenerist Whip because of the scent - I just can't get enough of it, and sadly this Luminous one isn't the same. I know scent can be troublesome for some folks, but it is SO important to me as a pleasure factor. Having said that this is a beautiful cream, and I'm just so thrilled that Olay has upped the UV content for this range ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Maybe ♥♥♥...

Olay Regenerist Luminous Tone Perfecting Treatment  (30ml, RRP $53.99)

Love everything about this. If I wasn't determined to give the Retinol range a good try, I would use this on a regular basis - it's a lot more affordable than my L'Occitane fave and it's regularly on special, which makes it even more appealing. Feels so hydrating when applied and the lemony fragrance is a delight - I will probably stick with this during the summer and see if any of my spots fade ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

You betcha, but only when it's on spesh ♥♥♥...

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) 
St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub (150ml, RRP $9.99)

Face Masks

Skin Republic Fast Fix 5 Minute Under Eye Mask (2 pairs, RRP $7.99)

These are SO good - I've had the best eye-bag reducing results compared with any other mask I've tried, and there's been quite a few. The only problem is that the effect doesn't last more than a few hours - if only it was permanent! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Already have - at least I can look less baggy until lunchtime ♥♥♥...

Regulars

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

Fragrance

Ecoya Cedarwood & Leather Mini Reed Diffuser (50ml, RRP $25.95)
This was my winter bedroom scenter - it's the kind of warm, sensuous and earthy fragrance that I crave in the cold weather. Comforting and cosy, I spent quite a bit of time just sniffing the sticks lol. Vetiver, bergamot, leather, clove and cedarwood - mmmm. If I'd known how good it was I would have bought the bigger size ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
I'm almost finished the 2nd jar, and then I'll probably switch to something fresher like the Guava & Lychee one for the summer months. But I'll buy this again next March, the full-sized one. Ecoya make the best diffusers ♥♥♥...

Hair

Schwarzkopf Igora Royal Permanent Color Creme - 8-11 Light Ash Blonde (RRP $23.95)

First time I used this, the colour turned out the perfect silvery grey I was seeking, and exactly as pictured on the supplier's website, so I bought a few more. 2nd time I applied it, there was more gold content than silver. Sigh - my search continues...

Repurchase?

No...

Regulars

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

Schwarzkopf Live Colour Pastels - Cool Grey, Metallic - Lilac Chrome & Denim Steel (RRP $5.49)

Makeup

DB Cosmetics Kohl Eye Pencil - Malachite (RRP $6.99)

The most fabulous spring green - while I don't use this on my waterline, it's perfect for tight-lining my upper lashes and as a base for shadow. Cheap as chips ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Already have - the EOH Emerald one is too dark for spring/summer ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Australis HD Translucent Loose Setting Powder (RRP $16.95)

Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner (RRP $15.95)

Maybelline Volume Express The Falsies Mascara (RRP $19.95)

Giveaway!

Up for grabs are...

• Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence
• Olay Regenerist Luminous Tone Perfecting Treatment
• 3 x Skin Republic Fast Fix 5 Minute Under Eye Mask packs
• White Glo Micellar Whitening Toothpaste

All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $120.  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 Meedee as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 14th October to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Meedee 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: Lacura Beauty Photo-Fit Lipstick + Giveaway!...

Looking back, I can't remember buying a Lacura Beauty lipstick that didn't impress me. The formula of any Aldi lipstick in my kit has always been creamy, super pigmented and moist, and they wear pretty well too, which is why every time there's a new range on special, I buy the lot - that, and the fact that they are as cheap as chips ♥ This most recent release of Photo-Fit Lipsticks were $4.99 each, amazing value as usual, and I have to hand it to Aldi - the packaging just keeps getting better, and you can really appreciate what I mean when you compare them to the first set I reviewed back in 2014 HERE (there's been a dramatic improvement in my photography and lip swatching skills too, thankfully!)...

I don't review every variety they sell as they are often "specials" and therefore gone within days (sometimes hours) and what's the point of writing a rave about something that no-one can get their hands on. But I made an exception with this lot as I was able to still find them five days after the release (mind you I had to go to four stores!) and picked up an extra set for the giveaway. Sadly, only four shades in the range, but surprise surprise, for me they are actually ALL wearable ♥...

This first one is New York and the lightest of the set. I was fully expecting to swatch and then bin it immediately as being too pale for my complexion, but it's really quite pretty and doesn't look half bad on me, which is a major achievement for a barely-there pastel pink ♥...

This is London, and I reckon it's the standout because it's such an interesting nude+/mauve, and I don't have many lipsticks in my kit that are a similar hue, plus it's so amazingly flattering ♥...

This pretty bold pink is Milan, and only one layer - another couple of swipes gives an impressively dense and intense fuchsia that will take you through spring and summer with some attitude lol ♥...

The last one is Paris, a sensational orange-red - ooh la la, it's so vibrant it may even glow in the dark ha ha! ♥...

So so comfortable, all of these kept my lips supple and moist for hours - they don't survive a meal, but that's pretty standard for such a hydrating formula. They have a very very faint caramellish fragrance and taste, but honestly, it's barely detectable. If you're looking for them in-store, the packaging is red and black, which brings me to the giveaway!...

If you missed these, then here's your chance to pick up all four shades, and because the parcel will be so lightweight, I'm opening this giveaway...

Internationally!

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!)
2. Leave your email address inside the Rafflecopter so I can contact you if you win
3. Follow me 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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Thursday 15th November to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Bilqees as claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

EOTD's & Giveaway!...

My how things change in the space of a few months! Sure we've had some magnificent days of Autumn sunshine, but the overnight temps in the last few weeks have been chilly-as, so it's time to delve into the "cold weather" palette drawer, and swap over the wardrobe contents. I took very few eye pics in March, so I've launched straight into the April ones - instead of sandals in the outfit photos, I'm already into boots! But I don't mind - I live in boots as soon as the season changes, and wear them for up to 5 months of the year ♥ I've been a bit slack with my giveaways too, so I hope you'll join in the fun at the bottom of the page lol...

For this first one, I used two of my favourite shadows - Sleek Ink from the Ultra Matts V2 palette, and Colourpop Super Shock Slave2Pink. The latter is the most gorgeous duochrome magenta with a blue colourshift, and it's the perfect match for the NYX Cosmic Metals Lip Cream in Fuchsia Fusion, and NYX Ombre Blush in Code Breaker ♥♥ I'm also wearing the new Maybelline Dream Cushion Foundation - LOVE it ♥ This was also the first "outing" of my new necklace - yet another Lovisa bargain, it looks like sapphires and diamonds, but I picked it up on special for $2.50!...

For this next look, I turned to my Rimmel Magnif'eyes Keep Calm & Wear Gold palette (gifted), and lined my waterline with Eye of Horus Emerald Tabula Goddess Pencil...

The necklace and earrings I've had for more than 10 years - found them at a thrift store, which is often where I find unusual pieces. My foundation was Mirenesse Velvet Maxi Lift Supreme, for cheeks and contouring I used Essence Shape Your Face Contouring palette in Ready Set Peach, and lips were David Jones Moisture Cream Lipstick in Honey Gold...

This emerald green shadow is ah-mazing! Super pigmented, and would you believe it's from a Kmart OXX palette (Utopia) that set me back the massive sum of $2! There are six of these palettes available, all slightly different, but all pretty and bright colours. Not all the pans are as pigmented, but the ones I've tried so far have been quite magical for the price ♥...

For my face I used L'Oreal Infallible Total Cover foundation, Elf blush palette (the dark one), and injected some colour into the monochrome outfit with NYX Intense Butter Gloss in the shade Cherry Custard ♥...

And for this last look, I turned to the always reliable Too Faced Chocolate Bar for Milk Chocolate and Creme Brulee, with Colourpop Creme Gel Liner in Over Board on the waterline...

MNY Dream Cushion Foundation again, Hourglass Luminous Bronze Light on my cheeks, and Innoxa Summer Matte Liptstick in Chocolate on my pout. The necklace was a gift many years ago from a dear friend - I adore it, and don't wear it anywhere near often enough...

And now for the giveaway! How about some Lovisa bling to add some sparkle to your outfits, and somewhere to store it?

Up for grabs is:

• Lovisa Diamond Simulants Heart Necklace and matching Earrings set
• Lovisa Diamond Simulants bling ring (size M-L)
• Simply Bathroom Acrylic Four Drawer Jewellery Organiser (from Aldi)
• Simply Bathroom Acrylic Necklace Holder (from Aldi)

Here's a closeup of the jewellery - there's a mark on the black paper backing of the earrings (top right) where I (foolishly) peeled off a fleuro "sale" sticker, but that's the only damage to the box...

Total prize value is approx $100, all items are brand new, and were purchased by me. Because it's quite bulky, I'll have to restrict the entries to Australian Residents Only...

The usual rules apply - one entry per person, follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter section, and leave a comment below that answers the question inside the copter...

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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 Fay W. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

Fay please respond to the email I've sent you by 

Wednesday 24th May to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Fay has claimed her prize

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Hope you'll enter so that I can send these goodies off to a good home ♥...

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. Linking to Ingrid's always popular Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party -up and running after 6:30am ♥... 

SPOTLIGHT: Jewellery Collection (Part 4) - Watches...

Who still wears a watch these days? So many of the folks I know don't - now that mobiles are attached at the hip (and almost an anatomical extension), they don't bother with a watch to tell them the time. But I doubt I'll ever lose my love for these "old-fashioned" accessories. I actually put them in the same category as perfume and earrings - I feel naked without one! To be expected I guess - there's been a watch on my left wrist almost every day of my life since I was 11 years old. Mind you back then I usually only possessed ONE timepiece at any given moment (and it had to be manually wound), but these days I regard them as an integral component of my wardrobe, and as such, of course I need LOTS of different colours and styles to co-ordinate with my outfits lol...

I have quite a few (42 to be exact) and I've been collecting them for the better part of 3 years - the majority of the above rainbow selection were purchased from BigW, there's a few gems I found at Lovisa, and a couple from Target. With savvy buying I haven't paid more than $25 for any one item, and some were as little as $7 - mind you whenever I need to replace a battery (at $19.95 a pop, it costs more than the watch!), I do an assessment as to whether I still love it, and the same goes for when the band needs replacing. But because I have so many, they rarely get to the shabby stage, and when I'm not wearing them, I disconnect the winder so that the battery isn't being drained...

Here's a closeup view of the ones I particularly love - honestly, I reckon they don't look half bad, considering how inexpensive they are...

I reach for the below blacks, greys and whites most often because they go with just about anything. Again all these were ridiculously cheap - the small watch in the middle with the metal link band and pearly green face is the only one of any real monetary value (love at first sight at one of Angus & Coote's half price sales)...

And here are what I call my jellies - almost all from Aldi (for $7), and one or two from KMart for a similarly low price - no greens as they only ever seem to come in fleuro shades. These are invariably my weekenders, although not in the hot weather as I tend to sweat too much under the plastic...

Like the rest of my costume jewellery collection, storing them all is a bit of an issue - currently they're in four separate boxes, but I'm revamping my entire accessory storage arrangement when I take a week off later this month, and will post a piccie then...

So how do you feel about watches - do you love 'em or leave 'em? Are you a "one quality watch" gal?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. Linking to the great reads on Ingrid's amazing Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party ♥♥♥

REVIEW: Lacura (Aldi) Volume Lip Lacquer...

I've always been reasonably interested in a few of the Aldi makeup products - the ones they stock on a regular basis, usually found along the back wall on the right-hand side. I have the entire set of their lipsticks (recently reviewed here) in my kit, and a couple of their blushes. But it's the ones that have been appearing lately on the middle tables that have got me all excited ♥ They seem to be churning out a whole bunch of new ranges, and this Lacura Volume Lip Lacquer is one of them...

There are four shades in the set - Peach, Red Carpet, Flamingo and Berry. They tend to be a bit on the sheer side, and in my opinion, that makes them more usable as gloss toppers rather than standalone lacquers. But with such gorgeous colours, a luscious boost of moisture, and a price tag of $4.99, they'll be getting quite a workout on my pucker, one way or another...

They all come boxed and sealed, and here's the blurb that's on the back...

And here are some swatches over bare skin. I layered them thickly so you could see just how intense you can make them. The gloss factor is off the scale...

L to R: Peach, Red Carpet, Flamingo, Berry

The does foot applicator is nice and soft, reasonably large, but not too unwieldy when it comes to creating a neat outline. The swatches below are over bare lips - mine are heavily freckled, which is why I probably won't wear these lacquers alone. The only one that leaves a bit to be desired is the peach - it's the sheerest of them all, and consequently tends to go a bit patchy when trying to apply a thick layer...

Red Carpet and Flamingo are my favourites, and the ones that are the easiest to build up. They all have a slight perfumey taste, but it's not unpleasant and doesn't last long, and they smell like caramels ♥ 

Of course the problem with Aldi "specials" is that they're not always there when you want them, so as a precaution, I've stocked up on the hues I love most. The only annoyance with most of their makeup lines is that they rarely label them with the colour name - occasionally there's a number, but most times there's zilch, and that can be a pain when you want to repurchase and can't quite remember which shade you're after...

But, overall I think they're great value, and there's a whole bunch of their other new products I've been trying of late, and you'll be seeing them here on my blog over the next month or so ♥

Take care of you,

kats xxx

CONFESSIONS: of a Body Washaholic (Part 1)...

Yep time to fess up to another one of my addictions. Hard to believe that four years ago, I had ONE cake of soap on my shower shelf. These days I'm a total convert to luscious liquid latherers, and as a result, I have to have four of those hanging wire shelf units to hold all my bottles - methinks I may have to invest in more if my passion continues to blossom at the current rate, although I'll probably need another bathroom first...

There's only 12 bottles in this pic, simply because that's all I can fit in my bathroom at any one time! As you can see almost half of them are by Palmolive - I'm an avid fan of their washes and gels. They seem to know exactly what fragrances I adore, and out of the selection available at the supermarket, this is the brand that I buy over and over again. Actually now that I can see them all lined up, the majority of my body washes are fruit scented - I do find the freshness of fruity fragrances so invigorating, wakes me up and gets my day started just right...

I'll review all these individually, and as is my way I've grouped them by COLOUR (how odd hey?) so let's get on with the details...

Palmolive Invigorating Pomegranate & Mango Shower Gel

This shower gel is what got me started on my passionate body wash journey of discovery. It was the first one I fell utterly and completely in love with. At the time my bathroom had red accents, and I bought it mainly for the colour. But on first wash, I was a goner - this is just so unbelievably refreshing! The fruity fragrance combo is such a delight, and I'm fascinated by the little moisture beads that are suspended in the gel. I love that it's not too sudsy either ♥ Not in the least bit drying, I'm over the moon that it comes in such a giant bottle for around $8 - it's a problem child in my shower though because it's just SO heavy and bulky, but I decant the liquid into a small squirty container so that I've got room for all the others :-) Warning: It's quite runny so you'll need to be careful when dispensing onto a flannel or else you'll waste a fair bit. My beautyheaven review of it (from 2010!) is here...

Juliet (Aldi) Indulge Palm Milk & Pomegranate Exfoliating Body Wash

I spotted this at Aldi a few weeks ago, and for less than $3, thought I'd give it a shot. It's a nice thick consistency, bright berry red with some gentle grainy bits for sloughing the skin, and it's not too heavy on the sudsing side of things, but the fragrance is disappointing. I guess you get what you pay for, and I reckon it's supposed to be a dupe of the Lux one below, but the scent is kind of sugary sweet rather than fruity fresh. So although I'll probably use this up, I won't be buying it again...

Lux Tahitian Escape Pomegranate Seeds & Palm Milk Exfoliating Body Wash

This is another one I adore, and have purchased many times. You may have already guessed I'm a bit of a pomegranate passionista, and this one never fails to lift my spirits, or cleanse my bod in a revitalising way. The grainy bits in it are firm but sparse, so it's quite gentle and yet very effective for giving the skin surface a good exfoliation, while moisturising at the same time. The best of both worlds hey? This is 100% soap free and ph balanced, and if you're into tropical scents, you're guaranteed to love this. My beautyheaven review is here...

.

Lux Tropical Sunset Soft & Silky Mango & Grapefruit Oils Body Wash

Another beauty from Lux - this one takes me off to Hawaii every time I use it (not that I've ever been there, but you know what I mean). Mango is another scent that's close to my heart (or rather...my nose) in the shower department. This luscious liquid is non-drying and the fragrance has a real zing to it - more mango than grapefruit, but the balance of the two fruits is a masterful concoction. And although this strikes me as a summertime body wash, I'll continue to use it throughout the cooler months to keep me going with the promise of sunshine and warmth on the other side of winter...

Edit: Part 2 is up now too :-)

Are you a body wash/shower gel nut? What's your favourite shower time indulgence?

Take care of you,
kats xxx