SPOTLIGHT: March Empties!...

Not going to fall into the same trap I did last month, so without further ado, here is almost everything I finished in March, excluding some items that I've covered before of course. Did exceptionally well I reckon, especially as there is one product here that I've been using for over 3 years - OMG I was beginning to think I'd never get to the end of it!...

Nivea Pure & Natural Body Lotion (400ml, RRP $7.99)

Oh wow, a 400ml bottle of Body Lotion - now that's a challenge for me to finish. This came in my Blogstar prize box back in January 2014, and I've only just squirted the last drop! As you may have gathered I'm not a big user of body lotions - I tend to only apply them after showering when I'm not in a hurry to get dressed and racing out the door shortly thereafter, and that pretty much only happens on Sundays.  This was nice enough, contains none of the major nasties, but I found it took a while to absorb, and after all these years I'm bored with the fragrance....

Repurchase?

Noooo - I prefer my super-fast-to-sink-in BotanicES, plus I have the fabulous Lush Dream Cream on my bench, and Dove Silky Nourishing Body Cream in the cupboard...

L'Oreal Revitalift Laser X3 Dual Action Total Rejuvenation Moisturiser (48ml, RRP $49.95)

Beautyheaven sent me this to trial last Christmas, and it wowed me, especially as I only used it at night, and ditched my usual serum during the trial. They sent me more L'Oreal products to trial almost straight after this one, so I had to stop using it, and have only just finished it now. I really think this firmed my facial contours a little, softened even my deep lines, and made my whole face look fresher. The plan is to use another bottle non-stop, and then post a proper review here. For now my advice is if you're over 40 and ever see this on special, buy it ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Heck yeah already have, just finishing off the remains of another two creams, and then this might just be a staple ♥...

L'Oreal Revitalift Magic Blur Anti-Ageing Daily Moisturiser (50ml, RRP $34.95)

This came in the August 2016 Marie Claire Ageless Parcel and I love it - there's no SPF, but no drama as I'm using a BB cream that has 50+ as my primer. This is such a lovely cream - a waxy mousse consistency, lightweight yet enriching, smells lovely, absorbs instantly, and the big bonus is that it has a matte finish, which is how it kinda works to blur the wrinkles ♥...

Repurchase?

Would definitely buy this again, just haven't as yet as I have three others I need to finish first ♥...

Nivea 3 In 1 Micellar Cleansing Water - Sensitive (200ml, RRP $9.99)

Full review of it HERE as part of my Micellar Magic series - not my favourite, and I did find it a little drying...

Repurchase?

No - there are others out there that have the edge in effectiveness, comfort and value...

Manicare Artiste Professional Kabuki Brush (RRP $?)

I've been using this for just over 18 months to apply my bronzer, and it's just started shedding. Not one hair now and then, but several every time I use it, and they stick to my makeup grrrrr. Odd as it's excellent quality, and I only wash my brushes in water twice a year.  My previous one was an el cheapo, and it never shed - go figure?  I won this in a prize, and it doesn't seem to be available any more so I don't know the price, but there's a retractable version listed for $25.95...

Repurchase?

I won't let this experience put me off buying other Artiste brushes (I have several that haven't given me any grief), but I replaced this particular one with a little baby by Nude by Nature ...

Dove Triple Moisturising & Aqua Moisture Nourishing Body Washes (375ml, RRP $7.36)

Recently reviewed both of these HERE - LOVE! ♥

Repurchase?

Affirmative - one's in the shower stall, the other's in the wings, waiting for a space ♥...

Alpha Keri Anti-Cellulite Sugar Body Scrub (225g, RRP $14.95)

My very first sugar body scrub, and I loved using it. To test the anti-cellulite properties, I only scrubbed my left bum cheek and thigh. At the end of the jar there was not much difference between the two (although my right side is still jealous of all the attention ha ha), but it did seen to improve the general appearance of the orange peel texture, and it sure got rid of any flaky bits ♥...

Repurchase?

I reckon I will - I started another one during March, and while there's been no further dimple reduction, I do enjoy it because it softens my skin beautifully, and being colourless, hey, the shower stays clean ♥...

L'Oreal Age Perfect Golden Age Glow Re-activating Essence (125ml, RRP $39.95)

Did a rave review of it in January HERE - this is the original bottle I received for the trial, so it's lasted 6 months with every day use. Amazing value ♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, already sitting on the bench waiting for me to finish off four (four!) other serums I'm testing out ♥...

Urban Rituelle Reed Diffuser - Comfort (Sandalwood & Tangerine) (190ml, RRP $39.95)

Raved about this HERE - I've bought quite a few of these because I adore the scent combo ♥...

Repurchase?

Sob... This fragrance has been discontinued and I'm shattered. I've bought the Alpine Loft one which is lovely, but it's hardly a substitute...

Skin Republic Gold Hydrogel Mask (RRP $12.99)

Totally in love with this mask. It's in two pieces, and the shape of it actually fits my face, and even covers my nose - yay! It's not messy like the others as most of the serum is impregnated in the plasticcy material. Of all the face masks I've tried so far, this is my #1 - my skin looks SO good afterwards. It costs a little more than the others but it's worth it - actually I wish they made it in a complete body suit lol ♥...

Repurchase?

Affirmative - I've already bought three more ♥...

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

I went through two of these sachets, which means I applied 6 pairs during the month - need I say more? ♥...

Repurchase?

Ha ha silly question...♥

Kmart Nourishing Shea Butter Hand Sheet Mask (10ml, RRP $3)

This was pretty good considering the price - nicely hydrating, smells like coconut, and the gloves aren't too big. As I said about the Skin Republic ones, what I'm looking for is something super enriching, and these don't quite make the cut...

Repurchase?

Maybe, but I'm still looking for other brands to try ♥...

LonVitalite Coconut Milk Hydrating & Nourishing Facial Mask (5 pack, RRP $39)

I really enjoyed this mask again (first review was December's Empties post) - very cooling and calming, and used it in combination with the 24K Active Gold Eye Mask listed below. Wrapped myself up like a mummy (see piccie below), and took a half hour break to let these babies do their thing. My skin looked and felt fabulous afterwards, all redness gone, pores slightly more refined, just wish it had a nose piece as that's where I need lots of help ♥...

Repurchase?

Possibly - I have a stockpile of Skin Republic ones (about 12) so I'll use them up first to see if any of them are more effective...

LonVitalite 24K Active Gold Eye Mask (6 pairs, RRP $32)

I forget where I got this single sample from, but I've had it for a while - definitely saw an improvement in the eye area, firmer and fresher. The latest ones are gold in colour ...

Repurchase?

Yes - they only work out to be $2 each more than the Skin Republic ones, and I'm keen to compare the results between the two brands ♥...

Rodial Dragon's Blood Eye Masks (8 pairs, RRP $52)

Used two more of these - getting the hang of their odd shape now, but they're still the messiest eye masks I've come across. I'm persisting though as the results are a smidgin better than the Skin Republic ones ♥...

Repurchase?

Not at this stage - I still have four more sachets left in the box, and the fact that I literally get covered in the serum trying to remove all the backing sheets puts me off ...

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. Linking to the Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party - you'll always find lots of interesting articles to read, come say hello ♥... 

SPOTLIGHT: Bloggers United AU Prize!...

A few weeks back I had the amazing good fortune of winning a prize from the fabulous gals at Bloggers United AU. They were celebrating reaching 3000k followers on Instagram, and so generously offered a surprise box of goodies to some lucky gal, and it turned out to be me! If you're an Aussie blogger, and you haven't hooked up with these ladies, you're missing out BIG TIME. You can read all about them here and what they're up to. I can assure you, these lovelies are doing such brilliant things for the Australian blogging community - bringing folks together to share their experiences, provide opportunities for bloggers to expand their friendships and exposure in the blogging world, and they have the support of heaps of major players in the beauty market. They hold regular "events" around the country where bloggers can meet fellow bloggers, enjoy product presentations from top market reps, and from what I can gather from the pics, there's always a fantabulous array of loot to take home. I haven't been able to make it to one of their exciting gatherings as yet, but it's top of my list of priorities whenever my workload permits (oh please make it soon boss!)...

Warning: picture heavy post!

So here's the details of what they so kindly sent to me...

First up is a selection from the Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate lipsticks Nude collection - the timing was perfect as I fell in love with them as soon as I read Jasmine's review. Of course I'll write my own review once I've tried them all...

And the perfect partner to the lippies - Rimmel Moisture Renew Universal Transparent Lipliner.  Delighted to receive this as I wear lipstick every single day without fail, and often experience the dilemma of not having a matching liner in my kit. I've no doubt this will improve the quality of my lip swatches too...

How about this cute-as-a button Artiste kabuki brush? I only have one - it's years old and looking a little worse for wear, so I'm thrilled to have a brand newie, and especially one of such excellent quality...

Next is an Aloe Vera Cucumber Face Mask from Kmart - keen as mustard (or should I say cucumber) to try this, and will save it for a long hot day when my face needs some loving refreshment...

You can probably imagine how spoilt I'm feeling right now ♥ LOVE these LonVitalite facial masks. Have only tried their eye masks so far (and they are magical) so I'll be taking some much needed time out to enjoy this one on my whole face...

I let out an extra big WHOOP! when I saw these NYX Colour Mascaras - aren't they just the prettiest hues? You'll be seeing these featured in my EOTD posts in the coming days/weeks, once I make the torturous decision which one to use first - actually it's not that hard, can you guess?..

If there's one thing that my lashes need is volume and curl - so it's Rimmel Super Curler Mascara to the rescue! This will also feature in some of my posts - it's supposed to hold the curl for 24 hours, but I'll be chuffed even if it's only 12. And with the tube being such a stunningly virbrant purple, I'll always be able to find it in a flash...

And here's something that's been in my kit for many moons, and will be for as long as they keep making it - Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water. Can't live without this in my cleansing routine - it's so gentle AND effective...

And this pretty little fabric pouch contained a very glamorous Shower Cap. Also from Kmart, it's lined with plastic, which means it's waterproof - perfect...

And to my delight there was a bottle of Rosehip Plus Organic Cold Pressed Rosehip Oil - well two actually, the one on the right is a roll-on! How clever is that? Already in my makeup bag...

And this last one has me both intrigued and excited. I'm not familiar with this brand at all but the name has my heart pounding - Scentrelle Reverse Time Face Serum. Sounds like just the ticket for my ageing face...

I haven't pictured the Cadbury choccies because they melted a bit, but still tasted delish (yes, already demolished). And if all this wasn't enough, they included a lovely card, with the sweetest message...

They're having another Sydney event next Sunday, and although I can't make it, I'll be there in spirit - sending my warmest wishes to the Team, and all who attend. Betcha it's a blast! Thank you again Bloggers United AU - may you continue to grow and prosper ♥

You'll find more info on Bloggers United AU at NJT Bloggers, Sweetaholic Beauty, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Take care of you,

kats xxx