March 2020 Empties & Giveaway!...

Well now, my biggest collection of Empties ever. Holey guacamoley, there are almost 40 containers here - so many I had to stand three feet back from the bench in order to take the pic! No less than four body washes - I usually have around eight in rotation in the shower caddy, and for whatever reason, I finished half of them within a few weeks of each other. Also another bottle of perfume (major back-pats for kats), two lip balms and some new skincare, so here we go...

Body

Beechworth Honey Bush Honey & Macadamia Hand Cream (100ml, RRP $12)

I've just realised I don't have a hand cream in my Regulars section - it's because I have such a huge stash to work through, and it takes me forever to finish each tube (although I'm using more now that I'm washing my hands every 10 minutes lol). The last appearance of this beauty in an Empties post was July 2018, but if I can manage another one this year, this darling will be the first one to hit that section. Even though I have at least 10 others in my drawer (most partly used), I bought this because I love what it does for my hands, plus I didn't want to go through a Summer without the refreshment of the zingy lemon myrtle fragrance ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Spare stashed away ♥♥♥...

Bosisto's Kakadu Plum & Lemon Myrtle Nourishing Body Wash (500ml, RRP $8)

Lovely crisp and fresh scent and has everything else going for it - available in the supermarket, SLS-free, not tested on animals & Australian owned. So why not three hearts? Well because of my age I've made yet another decision about the shower products I use, above and beyond they must be SLS-free - they also have to contribute some moisture to my skin, and I need that all year round not just in Winter. So while this is a lovely product, and I would recommend it to anyone that doesn't have very dry skin, I won't be including it in my collection going forward (see pic below of what I'm continuing to use) ♥...

Repurchase?
No. I actually have another one stashed away, but it's too heavy to include in the giveaway so I'll gift it to a family member ♥...

Fresca Natural Deodorant - Wooden Spice with Sandalwood & Carrot Seed (50ml, RRP $16.50)

In my not-so-long-ago series on aluminium-free deodorants, I rated this numero uno, and I still love it. But I'm now preferring the wind-up stick format from Schmidt's (see below), purely from an application comfort point of view as I don't have to wait for it to dry - cream sticks have been my preference for years now and still are, but that aside, this is a fabulous product and highly recommended ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Maybe ♥♥♥...

Schmidt's Cedarwood + Juniper Natural Deodorant (92g, RRP $13.99)

This range is now my #1. While I said that this fragrance was a bit strong and masculine on the really hot days, it's actually just right for the cooler weather ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Even though this particular scent is not available at Priceline, yes ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Natures Commonscents Natural Goats Milk & Paw Paw Body Wash (500ml, $8.00)
Oral-B 3D White Luxe Glamorous White Toothpaste (96g, RRP $9.49)
Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)
SheaMoisture African Black Soap Soothing Body Wash - (384ml, $24.95)
SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Hydrating Body Wash (384ml, RRP $24.95)
White Glo Charcoal Total Mouth Detox Whitening Mouthwash (500ml, RRP $6.99)


Face

Breeze Balm Lip Balm - Bananas For You & Grape Crush  (15g, RRP $19.95)

Finished both of these at the same time, one next to the bed, one on my computer bench. Breeze Balm is still the best and most effective lip balm I've ever tried, and I've been hitting it hard these last few weeks as I've only been wearing lipstick for rare outings or swatching. My lips have reaped the rewards of pretty much all day use of this amazing formula - so much softer, more supple and even less wrinkly. I reviewed the Pineapple Pash HERE and have since fallen big time for Watermelon Crush ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Not these two particular flavours, but this balm will be in my kit forever, in one variety or another ♥♥♥...

InstaNatural Retinol Serum (30ml, RRP $32.77)

Embarrassed to say I bought this from iHerb several years ago when I was first researching retinol products, and never opened it! Well, my loss that's for sure - it's a gorgeous serum with a fabulously fresh citrus (orange?) scent. Contains Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide & COQ10 - an absolute powerhouse of anti-ageing ingredients. It had a use-by date towards the end of last year, but I figured that because I hadn't opened it, it would be ok. Well, it still gave me a little tingle and considering its age, I was pleasantly surprised at how much my skin seemed to love it - very runny but absorbs quickly, and my skin looked radiant, firm and with a more even texture ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
I might just to see if a fresh bottle performs even better to lighten my pigmentation - it's cheaper than the Neutrogena one below, but the shipping and waiting for it to arrive is a bit of a pain ♥♥♥...

La Roche-Posay Reactive Skin Micellar Water Ultra (200ml RRP $27.95)

This 100ml bottle came in a skincare bag - it's a lovely and very effective product, but I wouldn't normally buy it because of the price. There are other micellar waters that are just as good and cost half as much, and I only use it as a second cleanser anyway. I reviewed the Effaclar one for oily skin HERE and this one is very similar ♥♥...

Repurchase?
As nice as it is, probably not ♥♥...

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil (30ml, RRP $42.99)

I actually prefer this to the cream serum - I find it more effective and my skin seems to drink it in faster, which is interesting considering it's an oil, but there you go. It's a very light consistency, has barely any scent, and is effortlessly massaged into the skin. I stopped using it over the Summer (along with my other retinol skincare) and just finished up the last few droppers towards the end of March - love the cap with the push button that loads just the right amount into the glass tube ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Already have, just using up a couple of other serums I've had on the bench for a while ♥♥♥...

Sukin Oil Balancing Charcoal Purifying Gel Cleanser (125ml, RRP $12.95)

I love this cleanser, but it usually only appears once every 12 months as there are others that I love just that little bit more. Still, it's a terrific product for my combination skin in the hot weather - low-sudsing and non-drying, but still takes off all the makeup and helps balance my oily-T ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes but not till next November ♥♥♥...

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) 
Sukin Oil Balancing Charcoal Pore Refining Facial Scrub (125ml, $12.95)
Swisspers Make-up Pads (Pack of 80, RRP $3.79)


Face Masks

BLAQ Charcoal Hydrogel Eye Mask (pack of 5, RRP $29.99)

I bought this second box from Priceline a while ago and then forgot about them. Used all five in March, but only one pic as I wore four pairs to bed! Love them, but sadly they only seem to be available from the BLAQ US website now, which means they are outside my beauty equation ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Not unless they are once again available in Australia ♥♥♥...

Lacura Charcoal Bubble Mask with Moringa & Green Tea Extract (Box of 3, RRP $4.99)

What a surprise this was! Just as good as the other brands I've tried, with the added bonus that there are three in the pack. If I see these again in Aldi, I will buy lots (COVID-19 purchase restrictions permitting of course). Below is my face once I removed the mask and wiped over with micellar water - deeply cleansed, smooth and hydrated. Incidentally, I do have eyebrows, but they are so pale and sparse, my camera barely registers them ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

In a heartbeat! ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Purederm Ginkgo Eye Puffiness Minimizing Patches (2 pairs, RRP $3)

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

Fragrance

Vera Wang Lovestruck Floral Rush EDP (50ml, Discontinued)

Lovingly reviewed HERE, I bought this in 2016 so it's taken the best part of four years to finish it. Lovely fresh and alluring fragrance for Spring/Summer and I shall miss the exquisite bottle ♥♥...

Repurchase?

Can find it on eBay, but negative - there are way too many others to try! ♥♥...

Hair

Vitality's Art Absolute Creme Peroxide 30 vol (500ml, RRP $5.99)

This is the Chemist Warehouse equivalent of what I normally by from Price Attack. Very cheap and seems to work just as well ♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Probably not as I don't get to CW as often as PA ♥♥...

Vitality's Art Absolute Hair Colour Cream - Ash Blonde (100ml, RRP $11.99)

Ditto the above but sadly the shade doesn't turn out as ash as the Salon Professional Supplies brand, in fact, it's more golden blonde than ash-blonde... 

Repurchase?

No...

Regulars

Goldwell Dualsenses Blondes & Highlights Anti-Yellow Shampoo (300ml, RRP $25.95)
Goldwell Kerasilk Control Shampoo (250ml, RRP $35.95)

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

Schwarzkopf OSIS+ Sparkler Shine Spray (300ml, RRP $27.95)

Makeup

NYX Pore Filler (20ml, $21.95)
This has an almost identical texture and delivers results similar to my favourite DB Cosmetics Pore Minimising Primer - mattifies and smooths my face without making it feel tight or dry, and creates the perfect base for foundation. I bought it because it was on special and actually cheaper than the DB one, but the regular price is $7 more and has 5ml less product ♥♥... 

Repurchase?

If I can't get hold of my DB fave, then yes - always a good idea to have a backup plan! ♥♥...

Regulars

Australis AC On Tour Contouring & Highlighting Kit - Cool Tone Cream (RRP $24.95)

Maybelline Total Temptation Brow Definer (RRP $17.95)

Natio Define Eye Pencil - Steel Grey (RRP $14.95)


Giveaway

This month we have some faves from earlier posts...

• Eye of Horus Goddess Pencil - Charcoal Obsidian
• Eye of Horus Precision Sharpener
• Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash - Pink Grapefruit
• Nutrimetics Honey & Almond Scrub
• Nutrimetics Mineral Clay Masque

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 B. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 29th April to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Ariane has claimed her prize ♥

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

Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you, and keep safe,

kats xxx

February 2020 Empties & Giveaway!...

Hi everyone and welcome to Autumn, which officially began with the equinox on Friday at 2:49pm. Just like our recent Summer, this Autumn is shaping up to be like no other - wherever you live, our world is changing and with it, our lifestyles and habits must change too. I plan to keep posting on my blog through these challenging times, so I hope you'll continue to join me here for reviews, empties and my usual monthly giveaway, which this time around is a special one for Mother's Day - it's not till May, but given the current global circumstances, I thought it best to get in early ♥... 

Body

Glow Lab Blackberry & Bay Body Wash (400ml, RRP $9)

Mmmm, can't decide whether I like this one more than the Coconut & Sandalwood one - let's just say they are equally delicious, but this scent is probably the one I'll go for just that little bit more in the cooler weather. I've tried quite a few products from their range, and have been pleasantly surprised by all of them - love that they're cruelty-free and even the pump is recyclable ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
New one in the shower, one in reserve ♥♥♥...

Schmidt's Charcoal + Magnesium Mineral Enriched Natural Deodorant (75g/92g, RRP $13.99/$19.95)

In my not-so-long-ago series on aluminium-free deodorants, I rated this second to Fresca roll-on, but I've done a switcheroo, and made this my numero uno. They are equally effective at controlling odour, but I reckon the Schmidt's wins by a butterfly's eyelash as far as keeping me dry, PLUS (and this is a biggie) the 75g size is available from my local Priceline store - not having to pay shipping is a bonus ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Even though I'm working my way through the other locally available scents in the range, yes ♥♥♥...

Sensodyne Rapid Relief Original Toothpaste (100g, RRP $11.49)

My dentist gave me a sample size after I had some work done on a molar, and it sure helped reduce sensitivity after I had the crown fitted. Tasted good too, and there was enough in the tube for a week's use. He also gave me another brand which made my lips go numb (binned) so this would be my choice if I ever need something like this again ♥♥...

Repurchase?
Sure would ♥♥...

Regulars

Compeed Blister Plasters (Box of 5, RRP $12.95)
Johnson & Johnson Advanced Healing Hydro Seal Band-Aid  (box of 10, RRP $8.47)
Oral-B 3D White Luxe Glamorous White Toothpaste (96g, RRP $9.49)
Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)
White Glo Charcoal Total Mouth Detox Whitening Mouthwash (500ml, RRP $6.99)


Face

Freezeframe Wrinkle Block Age Prevention Multi Stick (30ml, RRP $69)

I wrote quite an extensive review of this product last month (link HERE). This was my second stick and while I haven't quite finished the third, I don't think I'll be continuing on this path. Yes, it has made a difference to my fine lines, and my neck looks less craggy, but the deeper lines haven't budged since stick number 1, and there's still no impact whatsoever on my eye bags. The price is somewhat prohibitive, and at the end of the day, the benefits aren't sufficient for me to continue on for $70 a month. I've also decided that in my particular case, smooth texture, plumpness and radiance are more important than reducing wrinkles, so I just use it on my neck now ♥♥...

Repurchase?
If it's half price, maybe ♥♥...

Proactiv Amazonian Clay Mask (28g, RRP $?)

Interesting! This was sent to me to trial by beautyheaven over the Christmas period - I loved it, and even made a 3-minute video as part of my review. The text was published on 4th January, but no longer appears on the site, in fact, Proactiv is no longer listed full stop, so I guess they pulled the plug on the funding. Anyways, a beaut mask - quite thin, earthy scent that isn't overpowering, didn't make my face feel like it was going to crack up, and sent my blackheads packing ♥♥...

Repurchase?
Would if I could find it through an Aussie supplier, no luck so far ♥♥...

Regulars

Ecopure Bath Bamboo Fibre Face Cloths (pack of 2, RRP $12.99)
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 Advanced Anti-Aging Detoxifying Pore Scrub (150ml, RRP $14.99)


Face Masks

BLAQ Charcoal Hydrogel Eye Mask (pack of 5, RRP $29.99)

Love these and first wrote about them back in March 2018, but I can no longer find them at Priceline and they only seem to be available from the Blaq website. Pity as they're really something special. They do have a tendency to slip down if you walk around in them, but I've been wearing them to bed, and they seem to stay on long enough when I'm horizontal ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

If I can find them locally, yes ♥♥♥...

Regulars

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

Fragrance

Estee Lauder Pleasures EDP (50ml, RRP $105)

Still one of my favourite Spring-Summer scents - my 2014 review of it is HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Absolutely, but not till later in the year ♥♥♥...

Hair

Creative Image Adore Semi-Permanent Hair Colour - Platinum (118ml, RRP $16.45)

Well now, this was a bonus find at Price Attack - vegan and cruelty-free, I add this to my fortnightly colouring concoction, and mix a little into my conditioner to keep my tresses as ashy and yellow-free as possible. There are heaps of other colours in the range, but this platinum one works best for me. It's a mauvey mushroomy colour, and while I would prefer something more silvery, it'll do for now ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
You bet, another one and a spare ♥♥♥...

Hi Lift True Colour Hair Colour Creme - Light Ash Blonde (100ml, RRP $6.95)

Brief review of this last month, but it won't be a regular - the shade doesn't turn out as ash or intense as the Salon Professional Supplies brand, and I only bought it because they were out of stock of my fave... 

Repurchase?

No...

Regulars

Goldwell Kerasilk Control Conditioner (250ml, RRP $34.95)

Salon Professional Supplies Pro-Colour - Light Ash Blonde (100ml, RRP $14.95)
Schwarzkopf Live Colour Pastels - Cool Grey, Metallic - Lilac Chrome & Denim Steel (RRP $5.49)

Makeup

Australis Stayput Long Lasting Retractable Lipliner - Romance (discontinued)

Boo to discontinued products! Great bricky-nude shade and lasted almost the whole day ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Sadly it's no longer available ♥♥♥...

Mirenesse Smooth Nude CC Hydra Makeup Mousse (40g, RRP $50)

Raved about this last January and I still love it, but with Mirenesse products, you need to be a VIP member to get special discounts and free shipping ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Probably not - I cancelled my membership when I was retrenched, and can't see myself rejoining any time soon ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder (RRP $13.95)

Maybelline Total Temptation Brow Definer (RRP $17.95)

Giveaway

With Mothers Day coming up soon, I decided to put together a special pack for a special Mum, rather than the same old favourites from the Empties collection. This bundle is made up of...

• Sweet Little Things Floral Scented Soap Petals
• Nutrimetics Fragrance Discovery Collection - 3 rollerball EDTs, Love & Courage, Fleurever & Breathtaking (personal fave reviewed HERE)
• Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Hydration Celebration Pack - Rose Quench Lip Rescue Balm, Quench Hydrating Primer, Drink of H2O Hydrating Boost Moisturiser & 4-in1 Setting Mist

All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $110.  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 Tracy M. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 1st April to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Tracy has claimed her prize ♥

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

Best of luck to all who enter!

Keep safe lovelies, and take care of you,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: March Empties 2018 + Giveaway!...

Well, I guess no-one can say that I never finish products! Not a bad effort for March and this post is late yet again because of the time it takes to put it all together, but I sure do get a wonderful sense of achievement when I hit "Publish", and my recycle bin gets a good feed haha. Oh and there's a special treat with the giveaway this time around, so off we go lovelies ...

Body

Cutex Nourishing Nail Polish Remover (100ml, RRP $4.99)

This was my polish remover of choice (for my toes), but as of a couple of months ago, I stopped painting my own toenails, and now I have them shellacked at a salon - holey guacemoley, what rock have I been living under?...

Repurchase?

Not anymore, but it was the best and most effective for standard gel nail polish...

Cutex Acetone Free Nail Polish Remover (100ml, RRP $4.99)

So much kinder to my nails than regular remover, but takes a bit more soaking and rubbing...

Repurchase?

Even though I'm now having my toenails painted at a salon, I still need this for removing sticky marks that come off my shoes and dull the shellac, and it doesn't damage the glossy finish, so yes, bought some today in fact ♥♥♥...

Natura Siberica Oblepikha Shower Gel (400ml, RRP $12.99)

I wasn't a fan of this shower gel when it first came out - there was a sharpness to the fragrance that didn't appeal initially, but things change, well...I changed, and now I love it! Being tall and slim it takes up minimal space in my caddy, the turquoise bottle is a standout amongst the others, it contains lots of interesting Siberian herbs, no SLS, and it doesn't dry out my skin. Hoping that one day I'll be able to pronounce it lol...

Repurchase?

Definitely! ♥♥♥...

Nutrimetics Nutri-Rich Shower Oil (200ml, RRP $38)

This creates such a beautiful shower experience, I wish it wasn't so expensive. But just about everything from this brand eventually goes on sale, and surprise surprise, the replacement for this bottle was a freebie with my last order - score! A very interesting product - yes it's an oil, but when mixed with water it foams into a light and creamy cleanser that moisturises the skin without leaving it feeling greasy, or making the shower floor slippery. The apricot fragrance is to die for, and I don't need to apply any body lotions or potions afterwards. Very softening, very hydrating, very nice...

Repurchase?

Undoubtedly ♥♥♥...

Nutrimetics Ultra Care Platinum Hand Therapy (75ml, RRP $42)

Well, it's called Hand Therapy, and that just about sums it up. Superb hand cream with a soft baby powder scent that smooths and hydrates the most withered skin. I didn't notice any reduction in my brown spots, but I'd say a few tubes would be needed for that. Love the glam silver (platinum) packaging. It's as good as the L'Occitane Shea Butter one, and absorbs COMPLETELY!...

Repurchase?

That'll be a yes, as soon as it's on special ♥♥♥...

Original Source Limited Edition Hibiscus & Pomegranate Tea Shower Gel (250ml, RRP $3.99)

Fell for the scent of this bargain shower gel quite a while ago, and being a Limited Edition, I stocked up. Crisp and refreshing, this is a beaut all-year-round body wash that lathers well and the delicate fruity-floral fragrance is 100% natural. Contains SLS, but unlike numerous other products with this tricky ingredient, it doesn't dry or irritate my skin ...

Repurchase?

Would if I could but I think it's only available on eBay now - fortunately I still have several bottles stashed away in the cupboard ♥♥♥...

Face

BioEffect Day Serum (5ml sample, 30ml, RRP $195)

Crikey, from memory this sample came in an Adore Beauty order, but I nearly fainted when I looked it up and found out that a 30ml bottle costs $195!!!! It's an interesting formulation - the clear gel is amazingly smooth and a tiny amount spreads in a flash. It feels almost like silicone, but boy does it hydrate! No scent that I can detect and some of the online reviews are from gals that swear by it. Honestly, I didn't notice any change or improvement in the short period of time I was using it, but I may have been a bit more observant and frugal with the dispensing if I'd known how much it costs lol...

Repurchase?

Umm, I doubt it - lovely serum, but for that price, I need it to work an overnight miracle!...

L'Oreal Pure Clay Detoxifying Gel Wash (150ml, RRP $14.95)

Definitely one of my favourite cleansers. My passion for anything clay or charcoal is well documented, and this contains both, so it was bound to be a winner. Love the fresh fragrance, and while it's blackish in the tube, it becomes lighter grey when mixed with water and even foams up. It's one of those rare cleansers that removes every molecule of makeup from my face, and the rinse water doesn't leave a ring around my basin, which makes it a winner...

Repurchase?

I already have several of these stashed away (bought on special!) ♥♥♥...

L'Oreal Age Perfect Cell Renewal Advanced Regenerating Serum (30ml, RRP $49.95)

Trialled this for beautyheaven in March and gave it 5 stars - my review is towards the bottom of the page HERE. It's even better than the original formula, and I so looked forward to my beauty routines, both for the feel of it on my skin, and the revitalising lemony scent. Perfect overnight serum hydration-wise, and a beaut base for makeup too as it absorbs very quickly, and the pearly liquid contains tiny gold particles that give a slightly shimmery radiance to the complexion...

Repurchase?

No less than 6 serums on my bench, but as soon as they reduce to 3, I'll definitely be picking up another of these gems ♥♥♥...

Sukin Super Greens Detoxifying Facial Scrub (125ml, RRP $12.95)

My rave review of this is HERE...

Repurchase?

You betcha! ♥♥♥...

Face Masks

BLAQ Charcoal Hydrogel Eye Mask (pack of 5, RRP $29.99)

My latest under-eye-depuffing love (pictured below underneath the brown face mask) - these are slippery little suckers, so you can't really walk around with them on as gravity and the slightest movement makes them slide down, but they work a treat AND they contain charcoal. They work out to be $6 a pop, but who cares. LOVE!...

Repurchase?

Affirmative ♥♥♥...

Purederm Black Food Recipe MG:Gel Mask (RRP $3)

Exceptionally hydrating, and even (temporarily) firmed my jawline. Contains 17 black foods - whoa! - including black rice, black bean and blackcurrant. The blurb says that if you store it in the fridge, even more moisture will be released when you slap it on, so for me that little extra tip is a hot weather only one. Anyways for $3 from Kmart, it's a bargain and well worth trying to find it in amongst the gazillion masks they have for sale these days...

Repurchase?

Sure will - I have at least 30 sheet masks in stock to use up (gaahhhhh!), but I'll definitely be buying this one again ♥♥♥...

South Mane Lip Gel (Pack of 3, RRP US$9)

Also pictured above partially covered by the face mask, this pack of 3 came in a Lip Monthly box. They're huge and cover the entire lip area and surrounds, but are also very slippery so you need to lie down and not move your mouth at all. Nicely softening, but very little moisturising beyond the 10 minutes of wear...

Repurchase?

They seem to be only available from the US website, so I'll stick with the LonVitalite ones...

Skin Republic Bubble Purifying + Charcoal Face Mask (RRP $7.99)

Already raved about this one numerous times ...

Repurchase?

Absolutely! ♥♥♥...

Fragrance

Lanvin Eclat d’Arpège EDP (100ml, $140)

Just can't live without this beautiful fragrance in Spring & Summer - been buying it for years, and always ALWAYS receive compliments. Covered it succinctly in a previous empties post in 2016 (HERE) and nothing has changed - this stunner will forever be part of my life. BTW it is regularly on special at various outlets/websites, and I've never paid more than $65 for it...

Repurchase?

I make sure I have a spare even before I open a new bottle ♥♥♥...

Glasshouse Fragrances Beverly Hills Pink Lemonade Reed Diffuser (250ml, $42.95)

A full review of this beautiful baby HERE - it's so summery and fresh and fun! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Affirmative, but not till next warm season ♥♥♥...

Hair

Schwarzkopf Live Colour Silver Toner (RRP $5.49)

I think this may work best if you have bleached blonde hair - it toned down the yellow in mine, but overall my colour was too dark for this to have anything other than a neutralising effect. Leaves the hair nicely conditioned and glossy though...

Repurchase?

No - the one below is what works for me...

Schwarzkopf Live Colour Pastels Cool Grey (RRP $5.49)

Now, this is the go - it actually adds colour, a lovely soft grey (not purplish or bluish). It may sound odd that I wanted to put grey in my hair, but it's true - my ultimate goal is ash blonde with silver streaks. I've decided to go with the flow a bit more, and change my colour to something that blends a whole lot better with my white roots, which are killers to cover up every 2 weeks. This cheap-as-chips semi-permanent has already helped get me closer to where I want my tresses to be without any more damage, and I will continue to use it every month or so (in addition to the Schwarzkopf Colour Specialist) to keep the yellows at bay... 

Repurchase?

It was recently on special at one of the supermarkets, so I bought 8 (yes 8!) boxes ♥♥♥...

Makeup

Maybelline COLORdrama Intense Velvet Lip Pencil - In With Coral (RRP $9.95)

The perfect coral colour for my skin tone and I also use it as a liner for some of my other lipsticks - lovingly reviewed the range HERE...

Repurchase?

Can't live without it ♥♥♥...

GIVEAWAY!

As usual, I've picked some faves from this month to giveaway, and the thought crossed my mind, why only have one winner? So to double the fun, there are TWO prize packs this time around!

Up for grabs are 2 packs (1 for each winner) containing...

• L'Oreal Pure Clay Detoxifying Gel Wash
• Skin Republic Bubble Purifying + Charcoal Face Mask Sheet
• Original Source Hibiscus & Pomegranate Tea Shower Gel
• Sukin Super Greens Detoxifying Facial Scrub
• BLAQ Charcoal Eye Mask

All products were purchased by me, and each pack is valued at around $45.

And again because of the weight, the giveaway is open to...

AUSTRALIAN RESIDENTS ONLY 

(To all you gals who are overseas, there'll be another International Giveaway soon - dinks!)

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 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 following 2 beauties as the winners!

Sonia A. & Leonie C.  

Congratulations lovelies! 

Sonia & Leonie please respond to the emails I've sent you by

Wednesday 9th May to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Sonia & Leonie have claimed their prizes ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx