June 2019 Empties & Giveaway!...

Missed writing a post last weekend - I've just started a new job and it's eating into my blogging time, but hey, it pays the bills and keeps my beauty addiction going, so I can't complain. And yes lovelies - this is my biggest Empties post of all time! It will probably hold the record forever as I've now pretty much cleared my shelves and benchtops of the partially used beauty bits and bobs that have been clogging up the works for years. Feeling much freer because of the cleanout, although it will take a fair amount of personal discipline to not let the buildup happen again, but...I'm up for a challenge of such magnitude lol ♥...

Body

OGX Extra Hydrating Radiant Glow Argan Oil of Morocco Body Wash (577ml, $17.99)

Reviewed in my SLS-Free Body Washes post HERE ♥♥...

Repurchase?

You betcha ♥♥...

Shea Moisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Creme Sugar Scrub (227g, RRP $10)
One word, two syllables - di-vine! This is listed on the "limited editions" page of their website. I don't know what that means in terms of availability going forward, but I've just bought another jar, and because my order total came to >$50 I was able to choose a second jar for free - woo hoo! Smells fantabulous and it works a treat on my rough bits leaving my skin silky smooth and deliciously nourished. The main ingredient is sugar, closely followed by coconut oil, and there's some shea butter as well. Love it to bits! ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
Absolutely ♥♥♥...

Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Soap (230g, RRP $13.95)
I think this is my favourite soap in the whole wide world - reviewed HERE ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
I have a few bars scattered around the house and just ordered a spare ♥♥♥...
P.S. Reminder: use code KATS at the website checkout to receive 30% off - it doesn't apply to Limited Editions but works with the regular range

Regulars

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

Dr.Lewinn's Eternal Youth Rejuvenate & Refine Skin Polishing Exfoliant (100g, RRP $29.95)

The last of my scathingly brilliant bargains from the Priceline Hornsby Beauty Store closure - it was on the shelf for $5, and if it wasn't for the store closing, I may never have had the opportunity to fall in love with this wondrous scrub. Before I start my rave, I'm not happy with the screw cap - don't companies realise how hard it is to remove the lid, squeeze out the contents and screw the lid back on when you're all soapy in the shower? Now for the rave - LOVE this! Delish refreshing scent, the cream itself is dark grey (from the charcoal) and the exfoliating bits are finely ground walnut shells. Gentle enough to use every day, I treat myself to it once or twice a week just so I can make it last. Leaves my skin surface as smooth as glass, and perfectly prepped for the rest of my morning regime ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Picked up two more on special, and I'm giving away one at the end of this post (I must be crazy lol) ♥♥♥...

Elucent Anti Ageing Eye Cream (15g, RRP $50)

This was a blast from the past - haven't had a tube of this for over five years, and it came my way I think from Beautyheaven, but remembering the source is a huge problem when you have too much stuff. Wherever it came from I was delighted to be reminded of this classy cream that I used faithfully for several years. Feels lovely on the skin and kept my delicate eye area well hydrated, however, nothing much else in the way of apparent improvements in the wrinkles, sagging skin or baggy areas. As I keep saying, I need creams that can work miracles, and sadly this one just doesn't cut my old mustard ♥...

Repurchase?

No ♥...

Garnier Skin Active Micellar Cleansing Water  (125ml, RRP $6.95)
Covered this in my Micellar Magic Series Part 1 HERE. One of the best there is! ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
Yup! ♥♥♥...

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream (48g, RRP $48.99)

Been quite a while since I first discovered this skin care masterpiece (even before I started posting empties), and I'd quite forgotten how fabulous it is. This sample jar came from...I can't remember...but it's been sitting part-used on my bench for over a year, and I'm so glad I finally finished it off. I'm in love with the fragrance and how enriching the formula is, especially for my dry winter skin. Because there's no SPF I've only been applying it at night, but I do love the feel of it on my face, as well as the way my skin looks and feels the next morning. If I wasn't on my retinol path, I'd be quite content to use this all the time ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Not at this stage because of the Neutrogena range I'm working with - but I have another (unopened) sample jar in the drawer so I won't forget about it again ♥♥♥...

Sukin Purely Ageless Rejuvenating Day Cream (120ml, RRP $22.95)

This one's been hanging around for a while. I'm such a Sukin fan and was mad keen to try this (and the Night Cream) when they first came out (was it last year?) - their skincare is SO good and so affordable. This is a beautiful cream with a delightful and delicate floral fragrance, but no SPF, and it's just not potent enough for all my ageing issues. Like a lot of others in my backlog, I've been using it as a body moisturiser (what a treat!), and I'm kinda sad that it's come to an end ♥♥...

Repurchase?
No - it's lovely, but I need much more powerful guns in my arsenal ♥♥...

Sukin Super Greens Detoxifying Facial Scrub (125ml RRP $13.95)
Detailed review HERE. Next time this will appear in my Regulars ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
I actually bought another one yesterday at Priceline - on special 3 for 2, so I chose the Oil-Balancing & Rejuvenating ones as well ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover (112ml, RRP $10.89) 
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream with Accelerated Retinol SA (48g, RRP $48.99) 
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum with Accelerated Retinol SA (29ml, RRP $42.99)
Nivea Hyaluron Cellular Filler Anti Spot Treatment Serum (30ml, RRP $34.99)
Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence (40ml, RRP $39.99)

Face Masks

Beautycare (Kmart) Raspberry Leaf Botanical Eye Mask (pack of 2, RRP $3)

These were the find of the month. Kmart has been out of stock of my fave Purederm Ginkgo eye patches for weeks (what the hell is going on?), so in desperation, I thought I'd give these a shot, and they're awesome, and a pretty good substitute. You can just make them out in the piccie below - they're clear with a sort of cross-hatch pattern, and they stick really well considering they're the gel kind. I'm going to experiment with sleeping in them (which is how I use the Purederm ones) - very cooling and they do seem to firm the under eye area a bit ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Already have ♥♥♥...

Skin Republic 24K Gold Aquagel Under Eye Patch (2 pairs, RRP $12.99)

So happy I revisited these - they're really something special because they actually reduce my puffy bags, if only for a short while ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

On and on, and on, and on ♥♥♥...

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

If you've been reading my Empties posts for a while you may remember last year I couldn't stop raving about the Collagen Eye Patches from Skin Republic - well, these Retinol ones are EVEN BETTER. There aren't any pictures because I slept in them every night for 12 nights last month, and they made quite a difference to my under eye area, smoothing the wrinkles and reducing the annoying pigmentation that I have to cover every day with concealer. I came to the conclusion I should sleep in them every night, but my bank balance would take too much of a hit ($100 per month), so I'll just treat myself to a mini-series of them whenever I need a boost ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Oh yeah, baby ♥♥♥...

Regulars
Garnier SkinActive Pure Charcoal Tissue Mask with Black Algae (RRP $4.99)

Neutrogena Hydro Boost 100% Hydrogel Mask (RRP $5.99)

Skin Physics Instant Lift V-Shape Vitality Mask (RRP $14.99)

Skin Republic Volcanic Ash Mud Sheet Mask (RRP $12)

Hair

Amazon Series MuruMuru Anti-Frizz Smoothing Masque (250ml, RRP $29.95)

Embarrassed to say I've been working through this jar for over 2 years. My hairdresser recommended it, and it's truly fabulous for controlling the frizzies, but I prefer to use the Kerasilk mask as that's what's recommended to maintain my post-treatment condition. And for a while, I couldn't find where to buy it, so this was the next best thing. The MuruMuru is full of botanical goodness, contains no parabens, and it smells like heaven - highly recommended! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

If I can't find Kerasilk, then yes ♥♥♥...

Schwarzkopf Live Salon Permanent - Ultra Light Ash Blonde & Medium Ash Blonde (RRP $13.99)

These should actually be in regulars as I go through 2 packs of each every month. But looking back I haven't included the Medium one before. Anyway, I mix these two together 60/40 (medium/light) in order to get the colour I want because they don't actually make a Light Ash Blonde, the Medium is too dark, and the Ultra Light doesn't take on my white roots. I've tried other brands but the colour either turns out too yellowy, or the formula is too damaging for my hair. What I actually want is to dye my hair silver grey, but it doesn't seem to be possible in a home colourant - boo! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I stock up whenever they're on special, but the Ultra Light is becoming harder and harder to find - a fact that I'm trying not to stress about ♥♥♥...

Regulars
Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector (100ml, RRP $49.95)

Scott Cornwall Colour Restore Iced Platinum Anti-Yellow Toner (100ml, RRP $16.95)

Makeup

Australis HD Translucent Loose Setting Powder (6g, RRP $15.95)

Well now, when I went to pick up my usual Ready-Set-Go Finishing Powder from the stand and found this there instead, I'll admit to having a moment of panic. I've been using it for more years than I can remember and was mortified at the prospect of it being discontinued and replaced with something that might not be as good. But I needn't have worried as this HD one is almost identical - the original was flat matte, and this just has the merest hint of shimmer, but nowhere near enough to be a problem. Phew! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Forever, well at least until they revamp it again ♥♥♥...

Beauty by Nicholas Foundation No More - Medium (30ml, RRP $30)

Love this foundation, and it's come down in price considerably since my in-depth review HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

You know the score - just as soon as I use up some others on my bench l ♥♥♥...

Regulars

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

Giveaway

Ok, so this month we have up for grabs...

• Australis HD Translucent Loose Setting Powder
• Beautycare (Kmart) Raspberry Leaf Botanical Eye Mask
• Dr.Lewinn's Eternal Youth Rejuvenate & Refine Skin Polishing Exfoliant
• Olay Regenerist Starter Kit
• Shea Moisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Creme Sugar Scrub
• Skin Republic 24K Gold Aquagel Under Eye Patch

All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $100.  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 Christine Y as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 24th July to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Christine has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

Beautyheaven Glosscar Awards Marketplace Member Event...

Yesterday I had the absolute pleasure of attending one of the Beautyheaven Glosscar Awards Marketplace Member Event sessions at bh headquarters in the Sydney CBD ♥ The Beautyheaven Glosscar Awards are an annual affair, and members can vote for their favourite beauty products released in the previous 12 months. This Marketplace Event was a fabulous opportunity to learn about and experience some of the amazing products nominated this year, from MAC, Estee Lauder, Bobbi Brown, Beauty by Nicholas, L'Occitane, Essano & Proactiv ♥...

Image courtesy of beautyheaven.com

While we were only there for an hour, we were provided with some delicious refreshments, and there was time to take in everything on display, as well as catch up with some long-time member friends and the bh Team of lovelies. After missing out on a pic with the gorgeous Debbie Black from beautyheaven at the 10th Birthday Party Event last October, I made sure to hijack her this time around - she's a total doll! ♥...

There were seven beauty stations to visit, manned either by bh staff or sponsor representatives, and we were able to sample the products, ask questions, and were generously gifted with items from every stand. I've been a fan of the Beauty by Nicholas brand ever since discovering them at the previous bh event I attended last year and chose the only product from their range that I hadn't tried before - Omega Hydroxy Night Rejuvenation ♥...

I left it too late to take a photo of the Bobbi Brown stand before it was swamped (lol!), but all 20 colours of their Crushed Lip Colour lipsticks were on display and available to swatch, and you can imagine all us girls went to town on that opportunity! ♥... 

I chose the shade Watermelon, a stunning red with lots of pink, or is it pink with lots of red? Either way the formula is a wonder combination of long-lasting pigments and a matte finish that's comfortable to wear ♥...

At the Essano station, we learned about their Rosehip Clarifying Clay Masque, which I tried last night and it's brilliant! Delectable rose fragrance, the prettiest soft pink colour, and it left my skin glowing and deeply cleansed. Also gifted was their Clear Complexion Detoxifying Serum, which I also included in my Saturday night beauty routine, and will continue to use to help control my oily-T zone ♥...

The Estee Lauder experts were on hand to colour match us with their new Double Wear Nude Water Fresh Makeup which includes SPF 25. They used one of those nifty electronic gadgets that they hold against areas of the face and neck in order to find the perfect match. We were gifted with a full-sized bottle of this delightful foundation, and my match was Ivory Beige 3N1, which I'll be road-testing tomorrow ♥...

Our lovely L'Occitane rep treated us to samples of the latest moisturisers, and we were so kindly gifted with their miraculous Shea Butter Intensive Hand Balm, and a bottle of Terre De Lumiere EDP. I'll be reviewing this separately, but let's just say that it's a crisp and spicy, sensual gourmand floral masterpiece! ♥...

Here's bh's stunning and ever so friendly Steph at the MAC stand, where we were introduced to the Bold & Bad Lash mascara. Of course, I'll be doing an in-depth review in the weeks ahead, but if the contents are as magnificent as the packaging, I'll be happy as a clam! The spectacular silver, red and black tube has two brushes, one each for top and bottom, and the bottom lash formula is smudge-proof - we shall see! ♥...

I've not tried any Proactiv products before - their speciality is troubled skin, and I only experience maybe one blemish in a year, but I am regularly dealing with blackheads on my nose, so I was delighted to have the opportunity to try their Blackhead Dissolving Gel. It's designed to shrink pores as well - my hooter has already had a treatment, and I'll report back to you soon. Incidentally, it smells divine ♥...

How beaut it was to play catch up with some of the other bh members, so many of whom are fellow beauty bloggers, like these two babes - Leah from Temporary Princess, and Marisa from Marisa Robinson Makeup Artist ♥♥♥...

And here's what was in my loot bag - I feel totally spoiled and so chuffed to have received so many delish products to try ♥...

 

If you're not already a beautyheaven member, I can assure you the rewards are amazing, and if you join now and vote, you can be in the running for one of 10 prize packs valued at around $1,000. I've been lucky enough to win two of these mammoth prize boxes in my 9 years as a member so I won't be entering the comp, but I WILL be voting for my fave products before the closing date of this Thursday 29th March...

Huge thankyous to the beautyheaven team (& sponsors) for this fun experience - you guys always put on the best show! ♥...

Take care of you,

kats xxx

REVIEW: Beauty by Nicholas Eye Alchemy...

Been holding back on this review of the Beauty by Nicholas Eye Alchemy that was gifted at the beautyheaven 10th Birthday Bash. At my age, results can take a while to become evident, and even though I saw improvements even in the first week, I wanted to give this baby the greatest opportunity to work its magic. It's been almost three months now, and I'm delighted to report this is a winner ♥...

Packaging is modern and classy - a silver metal tube with lavender trim. Inside is 15ml of a gel-type liquid, quite thin in consistency, which I actually prefer as it doesn't feel gluggy or greasy. The pump is too generous for my taste, but with only the slightest of pressure, I can dispense about a rice grain sized amount for each eye.  My skin absorbs it completely in under a minute so there's no residue, but the eye area feels supple and super soft. It has a very subtle floral/fruit fragrance (which I can't pinpoint, but cucumber and lemon are listed as ingredients), which dissipates in an instant, and being so lightweight, there's no tugging or pulling when I pat it on and massage it around my peepers. The gel is milky white, and in good lighting I can see the inclusion of white particles, which dissolve immediately upon application...

The first sensation is one of cooling, and as the gel is absorbed, there's a very slight tightening feeling. The blurb says that targeted areas are dark circles, crows feet and under-eye bags. Well, my crows feet aren't anywhere near as pronounced, in fact I could honestly say they are only noticeable when I smile, and I don't mind that lol. I don't have dark circles, but I do have pigmented areas both under and above my eyes, and these have lightened - actually the marks on my hoods are almost gone, and that's a bonus as I usually have to cover them with concealer (or hair ha ha) when I take eye closeups. Speaking of which I was phasing EOTD photos out of my beauty repertoire because of my crinkles, but this eye cream just might have extended my fun for a while. Unsure about the de-puffing qualities as I'm using something else on my bags that is gradually dissolving the fat, (which is my only option, more on that in another post)...

Here's what's on the box, and the list of ingredients...

Overall I'm impressed with Eye Alchemy, and it's currently my #1 eye cream. Kicking myself for not taking a "before" picture - you'd think I'd have learned by now! I've also been applying it on the bunny lines between my brows, as well as the vertical creases above my top lip, and both areas are looking smoother, and the wrinkles don't seem as deep...

RRP is $49.99, but I picked up another bottle from the Priceline 40% off sale, and I'm sure there will be more of those. Beauty by Nicholas products are not tested on animals, and they're made in Australia. Their Foundation No More remains a firm favourite (review HERE) and I've also bought their No! No! Needles & Plump It Up serums to try, so there'll be more reviews in the coming months...

Huge thankyous to beautyheaven and Beauty by Nicholas for the opportunity to try this transforming wonder cream!

What's your HG eye cream?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

REVIEW: Beauty by Nicholas Foundation No More...

Time to review some of the goodies from the Beautyheaven Turns 10 birthday loot bag - so many amazing products, it will probably take me a whole 12 months! So without further ado, I'm starting with the fabulous AA (anti-ageing) Cream from Beauty by Nicholas - Foundation No More...

Wowee, what a gem! I chose the Medium colour for my free gift from the party, and I'm loving it so much, I swapped some of my points in beautorium for another tube so I have a spare. It's a very VERY close second to IT Cosmetics CC Cream, but it only gets pipped at the post because the SPF content is 30+, whereas the IT Cosmetics one is 50+. Mind you the Foundation No More scores a heap of bonus points because a) it's currently $20 cheaper, and b) it's readily available from Priceline (and the Beauty by Nicholas Aussie website) - availability is a major factor for me as I've been waitlisted for the IT CC Cream for over 3 months on Sephora, and only just snapped it up a couple of days ago, and it's already out of stock again. How crazy is that? Annoying too, but hey it's so darn popular. Anyway, apart from what I've mentioned above, there's very little difference between the two products, BUT the Nicholas AA Cream has certain features which I actually prefer, and that's why it's now a staple in my kit. So let's get on with all you need to know, and why I love it ♥...

In the pic on the left you can see my freckly hand, and on the right is after blending a squiddly squirt of Foundation No More with my usual dome brush. Coverage isn't complete, but I think you'll agree it's pretty darn good. Both photos were taken in natural light - the pigmented spots are blended in, the colour is natural, and the finish is a soft sheen. It has an almost mousse-like consistency when applying, it's light, doesn't crack or sink into my lines, and transfer is non-existent once it dries...

And here's a pic of my freckled spider-veined au-naturel face transformed by my usual work makeup routine, with Foundation No More as my base. Sure I've used a wee bit of concealer under my eyes and around my nose, but the coverage is fabulous. My freckles aren't entirely hidden, but the end result is natural and glowy and stays put for the whole day ♥... 

Here's the blurb that's on the box, and the list of ingredients...

And hooray, it's an Aussie owned brand that doesn't test on animals ♥...

I use one full pump for my face and neck and then dispense a tiny bit more onto the back of my hand for extra coverage on my trouble spots. It blends beautifully and makes my skin look SO good. At this stage, it's available in 3 shades - light, medium & tan, and according to their website, it "Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by up to 63% after just 28 days of usage". Can't wait for that!...

Overall it's a winner for my mature skin - love the formula, the texture, the finish, and how it dramatically improves the look of my complexion without making it look like I've plastered on a mask. Beautyheaven lists the price at $49.99, but the product website and Priceline have it listed as $39.99 - I'm not sure if this is a "special" price, but now is sure a good time to try/buy. Thanks again to beautyheaven and Beauty by Nicholas for the opportunity to experience something that I have a feeling will eventually replace all the other foundations in my kit - whoa! ♥...

Have you tried this product? Would you rather use an AA, BB or CC cream than a foundation?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

Beautyheaven Turns 10!...

My favourite beauty website, beautyheaven, is 10 years old this year, and I was blessed with an invitation to their birthday celebration at The Ivy Sunroom in Sydney yesterday. What a wonderful time was had by all - seriously, my face was aching from smiling so much lol!  And by the time I got home, my arms were aching from the weight of all the fabulous beauty products they and their sponsors so kindly gifted to us. This will be a long, loving and picture-heavy post, so grab a cuppa and let's get started ♥...

The venue was perfect - located in the heart of Sydney, beautifully appointed, delicious and innovative catering, helpful and efficient staff, couldn't wish for anything better. It was champagne on arrival, which was 10am, but I didn't let the early hour stop me from getting into instant party mode. We were ushered into the media room for a welcome speech by several of the bh staffers (and MD) and viewed a delightful video that captured the essence and evolution of beautyheaven over the years. I don't know the numbers but I'd say at least 100 guests, and the space around the atrium was set up with a huge refreshment bar (most important!), and 8 beauty "stations" manned by sponsors & their staff. We had been given wristbands when we arrived that included a random group number, and after finding our fellow "groupies" we were joined by a bh staffer and guided to each of the product stations in a sequence, sort of a moving beauty feast. My group was led by the stunningly gorgeous Bree Macgugan (pictured below left) - what a wonderfully warm and vivacious lady she is, thanks for the love Bree! ♥...

Also pictured above are Vanessa Rossini & the MD Michelle Blancato - what I wouldn't give to have a boss of her calibre, a truly lovely lady with an amazing energy field around her, and a genuine passion for what she does. These three beautiful women were actually having their official photo taken, but it was an opportunity too good for this pushy blogger to miss, and I thank you all for being so gracious considering we'd only just met! ♥ I was also super happy to meet and chat with darling Debbie Black, but in all the excitement, forgot to grab her for a snap! ♥...

Of course catching up with the other bh staffers and members was a MASSIVE part of the day, and the most common sound you could hear at any point in time was "Oh my gosh, you're ...!!!" as we finally put a real face to the avatar, and in some cases matched them up to an Instagram handle. Was delighted to meet the effervescent mum-to-be Ying (aka Ellyloves) below ♥...

My group's first station was Beauty by Nicholas - had not heard of this brand before, but if their products live up to their claims, I reckon you'll be reading all about them on my blog going forward. This is a range of serious skincare for folks who are serious about results (count me in!), and they don't test on animals ♥....

The presentation was super impressive and we were able to choose our shade of Foundation No More, a multi-purpose cream that does everything, and that I think is going to become a staple in my kit. Will review ASAP, along with their Eye Alchemy (goody bag inclusion) which I can't WAIT to try out ♥...

Next stop was the Fun Factory/We-Vibe Fun Room - a long table loaded with all sorts of strange looking devices for personal pleasure seekers! I won't go into too much detail here, but we were able to ask questions about their purpose and the best way to use them, and received some very interesting answers lol. It was all a bit of a giggle, but the products themselves are beautifully made, that bold pink one top right reminded me of a Smurf!...

And here are the contents of our Svakom goody bag...

We moved onto the Nutrimetics station, and learned about several of their amazing skincare ranges - Ultra Care Platinum (untried so far) & their classic Nutrich-Rich (know and love!) ♥...

I was excited to see this brand at the party as I used their products decades ago, and have only recently joined up again as a home buyer, so to receive all the fabulous lotions and potions below for free was a bonus I wasn't expecting - so generous! Plus they included their latest release - Lip Polish, which is certainly going to get a work out on my pucker ♥...

Another gorgeous face I was super happy to see was Laura (aka thelifeoflaura) - this beauty came all the way from Canberra for the event. Now that's what I call a megawatt smile! ♥...

We then had about 45 minutes of consuming the most stunningly presented munchies, followed by coffee or tea, after which we headed to the MAC station. While we were waiting for the previous group to finish, I leapt at the opportunity to capture the gorgeous gal Lily aka LilyNotLouise. We were able to select any colour from their Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour range, and have it expertly applied by one of the consultants - I had to decline as I'm still recovering from a cold sore that reared its ugly head a few days ago, but thoroughly enjoyed seeing the lips of the other lovelies transformed with this wondrous formula. We each received one in the bh goody bag (pic further down) ♥...

Station #5 on my circuit was Clinique, and a colour match of their new Even Better Glow Foundation. Being such a dull day, the lighting wasn't the best for such an endeavour, but my lovely consultant used her phone light to try and get the best match - for me it was Stone, which is a warm neutral...

And in the bh goody bag I found this gifted beauty, Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm - woo hoo and thank you! ♥...

Next stop was Estée Lauder, and a colour matching session of their Double Wear Foundation. With my cool base and warm freckles, I'm a bit of a challenge to match, but they have this amazing gadget which they hold against various areas of the face & neck, and it recommends the best match. Mine was Pale Almond, but because it is somewhat paler than I'm used to, the consultant also gave me a sample of  Desert Beige, which is similar to what I've worn before. At the same time we were handed one of the new Advanced Night Repair Concentrated Recovery Powerfoil Masks - you know my love of sheet masks, so you can imagine that I was blissing out! And then in the bh bag, I found a sample of their Advance Night Repair Synchronized Complex II - talk about spoilt ♥...

The next station was Plunketts - they have a new treatment called Working Hands which I reckon will be appearing in numerous empties posts going forward. It had an instantly softening effect on my hand, and absorbed in a few seconds - that's my kind of hand cream! Chuffed to find a full-size tube in the bh goody bag, and during the presentation, we were given the Pure Vitamin E Oil and Collagen Lift Moisturiser. I'm so looking forward to trying all of these ♥...

Last stop on our beauty journey was Justice - the hair care range from Just Cuts salons, and they also have a web store. The Smooth & Groom product was demonstrated on a brave volunteer from the group - it's a hair moisturiser that doesn't create any weight or greasy feel, and can be applied several times per day. Sounds like something my bleached tresses are in dire need of. We were gifted with a bag containing the samples below, and because it was the last session of the day, we also received one of various full size products, mine was the Argan Oil ♥...

After all these station hops, we moved into the media room again for the presentation of some awards for the bh members who have been the most active participators in the site - heaps of congrats to Shop A Everyday, misfortunate8, Yohanna & iluvspring. These four gals received bags containing over $1000 worth of products! The presentation was followed by the cutting of the bh cake, and then we were offered one more glass of champagne and a yummo cup cake ♥...

What a glorious day ♥ So after saying farewell to my bh mates, and a whole bunch of new found friends, I staggered home with bags and bags of loot. Below is everything else that was in the bh swag that I haven't already covered above...

Batiste Dry Shampoo and Hairspray, Lady Jayne Swirly Pins & a folding contraption from We-Vibe (I think it's a massager) 

Fabulous collection of Barry M products in a cute little cosmetic case - the lipstick is shade #167...

Elle Magazine...

Vonblu Lipstick (Riva) and MAC lipcolour (Dance With Me)...

Nads Ultimate Brow Shaping Kit, Nair Wax Strips, and 1000 Hour Lash & Brow Dye...

Manicare Eyeliner brush, Pearl Drops Charcoal Toothpaste, Ecotools Color Correcting Mini Blenders, Nature's Way Beauty Collagen Gummies, & Skinny Superfood Detox Greens & Berries...

Rosehip Plus Roll-On Rosehip Oil, SkinB5 Skin Purifying Mask, Natura Siberica Oblepikha Hand Cream, Bondi Sands Coconut Coffee Body Scrub (Bubblegum), Swisse Rosehip Facial Moisturiser, Swisse Manuka Honey Detoxifying Facial Mask, and Swisse Deep Sea Hydrating Mist Toner

The warmth and friendliness between every one of the bh staff and their guests was palpable, and a joy to be a part of - it felt like home ♥ It was actually a beautyheaven competition 4 years ago (Blogstar) that got me started on my little blogging adventure, and I credit them with igniting my passion for all things beauty-related. Truly I knew so little about skincare or makeup (let alone how to apply it) before I joined 9 years ago, and the combination of site information, opportunities to trial products way beyond my budget PLUS the loving feedback from the ultra-supportive Forum members, launched me on a path that I'm following to this very day, and will continue until my hands shake too much to apply my eyeliner in a straight line lol ♥...

Thank you beautyheaven for the opportunity to participate in this awesome event, many happy returns to you all, and congratulations on providing a beauty home-away-from-home for the last 10 years. In my book you are the best-in-beauty business the industry has to offer - long may you shine ♥...

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. The stunning colour of the Say It With Polish enamel at the top of the page is called...Beauty Heaven ♥...