SPOTLIGHT: April Empties 2018 + Giveaway!...

Well, my monthly product turnover doesn't appear to be slowing down! Of course there's always going to be quite a few sheet masks and eye patches (I'm addicted), but there are a bunch of "regulars" here, so I'll concentrate on the ones I haven't mentioned before, or at least not for a while ♥...

Body

Bondi Sands Liquid Gold Self Tanning Dry Oil (150ml, RRP $19.95)

One of my can't-live-withouts. Have tried lots and lots of self-tanners, and this is the one I've settled on - never fails to deliver an even, golden, natural looking tan, and it dries in less than a minute. The best! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely, but probably not till around October when I peel off the winter layers...

Dermaveen Shower & Bath Oil (500ml, RRP $16.99)

Another can't-live-without, especially in the cooler weather when my skin shrivels. Covered in several previous Empties posts, and full review HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Forever...

Dove Original Antiperspirant Deodorant (250ml, RRP $5.25)

Believe it or not, I've had this since November 2016! It was part of the goody bag from the Bloggers United Event, and it's been on my bench ever since. While I'm a devoted Dove stick deodorant user in Summer, I'm not at all keen on aerosols of any kind 'cos I loathe breathing in the fumes, but I managed to hold my breath and FINALLY use up this can. It's awesomely effective for keeping wetness and odour completely at bay, and it has that lovely baby powder fragrance that Dove does so well ♥...

Repurchase?

No, but only because I'm thingy about sprays...

Graham's Cucumber & Aloe Vera Natural Body Wash (250ml, RRP $15.95)

Love, LOVE, LOVE! Full review HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Already have, but I've stashed it for next Summer when it will once again become my #1...

Natura Siberica Extra-Firming Hand Cream (75ml, RRP $14.99)

I absolutely love the Oblepikha hand cream, and this one was a GWP from Chemist Warehouse. Absolutely love this one too - enriching without being greasy, this will sort out any dry skin woes you might be experiencing. Has a lovely delicate, powdery, floral fragrance and it leaves my hands feeling soft, nourished and much loved. Ingredients are 99% natural origin and include Siberian ginseng & limonnik nanai (Vit C & E). You don't need much ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

You betcha...

Oral-B 3D White Luxe Perfection Toothpaste (95g, RRP $9.49)

For the majority of my life, I've been a Colgate gal, but I switched to Oral-B several years ago because of a change in taste preferences, and haven't looked back. Been working my way through their range, and this is my latest purchase. I'm sold on the fresh peppermint taste, and I like that this is icy blue instead of the usual garish stripe. It's enamel safe and keeps my pegs shiny and bright ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

I have a stash that I picked up on special...

Swisse Ultiboost Memory + Focus - Ginkgo, Brahmi & B Vitamins (50 tablets, RRP $29.95)

Earlier this year I went through a period where my short-term memory frequently went out the window - I was struggling to remember the names of everyday things (and people!) in conversations. I didn't know if it was exhaustion, stress or old-age, but it was ferociously embarrassing, so I bought this jar and within a couple of weeks, I was back to normal (thank goodness!) ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I still don't know the cause, but I'm guessing it's a combination of everything I mentioned above, so I'm not taking any chances and will continue to buy these for a while lol...

Urban Rituelle Mandarin + Basil + Lime Hand Cream (100ml, RRP $24.95)

One of my favourite hand creams EVER, the fragrance is to die for, and it's chockfull of goodness - I reviewed it years ago HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Once I get through the five I currently have open, without a doubt...

Face

Beauty by Nicholas Eye Alchemy (15ml, RRP $49.99)

Still my go-to eye cream, full review HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

My peepers absolutely INSIST I do!...

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water (250ml, $31.99)

Reviewed this in my Micellar Magic series (HERE). It's outrageously expensive, but it's the best ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I reckon I'll always have a bottle of this in my stash...

Bioré Charcoal Pore Minimiser (92ml, RRP $10.99)

This little gem has already appeared in three previous Empties posts, love it. Hasn't reduced my pores any further than when I first used it, but they aren't getting any bigger either lol ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
It's a staple...

Graham's Natural Raspberry Organic Lip Balm (4.25g, RRP $7.95)

I haven't actually reviewed this on my blog or beautyheaven, but it's my favourite lip balm. Deliciously hydrating (and tasting) I apply this at various times throughout the day whenever I'm not wearing lippie, but ALWAYS before bed. I've included a few in some of my giveaways, but not any more, I'm keeping them all for myself ha ha! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Till I'm pushing up daisies...

Sukin Oil Balancing + Charcoal Pore Refining Facial Scrub (125ml, RRP $12.95)

My rave review is HERE. The more Sukin products I try, the more impressed I become - the best value range of natural Aussie skincare ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I stock up whenever it's on special, which thankfully is often...

Face Masks

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

In my March Empties post, these are beautiful but you cannot walk around in them, so take advantage of that limitation and RELAX ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Hoping they're on special in next Priceline skincare sale, but if I not I'll buy them anyway...

Lancôme Advanced Genefique Hydrogel Melting Mask (RRP $29)

Part of an Instagram prize from Adore Beauty, there are almost no words for this beauty. In their words "...contains the same amount of bifious extract found in one full bottle of Advanced Genefique Serum". Whatever that bifious stuff is, it works. This is the sheet mask to end all sheet masks - the most plumping, smoothing, refreshing, hydrating, firming & hydrating mask I have EVER tried. Also comes in a box of 4 for $110, which is top of my Santa Wish List ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Sigh...saving my pennies as Christmas is 7 months away...

LonVitalite C7 Collagen & Gold Lip Mask (Box of 6, RRP $35)

Mentioned these in February's post, just adore them. If I could afford it I would use one every day and say goodbye to my vertical lip lines ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes - I only have one left!

Neutrogena Youthful Boost 100% Hydrogel Mask - Smoothing (RRP $5.99)

If you're overwhelmed by the choices of sheet masks to try, then give this one a go. For $6 it blew me away. Comes in 2 pieces (preferred) and has optional flaps to cover eyes and lips if you want to treat absolutely everything (awesome innovation), very pale lilac colour which looks almost clear when you're wearing it so it won't scare the cat or young children, contains hyaluronic acid & adenosine, nicely hydrating and smoothing. Winner! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Gonna buy a stack of these next time I see them on special...

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

Always raving about these, introduced my hairdresser to them and now she's hooked too! Word is spreading though, and every now and then they're out of stock at Kmart - quelle horreur! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Kmart restocked on Friday so I can breathe again...

Skin Republic Retinol Hydrogel Mask (RRP $12.99)

One of several new additions to the SR range, I think I prefer this to their gold one (did I say that?). Another one that won't frighten anyone, it's in two pieces, the nose flap is longer than usual so it covers my big schnozz, it sits quite high under the eyes so it works on that area too without needing separate eye patches. I left it on for the full 40 minutes and was impressed with how my skin looked and felt afterwards. Contains hyaluronic acid, peony & jojoba - the results aren't as spectacular as the Lancôme one, but it's the next best thing, and far more affordable ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yep - this will be a quarterly (at least!) treat for me...

Fragrance

Tilley Aromatic Reed Diffuser - Pink Lychee (150ml, RRP $24.95)

Adore this in Spring and Summer, waxed lyrical about it back in November HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

As soon as the weather warms up...

Hair

Schwarzkopf Colour Specialist - Cool Ultra Light Blonde (RRP $18.99)

The best home hair colourant on the market - gave it both thumbs up and a bucketload of gold stars HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Priceline & Chemist Warehouse regularly have this on special, and there are three boxes in my bathroom cupboard...

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

The second best home hair colourant on the market, I use this to create my highlights. It's one or two notches below the Colour Specialist for gentleness and low damage, but still streets ahead of anything else out there. I did a mini-review in my January Empties post in which I wished they made a Light Ash Blonde, and was thrilled to discover they do - found it at CW! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Two boxes under the vanity...

Schwarzkopf Live Colour Pastels - Cool Grey (RRP $5.49)

Appeared in my March Empties post, and you'll be seeing it over and over again ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes...

Makeup

Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder - True Translucent (RRP $13.95)

Yet another of my C-L-W's, the only setting powder that works for me to control shine in any temperature and minimise the appearance of my pores and lines. It's a shaker style with little holes in the middle of the pan - way too much powder comes through, so when I peel back the seal on a new jar, I only take it part-way and then cut the half I've lifted off. Also comes in a pressed compact version, which I carry with me wherever I go ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Always one or two in my spares drawer...

Colourpop Creme Gel Liner - Teaspoon (RRP US$5)

My #2 eyeliner for the waterline. Doesn't last as long as my EOH faves, but there's no stinging or eye-watering, and this colour is the most fabulous bright emerald green. As with all Colourpop propelling pencils, the product always separates at the base inside the tube so you have to keep pushing it back in, and only being available from their US website means shipping costs and waiting for delivery, but for US$5, I'm prepared to put up with those annoyances ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Must!...

GIVEAWAY!

I've chosen five of my April faves for one of you lovelies - I'm keeping this pack lightweight so the OS gals can join in...

• 1 x Skin Republic Retinol Hydrogel Mask
• 1 x LonVitalite C7 Collagen & Gold Lip Mask
• 1 x Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder - True Translucent
• 1 x Natura Siberica Extra-Firming Hand Cream
• 1 x Neutrogena Youthful Boost 100% Hydrogel Mask - Smoothing

All products were purchased by me, and the total value is approximately $53.

And this giveaway is open

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 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 Fay W. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 6th June to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Fay has claimed her prize ♥

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

Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: August Empties!...

Eeek! With all the Bloggiversary giveaways, I didn't get to post my August Empties, and September ones are in the box waiting their turn too, but first things first. Another big month - I decided to use up some small sample tubes that have been cluttering my drawers for some time, and I'm feeling good about clearing a wee bit more space. Due to my current passions though, I figure the face mask tally is always going to be reasonably high, as is the body washes. There's a few long-term makeup items in here as well, some of which I've highlighted previously in these posts, but as they're absolute FAVES, I'm compelled to include them yet again ha ha ♥ ...

Body Products

Dove Gentle Exfoliating Nourishing Body Wash (375ml, RRP $7.36)

Love these Body Washes - they're so incredibly hydrating, including this one. Only a whisper of exfoliation so I'm more likely to categorise it as a body polish. Smells very similar to the rest of the range...

Repurchase?

Probably not - the Triple Moisturising one below is my favourite..

Dove Triple Moisturising Nourishing Body Wash (375ml, RRP $7.36)

Review HERE - Winter skin saviour! ♥

Repurchase?

Already have - this has become a can't-live-without ♥...

Lacura (Aldi) Detox Me Exfoliating Body Scrub (100g, RRP $4.99)

Nothing special although it smells incredible, but it's actually really annoying - it's pretty much dry coffee granules that don't hold together at all, which means that they flick all over the walls and make a HUGE mess of my shower stall when applied all over my bod. Ended up using it only below the knees to reduce the fallout...

Repurchase?

No...

Lush The Comforter Shower Cream (250g, RRP $19.95)

Bought this at the Bloggers United AU 2nd Birthday bash in March. Smells amazing (blackcurrant & vanilla), has delish skin softening qualities (Almond Oil) and what a pretty addition to my shower stall array ♥...

Repurchase?

Yes - it's one of the few Lush products that I don't need to see, touch and feel before buying, so I can order it online ♥...

Skincare

Bioderma Hydrabio Light Cream (40ml, RRP $40.99)

This was a 15ml sample tube that came in one of my Marie Claire Ageless parcels (incidentally I'm shattered this quarterly box has been discontinued, it was SO good). A lovely lightweight cream that's intensely hydrating, has a delightful and delicate fragrance, and is suitable for sensitive skin. Absorbs within a few seconds leaving the skin surface silky soft and smooth. You really can't go wrong with anything by Bioderma ♥...

Repurchase?

Maybe for next Winter...I have so many moisturisers stashed in my cupboard to try ♥...

Freeze 24.7 Anti-Aging Eye Serum (7ml, RRP US$56)

I forget how this came into my possession (a sub box?), but I sure didn't buy it, and with a US$56 price tag, that's a good thing. Have read mixed reviews of this product online - some gals say they would kill for it, while others (like me) experienced no change whatsoever in their issues (puffiness/dark circles/fine lines etc). It's a clear gel that doesn't hydrate at all, so you need an eye cream as well. There's definitely a tightening sensation as it dries, but for the outrageous cost of such a microscopic tube, I expected SOMETHING!...

Repurchase?

Hell no...

Innoxa Gentle Cleansing Gel (75ml, RRP $14.99)

Disappointed with this - didn't like the smell, and while it sure is gentle and it's a gel, I didn't find it all that effective at removing the layers of slap that I wear on weekdays. Absolutely amazing list of organic ingredients, but hey, if it doesn't work all that well AND I don't like the fragrance, forget it...

Repurchase?

Nope...

Mirenesse Youth Switch DNA Stem Cell Booster Eye Cream (10g, RRP $59.95)

Gosh I have so much Mirenesse skincare in my collection that has arrived via VIP packs, so it was time to test out another. They do make lovely products, and the online reviews of some of them are astounding - I just find most of them to be nothing special as far as targeting my particular advanced ageing skin concerns. This eye cream is super hydrating, the packaging is stunning, it has a nifty little paddle applicator (although I always use my pinky), but obviously I don't need DNA Stem Cells as I noticed no change in my crinkles. Mind you there was no further deterioration while I used it, but I'd rather spend my $60 on something that gives me visible results in a few weeks...

Repurchase?

No...

Nature's Care All Natural Paw Paw Lip Balm (10g, RRP $3.99)

Excellent lip balm, no better or worse than any of the other Paw Paw varieties out there for a similar price. Available from the supermarket, I find this type of liquid balm to be more hydrating than any stick variety, they're just not as convenient to apply. This is an Aussie brand ♥...

Repurchase?

Will probably buy another tube to keep next to the bed or in my handbag ♥...

NeoStrata Renewal Cream (30g, RRP $58.50)

I've tried quite a few NeoStrata creams now, and am suitably impressed with the quality, and their range is quite extensive. I reckon it's a case of finding the right product for the issues you're dealing with. I wanted this one to work on my skin texture and pore size - didn't notice any change, but it felt like it was doing something (tingling). According to their website, there was no pore size reduction observed until the product had been used for 3 months, so I probably need to line up a few tubes and actually stick with something for a while lol...

Repurchase?

Definitely, but not unless it's on special...

Neutrogena Hydro Boost (50g, RRP $24.99)

Another sample size, this one came with a beautyheaven beautorium order - loved it! Very pleasant fragrance, very hydrating, great for daytime as it absorbs COMPLETELY, I prefer something that leaves a trace for overnight, but this is a beaut day cream ♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, after clearing some of the aforementioned backlog ♥...

Nude by Nature Daily Cleanser (125ml, RRP $17.95)

The last appearance of this fab cleanser in these posts - so sad that Nude have discontinued their skin care range...

Repurchase?

Can't...sob...

Face Masks

7th Heaven Charcoal Masque (15g, RRP $4.99)

After falling head over heels for their Dead Sea Mud Pac, I was all set to be hooked on this charcoal one (considering I'm charcoal-obsessed), but to be honest...it scared me. It's an exfoliator as well - walnut shells, but it felt like coarse sand (or fine gravel), and after the first few finger swipes, I didn't dare massage it in. Maybe I got a dud batch with extra granules, but I would class this product under "dermabrasion" because it almost hurt when it came time to wash it off. I had to rub quite a bit and my face was bright pink for a while afterwards. Admittedly my skin felt fantastic after it calmed down, but I wasn't mentally prepared for this level of resurfacing from a face masque - yikes!...

Repurchase?

Seeing as it won a beauty award in 2016, I'm gonna give it another shot, but I'll brace myself first lol...

Eaoron Instant Whitening Face Mask (Box of 5, RRP $29)

I enjoyed this so much the first few times, I bought another box (of 5), and embarked on a weekly session to see what would happen with repeated use - results will be revealed in my September empties post, coming soon! ♥...

Repurchase?

Sure did ♥...

Skin Republic Gold Hydrogel Mask (25g, RRP $12.99)
LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
YES YES YES YES YES YES YES!!!!!!!! ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥...

Skin Republic Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patch (3 pairs, RRP $9.99)
LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
YES YES YES YES YES YES YES!!!!!!!! ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥...

Skin Republic Spots & Blemish (25ml, RRP $7.99)

First tried it back in April, loved it, and it's another one that I plan on using repeatedly over a set period to see if there is any improvement in my pore size ♥...

Repurchase?
I already have 2 stashed away, and will buy 2 more so I can do my experiment ♥...

Makeup

Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder (?, RRP $13.95)
I use this every day, have done for years ♥...
Repurchase?
Always, and at least 2 spares in my drawer ♥...

Australis Stayput! Longwear Foundation (23ml, RRP $16.49)

Well this surprised the hell out of me - so cheap and SO good! Absolutely lasts all day, the colour match is fantastic, although I'm bummed that either the label has come off or it never had one, anyway I have no idea what shade I purchased, so I'll have to take the bottle with me to buy another one (there's still a teeny bit left). The pump works brilliantly, coverage is full without looking caked on, SPF 15, and it's not tested on animals. Winner! ♥...

Repurchase?

Promised myself I'd finish off at least 2 of the 14 (gahhhh!) I have in rotation at the moment, but I will certainly buy this again - it will be terrific for the warmer weather when I desperately need a longwear formula ♥...

Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner (0.5g, RRP $15.95)
My precious, I use this EVERY TIME I do my eye makeup, it's goof-proof ♥..
Repurchase?
Forever ♥...

Maybelline Brow Satin - Dark Blonde (?, RRP $16.95)

My latest must-have brow product! I was perfectly happy with the ModelsPrefer crayon I was using, but I changed my hair colour slightly (amped up the ashy content to counteract the orangey tones it was developing) and consequently the usual brow pencil shade was too warm. So I bought several new products to try, all epic fails except for this one, and I was immediately hooked. It's the propelling kind, and it has one major flaw - if you wind it up more than a millimetre, it breaks off. Happened quite a few times before I twigged, and I went through the whole tube in less than 3 weeks. But I've got the hang of it now. Possibly the most realistic brow product I've ever used, the neutral tone is perfect for my new colouring. There's a spring-loaded smudger on the other end which also dispenses miniscule amounts of powder filler, but I never use it as it tends to flatten the hairs too much - instead I use a standard mascara brush to tidy up. Lasts all day ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

You betcha - bought several in fact from the Chemist Warehouse half-price sale, I reckon I have enough to keep me going for at least 6 months ♥♥♥...

NYX Ombre Blush - Mauve Me (8g, RRP $17.95)

Methinks this is my favourite blush EVER - the colour is just perfect for my skin tone, it's the only blush in my kit that makes me look like I'm genuinely blushing. By that I mean it looks real, and the fact that I used it up ENTIRELY over a period of 12 months says it all. I mean, I don't think I've EVER hit pan on a blush before ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yessirreeee - bought another at the last Priceline half-price makeup sale ♥♥♥...

Fragrance

Versace Bright Crystal Absolu EDP (90ml, RRP $150)

For me Spring is just not Spring without this fragrance - I absolutely adore it, so crisp and fresh and feminine. Raved about it 3 years ago HERE, and it will always be in my collection. It's such a beautiful bottle, I've kept the gorgeous faceted lid to use as a paper weight ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes indeedy, plus I have a spare as I expect to go through the latest bottle within 6 months. Incidentally I have never paid full price for it, I usually buy it on spesh from feelingsexy ♥♥♥...

4th Bloggiversary Giveaway will be up soon, along with September empties!...

Take care of you,
kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: Marie Claire Ageless Parcel #4...

Another fabulous collection of top name brands, and for my particular needs, this Marie Claire Ageless Parcel is the best one so far. I'm excited about every one of these products, and can't wait to put them to the test, so without further ado...

Skin Therapy Dragon's Blood Sculpting Serum - full size, 30ml ($30)

This was a bonus as it just so happens to be the serum I'm using at the moment! I'm almost out (it will be in my May Empties post) so the timing couldn't have been more perfect. LOVE this serum, and for $30 at the supermarket, I reckon I'll be continuing on with it for some time. I'm experiencing every ageing issue that's in the book, so it's a challenge to find a serum that will cover all bases, but the contents of this silver pump bottle seem to be addressing most of my concerns, in particular my saggy baggy jawline and turkey neck. I've seen some improvement in both these areas, and overall my face looks and feels fresher and firmer since I've been using it. Has a very very faint "natural" fragrance, and absorbs in about 15 seconds. It's made in New Zealand, and there's no parabens or animal testing. Winner! ♥♥♥

Alpha-H Balancing Moisturiser & Gentle Exfoliant - 30ml sample ($37.20)

A very interesting product from those clever folk at Alpha-H - according to the blurb, "the glycolic acid exfoliates and brightens skin, while the hyaluronic acid locks in moisture for continuous hydration". Can't say I've heard of an exfoliating moisturiser before (whoa!), but I'm keen to give it a shot. Contains alpha-hydroxy acid, so you have to apply something with at least SPF 15 over the top...

Bioderma Hydrabio Light Cream & Micellar Water for sensitive skin - 15ml sample ($14.63) & 20ml sample ($2.56)

Always delighted to try anything from Bioderma, and this moisturiser is no exception. The enclosed leaflet says it's for dry, tight and dull skin - my cheeks have a tendency to become drier and a bit flaky once Winter sets in, and dullness is always looming on the horizon, so thank you MC - I'll most definitely enjoy this sample. And isn't that cutest little container of micellar water you've ever seen? Also perfect timing as I've been exploring all the different types on the market - this one is specifically for sensitive, dehydrated skin. No room on the bubba-sized bottle for a list of ingredients, but I'll let you know how it goes ♥...

Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Antixidant Infusion Essence - 10ml sample ($9.28)

Just the mention of Prevage gets my attention ♥ I've used some of this range before and adored it, but didn't continue on because of the price tag. This seems to be the EA version of the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, which incidentally did zilch for my skin (review here) so I'm mad keen to try my luck with this formulation. Some gals won't be happy to see alcohol and alcohol denat near the top of the list of ingredients, and sodium laureth sulfate near the bottom, but given I haven't had a reaction to any of these in the past, I'll press on regardless...

It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream, shade medium - 12ml sample ($21.75)

Ok so this is the one item I'm truly BUSTING to try ♥ "7 products in one" is what it says on the side of the box - a full coverage foundation, a shield against environmental free-radicals, a brightening colour corrector, an anti-aging serum, a pore minimizing primer, a dark spot corrector, and a moisturising day cream. Phwoarrr! On top of all that, it contains SPF 50+, and it's in the shade medium, which is just the ticket for me ♥ Blimey if this lives up to even half of the hype, it will become a staple in my kit, giant size please! It's a bit hard to read in the photo, but those percentages you can see on the bottom right of the packaging are "clinically proven" hydration increase in 10 days (179%), softer smoother skin (96%), reduction in wrinkles (85%) and smaller pores (77%). So far I've only applied it to the back of my hand, but the coverage, colour and finish is fantastic - has a slight lemony fragrance, and the second listed ingredient is...wait for it...snail secretion filtrate! Well I don't care a fig so long as it works ha ha. Am I wearing this tomorrow? You betcha ♥

Time for the maths - I've worked out the total value of the contents to be $115.42, and that's for a $25 outlay. I'm not sure if I have to renew my subscription or if it's automatic, but I can assure you I'm not stopping any time soon, and I can't wait to see what's in the next box ♥

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. You'll find this post and some fabulous blog reads over at Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party tomorrow morning at 6:30 ♥

SPOTLIGHT: Micellar Magic Part 4...

Well here we are at the end of the series - well it's not quite the end 'cos I'm having way too much fun, and besides, I've found a couple more micellar waters to try! So I suspect there will be a continuation of this theme ♥, but for now, I'll wrap up this particular set (let's call it "Season 1") with the last two as promised, as well as the mother of all micellar waters, Bioderma...

L'Oreal Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Micellar Cleansing Water 200ml (RRP $12.95)

So this was the second one I tried after the pink Garnier, and it's a beauty - no alcohol, hypoallergenic and fragrance free. I don't know which of the ingredients listed below is the toner component, but it does offer a little something extra over the others as far as texture refining is concerned. Not the least bit drying, good slip factor, and I find this quite soothing and smoothing. I used to use the L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Toning Lotion, but this does the job just as well, despite feeling gentler. I prefer this rectangular bottle shape as it takes up far less room on my bench than the fat round ones. Overall I really like this version - will repurchase once I've finished the contents, and alternate it with my #1 fave (to be revealed below) ♥...

true micellar water make up remover 125ml (RRP $4)

This is one of the new cheap-and-cheerful range from Coles - just about everything is $4, so I figured it was well worth a place in my experiment. While it is a relatively small quantity, the baby sized (yet sturdy) bottle is super handy for weekends away, and the cap unscrews so you can refill it with another brand if you prefer, or anything else for that matter. No alcohol content, not tested on animals and Australian made, so there's three bonuses already. Like some of the others, it sort of foams if you rub the cotton pad on the skin, and while it's fragrance-free, it does have a faint scent when it hits the makeup remover pad. Although non drying, it's not my fave, but I'll buy this again just to have a few of the empty containers in my drawer ♥

Bioderma Sensibio H20 Make-up removing micelle solution 250ml (RRP 100 ml - $20.99, 250ml - $31.99, 500ml - $42.99)

So here's the darling that started it all. It's made in France, and consequently, has an ooh-la-la price tag, but you get what you pay for - a 100% irritant-free, fragrance-free dermalogically and opthalmologically tested formula that whisks away makeup and grime in seconds. Ever so slight foaming characteristics (actually more slip than foam) and again, it has a faint what I call "towel left on the clothesline" scent once it comes in contact with the cotton pad. BUT it does leave my skin feeling the silkiest and softest of all the ones I've tried. I've found that all micellar waters have a cooling effect, but this one even more so - possibly the cucumber extract content, and I would go for this big time in the hot weather for an extra refreshment boost. Like the Sukin one, I really appreciate that it has an expiry date on the back of the bottle. Nice one Bioderma ♥

Ok before I reveal my numero uno, I thought I'd do one last test - as mentioned in Part 1, I use micellar water as my second cleanser, and instead of a toner. But there are many of you who might choose to use this magical elixir as your one and only cleanser. So in the (sucky - boo!) swatch piccie below, I've drawn on a stripe of Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner, and let it set for a few minutes before swatching with each of the products - one single same-pressure swipe with a soaked cotton bud paddle, so you can see how effective they all are...

So now for the big reveal - valuewise, and for my particular purposes, Garnier Sensitive gets my vote, and it's the one I'll continue to purchase over and over again, well at least until I find something better. BUT if I ever decide to ditch my traditional cleansers and use ONLY a micellar water, I would go for the original but pricey Bioderma Sensibio ♥

Till Series 2...

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. Added to Ingrid's BRILLIANT Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party ♥