REVIEW: Urban Rituelle Natural Hand & Body Wash and Purifying Face Scrub...

My love affair with Urban Rituelle products goes back, way back - at least 7 years in fact. A search on my blog reveals no less than 15 articles, and their fragrance diffusers and hand creams have made numerous appearances in my empties posts because they are exceptional - lovingly created, exquisitely presented, and the UR Team are constantly working towards developing products that are not only beneficial to our bodies (and souls) but also have the least impact on the environment ♥...

Recently they so kindly sent me six of the products from their new Natural Remedy range (there are 11 in total), which also includes face products - woo hoo! And I can assure you that each and every one of them is chock full of natural ingredients, an absolute pleasure to use, beautifully packaged, and all materials and ingredients used are chosen with sustainability as a priority - UR's philosophy is that their products not only have to work brilliantly, feel and look sensational, they also must be made with the greatest respect for our planet and its dwindling resources ♥...

I'll be reviewing all of the above in the coming weeks, but for now, I'll start with those categories that are most dear to my heart ♥...

Mandarin, Orange & Geranium Natural Hand & Body Wash (500ml, RRP $37.95)

I'll begin with the packaging which is a cream cardboard box made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper ♥ The list of ingredients is impressive to me as there is only one item (2nd last) that isn't either naturally derived or certified organic, and that's Dehydroacetic Acid, which Google explains is a preservative to prevent the growth of microorganisms. Everything else is either natural or, better still, organic - things like Kakadu Plum, Hibiscus Flower Extract, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Argan Kernel Oil, Macadamia Seed Oil and Rosehip Fruit Oil. There are no sulphates, parabens, mineral oils, phthlates, synthetic colour or fragrance, and no PEGS or silicones. The dark brown bottle is made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic, and the pump dispenser is the kind you pivot left or right to open and close ♥...

The golden liquid inside has an almost gel-like consistency, and it smells as if it were divinely inspired - predominantly geranium, but there is also a tinge of citrus, lavender and patchouli to steer it into the realm of family-friendly rather than girls-only. I'm besotted - it's the only hand and body wash that I've EVER moved from shower stall to vanity and back again just so I could experience it more than once in the same day! I definitely need another bottle lol. The suds are creamy and fragrant, and anyone with skin prone to dryness will be blissing-out just like me as this formula is so nourishing, calming and moisturising. There is a partnering Hand and Body Lotion in the range, but I'm not even sure I need it after this! LOVE ♥♥♥

Mandarin, Lime & Neroli Purifying Face Scrub (100ml, RRP $25.95)

Similar recycled cardboard box with UR's Earth-friendly mission statement(s) on one side, and equally fabulous (and comforting) ingredients information on the other two. 50% of the tube is made from post-consumer plastics, it's 100% recyclable, and has what I regard as the essential flip-top cap for easy dispensing, especially in the shower. Over half of the ingredients in this beauty are organic - Aloe Leaf Juice, Kakadu Plum, Gooseberry Fruit Powder, and there's also White Kaolin Clay and Hibiscus Flower Extract. The sloughing granules are small and firm, and there's no indication as to what they are made from but I'm guessing that the Ground Bamboo Stem may be involved here. The scent is very subtle, and I would call it more earthy or natural rather than citrus-inspired - but the Mandarin, Lime & Neroli essential oils are there, just not in predominance, so scent-sensitive folks are well catered for...

As for the results, my face feels amazing. I almost always use scrubs in the shower, but I've tried this over the basin, and unlike other brands in my kit, it's super easy to completely rinse off the fine granules. Incidentally, afterwards, I paused in my skincare routine as I was distracted by something else, and by the time I got back to the remaining steps, I was delighted to observe that my skin felt fabulous as is! No tightness, no feeling as if the surface had been stripped - just deeply cleansed, super-soft and supple skin, and I massaged the rest of my products into an ultra-smooth and healthily glowing surface. Needless to say I'M HOOKED ♥♥♥  

All Urban Rituelle products are Australian made, cruelty-free, and if you don't wish to order from their website or visit their Caringbah store, there are over 1000 stockists around the country, plus with every purchase I have made over the years, I have received a free soap - a different one each time (how do they know?) ♥...

Thank you Urban Rituelle for this beautiful gift, and I'm both excited & delighted to have the opportunity to review all of these stunning products in the weeks ahead. I'm so in love with what you create, and I hope your dreams filter out into the world ♥...

Take care of you, and keep safe,

kats xxx

REVIEW: Weleda Creamy Body Wash...

If you've been here before you'll be aware that I have a thing about hydrating body washes, and ones that don't contain SLS. It's not that I'm allergic to SLS (fortunately) but ever since I committed to not using any shower products that included this suss ingredient, my bod skin has been a helluva lot smoother and softer, and the little flaky and slightly crusty bits on my arms have disappeared completely. Consequently, I'm forever in search mode for body washes and gels that can maintain the progress I've made, as well as put some moisture back into my skin while I shower (I'm SO lazy with body lotion), in the cooler weather especially. So after falling head over heels for both versions of Skin Food, I decided to give the Weleda Creamy Body Wash a shot to see if it was worthy of joining my collection ♥...

I'm also a scentophile - one of those folks who absolutely MUST have a delicious scent to accompany every step of my body and beauty regime, and Weleda has fabulous fragrances in spades. If you're scent-sensitive though, keep reading as I have something for you too ♥...

Weleda Citrus Creamy Body Wash

I had my fingers crossed that this would have the same refreshing and uplifting lemon fragrance as the Skin Food and can confirm that it does. Oh bliss, oh joy! I usually park my citrusy shower products in the cooler weather, but I'm making an exception for this one as it is just that - exceptional! The formula is as advertised - creamy, and with the inclusion of organic sesame oil (second highest content after water), deliciously hydrating and leaves my skin soft, supple and lightly fragranced. All the cleansing ingredients in this product are plant-based, in fact, the entire formula is 100% natural. It doesn't lather up as much as some others, but the bubbles are super creamy and there is heaps of slip - my washcloth effortlessly glides over my skin with only a very small quantity. LOVE! ♥♥♥...

Weleda Pomegranate Creamy Body Wash

I was expecting this to have a pomegranate scent, but OMG it's something else again - a mix of vanilla, blood orange and sandalwood. It's fantastic! Fruity yes, but also sensual and spicy - I would wear it as a perfume if it was available. I find this formula is slightly more enriching and hydrating than the citrus one - as well as pomegranate seed oil, it has sesame, sunflower and macadamia seed oils, and actually the range is aimed at preventing premature ageing of the skin. Same creamy texture and low lather. LOVE LOVE! ♥♥♥...

Weleda Almond Sensitive Skin Body Wash

Even though I don't have what I would classify as sensitive skin, I bought this one as I find most products designed for skins that irritate easily are invariably super gentle, highly nourishing and contain very little or no scent. Hmm, I think I just described this little darling. The main ingredient is sweet almond oil (also contains shea butter), and while fragrance is listed (from natural essential oils) it's so faint I can barely detect it, even in the heat of the shower. But if I rub a little under my nose I can just make out...almonds. I'll be mixing this with a little of the Pomegranate Body Oil (that I just ordered lol!) to stop me getting bored, but that's just me and my passion for scented products ♥♥♥... 

So there you are lovelies - delighted to have these join my cold-weather collection, and I'll be exploring more from this brand. The Creamy Body Wash also comes in Lavender, Evening Primrose, Wild Rose and Sea Buckthorn varieties, most with matching bath milk, body lotion and hand cream. I bought mine from Nourished Life, but you can also purchase from the Weleda website.  RRP is $19.95 for 200ml - more expensive than supermarket brands, but they are highly concentrated so less is needed, they're free from the usual bad boys, contain 100% certified natural ingredients, and not tested on animals ♥...

What's your favourite Weleda product?

Take care of you, and keep safe,
kats xxx

REVIEW: SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Hydrating Body Wash & Soap...

One of the many beauties of blogging is having a voice - when I find something I absolutely adore, I invariably bang on and on about it because there's a chance of it becoming something that one of you lovelies might love too, especially when it calms, hydrates and soothes the biggest organ of our bodies - skin! I've already posted a WOW article covering some of the products from SheaMoisture (HERE) and there will no doubt be others as I work my way through their range, but today my rave is all about the Raw Shea Butter Hydrating Body Wash & Soap, with Frankincense & Myrrh extracts...

My skin is becoming drier and drier by the day - it's inevitable really as oil production slows down with age, and moisture retention becomes an even bigger challenge. To help keep my skin as hydrated as possible, I've been gradually eliminating all the products from my bathing routine that contain SLS, a move that has calmed the itchy patches on my arms, and the cracked and scaly areas on my legs aren't anywhere near as troublesome as they were. But I still need to be careful of what I use, and the next phase of my skin plan was to only use SLS-free cleansers that also replenish what washing takes away - enter SheaMoisture and their Raw Shea Butter range specifically for dry skin ♥ As luck would have it, just before Christmas, they had a special offer of 40% discount, and that plus my "KATS" coupon code of 30% (which you can still use at the checkout) added up to the perfect opportunity to try more from this fabulous brand ♥...

I'll start with the soap as it's my favourite of the two, which is so interesting as my preference shifted right away from soap bars and into body washes and shower gels many MANY moons ago, but this gorgeous chunk of deliciously scented and amazingly hydrating bubbles has converted me right back! It's a massive 230g, and the fragrance is divine - it reminds me of an exxy men's cologne, but still feminine enough for us gals and sufficiently subtle to not be a bother to those with sensitivities. I've been smothering my bod with its creamy and delicately fragrant lather for over a week, and not once have I needed to apply any rehydrating lotions or potions - all over, my skin has stayed soft and supple without even a hint of dryness. Winner! ♥...

The Hydrating Body Wash is equally moisture replenishing. The main ingredient listed on the label is aloe, and as well as the shea butter, frankincense and myrrh extracts, other formula inclusions are coconut oil, carrot seed oil and mango seed butter. With all those skin-kind goodies in the recipe, it's no wonder this bottle of cleansing suds leaves the skin so refreshingly hydrated. I was hoping it would have the same fragrance as the soap and was a tad disappointed to find it has barely any scent at all, but that will no doubt appeal to many of you. It has a very runny consistency, so you'll need to be cautious when dispensing, but the pivot cap makes controlling the flow super easy. I'm loving showering with this too, but because of the minimal scent, my heart belongs to the soap bar ♥...

In summary, both of these products are brilliant for folks dealing with dry skin, and I highly recommend them for replenishing the moisture that cleansing takes out.  And because of the super special deal I scored, I'm giving away one of each to an Aussie follower ♥...

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!)
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 Ange L. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 30th January to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Ange has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

REVIEW: SLS-Free Body Washes...

It's been an age since I did a multi-body-wash post, and given I've decided to NOT buy any more that contain Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), I figured it was a good time to let you know which ones I've found and loved (so far) that are SLS-free. There are heaps of others out there of course and I've barely scratched the surface of shower products that are minus this dodgy ingredient, but below are nine that are currently in my caddy(s) which I can highly recommend, and would most definitely repurchase as they are non-drying, pleasantly fragranced, reasonably readily available, and don't break the bank ♥...

I've already raved about the majority of these in earlier (either dedicated or Empties) posts, but there's a couple of newbies which I'm excited about too, so here we go, from left to right ♥...

Sukin For Men Body Wash - (500ml, $13.95)

I scored this for free from the beautyheaven Rewards Room, and it's delish! The scent is a combination of mandarin, lime & cinnamon oils which is fabulously refreshing, and also in the mix is aloe, jojoba, baobab, pepper & sesame oils. I really like the chubby squat bottle, and the bubbles are creamy, super concentrated, and even put a little moisture back into my skin ♥...

SheaMoisture African Black Soap Soothing Body Wash - (384ml, $24.95)

Reviewed last month (and more from the range) HERE. Absolutely crazy about this body wash - available from Priceline or the SheaMoisture website (HERE), and a reminder that there's a 30% discount code if you enter KATS at the checkout ♥...

Dove Deep Moisture Shower Foam - (400ml, $9.00)

Oh yay, at last, Dove has created a body wash that's sulfate-free! This shower foam has the classic Dove fragrance which I find so refreshing and zingy-clean, the suds are amazingly thick and rich, and two pumps will deliver a hefty hit of skin softening lather to deep clean your entire bod ♥...

Natures Commonscents Natural Goats Milk Body Wash - (500ml, $8.00)

Another beauty that's awesome value - there's a $4 discount voucher HERE for Woolworths which makes it half price! VERY subtle baby powderish fragrance, also contains vitamin E, and it's an Aussie brand that doesn't test on animals. This and their oatmeal scrub are ALWAYS in my shower - it's such a massive bottle with an indestructible pump, and so skin-loving and hydrating ♥...

Grahams Natural Body Wash with Cucumber & Aloe Vera - (250ml, $15.95)

Huge fan of the brand (which is now available from Chemist Warehouse), and I did a full review of this fabulous body wash back in February (HERE). Bliss if you have dry, sensitive or troubled skin and an absolute pleasure in the warmer months when the herbal green tea fragrance will give you an uplifting shower experience. Incidentally, it's on special at the moment (until 26th November) from their website for the ridiculous price of $4.95 - I've ordered several! ♥...

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

I had no idea that OGX made body washes & lotions as well as hair products, but I discovered this tucked away on a side wall in Priceline a few months ago. The most expensive body wash in this bunch, but well worth it for the moisture it feeds into your skin while it cleanses. There are a few other varieties in the range, and I'll be reviewing the Tsubaki Blossom (divine!) one in my November Empties post. This one is delightfully (and delicately) fragranced, and the bubbles are endless - currently half price at Priceline, but who knows for how long ♥...

Ecostore Vanilla & Coconut Body Wash - (400ml, $8.99)

I think this is my 5th bottle of this wonderful body wash. The best (all natural) vanilla & coconut scented product my nose has had the pleasure to detect. Totally non-drying, ingredients include harakeke, a medicinal plant that's used to treat boils and burns. Love that this range is available from Woolworths, and it's cruelty-free. I also use their hand wash, which smells just as yummy ♥...

Thankyou Botanical Lemon Myrtle & Goat's Milk Body Wash - (500ml, $7.99)

Another one that I've bought numerous times from the supermarket, and raved about in several  Empties posts - my favourite scent from this brand, it's SO lusciously lemony I could just sniff it all day long, and it comes in a hand wash too! The soothing and softening formula also contains aloe & chamomile, and this company is doing wonderful things for people in need ♥...

Marc Anthony Renewing Macadamia Oil Body Wash - (500ml, $12.99)

Another gem I spotted in Priceline, there are four flavours in this range, and I chose this one because it was labelled "extra nourishing", and it sure is. There's Tahitian vanilla, hibiscus & green tea along with macadamia oil & Vitamin E, and while the packaging is meh, what's inside is a subtle delight for the senses, as well as a treat for dry skin - definitely a keeper ♥...

Well lovelies, that's a wrap for the time being - hope this information is helpful to those of you whose skin objects to SLS ♥...

Take care of you,

kats xxx

REVIEW: SheaMoisture African Black Soap...

Yay for Spring hey lovelies! And you know what that means - time to begin peeling away multiple layers of clothing, and ultimately revealing a bit more skin as the weather warms up. And if your Winter skin is anything like mine, you might need a bit of help preparing for the big reveal, well legs and arms anyway. So here is what's been helping me transform my cold weather scaly bits - the SheaMoisture African Black Soap range. I'd never heard of this brand until I was recently invited to trial their Jamaican Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Hair suite of products for beautyheaven, and I was so impressed with the quality, natural ingredients, moisturising properties AND the cruelty-free philosophy, I ordered this "body pack" from their website and it's still on special ♥...

This range is particularly for troubled skin - acne, psoriasis & eczema, none of which I'm dealing with (fortunately) but I figure if it's designed to comfort, balance and soothe any of those icky troubles, it could only be of benefit to my flaky old skin, and I figured right. Here's what's NOT in the products:

No Parabens

No Phthalates

No Paraffin

No Mineral Oil

No DEA

No Petroleum

No Formaldehyde

No Propylene

No Sulfates

It's a four generation-owned family business, they only test on themselves, and the shea butter they use is Certified Organic and Fair Trade. So let's get on with the goodies, and what else IS in them ♥...

African Black Soap Premium Large Bar Soap  (230g, $13.95)

Oh wow, I wasn't prepared for this to be so good! It smells fantastic, and it's such a massive size that will last forever because you only need a couple of rubs on your flannel for a complete head to toe cleansing experience. The bubbles literally go on forever, and my skin is left feeling soothed, nourished and hydrated. The fragrance reminds me of those white milk bottle lollies, so I guess that puts it in the category of sweetened vanilla - it's a subtle scent, but ever so delicious, and I love this so much I've already bought another cake for the hand basin ♥...

African Black Soap Body Wash (384ml, $24.95)

Well now, pretty much the same goes for this Body Wash - one squirt from the pivot cap and you've enough softening and intensely moisturising suds to last all the way down to your toes. The bubbles are amazing - so creamy and rich, and yet the shower floor isn't the slightest bit slippery. The fragrance is distinct and yet very delicate - like vanilla baby powder, but sweeter. The liquid is darkest brown with little black speckles, which I reckon are Cocoa Pod Ash, but that's a guess. The ingredients list goes on for a bit, but the number one position goes to aloe vera. There's also coconut, shea butter, Vitamin E, oat bran extract and palm. My skin feels SO soft after showering and I'm officially declaring this to be my new favourite body wash! ♥♥♥...

African Black Soap Soothing Body Mask (340g)

This mask was the last one I tried from the bundle, only because it requires quite a bit of skin exposure for 20 minutes, and I've been waiting for a warmer day so I could partake of its goodness. Well, the day came and I slathered this on my chest and upper arms, and what a difference there was after I rinsed off - instantly soft, smooth, becalmed and refined skin! Ok so we have bentonite, kaolin, shea butter, charcoal powder, cocoa pod ash, tea tree oil, colloidal oatmeal, jojoba oil, allantoin, tamarind extract, calendula extract and rice bran oil in the mix - with all that, how could my skin be anything but sensational? Again this light grey creamy paste has the delicate fragrance of milk bottle lollies. Divine! It's not listed separately on their website as yet, but I'm guessing that it will eventually be available to buy on its own ♥♥♥...

African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Body Scrub W/Tea Tree Oil (170g)

You know I love all of these products, but this Body Scrub just might be my pick of the bunch - it's one of the best body scrubs I've ever had the pleasure to use. A thick pale pearly grey concoction primarily of mango seed oil, shea butter, jojoba oil, bamboo charcoal and tea tree oil, you can see the teeny black charcoal grains that gently slough all the rough bits off your bod, and leave your skin as smooth as silk. It has a very faint vanilla charcoal scent which I doubt would bother anyone, and while twice weekly use is recommended, it's so gentle I've been scrubbing all over every second day because it's that darn good, and an absolute delight to use. It's in short supply at the moment so this one isn't listed separately on their website either, but fingers crossed that will change soon ♥♥♥... 

As always I am IMPELLED to share the love when I find something that really rings my chimes, so I'm giving away a couple of the delicioso products from their range...

There's a jar of their Balancing Moisturiser, which I haven't tried, but it was sent to me by mistake as part of the body pack. I contacted the company, and they sent me the missing body wash, and then very kindly said I could keep the cream or give it to someone who might need it. Nice one! As I have enough moisturisers to last me till 2025 (I'm joking, but it sure looks that way on my bench), I'm passing it onto one of your lovelies, plus one of the regular sized soap bars, which incidentally is safe to use on your face. If you would like to try these, let me know in the comments section below and I'll put all the names in a hat and pick a winner at random ♥...

At this stage, the SheaMoisture product range is only available from their website (HERE) or Priceline.

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. Editing this post because I'm excited to say I now have a discount code for you for SheaMoisture purchases from their website - enter KATS at the checkout and receive 30% off! ♥♥♥

P.P.S. Editing again to announce that the name I pulled out of the hat for the giveaway was...FREAKY

Hi Freaky, please email your address to katshepsutt(at)gmail.com so I can send you the goodies ♥

REVIEW: Graham's Natural Body Washes + Giveaway...

A few weeks ago the generous folk at Graham's Natural asked if I'd like to try their new Cucumber & Aloe Vera body wash. Given that I'm so impressed with absolutely everything I've tried from their range, my answer was always going to be a big resounding YES! As expected it was love at first lather, and so taken was I with the refreshing and invigorating shower experience that I ordered the other formula as well, plus a few extras so that I could share some of Graham's love in a giveaway at the end ♥ You can read how and why this great Australian product range came to the market HERE, meanwhile it's on with the review... 

Natural Body Wash with Cucumber & Aloe Vera

This is a clear gel that comes in 250ml pump bottle, nice and slim so it doesn't take up much space in the rack, and the plastic feels sturdy and strong (I've already dropped mine a few times and it bounced!) Like all their products, the formulation is especially for those with sensitive skin, or anyone dealing with eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis or roseacea - mine's pretty resilient, but as I age I find my tolerance for certain chemicals diminishing with each year, and I'm becoming more and more mindful of reading labels very carefully, opting for "natural" ingredients wherever possible. This ever so gentle gel contains Vitamin B5, Aloe Vera, Cucumber and Green Tea extract, no sodium lauryl sulphate, petrochemicals or mineral oils, and it's not tested on animals. It lathers exceptionally well - more like a creamy foam than sudsy bubbles, cleanses my skin thoroughly and leaves it feeling cool and hydrated, without any greasy leftovers. The fragrance is delicate, delish and all natural - my schnozz detects the tea and a kind of herbal fruit tang which is refreshing and invigorating without being overpowering. It doesn't seem to linger on the skin either, so it's perfect for all you folks who are scent-sensitive. Love it so much I've already bought another bottle ♥...

Natural Body Wash with Manuka Honey & Coconut

This variety is equally wholesome and delicious - containing Manuka Honey (antibacterial), Coconut Oil (moisturising), Orange Peel extract (soothing) and Lavender extract, the scent is predominantly coconut, but again it's reigned in somehow to just the right level. I don't normally go for coconut scented products, so this was a very pleasant surprise, probably because it's not artificial. And being a scentophile, I usually prefer my body washes to envelop me in a fragrant cloud, but I'm so enjoying this more restrained approach, and the moisturising quality of the formula means I don't need to apply body cream on a daily basis. Again there are none of the usual yucky chemicals, and I honestly can't decide which flavour I love more - guess I'll just have to have both! ♥...

The body washes retail for $15.95, and at present the range is available from pharmacies in Queensland and Victoria, or their website HERE. Delivery is prompt and so far every one of my orders have included sample sachets of their Calendulis Plus and Eczema Creams (thank you!) ♥...

Giveaway!

I so want to spread the word about these great products, so I'm giving away a selection of my favourites from their range - all purchased by me except for the Sooth-it Gel which was so kindly gifted with my last order. I already have a tube of this wonder-gel (also gifted), just haven't gotten around to reviewing it yet, but it gets a double thumbs-up from me for it's rapid absorption and calming qualities ♥...

Here's what's up for grabs:

• 1 x Graham's Natural Body Wash - Cucumber & Aloe Vera
• 1 x Graham's Natural Body Wash - Manuka Honey & Coconut
• 1 x Graham's Daily Facial Gel Cleanser (my rave review is HERE)
• 1 x Graham's Sooth-it Gel All Natural Skin Aid
• 1 x Graham's Natural Organic Lip Balm - Raspberry (love this!)

Total prize is valued at around $65, and because of the weight, I'll have to limit this giveaway 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, 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

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This giveaway is now closed - check back later tonight to see who won!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 21st February to claim your prize :-)

Edit: TUD has claimed her prize ♥

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Thank you Graham's for the chance to sample this lovely body wash - it's a winner, and both kinds have earned a permanent place in my shower stall ♥...

Best of luck to all lovelies who enter the giveaway!

Take care of you,
kats xxx

REVIEW: Dermaveen Soap-Free Wash & Shower & Bath Oil...

Every Autumn when the chilly winds start to blow, the skin on my bod starts demanding extra moisture. And for some reason this year it seems to be yelling even louder than usual, so I've been on the hunt for some hydrating shower products to give my skin an extra boost. Using body washes that help replenish what the season takes away is a bonus when I'm in a rush on workdays, and it's Dermaveen to rescue! I've never tried anything by this brand before, but I'm sold on their Soap-Free Wash and  Shower & Bath Oil ♥...

I found both of these chunky 500ml containers at Coles for $14 - the bottles are so super sturdy, I reckon they'll easily survive multiple drops on the tiles, and the pump dispenser is equally heavy duty. To me the label design and colours are totally uninspiring, meh in fact, but I'm so glad I didn't let the boring exterior put me off as what's inside is really quite lovely. The wash has barely any scent - unusual for me to go for something that isn't potently fragranced, but when my skin is cracking up, I'm prepared to make an exception. Actually I can detect the faintest hint of something very pleasant and natural ♥...

It's not big on bubbles (yay!) - more like a calming creamy lather, and from the very first wash I noticed an improvement in my snakeskin legs. While it does contain SLS, the big winner here is Colloidal Oatmeal, which helps soften the skin and soothe away any kind of irritation. It's pH-balanced and free of lanolin, preservatives, artificial colouring, alcohol and fragrance. Another bonus is that there's an expiry date on the bottom of the bottle - LOVE it when companies do this (mine says Oct 2018)..

The Shower and Bath Oil is even more special. Thick and rich, this is like a hybrid of shower cream and body oil - translucent and pearly, it transforms into a milky lotion once it's mixed with water. Has a fragrance that's difficult to pinpoint, so I'll say "oaty" - whatever it is I love it, and I love how it makes every inch of my bod soft and supple. There's a warning on the pack regarding shower slippage, but I haven't had a problem. I pat myself dry with a soft towel, and there's no need to apply anything else. My skin isn't left feeling greasy, just satiny soft with a subtle healthy sheen ♥...

I've been alternating this with the wash, and I'm no longer dealing with any tight, flaky or itchy bits. I haven't used it in the bath yet - saving that experience for once the big freeze hits. Can also be used to relieve nappy rash and cradle cap, dermatitis and eczema as well as a facial cleanser, and there's no SLS in this particular formula...

My skin seems to love the oatmeal content, and I'm tempted to stock up on the 1-litre bottle from Chemist Warehouse - it's on special for $16.99 right now, which is amazing value. I'm suitably impressed with both products, and there's more in the range including shampoo and conditioner, and heaps of moisture lotions and creams which I will most certainly be exploring ♥...

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. Adding this link to Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party - starts at 6:30, and posts are added up until Wednesday night, so keep checking back to catch all the terrific reads ♥...