SPOTLIGHT: July Empties + Giveaway!...

Here we go again with the empties - I left out the hair colouring products as you've seen them all before, and I really need to omit more of the repeaters going forward so the photo shoot doesn't get out of control! Quite a few items I won't be repurchasing, but a stack of ones I adore too, and the usual giveaway at the bottom of the page...

Body

A'kin Lavender Body Wash (500ml, RRP $24.95)

This bod cleanser has everything going for it - vegan, contains organic lavender oil, free of most nasties, not tested on animals, Aussie made & owned, but interestingly, it didn't grab me at all. I adore the scent of real lavender and this one sure smells genuine, but there was nothing special enough about it to make me want to buy it again. Not particularly moisturising, not a lot of bubbles - just all a bit ordinary which is surprising as I was geared to fall in love with it. Oh well, them's the breaks...

Repurchase?

No...

BodyBlendz Sugar Glow Coffee Scrub (200g, RRP $19.99)

Reviewed HERE, this is a delish scrub that was sent to me - very effective, smells good enough to eat, but makes a mess of my shower stall like all coffee scrubs. At the end of the day, it's no better or worse than any other similar products I've tried. I can't bear pouches as I find them impossible to seal after the first use, so I transferred this one into an empty jar, much easier to manage ♥...

Repurchase?

Probably not - the Thankyou one from the supermarket is just as good, and it's cheaper...

Cenovis Vitamin B Complex (150 tablets, RRP $14.99)

I take one of these every day to help me deal with the stresses of work - supports the healthy function of my brain and heart, so it's a sure bet. This one seems to be on special somewhere whenever I run out ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Always ♥♥♥...

Evodia Daintree Mango & Pink Grapefruit Hand & Body Wash (400ml, RRP $13.95)

OK, so I've officially learned my lesson - if the label says Hand & Body Wash, it's highly unlikely that it will serve me well in the shower. Lovely crisp and tangy fragrance for hands, but really quite drying as a body cleansing gel - I only used it twice before I moved it permanently to the basin. Again Aussie made & owned, vegan and cruelty-free, but there are other hand washes I far prefer. I added it to an online order to get the free shipping, so no regrets there...

Repurchase?

No...

Original Source Mango Shower Gel (500ml, RRP $7.99)

This was left over from last Summer so it was just a matter of finishing it off. LOVE the fragrance, but I won't be buying any more of these as they contain SLS. A pity as it has some great qualities including an awesome price, but my skin comes first, and SLS seems to be what is causing the flaking and teeny little bumps so I'm opting out of products that contain that ingredient...

Repurchase?

No...

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

Can't get enough of this - my current fave hand wash, same goes for the body wash. Fresh and invigorating fragrance, it doesn't dry my skin, there's no SLS, not tested on animals, Australian-made, and the profits go towards people in need ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely ♥♥♥...

Face

Derma-E Vitamin C Micellar Cleansing Water (175ml, RRP $19.95)

I bought this last year from Priceline for $11.99 but I can't see it on their website any more - it was left over from the days when I was running my Micellar Magic series, and I still have a few other brands stashed away to use up! It's a beauty - very gentle but very effective, left my face feeling calm and refreshed, has a zesty citrus fragrance, contains probiotics and rooibos (what is that?), and cruelty-free ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Yes, although it's not that economical ♥♥♥...

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant (75g, RRP $84)

Raved about this BRILLIANT product HERE - I've had this bottle for yonks as I only use it once a week (to make it last lol!) ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Still deciding if I will buy this or the Daily Superfoliant, which is very similar but contains charcoal, and the powder is grey instead of white, but I'll certainly be purchasing one of them ♥♥♥...

L'Oreal Age Perfect Golden Age Night Cream (50ml, RRP $36.95)

Trialled this for beautyheaven back in May - my undying love review of it is HERE, third from the bottom of the page. I do so enjoy this night cream, and L'Oreal makes brilliant mature skin care - I love that they regard us older gals as worthy of specific formulations, and this is affordable, smells divine, and has kept my skin hydrated and flake-free during this cold winter ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

I'm torn between this and the Cell Renewal one in the black jar - either way, I'll definitely buy one of them once I've used up a few more of the four part-used ones I have on my bench ♥♥♥...

NIP + FAB Dragon's Blood Fix Plumping Serum (50ml, RRP $44.95)

I bought this from Priceline after reading Amy from Health & Beauty Girl's amazing review (HERE). It's the most awesome smelling serum, and I would buy it again just for the fragrance lol! Smells like a range of products I used to purchase pre-2000, I think it was Norsca - an unbelievably uplifting aquatic spa scent, and this is very similar. The serum itself is soothing, smoothing, plumping and hydrating ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Definitely on the list for my next Priceline sale ♥♥♥...

Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence (40ml, RRP $39.99)

My latest LOVE! I have one of my long-time followers to thank for this - Fawn, you're a treasure! She left a glowing comment about this serum on one of my posts, and I finally got around to trying it, and it's now officially a Kats-Can't-Live-Without. I've been applying 2 droppers-worth to my face night and morning after cleansing, and I honestly believe this is helping my serum and moisturiser to absorb and work more effectively. I can see exactly how much is left in the red plastic bottle, the dropper automatically draws up the dosage, it makes my skin look and feel fantastic, I love the delicate floral scent, and the fact that it's seemingly on special somewhere every few weeks is a bonus. Lasts me a month, and I'm feeling good about having one constant (the only one) in my skincare regime ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

I'm already on my second bottle, and I have a few half-price deals stashed away ♥♥♥...

Sukin Revitalising Facial Scrub (125ml, RRP $10.95)

This scrub has appeared a few times already, and I reviewed it in depth HERE. Just love everything about Sukin products ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Sure bet ♥♥♥...

Face Masks

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

I have one of these left from the 2nd box I bought - love them, and they do make a difference in the skin tone brightening department ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Affirmative ♥♥♥...

Skin Republic Green Tea Mud Sheet Mask (18g, RRP $12.99)

Oh oh oh, these mud sheet masks are a new passion! The collagen ones are brilliant for maintaining hydration, but these mud ones make a difference to my skin texture that's instantly visible. The cloth is impregnated with the goop that would normally come in a jar, but the beauty of it is that delivered this way, there's no mess, no waste, and the formula is distributed evenly. The mask fits like a glove (see pic below) and the two-piece cloth stiffens as it dries, but it stays in place so you can walk around in it if so desired. It's not only calming and softening, but it shrank my pores - woo hoo! So easy to peel off when you're done (30 minutes) followed by a light rinse to remove any residue. Expensive, but well worth it for a treat ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Forever - slight catch though in that it's not yet available everywhere, and I've been holding off buying another from Priceline in the hope it would be on special, but I don't think I can wait any longer lol ♥♥♥...

Skin Republic Pink Clay Mud Sheet Mask (18g, RRP $12.99)

Ditto the above comments, this one specialises in brightening and evening skin tone. Also hard to find, but it's such a lovely experience ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely  ♥♥♥...

Skin Physics Instant Lift V-Shape Vitality Mask (21g, RRP $14.99)

Have already raved about this many times - it's the white sling thingy underneath the mud mask in the picture above ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I'm in desperate need of a skincare sale somewhere as I don't have any left - gaaahhhh! ♥♥♥...

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

Went through 6 pairs this month ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Always ♥♥♥...

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

Can't live without these - sleep in them at least twice a week ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

As I said above, can't live without ♥♥♥...

Makeup

Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder (RRP $13.95)

Has appeared before in these posts, and will again ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Thanks Priceline, just recently bought a year's supply ♥♥♥...

Maybelline Total Temptation Brow Definer - Blonde (RRP $13.95)

My brow product of choice, reviewed HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Also just recently bought a year's supply ♥♥♥...

Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner (RRP $15.95)

The only liner for my lower lashline ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Till I'm pushing up daisies ♥♥♥...

Maybelline Volume Express The Falsies Waterproof Mascara (RRP $19.95)

I've tried five new mascaras in the last few months, but this will always be a favourite as long as I take EOTD photos - it's really the only one that gives me enough volume (from the fibres) for the camera to register all my lashes ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I have the abovementioned stack to use up, but I've bought another one of these already ♥♥♥...

Natio Define Eye Pencil - Steel Grey (RRP $13.95)

For the waterline - creamy kohl formula, comfortable, lasts well, great colour for older gals to give definition without being too stark ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yep, approximately twice per year ♥♥♥...

Giveaway!

As usual, a selection of this month's faves ♥...

• 1 x Skin Republic Green Tea Mud Sheet Mask
• 1 x Skin Republic Pink Clay Mud Sheet Mask
• 1 x Eaoron Instant Whitening Face Mask
• 1 x Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence
• 1 x Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner
• 1 x Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder

All products were purchased by me, the total value is around $100, and this 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!)
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 Michelle H. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 5th September to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Michelle has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

REVIEW: Bodyblendz Collagen Masks & Coffee Scrub...

Last month I was contacted by the lovelies from Team Bodyblendz, an international skincare company based in Australia. I'd not heard of this brand before, but after reading about their natural body scrubs, the ingredients they use, their cruelty-free philosophy, and the fact they have free worldwide shipping, I was super keen to try some of their products, especially their Collagen face, lip and eye masks. Given my passion for masks (which I expressed to them), below is the selection of goodies they so kindly sent me ♥...

Sugar Glow Coffee Scrub

The fat pack is a generous 200g, and it's the usual presentation in a resealable pouch. The sugar granules are very fine, the coffee bits are bigger, but together they're gentle enough for the face, and I found this scrub easier to apply with my bare hands than others I've tried. The caramelish coffee fragrance is potent and delish while you're in the shower, but it doesn't linger on the skin - the only thing that hangs around afterwards is ridiculously soft and smooth skin! The recommendation is to leave it on for at least 2 minutes, so I usually start with my face, and then work it down one side of my bod before rinsing. Apart from the sugar & coffee exfoliators, ingredients include olive oil, jojoba oil, orange oil & vitamin E. All their scrubs are made in Australia and retail for $19.95, and there's a 25% price reduction if you subscribe, which means they automatically send you another pack every 30 days, and you can cancel any time after the 3rd charge...

Rose Collagen Facial Mask

The large box contained 4 funky looking masks, 2 Rose and 2 Brightening ones. Instructions #3 & #4 on the back of the pack (below) were a little puzzling as there's no tissue or paper backing to remove (?) and you need to be careful opening the foil pouch as the serum is as runny as water, so I suggest holding it over a bin or a towel while you're removing the tray. All the masks are made in China...

And here it is in action. Somewhat tricky to apply while you're vertical as it falls off at the slightest twitch, so if you're planning to move around while wearing it, forget it. I recommend positioning it and holding it to your face, and then lying down asap - this is a good thing as I firmly believe the benefits of this kind of face mask are increased if you relax as much as possible, and let it do the work. It has a beautiful natural and quite an intense rose fragrance, and given the eye and mouth slits are so narrow, best to keep all these closed during the process (quite a challenge to take a selfie!). There was a slight tingling and cooling sensation throughout, and 30 minutes later my skin was deliciously refreshed and hydrated, and I didn't feel the need to follow with my usual serum and moisturiser ♥...

Brightening Collagen Facial Mask

Of the two, this was my fave, although it made me look like Hannibal Lecter! Has the same rose fragrance (but not as potent) and similar issues getting it to stay on my face until I made it to the bed. This one has slightly different ingredients including Grape Seed Extract and a wee bit of Retinol, and I could feel all sorts of activity going on underneath the mask - almost like a tightening and pulling sensation, but not uncomfortable at all. The big difference afterwards was in the brightness and lightness of my complexion - wow, my skin looked like it was lit from within! Freckles appeared less intense too, and again there was no need to apply anything else. LOVE! ♥...

Collagen Eye Mask Kit

The box contains 5 pairs of eye masks - one pair is plain white, there's a green and pink set, and the gold and silver ones have little sparkles embedded in the jelly-like material. These are primarily for hydration, and they do just that. Comfortable to wear and they hold on the skin far better than the face masks so you can wear them while doing other activities. No reduction in my under eye puffiness, but the delicate skin looked and felt supremely moisturised ♥...

Collagen Lip Masks

No information on these at all, nor can I see them on the website (maybe they're new?), but I guess they have similar ingredients to the others.  As you can see in the pic below, they are HUGE and cover the entire lip area, and make me look like a parrot ha ha! 

The lip masks are quite a treat and really boost the moisture content of both the lips and the surrounding area. I have some vertical lines above my top lip, and for a few hours after the treatment, they were simply non-existent. I'd love to get my hands on more of these ♥ Incidentally the above photo was taken immediately AFTER using the Brightening Collagen Mask, and shows how luminous my skin looked from the treatment ♥...

Delighted with all of these products, and I'm keen to try more from this brand. The face and eye masks only seem to be available as part of the Facial Glow Gift Set, which is on special at the mo' for $59.80, and includes a Citrus face scrub, headband, and 2 of the lip masks...

Thanks heaps Bodyblendz for the opportunity to try these terrific products - looking forward to exploring your whole range ♥...

Take care of  you,

kats xxx