October 2020 Empties & Giveaway!...

Well, obviously I didn't make my December deadline for this October Empties post last weekend. Instead, all the outdoor Christmas lights are up as well as the tree and other inside decorations, and I'm giving myself a pat on the back anyway as this is quite an achievement, especially given how festive and beautiful the house looks. All the same, I'm determined to catch up this month, and I know I can do it as holidays are looming on the not so distant horizon, so I'll just get on with this lot ♥...

Body 

Bondi Sands Liquid Gold Self-Tanning Dry Oil (150ml, RRP $19.99)
This has been my go-to tanning product for years - love the natural-looking colour it gives my bod, and if I apply it on Sunday morning, I'm still looking reasonably tanned by the following Friday. It doesn't have the usual fake tan stink - this one is nice and coconutty. It's a non-aerosol spray that I squirt onto my Bondi Sands tanning mitt, it dries in 5 minutes so there's no waiting to get dressed, and doesn't stain my clothing or bed-linen. Perfect ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
Without a doubt, although I seem to have scored a couple of cans of the Aero foam variety, so I have enough to get me through this summer ♥♥♥...

Weleda Pomegranate Regenerating Body Oil (100ml, RRP $29.95)
Regular readers will know that I'm pretty much obsessed with using shower products that actually restore moisture to my skin, and this is another of my secret weapons. I mix a few drops with any of my shower gels or creams for an extra boost of skin juice - the scent is divine on its own, but not strong enough to clash with whatever wash I'm using, nor does it make the shower floor slippery ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yep, I reckon this is one in the "forever" category ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Schmidt's Lavender + Sage Natural Deodorant (75g, RRP $13.99)

SheaMoisture African Black Soap Soothing Body Wash - (384ml, $19.99)

Weleda Citrus Creamy Body Wash (200ml, RRP $19.95)

Weleda Pomegranate Creamy Body Wash (200ml, RRP $19.95)

White Glo Charcoal Total Mouth Detox Whitening Mouthwash (500ml, RRP $6.99)

Face

Breeze Balm Lip Balm - Go Go Mango (15g, RRP $19.95)

I'm still of the opinion that this is the best & most effective lip balm to ever soothe my lips. I've bought a few from the range now and they all have the same fabulous formula, just the flavour/scent changes. In that regard, this Mango one doesn't ring my bells, but I'm glad I tried it. I reviewed my fave Pineapple Pash HERE ♥...

Repurchase?
Pineapple Pash, yes! ♥...

Breeze Balm Lip Balm - Watermelon Crush (15g, RRP $19.95)

This was delicious, in fact, it's a close second to Pineapple Pash - love it! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Definitely ♥♥♥...

Garnier Organics Anti-Age Eye Cream (15ml, RRP $19.95)

This was sent to me to trial by beautyheaven as part of their Natural Beauty Month, and I was super impressed, 5 stars impressed actually. I'd been using a retinol eye cream which was so potent, the skin under my eyes towards the outside corners was quite flakey and my concealer wasn't sitting right. This marvellous and enriching cream fixed the problem in a couple of days, and I used it continuously, night & day, till it was no more. Smells divine ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Sure will. I have several other eye creams opened at the moment, but as soon as I clear one or two of them, I will grab another tube of this cream - it's awesome and a total bargain ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes (Pack of 25, RRP $7.99) 
Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover (112ml, RRP $10.89) 

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

Skin Physics Dragon's Blood Facial Sculpting Gel (50ml, RRP $59.95)
St. Ives Oatmeal Scrub & Mask (150ml, RRP $9.99)

Swisspers Make-up Pads (Pack of 80, RRP $3.79)


Face Masks

Sukin Pink Clay Facial Masque (100ml, RRP $19.99)

This jar has lasted me 12 months. An interesting thing occurred during the COVID lockdown. I became quite slack in my face mask routine, which was a clay one every Friday night. Didn't do it for around 6 weeks, and my blackheads came back with a vengeance. I used to think that they were controlled by my morning scrubs, but this abstinence revealed that either the mask keeps them at bay, or a combination of mask & scrub does the trick. So revealing, and needless to say I resumed my weekly clay mask, and the blackheads are no more ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
For sure, but I had already bought the Sukin Super Greens Detoxifying one, so it won't be for a while ♥♥♥...

Regulars

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

Fragrance

Beyoncé Midnight Heat EDP (100ml, RRP $29)

Had this bottle for 4 years, and sadly wasn't able to completely finish it as it changed on me. It's the first one from this gal that I ever bought, and it's still my favourite of hers. My full review of it is HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Not for a while - there are so many more that I want to try, and my fragrance shelf is going to collapse unless I finish a few others first ♥♥♥...

Katy Perry Royal Revolution EDP (100ml, RRP $30)

This one I did manage to finish - I prefer this to Killer Queen, although I really like that one as well. Surprised myself with the fact that I never ever reviewed this on my blog - WTF? No idea why 'cos it's a special one, a lot fresher than KQ. Definitely a fruity floral, which is my fave combo for spring/summer - this one opens with red pomegranate and pink freesia, but the vanilla kicks in pretty quickly followed by leather and musk. SO interesting and I adore the bottle, although it takes up way too much room on my shelf because it has to lie down ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Another one that's "not for a while" for the same reason above ♥♥♥...

Hair

Indola Permanent Caring Color - Very Light Blonde Intense Ash (60ml, RRP $11.88)

On the website, the hair sample swatch is silver grey. On my hair, it turns out golden...

Repurchase?
Noooooooooooo...

Kerastase Densifique Densifying Treatment Mousse (150ml, RRP $48)

My hair is quite thick, but I have it chemically straightened every 3 months with a Goldwell Kerasilk treatment. The process leaves my hair silky soft but super straight and I use this fab mousse to give it a bit of body and root lift. Expensive, but well worth it as it doesn't make my hair gluggy ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Already have ♥♥♥...

Kevin Murphy Maxi Wash Detox Shampoo (250ml, RRP $40.95)

This is one of my life's embarrassing moments - bought it probably 5 years ago (eek!) and it's taken this long to use it up as it's a kind of once-every-few-months application. Takes out all the product build-up and has a refreshing fruity fragrance. Doesn't fade home hair dye, and doesn't leave the hair feeling stripped ♥♥...

Repurchase?
Probably not for the time being - I've changed the finishing products I use and so I'm no longer dealing with build-up, but if I ever need a clarifying shampoo again, this is it ♥♥...

Regulars

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

Makeup

Revlon Colorstay Life-Proof Matte Foundation Stick - Sand Beige (10g, RRP $24.95)

Yes, it's love - my current fave foundation of all time. Of course, the recipient of this accolade changes whenever better formulations are developed and released, but this is it for me for now. Perfect shade, perfect coverage, perfect finish. I've always loved stick foundations, but they're not all created equal - some I've tried have been too greasy or cakey, some have been too sheer, some transfer onto my clothing or don't last the day, but not this brilliant baby - it's smooth and creamy, blends like a dream, and finishes almost matte, but not dull enough to emphasise my wrinkles. The original Colorstay liquid was my #1 for almost 10 years, but Revlon has gone one better ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Definitely - I've bought two of these now, both half price. It's a dream come true ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Australis HD Translucent Loose Setting Powder (RRP $16.95)

Rimmel Exaggerate Full Colour Lip Liner - Peachy Beachy (0.25g, RRP $12.95)

Giveaway

Up for grabs are some of my personal favourites, and ones I'm currently using...

• Australis HD Translucent Loose Setting Powder
• Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence
• Schmidt's Lavender + Sage Natural Deodorant (aluminium free)
• Skin Physics Dragon's Blood Facial Sculpting Gel

All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $130.  The giveaway is open to...

Australian Residents Only! 

Here's how to enter...

1. Leave a blog post comment on this page that answers the question inside the Rafflecopter (please note: if you don't leave a comment on this page, you won't be included in the draw!) If you're unable to leave a comment for technical reasons, please email your answer to katshepsutt(at)gmail.com.
2. Leave your email address inside the Rafflecopter so I can contact you if you win
3. Follow my blog one way or another from the many choices listed
4. Only one entry per person, please read the T's & C's inside the Rafflecopter

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This giveaway is now closed  - check back later tonight to find out who won!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Friday 18th December to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Ariane has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

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 ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: October Empties (the real ones) & Giveaway!...

Confusing title I know, but I had a major brain lapse with the previous "October Empties"- they were actually the SEPTEMBER empties! Could have been a seniors moment I guess, but I like to think it was the excitement of all the giveaways I've had lately lol. Anyways, here we go with the REAL October ones, and yes there's another giveaway at the bottom, and it's not just one of the faves in the pic below, so read on ♥...

Body Products

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

I've tried quite a few tanners over the years, and this is the one I've settled on as the staple in my kit. What makes it my #1 choice is that it's simple to use, dries in seconds so I can get dressed pretty much straight away without the fear of the product getting onto my clothes, the colour is a glowy amber and very natural looking, it smells delish, no streaks when applied with their self-tanning mitt, and it lasts up to a week. Absolutely TANFASTIC! ♥...

Repurchase?
Never without it once the temp stays above 20C, or I stop wearing socks ♥...

Natural Secrets Goatsmilk Moisturising Shower Gel (500ml, RRP $11.99)

I keep raving about this shower gel, and rightly so because my skin just loves it, non-drying, fresh but delicate fragrance, and it's such a great price. Reviewed HERE ♥...

Repurchase?
Always in my shower stall ♥...

Natures Commonscents Natural Goats Milk Body Wash (600ml, RRP $8.25)

Another beaut goats milk shower product - this one has a lovely soft scent, non-drying, not tested on animals, plus it's available in supermarkets. Also comes in a pawpaw variety ♥...

Repurchase?
As soon as I make some room lol ♥...

Nutrimetics Loofah Shower Gel (150ml, RRP $25)

I received a 50ml tube for free with one of my first orders, and I was instantly sold on this exfoliating gem, so much so that I bought the full size one ASAP. It's gentler than a body scrub and yet just as effective, and the little loofah particles don't make a mess of my shower stall. It has the usual divine apricot fragrance we've come to know and love from this brand, plus it leaves my skin feeling SO soft and silky, hydrated and refreshed ♥...

Repurchase?
Already have, and I will again ♥...


Hair Care

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

My life changed back in Feb 2016 when I experienced the Goldwell Kerasilk treatment that sent my frizzies packing, a prize from beautyheaven, and reviewed HERE. Things have changed a bit since then e.g. the treatment is now only $180 (woo hoo!), plus the salon provides a bottle of the shampoo & conditioner for free to get you started. Using their hair products post-treatment also guarantees their guarantee - that it will last for 3-5 months, else they will redo it at no cost. That's my kind of guarantee so I'm continuing on with this range - they are both fabulous, smell delish, ensure the longevity of the silky smooth finish of the treatment, and in general, keep my tresses in tip top condition ♥...

Repurchase?

I actually scored some of the shampoo from beautyheaven's beautorium, so I've only had to buy the conditioner ♥...

Clairol Nice'n Easy - Natural Dark Cool Blonde (RRP $14.49)

For Summer I've decided to go a bit cooler in the hair colour department, moving from golden blonde to ashy blonde, and this is the perfect shade for what I'm after. It's actually pretty close to my natural colour (before it turned white). This range always seems to be on special for $10 somewhere in my travels, so colouring fortnightly is a minimal expense ♥...

Repurchase?
Yes, several actually - there's only one chemist that carries this particular shade so I stocked up ♥...

Home

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

Had not heard of this brand before, which is astounding as the company has been going for 150 years! But I stumbled across a display of their diffusers and soaps in a chemist next to my dentist. It was love at first sniff - the Pink Lychee fragrance is so crisp and fresh, every time I smell it I feel energised. All Australian-made, they have a massive range of products, and the diffusers are triple-scented. Looks like they've recently changed the packaging as their website shows the bottles as being opaque white whereas mine is clear. I find it doesn't last as long as the more expensive brands (like Glasshouse), but being considerably cheaper I'm thrilled 'cos I'm inspired to try more from their range. This particular fragrance is out of stock at the mo', understandable as it is simply sensational ♥...

Repurchase?

Yep - bought another one when I had my recent check-up ♥...

Makeup

L'Oreal False Lash Superstar XFiber Mascara (RRP $28.95)

My current fave, and passionately reviewed (with pictures) HERE. I'm staggered that the two reviews on beautyheaven are negative, but it just goes to show how different we all are. Having experienced the discomfort of conjunctivitis several times in my life, I religiously toss out my mascaras every 3 months ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Several spares in my drawer because of my 3-month limit. It's pricey, but I have NEVER paid full price for this ♥♥♥...

Maybelline The Falsies Waterproof Black Mascara (RRP $19.95)

This has been my HG mascara for more years than I can remember. I still use it in conjunction with the L'Oreal one above - this goes on first, then I curl, then the L'Oreal one, then a final coat of The Falsies because it's waterproof. The combination locks my lashes into their curl for the whole day, and I mean from 6:30am to 11pm. ♥...

Repurchase?

Also several of these in my drawer - again I have NEVER paid full price, it's always on special somewhere sometime or other ♥...

Skin Care

Ecopure Bamboo Fibre Face Cloth (pack of 2, RRP ?)

The packaging says this is "Specially packed for Priceline" yet I can't find it on their website, and I honestly can't remember how much it cost, but it was under $15. This is my go-to face cloth - it's super soft and highly effective at removing all traces of makeup and cleanser. Rinses out so easily and being so small and soft, it dries in a few hours. I throw it in the washing machine every week and only toss it out when it gets so very stained that it looks awful hanging on the bathroom hook ♥...

Repurchase?

You betcha - I refuse to use any other kind of cloth on my face ♥...

Grahams Natural Daily Facial Gel Cleanser (125ml, RRP $12.95)

This is still my favourite cleanser - I know, I know, how can that be when it's so cheap and so non-mainstream? I reviewed it HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Just ordered two more bottles ♥♥♥...

Indeed Labs Retinol Reface (30ml, RRP $34.99)

My first real foray into retinol, but a little disappointing. It doesn't sting or cause any irritation, but it also made very little difference to my issues. I'd say it's one of those products that you need to use for at least 3 months, well on my ancient face anyway...

Repurchase?

I have five more serums to try, and then I might give this another go ...

Johnson & Johnson Hydrocolloid Technology Band-Aid  (box of 10, RRP $8.47)

Not exactly a beauty item, but considering they heal any of my cuts and scrapes super fast with no scarring, I'm including them. These are amazing, and I'd never go back to regular Band-Aids again. You leave them on till they (literally) fall off - they're waterproof and act like an instant scab, similar to blister patches. More expensive than the regular ones, but so worth the extra couple of $$$ ♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely ♥...

L'Oreal Revitalift Laser X3 Dual Action Total Rejuvenation Moisturiser (48ml, RRP $49.95)

There are SO many face creams that I love, but this one is probably the most effective for anti-ageing results. Sometimes I wonder if I should simply stop trying out other products, and stick with something that works, but hey I'm a skincare junkie, so it never happens lol. For now, I alternate whatever I'm testing with this wonder-cream. This stuff definitely firms and lifts the skin, and whenever I see it on special, I buy it. For some reason, I didn't ever get around to reviewing it here on my blog, but my beautyheaven assessment of it is HERE about halfway down the page (katshepsutt) ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Two bottles safely tucked away in my stash ♥♥♥...

Nivea Cellular Anti-Age Volume Filling Pearls (30ml, RRP $32.99)

Absolutely adored this bottle of anti-ageing fun - barely lasted a month, but then again I was using it at every opportunity. Loved how it felt on my face, how it made my skin glow with a healthy radiance, how quickly it absorbed, the fragrance is fresh and feminine, and watching the little pearls melt as soon as the serum hit my hands was a treat ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

This is another one that I buy whenever it's on special - currently have three bottles in reserve ♥♥♥...

Skin Doctors Eyetuck (10ml, RRP $49.95)

The only eye cream that has ever reduced my under eye-bags - only a slight reduction, but a reduction no less. I pat this on every morning and let it absorb before doing my makeup routine. Interestingly, my bottle is just over a year old and it's 15mls, whereas I noticed on their website that you now only get 10ml for the same price. How wicked!...

Repurchase?

I already had another 15ml bottle stashed away - my bags are so huge I honestly can't tell if this is still working, but I'm not game to stop using it lol ♥...

St. Ives Oatmeal Scrub & Mask (150ml, RRP $9.99)

Been using this scrub for years, and will continue to do so - it's so darn calming. I reviewed it HERE ♥...

Repurchase?

I always have a spare in my cupboard ♥...

Face Masks

Skin Republic Youthfoil Sheet (25ml, RRP $14.99)

Already raved about this numerous times ♥...

Repurchase?

There's always one in my stash ♥...

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

Even better than the Hydrogel ones - total bliss! If I could afford it, I would sleep in these every night. They're so cooling, calming and firming ♥...

Repurchase?

Can you believe I haven't yet? Actually, I did, but gave the pack away in a recent giveaway, will definitely be buying these again though. If they're ever on special, I'd buy like 10 packs haha ♥...

Baroness Snail Mask Sheet (RRP $4.99)

This is one of several Korean sheet masks I also bought from the chemist near my dentist. There were 15 on the stand, and of the couple I've tried so far, this has been my favourite. In the pics below, the left side was taken with a flash, and the right, no flash. The mask didn't fit my face as well as others (and not enough nose coverage which is where most of my problems are) but overall I was really impressed with how refreshed and bright my complexion looked afterwards. This is supposed to reduce scars and age spots, and I'd believe it. Definitely one to repeat a few times a week I'd say  ♥...

Repurchase?

I'm not due for another dental checkup for 6 months, but I'll make an exception and drive all the way  up north to buy a few more of these ♥...

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Concentrated Recovery PowerFoil Mask (RRP $35)

Once you get past the name (!), this definitely is the Rolls Royce of sheet masks - came in the beautyheaven 10th Birthday goody bag. It's in two pieces, and while it was a supremely pampering experience that I will be eternally grateful for, and my skin felt supple, hydrated and firm afterwards, I'm not sure that it's worth the mind-boggling price ♥...

Repurchase?

I doubt it - they are cheaper when you buy them in bulk, but unless Santa has $210 spare buckaroos, I'll probably give these a miss ...

Mirenesse Wrinkle Freeze Collagen Event Mask (RRP $29.95)

First go at one of these masks was a fail - you put it in the freezer for 10 minutes prior to use, and I was SO looking forward to it as the day was a stinker. But it kind of disintegrated in my hands as I was trying to separate it from the backing sheet. I mean sections of it literally broke off into my lap. It may be because I've had a stash of these in my drawer for almost 2 years (they came in various VIP packs). So I opened another one without freezing it first, and that was a raging success. As you can see in the below photo it is clear and almost invisible on the skin. Ultra cooling and calming, and my pores looked more refined afterwards ♥...

Repurchase?

I have a few more in my drawer so I'll use those up first, after that I'll have a think about it - they're really quite expensive ...

Giveaway!

I've chosen five of my most loved products from last month to give away to one adventurous follower (plus there's always a surprise in my giveaway parcels). These are products I use and buy regularly, and hunt them down whenever they're on special:

• Grahams Natural Daily Facial Gel Cleanser
• Nivea Cellular Anti-Age Volume Filling Pearls
• L'Oreal Revitalift Laser X3 Dual Action Moisturiser
• L'Oreal False Lash Superstar XFiber Mascara
• Skin Republic Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patches

Total RRP of the above products is over $140, all items were purchased by me, 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, 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 Lauren A. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 22nd November to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Lauren has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx