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

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 ♥

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

Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: December Empties!...

Considering the house was in a state of total chaos for several weeks, I'm kinda proud of myself for finishing these, but more so for not losing track of them in the move lol! I did my utmost to afford myself some "me" time in between packing and unpacking, hence the three masks (and what a treat they were), but let's get on with it...

Cenovis Chewable Sugarless C 500mg (300 tablets, RRP $16.95)

As mentioned in a previous empties post, I just buy whichever brand is on special whenever I run out - they all taste the same to me, and providing they're sugarless, I'm easy ♥...

Repurchase?
Sure ♥...


Nivea Free Time Shower Cream (250ml, RRP $2.99)

This was an interesting one. Always happy with Nivea shower products as they're so incredibly moisturising. I enjoyed this particular fragrance (Star Fruit + Aloe Vera) - quite tangy and sharp, but very refreshing. Found this at Chemist Warehouse, but haven't seen it since ♥...

Repurchase?

I have a few others to get through, but I would buy it again if it was available, mainly for the skin softening properties ♥...

Clearasil Daily Clear Superfruits Refreshing Scrub (150ml, RRP $10.99)

Lovely scrub, I reviewed it in full HERE. To this day I'm still amazed that Clearasil products work so well on my ancient face, without any irritation. I've enjoyed many tubes of this scrub, but I'm bored with the raspberry/cranberry fragrance now, and won't buy it again for a while. But it works really well ♥...

Repurchase?
Yes, but not in the immediate future...


Skin Republic Anti-Aging Hand Repair (18g, RRP $7.99)

Great idea, but not quite as exciting as I'd hoped. The gloves are ridiculously large, so big I wondered if they'd stay on while I rested - they did, but I don't understand why they need to be yeti-sized. The serum inside them was highly effective, but not as nourishing or rich as I'd hoped - I'd prefer something less runny, something that I could massage in afterwards rather than pat, but hey that's just me. My hands absolutely LOVED the treatment - ingredients include marine collagen, shea butter, vitamin E & 7 plant extracts. You leave them on for 20 minutes, but I had an afternoon nap of around 2 hours while wearing mine ♥...

Repurchase?

Probably, but I'll have a look around to see what other brands are available - so far I've only found them online ♥...

Skin Republic Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patch (3 pairs, 18g, RRP $9.99)

Totally in love with these thingies - they're quite firm so they stay put reasonably well without flapping around, and there are 3 pairs in the pack. Didn't do much for my baggies, but my under eye area was supremely hydrated, and the skin looked far less crepey afterwards. I reckon I need one pack per week for the rest of the year lol! Contains collagen, green tea, aloe vera & vitamins A & E. These were gifted to me at the Bloggers United AU event ♥...

Repurchase?

Already have - I sleep in these, although they've usually fallen off by morning ♥...

Skin Republic Brightening Vitamin C Face Mask Sheet (25ml, RRP $7.99)

This refreshing sheet mask came in the November Marie Claire Ageless Parcel pack - loved my first go, so much so I bought a stack more. This is a great excuse to take some time out because you really need to lie down once you've applied the sheet. Supposed to even out skin tone by reducing age spots - I didn't notice any improvement in that department, but it's early days yet, and I plan on treating myself to one of these each week. Gave my skin a lovely boost of hydration, and it's mess-free. I'm keen to try the bubbling charcoal one, but so far I haven't found anywhere that stocks it ♥...

Repurchase?

Several already, including some of the other varieties ♥...

Sukin Energising Coffee & Coconut Body Scrub (50ml sample, 125ml, RRP $14.95)

Another product that came in the November Marie Claire Ageless Parcel. I'm not a regular user of body scrubs, so I can't compare this to any other brand. But from a new-comer's point of view, it smelt nice and I like all the natural ingredients, but I found it really scratchy (yikes!), and the consistency was a bit too watery. I reckon I'd prefer something with a bit more substance, and granules that aren't so hard. Maybe I'm a sugar scrub kinda gal?

Repurchase?

No - I'll probably explore other brands of body scrubs in due course, but I don't think this is the one for me...

Rimmel Exaggerate Full Colour Lip Liner - Eastend Snob (0.25g, RRP $12.95)

Really like these lipliners - this one is a twist up variety, creamy and smooth, great pigmentation. I think I have all six of the colours it comes in. If you're after a good quality nudey lip liner, then this is the go ♥...

Repurchase?

You bet - actually took the old one with me to make sure I bought the right replacement ♥...

L'Oreal Age Perfect Golden Age Re-Densifying Day Cream (50ml, RRP $36.95)

Oooh yes, just published my review of this beauty HERE. Love the whole range actually, so much so I'm giving away a set so I can share the lurve ♥...

Repurchase?

Already have - bought it 2 weeks into the trial because I was so impressed ♥...

Simple Kind to Skin Micellar Cleansing Water (200ml, RRP $9.99)

Reviewed HERE as part of my Micellar Magic series. I have SO many bottles of micellar water in the cupboard, so I was thrilled to actually get to the bottom of this one!...

Repurchase?

Probably not - it's nice, effective for what I want to do with it, good price, but nothing startling, and well, there's so many others out there that have the edge...

it Cosmetics Color Correcting Full Coverage CC+ Cream (32ml, RRP $58.00)

Major rave about it HERE. Will NEVER be without this wonder cream ♥...

Repurchase?
Already have, and about to order a spare ♥...


Neutrogena Deep Clean Revitalising Pink Grapefruit Daily Scrub (100g, RRP $13.99)

Was listed as one of my empties last April, but it's SO good, I'm adding it again. Adore the fragrance, love the consistency, delighted with what it does for my skin ♥...

Repurchase?
Absolutely! ♥...

Take care of you,
kats xxx