SPOTLIGHT: Favourite September 2018 LOTD's...

Gee, tough decisions for the selection of my fave September LOTD's. The gorgeous Barbe from Fashionista In Suburbia had an Instagram #7Lippies7days Challenge, and I couldn't resist entering multiple times ♥ The requirement was for different colour families or textures every day, and I took the opportunity to rediscover some beauties that I haven't touched in almost 2 years...

Of course, there are some all-time loves and repeaters here too, but I selected 18 from the BIG bunch which I hope you'll like, so here we go ♥...

1. Hikari Matte Lip Gloss - Metro. How's this for a pretty nude? One that I can actually wear successfully, and without looking anaemic. The formula is amazing - long wearing and supremely comfortable. Came in a LipMonthly bag ♥...

2. L'Oreal Color Riche - Cristal Cappuccino. Gorgeous reddish brown, THE shade for autumn, I've had this for yonks and it's still keeping my lips lush and supple ♥... 

3. Nude by Nature Moisture Shine - Garnet. The first of three lipsticks called "Garnet" on this page, and they're all vastly different colours! I swatched this one again just the other day as it's actually more intense than it appears here - I used a pale nude lipliner underneath for this pic, but have since found another one that's closer to the shade and supports the colour rather than watering it down. It's really quite beautiful, and the formula of these NBN lippies is magical, hope they bring out HEAPS more colours (hint, hint) ♥...

4. Ulta3 - Sweet Passion. Absolutely adore this lippie - one of very few in my kit that's leaning more to yellow/orange than red/orange, and a far better match for some of my wardrobe oranges. It's rich and dense and has a slightly frosted finish, which I think is ever so flattering for us older chooks ♥...

5. Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid - Orange Shot. A blast from the past and I'm bamboozled as to why I've neglected these for so long - fabulous formula, fabulous pigment, so comfortable to wear all day without flaking or becoming scruffy-looking ♥...

6. Maybelline Color Sensational - Fatal Red.  Always a favourite, so vivid and creamy, a true fire engine red - phwoarrrrr ♥...

7. Bourjois Rouge Edition 12 Hours - Red-Belle. This was a gift from a darling colleague on my last day at work ♥ It doesn't actually last 12 hours, but pretty close, and despite being a long-wear, it's entirely lip-friendly. Love you Bourjois ♥...

8. L'Oreal Color Riche Moisture Matte - Bloody Mary. This is her fifth appearance in my LOTD posts, which pretty much says it all. Pass me the vodka ♥...

9. Revlon Ultra HD Lip Lacquer - Carnelian. We're gonna go back, WAY back...to 2015 when I bought these! Oh my, doesn't time fly when you have too many lip products? Still as gorgeous as ever, smells delish, slicks on like a dream - unbelievable ♥...

10. Nutrimetics nc Hydra Brilliance - Garnet. Another one that gets featured regularly in these posts -  review HERE, love everything about it, and this to me is "garnet"! ♥...

11. Nude by Nature Moisture Shine - Deep Plum.  The second fave from the new releases by NBN, and a shade that's right up my alley - more please! ♥...

12. Covergirl Colorlicious - Ravish Raspberry. Had this one a while too, but it's still available from Priceline. The shade and texture is as delicious as the name ♥...

13. Revlon Ultra HD Lip Lacquer - Garnet. Yep, I sure dug deep into my collection, but I'm so glad because I've fallen in love with these all over again - such a beaut shade for spring, and hooray that gloss is making a comeback ♥...

14. W7 Liptember Lipstick - Raspberry Ripple. What would September be without a Liptember lippie hey? Quite possibly my favourite from the range, there's that slightly frosty shimmer again that I love, but not so much that it's dated ♥...

15. NYX Cosmic Metals Liquid - Fuchsia Fusion. You've heard me go on about this range many times, and my passion for this electric pink will never ever fade ♥...

16. Dirty Little Secret - Vengeance. Oh my, what a divinely soft yet statement pink. I've discovered some gems via LipMonthly, and this is one that's dear to my heart. I have a couple from this brand - the formula is lovely and moist, needs to be reapplied fairly regularly, but it does leave a decent stain to keep you going ♥...

17. City Color Creamy Lips - Blackberry Mojito. What an utterly stunning purple - massive applause as they totally nailed this berry shade. It sure is creamy, needs only a very thin swipe to look this intense, and even the name gets my mouth watering ♥...

18. Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink - Creator. Pretty much the ultimate purple liquid lippie - lasts all day ♥...

Any here you like, or you think might suit you?

Take care of you,
kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: Favourite July 2018 LOTD's...

As promised, this is my LOTD catch-up post - just for the record, these collages are so interesting for me as I have zero conscious recollection of the lipsticks I've worn in previous months, and this collection is particularly revealing as there's only one true red - what on earth was I thinking? It's all a bit odd as I almost always wear at least one scarlet lippie in a week, but obviously NOT in July lol...

Oh and I have a special giveaway at the end, so please read on ♥...

1. I think this is my favourite plum of all-time - Max Factor Color Elixir Giant Pen Stick in Intense Plum. Oh Max baby, PLEASE bring this back! ♥

2. Here's one for the bargain hunters - boe professional Colour Last Lipstick in Primped - beautiful formula and it's a steal for only $8.95 at BigW ♥...

3. The Lone Red is essence Bring the Glam On Star Lipstick in shade 01. The bullet is creamy and lush, and in the shape of a star - so very cute, but in reality, not all that practical ♥...

4. This gorgeous bricky shade is Milani Cinnamon Spice - another one I hope one day they will bring back (why do I fall in love with discontinued lippies?) ♥...

5. Next is one of my favourite browns for Autumn/Winter, Maybelline ColorSensational Lipstick in Bronze Metal - I do so love this range for comfort and value ♥...

6. And number 6 is Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick in Coffee Shimmer - not quite so daring as the previous one, but gorgeously earthy all the same ♥...

7. Next we have the find of the month, LipMonthly Lipstick, shade 02. Wowee, what an unusual colour - I'd describe it as burnt orange, and I absolutely adore it. I guess it was only a matter of time before LipMonthly released their own range, and if this is any indication, bring it on! ♥...

8. Ohh...the darling (and most expensive @ $46) of the bunch (thanks to beautyheaven) - Bobbi Brown Crushed Lip Color in Watermelon. There are no words, just ♥♥♥♥♥♥...

9. And another gem from a LipMonthly bag - this is a matte, but a comfortable one, City Color Be Matte Lipstick in Melon ♥...

10. Yay, the pretty pinks, starting with Mirenesse French Kiss Lip Cocktail in Bijoux - this lippie is beautifully moist, wears well too ♥...

11. 2nd from Mirenesse - this is their unbelievably sensational Lip Bomb, shade #3. I have quite a few of these and MUST dig them out because they really are something special - the pigmentation is extraordinary ♥...

12. I need to buy another one of these - MBA Cosmetics Color Rich Lipstick in Mauvalicious. It's the most exquisite feminine girly frosted pink, n'est pas? ♥...

13. On the home stretch now, and into my precious PURPLES. On the left is Australis Colour Inject Moisturising Mineral Lipstick in Mash Up. Sadly no longer listed on their website...sob. They seem to have gone ballistic with their GIRLBOSS range, so it would appear the lippies are on the way out ♥...

14. Another from MBA Cosmetics, and so dear to my heart - Heliotrope ...sigh...♥

15. And lucky last is Colourpop Satin Lips in So Wavy - not crazy about the formula, but the colour speaks to me in the language of love ♥...

And now for the giveaway!

So I ordered some lipsticks from Nutrimetics when they were on special recently, and I have two to give away to whoever thinks they could use them...

• Hydra Brilliance - Amber, a soft peach
• Hydra Brilliance - Garnet, a soft red (swatch of my one is HERE)

And because this will be a very small and lightweight package (no extras!), 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 Meedee as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Saturday 29th September to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Meedee has claimed her prize

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: 3rd Quarter 2016 Fave LOTD's, Corals, Mauves & Pinks...

More of my faves from July to September - Corals, Mauves & Pinks, so flattering to just about any colouring, so long as you find the right one! Of the three, I admit corals are the trickiest, depending on whether they have more pink or orange content, but the rewards are great if you have the time and inclination to experiment. Mauves and pinks are far less challenging, and they're just so perfect for Spring when I start digging through my wardrobe for some pretty pastels ♥...

These two are relatively new in my collection - the NYX Liquid Suedes are reasonably comfortable and long lasting, though I prefer the formula of the Maybelline Vivid Matte range (review HERE). This colour though is absolutely gorgeous. The Rimmel Peachy Beachy is another one I'm particularly keen on as it has more depth without being too bright ♥...

I find these Australis Velour Lips Creams very drying, but I put up with the sensation as the colours are just so pretty, they apply evenly, and can be reapplied without looking flaky or scruffy. The MNY Colordrama pencils continue to be high on my love-list - the comfort and performance are hard to beat for the price. I actually use this as a liner for my other coral lipsticks as I can't seem to find a coral lip pencil that blends in as well ♥...

The Revlon Balm is another new love - I don't think I have a mauve that's as divine as this. Deliciously moisturising too and the hue just suits my skin tone perfectly. The MBA Lovespell has a slight frosting, and that makes it just that little bit different ♥...

Raspberry Ripple is almost what I call a Barbie pink - super pretty, and goes with quite a few of my new warmer weather wardrobe acquisitions. I'm not one to go for frosty finishes usually, but combined with this hue, it's a total winner. The City Color Berry is a one-of-a-kind shade in my collection - hard to believe as I have SO many pink lipsticks, but this has a unique freshness and juicy quality that makes it a standout ♥...

Adore the vibrancy of this LA Girl paint - surprisingly easy to create an even finish, and it doesn't bleed. I've included the L'Oreal Eternal Rose because it's another one that's kind of on its own in my kit - the blue content makes it wearable with even purple clobber ♥...

Is there one here that would suit you? Next up will be the ravishing REDS, so I hope you'll be back soon...

Take care of you,

kats xxx 

REVIEW & EOTD's: NYX Color Mascaras...

As you know I was recently treated to a fabulous prize from the equally fabulous team at Bloggers United AU.  I'm telling absolute truthies when I say that this set of NYX Color Mascaras was what I was most excited to try out of the whole magnificent haul. I'm actually brand new to colour on my lashes, and I couldn't think of a better introduction than with these beautiful pastels ♥...

Warning: picture heavy post!

As you can see the presentation is super pretty - the product inside is almost an identical match to the colour of each tube, so you know what you're getting. The wands are thinly coiled, but pick up a good quantity of mascara. The formula is a bit stinky, but only if you put the applicator right under your nose - can't smell a thing when I'm using them as they were intended. There's no indication that they're waterproof, but I've not had one smudge or speck go astray, and the coating has always been 100% intact when taking off my eye makeup at the end of the day. Can't tell you if they hold the curl either because I've only used them over the top of my usual faithful black one - taking closeups as I do, my camera simply won't register that I have lashes AT ALL unless I load them up with something fairly fibrous and chunky. But that's enough of the babble, let's see these babies in action!

Pink Perfect

I'll admit I was a bit chicken in the beginning, so I only applied the colour to my lower lashes. And in order for them to be visible in the pics, I made sure I used a liner or shadow dark enough on the lashline for contrast. As you can see it's quite a different look for me - I'd like to say funky, but I'll just stick with different lol. The mascara shows up far more dramatically in real life, so you need to be careful with your application. In my case, especially with the first black coat because every imperfection in your technique is revealed!

For the EOTD lovers, the other components of this look were Chi Chi Hopelessly Devoted & Black is Black Waterproof Gel Eyeliner as a base, and hot pink and black shadows from the bhcosmetics Take Me To Brazil palette. Used the same Chi Chi liner on the waterline...

Perfect Pear

Perfect Pear is the most gorgeous bright lime, and from the pics below, you can see what I mean about taking care with your strokes - clumps everywhere! But I did this at 5:30am before work (like all my EOTDs) and there wasn't a second to spare for any cleanup. At least you can see how deliciously dramatic this particular shade is ♥

For this look I used the brightest green and purple from the City Color Intense Shine palette over bases of Models Prefer Lime Tart Infinite Colour Eye Pencil and Chi Chi Lo Cal Chocolate Waterproof Gel Eyeliner respectively. Lo Cal Chocolate also adorned my waterline...

Mint Julep

My personal fave, but then you know I adore tealy aqua shades ♥ The plan here was to use the Mint Julep as an extension of the colour I used on my waterline (Chi Chi Caribbean Queen liner), and it worked reasonably well, except for the sucky application...

The shadows used here were Sugarpill Midori and Sleek Ink over a base of BOE Beauty Eyeshadow Pencil in the shade Daydream...

Coral Reef

So after four goes (I'll explain the first one later), I was a little braver, and tried the Coral Reef on my top lashes. Whoa! Boy it sure does make my lashes stand out now doesn't it? - at least I can see the fruits of my Rapid Lash labours ha ha. Not entirely sure this was the best colour combo, but I was wearing coral and blue on the day, and you know me, I like to match...

The blue shadow is Sugarpill Velocity over a base of DB Cosmetics Deep Ocean Kohl, and the waterline is essence Longlasting Eye Pencil in the shade Cool Down (I labelled this incorrectly on my Instagram pic post - sorry Chi Chi & DB!)...

Forget Me Not

And here we are with lucky last, Forget Me Not. Except it was also the first one I tried, but I didn't apply anywhere near enough, and the mascara was barely visible in the photo, so this is my second attempt. I've winged and whined before about how my camera just won't play ball with anything purple, and this effort was no exception. This pretty lavender mascara showed up HEAPS more in real life (this is three coats), but c'est la vie...

This particular EOTD was an attempt to get into the spirit of Halloween - the orange is from the Chi Chi OMFG palette over essence white kajal, and the black is Sleek Ink over Chi Chi Black is Black Waterproof Gel Eyeliner, which I also added to my waterline...

To sum up, these NYX Color Mascaras are awesome and I had an absolute ball using them to create all these looks. Of course, this is just the beginning and you'll be seeing all of them (no doubt repeatedly) in future posts. A million thank you's again to Bloggers United AU (and NYX) for the opportunity to try something that I normally wouldn't dream of indulging in ♥♥♥

So tell me now, is coloured mascara your thing? Which look do you like the most?

Take care of you,
kats xxx

EOTD: City Color Intense Shine Green & Blue...

Well it finally happened - I missed posting the 8th EOTD in September, gahhhh! My schedule just got the better of me, but I'm determined this was a one-off event, so here's the first of eight (!) October looks ♥

Still having a major play with my City Color Intense Shine palette - such gorgeous shimmery shadows...

My base was Face of Australia Budgeproof Eyeshadow in Poison Ivy, and just for fun I added both Chi Chi Caribbean Queen and Dream Lover Waterproof Gel Eyeliners on the waterline...

On my face is Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Foundation, cheeks are Maybelline Master Glaze Blush Stick in Pink Fever, and lips are Mirenesse #4 Lip Bomb - I'd forgotten all about these beaut bombs, but was reminded recently when they won a beautyheaven Best In Beauty Award for best lip gloss. Fabulous pigmentation, sensational glassy shine, and they don't bleed ♥ Necklace and earrings by Lovisa (of course)...

Hope October is good and kind to you!

Take care of you,
kats xxx

EOTD: City Color Intense Shine Blue and White...

Another look from the City Color Intense Shine palette - used the deepest blue and the white. I know it looks more like the blue on the far right, but this is how it turned out over the top of essence white kajal. Can never quite tell how it's going to end up until I do it! All the same it's a gorgeous pigment, so creamy and super blendable...

Waterline is essence Long Lasting Eye Pencil in the shade Cool Down - a pretty good match ♥

Face piccie is woeful - my camera lens seems to have gone all fuzzy of late. I've checked and it's not smeary, just can't seem to get a clear shot (probably just as well at my age lol). Foundation is DB Longwear 24 Hour, cheeks are Lacura Cream Blush in Pink Rose with a dusting of Pink Ice from the Sleek Pink Sprint Blush by 3, lips are Maybelline Color Drama Lip Crayon in Fuchsia Desire slicked with Revlon Ultra HD Lip Lacquer in Tourmaline...

And here's a closeup of my earring - picked these up from Lovisa yonks ago in one of their 3 for $10 deals, and only just now worn them for the first time ♥

Take care of you,
kats xxx