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

SPOTLIGHT: August Empties!...

This post comes to you from a very happy blogger - the days are finally getting longer, the Antarctic winds are finding someone else's toes to freeze, and I've started poking around in the secondary wardrobe for some of the bargains I scored at the end of last Spring/Summer. I do so love buying at end of season sales, and then stashing things away so that I've something fresh and new to wear on day one. And today I changed my hair colour (yet again!), but enough of the Kats-Has-Got-Spring-Fever ravings, let's get on with last month's empties ♥...

Skin Doctors Relaxaderm Advance (30ml RRP $59.95)

From memory I bought this at Chemist Warehouse because it came with a free tube of Younger Hands (which is very good).  I've been using this instead of a serum - advertised as a wrinkle relaxer, it claims to reduce expression lines by 66% in 28 days, but I've not noticed much difference in my crevasses. To be honest I think I'm too far gone for anything like this to have an effect, but you don't know till you try! I've had mixed results from SD products in the past - some have been astoundingly good (like their Eyetuck), while others have been nice enough, but not all that (visibly) effective. I reckon this would be excellent for much younger gals who are starting to see some signs of ageing...

Repurchase?

No - my search for the Fountain of Youth will continue elsewhere...

Imperial Leather Japanese Spa - Jasmine & Green Tea Triple Moisturising Bodywash (1 litre RRP $8.99)

Another one of my gigantic bottle purchases, but unlike the Forbidden Fruit one, I'm still loving this fragrance. Surprising as it contains Jasmine, but it's beautifully balanced with the Green Tea, plus a wee bit of citrus, orange blossom and rose - a lovely fresh and slightly exotic scent that hits the spot all year round. I raved about it HERE, in fact I think it's the same bottle lol!...

Repurchase?

Definitely - at least this one is still available at Coles, but I'll wait till I've cleared some of the others in the cupboard ♥...

Garnier Skin Naturals Miracle Sleeping Cream (50ml RRP $19.95)

This came in my third Marie Claire Ageless Parcel, and won me over from the first application. It's just plain gorgeous - the fragrance alone is heavenly enough to put me in the perfect state for a peaceful slumber. The cream has an unusual texture - it's sort of springy to the touch (if that makes any sense). Not a gel nor a cream, but somewhere in between. Magnificently hydrating without being heavy, it absorbs in a flash, and I wake up with plump, refreshed and satin-soft skin, and no oily film. LOVE it! ♥...

Repurchase?

Already have another jar - I have SO many night creams to try, but I'll alternate them with this because it's so special ♥...

Mirenesse Liquid Silk Foundation (35g RRP $59.50)

Well whoopdedoo, I finished some makeup! I have to hand it to Mirenesse - they make fabulous foundation. Pricey (unless you're a VIP member), and their entire range of foundations only comes in 4 shades, but Vienna is the perfect match for me. This baby is matte, oil free and contains SPF15. It's not my HG (their Velvet Maxi Lift Supreme Antiageing Renovage is even better) but it's a close second. Not quite enough coverage to be perfect, but with a tinted cc cream underneath, the finish is superb. Detailed review HERE ♥...

Repurchase?

I'm in a bit of a quandry - I like the Velvet Maxi Lift a tad more but it's an extra $40, and I'm just now trying their new Smooth Nude CC Hydra Makeup Mousse which I'm absolutely loving, so... maybe not ♥...

Maybelline FITme Shine-Free Foundation Stick (9g RRP $15.95)

I always like to have a stick foundation in my kit, but I was disappointed with this. Super easy to apply and blend, but kind of disappears by lunchtime on my combo skin, and even though I didn't wear it every day, I used up the entire stick within a month. I didn't find it to be shine-free either ...

Repurchase?

No - MNY make so many other foundations that are heaps better...

Clairol Nice'nEasy - Natural Lightest Golden Brown (RRP $12.99)

My experimentation with a new hair colour continues - so now I'm moving away from the reds and getting into the golden stream, and this shade is a natural looking dark honeyish blonde (no way is it brown!). As mentioned in previous empties posts, this range suits me to a T because the colour never EVER becomes darker with re-application. I'm actually after something a wee bit deeper as my base, but the next one up is medium brown which I reckon will be too dark, so I might do my usual trick and mix them half and half ♥...

Repurchase?

Oui - there's several boxes under the bathroom sink ♥...

Lancôme Trésor in Love Eau de Parfum (30ml/50ml/75ml RRP $81/$114/$138)

SO sad when I finished this - it was only a miniature, but I sure fell under its spell, and I made it last for 4 years! I wrote a rave review about it on beautyheaven, and called it 100% romance. The original Trésor smells like rotting fruit on me, but this fruity-floral on a cedar base is nothing short of divine ♥...

Repurchase?

I'm putting all my gold coins in a jar so I can buy the big bottle - it's taking a while, but I'll get there ♥...

Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector (10ml RRP $50)

I'm embarrassed to say that this eye cream was part of my beautyheaven Blogstar prize that arrived in January 2014, and it's been languishing in my drawer for two years! Mind you I don't have dark circles under my eyes (I have huge bags instead), which is why I wasn't in a hurry to try it. Nor can I report that it does in fact work. All I can say is that the cream is a fleshy colour, has a lovely texture, a groovy little dispenser nozzle, hydrates well, and leaves my skin baby soft...

Repurchase?

Negative - does nothing for my eye bags, and my squinty crows feet are the same depth...

CROP Gentle Cleansing Gel - Essential Oil Blend (125ml RRP $12)

Finishing this was probably my greatest achievement last month. I'm a huge fan of CROP products, but this cleanser would have to be the weirdest one I've ever tried. In its favour, it smells fantastic because of its essential oil content (eucalyptus, rosemary, lemongrass, cajeput & peppermint), and once I rinse out my face cloth, the water is decidedly murky and the colour of my foundation, so it's amazingly effective, but it feels way too peculiar on my skin. I'll try to explain. It's an oil. The directions say to work it into a light lather, but it's ridiculously sticky, and the only way I can get any kind of lather up is to wet my hands a little. So then it lathers a teeny bit and spreads a little more easily, but only for a few seconds, and then my hands get stuck to my skin again, and I have to add more water, and on it goes. By this stage, I'm dripping all over the sink, and well, it's all just too awkward...

Repurchase?

Shakes head from left to right - life's too short for tacky cleansers...

CROP Natural Mineral Pressed Bronzer - Solaire (10g RRP $24)

My HG bronzer - it's a quad with four shades ranging from light to dark, the lightest shade is a terrific highlighter with a slight shimmer. I've hit pan on the two deeper pigments, and halfway to the bottom on the other two, but I'm treating myself to a brand new one that doesn't look so cruddy. EXACTLY the right tone for my skin, riddled with goodness, minus all the bad stuff, and no animal testing ♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely - it was 40% off at Coles this morning. Yay! ♥...

Did you get through many products last month?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. It's a done deal that I'm linking this to the always awesome Ingrid's Monday Madness Link Up Party ♥

SPOTLIGHT: April Empties!...

Well I'm not sad to say goodbye to April - had some major health issues for half of it, and as you can see, when I'm not 100% ticketyboo, I barely use up anything lol! All good now though, and there's always a silver lining hey - yes, my search for the perfect home hair colour came to a successful conclusion with the box pictured below, which means I'm SUPER happy, and besides, I'll get my empties revenge this month... 

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

If any brand wants me to buy their product, all they have to do is make it smell like pink grapefruit! I need at least a weekly dose of this scrub for the fragrance alone - it's gentler than the Oil-Free Acne one so I'll stick with this variety...

Repurchase?
Oui - already have a replacement in the shower stall ♥...

Natura Siberica Oblephikha Shower Gel (400ml, RRP $12.99)

Hmmm. I love the whole concept of this range, and although it passed the sniff test in Chemist Warehouse, I really don't go for the smell of it in the shower. It's very cleansing and non-drying, but the fragrance is all a bit too weird. I've fallen in love with the hand wash though - at the time of purchase I noticed there was another shower gel flavour, but it didn't appeal, so I'll say no...

Repurchase?
Negative...

Urban Rituelle Turkish Rose & Vanilla Bath & Shower Gel (500ml, RRP $28.50)

I won this in a giveaway from the exceptionally beautiful Kate from Seducedbybeauty almost two years ago. It's lasted all this time because I only use it once Summer's heat has faded - the fragrance is a stunner but amazingly potent, and being super concentrated, it's taken this long for me to get to the bottom of the bottle. I absolutely ADORE Urban Rituelle's shower gels - they're the most moisturising of all, and chock full of nature's goodies. Reviewed here ♥...

Repurchase?
Not this particular one, but only because there's about 10 other scents in their range that I desperately want to try ♥...

Clairol Nice'nEasy - Natural Light Auburn (RRP $12.99)

Jackpot! This is officially my new hair colourant. Love it because it doesn't build up - I get the same result each time, and believe me, that's a huge bonus. I'm thrilled because I don't have to use two different shades (one for roots, one for lengths) - instead, this one goes onto the roots for 30 minutes, the lengths for another 10 to freshen them up, and then I paint on the L'Oreal Preference Brush On Glam Highlights No. 3 every six weeks for the highlights. Nice and easy!

Repurchase?
Just picked up 2 for $20 at Coles ♥...

L'Oreal Revita Lift Laser X3 Anti-Ageing Power Serum (30ml, RRP $49.95)

I couldn't resist this when it was on special at Coles (yes I buy the majority of my beauty products from the supermarket!) - two for $50, which is basically half price. Love the deep red pump bottle, AND the contents. Smells dee-vine, and makes my skin feel amazingly soft, and injects a ton of moisture into it. Can't say it did much for my pores or wrinkles, but then again I don't expect much from one round - it absorbs very quickly, and works well under makeup. Until I find something that performs better, I'll stick with this ♥...

Repurchase?
I still have the unopened second bottle, and the minute it goes on special again, I'll stock up...

Garnier 2in1 Express Eye-Makeup Remover (125ml, RRP $7.99)

I've had this for over 12 months - bought it to try mainly because it's purple lol. It's pretty good, but takes way too long to cut through my three layers of waterproof mascara, so I've been using it up on weekends when I rarely wear much eye makeup. It's one of those ones that you shake to mix the two layers. Doesn't sting, and I'd actually recommend it to anyone who wears non-waterproof eye products ♥...

Repurchase?
No - the Neutrogena one is my HG, and all I need...

Natralus Natural Paw Paw Lip Butter - Honey & Vanilla (10g, RRP $5.75)

As mentioned previously, I've recently had a really nasty (and I mean NASTY) virus that had my nose running like the tap washer had disintegrated - unstoppable! 10 boxes of tissues later, I'm fine, and my lips and nose were lovingly protected and nourished throughout with this lip butter. Went through the whole tube in 2 weeks because I applied it every time I blew my schnozz - kept my lips and skin magnificently hydrated and supple, and I didn't experience one bit of peeling. I used this particular flavour because it has the least fragrance of the set, and as I couldn't smell or taste ANYTHING, I figured I'd keep the strawberry and coconut ones for when I could appreciate how yummy they are. Reviewed here ♥...

Repurchase?
Probably not this variety, but I'm NEVER going to be without one of the others ♥...

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. This is my contribution to what I know will be a selection of terrific reads over at Ingrid's Monday Madness Link Up Party ♥

SPOTLIGHT: March Empties!...

Well as you can see, last month was all about hair colour! No I didn't dye my hair six times lol - I'm still blending shades together to achieve the hue I'm after, and while it looks like a lot, in most cases I only used a quantity from multiple packs for each session, and tossed out the leftovers. But I'm almost done, and this month should see me hit the desired hue, and then I'll revert to a maintenance mode - it's been lots of fun experimenting though, and along the way I've discovered a BRILLIANT new product, so read on ♥...

Imperial Leather Limited Edition Bird of Paradise Triple Moisturising Bodywash

One of my fave fragrances in this range - reviewed here. Almost the perfect shower formula for me - leaves my skin amazingly soft and deliciously scented...

Repurchase?
As soon as I can find it again, but you know how it goes with "Limited Editions" sigh ♥...


Palmolive Naturals White Citrus with Lemongrass Extract Shower Gel

I was sad when I finished this, mainly because for me it's a Summer scented body wash, and I got to the bottom of the bottle just as Autumn kicked in. I'm always a bit down in the dumps when the warm weather starts to fade, over it now though. This Palmolive gel is terrific value, smells sensational, is non drying and I lovingly reviewed it here...

Repurchase?

I won't use it again till after Winter, but I'll buy a bottle and stash it away in case it's discontinued in the meantime ♥...

L'Oreal Casting Creme Gloss Conditioning Colour - Dark Blonde

I bought this because it's a semi-permanent and contains no ammonia. After one of my recent experiments, my hair was way too orange - this looked quite golden on the pack, and I thought it would tone down the clowny orange without being too harsh on my already over colour-treated tresses, but it turned out quite ashy and dark, probably because my hair is so porous. Terrific formula though, gentle, non-drying and not too stinky, and considering it's only meant for 70% grey, it coloured my white roots pretty well... 

Repurchase?
Not this particular shade, but I've just coloured my hair again with a mix of the Amber & Silky Blonde from this range, and it's pretty close to the hue I'm after ♥


L'Oreal Preference Brush On Glam Highlights - No. 3

Definitely the find of the month, maybe even the year! I've successfully done my own highlights for many years with Nordic Blonde Streaking Kit, but this is even easier to use. You mix the activating powder and lightening cream in the bottle of developer cream, and then dispense the solution onto the nifty three-pronged brush (see pic below). Starting near the roots, you simply stroke the brush through your hair, reload it with solution, and repeat until you have as many streaks as you desire. Development time is 25-45 minutes, but I only leave it on for 20 as my hair lightens at the drop of a hat. I tried this a couple of weeks ago - 100% natural look, I received quite a few compliments, and all the gals were amazed that I'd done it myself. Comes in 3 strengths - light blonde to dark blonde, dark blonde to light brown (my choice) and light brown to brown. The pack includes a special conditioning shampoo, but I used my usual...

Repurchase?
Already have - it's brilliant! ♥♥♥...

Ansell Medium Disposable Gloves

These are my go-to throw away gloves, and I consider them to be a beauty essential. I use them primarily when I colour my hair because unlike the flimsy ones that are included in the dye packs, I can take them off while I'm waiting for the colour to develop, and then put them back on again for the rinse (they're lightly powdered). Ideal for light household cleaning jobs as they're strong, but don't make my hands sweat anywhere near as much as the usual rubber variety, and because they're a reasonably snug fit, there's no loss of dexterity. I wear them when I'm repotting my plants too - latex free (they're made from vinyl) and they fit either hand...

Repurchase?
Never EVER without a box of these ♥...


John Plunkett's Superfade Accelerator

This tube has made a massive difference to the effectiveness of the Superfade cream. I've been it using on my hands every night, in fact with the intensity of my brown spots, I wouldn't bother using the cream without it ever again. As mentioned before, I'll be posting a separate review of my age-spot fading adventure soon...

Repurchase?
Have already bought a second tube ♥...


Compeed Medium Blister Plasters

If you ever get blisters from new shoes, then forget the bandaid solution - these plasters leave them for dead. I guarantee you that the discomfort from any blister you could possibly develop will be IMMEDIATELY eliminated as soon as you stick one of these thingies over the top. They're pretty much invisible when applied, survive multiple showers, and the blister will heal super fast...  

Repurchase?

Crikey, these are SO essential in my life, I have three packs - one at home, one in my handbag, and one at work ♥...

Napro Palette Intense Oil-Care Colour - Luminous Gold

Fabulous colour on the box - exactly the shade I've been aiming for (what I call "chestnut blonde"), and with a name like Luminous Gold, I had high hopes. Turned out ok, but more red than I wanted. 100% grey coverage though, usual smell but not overpowering, my hair felt soft afterwards with lots of shine...

Repurchase?

I'll try this again, but combine it half and half with an ash blonde from the same range to counteract the red...

Garnier Nutrisse Creme Permanent Nourishing Hair Colour - Dark Golden Blonde

I mixed this with the Copper Passion - nice resultant hue, but still too orange for my new look. Excellent formula though - I raved about the Copper & Fiery Red in my December Empties post...

Repurchase?

Not this particular shade - I'll probably try the Copper one again, but next time I'll add some ashy tones to see if I can "make" the colour I want...

Mirenesse Studio Magic BB Pore Powder

This little pot came in a VIP pack (which means I didn't intentionally buy it) - costs around $30 if you're a member, $50 if you're not. While it does effectively diffuse lines, reduce shine, and set makeup, I find the fragrance totally offputting - reminds me of shoe polish (lol!). It contains all sorts of yummy ingredients and no nasty ones, and I eventually finished it, but noooooo....

Repurchase?

Negative - I really can't get past the whiffy smell, and for my super oily T, Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder works better for me, plus it's a fraction of the price...

Clairol Nice'nEasy - Natural Golden Auburn & Natural Golden Blonde

This particular combo was close to my ideal shade, but it wasn't bright or intense enough - in other words, it was too "ordinary", and I don't do ordinary ha ha. I'm a fan of Clairol hair colourants though - used a coppery hue from the Nice'nEasy range exclusively for many years, until it was discontinued...

Repurchase?
No, well not at this stage anyway...


Original Source Vanilla & Raspberry Shower Gel

Equal favourite with the Lime from this range, but this is an all year round one for me - rave review here. There's something about this fragrance that I find supremely comforting, and I know it will help me make it through the cold dark winter mornings ahead...

Repurchase?
Yes and yay - I found the giant size! ♥


Imperial Leather Indulgence Rich Moisturising Body Wash  - Effortless (Citrus & White Gardenia)

Another of my regulars in the shower stall - adore this scent, reviewed here, and I'll always keep one in my cupboard as a spare. Simply stunning fragrance, and the compact shape and size of the bottle is a bonus if you have space issues like me...

Repurchase?
You betcha ♥...


Ego QV Face Exfoliating Polish

This has lasted me just over a year - I won it in a giveaway from the gorgeous Sarah from morethanadored. The most gentle scrub I've ever tried, I use it twice a week on the mornings after my Alpha-H Gold treatment. Love it! Full review here...

Repurchase?
Yessireee ♥

Phew, well that's a wrap for another month - how did you go with finishing off some products?

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. The fun begins at 6:30am over at Ingrid's Monday Madness Link Up Party ♥