SPOTLIGHT: July Empties!...

I was beginning to despair that I would never get this empties post up - but where there's a will (and a new PC & modem), there's a way lol. Somewhat disappointing turnover volume - same as the previous month actually, however some of these have been in the works for quite some time, like, almost a year! So starting from the left...

Bioré Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser (200ml RRP $10.99)

Before I start I just want to say I really REALLY like Bioré products, and I believe there are marvellous benefits of having charcoal as an ingredient. However...there's something in every item in the Bioré range that makes my eyes water. It's not that I let the stuff get anywhere near my eyes, it's more like there are fumes that billow up permeating the space around me (even when I'm in the shower), and make my eyes feel really weird - I think it's the menthol, I have the same reaction when I use one of those creams for an athletic injury. SO annoying because I really enjoy the effectiveness of this cleanser and how it makes my skin feel, same goes for the scrub and the masks...sigh...

Repurchase?

Umm, not unless they change the formula...

Imperial Leather Forbidden Fruit - Blackberry Blossom & Wild Fig Triple Moisturising Bodywash (1 litre RRP $8.99)

I've had this massive bottle since forever - note to self, don't by the giant size as you have to decant the contents 'cos it won't fit in the shower rack, and by the time you get to the end of it, you might just have had enough of it. Having said that I did enjoy this gorgeous purple fruit concoction, but I'm now totally bored with the fragrance...

Repurchase?

Negative - hey I found the Blue Lagoon one at The Reject Shop for $2!

Alpha-H Liquid Gold (200ml On special $69.95)

My precious - love this SO much I bought a year's supply. Way way overdue for it's own dedicated review post, and I already featured it in my December Empties post, but it's just TOO GOOD to not mention again ♥...

Repurchase?

There's another 200ml bottle waiting in the wings - Adore Beauty had it on special, bless 'em ♥...

Clarins Super Restorative Total Eye Concentrate (15ml RRP $90)

Yeah well, I guess I have to say this is my HG eye cream. I've been trying some other ones (NeoStrata Intensive Eye Therapy, freezeframe REVITALEYES) in an attempt to find something to match it performance-wise at a fraction of the cost, but it's not happening for me. I reviewed this beauty back in June last year (HERE) and for my particular issues, it's a standout. Doesn't do anything for the under-eye baggies, but nothing does. And it's too early to tell if the SK-II R.N.A. Eye Cream is any better, but in a way I'm kinda hoping it's not as it's even MORE expensive lol! The Clarins has the ability to make my eyes look refreshed, and with the limited amount of sleep I get on a regular basis, it's the one that works best ♥...
Repurchase?

Not yet, but it's inevitable ♥...

Nature's Way Vitamin C 500mg Chewable Tablets (500 RRP $15.95)

This massive container has lasted me the best part of a year - well almost. Let's see - 2 tablets a day and there's 500 in the pack, so that's 250 days, which is roughly 8 months. Awesome value - can't say this brand is any better than the rest, but it's a good deal, and I tend to go for whatever is on special. What I can say is that I can't survive without my daily dose of Vitamin C ♥...

Repurchase?

I couldn't find the giant jar, so I went for Cenovis (300) this time around, but will snap one up next time I see it...

Natralus Natural Paw Paw Lip Butter - Strawberry (10g RRP $5.75)

Lovingly reviewed HERE -  the jury is still out as to whether this is my fave or the Coconut one, but I'll always have a spare of both ♥...

Repurchase?

Already have ♥...

Garnier Anti-Shine Cleansing Gel (150ml RRP $9.95)

Been using this gel on and off over the last 12 months - quite a pleasant little cleanser. Haven't found it particularly effective for mattifying my face or tightening my pores, but it does cleanse thoroughly and smells delish - like grapefruit, green tea and blossoms. I do prefer something a little less foamy...

Repurchase?

Might buy another for Summer because it's super refreshing, but it's not on my list of essentials...

Palmolive Peach Indulgence Body Butter Moisturising Body Wash (400ml RRP $6.79)

Love this peach-a-licious body wash, my current fave - reviewed in detail HERE ♥...

Repurchase?

That would be a yes - I have three in the cupboard...although one is for my Mum ♥...


Given that my new computer is not blue-screening every half an hour like the old one, and the overall electronic setup is now faster than the speed of light, you can rest assured that my August Empties post will be up in a far more timely manner ♥

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. Linking to Ingrid's magical Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party - online at 6:30am (if not before) ♥♥♥

REVIEW: Clarins Super Restorative Total Eye Concentrate...

Eye creams - can't live without them! How many have I repurchased over the years because they were so effective? Very few, but I'm on my second bottle of this Clarins Super Restorative Total Eye Concentrate. Don't be put off by the long name, although if it does impress you, you'll be equally impressed by the product...

As with SO many other brilliant skin care and makeup discoveries, I have beautyheaven to thank ♥. I trialled this for them back in March (review about half way down the page), and while I only gave it 4 out of 5 stars at the time, that was because I'd only be using it for a week! It's now 3 months down the track, and I'd give it 10 stars if I could. Initial results were mainly a freshening and subtle firming up of the eye area, but I've seen quite a bit more than that now...

The fine lines at the outer corners of my eyes have reduced in depth, and the skin on my lids and hoods is nowhere near as crinkled as it used to be - this is a MAJOR ACHIEVEMENT for a gal my age! Sagging and creased skin is the bane of my life, and taking close-up photos of my eyes almost every day means I have a limited career in the EOTD world. But I honestly believe this cream has extended the time that I'll be able to continue with my passion for eye makeup, and sharing what I do here on my blog and on Instagram...

But let's get on with the product itself! Stunning packaging and as you can see from the below pic, if you hold it up to the light, you can even see how much is left - score! (Left pic is empty, right is my new one). The pump is one of the best - you can control the amount dispensed precisely, so no waste or over-application. I use a quantity of about the size of a grain of rice to each eye, gently patting it onto the entire lid area, underneath as well, and it's so silky there's enough slip to take it right out to the temples and the deep creases between my brows. The finer wrinkles on the outside corners are now barely visible, and as mentioned before, the texture of the hooded area and actual lids is most definitely smoother. I can see the difference in the photos I take - overall my eyes look firmer and more youthful. The cream is white but instantly becomes invisible on the skin, and has a very faint floral fragrance. There's also a feeling of coolness as it's absorbed (almost completely) which is a welcome relief after a long day staring at a computer screen. The bottle is made of high quality plastic and barely weighs anything, which is a bonus for travellers...

I think this is "the" eye cream for me. Only time will tell if the improvements continue, but for now, I'm reworking my budget to ensure I have $90 available every 3 months to repurchase this beautiful product - my eyes are too precious to even blink about spending $30 a month to keep them looking fresh and vital ♥

What's  your Holy Grail eye cream?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. I've just added this Review to Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness #11 Link Up Party - there's some brilliant contributions from other bloggers, do take a look ♥