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

SPOTLIGHT: June Empties!...

Very late with my Empties post for last month, but as you can see it's a bumper issue. Includes items that last for absolutely yonks, most of which are kats-can't-live-withouts, and only one that I wouldn't repurchase. Come to think of it I may have to rename this series Monthly Faves! ♥...

Crop Natural Concealer Pencil ( RRP $16)

LOVE this little stick of wonders - I use it primarily for reverse outlining my lips, and throughout the day to counteract lipstick bleed. It's made a massive difference to the quality of my LOTD pics because it's dense enough to cover the freckles that abound around (what used to be) my lipline. It's creamy and blends immaculately, and I also use it to help disguise my huge under eye bags. Doesn't crease and after 3 months, there's still almost an inch of the pencil left, but it's too small to sharpen ♥...

Repurchase?

I have three backups in my drawer - Coles regularly has it on special, which is when I stock up ♥...

Dermalogica AGE Smart Skinperfect Primer (22ml RRP $72.50)

Until recently, this was my numero uno primer, and with an SPF30 content, my go-to skin protector. I've found something even more potent now (IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream with SPF50), but this beauty ticks all the boxes as far as mattifying and preparing my complexion for makeup is concerned. A darling friend sent me a tube years ago, and I've been in love with it ever since. This magical product has earned five stars on beautyheaven, and it's no wonder - on good face days, this is all I need to minimize pores and refine my complexion to a point where I can almost get away with no foundation (it has a slight tint). Well almost ♥...

Repurchase?

For hot humid Summer days, absolutely ♥...

Lanvin Eclat d’Arpège EDP (30ml RRP $81.50)

In the last 2 years I've considerably expanded my perfume collection, but prior to the blow out, this was my signature Summer scent - raved about it back in 2013, and it's still very close to the top of my list of all time favourite fragrances. Fresh and light, the combination of lilacs and lemons is simply beautiful, elegant and timeless. I usually only wear it in the warmer weather, but there was only a few spritzes left, so I finished up the bottle instead of putting it away for the Winter. Still have never EVER smelt it on any other gal ♥...

Repurchase?

I scored the 100ml bottle for $49.99 (woo hoo!) from Chemist Warehouse in April, so I'm set for Spring ♥...

Oral-B 3D White LUXE Toothpaste - Glamorous White (95g RRP $8.99)

My new choice for keeping my choppers in tip top condition. The minty taste is a nice change from my usual Colgate Optic White - it costs $1 more, but well worth it for the crisp freshness it brings to my mouth. Too early to tell if it works any better in the whitening department (my teeth are naturally creamy-coloured), but it's sure keeping the stains and cavities away ♥...

Repurchase?

Several tubes already stashed away in the bathroom cupboard, bought on special of course ♥...

True Essentials Micellar Water (125ml RRP $4)

Already covered in my Micellar Magic series, it's not the best of the bunch I've experienced so far, but excellent for what it is, and the price ♥...

Repurchase?

Yes - as mentioned in my review, it's worth it for the refillable travel size bottle alone ♥...

Reference of Sweden Repair Treatment Mask REF.550 (250ml RRP $38)

Check out my review HERE. This is a can't-live-without ♥...

Repurchase?

I don't muck around when it comes to what works for me - have already bought the 750ml bottle ♥...

Imperial Leather Madagascan Vanilla & Cacao Anti-bacterial Handwash (250ml RRP $3.99)

Totally bummed that I can't find this any more, but I'm hanging onto the empty bottle in case I spot the refill somewhere. Another gem that gets five beautyheaven stars. The fragrance is stunning, and washing my hands with this moisturising cream is the first thing I do when I arrive home ♥...

Repurchase?

I wish. Come on Coles, bring it back! ♥...

Clearasil Daily Clear Vitamins & Extracts Daily Wash (150ml RRP $10.49)

My second favourite cleanser - been using this for years, and look forward to every session. The avocado and pomegranate scent combo blisses me out, and I especially love the fact that I can leave its pale green creaminess on my face for a few minutes as a mask, and have instantly becalmed and refined skin ♥...

Repurchase?

Never without this ♥...

Nude by Nature Nude Face Scrub (150ml RRP $17.95)

Featured this in my December Empties post last year, but I'm including it again because it's simply the BEST! Pricey but unsurpassed. Review HERE ♥...

Repurchase?

Can't live without it ♥...

Reference of Sweden REF.050 Shine Spray (200ml RRP $34)

In all my years I've not come across anything else like this for giving my hair instant shine and gleam without any build up of goop. You spray it on like hairspray, and I swear anyone around you will need sunnies to counteract the glare. Review HERE ♥...

Repurchase?

Can't live without this either ♥...

The Body Collection Mimosa & Lily Hand & Body Wash (200ml RRP $16.99)

This was in my birthday bag from Mama last year, bless her ♥. Beautiful fragrance, floral with a tinge of sour. Australian made, no SLS, parabens or animal derived products, but not enough moisturising power for me to add it to my list of must-haves...

Repurchase?

Probably not - there are so many other body washes that I adore, and I didn't love this one quite enough to seek out a stockist (independent chemists I believe)...

Imperial Leather Pomegranate & Wild Rose Triple Moisturising Bodywash - Flirtatious (500ml RRP $6.49)

Another one I'm crazy about - Imperial Leather products appear in just about every one of my Empties posts, so you could say I'm a bit of a fan lol! Having trouble finding this too, although I spotted it in Priceline a few months back so will try my luck next weekend. Raved about it almost two years ago HERE ♥...

Repurchase?

Definitely - this is a must for me for the comfort it brings on cold winter mornings ♥...

Imperial Leather Exotic Guava & Champaca Triple Moisturising Bodywash - Blue Lagoon (500ml RRP $6.49)

What is it with Coles and Woolworths? They're stocking barely any of this range any more, or in the case of Coles, not at all. I'm sending the biggest BOO to whoever decides what goes on the shelves. I'm totally hooked on the uniqueness of this fragrance, and I don't think I can survive without its fabulous colour in my shower stall. Mind you it's labelled a "Limited Edition", so maybe it's not even made any more. Still pictured on the IL website though. I miss you No.48 - are you out there? Sob... Rave HERE ♥...

Repurchase?

If only I could ♥...

Urban Rituelle Fragrance Diffuser Set - Comfort (Sandalwood & Tangerine) (190ml RRP $39.95)

Have had this reed diffuser radiating love and lusciousness in my blogging HQ for seven months - seven months! I'm a Sandalwood nutbag, and pairing it with tangerine can only be described as an inspired flash of pure genius. Warm and spicy, I adore this all year round ♥...

Repurchase?

Done deal - I'm sitting here basking in its warm embrace as I type ♥...

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. Phew - if you're still here, congrats! And why not kick off the new week by visiting Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party - starts on the dot of 6:30am ♥...

REVIEW: Clearasil Daily Clear Superfruits Refreshing Scrub...

I don't often receive products to trial, but this arrived in the post (my first parcel at my new address!), and I was absolutely delighted as I love this scrub, and had just squeezed out the last dollop from the tube I'd had for around 6 months - perfect timing! I did a mini-review of it last November, but it deserves a whole page to itself, so here we go...

I still can't get used to the fact that Clearasil products work so well on my mature skin - in fact if it wasn't for beautyheaven sending a sample of the brilliant Daily Clear Vitamins & Extracts Wash almost two years ago, I would have continued on thinking that the Clearasil range was wholly and solely for young troubled skin. But I'm always happy to have my opinion changed, especially when I find something that works so well, and this scrub is a honey ♥

When it comes to bathroom products, my preference is for fruit fragrances, and this Raspberry & Cranberry combination is refreshing and zingy without being overpowering. The pretty pale pink cream is not at all difficult to dispense, but has a very thick and rich consistency - I far prefer this to some scrubs that are more liquid as they have tendency to slip through my fingers, and that means waste..

You can see how firm it is in the above pic, and if you look closely you can also spot some teeny little deeper pink exfoliating grains. There are much finer ones too that aren't visible, but together with the Coconut and Salicylic acid, they do a beaut job of scaring away blackheads and sloughing off flaky skin cells, leaving a surface that silky smooth and ready for moisturiser and foundation...

When I first try a new scrub, I use it daily for at least a week to see how well it performs, and to find out if it's going to dry my skin at all - no such problem with this little darling. There's not even a hint of tightness, and I like the fact that my face feels super clean, but not stripped. The label actually says it can be used every day, both morning and night - at my age I reckon that's a wee bit excessive, but I'd say it's gentle enough to not cause any issues if  you are so inclined.

In my earlier review I said this was a keeper, and that's still the case. At $10.99 it's excellent value, and you can pick it up at most supermarkets ♥ If you're interested, there's a helpful skin care guide on the Clearasil website, and of course they also make a deep cleansing scrub for those folk dealing with pimples and breakouts.

Thank you Clearasil for sending me something that I know and love, precisely when I needed it ♥

Take care of you,

kats xxx

CONFESSIONS: of a Scrubaholic (Part 3)...

Time for another round of face scrubs ♥ They seem to last heaps longer than my body washes, so I'm not powering through them anywhere near as quickly. But I'm still hopelessly addicted to trying anything new in the skin brightening and cell sloughing department, and here's what's hot in my shower at the mo'...

Olay Fresh Effects Bead Me Up! Exfoliating Cleanser

This very gentle creamy white scrub has one of the most refreshing fragrances I've come across in my beauty product travels, and that's saying something. It has a whole bunch of unpronounceable names in the ingredients list, but doesn't smell even the slightest bit chemical - a bit florally, a bit fruity, and a whole heap of fresh and clean. The beads are superfine so I can't imagine this scrub causing any irritation - I have no idea what they're made of, but they're teeny tiny, pale blue and don't seem to soften very much as I lather up and massage away. Non-drying, this is gentle enough for me to use every day. At $14.99 it costs a little more than I'm used to, but it's worth it for a kind-to-my-skin scrub that smells so delicious ♥

Garnier Radiance Boosting Scrub - Wake Me Up!

In the world of fruit scrubs, this is a gem - smells like freshly squeezed oranges with a splash of grapefruit, and gently sloughs away the old surface cells that make my complexion appear dreary. This is paraben free, dermalogically tested, suitable for sensitive skin, and contains Moringa extract, an anti-oxidant and skin puririfer. I looked up this ingredient as I'd never heard of it before - native to the foothills of the Himalayas, the the seeds are rich in oleic acid. Apparently it's been used in oriental medicine for thousands of years, and is also known as The Miracle Tree - fascinating stuff hey? Although the recommendation is to use it only three times per week, I've scrubbed every day for a fortnight and not had a tinge of pinkness or tingling, and my skin feels super clean without being tight or dry. At just under $10, this is definitely a stayer ♥

Clearasil Daily Clear Superfruits Refreshing Scrub

I reviewed the Vitamins & Extracts Scrub in this range in Part 1, and this is another one that's on my list of keepers. It has the same "base" scent, but instead of Avocado and Pomegranate extracts, this one is even more delicious with its Raspberry and Cranberry ingredients. There's nothing like a fresh fruity fragrance to get me going in the morning! Pretty much the same consistency and exfoliator grain content, but the larger beads are pink instead of blue, and it's just as effective. Of the two I prefer this one because it smells just that bit nicer. It mixes up into a creamy lather, and I enjoy that it rinses cleanly away - I never seem to have any gritty bits stuck around my hairline, and it's gentle enough to use daily. I've said this before, but I'm still amazed that someone my age can use, love and get great results from a Clearasil product ♥

Puretopia Smooth & Renew Gentle Exfoliating Face Scrub

If memory serves me correctly, this was inside the Priceline Skincare goody bag back in June. I just about always partake of these offerings because they invariably contain products that I wouldn't normally buy, and this is a prime example. Never tried Puretopia anything before, and with my penchant for colour, I would have walked straight past this relatively dreary black and white tube on the shelf. Interestingly enough, I think this might just be my favourite scrub of all time - how about that? I'm crazy about it - love the fragrance (reminds me of suntan lotion on the beach), the thick consistency, the beads are fine but powerful (I believe they're made from silica), but most of all I'm staggered at how smooth and soft it leaves my skin, and yet it's not the slightest bit harsh. Just about every scrub smooths my complexion, but this one seems to work even better as far as a polishing effect is concerned. Add to that the fact that it's sulfate and paraben free, I think it's awesome value for $9.95 ♥

So what's your favourite scrub at the moment? Have you tried any of these gems?

In case you missed them, Part 1, Part 2...

Take care of you,

kats xxx

CONFESSIONS: of a Scrubaholic (Part 1)...

Yes it's time to reveal one of several little personal secrets about myself - I am addicted to scrubs! They say that the first step along the road to recovery is admitting you have a problem, so this is my official "outing", not that I REALLY want to get over this though. There are far worse habits I need to break (like working ridiculously long hours) and at around $10 a pop, it's not really a serious issue...is it?

So here's what's currently in my shower stall - eight of 'em! Do I really need that many? Nope. Do I love having choices? Well that's a big fat YES, plus my skin seems to change with the seasons, or whatever else I'm using in my skin care routine, so it's essential to have a wide range of products on hand if my face is becoming either slightly more oily or dry. (Lol if I keep going, I might even convince myself ha ha...)

Exfoliation is an essential part of my daily shower routine - I find if I don't use a scrub every morning, my blackheads start to multiply, my complexion loses some of it's lustre and refinement, my pore clogging almost doubles, and I experience flaking of the skin around my nose and chin. Apart from preventing (or at the very least reducing) the aforementioned yucky developments, I love how fresh, clean and silky soft my skin feels afterwards.

Why do I have so many? I have to admit it's mainly so I don't get bored! Anything I do each and every day soon becomes a chore, most definitely dreary, and anyway, they say that variety is the spice of life - plus by using a different one each time, I never grow weary of any particular brand :-)

Important note: when I buy a new scrub, I make sure I use it exclusively for a week or two to see how it performs, and just in case there are any adverse reactions (like irritation or over-drying of my skin). If it passes my particular tests, then it joins the other members of my rotation collection...

I love all of the ones pictured above, for different reasons - potency or gentleness, fragrance or feel on my skin, each one of them has a quality that I don't want to miss out on. Here's a run down (in no particular order) of why I like them. Incidentally I've split this post into two parts so that YOU don't get bored before you've reached the bottom of the page ha ha...

Bioré Pore Unclogging Scrub

I use this probably once per week because it's quite a strong formula - the little blue beads are gentle, but the cream itself contains salicylic acid so I'm wary of using it too often on my old skin. I'm not so keen on the fragrance of this one (it's a bit chemical), but it's brilliant for a weekly deeeeeeep cleanse. The cream is nice and thick too so there's no chance of dispensing too much...

Clearasil Vitamins & Extracts Scrub

Love the smell of this one, and the fact that the cream contains two kinds of exfoliators - lots of gentle grainy bits in the thick cream base, plus a smattering of round blue ones. Not completely sure which of these is responsible for the reduction in my blackheads, but overall this little baby sure does the trick, and I will be buying this one again. My beautyheaven review of it is here...

Clean & Clear Morning Burst Skin Brightening Facial Scrub

This came in my Blogstar box and I'm so glad - I went through quite a dilemma when I bought the orange one as I was torn between the two. So now I have both, and they're equally effective, AND delicious smelling too. Super gentle, it contains lemon, caffeine and papaya, which all adds up to a zingy and refreshing start to my mornings. But be warned - this is quite runny (and the next one too) so go easy on the tube squeezing :-)

Clean & Clear Morning Burst Facial Scrub

Out of the two C&C scrubs, this one has the edge because of the fresh orangey scent - it's just a personal preference, and the colour makes me smile. Everything else about it seems to be identical to the lemon one - very gentle and it doesn't make my face feel tight or dry. Definitely a stayer in my collection...

Are you a scrub addict? Which one is your favourite?

Part 2 coming soon...

Take care of you,
kats xxx