REVIEW & Giveaway: Myer Little Box of Beauty...

Sadly I missed the advent calendar bus this year - the two that I had my eye on sold out lightning-fast, but thanks to my beautyheaven friend Okatko (treasure!), I was reminded to get in quick for the always tempting and never disappointing Myer Little Box of Beauty. This will be my third one - all have been beaut value and a beauty bargain hunter's delight. At $80 for $220 worth of products (five of which are fragrances) & free delivery, I'm actually amazed that it's still available (HERE) but get in quick. Alternatively, you can stick around and read my blog post because I'm giving one away - it is, after all, Christmas! ♥...

Even the box is gorgeous - very sturdy and compact with eight drawer-like boxes, you could even use it to store jewellery or trinkets after sampling all the goodies ♥...

So here's what's in the first box: 

• Clinique Moisture Surge - 15ml
• OPI Nail Lacquer - 3.75ml, shade Princesses Rule!
• Lancome Hypnose Mascara - 2ml, Noir Hypnotic

Next up we have:

• Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Porefining Face Mask - 13g
• Sohum Tahitian Gardenia EDT Roller Ball - 8m

And there's an eau de parfum that I simply love:

Carolina Herrera Good Girl EDP - 7ml

And in another box are three fragrance miniatures - heaven!...

• Chi Chi Warm Vanilla Sugar EDP Spray - 15ml
• Miu Miu Twist EDP - 5ml
• Coach Floral Blush EDP - 4.5ml

Incidentally, the contents of all the boxes are identical, except for the Miu Miu fragrance - it varies between the EDP or the EDT...

And what's a beauty box without some delicious MOR products:

• MOR Marshmallow Hand & Body Wash - 20ml
• MOR Marshmallow Hand & Nail Cream - 10ml

Not to mention a little dose of Philosophy:

• Renewed Hope in a Jar Refreshing & Refining Moisturizer - 7ml
• Purity 3-in-1 cleanser for face & eyes - 30ml

Next up are two little gems:

• Inika Certified Organic Pure Perfection Primer - 4ml
• Coco & Eve Like a Virgin Tangle Tamer

And last but definitely by no means least...

• Myerbeauty Rose Quartz Face Roller
• Wavertree & London Macaron Triple Milled Soap - 200g

All ingredients are listed on the back of the plastic sleeve, which keeps the covers tightly closed, but slides off in a jiffy...

I'm thrilled to have a variety of products to try, and I'm blissing out that there are five perfumes - most items are sample sizes, but that makes them perfect stocking fillers, travel companions or guilt-free treats for moi lol...

GIVEAWAY!

Yes, I'm giving away a Myer Little Box of Beauty - it was purchased by me, and the 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!) If you're unable to leave a comment for technical reasons, please email your answer to katshepsutt(at)gmail.com.
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 find out who won!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Natasha M. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

Natasha, please respond to the email I've sent you by midnight

Saturday 19th December to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Natasha has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter ♥

Take care of you, and Merry Christmas!

kats xxx

August 2019 Empties & Giveaway!...

Hello October ♥ I'm so glad you're here - daylight saving, no more early morning frost on the windscreen, winter woollies packed away, Halloween on the horizon, self-tanner on the bench, pedicure booked in, woo hoo! But arriving seemingly super fast, you've also landed me in a bit of a pickle - I'm literally drowning in empties! Three buckets, two brimming with tubes, bottles, packets and jars that need to go into the recycling bin stat, and one that I already can't see the bottom of. Note to self: earning a living is important, but there needs to be a balance between work and play. So...at least one day of this long weekend is for catching up with my blog posts (and a sheet mask), so let's get started ♥...

Body

Ecostore Vanilla & Coconut Hand Wash (250ml, RRP $5.50)

Pretty close to being my favourite hand wash - I simply ADORE the fragrance, plus it's non-drying, made in New Zealand (the land of fantabulous skincare), no SLS, not tested on animals, the shape of the bottle means that it sits nicely on the narrow laundry and kitchen sink ledges, and the packaging colour scheme goes perfectly with my creamy toned ensuite ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Easy peasy, plus I can find it at Woolworths ♥♥♥...

Johnson's Pure Cotton Buds Applicators (150, RRP $2.69)

The only cotton buds that go anywhere near my ears because they never shred or fluff off - also essential for makeup cleanups, and the plastic container is super handy for storing bits and pieces 'cos the lid snaps firmly in place ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Forever ♥♥♥...

Nubian Heritage Coconut & Papaya Bar Soap (142g, RRP $10)

One of many Limited Edition soaps available from Shea Moisture. They're all deliciously fragranced, super softening and creamy, an elegantly curved shape, and not tested on animals. I bought several to try and I opted to start with this one as it matched my bathroom decor the best. It's really long-lasting, and I haven't actually finished it yet, but how do I take a picture of a used soap bar? ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Definitely, well as long as the Limited Editions are available ♥♥♥...

Schick Hydro Silk Razor (RRP $14.25)

This aqua blue version is SO old I don't think they make it any more, but the purple one seems to be the replacement. It still works with the latest refills but on close inspection, I noticed it was really quite stained and ratty looking, so I decided to treat myself to a new one ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yep - shaving is the only hair removal I can be bothered with, and the Schick razors are always reliable, safe and effective ♥♥♥...

Shea Moisture African Black Soap Soothing Body Wash (384ml, RRP $19.99)

Lovingly reviewed HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Always, and if you apply the KATS code at the Shea Moisture checkout, you'll still get 30% off! ♥♥♥...

Sukin Botanical Body Wash (250ml, RRP $8.95)

A lovely body wash that's non-drying and leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean. I'm a big Sukin fan, and this has a very pleasant herbally fragrance, but it's not quite interesting enough to entice me to buy it again ♥...

Repurchase?

I doubt it - I prefer the scent of the Lime & Coconut variety, or the Sukin for Men Cinnamon & Mandarin one ♥...

Weleda Skin Food (30ml, RRP $14.95)

Gifted at the August Beautyheaven Natual Beauty Event, I'm in awe of this cream, and at a total loss as to how I haven't come across it before now. Quite simply the richest moisturising cream I've ever used, and to top it off, the lemony fragrance is to die for. Holey guacemoley - way too intense to use on my face, the restoration work this did on my Winter-withered hands as an overnight treatment was phenomenal. So much so I'm kicking myself for forking out almost double the $$$ for another brand of hand cream that only recently became my HG. I'll still use it during the day of course, but this Skin Food has instantly earned a forever place in my beauty stash - whoa! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

You betcha. and the large tube at that ♥♥♥...

Regulars

White Glo Charcoal Total Mouth Detox Whitening Mouthwash (500ml, RRP $6.99)

Shea Moisture African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Body Scrub (170g, RRP $10)

Face

Eaoron Makeup Remover Balm (90g, RRP $26.99)

My go-to Winter cleanser - love it to bits, and now available at Priceline as well as Chemist Warehouse.  My in-depth review is HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Sure have, I stocked up at a recent CW sale ♥♥♥...

Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Daily Youth Restoring Serum Capsules (60 capsules, RRP $140)

I scored a sample tube of seven capsules from somewhere, and I hesitated to try them because I was concerned I'd fall in love with them, and then my beauty budget wouldn't stretch to keep the supply going. Well, they were indeed a lovely experience, but I needn't have worried as the results were not sufficient for me to invest in any more. Exceptionally hydrating yes, but I saw no visible improvement in texture or wrinkles, and to be honest, I found trying to rip open the little pea pods without the precious contents running through my fingers quite annoying ♥...

Repurchase?

No, said she as her Bank Manager breathed a sigh of relief ♥...

Lacura Green Tea & Olive Leaf Clarifying Facial Scrub (150ml, RRP $4.99)

I bought this to try, instead of the equivalent St. Ives one. It's very similar, both in fragrance, texture and performance, but I think the St. Ives one has the edge ♥...

Repurchase?

Probably not - there are so many other scrubs I prefer, and this one is a bit boring in comparison ♥...

Lancôme Renergie Multi-Lift Day Cream (50ml, RRP $159)

A 15ml sample jar leftover from a 2 years-ago GWP. A stunning cream, but too rich for my skin...and because of the price, fortunately, lol. I knew that before I opened it, but I wasn't going to toss it, and it was too old to give away. Even for the short time I used it, my pores clogged, but the problem went away soon after I finished it. Still, I won't go there again - for the record, the same thing happens with La Prairie and La Mer creams, so with the exception of L'Occitane, I'm not destined to use high-end skincare - phew! ♥...

Repurchase?

Negative ♥...

Wrinkles Schminkles Morning After Glow Serum (50ml, RRP $44.95)

I bought the Wrinkles Schminkles Eye Smoothing Kit (silicone eye pads), and this is the serum that's applied the next morning. Well the pads haven't done anything for my under eye area so far, but I'll persist, or I'll try them on my upper lip. This serum is quite lovely - silky, soothing and softening with a fresh lemon scent, but there are so many others I prefer (like my latest passion, L'Occitane Immortelle Overnight Reset serum - ooh la la!) ♥...

Repurchase?

I don't think so ♥...

Regulars

DB Pore Minimising Primer (25ml, $14.99)
Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover (112ml, RRP $10.89)

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum with Accelerated Retinol SA (29ml, RRP $42.99)

Nivea Hyaluron Cellular Filler Anti Spot Treatment Serum (30ml, RRP $34.99)

Face Masks

ActivLayr 5 Sec Firming Eye Mask (7 pairs, RRP $89.99)

These were my greatest August discovery (review HERE) - I loved them so much I bought two more boxes (the first was a PR gift). I have more pictures of terrific results for another post, but just haven't had the time to put it all together yet. Keep an eye out for this brand though, and whatever they bring out next - I reckon their marine collagen products are going to be big ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I'm waiting for the full face mask (or entire body suit lol) ♥♥♥...

Yes To Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Mud Mask (10ml, RRP $5.99)

This was in the July Bellabox - was SO looking forward to it, but was disappointed that I could barely scrape it out of the sachet. It was set quite hard and thick, and took a bit of doing to get it onto my face and spread it out. It left my skin soft and deep cleansed, but I was puzzled as to why it was so dry - that was until I noticed the expiry date of "4/19". Whether Bellabox knew this or not, or whether Yes To provided old stock to Bellabox, I think it was bad form to include a product that was past its use-by date...

Repurchase?

I doubt it - the experience put me off trying any of their other products...

Regulars

Skin Republic Retinol Hydrogel Under Eye Patch (3 pairs, RRP $9.99)

Fragrance

Chi Chi Strawberry & Violet Eau De Parfum (50ml, RRP $19.95)

Can't imagine my fragrance collection without this - it's so beautiful, and I receive regular compliments and queries whenever I wear it. I first discovered it back in 2015 when I called it "shamelessly romantic and totally feminine", and that's still the case. Review HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, it's a keeper ♥♥♥...

Hair

Coco & Eve Like A Virgin Super Nourishing Coconut & Fig Hair Masque (212ml, RRP $64.90)

Another sample (38ml) treat from the July Bellabox - it's definitely bliss-worthy. The fab fragrance enveloped me in the shower, and the beauty of it is that you only leave it on for 5-10 minutes. Incredibly nourishing, my hair felt so silky and smooth afterwards ♥♥...

Repurchase?

As much as I enjoyed it, unlikely - too expensive, the Kerasilk one I love is just as good ♥♥...

Nordic Blonde Blonde Toner (150ml, RRP $12.99)

This worked quite well to counteract the yellowing in my hair, but it does stain the fingers a wee bit, and the smell is just plain awful...

Repurchase?

No way - ewwwwww it stinks...

Schwarzkopf Live Colour Metallic - Denim Steel (RRP $5.49)

This is a gorgeous and intense deep blue-grey. I've actually changed my hair colouring now to this range because it doesn't actually dye the hair. I'll go into more detail in a later post, but I've decided to move away from permanent colourant, and these "8 washes" sachets are working brilliantly for me ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, plus the Cool Grey and Lilac Chrome ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Scott Cornwall Colour Restore Iced Platinum Anti-Yellow Toner (100ml, RRP $16.95)

Makeup

Regulars

Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner (RRP $15.95)

Maybelline Total Temptation Brow Definer (RRP $13.95)

Maybelline Volume Express The Falsies Waterproof Mascara (RRP $19.95)

Giveaway

Ok, so this month we have up for grabs...

• DB Cosmetics Pore Minimising Primer
• Eaoron Makeup Remover Balm
• Lacura Makeup Brush Cleaner & Dryer
• Nubian Heritage Olive Oil & Green Tea Soap
• SheaMoisture Bamboo Charcoal Body Scrub

All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $80. The 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!) If you're unable to leave a comment for technical reasons, please email your answer to katshepsutt(at)gmail.com.
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 find out who won!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful MerryGoRound as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

MerryGoRound, please respond to the email I've sent you by midnight

Wednesday 16th October to claim your prize :-)

Edit: MerryGoRound has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

REVIEW: July Bellabox...

When I was made redundant last year, I thought it best to cancel all my subscriptions until I landed a new job, and I sure have missed the parcels of goodies that used to turn up every month from various sources. And even though I've been working fairly steadily since then, I haven't re-subscribed to anything because it was the perfect opportunity to use up the ton of products I had stashed away - a task I've only just recently managed to (almost) complete. But then as luck would have it, last week the generous folks at Bellabox kindly sent me their July pack to review, and after grazing through the terrific contents, and seeing the value, I'm sorely tempted to make this monthly offering my next adventure ♥...

No doubt some of you are familiar with this particular sub, but for those of you who aren't, let's take a closer look at what's in this month's box...

Luna by Luna Eyeshadow ($15)

The shade I received was Miracle - a gorgeous shimmery plum that's smooth as silk and blends like a dream. Delighted to have a compact single pan to slip into my makeup bag in case I need to pat on a little more during the day, although I doubt I'll need to - this seems to have excellent staying power, and it's cruelty-free ♥...

MODELCO Highlighting Shimmer Whip ($12)

This is a stunning cream luminiser in the shade Champagne - the prettiest soft gold with an amazing metallic sheen. I'm not a big user of highlighter - I usually just dust a little on the top of my cheeks and the tip of my nose, but I've already tried blending a teeny bit of this liquid with my foundation, and I'm amazed at the difference it makes to my face - gives me a lovely youthful radiance without looking overdone. I also stroke a smidgin down the centre of my nose after contouring, and I far prefer the result than the powder I've been using ♥...

Yes to Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Mud Mask (10ml, $5.99)

Haven't tried this yet, but it's scheduled in for the end of the week which is when I always ALWAYS indulge in some kind of mud mask. While I don't experience acne, my skin can always do with some detoxifying, and I'm loving the sound of the tomato, watermelon and pumpkin ingredients. The blurb says it's 96% natural, so that's a bonus too ♥...

Liar Wrinkle Cheater Eye Serum (12ml, $39.95)

I'm always up for a new eye product, and this clear serum is 100% natural, cruelty-free and vegan, and has a lovely fresh scent. With a metal rollerball applicator, it feels icy cold in the current Sydney temperatures, so I'm stashing this away till the weather warms up a bit. Specifically for reducing wrinkle depth and preventing new ones forming, I'll report back on this via one of my Empties posts later in the year. Love the writing on the tube - "Tell them your real age, they'll never believe you" ♥...

Coco & Eve Like a Virgin Super Nourishing Coconut & Fig Hair Masque (212ml, $64.90)

Can't wait to try this when I next shampoo - it smells SO good, and the instructions say it only needs to stay on for 10 minutes. Cruelty-free and vegan, it's also minus any sulfates or parabens and is designed to restore damaged hair, tame the frizzies, and deliver lots of hydration and shine. Sounds like my kind of hair product ♥...

Plunkett's Nutri-Synergy Working Hands Intensive Repair Treatment 

I actually have a half-finished tube of this magical hand repairer in my bedside table drawer - I've been sidetracked with three others that came my way, but it will appear in my Empties post in the next month or so. Absolutely BRILLIANT hand cream - totally unglamorous, but boy does it work, and it absorbs completely ♥...

I've checked out the contents of previous boxes, and they all seem to be of the same excellent quality. Bellabox costs $19.95 per month, and the fact that there will always be five sample-sized products is especially appealing as there's no chance my bench will become overloaded again with a whole bunch of stuff that I'll struggle to finish. And the bonus is that anything I try that I love, I can probably buy from their website. I've lost count of the number of beauty items from other subscription services that I adored, but could never purchase because they simply weren't available in Australia...

Thank you Bellabox for the opportunity to sample your terrific product - I love that there's a mix of skincare, hair and makeup items, so this is a winner!

What say you lovelies - does this sound like your kind of thing, or are you already a customer?

Take care of you,

kats xxx