April 2019 Empties & Giveaway...

Getting in relatively early with my empties post this month ♥ Finished three makeup items in April, and discovered a standout serum thanks to a beautyheaven trial. Also concentrated on using up some traditionally summertime products rather than putting them to the back of the cupboard. That's the plan from now on primarily because just the other night I found a partially used cream cleanser I'd completely forgotten about that had a use by date of July 2017! Honestly, I'm over having half a dozen opened products in each skin care category on my bench, so you'll be seeing quite a few strays over the next few months as I do a big cleanout ♥...

Body

Dove Deep Moisture Shower Foam (400ml, RRP $9)

I quite enjoyed this - one of a few shower products from this brand that are sulfate free. Love the classic fragrance, and it lasts quite a long time. But to be honest, I'm not keen on pre-foamed anything, whether they are facial cleansers, hand washes or shower products - I prefer to make my own suds as part of the cleansing process. This one is nicely moisturising though, and I bought it to encourage Dove to make their whole range sulfate-free ♥...

Repurchase?

No...

Dr. Bronner's 4-in-1 Sugar Lemongrass Lime Organic Pump Soap (355ml, RRP $17.95)

Have had this for a couple of years, alternating between the bench for hand washing and the shower stall. It's terrific for either, non-drying and the fragrance is fruity-fresh and zesty. Just about every ingredient is organic, at least 55% are Fair Trade, and it will take you around five minutes to read everything that's on the label. I added this to an iHerb order for the free shipping, but you can buy it here from their Aussie website (https://www.drbronner.com.au/collections/pump-soap/products/dr-bronners-hand-and-body-pump-soap-lemongrass-lime). Super concentrated, you can also use it as a shampoo although I didn't try that. Very nice product ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, but not this scent till next summer, might try the lavender one next. They also have an unscented one for babies ♥♥♥...

Swisse Vitamin C + Manuka Honey (120 chewable tablets, RRP $32.99)

Most of the supplements I buy are from Swisse - I find them to be excellent quality and more affordable than other brands as they are often on special. Which is how I came to buy these Vitamin C tablets, and I was keen to see what difference the manuka honey would make to my immune health. I still caught the flu, but it didn't seem to last as long so these daily pills may have contributed to the shorter sniffle duration. But...the taste is plain awful. I thought the "Natural honey & lemon flavour" would be ok, but it's almost intolerably sweet - like I mean sickly sweet. so I won't be buying them again...

Repurchase?

Negative ...

Regulars

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

Face

Essano Rosehip Gentle Facial Cleansing Micellar Water (400ml, RRP $12.99)

I gave this quite a glowing review in my Micellar Magic series (HERE) and it's a lovely gentle product, but for some reason, it now becomes super foamy on my skin - not sure if it's related to the cleansers I've been using, but I doubt it as I don't have this problem with other micellars. Besides, if I shake the bottle, it gets all frothy, and I don't remember it being like this before. Anyway, it annoys me that I end up with suds on my face, so that's the end of that ♥...

Repurchase?

Nope...

Grahams Daily Facial Gel Cleanser (125ml, RRP $12.95)

Still one of my favourite ever cleansing gels - I go through a couple of bottles every spring/summer. So cooling and refreshing with its green tea, aloe vera and cucumber ingredients. Full review of it is HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Always ♥♥♥...

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

This was the find of the month, thanks to beautyheaven. A beautiful serum that smells divine and hydrates like there's no tomorrow. Has helped fade my freckles, which always become more intense over summer despite the application of sunscreen. I also have a few pigmented marks around my hairline that had noticeably lightened by the end of the four-week trial, and I've been massaging the excess onto the backs of my hands which has helped the freckles there become paler too. My review of it is fourth from the top of the page HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, on my second bottle now ♥♥♥...

Nutrimetics Honey & Almond Scrub (125ml, RRP $38)

I can remember this from years ago. It's a very thick creamy paste with almond granules and oatmeal grains to scrub away all the dead skin cells - non-drying, supremely effective, and a little goes a long way. What's weird though is that it's fragranced with peppermint oil - given the name, it's quite unexpected, and there's no mention of it in the advertising. I kinda would prefer a honey/oatmeal scent, but the mint is actually quite refreshing early in the morning. I use this twice a week without fail ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I bought another one recently intending it to be part of this giveaway, but I've decided I love it too much, so I'm keeping it - sorry about that lol! ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover (112ml, RRP $10.89)

Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence (40ml, RRP $39.99)

Face Masks

Burt's Bees Detoxifying Charcoal Sheet Mask with Honey (RRP $9.95)

I had no idea that Burt's Bees made sheet masks, although just about every brand is bringing them out now, so I should have guessed. I picked this up on special, and it's lovely. It doesn't adhere all that well to the skin so you'll have to stay horizontal, but it left my skin feeling clean, fresh and blissfully hydrated. There's one weird thing about it though - the instructions say to leave it on for 2 minutes. 2 minutes?!? I ignored that because there's no way I would go through all the fiddling, or spend $10 on something that'll be over in a flash ♥...

Repurchase?

I would, but only if it's discounted - the Garnier Skin Active charcoal one is my fave and it's half the price ♥...

Jiinju Beauty Face, Lip & Eye Mask Set (RRP $15?)

This Korean range sells in Woolworths, and I spotted the boxed set reduced to $5, so how could I resist? The pack contained an Avocado Sheet Mask, Red Cherry Gel Lip Mask and Ginseng & Eucalyptus Under Eye patches, so I whacked them all on at the one time. The face mask was a reasonable fit although the nose flap was way too short. The gel lip mask covered the entire mouth area (and more) but only stayed on because I positioned the sheet mask over the top - used on its own, you would need to lie down first and then press it on as it's super slippery. The eye patches were soothing and fitted right up to the lash line without any discomfort. Once I was horizontal, the whole experience was pleasurable, and my skin tone looked more even afterwards, and pleasantly hydrated. Like most Korean products, the packaging is super cute ♥♥...

Repurchase?

Probably although I don't know what the usual price is - it was a great deal for a fiver ♥♥...

Neutrogena Youthful Boost 100% Hydrogel Mask (RRP $5.99)

After falling for the Hydro Boost variety big time, I decided to give this flavour a shot - not as hydrating as the one in the blue pack, but an equally delightful experience. The optional eye and lip flaps are a huge bonus -  I'm impressed that they've thought this whole face mask thing through and come up with something that covers the entire face, plus it's almost invisible, so no worry about frightening the cat. My complexion did indeed look and feel crazy smooth afterwards ♥♥...

Repurchase?

I'm more likely to go for the Hydro Boost ones as I want that extra moisturising hit ♥♥...

Skin Republic 24K Gold Aquagel Under Eye Patch (2 pairs, RRP $12.99)

No action shots 'cos I slept in these four times - they shrivel and fall off at some stage during the night, but I reckon they're on for at least an hour, and my bags don't look nearly as voluminous the next morning. Adore! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Forever ♥♥♥...

Hair

Goldwell Kerasilk Control Conditioner (200ml, RRP $35.95)

Hard for me to go past this conditioner and it's partnering shampoo, actually the whole range is awesome. A bottle of each is included free every time I have my Kerasilk treatment done at the hairdressers (every 3 months), and I usually only have to buy one more to get me through till the next appointment. Sulfate-free it's truly the best and most silkening product for my naturally frizzy mop ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Sure will ♥♥♥...

Makeup

Crop Natural Concealer Pencil - Light (RRP $16)

Loved this little pencil for reverse outlining my lips - it was the perfect shade and texture ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

The range is no longer available at Coles, and it's not listed on their website, so I guess they've discontinued the product - boo! I've replaced it with a NYX Wonder Pencil which is working well, but it's more pinkish than the Crop one sigh ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder (RRP $13.95)
Maybelline Total Temptation Brow Definer (RRP $13.95)

Giveaway!

• Skin Republic 24K Gold Aquagel Under Eye Patches
• Neutrogena Youthful Boost 100% Hydrogel Face Mask
• Grahams Natural Daily Facial Gel Cleanser
• Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover
• Grahams Natural Organic Lip Balm - Raspberry
• Bourjois Rouge Velvet Lipstick Duo Pack - shades Don't Pink of It & Nude-ist

All items were purchased by me and the total prize value is approx $100. 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
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 29th May to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Raluca has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: 1st Quarter 2017 Fave LOTD's - Part 1...

I'm several months behind with these favourite-for-the-first-three-months-of-the-year LOTD's - whoops! Regular readers will know that I usually do four or five different posts for the various hue families, but as the next quarter is already looming on the horizon, and crazy work commitments are STILL limiting me to one post per week (boo!), so I've shrunk down the photos and condensed them into two posts. So here we go with the Nudes, Bricks, Bronzes, Corals, Mauves & Pinks ♥...

L to R: Crop Mineral Lipstick - Spice, Hola Neon Velvet Liquid Lipstick - DF, Rimmel The Only 1 Matte Lipstick - Look Who's Talking

As you can see, I enjoy a wide variety of formulas and finishes. The Crop Mineral Lipstick is exceptionally comfortable, and keeps my lips hydrated throughout the day. The Hola Liquid Lipstick came in a Lip Monthly bag, and it's amazingly non-drying, smooth as silk, and lasts for hours. The Rimmel Matte Lipstick is a fave, for all the aforementioned reasons ♥...

L to R: Colourpop Ultra Matte Lip - Tulle, Colourpop Ultra Matte Lip - Love Bug, Same Colourpop Love Bug with Cosmoholic gloss over the top

You can probably tell I'm a Colourpop fan lol - their colours are stunners for Autumn/Winter, although I wish the formula was a little less drying. Adding the Cosmoholic gold gloss to the Colourpop Love Bug transformed it into a mind blowingly fantabulous shade, and counteracted the shrivelling effect. Absolutely LOVE this gloss (also from a Lip Monthly bag) ♥...

L to R: BYS Matte Lipstick - Espresso, NYX High Voltage Lipstick - Dirty Talk, NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick - Downtown Beauty

Good old BYS - it's a struggle to find a good brown lipstick, let alone one that's comfortable, but this Espresso is both.  The NYX High Voltage lipsticks have been discontinued, and I'm bummed about that as they're such great shades, and very comfy. The NYX Downtown Beauty was an answer to a prayer for a non-red brown liquid lippie - this formula is ok, but I'd prefer a tad more moisture ♥...

L to R: MUD Full Colour Lip Lacquer - Truly Coral, SAVVY Lipstick - Mango, NYX High Voltage Lipstick - Rags to Riches

Love me a good coral lippie - this MUD one is a beauty and lasts quite well, considering it's a gloss and it costs around $5. The SAVVY is a teeny tiny little lipstick that came in a box of 8 or 10, not sure if I can find it again. The NYX Rags to Riches is a very similar shade, but it's more hydrating than the SAVVY one ♥...

L to R: Cougar Mineral Lipstick - Sangria, MUD Full Colour Lip Lacquer - Wild Mauve, Revlon Ultra HD Gel Lip Colour - Dawn

Yet another gem from Lip Monthly, this Cougar Sangria lipstick is gorgeous - creamy and moist, and the colour has quite a punch. A second beaut gloss from MUD, and the Revlon Dawn is dear to my heart because of it's super slim and elegant case, and it keeps my lips moist and supple all day long ♥...

L to R: Revlon Ultra HD Gel Lip Color - Vineyard, Mirenesse Maxi-Tone Lip Bar - Soul, SAVVY Lipstick - Grape

Love this Revlon Vineyard - has a wee bit more blue in it than Dawn, and really flatters my skintone. The Mirenesse one is a pretty colour, but I struggle to get the ombre effect happening (there are two shades in the one stick). The SAVVY one is another from the "sample" box ♥...

L to R: Maybelline 14hr Megawatt Lipstick - Neon Pink, bhcosmetics Creme Luxe Lipstick - Pop Cultured, NYX Intense Butter Gloss - Funnel Delight

And finally the bright pinks. The Maybelline Neon Pink is a blast - very pure and clear, and it lasts for at least half a day, or until I eat something with oil in it.  Have had the bhcosmetics Pop Cultured for over 18 months and keep forgetting about it - don't know why because I adore this pink, and the formula is smooth and buttery. And of course the NYX Butter Gloss - probably my favourite glosses of all time, they're so rich and vibrant, and well, I just loves NYX ha ha ♥...

Part 2 will be up later this week - Oranges, Reds, Berries and Purples ♥...

Would any of these colours suit you?  What's your favourite lip product formula?

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. Yes it's that time of the week again - time for Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Link Up. Be sure to check it out after 6:30am ♥...

SPOTLIGHT: My Everyday Makeup Essentials...

Hi lovelies! Was sitting at my bench getting ready for the day, and paused for a mo' to take a look at everything I used. Sure I change my foundation, blush, lipstick and eye shadows from one day to the next, but there are certain products and tools that I reach for every time I create my face, regardless of the colour scheme I've chosen. The process varies slightly for weekends (unless I'm going out, which is rare) - I usually skip a few items as I don't feel the need to be ready for a close-up at the supermarket, just decent lol. One of the items below is a recent acquisition (a gift!) that I wanted to let you know is brilliant, so here's a rundown of my daily makeup essentials (be prepared for a LONG post ha ha), and how and when I use them...

The IT Cosmetics - Your Skin But Better CC Cream goes on my face every day as my primer, regardless of the activities I have planned. It's a 50+ sunscreen with lots of benefits, and my full review of it is HERE...

To apply any foundation, I use this Chi Chi dome brush - have had it for almost 12 months, and it's not shed a single hair in that time. I use this dome type because it's soft and yet densely packed, and is the kind recommended by Wayne Goss as the best way to push foundation into enlarged pores to make them less visible, and I have a lot of those..

Next I add concealer, and I swear by IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer (review HERE). I have both light and medium shades, but tend to use the medium most of the time under my eyes, around my nose, and along my top lip as I have a couple of pesky freckles that I need to hide. I also apply this down the centre of my nose as part of my contouring technique because it doesn't budge throughout the day. The brush is an unidentifiable one I've had for years...

One of the major breakthroughs in the quality of my LOTD photos came when I started reverse-outlining my lips with this nifty little CROP Natural Concealer Pencil * in the light shade - stops the lipstick bleed, and gives me a crisp clean line. I don't use this on weekends as I take a break from snapping my pout (I'll mark the products I omit on Saturday/Sunday with an asterisk *)...

I've had a lot more success with contouring my nose since I switched to this Australis AC On Tour Contouring & Highlighting Kit - Cool Tone. Powder has a tendency to darken my huge pores making them far more obvious, but if I blend the cream (from the almost empty pan in bottom right of the photo) either side of my nose, I end up with a reasonably undetectable illusion of a thinner and smaller schnozz. As you can see I rarely use any of the other colours in the kit, but they're there if I need them. The brush is a soft angled one from MUA Cosmetics..

Before adding anything further, I press Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder all over my face (with special attention to my nose) with a velour powder puff. I have a ton of these puffs as I wash them every few days, and most of them are unbranded. This finishing powder sets my makeup for the day and controls shine...

My brows are sparse, blonde and barely visible. It's not an age thing, it's the way they've been all my life, so I draw them on every day. My favourite brow pencil is the Models Prefer Luxury Powder Brow Liner * in the Light shade. It's a cream to powder pencil that's cheap as chips, and gives me the most natural looking finish, and doesn't look plastered down. The light shade is a warm blonde, but for days when I wear cool toned makeup, I use the Crop Natural Eyebrow Pencil * in the shade Blonde. The brush at the top of the pic is an unbranded one, but I love it because the bristles are soft and flexible (the Crop brush on the cap is too small and stiff)...

For my powder blushes, I have three brushes - one each for pinks/mauves, oranges/reds/corals, and a third for anything outside those families, like purple. I store them in their sleeves and clean them every two weeks or so. The clear plastic handled one is unmarked, the black is by MUA Cosmetics, and the silver one is from BH Cosmetics. I've had all of these for years and they've never shed, so I see no need to replace them with anything fancier...

I apply my bronzer (Crop Natural Mineral Pressed Bronzer in shade Solaire) after my blush. This goes below the blush area as a contour and along my jawline. I've since bought a few other bronzers to try as I only ever use the bottom right pan of this palette, but it sure is the perfect shade The kabuki brush is by Nude by Nature, and only a recent acquisition as my Artiste one started shedding. So far so good! I also use this brush to blend where the bronzer and blush join, as well as tone down any excess blush colour if I've been a bit too heavy handed...

Moving onto the eyes, I tightline the upper lashline with Eye of Horus Charcoal Obsidian Goddess Pencil. These pencils are my favourites, and you'll find no less than 30 search references to them in the right side-bar because I use just about all the colours every week. This one replaced the Smokey Black I bought originally as it's not quite so stark, but gives me the definition I consider essential for my eyes. At the end of a long long day, it's still exactly where I placed it. I've included the sharpener as well - I've often said it's the best one I've ever used, and that's still the case...

For my eye shadows, I use these two BH Cosmetics brushes  - they came in a huge set I bought years ago, and still perform like new. They're slim enough for exact placement, and even pick up Colourpop shadows beautifully. I have others of course, but these I use every time without fail. I clean them after every application with Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes...

And of course there's the always essential cotton buds. I'm fussy and only buy Johnson & Johnson ones as they don't leave any fluffy bits behind when I tidy up the waterline, and the dual ended cosmetic tips are by Swisspers. The paddle end I coat in concealer to clean up my hoods, and the pointy end is perfect for picking up stray mascara bits...

Another product that I've been using ever since it was released is the Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner. I swear no other liner touches my lower lashline! It doesn't fade or smear or flake, and I smudge it a wee bit with eye shadow to soften the line...

These two look a bit scruffy, but that's because I've had them for years. The shadow is MAC Omega * - it's matte and I use it to add a teeny bit extra contour to my nose because it's just the best colour match. The brush is yet another one where the brand has rubbed off, but from memory it's by Models Prefer *. I keep the sleeve on it so that the bristles stay compact...

Gosh this is a long post - are you still here lol? The Rimmel Stay Matte powder is what I use to counteract shine on my hoods, and it's also what I apply during the day for anti-shine touchups, although usually only once or twice. I've had the Ecotools brush for over 5 years, but you'd never know as it still looks like new...

Absolutely LOVE this Eye of Horus Goddess Mascara. I only use this on weekends when I give my lashes a break from curling and several layers of waterproof mascara. This actually conditions my lashes, and the only reason I don't use it every day is because I need a mascara with fibres or else my lashes don't show up in the EOTD pics...

And now for the new product that I'm super excited about! Estée Lauder Little Black Primer *. It's a lash primer, which is something I've never given a thought to previously, and was sent to me by my darling friend Amy from Health & Beauty Girl ♥♥♥ You apply it just like a mascara, it colours the lashes ever so slightly, and it's waterproof. I stroke this on before curling my lashes, then apply my usual mascara over the top, and I can honestly say that the curl is EXACTLY the same at 11pm as it is at 6:30am. Amazing!

I've lost count of the number of eyelash curlers I've owned in the past, but this Shu Uemura * one beats them all hands down. Can't for the life of me figure out why as it looks the same as any other brand, but hey, the result is far superior every time...

And finally, my HG mascara (has been for years) - Maybelline The Falsies Waterproof *. Nothing gives me the length and volume I need like this baby. To avoid clumping from the fibres I rotate the brush as I'm stroking it on, and I usually apply at least two coats without letting it dry in between...

So there it is lovelies - SO many products to create my face, but then I do take photos just about every working day, and I find I can't do without the majority of these. I guess you could say that this is an entire page of can't-live-withouts ♥ Of course I've excluded foundation, lipliners, lipsticks, blush and eyeshadows, but if you're interested, I'll do some posts of my most regularly used ones from those categories in the coming weeks...

So how many cosmetic items do you use on a daily basis?

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. Linking to the Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party - it's the 100th edition, and likely to be an extra special one. Heaps of congrats to Ingrid on this winning series ♥... 

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: First Quarter Fave LOTD's, Nudes, Bricks and Bronzes...

At the end of last year I uploaded pics of my favourite LOTD's of 2015. But I figured it would be of more use to you gals if I did a little summary every quarter - that way if you spot a colour you think you'd love or might suit, you can watch out for it to be on special. Also it's almost IMPOSSIBLE for me to narrow down the ones I adore out of a whole 12 month's worth, so these are my picks for the year so far, culled from 80 possibles lol! I wear a pretty wide range of hues and textures, so here's hoping these help you find your HG ♥ I've sort of grouped them into colour families so you can compare - some are very similar with only subtle differences in the shade, and there'll be a mix of mattes, creams, pearls, lipsticks, lip paints and crayons...

Crop Mineral Lipstick - Plum

DB Colour Kisses - Nude

BOE Professional Lipstick - Mousse

Maybelline ColorSensational Lipstick - Coffee Craze

LOL Lipstick - Bronze Age

MBA Lip Paint - Chic Brick

DB Moisturising Lipstick - Bronze

L'Oreal ColorRiche Lipstick - Cristal Cappuccino

Revlon SuperLustrous Lipstick - Sandstorm

MBA Lip Paint - Another Brick in the Wall

Milani Lipstick - Cinammon Spice

Nude By Nature Mineral Lipstick - Sassy

You may have gathered I'm not all that big on nudes, preferring bolder hues - the first four are pretty much all-year-rounders for me, whereas the bottom eight are my go-to's for Autumn/Winter ♥

Any of these take your fancy?...

Take care of you,
kats xxx