January 2019 Empties & Giveaway!...

I've been working on a lippie post, and planned to finish this huge January 2019 Empties one next weekend - well that was until it dawned on me that February ends today! And with the weather already cooling down considerably, I need to think about getting my skincare organised for the seasonal change. It's not all that different, but I do shift from a gel cleanser to a balm or oil and up the hydration strength of my creams. This post includes some products from a new range (well new to me anyway) I've been trying out which may or may not get me through the winter, and I'll probably do a feature post soon 'cos I'm loving them, but for now, here we go ♥...

Body

Dermaveen Shower & Bath Oil (500ml, RRP $16.99)
Full review HERE ♥...
Repurchase? Probably not as I don't seem to need it now that I've gotten rid of all my body washes containing SLS ♥...

Marc Anthony Renewing Macadamia Oil Body Wash (500ml, RRP $12.99)

Already reviewed HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Hopefully - the Priceline store where I found it is closing, and the remaining one doesn't stock it, but it's available from their website ♥♥♥...

Nutrimetics Ultra Care+ Extreme Night Hand Repair (100ml, RRP $44 for Day/Night)

Raved about this in my September Empties post HERE. I've reached a plateau with the fading of my freckles, but I'll persist as this has really made a difference to the intensity of the dark spots, and with the weaker winter sun, I'm hoping there'll be some further improvement over the next six months ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely ♥♥♥...

Rexona Invisible Dry Antiperspirant Deodorant Stick (42g, RRP $4.49)

First time trying this. In general, I prefer a stick for the hot weather as it dries within seconds, and my preferred natural deodorant just doesn't control the wetness when the temperature soars. Not too fussed on the fragrance, but this is certainly effective on the hottest most humid days ♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, but not until next summer ♥♥...

Thankyou Botanical Lemon Myrtle & Goat's Milk Body Wash (500ml, RRP $7.99)

Numerous reviews of this in the past, most recent one HERE. I might have to shift this into the Regulars section going forward as I ALWAYS have a bottle of this in my caddy ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Sure bet ♥♥♥...

Face

Beauty Skin Care Micellar Cleansing Water (200ml, RRP $?)

Can't remember when I bought this or how much it cost, but it was from Chemist Warehouse and it was cheap as chips - it's no longer available, which is a pity as it was lovely. Non-drying, excellent slippage, delicate baby powder fragrance, made in the Netherlands ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

No longer listed - boo! ♥♥♥...

Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil (4.25g, RRP $6.95)

Wasn't so keen on this - for a "replenishing" lip balm I expected something richer that would give my shrivelled lips a major juice boost but it didn't quite happen. It hydrated a bit, but I prefer something that really softens and comforts my pout with one slick, whereas I needed to apply this over and over again ♥...

Repurchase?

Not this particular flavour/formula - currently loving their pink grapefruit one which hydrates brilliantly ♥...

Neutrogena Deep Clean Micellar Gel to Foam Cleanser (142ml, RRP $16.99)

I've been madly trying to use this up before autumn - it's nice enough and I love the fragrance, but it's simply too drying for any time of year except high summer. Cleanses magnificently. I have the Normal to Dry skin variety as well which I'm also doing my best to finish off this month - it's also too drying for my old face...

Repurchase?

No, the Hydro Boost is the one for me ...

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Anti-Ageing Moisturiser with Accelerated Retinol SA & SPF 15 (29ml, RRP $39.99)

So this is the range I've been stuck on since December, and it's awesome. I'm seeing some real results in skin smoothing, refining and pore-shrinking, but because I'm also using the serum and night cream, I don't know if any single product is responsible - it's quite possibly a combination of all three. Anyways I'm sticking with this regime for as long as I can. I haven't been involved too much in retinol products before, but can really see a major improvement in my skin texture - woo hoo! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely, and I've not paid full price as yet ♥♥♥...

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream with Accelerated Retinol SA (29ml, RRP $48.99)

This is the big daddy of the range - still experiencing some tingling when I apply it, but to me, that means it's working. No redness or flaking, so far this has been potent enough hydration-wise to get me through the night, and I hope that continues into the cooler months because I don't think I want to stop using this stuff EVER. Smells beautiful and I can't wait to take off my makeup and night! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes indeedy - between Priceline and Chemist Warehouse, this range seems to be on special fairly regularly ♥♥♥...

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

Have only been using this at night, for no other reason than I have a stack of serums that I don't want to toss out. But once they're all used up, I'll probably use this one day and night exclusively ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Ditto ♥♥♥...

Sukin Purely Ageless Restorative Night Cream (120ml, RRP $22.95)

I'm a Sukin lover from way back, and was super excited to try this range - adore the serum, but I found this night cream just wasn't potent enough for winter. I've been stuck on another brand for the last few months so I've been using up the jar contents on my bod to not waste it, and it's been terrific for my arms and legs. Smells delish, and of course, it's full of goodness and minus all the crappy stuff  ♥...

Repurchase?

Not at this stage ♥...

Face Masks

7th Heaven Dead Sea Mud Cleanse & Detoxify Hard Drying Mask (175g, RRP $10)

This is actually an AMAZING mud mask, and my skin looks and feels fabulous afterwards. But towards the end of the tube, I couldn't handle the smell any more. It's way way strong - deliciously refreshing and aquatic, salty, seaweedy, fruity all combined, but once I put it on, I have to keep moving until it dries or else the scent is overwhelming. The tube has lasted me well over 12 months so I reckon it's awesome value, and I'll try another variety, probably a sachet size before I buy the big tube ♥...

Repurchase?

Not this particular one ♥...

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

Oh bliss, oh joy. This is a beauty. I do love two-piece sheet masks - they're just so much easier to handle and fit. If your skin is thirsty, then this will quench it. So cooling and refreshing, and I love that there are little flaps for eyes and lips so you can cover them too if you wish, which I did. If they made this in a body suit, I'd encase myself in it every week ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Already have, but I'll buy the box of 5 next time ♥♥♥...

Nutrimetics Ultra Care+ Clarifying Clay Treatment with Kaolin Clay & Black Rice Powder (60ml, RRP $69)

A lovely clay mask that has amazing deep cleansing and refining qualities, but it's dark grey and contains little sloughing granules, so for me, that means it's a shower-only product from a mess and rinse-off perspective, but then I can't leave it on for as long as I'd like. Dilemma! From memory it was a GWP so I'm not complaining, it just doesn't suit the way I run my skincare routine ♥...

Repurchase?

Love it but no, and actually the price is quite prohibitive ♥...

Hair

Goldwell Kerasilk Control Smoothing Fluid (75ml, RRP $35.95)

This is the magical non-greasy leave-in elixir that keeps my hair super smooth between Kerasilk treatments. A bottle lasts for around 12 months as you only need a few squirts in your palms to run through towel-dried hair. Has the same fresh and inoffensive fragrance as the shampoo and conditioner ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

That'll be a big yes ♥♥♥...

SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo (384ml, RRP $24.95)

I trialled this for beautyheaven back in September and gave it 5 stars. Awesome SLS-free and colour safe shampoo with a natural earthy fragrance, it's ideal for anyone with damaged or distressed tresses. Very soothing, smoothing, enriching and silkifying (is that a word?), and riddled with goodies like organic shea butter, peppermint and apple cider vinegar ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, but not immediately as it seems to have worked its magic and I don't seem to need it any more - it's actually too rich now! ♥♥♥...

P.S. A reminder that you can use my discount code "KATS" on the SheaMoisture website for 30% off!

Regulars

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

The best, gentlest, most effective waterproof eye makeup remover ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes - I stock up when it's on special, always at least three spares in my drawer! ♥♥♥...

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

Can't live without this stuff ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Forever ♥♥♥...

Purederm Ginkgo Eye Puffiness Minimizing Patches (2 pairs, RRP $3)

My under-eye maintainer ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Always ♥♥♥...

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

The best and tastiest mouthwash I've found so far - actually I probably won't try anything else as this one suits me just fine ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yep ♥♥♥...

Home

Models Prefer Scented Reed Diffuser Sampler - Milan (Box of 5, RRP $30)

The only one I didn't like - smells like chocolate, and while I'm a chocoholic, I'm not keen on anything fragranced with it. But I kept the cute little stiletto sling-back heel charm that was hanging around the neck... 

Repurchase?

No...

Makeup

Mirenesse Smooth Nude CC Hydra Makeup Mousse (40g, RRP $39)

My current fave foundation - the colour (Vienna) is perfect for me for summer, and I blend it with a BB cream that has 50+ SPF. The formula is matte medium coverage, and it gives me a superb air-brushed finish. Mirenesse foundations are among the best in the market, and this is one of their cheaper ones, but the quality is still there. Lasts all day and doesn't crease ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Yes, I'm on my next tube already ♥♥♥...

Giveaway!

• Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence
• Nutrimetics Ultra Care+ Hand Repair SPF 15
• Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-Up Remover
• Neutrogena Hydro Boost 100% Hydrogel Mask
• 3 packs of Purederm Ginkgo Eye Puffiness Minimizing Patches

And to make it a little more enticing, I'm including this cute-as jewellery set from Lovisa featuring teal blue Swarovski crystals...

All items were purchased by me and the total prize value is approx $120. The 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 on this page, 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

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This giveaway is now closed
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 13th March to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Gwendolyn has claimed her prize ♥

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of yourself,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: June Empties + Giveaway!...

Better late than never! Everything is topsy-turvy at work hence the delay, but June was yet another mammoth month for empties - actually, who am I kidding, this is now the norm for me ha ha!...

Body

Beechworth Honey Bush Honey & Macadamia Hand Cream (100ml, RRP $12)

One of my top three hand creams of all time, in fact, I'm wondering why on earth am I giving this away lol?!? Seriously though, when I find something I absolutely adore, I can't bear to NOT share it with you folks, and this is one of nature's gem - magnificently hydrating, supremely softening, it's scented with lemon myrtle & mandarin oils, and not tested on animals. I swear it's to die for ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

As sure as eggs ♥♥♥...

Dermaveen Extra Gentle Shower & Bath Oil (500ml, RRP $17.99)

Reviewed HERE - I go through a bottle of this every month, adding a few squirts to whatever body wash I'm using. Keeps my skin soft, supple and moisturised. LOVE! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yessirreeee ♥♥♥...

Ecostore Coconut & Vanilla Hand Wash (250ml, RRP $5.99)

Just as delish as the body wash, non-drying and smells fantastic - cray cray for this, love the packaging too, so modern and stylish ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes - always a bottle on my vanity, and one on the kitchen sink ♥♥♥...

Harvest Garden Rose Geranium, Patchouli & Lavender Soap with Australian Red Clay (130gm, RRP $7.50)

The last one in the old packaging, which was barely any packaging - not so keen on the new boxed presentation 'cos I can't see how gorgeous it is when I'm buying it. Have raved about this many many times - 100% natural, still my favourite soap ever, such a rich creamy lather, and I could sit around all day inhaling the fragrance ♥♥♥ ... 

Repurchase?

Never without a cake or two in my undies drawer ♥♥♥...

Harvest Garden Grapefruit & Cedarwood (130gm, RRP $7.50)

Not quite so mad keen on this one - it started out being nicely scented, but it's been on my vanity for several weeks now and I can barely smell it any more. It's a lovely soap though - pretty earthy pattern and colour, and has cornflower petals embedded in it so it has an almost exfoliating effect, awesome when my hands are really grubby or I've been swatching lipsticks ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Definitely ♥♥♥... 

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

This was my #1 toothpaste until I discovered the Perfection variety and instantly fell in love with its fresher pepperminty taste ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Only if the white one isn't available ♥♥♥...

Original Source Green Banana & Bamboo Milk Moisturising Shower Milk (250ml, RRP $3.50)

Reviewed HERE. This particular flavour doesn't appear on their website any more nor in supermarket listings, so I guess that means it's been discontinued - a pity as it's quite yummy, and there are so few banana fragranced body products out there ♥... 

Repurchase?

No - actually I'm phasing this whole range out of my collection as it contains SLS...

Sukin Botanical Lime & Coconut Body Wash (500ml, RRP $12.95)

Loved this, but it's not surprising as I seem to love anything Sukin - low sudsing, non-drying, no sulphates, invigorating fresh scent, aloe second on the ingredient list, 100% vegan, no animal testing, I could go on but probably quicker if you just go out and buy it ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Undoubtedly ♥♥♥...

Face

Beechworth Honey Beeswax Natural Lip Balm - Berry (5ml, RRP $7.95)

Softer than the usual stick lip balm consistency, and boy does it hydrate. Contains so many natural oils - sweet almond, coconut, sunflower, macadamia, rosehip, jojoba & olive, plus beeswax, shea butter, vitamins E & C. In short, it's a first aid kit for dry lips ♥♥♥ ... 

Repurchase?

Definitely - just wish I could buy it in-store rather than online ♥♥♥...

Essano Rosehip Gentle Facial Exfoliator (100ml, RRP $14.99)

Reviewed with love HERE ...

Repurchase?

Oddly enough, no, or at least not for a while - I think I'm bored with the fragrance as it no longer appeals...

Indeed Labs Eyesilix (15ml, RRP $34.99)

Covered this in my January 2017 Empties post (HERE), and nothing's changed in my view - it's a lovely cream but doesn't do anything startling for my issues (crows feet, sagging, bagging)...

Repurchase?

Nope - still looking for my HG eye cream...

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

My one, my only - I've not found any other product that can match this for taking off waterproof mascara in a flash, plus it's so gentle and doesn't sting my eyes ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

No less than three spares in my drawer at any one time ♥♥♥...

Skin Doctors Cosmeceuticals Eyetuck (15ml, RRP $49.95)

If you have small bags, then this will serve you brilliantly - effects are noticeable after two weeks' use, and even more noticeable if you stop using it in that the puffiness returns, so don't stop ha ha! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Love this, but my bags are so huge it no longer has any impact, and I've decided to bite the bullet and not repurchase as I've found something far more effective for my massive under-eye sacks (which I raved about HERE) ♥♥♥...

Face Masks

Andalou Naturals Instant Life & Firm Hydro Serum Facial Mask (18ml, RRP $8.99)

I'm 50/50 about this mask - it stung my eyes, terrible face fit (see below pic), and yet where it came in contact, my skin looked like it was made from crushed pearls. The fragrance is lovely but quite intense, it hydrates magically and my skin looked firmer afterwards - such a pity I couldn't get it to cover everything even after five minutes of frustrating fiddling...

Repurchase?

Not right now - might wait and see if they adjust the shape...

Bodyblendz Rose Collagen Facial Mask (RRP $7.50)

Reviewed HERE ♥...

Repurchase?

Probably, but not for a while as I have SO MANY in my stash - I keep thinking that my face mask discovery journey will wind down and then I can get on with just buying what I absolutely adore. But more and more companies keep bringing out more and more masks, so it will probably be endless like my micellar water exploration ♥...

Innoxa Hydrogel Under Eye Mask - Brightening with CoQ10 (3 pairs, RRP $14.99)

No photos as I slept in these during the week. They work out at $5 a pop, which is expensive compared to my other loves, but they are indeed superior in the firming, freshening and de-puffing departments ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, will slowly build up a stash (during sales) for special treats ♥♥♥...

Purederm Ginkgo Eye Puffiness Minimizing Patches (4 patches, RRP $3)

Well now, I think the word is spreading as these haven't been available in Kmart for three weeks, and my fear is rising ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

As soon as they are back in stock - I usually buy at least five packs at a time ♥♥♥...

Skin Physics Instant Lift V-Shape Vitality Mask (21g, RRP $14.99)

The most effective under-chin lifter EVER ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I stock up whenever Priceline or CW has them on sale ♥♥♥...

Skin Republic Gold Hydrogel Mask (25g, RRP $12.99)

An old fave, they've made the nose piece a lot longer - it's almost too long now as it kinda flaps around and was sucked into my nostrils whenever I breathed in! Hard to beat this golden beauty for what it does for my skin though ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I always have at least one of these in the backup box, but never EVER pay full price ♥♥♥...

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

Such great eye patches which I sleep in quite regularly - thankfully these are always available somewhere, and often on special ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Probably forever ♥♥♥...

Fragrance

Stoneglow Candles London Lime & Mandarin Reed Diffuser (140ml, RRP $38.95)

Found this at my local chemist - according to Google these diffusers don't appear to be available anywhere in this country, and it's beyond me why some home decor giant isn't importing the range - it's the best I've ever tried, and that includes Glasshouse & Urban Rituelle. Whoa! Never thought I would say that, but it's true. Their website link is HERE. The packaging is divine - just looking at it restores my energy, lasts around 4 months, and the scent permeates the entire room (not just the immediate surrounding area) with a stunningly refreshing fragrance. They even make refills! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I've kept the bottle because it's so pretty, and to remind me to pick up another one for next Summer - I'm heading back to the pharmacy to see what other scents they have in stock ♥♥♥...

Hair

Schwarzkopf Live Salon Permanent - Medium Ash Blonde (Box, RRP $13.99)

While I far prefer the Colour Specialist range (reviewed HERE) for its gentleness and the miraculous condition it leaves my hair in after use, over time the colour (Cool Light Blonde) is not working out to be what I wanted - it's too yellow (not enough ash). So I've switched to this range, which is the next best thing - contains "Salonplex" anti-breakage care, it's almost as softening, and the ammonia content is quite low. I mix two-thirds Medium Ash Blonde with one-third Ultra Light Ash Blonde for my roots, and the remainder I blend together for the ends every second or third round to maintain the highlights. Perfect! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

You can count on it ♥♥♥...

Schwarzkopf Live Colour Pastels - Cool Grey (30ml, RRP $5.49)

I was using this to counteract the yellow, but I'll probably ease back on it now that I'm using a far ashier permanent colourant ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I have quite a few bottles under the bathroom sink that I nabbed on special so I won't need to buy any for a while ♥♥♥...

Makeup

Eye of Horus Goddess Pencil - Jewel Amethyst (RRP $30)

My passion for these eyeliners is the stuff that legends are made of ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

No need to ask ♥♥♥...

Maybelline Brow Satin - Dark Blonde (RRP $16.95)

Was my HG brow product, but it's been replaced with the new MNY Total Temptation Brow Definer, which is the perfect shade for me (review HERE) ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Only if the TT one isn't available ♥♥♥...

Giveaway!

As usual a selection of my faves ♥...

• 1 x Beechworth Honey Bush Honey & Macadamia Hand Cream
• 1 x Skin Republic Gold Hydrogel Mask
• 2 x Oral-B 3D White Luxe Diamond Strong Toothpaste
• 1 x Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-Up Remover
• 1 x Harvest Garden Sweet Orange & Lavender Natural Handcrafted Soap

All products were purchased by me, and the total value is approximately $55.

And this 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!)
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

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This giveaway is now closed  - check back later tonight to see who won!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Congratulations gorgeous! 

Anne please respond to the email I've sent you by

Wednesday 8th August to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Anne has claimed her prize ♥

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx