SPOTLIGHT: April Empties!...

Absolute bumper crop of empties for last month - even impressed myself lol, although it's taken FOREVER to put this post together. Finished up some long termers (and I mean LONG), and of course I'm totally enraptured with cloth masks at the mo' ♥ Actually I don't think there's a single item here that I didn't love to bits, so here we go!...

Mirenesse Power Lift Dermal Firming Face Mask (2 sheets, RRP $25, VIP $17.50)

Mini review back in January HERE - still of the same opinion that it's a beauty, and there's the added bonus that there's no mess as the gel is only on one side of the mask ♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, but I have some of their Ice Crystal Cryotheraphy ones to use first ♥...

7th Heaven Very Berry Mud Masque (15g, $3.99)

This was part of my Secret Santa gift from the lovely Katelan from Katelan Maria. It's fabulous! Super cleansing and soothing, and bursting with Blueberries, Cranberries, Peach Kernel Oil & Aloe. Smells fantasticly fruity and left my skin feeling (and looking) like new. It's messy, but what mud mask isn't hey? I've just seen that Priceline has this range on a 3-for-2 special at the mo' ♥,..

Repurchase?

Definitely, actually I'm mad keen now to try all the other ones they make ♥...

Maybelline Master Glaze Blush Stick - Make A Mauve (6.8g, RRP $15.95)

It's taken just over 2 years to get to the bottom of this magical stick of creamy soft blush - I know because I scrolled way down in my Instagram page to find when I bought it (108 weeks ago to be exact). My favourite of the colour range, this is the perfect mauvey pink for my complexion. Love everything about this blush, from the formula to the packaging, to the price ♥...

Repurchase?

I panicked about 3 months ago when I was getting close to the stump, and bought another one ♥...

Urban Rituelle Ginger Apple Lip Balm (20gm, RRP $13.95)
Have had this on my bedside table for years, and was wondering if I'd ever hit pan - brilliant balm, brilliant value, cute-as container. They don't make this particular flavour any more, but there's seven to choose from HERE ♥....
Repurchase?
It's discontinued, but I still have half a pot of the Passionfruit one, and recently bought the Lemongrass, Lemon Myrtle, Grapefruit & Eucalyptus to try - I want to experience every single one! These are organic, and the ultra-enriching beeswax, shea butter & Vitamin E formula is the same in all varieties ♥...

Wotnot Facial Wipes Normal/Sensitive (25 wipes, $8.99)

Unlike many folks, I've never gotten into this brand of wipes - I usually only use the Neutrogena ones for cleaning my brushes, but after sampling these from the March Good Green Box, I'm a convert. Very kind to my skin, and they'll sure come in handy for those cold wintery late nights when I just can't bear to get my face wet ♥...

Repurchase?

Affirmative ♥...

Rimmel Stay Matte  Long Lasting Pressed Powder (14g, RRP $12.95)

An absolute essential for counteracting shine and for touchups throughout the day (included in my April post HERE), I always buy the transparent variety. I have one on my bench, one in my makeup purse, and...

Repurchase?

...a spare in my drawer ♥...

Skin Republic CoQ10 + Caviar Face Mask Sheet (25ml, RRP $7.99)

Nutty about everything this brand produces, and treat myself to one of their masks every Sunday - this is another that's fabulously hydrating, oodles of serum to replenish the skin's moisture, and it totally doused any redness in my complexion ♥...

Repurchase?

Already have my next one stashed away ♥...

Bioré Steam Activated Cleanser (145ml, RRP $10)

Thoroughly enjoyed this cleanser, although I didn't ever use it in the shower to take advantage of the steam activation. Still it worked a treat, non-drying, oil-free, non-comedogenic and I loved the fragrance ♥...

Repurchase?

Have had this for a while, and I can't see it on their website any more so it may have been discontinued. But all is not lost as their charcoal range is awesome..

Earth Mumma Pit Paste (30g, RRP $12.95)

This surprised the hell out of me with its effectiveness - came in the March Good Green Box (review HERE), and unlike any of the other aluminium-free deodorants I've tried, this one actually works, although I'd like to try it out on a hot humid January day to really put it to the test ♥......

Repurchase?

I'm not quite ready to take the plunge into a natural deodorant, but when I am, this is the one I will buy ♥...

Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Moisturising Lather Shampoo (250ml, RRP $32.95)

Recommended to me after my first keratin treatment for maintenance, I've been alternating this shampoo with my Swedish Reference staple. Lathers like there's no tomorrow, leaves my hair silky soft, and it's kind to colour treated tresses. Love it ♥...

Repurchase?

This was my second bottle, and I've since purchased some Goldwell Kerasilk shampoo for comparison, but I would buy it again in a flash ♥...

Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Keratin Cream Rinse (250ml, RRP $34.95)

Another post-keratin recommendation. Haven't used anything as softening as this before - I mean the way it makes my hair feel like strands of silk is ridiculous ♥... 

Repurchase?

Also bottle #2, and if the Kerasilk conditioner doesn't blow my skirt up, then I will DEFINITELY be buying this again ♥...

Johnson's Nutrient Burst Brightening Body Wash (384ml, RRP $6.99)

Lovely non-drying shower gel, and I'm addicted to the pomegranate & raspberry scent. Contains Vitamin A, B5, C & E. Due to crazy workload and subsequent blogging time constraints, I haven't as yet done an individual review ♥...

Repurchase?

Just as soon as I make some space in my caddy, or Spring arrives - whichever comes first ♥...

Lancôme Teint Visionnaire Skin Perfecting Foundation (30ml/2.8g, RRP $75)

First discovered this back in 2013 (review HERE), and for many years it was my HG foundation. It still is one of my favourites, but the price is a wee bit prohibitive, and I've found some others that work just as well for a fraction of the outlay (example HERE). The beauty of this is that it includes a matching concealer in the detachable lid ♥...

Repurchase?

Not at this stage as I'm kinda well stocked on foundation, but it's a brilliant font de teint ♥...

Skin Republic Spots & Blemish Anti-Spot & Pore Refining Mask (25ml, RRP $7.99)

Well fortunately I don't have any spots or blemishes, but I sure do need major pore refining. This mask contains Witch Hazel for tightening pores as well as Tea Tree & Salicylic Acid. Could see a very slight refinement in my skin texture, so I'll be trying more of these to see if there's a noticeable improvement with repeated use. The trouble is everything in this range is so good, I can't decide which ones to use on a regular basis - what a dilemma! ♥...

Repurchase?

Oui - three in reserve ♥...

Lanolips 101 Ointment - Strawberry (10g, RRP $14.95)

From a DJ's sample tote, this tube of skin restoring balm saved my nose and lips during my recent virus. Just about every time I have a cold, my nose and lips get so chafed and raw from tissue burn, and I invariably end up with a cold sore from the irritation. But thanks to this delightfully fragranced and healing ointment, I escaped that fate ♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely - I need a tube of this on hand 24/7 ♥...

Glasshouse Fragrance Diffuser - Beverly Hills Pink Lemonade (250ml, $42.95)

My passion for this room scenter has already been expressed HERE - sublime fragrance, and potent with a capital P ♥...

Repurchase?

You betcha - I have a bottle stashed away for Spring ♥...

Skin Republic Hyaluronic Acid + Collagen Face Mask Sheet (3ml/25ml, RRP $9.99)

A most interesting concept - the top section of the sachet contains a fruit enzyme microdermabrasion & peel serum that you massage in and leave on for a minute, then rinse off. Only the slightest hint of tingling, and then the sheet mask went on, followed by a tad more tingling. All these masks are amazingly hydrating and nourishing, and this double-step one is even more so. My face felt smooth as, and even looked a teeny bit firmer ♥...

Repurchase?

I think you know answer? ♥...

For Beloved One Mandelic Acid Advanced Renewal Serum (15ml, RRP ?)

This was gifted in the goodie bag from the Bloggers United AU event last November - from what I can gather, it's a Korean beauty favourite. An alpha hydroxy acid, I loved the feel of it, and how refreshed it made my skin look. No noticeable lightening of my pigmentation issues, but experience has taught me that this process takes time ♥...

Repurchase?

I would if I could find it - Sephora has some of their range, but not this particular serum ♥...

Australis AC On Tour Contouring & Highlighting Kit Cool Tone Cream (RRP $24.95)

Another can't-live-without included in my Everyday Makeup Essentials post - pan #6 is the perfect nose & cheek contouring shade for my skin. I feel bad about not using up the rest of the colours, but until I find a single or a cheaper solution, this is it ♥...

Repurchase?

As I said, it's a can't-live-without, so yes ♥...

La Roche-Posay Purifying Micellar Water for Oily Sensitive Skin (200ml, RRP $25.95)

Full review HERE ♥...

Repurchase?

Not at this stage - it's a lovely micellar water, but my stock phrase for these more exxy waters is "there are others out there that are just as effective for a fraction of the price" ♥...

Skin Republic Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patch (3 pairs, RRP $7.99)

By now you MUST know how I feel about these ♥...

Repurchase?

Natch ♥...

Phew - I don't know about you, but I'm exhausted ha ha! May is already shaping up to be a pretty good month too, so stay tuned...

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. You've probably guessed I'm linking to Ingrid's Monday Madness Link Up Party, wouldn't miss it for the world ♥...

REVIEW: March Good Green Box...

Oh yay - had a lovely surprise last week when the March edition of the Good Green Box arrived in the post for me to sample, thanks to Bloggers United AU. I'd read reviews by other bloggers in the past, but hadn't gotten around to investigating it any further - silly me! Anyways I'm really impressed with the value ($65 worth for an outlay of $25) and it's such a cute and compact presentation of a variety of products with a focus on natural and vegan formulas - I can tell it's been put together with a lot of care. And I do enjoy the fact that if I fall in love with any of these goodies, quite a few of them are purchasable from the website shop. So...on with the contents...

The box is expertly packed with seven products, and there's a card with all the details. What's not pictured on the insert is the glue for the false eyelashes, but more on that later...

I'm starting with the Bondi Wash Body Wash because you know how I love body washes ♥ This one is scented with Tasmanian Pepper and Lavender - oh yum! I haven't opened it yet as I'm riddled with a virus at the mo' and can't smell much at all, so saving this for a few days time when I can truly enjoy the fragrant experience. Also lists bergamot and cedarwood oils in the ingredients, plus it's anti-bacterial - absolutely busting to try it! ♥...

Next is an interesting one - a wipe infused with magnesium that you use for pain relief.  The formula is oil-based, and the recommendation is to wipe along the lower back or across sore muscles for instant results. Wow I almost wish I had something painful in my bod right now so I could try this out - definitely putting it in the medicine drawer for when I or anyone in the family have an injury ♥...

Well we all know how good Wotnot wipes are, and these are specifically for the face, and for normal/sensitive skin. Ingredients include organic aloe vera, rosehip & sweet almond oils, and the blurb says they will even remove waterproof mascara. I used one last night to cleanse my face after a day in bed - not much grime to remove, but it was a good test as my nose is red raw from tissue chafing, and yet there was no stinging sensation whatsoever. My skin felt soft and lightly moisturised afterwards - definitely getting myself a big pack of these and will report on the makeup removal effectiveness, probably in my April Empties post ♥...

For those of you with particular sensitivities, the reverse of the product listing card spells out the main ingredients of each of the items - now that's helpful ♥...

Next up is the MIOD Balancing Face Oil. Very happy to see a plastic seal around the top of the dropper, and what little I can smell of this is delicious. Started this last night as it's for all skin types, but especially for oily skinned gals and anyone dealing with pore congestion. That's me to a T - just about every time I try a new moisturising range, my pores react by getting all clogged up, so I'm delighted to have the opportunity to put this to the test...

Ahh yes, natural deodorants. What a challenge it is for companies to come up with a deodorant that's effective, but doesn't contain the usual array of harmful-to-good-health chemicals. I've tried this Earth Mumma Pit Paste once so far (love the name lol), and with reasonable success - a wee bit of wetness, but definitely no stinkies.  It's a paste made from all natural ingredients that you rub into your armpits like a moisturiser - recommendation is to use a pea sized amount, and its stain free. Even with my blocked nose, I can smell the delicious lemongrass oil. Haven't been game to wear it on a work day yet, but I'll test it out again over Easter ♥...

And lastly, the product I'm most excited about  - Sarah Jean False Lashes, and an adhesive that comes in a mascara style applicator. I'm hoping this will be a turning point for me as I've struggled in the past to get the glue part right. Also the lashes look so lovely and fine - last time I tried falsies they were a lot bolder than this, and despite giving myself a pat on the back for getting them stuck on reasonably well, the reaction from the fam was "what's wrong with your eyes?". Sigh... The glue is clear, water soluble, latex free, anti-allergenic, and made in Korea. Will give these a go shortly, so watch my Instagram page for an extra special EOTD piccie ♥...

Overall I think this is an inspiring variety of products, and excellent value. You can subscribe to the Good Green Box - there are three options, and a healthy discount if you sign up for 6 months. Also there's a current promo to receive the first box for $10 using the code TRYGOODGREENBOX10. Now that's an amazing deal - imagine receiving all of the above for a tenner?

Thank you again Bloggers United AU and Good Green Box for sending me this box to sample and review - I'm so looking forward to whatever surprises are in the April edition ♥...

What do you think of  the Good Green Box - is it something you'd be interested in?

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. Happy Easter Lovelies!