March 2021 Empties & Giveaway!...

Before I get started on the March Empties, I thought to let you know that my work life is still impacting my personal world in a major way - I was kinda hoping that after 31st March the pressure would ease a little, but I'm still waiting for that to happen lol! It's a bummer as I have lots to share with you as well as on Instagram, but after long and stressful days, I have very little time or energy left to put it all together. But I know how much you enjoy the Empties and I'm up to my neck in throwaway containers (!), so instead of colouring my hair (whoops), here we go...

Body

Glow Lab Blackberry & Bay Body Wash (400ml, RRP $9)
I do so enjoy these Glow Lab body washes. When I first bought this one I tagged the scent as winter appropriate but it was so enticing I couldn't wait, so I washed my bod with it over the summer. It's crisp and spicy rather than fruity, although it has heaps of citrus essential oils, and they're balanced with floral & herbal extracts. Quite distinctive and one I'll continue to enjoy in the cold weather, but I'll add a few extra drops of shower oil to boost the moisture content ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
Yes indeed ♥♥♥...

White Glo Professional Choice Extra Strength Whitening Toothpaste (100ml, RRP $5.99)
Ever so slightly different taste to the others, but the same level of whitening power on my old choppers. It's good to know it doesn't matter which one from the range I buy - they're all as good as each other ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
For sure ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Colgate Plax Alcohol Free Gentle Mint Mouth Wash (500ml, RRP $6.49)
Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)

Schmidt's Charcoal + Magnesium Mineral Enriched Natural Deodorant (75g/92g, RRP $13.99/$19.95)

Swisspers Makeup Pads (Pack of 80, RRP $3.99)
White Glo Toothbrush (free with the above toothpaste)

Face

Breeze Balm Lip Balm - Birthday Bash (15g, RRP $19.95)

I'm crazy about these balms - far superior to anything else that's crossed my lips over the years. Not so keen on this "flavour" though - supposed to be pink lemonade, but it just smells super sweet to me. Same fabulously enriching formula though, and the good news is they've made the hole slightly bigger so it's an easier squeeze in the cold weather ♥...

Repurchase?
Not this one, but I'm hooked on the watermelon & pineapple variety ♥...

Regulars

Ecopure Bath Bamboo Fibre Face Cloths (pack of 2, RRP $12.99)

Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes (Pack of 25, RRP $7.99) 
Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Acne Wash (175ml, RRP $14.99)
Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence (40ml, RRP $39.99)
Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Serum (30ml, RRP $59.99)
Skin Physics Dragon's Blood Facial Sculpting Gel (50ml, RRP $59.99)

Fragrance

Vera Wang Lovestruck EDP (100ml, $89)
Well now, this fragrance is proof that if you keep your perfumes in a cool dark space, they last a long time. Bought this in 2015 and it was almost perfect until the last half dozen spritzes. I reviewed it at the time and I still feel the same way about it, click the name above to go there direct ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
Tempting, but there are so many others I want to try ♥♥♥...

Hair

Regulars

Goldwell Kerasilk Control Conditioner (250ml, RRP $34.95)

Goldwell Kerasilk Control Intensive Smoothing Mask (200ml, RRP $42.95)

Makeup

Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil - Grey (RRP $45)

I bought this in a fit of desperation during a relatively fruitless search for a grey eyebrow pencil (to match my hair) - in hindsight the price was ridiculous. Yeah, sure it was good quality, but too dark and stark for what I'm after, which is a  light to medium grey that I can build up ♥...

Repurchase?

Not unless I'm totally desperate again ♥...

ModelsPrefer Contour/Collection - Ultimate Higlighting + Contouring Palette ($16.99)
My local Priceline has stopped stocking this, but it seems to still be available online - thank goodness as it's the best colour scheme for my complexion (which means not orange!). Mind you I only use four of the six pans, but by mixing them together I can create a blend that suits me to a tee and doesn't look weird. Great price too. Powders are fine for my cheeks and jawline, but they seem to exaggerate the craterous pores on my nose, but I can smudge the cream ones so they're effective but not obvious. So hard to find cream contour kits! ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
Definitely, online ♥♥♥...

Revlon Colorstay Life-Proof Matte Foundation Stick - 180 Sand Beige (RRP $25.95)

Ahh, Revlon - you were one of my first loves, and you're still delivering the goodies. My current numero uno foundation. This is the one I wear to the office or for special occasions. PERFECT colour match to my skin, blends to a perfect finish, lasts ALL DAY, doesn't transfer, SPF 27, slight sheen finish - it doesn't get much better than this ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Forever ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Australis HD Translucent Loose Setting Powder (RRP $16.95)

Maybelline Brow Ultra Slim Eyebrow Pencil - Blonde (RRP $15.95)

Maybelline Master Precise Allday Liquid Liner (RRP $15.95)

Maybelline Volume Express The Falsies Mascara (RRP $19.95)

Natio Define Eye Pencil - Charcoal (RRP $14.95)

Giveaway!!!

Totally bummed that I didn't get to do a special Mother's Day gift in time, but hey, it's only May so I'll no doubt make up for it. For now, here's what's in the bundle...

• Makeup Revolution freebie comprising:
• Revolution Pro 4K Bronzer Palette - Warm
• Unicorns Heart Rainbow Highlighter
• 5 Eye Shadow Palette - Raspberry Icing
• Intensely Pigmented Foil Shadow Palette
• The Liner Revolution Waterproof Smudgeproof Eyeliner - Intense Black
• Semi-Permanent Brow Tint - Taupe
• Lovisa Rose Gold Tone Silk Square Earring and Necklace Set,  & Diamante Crossover Ring - Size M/L

The makeup was a Gift With Purchase - I thought it was so awesome I placed another order so I could get a set for this giveaway. Here's a pic of a couple of the items I opened from my pack:

And a closeup of the gorgeous jewellery:

Approximate value is $85, 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!) 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 see who won!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 19th May to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Anna has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you, and keep safe,

kats xxx

January 2021 Empties & Giveaway!...

Gee these Empties posts seem to come around fast - well actually it's every fourth post I upload here unless I can squeeze in an additional review now and then, and as you can see, I'm still maintaining the monthly turnover pace. The Regulars sections are increasing but there are some new products in the weeks to come so hang in there with me - and this month's Giveaway is four of my all-time fave beauty products, plus some pretty bling babies, so read on ♥...

Body

Method Gel Hand Wash Refill - Pink Grapefruit (1L, RRP $12.99)

My passion for Pink Grapefruit scented products knows no bounds, and while I always intend to eliminate all cleansers containing SLS from my shelves, I haven't been able to find a substitute for this so far - even the Body Shop one contains SLS, so this is it for now. Mind you I haven't had any issues with my hands - the other ingredients are naturally derived, I find it doesn't dry the skin or cause any irritation, and it smells divine. I don't use the cute-as Method bottle because it becomes unstable as the quantity reduces so I use the refill pack to load my preferred pump dispensers. Overall I LOVE the brand - this pack is terrific value, and I've actually replaced all my home cleaning products (including laundry) with their range ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes indeed ♥♥♥...

Urban Rituelle Hand & Body Lotion - Sea Kiss (60ml, RRP $14.95)

This was gifted to me by UR just over 12 months ago in a set of four - this was my absolute favourite. My full review is HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Probably, and I'm only saying "probably" because they have so many other delicious hand and body lotions, it's SO hard to choose ♥♥♥...

White Glo Coffee and Tea Drinkers Formula Extra Strength WhiteningToothpaste (100ml, RRP $5.49)

Gradually working my way through all the different formulations from this brand. So far no one variety is any better at whitening than the other, but I'll keep going as they work well - all seem to have the same minty taste that I like, and the brush is the best I've ever used ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Natures Commonscents Natural Goats Milk Body Wash (500ml, $8.00)

Nutrimetics Nutri-Rich Shower Oil (200ml, RRP $42)

Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)

SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Soap (230g, RRP $9.99)

Skin Physics Advance Superlift Caviar Age-Recovery Hand & Nail Renewal Cream SPF15 (75ml, RRP $39.99)

Swisspers Makeup Pads (Pack of 80, RRP $3.99)

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

Face

A'kin Hydrating Coconut Water & Green Tea Micellar Water (500ml, RRP $17.95)

I bought a small (150ml) bottle of this three years ago for a whopping $14.95, so the pricing of this has dramatically changed for the better with this 500ml quantity now available for just a few dollars more. It's a 2nd cleanser that I use after the main wash - truly lovely, soothing and cooling, excellent slip, very pleasant "organic" fragrance which I can't pinpoint. It's up there with my faves ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Sure will - Aussie made, cruelty-free, recyclable packaging, no nasties ♥♥♥...

L'Oreal Sugar Scrubs Purifying Scrub with Kiwi Seed (50ml, RRP $19.95)

I bought this ages ago, and only recently found the part-used jar buried 3-deep on my bench. I'd forgotten all about it because I only use scrubs in the shower, and this is in a glass jar with a screw-top lid, which is a definite no-no! It smells delicious, works well, warms the skin while gently exfoliating, and looks positively mouth-watering - it's so pretty I reckon L'Oreal would have an absolute winner on their hands if they packaged it in a clear tube ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I have, but I'll transfer it into a squirty plastic travel bottle - just gotta find one with a big enough nozzle so the kiwi seeds don't get stuck ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Ecopure Bath Bamboo Fibre Face Cloths (pack of 2, RRP $12.99)

Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes (Pack of 25, RRP $7.99) 

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

Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging Detoxifying Pore Scrub (150ml, RRP $14.99)

Face Masks

Regulars

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

Skin Republic Fast Fix 5 Minute Under Eye Mask (2 pairs, RRP $9.99)
Skin Republic Retinol Hydrogel Under Eye Patch (3 pairs, RRP $9.99)

Fragrance

Regulars

Lanvin Eclat d’Arpège EDP (100ml, $140)

Hair

Hi Lift Creme Peroxide For Hair - 20 Vol (1000ml, RRP $7.50)

I find very little difference in this product from one brand to the next, so I just go with whatever is a good deal at the time. The 20 vol strength is what I mix with the hair colours below to cover my white roots ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Goldwell Kerasilk Control Conditioner (250ml, RRP $34.95)

Hi Lift True Colour Hair Colour Creme - Extra Light Intense Ash Blonde (100ml, RRP $7.50)

Wella Koleston Perfect Permanent Creme Colour - Special Mix Clear, Blue Intensive & Ash Intensive (60g, RRP $19.97)

Makeup

Rimmel Lasting Finish Skin Perfecting Full Coverage Foundation - Soft Beige (30ml, RRP $17.95)

Great foundation - perfect coverage, great finish though a little pale for me in summer, and I guess you could call this my COVID base as I opened the bottle in March last year. It lasts well all day long and doesn't transfer. I squirt a little onto the back of my hand and then pick up small dabs on my fluffy foundation brush ♥♥...

Repurchase?

Probably not, but it's a good standby if I can't get hold of my fave Revlon stick ♥♥...

Regulars

Maybelline Brow Ultra Slim Eyebrow Pencil - Blonde (RRP $15.95)

Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner (RRP $15.95)

ModelsPrefer Infinite Colour Eye Pencil - Blue Lagoon ($12.99)

Giveaway

The loot for this month is...

• Eye of Horus Serpentine Sultry (deep olive) Goddess Pencil
• Lovisa Silvertone Snowflake Pendant
• Lovisa Emerald Green & Clear Swarovski Stud Earrings
• Nutrimetics Nutri-Rich Shower Oil with Apricot Kernal Oil
• Olay Regenerist Whip UV Active Moisturiser SPF30
• Skin Physics Advance Superlift Caviar Age Recovery Hand & Nail Renewal Cream

All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $180.  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

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

midnight 3rd March to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Alex has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you, and keep safe,

kats xxx

November 2020 Empties & Giveaway!...

Well with two Empties posts this month my recycle bin is overflowing, but I'm so relieved to have been able to catch up at last! Lots of regulars but I finished some new products as well, and perhaps even my ultimate ashy/grey hair colouring solution, the search for which has been ongoing for well over 12 months. And as I've mentioned before, I believe Christmas shouldn't just be one day a year (which is one of the reasons why I have giveaways every month), but I have chosen some special products for this bundle to mark the occasion, and I hope you'll enter - the prize won't arrive till January, but it would be a beaut start to 2021 for one of my precious followers ♥...

Body

Nutrimetics Ultra Care Platinum Hand Therapy (75ml, RRP $39)

I do love this hand cream - still searching for my Holy Grail, but this is pretty close. I reckon if I used three tubes in a row, I'd see a significant reduction in the pigmentation on my hands. It does lighten the spots a little, but I want to get rid of them completely, so I'm hanging out till the next time this is on special. I've tried other brands that specialise in fading the spots, but none of them has worked for me - with this there is hope ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?

Will do ♥♥♥...

Palmolive Luminous Oils Hand Wash - Rejuvenating Fig Oil with White Orchid (500ml, RRP $7)

This contains SLS which is a no-no in my beauty routine, but I'll be honest I bought it for the colour (pastel coral pink) and the scent (I'm a fig fragrance fanatic). I wanted something pretty to decant into my clear glass dispenser, but I've since changed to an amber set, so colour is not a requirement any more. Can I live without the fragrance? Probably - but it was nice to try it, and  I had no irritation from the dodgy content ♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Perhaps ♥♥...

Regulars
Colgate Plax Alcohol Free Gentle Mint Mouth Wash (500ml, RRP $6.49)

Ecostore Vanilla & Coconut Body Wash - (400ml, $8.99)

SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Body Wash - (384ml, $10)
SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Hydrating Body Wash (384ml, RRP $19.99) 
SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Soap (230g, RRP $9.99)

White Glo Micellar Whitening Toothpaste (100ml, RRP $5.99)

White Glo Toothbrush (free with the above toothpaste)

Face

Garnier Organics Anti-Age Sleeping Cream (50ml, RRP $19.95)

Gee this is such a lovely cream - I'm tempted to use it exclusively for the divine scent alone, but I'm not sure it's potent enough for my old skin. Mind you I had no issues with dryness or deterioration in my current wrinkle situation, but I think I'm at a stage in my life when I need some big guns - something that addresses my additional issues of enlarged pores and pigmentation ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Yeah, I'll keep a jar on the bench for when I need a lavender fix and the fabulous feel of this on my face ♥♥♥...

Nutrimetics Ultra Care+ Super-C & Retinol Serum  (20ml, RRP $70)

The other half of the buy-one-get-one-free deal - loved this second bottle as much as the first. I was concerned as the special deal was listed as "Clearance" so I figured it was discontinued, but I just found it on their website so I can relax. I raved about the first tube back in September - I still feel the same way about it, and I'd use it regularly if it was on special regularly ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Not till the next deal and if that happens in winter, I'd keep it for the warmer weather as it's hard to spread ♥♥♥...

St. Ives Energising Coconut & Coffee Scrub (150ml, RRP $9.99)

Love the consistency of this scrub - it's marked with an exfoliating factor of "Deep" and that suits me just fine for a once-a-week application, but I'm on the fence with the fragrance. Coffee & coconut is what it smells like, but I think I would prefer coffee and caramel, or coconut with something else. Anyways I'm a huge fan of St. Ives scrubs, but not so keen on this particular fragrance ♥♥...

Repurchase?

Possibly ♥♥...

Regulars

Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes (Pack of 25, RRP $7.99) 

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

Fragrance

Stoneglow Candles Bergamot, Vetiver & Patchouli Reed Diffuser (140ml, RRP $38.95)

This was my winter room scenter and it's lasted a particularly long time - opened the bottle in May, so that makes it a good six months. The fragrance is to die for and one of those that I would spritz on myself if it was available as an EDP.  Sensual, uplifting, comforting - divine. The local chemist doesn't seem to be stocking the brand anymore so I'm freaking out, plus this particular scent isn't listed on their website. But I'm keeping the glass container - the ombre blue to green is gorgeous. Sigh ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Would if I could ♥♥♥...

Hair

Hi Lift True Colour Hair Colour Creme - Extra Light Intense Ash Blonde (100ml, RRP $7.50)

This is the base colour I use with the Ash & Blue colours below. Being so light it doesn't contribute very much yellow or gold to the mix - that's a bonus, plus it's cheap as chips ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Yessiree - I have half a dozen tubes in the cupboard ♥♥♥...

Wella Koleston Perfect Permanent Creme Colour - Special Mix Clear, Blue Intensive & Ash Intensive (60g, RRP $19.97)

Found these on the Salon Warehouse website. While I'm still experimenting with the proportions (too much of the Intensive colours makes my hair look almost black lol) I'm confident that I'll get the quantity right within the next few applications, and then the yellowy tinge that ALWAYS creeps into my locks with other brands will be gone forever. These are pure pigments designed to boost the base colour, and they certainly deliver. I use the Clear one to dilute the Ash & Blue so that I have enough mixture to apply all over, and I've also used it with 40 Vol to lighten my hair if it's turned out too dark. Works a treat, pure silvery-grey here I come ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

You bet - I've recently stocked up so I have enough to play with ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Goldwell Kerasilk Control Conditioner (250ml, RRP $34.95)

Goldwell Kerasilk Control Shampoo (250ml, RRP $35.95)

Makeup

Tarte Double Duty Beauty Shape Tape Contour Concealer - Light Neutral (10ml, RRP $40)

Bought this in January from Sephora so it's lasted brilliantly, I think because it's so dense and therefore very little is required for complete coverage. I doubt I'll ever buy any other concealer - it's the best I've tried in all my years. I use it under my eyes to give the whole area a lift, around my nose to cover red spider veins, down the centre of my schnozz for contouring, and around the outside of my lipline, which helps me achieve a clean finish for my LOTD pics. It doesn't crease or flake and comes in 30 shades - truly awesome ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Already have, it's on my can't-live-without list ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Eye of Horus Bronze Amulet Goddess Pencil (1.2g, RRP $30)

Maybelline Brow Ultra Slim Eyebrow Pencil (RRP $15.95)

Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner (RRP $15.95)

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

Giveaway

Ok, so for the Christmas edition, we have up for grabs...

• Ecopure Milk & Honey Fragranced Hand Soap with Natural Honey Extract
• Ecopure Oh Be Hive Milk & Honey Fragranced Gift Soap
• Lovisa Sapphire Blue & Silver-toned Necklace & Earring Set
• Nutrimetics Juniper Fragranced Hand Cream
• Nutrimetics Juniper Fragranced Soap
• Nutrimetics Sequinned Makeup Bag
• Urban Rituelle Lemongrass & Lime Fragrance Diffuser Set
• White Glo Accelerator Dentist Blue Light Teeth Whitening kit

Here's a closeup of the jewellery so you can see how gorgeous the set is...

All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $150.  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

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

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 Sakina M. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Thursday 31st December to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Sakina has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

And in case I don't get to post again before Friday...

Merry Christmas Lovelies!

Take care of you, and keep safe,

kats xxx