SPOTLIGHT: March Empties!...

Well as you can see, last month was all about hair colour! No I didn't dye my hair six times lol - I'm still blending shades together to achieve the hue I'm after, and while it looks like a lot, in most cases I only used a quantity from multiple packs for each session, and tossed out the leftovers. But I'm almost done, and this month should see me hit the desired hue, and then I'll revert to a maintenance mode - it's been lots of fun experimenting though, and along the way I've discovered a BRILLIANT new product, so read on ♥...

Imperial Leather Limited Edition Bird of Paradise Triple Moisturising Bodywash

One of my fave fragrances in this range - reviewed here. Almost the perfect shower formula for me - leaves my skin amazingly soft and deliciously scented...

Repurchase?
As soon as I can find it again, but you know how it goes with "Limited Editions" sigh ♥...


Palmolive Naturals White Citrus with Lemongrass Extract Shower Gel

I was sad when I finished this, mainly because for me it's a Summer scented body wash, and I got to the bottom of the bottle just as Autumn kicked in. I'm always a bit down in the dumps when the warm weather starts to fade, over it now though. This Palmolive gel is terrific value, smells sensational, is non drying and I lovingly reviewed it here...

Repurchase?

I won't use it again till after Winter, but I'll buy a bottle and stash it away in case it's discontinued in the meantime ♥...

L'Oreal Casting Creme Gloss Conditioning Colour - Dark Blonde

I bought this because it's a semi-permanent and contains no ammonia. After one of my recent experiments, my hair was way too orange - this looked quite golden on the pack, and I thought it would tone down the clowny orange without being too harsh on my already over colour-treated tresses, but it turned out quite ashy and dark, probably because my hair is so porous. Terrific formula though, gentle, non-drying and not too stinky, and considering it's only meant for 70% grey, it coloured my white roots pretty well... 

Repurchase?
Not this particular shade, but I've just coloured my hair again with a mix of the Amber & Silky Blonde from this range, and it's pretty close to the hue I'm after ♥


L'Oreal Preference Brush On Glam Highlights - No. 3

Definitely the find of the month, maybe even the year! I've successfully done my own highlights for many years with Nordic Blonde Streaking Kit, but this is even easier to use. You mix the activating powder and lightening cream in the bottle of developer cream, and then dispense the solution onto the nifty three-pronged brush (see pic below). Starting near the roots, you simply stroke the brush through your hair, reload it with solution, and repeat until you have as many streaks as you desire. Development time is 25-45 minutes, but I only leave it on for 20 as my hair lightens at the drop of a hat. I tried this a couple of weeks ago - 100% natural look, I received quite a few compliments, and all the gals were amazed that I'd done it myself. Comes in 3 strengths - light blonde to dark blonde, dark blonde to light brown (my choice) and light brown to brown. The pack includes a special conditioning shampoo, but I used my usual...

Repurchase?
Already have - it's brilliant! ♥♥♥...

Ansell Medium Disposable Gloves

These are my go-to throw away gloves, and I consider them to be a beauty essential. I use them primarily when I colour my hair because unlike the flimsy ones that are included in the dye packs, I can take them off while I'm waiting for the colour to develop, and then put them back on again for the rinse (they're lightly powdered). Ideal for light household cleaning jobs as they're strong, but don't make my hands sweat anywhere near as much as the usual rubber variety, and because they're a reasonably snug fit, there's no loss of dexterity. I wear them when I'm repotting my plants too - latex free (they're made from vinyl) and they fit either hand...

Repurchase?
Never EVER without a box of these ♥...


John Plunkett's Superfade Accelerator

This tube has made a massive difference to the effectiveness of the Superfade cream. I've been it using on my hands every night, in fact with the intensity of my brown spots, I wouldn't bother using the cream without it ever again. As mentioned before, I'll be posting a separate review of my age-spot fading adventure soon...

Repurchase?
Have already bought a second tube ♥...


Compeed Medium Blister Plasters

If you ever get blisters from new shoes, then forget the bandaid solution - these plasters leave them for dead. I guarantee you that the discomfort from any blister you could possibly develop will be IMMEDIATELY eliminated as soon as you stick one of these thingies over the top. They're pretty much invisible when applied, survive multiple showers, and the blister will heal super fast...  

Repurchase?

Crikey, these are SO essential in my life, I have three packs - one at home, one in my handbag, and one at work ♥...

Napro Palette Intense Oil-Care Colour - Luminous Gold

Fabulous colour on the box - exactly the shade I've been aiming for (what I call "chestnut blonde"), and with a name like Luminous Gold, I had high hopes. Turned out ok, but more red than I wanted. 100% grey coverage though, usual smell but not overpowering, my hair felt soft afterwards with lots of shine...

Repurchase?

I'll try this again, but combine it half and half with an ash blonde from the same range to counteract the red...

Garnier Nutrisse Creme Permanent Nourishing Hair Colour - Dark Golden Blonde

I mixed this with the Copper Passion - nice resultant hue, but still too orange for my new look. Excellent formula though - I raved about the Copper & Fiery Red in my December Empties post...

Repurchase?

Not this particular shade - I'll probably try the Copper one again, but next time I'll add some ashy tones to see if I can "make" the colour I want...

Mirenesse Studio Magic BB Pore Powder

This little pot came in a VIP pack (which means I didn't intentionally buy it) - costs around $30 if you're a member, $50 if you're not. While it does effectively diffuse lines, reduce shine, and set makeup, I find the fragrance totally offputting - reminds me of shoe polish (lol!). It contains all sorts of yummy ingredients and no nasty ones, and I eventually finished it, but noooooo....

Repurchase?

Negative - I really can't get past the whiffy smell, and for my super oily T, Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder works better for me, plus it's a fraction of the price...

Clairol Nice'nEasy - Natural Golden Auburn & Natural Golden Blonde

This particular combo was close to my ideal shade, but it wasn't bright or intense enough - in other words, it was too "ordinary", and I don't do ordinary ha ha. I'm a fan of Clairol hair colourants though - used a coppery hue from the Nice'nEasy range exclusively for many years, until it was discontinued...

Repurchase?
No, well not at this stage anyway...


Original Source Vanilla & Raspberry Shower Gel

Equal favourite with the Lime from this range, but this is an all year round one for me - rave review here. There's something about this fragrance that I find supremely comforting, and I know it will help me make it through the cold dark winter mornings ahead...

Repurchase?
Yes and yay - I found the giant size! ♥


Imperial Leather Indulgence Rich Moisturising Body Wash  - Effortless (Citrus & White Gardenia)

Another of my regulars in the shower stall - adore this scent, reviewed here, and I'll always keep one in my cupboard as a spare. Simply stunning fragrance, and the compact shape and size of the bottle is a bonus if you have space issues like me...

Repurchase?
You betcha ♥...


Ego QV Face Exfoliating Polish

This has lasted me just over a year - I won it in a giveaway from the gorgeous Sarah from morethanadored. The most gentle scrub I've ever tried, I use it twice a week on the mornings after my Alpha-H Gold treatment. Love it! Full review here...

Repurchase?
Yessireee ♥

Phew, well that's a wrap for another month - how did you go with finishing off some products?

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. The fun begins at 6:30am over at Ingrid's Monday Madness Link Up Party ♥

REVIEW: Ego QV Face Nurturing Night Cream...

Been saving this one ♥ Out of all the Ego QV Face products I've tried from my awesome win, this has the #1 spot on my faves list - it's truly a gorgeous cream. Amazingly light, almost a gel-like consistency (and a pretty good dupe of some of the exxy branded ones), and it lasts forever! Well it's probably a bit soon to talk about forever, but I've been using it every night for five weeks, and there's barely any drop in the level of product in the jar - it's amazingly concentrated, smooths over my skin without any greasy residue, and absorbs within minutes...

My face truly loves the softness it brings with only a tiny dollop, and any dry areas I had are long gone. I've had issues with night creams six times the price (!) congesting my pores, I think because they're just way too rich for my combination skin, even though I'm of mature age - I invariably have to alternate them with something far less intense, and then I get into a pickle because I can't remember from one night to the next which one I used last! So to have only one jar that meets all my moisturising needs is a blessing ♥

It's not an anti-wrinkle anti-ageing cream by any stretch of the imagination, nor does it purport to be, but for just under $20, it gives my complexion all the hydration it needs to recover from whatever I've put it through in a day. When I wake up, there's no oily sheen on my face, nor any tightness or flaky bits - my skin just feels super soft, and exactly how it ought to feel if I'm looking after it...

Like all Ego QV Face products, there's a manufacture and expiry date on the bottom of the box, so stocking up when it's on special is not going to give you any headaches either...

Having tried a wide range of ritzy-ditzy creams with all their fancy ingredients, I'm really quite taken with the refreshing simplicity of Ego QV Face Nurturing Night Cream ♥

Take care of you,

kats xxx

REVIEW: Ego QV Face Eye Cream...

Ahh eye cream - we go back a fair way, but silly me, nowhere near long enough. Should have started using it morning and night 15 years before I did, and I'm sure paying the price now. But then again, I'm learning that it's possible to recover from past sins to a certain extent, so long as you find the right one, and I'm delighted this little gem landed in my lap - ego QV Face Revitalising Eye Cream...

At 59, you can probably imagine I've tried quite a few eye products, with varying degrees of satisfaction, and with prices ranging up to $130 (my absolute budgetary limit). The one I was using just prior to QV was a fave, although a tad scary at $90 a pop - a lovely cream, and it helped with refining and hydrating the sagging skin around my eyes. But having used this ego one for the last five weeks, I'm thinking I could have put the difference in price (around $75) towards a new pair of shoes, because it's working just as well on my old peepers ♥ Honestly I can see very little difference between the two creams results-wise, and this baby is one fifth of the price...

Like all the ego QV Face moisturisers I've tried so far, this cream is magically light, but with more than enough enriching goodness to effectively hydrate my mature skin, and not leave any greasy layer behind. Being the age I am, and taking EOTD closeups just about every day, I have to be super careful with the eye cream formulas I use - if they're too rich and heavy, they make the delicate and sensitive skin around my eyes become extra puffy, and then my photo cropping tool has to work overtime. Too light and fluffy, then I start to look even more tired than usual, and the crinkles deepen seemingly overnight (and then I don't take pictures AT ALL!)...

This little tube seems to deliver a product with just the right consistency, and while there's a very fine moisturising layer left on the surface, it doesn't interfere with my eye makeup application, yet there's enough to keep my eye area from drying out overnight, and the skin feels super soft when I wake up. Ingredients include safflower oil for hydration (definitely works!) and something called "Enhanced PCa+". While I'm not familiar with this particular component, I've read that "PCA" is a naturally occurring component of human skin. The blurb on the box says it helps with puffiness and dark circles - not having dark circles I can't comment on its effectiveness in that area, and I have naturally puffy eyes so no change there, but I do love how soothing it feels when I apply it, and the area above my eyes is definitely looking like I'm taking care of it...

In my opinion, this is an excellent all-rounder. I'm realistic enough to know that no eye cream on the market is going to turn back the clock, at a pinch (and an untouchable price) there might be one that slows down the wrinkle formation, but I'm content that this cream is giving my skin the best chance to repair itself on a daily basis by keeping the moisture levels consistent. All up I think it's great value for around $16, and with such a miniscule amount required, I've calculated this will last me at least until the chilly winds start to blow ♥

Take care of you,

kats xxx

REVIEW: Ego QV Face Moisturising Day Cream...

After winning the whole "face" set six weeks ago, I'm delighted to say that this marvelous moisturiser has been nourishing and protecting my face, neck and decolletage for the last month, and for my ageing combination skin, it's a keeper ♥ Apart from the bonus SPF 30, what I love about it the most is that it's so amazingly light and non-greasy, yet the formula is potent and hydrating...

Always ALWAYS the problem I have with day moisturisers (and especially those containing sunscreens) is that they invariably either clog my pores, or turn my already oily T-zone into an out of control greasefest. Believe me I've tried a whole bunch of them, from $10 supermarket versions all the way up to exxy $200+ products (including La Prairie - whoa!), and never stick with any of them because of the aforesaid issues...

To be honest I was beginning to despair - I figured if I still had problems with even the best-of-the-best, there was little hope of finding something that would work well for me on a regular basis. But of course I hadn't gotten around to trying Ego QV Face Moisturising Day Cream. I'm loving the fact that I only need a small squeeze to thoroughly hydrate my drier bits, my pores are staying clear, and I'm only patting on an oil-absorbing powder once or twice in a day instead of every hour. Also my facial freckles normally darken with a vengeance every Summer, but they haven't become any more pronounced than they were during the cooler seasons, so the sunscreen is working a treat...

Actually more like a milk than a cream, you'll need only the gentlest squeeze pressure when dispensing from the screw top tube. It absorbs so quickly that I can apply my foundation within a few minutes, and it's a pleasure to feel how soft and smooth my skin is under my fingertips. After using it for almost five weeks, the tube doesn't feel any lighter than when I started, so I'll hazard a guess that it will last up to four or five months - at around $16, I'm as happy as a clam ♥

Take care of you,

kats xxx

REVIEW: Ego QV Face Exfoliating Polish...

Another product from my morethanadored prize pack, and another winner. Regular readers will know of my passion for scrubs, in fact I start each and every day with some kind of exfoliant - at my age, keeping my complexion as bright and as smooth as possible is an essential part of my self-maintenance. I did a test not so long ago where I skipped using any kind of cell-sloughing product for a week, and the difference was obvious - my face just didn't have that extra refined and glowy appearance any more, and the surface felt patchy and scratchy. I have numerous scrubs on my bathroom shelf (at least eight at the moment - whoops!), varying from grainy deep pore-gougers to gentle surface smoothers, and I switch them around so as to not overdo or underdo the desired effect on my skin. 

Having used this Ego QV Face Exfoliating Polish exclusively for the last four weeks, I'd classify it as cleverly positioned somewhere in between the two extremes, and therefore just the ticket for my mature combination skin needs ♥

Love the packaging - the plastic is sturdy, the flip-top cap makes for easy dispensing, and I'm particularly keen on the fact that there's an expiry date on the crimped section at the top of the tube (mine says May 2017).  This is a bonus when you have a stash of products in your cupboard that you're working your way through - it's so easy to forget how long ago you bought something, so thanks Ego, great idea ♥  

In my beauty book, this white cream has the perfect consistency - it's easy to squeeze out a small amount, but firm enough to not drizzle through your fingers. It feels a bit grainy to the touch, but as soon as you start massaging it onto dampened skin, the consistency becomes smooth and kind of fluffy. There are tiny little blue granules suspended in the lotion (see pic below) - the sloughers that gently lift away the dead skin cells. The blurb on the back states that the formula contains ingredients to add moisture, reduce skin sensitivity, minimise fine lines and wrinkles (bonus), and in general, calm the skin (something called Avemide 15™) while gently polishing and refining the surface - overall I've found these statements to be true, although I have deep lines and crevasses, so I wasn't expecting much change there ♥

Delighted to report that during a month of daily use, I've not experienced one iota of irritation - no redness or drying of the skin, and my face doesn't feel tight after I use it. The recommendation is to avoid lip and eye areas - I admit I haven't been all that careful in my morning rush, but I've had no problem whatsoever. I also massage this into my neck and all the way down to my decolletage, with pleasantly smoothing results. It's as effective as my heavy duty scrubs, and as gentle as the mildest ones in my collection, and my face is looking the better for catering to both needs at the same time. Fragrance free and dermatologically tested, it's also a steal at just under $14.00... 

Value wise, I expect this will last at least a few more months - the tube actually doesn't feel any lighter than when I started, and I'm seriously considering reclaiming a whole section of my shower shelf back as I really don't need any other scrub/polish than this little beauty ♥

Hope your Christmas Eve is relaxed and peaceful, and that the joy of Christmas is with you throughout the year ahead.

Take care of you,

kats xxx

REVIEW: Ego QV Face Gentle Cleanser...

It seems this cleanser and I were destined to meet, and as it turns out, form a lasting and loving relationship. Around 13 weeks ago, I scored a lovely little selection of goodies from beautyheaven for completing a survey. Included in the pack was a baby-sized bottle of Ego QV Face Gentle Cleanser (see the little cutie in the pic below), and being the perfect size for travelling, I tucked it away in my overnight bag for my next stay whenever and wherever, and promptly forgot about it...

Fast forward to three weeks ago, when I had the unbelievable good fortune of winning the entire range of Ego QV Face products from unbelievably generous Sarah's giveaway extravaganza over at morethanadored. It was only then I remembered about the little treasure I'd put aside for a rainy weekend. With such a massive variety of products in my prize, naturally I was champing at the bit to try everything all at once, but I decided to start at the beginning and extend the pamper-fest for as long as possible, so you'll be seeing these reviews trickle through over the next few months as I slowly introduce these lovingly moisturising products into my regime...

So first up is the aforementioned Gentle Cleanser, and it couldn't be more aptly named - so kind to my mature skin, and yet extraordinarily effective. As a rule I always double-cleanse my face (just as I do with shampooing), so a teeny squirt (enough to cover a 5 cent piece) of this creamy non-foaming white liquid is massaged into my skin twice at the end of each day, and rinsed off with lukewarm water. This irritant-free formula removes even the most stubborn long-wear foundation, and leaves my face feeling as soft and supple as the skin of a new-born babe...

As you can see from the back of the bottle, this cleanser ticks a whole heap of boxes in the ideal face product department, and scent-sensitive gals will be delighted with the lack of fragrance. The pack is made from sturdy plastic with a flip-top cap, and it won't topple over either. I'd quite forgotten that I do indeed prefer a creamy cleanser over a foaming one, and even though the bottle mentions "lather" a few times, I haven't come across any bubbles so far. Being a generous 250g (250ml) size (and a bargain at $12.75), I anticipate this will last me a good three months...

A little trivia for product origin fans - ever since receiving these Ego products, I've been curious to find out what the "QV" stands for, so a quick trip to the Ego website reveals that it comes from Melbourne's "Queen Victoria Hospital", whose dermatology ward asked chemist Gerald Oppenhiem to create a gentle cleansing and moisturising bath oil.back in the 50's - you can read the rest of the story here...

To sum up my experience so far, my face and I are loving this cleanser - it is indeed gentle, and powers through both daily grime as well as my heavy duty slap, leaving my complexion freshly cleansed and cared for. I'm ever so grateful to both Sarah and Ego (and beautyheaven) for the opportunity to discover a new love ♥...

Take care of  you,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: Ego QV Face...

I don't believe bragging is particularly attractive at all, but I'm making an exception here (whoops!) because I just HAVE to share with you the fabulous prize I won from the recent more than adored 31 Days of Giveaways. How on earth Sarah managed to co-ordinate all the generous providers, and then maintain the pace of running such an extravaganza is totally beyond my little blogger-brain. But she did it, expertly, and with a magically artistic flair ♥ I take my hat off to you hon, and thank you a million times over from the bottom of my beauty-product-loving heart for the opportunity to experience all the products in the Ego QV Face range - there were so many goodies in the gorgeously glossy box, I spent hours trying to fit everything into the one camera shot! 

I feel so fortunate, blessed in fact, and will have an absolute ball trying out all these gentle skin-loving products. I've lost count of the number of times I've eyed this range in the chemist and wondered what it would be like, so you can imagine my excitement when I discovered the whole set was heading my way...

I don't have sensitive skin, but hey, I'm almost 60, and I need to stop just slapping on anything I find on special, and start taking greater care when choosing what I put on my rapidly ageing face. Having read EVERY label, I'm pretty darn sure these lovelies are going to be perfect for my particular needs...

Apart from being dermalogically tested, they contain ingredients to soothe and soften, minimise wrinkles, replenish moisture levels, and protect against future damage and  UV radiation....

The majority of the products are listed as non-comedogenic, soap-free, and all are fragrance and colour-free. The eye products are opthalmologically tested, and the Day Cream and Lip Balm contain SPF30...

When I entered the comp, I'd quite forgotten that I used to regularly purchase the Purifying Mask - loved it's gentleness, and how the Kaolin clay content always left my complexion looking smooth and refined. I only stopped buying it because I didn't have time to treat myself to a weekly mask, but this win has inspired me to get my act together and MAKE the time...

What a wonderful stash - I feel like Christmas has already begun! Thank you again Sarah, and Ego for your generosity in providing this prize. You can be sure I'll be posting reviews of all these beaut products in the months ahead ♥

Have you tried any of  the Ego Face range? Is there one you swear by?

Take care of you,

kats xxx