June 2019 Empties & Giveaway!...

Missed writing a post last weekend - I've just started a new job and it's eating into my blogging time, but hey, it pays the bills and keeps my beauty addiction going, so I can't complain. And yes lovelies - this is my biggest Empties post of all time! It will probably hold the record forever as I've now pretty much cleared my shelves and benchtops of the partially used beauty bits and bobs that have been clogging up the works for years. Feeling much freer because of the cleanout, although it will take a fair amount of personal discipline to not let the buildup happen again, but...I'm up for a challenge of such magnitude lol ♥...

Body

OGX Extra Hydrating Radiant Glow Argan Oil of Morocco Body Wash (577ml, $17.99)

Reviewed in my SLS-Free Body Washes post HERE ♥♥...

Repurchase?

You betcha ♥♥...

Shea Moisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Creme Sugar Scrub (227g, RRP $10)
One word, two syllables - di-vine! This is listed on the "limited editions" page of their website. I don't know what that means in terms of availability going forward, but I've just bought another jar, and because my order total came to >$50 I was able to choose a second jar for free - woo hoo! Smells fantabulous and it works a treat on my rough bits leaving my skin silky smooth and deliciously nourished. The main ingredient is sugar, closely followed by coconut oil, and there's some shea butter as well. Love it to bits! ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
Absolutely ♥♥♥...

Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Soap (230g, RRP $13.95)
I think this is my favourite soap in the whole wide world - reviewed HERE ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
I have a few bars scattered around the house and just ordered a spare ♥♥♥...
P.S. Reminder: use code KATS at the website checkout to receive 30% off - it doesn't apply to Limited Editions but works with the regular range

Regulars

Oral-B 3D White Luxe Glamorous White Toothpaste (96g, RRP $9.49)
Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)
White Glo Charcoal Total Mouth Detox Whitening Mouthwash (500ml, RRP $6.99)

Face

Dr.Lewinn's Eternal Youth Rejuvenate & Refine Skin Polishing Exfoliant (100g, RRP $29.95)

The last of my scathingly brilliant bargains from the Priceline Hornsby Beauty Store closure - it was on the shelf for $5, and if it wasn't for the store closing, I may never have had the opportunity to fall in love with this wondrous scrub. Before I start my rave, I'm not happy with the screw cap - don't companies realise how hard it is to remove the lid, squeeze out the contents and screw the lid back on when you're all soapy in the shower? Now for the rave - LOVE this! Delish refreshing scent, the cream itself is dark grey (from the charcoal) and the exfoliating bits are finely ground walnut shells. Gentle enough to use every day, I treat myself to it once or twice a week just so I can make it last. Leaves my skin surface as smooth as glass, and perfectly prepped for the rest of my morning regime ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Picked up two more on special, and I'm giving away one at the end of this post (I must be crazy lol) ♥♥♥...

Elucent Anti Ageing Eye Cream (15g, RRP $50)

This was a blast from the past - haven't had a tube of this for over five years, and it came my way I think from Beautyheaven, but remembering the source is a huge problem when you have too much stuff. Wherever it came from I was delighted to be reminded of this classy cream that I used faithfully for several years. Feels lovely on the skin and kept my delicate eye area well hydrated, however, nothing much else in the way of apparent improvements in the wrinkles, sagging skin or baggy areas. As I keep saying, I need creams that can work miracles, and sadly this one just doesn't cut my old mustard ♥...

Repurchase?

No ♥...

Garnier Skin Active Micellar Cleansing Water  (125ml, RRP $6.95)
Covered this in my Micellar Magic Series Part 1 HERE. One of the best there is! ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
Yup! ♥♥♥...

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream (48g, RRP $48.99)

Been quite a while since I first discovered this skin care masterpiece (even before I started posting empties), and I'd quite forgotten how fabulous it is. This sample jar came from...I can't remember...but it's been sitting part-used on my bench for over a year, and I'm so glad I finally finished it off. I'm in love with the fragrance and how enriching the formula is, especially for my dry winter skin. Because there's no SPF I've only been applying it at night, but I do love the feel of it on my face, as well as the way my skin looks and feels the next morning. If I wasn't on my retinol path, I'd be quite content to use this all the time ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Not at this stage because of the Neutrogena range I'm working with - but I have another (unopened) sample jar in the drawer so I won't forget about it again ♥♥♥...

Sukin Purely Ageless Rejuvenating Day Cream (120ml, RRP $22.95)

This one's been hanging around for a while. I'm such a Sukin fan and was mad keen to try this (and the Night Cream) when they first came out (was it last year?) - their skincare is SO good and so affordable. This is a beautiful cream with a delightful and delicate floral fragrance, but no SPF, and it's just not potent enough for all my ageing issues. Like a lot of others in my backlog, I've been using it as a body moisturiser (what a treat!), and I'm kinda sad that it's come to an end ♥♥...

Repurchase?
No - it's lovely, but I need much more powerful guns in my arsenal ♥♥...

Sukin Super Greens Detoxifying Facial Scrub (125ml RRP $13.95)
Detailed review HERE. Next time this will appear in my Regulars ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
I actually bought another one yesterday at Priceline - on special 3 for 2, so I chose the Oil-Balancing & Rejuvenating ones as well ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover (112ml, RRP $10.89) 
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream with Accelerated Retinol SA (48g, RRP $48.99) 
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum with Accelerated Retinol SA (29ml, RRP $42.99)
Nivea Hyaluron Cellular Filler Anti Spot Treatment Serum (30ml, RRP $34.99)
Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence (40ml, RRP $39.99)

Face Masks

Beautycare (Kmart) Raspberry Leaf Botanical Eye Mask (pack of 2, RRP $3)

These were the find of the month. Kmart has been out of stock of my fave Purederm Ginkgo eye patches for weeks (what the hell is going on?), so in desperation, I thought I'd give these a shot, and they're awesome, and a pretty good substitute. You can just make them out in the piccie below - they're clear with a sort of cross-hatch pattern, and they stick really well considering they're the gel kind. I'm going to experiment with sleeping in them (which is how I use the Purederm ones) - very cooling and they do seem to firm the under eye area a bit ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Already have ♥♥♥...

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

So happy I revisited these - they're really something special because they actually reduce my puffy bags, if only for a short while ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

On and on, and on, and on ♥♥♥...

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

If you've been reading my Empties posts for a while you may remember last year I couldn't stop raving about the Collagen Eye Patches from Skin Republic - well, these Retinol ones are EVEN BETTER. There aren't any pictures because I slept in them every night for 12 nights last month, and they made quite a difference to my under eye area, smoothing the wrinkles and reducing the annoying pigmentation that I have to cover every day with concealer. I came to the conclusion I should sleep in them every night, but my bank balance would take too much of a hit ($100 per month), so I'll just treat myself to a mini-series of them whenever I need a boost ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Oh yeah, baby ♥♥♥...

Regulars
Garnier SkinActive Pure Charcoal Tissue Mask with Black Algae (RRP $4.99)

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

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

Skin Republic Volcanic Ash Mud Sheet Mask (RRP $12)

Hair

Amazon Series MuruMuru Anti-Frizz Smoothing Masque (250ml, RRP $29.95)

Embarrassed to say I've been working through this jar for over 2 years. My hairdresser recommended it, and it's truly fabulous for controlling the frizzies, but I prefer to use the Kerasilk mask as that's what's recommended to maintain my post-treatment condition. And for a while, I couldn't find where to buy it, so this was the next best thing. The MuruMuru is full of botanical goodness, contains no parabens, and it smells like heaven - highly recommended! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

If I can't find Kerasilk, then yes ♥♥♥...

Schwarzkopf Live Salon Permanent - Ultra Light Ash Blonde & Medium Ash Blonde (RRP $13.99)

These should actually be in regulars as I go through 2 packs of each every month. But looking back I haven't included the Medium one before. Anyway, I mix these two together 60/40 (medium/light) in order to get the colour I want because they don't actually make a Light Ash Blonde, the Medium is too dark, and the Ultra Light doesn't take on my white roots. I've tried other brands but the colour either turns out too yellowy, or the formula is too damaging for my hair. What I actually want is to dye my hair silver grey, but it doesn't seem to be possible in a home colourant - boo! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I stock up whenever they're on special, but the Ultra Light is becoming harder and harder to find - a fact that I'm trying not to stress about ♥♥♥...

Regulars
Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector (100ml, RRP $49.95)

Scott Cornwall Colour Restore Iced Platinum Anti-Yellow Toner (100ml, RRP $16.95)

Makeup

Australis HD Translucent Loose Setting Powder (6g, RRP $15.95)

Well now, when I went to pick up my usual Ready-Set-Go Finishing Powder from the stand and found this there instead, I'll admit to having a moment of panic. I've been using it for more years than I can remember and was mortified at the prospect of it being discontinued and replaced with something that might not be as good. But I needn't have worried as this HD one is almost identical - the original was flat matte, and this just has the merest hint of shimmer, but nowhere near enough to be a problem. Phew! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Forever, well at least until they revamp it again ♥♥♥...

Beauty by Nicholas Foundation No More - Medium (30ml, RRP $30)

Love this foundation, and it's come down in price considerably since my in-depth review HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

You know the score - just as soon as I use up some others on my bench l ♥♥♥...

Regulars

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

Giveaway

Ok, so this month we have up for grabs...

• Australis HD Translucent Loose Setting Powder
• Beautycare (Kmart) Raspberry Leaf Botanical Eye Mask
• Dr.Lewinn's Eternal Youth Rejuvenate & Refine Skin Polishing Exfoliant
• Olay Regenerist Starter Kit
• Shea Moisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Creme Sugar Scrub
• Skin Republic 24K Gold Aquagel Under Eye Patch

All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $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 - check back later tonight to see who won!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 24th July to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Christine has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: Marie Claire Ageless Parcel - February 2017...

The latest Marie Claire Ageless Parcel arrived last week - as always I couldn't contain myself till I'd opened it, and as always, it was a delight to see what goodies were inside. Some of these boxes are a tad more exciting than others, but all of them are astoundingly good value, and this quarterly offering is an absolute delight. With four full-size products and one generous sample, the RRP of the contents is around $105, and for an outlay of $25, and specifically targeting my particular ageing issues, I expect to be subscribed to these forever ♥...

Revlon UniqOne Hair Treatment (150ml, RRP $29.95)

Only available in salons. this is a leave-in spray treatment that targets 10 problem areas, and having used it today after colouring my hair, I can certainly confirm there are immediate benefits from this potently scented (but dissipates quickly) formula - sure am looking forward to the long term ones. Instructions say to spray over damp hair, but it comes out like a foam, so I just mixed about five squirts in my palms and ran my hands over my hair, paying special attention to the highlighted sections which are the most damaged. After blow drying, my tresses are softer and silkier, with loads of shine ♥..

Just prior to publishing, I noticed that I'd accidentally photographed the Italian language side of the box in the pic above (whoops!), so here's the English translation, plus the list of ingredients...

Jergens Age Defying Multi-Vitamin Moisturiser (250ml, RRP $6.99)

The skin on my bod is pretty much dryish all year round, but during Winter, it becomes twice as moisture-starved. Having used this today after my shower, I reckon I'll have no such issues this cold season - LOVE the fresh flower scent of this body lotion, it absorbs completely after 30 seconds, and leaves my skin feeling supple and completely hydrated. According to the blurb, it triples (whoa!) the moisture content of the skin if you keep using it - yes please, I'm in! ♥...

L'Occitane Precious Cream (50ml, RRP $85, sample 8ml, value $13.60)

LOVE L'Occitane products, so I was super happy to find this bubby jar in the box. If this is anything like the stunning Immortelle range (the ones in the yellow packaging), which I trialled for beautyheaven some years ago, I'll be as happy as a clam. The container is too small for a list of ingredients, but here's what the box insert has to say ♥...

I have a stack of part-finished moisturisers to clear, so I'm saving this for a cold rainy day when I want to give myself a truly luxurious treat ♥...

 Redwin Coconut Balm (25g, RRP $5.99)

At first I thought this was a lip balm, but it turns out to be one of those multi-purpose healers - can be used on insect bites, burns, rashes and cuts. It's a thick clear gel that smells exactly like fresh coconut, and it's made with 100% organic coconut oil. There's also papaya fruit, jojoba, sunflower, marigold and carrot oils in the list of ingredients, plus it's 100% vegan friendly, and not tested on animals. There's a whole stack of horrors that are NOT included as well, like SLS, parabens, mineral oils and petroleum jelly. So far I've only used it on my lips, and they're thanking me for it already ♥...

Elucent Anti-Aging Eye Cream (15ml RRP $49.99)

Chuffed to see this old favourite included in the selection. Used this entire range some years ago and loved it, but you know me and how fickle I am with skin care, I moved on to trying out a whole heap of others from the gazillion available on the market. Still I'm delighted to have the opportunity to revisit this gem. It's fragrance-free and contains 4% glycolic acid, so it packs quite a punch in the battle against fine lines and wrinkles. There's also vitamins B3, C & E in the mix, and I love that there's an expiry date on both the box and the tube. Mine says Aug 2018, so I've plenty of time to get through all the part-used eye creams that are currently on my bench (four lol) ♥...

Another awesome collection from this resourceful and thoughtful panel - you can subscribe to the consistently brilliant Marie Claire Ageless Parcel at their new Beauty Crew home...

What do you think lovelies - are you keen to try any of these products?

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. Linking to Ingrid's very popular Monday Makeup Madness Link Up - come join me in the fun of discovering some new blogs to follow ♥...

SPOTLIGHT: Marie Claire Ageless Parcel #3...

The third Marie Claire Ageless Parcel arrived mid-week, but I couldn't collect it from the PO till Saturday. Was it worth waiting a few extra days for? Most definitely! While not quite as exciting as earlier editions, the contents are once again very good quality, and there's no denying it's amazing value - total comes to around $120, and considering I paid $25, that's a pretty awesome deal for items specific to my needs. Four full-sized products, one 15ml sample, and a single eye mask - this last beauty product is the one I'm most eager to try ♥

Here's the details of the individual items, starting from the left in the pic...

Tresemmé Fullness Emulsion Spray (125ml, $10.99)

This is described as a thickening spray, "infused with antioxidants and omega3s" - can be sprayed on wet or dry hair, and is designed to give more volume. I would normally avoid such products as my hair is naturally thick and bushy, but since having it straightened, it's all sleek and flat so I can experiment a little with something like this ♥...

Elucent Whitening Hand Cream (50g, $24.99)

This is a beautiful hand cream - I know, I've used it before. While there was definitely a lightening of my age spots, I need a specialised regime to achieve any major fading, but I'm delighted to have this in my stash for when I finish the treatment products I'm currently using. Contains Vitamins C, E & B3 ♥...

Garnier Skin Naturals Miracle Sleeping Cream (50ml, $19.99)

Love the name! Haven't tried this before, and I'm champing at the bit to introduce it into my routine - the parcel contents card says this "has the benefits of a mask, but with the feel of a lotion". OK, you got me, I'm in!

LonVitalite C8 Collagen Crystal Eye Mask ($32 for 6)

This will most definitely be the very first product I try from the box - 100% natural (plant-based) collagen, and it'll help reduce my fine lines, and hopefully give my deeper ones a scare. Dark circles are targeted too - the aim is brighter eyes. Could sure do with a couple of those ♥

My eyes feel cool and soothed just looking at these cute little mandarin-shaped slices. There's no instructions as to how long to leave them on for, so I'll assume it's like their other masks - 20 minutes. Might give these a whirl tonight...

Elizabeth Arden Pro Triple Action Protector (15ml, 50ml is $99)

Well this sounds interesting - DNA Enzyme Complex + Antioxidants. I'm gathering it's a tinted sunscreen with major benefits! For face, neck and decolletage, this is supposed to moisturise, boost the natural repair system, and protect. It's fragrance free (which is a bit of a bore), but it's also paraben free and non-comedogenic. It's expensive, so it's a SURE BET I'll fall in love with it ha ha ♥...

essano Rosehip Collagen Repair Serum (30ml, $29.99)

I really like essano skincare, especially the fact that I can buy it at the supermarket - I have their Rosehip Oil which is excellent quality for a great price, so I'm very much looking forward to trying this serum. At this stage in my life, I'm in dire need of collagen so this baby is very welcome thank you! Had a quick sniff and it smells like Mother Nature whipped it up in her kitchen - yum ♥

All up another terrific selection - there's nothing here that I'm not going to use stat. Of course I'll report back once I've tried them all - still haven't cracked open a couple of the products from the other two collections, so it may be a while, but I'll get there ♥...

If this beauty box takes your fancy, you'll find details on how to subscribe on my rave review post of the 2nd parcel here.

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. Looking for new blogs to follow? Can highly recommend Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party - it's a great way to start the week ♥

SPOTLIGHT: October Empties...

What an interesting exercise! Haven't done this before, but it seems to be a popular theme with so many bloggers, so I decided to keep track of all the products I used up last month, and it was somewhat of an eye-opener (whoops!). Mind you I made a concerted effort to finish off anything that was almost done, so this volume is unlikely to be repeated anytime soon, but I'm delighted that I've cleared some space on my shelves to make room for more goodies lol. I've already reviewed quite a few of these, so will keep these comments reasonably short...

Palmolive Strawberry Bodypolish Exfoliating Body Wash

I used this up, but only because I have a thing about wasting stuff. As a rule, Palmolive does sensational fruity fragranced shower products, but they just can't get strawberry right. Doesn't smell real to me, in fact I found this to be quite cloying and almost chocolatey, didn't feel at all refreshed after my shower, and gave myself a pat on the back for finishing the bottle.

Repurchase? Nope...

Palmolive Acai Berry Bodypolish Exfoliating Body Wash

This one was considerably better than the strawberry, but not enough for me to buy it again. Can't say I'm familiar with the fragrance of Acai Berries, but this to me smells like stewed prunes lol.

Repurchase? No...

Imperial Leather Indulgence Rich Moisturising Body Wash - Citrus & White Gardenia, and Jasmine, Lychee & Peony
RAVE review here.
Repurchase? You betcha, already have ♥...

MOR Basil & Grape Hand & Body Wash
Another RAVE review here.
Repurchase? Would if I could, but I believe this has been discontinued - boo!...

MOR Marshmallow Hand & Body Wash

Reviewed here, delicious musk lolly fragrance, but interestingly I can only take it in small doses - it's just SO sweet.

Repurchase? Probably not, although I would buy the EDP or perfume oil again...

Neutrogena Oil-free Eye Make-Up Remover

One of my can't-live-withouts - nothing, repeat NOTHING, works as well as this beauty to take off five layers of waterproof mascara! I've tried so many, but there are simply none to compare.

Repurchase? Undoubtedly, in fact I always have at least two bottles in reserve in the cupboard ♥... 

L'Oreal Skin Perfection Gel-cream Wash
This is a lovely cleanser, gentle yet effective, soap free and fragrance free, barely any suds to get in your eyes, and non-drying.
Repurchase? No, but only because it's fragrance free - I'm a scentophile and I got bored with it...

Lacura Micellar Cleansing Water 3 in 1
I really liked this - sort of a Micellar water with benefits. Purists won't be happy because it has additional ingredients (cucumber extract) that take it half way into "toner" territory, but nowhere near as harsh as even the gentlest traditional toner. Very refreshing and with some additional cleansing oomph, it also has that Lacura fragrance that people either love or hate.
Repurchase? Would if I could, but I haven't seen it since - the eternal Aldi availability problem...

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towlettes

Another of my can't-live-withouts - I use these to clean my brushes every day. I fold the cloth into four then rub the brushes onto the pad and keep rubbing them back and forwards till they're clean, then swipe them on a dry towel to remove any residue. They're amazingly effective and my brushes last longer by not being in water. They're also terrific for cleaning the sticky stuff off products before photographing them, as well as getting the marks off my bench.

Repurchase? Absolutely - like the eye make-up remover I always have at least two spare packs stashed away ♥...

Dove Original stick deodorant
Another must-have - this has been my go-to anti-perspirant for over five years, despite trying a whole stack of others. I don't like sprays (I always seem to breathe them in lol) or roll-ons (too sticky and wet), love the powdery fragrance and it keeps me dry and fresh all day.
Repurchase? Yep, always a spare in my drawer, and one at work...

Colgate Optus White Toothpaste
I alternate between the Express White and the Enamel White, whichever is on special. This toothpaste does make a difference, keeps my tea stains from settling in, and I like the taste.
Repurchase? Definitely, there are THREE spare tubes in my bathroom cabinet lol...

Elucent Whitening Day Moisturiser
Briefly touched on this beautiful day cream here - will write a proper review soon, this has lasted me over five months, I think it's because the pump delivers the exact amount so there's zero waste. Light and non-greasy but with SPF30, my face loves this stuff.
Repurchase? Certainly - I have three other day creams to trial first, but will definitely be getting this one again, suits my skin perfectly...

NeoStrata Targeted Bionic Face Serum
Beautiful serum and a hydrating treat for my skin - can't say I've noticed any startling improvements in the anti-aging department, but of the reviews I've read of any NeoStrata products, the raves come from the folks that have been using them for years so I guess these are "long-termers".
Repurchase? Would definitely give this a much longer time frame to show some benefits, and will order some more once I get through the other two serums I have in the wings...

NeoStrata Skin Active Intensive Eye Therapy
My latest fave eye cream - had a fit when it ran out the other night! Crows feet can only be seen when I smile, droopy lids have firmed a little and the minor discolourations have evened out. It has the edge over my previous fave, Clarins Super Restorative Total Eye Concentrate...
Repurchase? Sure have, just waiting for my order to arrive (hurry up Aust Post!)

Britney Spears Midnight Fantasy EDP
Of her range, this is the one I love the most - has lasted me 12 months, but I've been sparing with it so it would be around for as long as possible, review here.
Repurchase? Yes - just treated myself to a 100ml bottle...

Crabtree & Evelyn Hand Therapy - Evelyn Rose
Gorgeous hand cream - this came in my Blogstar prize almost two years ago. I have at least three on the go at any one time, which is why this has lasted so well. Deliciously moisturising, keeps my cuticles soft too, smells exactly like garden roses. Don't like the way the metal tube looks ratty even after the first use.
Repurchase? No, but only because I'm not so keen on the rose fragrance, would try another flavour...

L'Occitane Shea Butter Dry Skin Hand Cream
Well now who doesn't love this hand cream? Treated myself to this giant tube after scoring half a dozen travel sized ones from magazine covers. Been slathering it on as a treatment at night and reaping the soft-skin rewards the next day. But, I don't like the smell or the metal tube (see above) - yeah, I know, I'm hard to please.
Repurchase? Probably not as fragrance is becoming an even more important factor in my repurchase habits as I get older - I want to ADORE the whole experience, and I've found one I love more (here)...

Urban Rituelle Organic Hand Cream - Vanilla, Lavender & Geranium
UR hand creams are my absolute favourites - all of them are a feast for the senses, and they keep my hands soft and free of dry cracks and reddened knuckles. This little tube was actually a free gift with one of my orders. My rave review of it is here.
Repurchase? Probably not, but only because I still have two tubes in my drawer, and they keep coming out with more stunning fragrances to try - dilemma!...

Well that's what I tossed last month - this was a mammoth post, and if you're still here, congratulations!

Do you keep tabs on what you use up?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: My Skin Care Routine - What and Why...

I'm always intrigued with what products other gals use on their faces - there's a thousand and one choices out there, so finding out their selection criteria or why they persist with a particular brand is always of interest to me, especially if they have a similar skin type or "issues" as I do. The skin care market is even more vast than the fragrance one, so I find any suggestions are helpful when trying to figure out where to start. Of course once I've made my choice, it then takes quite a bit for me to stick with a product for any length of time, unless of course I see amazing results...

So in case anyone is interested in what I'm currently using, here's a snapshot of what's on my bench at the mo' - some of the inclusions are quite different than they were a few months back as I've decided to introduce some products with a whole lot more bang-for-my-buck in the anti-ageing department (I have a major milestone birthday coming up!). Some of these products I plan on reviewing in full in the weeks to come once I've given them a chance to show what they're made of, but for now, I'll just add a brief comment as to why they've scored a place in my kit...

These are in the sequence I apply them to my face - I usually follow the recommendations on the pack initially, but I use quite a few products, so it can get a little confusing. But right or wrong, this order seems to work ok for me. For the record, I have combination skin - normal/dry cheeks and an oily T-Zone, and I have freckles all over (which are now morphing into age-spots - boo!). Considering my age I don't have too many wrinkles so far, but I'm keen to diminish what I have, and slow down the formation of any new ones... 

DAY TIME

I always start my day with a scrub or a gentle polish in the shower - I haven't included any here because they're covered in my "Confessions of a Scrubaholic" series, but current faves are nude by nature Face Scrub, St. Ives Smooth & Hydrated Oatmeal Scrub & Mask, and Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub...

Next product to hit my skin is Neostrata Renewal Cream - I bought this after reading the (mostly) rave reviews by the beautyheaven Trial Team. I wanted to target the wrinkles around my mouth, the enlarged pores on my nose, and the deep creases between my brows, and I can say that after only a few short weeks, all those areas are showing improvement every day - yay! I'll review this in depth once I've used the whole tube ♥

After this I pat on Neostrata Intensive Eye Therapy - again I was encouraged to give this a try after checking out the beautyheaven reviews. It's early days yet, but the crows feet around my eyes are diminishing, even when I smile they're nowhere near as deep as they were...

I then wait about 30 seconds, and apply Neostrata Bionic Face Serum everywhere (except my eye area). I was in the market for another serum, and figured this was a companion product to the two mentioned above - love how soft and hydrated it makes my skin feel, and the overall brightening effect is encouraging...

Last is Elucent Whitening Day Moisturiser - this bottle is like the Magic Pudding, it doesn't seem to end! Have been using this daily for over 4 months, and there's still some left ♥ A truly lovely day cream, this has helped even out my skin tone, as well as protect it from future sun damage, and I will definitely repurchase...

NIGHT TIME

I wear a lot of makeup, so a thorough cleanse is vital to keep my skin clear, and allow the products I apply overnight to work their wonders. I start with removing my eye make up. There is only one I use (and have been doing so for many many years) simply because it works faultlessly and effortlessly - Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover. I've tried heaps of others, but only this baby removes my waterproof eye makeup/mascara without harsh rubbing. This is a kats-can't-live-without ♥

To cleanse my face, I use L'Oreal Skin Perfection Gel-cream Wash - I'm really enjoying this soap free, fragrance free cleanser because it doesn't dry my skin, nor does it foam up too much. Will report back later as to whether it's any better in the long term than the others I've experimented with...

I moved away from toners last year - my skin was becoming too dry in patches, and now I only ever use either Garnier Mycellar Cleansing Water, or Lacura Mycellar Cleansing Water. I find the Garnier one is gentle and almost as effective as Bioderma, and for a fraction of the price. The Lacura one has more ingredients - the label says it's 3 in 1, and that it tones and refreshes, and I find that to be true. My take on it is that it's half way between a mycellar water and a toner - I use this when I need a wee bit more cleansing oomph, like when I've worn long-wear foundation...

I usually clean my teeth while I'm waiting for my face to dry, and then apply the same three I use in the morning, and in the same order - Neostrata Renewal Cream, Intensive Eye Therapy, and Bionic Face Serum...

As far as night creams are concerned I've pictured two - I've been using the Elucent Whitening Night Moisturiser for the last 4 months (and just purchased my second jar), but just recently received the Boots Serum7 Regenerating Night Cream in my Ageless Beauty box from The Parcel. The Elucent cream is a beauty - suits my skin perfectly, and it's helping to fade my freckles, as well as give my skin all the nourishment it needs. But I'm loving this new Boots one as well - it's super softening and delivers the right level of hydration without being greasy. We'll see which one wins ♥

Like most beauty bloggers, I have some other products waiting in the wings - Neostrata Daytime Protection Cream & Neostrata Ultra Smoothing Cream, as well as Serum7 Protecting Day Cream and Lacura Cuvee Royal Anti-Aging Luminous Serum Concentrate, and will do another one of these posts in a few months. Gee willikers, with this backlog, I almost need another face lol!

So gals, do you stick with the same skin care products for long periods of time, or are you a Little Miss Fickle like me?

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. Monday Makeup Madness is happening over at Ingrid's Fabulous and Fun Life blog - starts 6:30am, and you won't regret paying a visit to this terrific listing of beauty bloggers...