Showing posts with label Empties. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Empties. Show all posts

Sunday, 21 February 2021

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
Nutrimetics Nutri-Rich Shower Oil (200ml, RRP $42)
Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)
Skin Physics Advance Superlift Caviar Age-Recovery Hand & Nail Renewal Cream SPF15 (75ml, RRP $39.99)


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


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


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

    Best of luck to all who enter!

    Take care of you, and keep safe,
    kats xxx

    Tuesday, 26 January 2021

    December 2020 Empties & Giveaway!...

    I've always felt blessed to have been born in this country, and especially given the state of the world right now, I'm grateful to live in what I believe is the safest place on planet earth, and wouldn't want to call anywhere else home - here's hoping your day is a special one  As for my December Empties, it's two to one in favour of the regulars quantity-wise, but there's a few newbies that I'm delighted to report on, so without further ado ...


    Body

    Oral-B 3D White Diamond Strong Whitening & Enamel Strengthening Rinse  (473ml, RRP $9.99)
    Given the comfort and success with both the White Glo and Colgate mouthwashes I've been using of late, I thought I'd try my luck again with one specifically targetting teeth whitening. But in hindsight, I was pushing my luck. While this Oral-B is an excellent product, my mouth is obviously overly sensitive and it stings way too much for me to use comfortably on a regular basis...
    Repurchase?
    No - for now I'll stick with the ones that are tried and true...

    Schmidt's Bergamot + Lime Natural Deodorant (75g, RRP $13.99)
    Back in May last year, I reported on this in my April 2020 Empties post that it was scratchy and too painful to use due to large hard lumps of baking soda. I still don't know if it was old stock or simply a dodgy batch, but I gave it another go and am relieved to find that in either ideal production or storage conditions, this is a winner. It's actually as smooth and creamy as the Lavender + Sage variety, and the citrus shot makes it even more desirable for the hot weather. It's actually my current fave, just wish I knew for sure what caused the issue with the formula of the first one I tried. I'm hoping it was old stock ...
    Repurchase?
    Yes, I have another one stashed away and it looks like it's going to be just fine ...

    Weleda Sea Buckthorn Creamy Body Wash (200ml, RRP $19.95)
    Another one from the range to add permanently to the collection in my shower rack. The predominant scent is orangey (it's actually mandarin & grapefruit lol) on a sandalwood base (yum!) and the formula is just as softening and moisturising as the other three I adore (Citrus, Pomegranate & Lavender, which is to be reviewed shortly). Honestly, my skin loves this set, and they look so colourful and pretty in my shower stall ...
    Repurchase?
    Ry has them on special at the moment for $13.97 each, and with the enticement of free shipping, I've just placed an order (not that I needed an enticement ha ha!) ...

    Regulars
    Colgate Plax Alcohol Free Gentle Mint Mouth Wash (500ml, RRP $6.49)
    Natures Commonscents Natural Goats Milk & Paw Paw Body Wash (500ml, $8.00)
    Reach Dentotape (100m, RRP $9.99)
    SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Hydrating Body Wash (384ml, RRP $19.99)
    Swisspers Makeup Pads (Pack of 80, RRP $3.99)

    Face

    La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel For Oily Sensitive Skin (200ml, RRP $25.95)
    This 50ml sample came in a gift promotion, and I was pleasantly surprised with how gentle and effective it was despite it targetting an acne-prone audience. A lightly foaming gel that smells fresh and crisp (is it lemon?), it sure takes off my long-wear makeup without any effort. It's perhaps a bit of overkill on my mature skin which has a tendency to dryness in winter, but it did keep my oily-T under control when the humidity hit ...
    Repurchase?
    Probably not - there are so many cleansers out there that I love more, and are better suited to my older complexion ...

    Nutrimetics Nutri-Rich Smoothing Lip Polish (15g, RRP $30)
    This has been discontinued so I'm not going to spend too much time on it - bought it almost 2 years ago and only just now finished it. It was a great product and certainly softened and sloughed my lips whenever I used it (once per week), but somehow it was awkward to dispense and apply. So many times the product slipped off my finger before I could get it to my pout, so I wasted quite a bit. Perhaps they'll bring it back in a different format ...
    Repurchase?
    No - discontinued...

    Olay Eyes Ultimate Eye Cream (15ml, RRP $48.99)
    I've had this in my drawer for around six months, waiting till I'd finished a few of the others on my bench. Well, it was worth the wait - there's something about the formula and the soft apricot colour that instantly makes my under-eye area look and feel heaps better. Very hydrating, and while I don't have dark circles, I do have a tendency towards a faintly bluish tinge directly under my lash line, and this counteracts that in a flash ...
    Repurchase?
    I'm torn between this and the Regenerist one, which is more effective on my fine lines, but I'm pretty sure I'll grab another jar next time it's on special - it's ideal for day time, and I'll use the other one at night ...

    Olay Regenerist Retinol Night Moisturiser (50g, RRP $59.90)
    Was excited to try this whole range as products containing retinol do seem to have a more obvious impact on my face than those without. This is a lovely cream with limited improvements showing on my skin, but I have to admit I've been interspersing it with other night creams I was sent to test, so I haven't given it a proper chance to do what it's supposed to. While I can well appreciate that its lack of scent is a huge bonus to those folks who have sensitivities, I find it boring despite the purple packaging. If I buy it again I'll have to add a few drops of essential oil to it, which hopefully won't irritate my skin. Might seem silly, but for $60, I need to love it a bit more ...
    Repurchase?
    Will give it another chance next time it's on special ...

    Skin Physics Oxygen-C Vitamin C Brightening Serum  (30ml, RRP $19.95)
    This was sent to me to trial and I well and truly loved it. For what I would classify as an inexpensive serum, it really made a difference to the appearance of my complexion. Prior to using it twice daily I had areas of pinkness around my nose and chin that always seemed to be there, but they have literally gone bye-byes, and that's pretty impressive after a short period of use. It spreads so easily, and even shrank my pores a little and made my freckles less obvious ...
    Repurchase?
    This will be a standby for me - I have several serums in the drawer that I need to use up first, but after that, for sure ...

    Regulars
    Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes (Pack of 25, RRP $7.99) 
    Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Acne Wash (175ml, RRP $14.99)
    Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover (112ml, RRP $10.89)
    Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence (40ml, RRP $39.99)
    Olay Regenerist Whip UV Cream SPF 30  (50g, RRP $48.99)
    Skin Physics Dragon's Blood Facial Sculpting Gel (50ml, RRP $59.99)

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


    Fragrance
    Regulars
    Ecoya Cedarwood & Leather Mini Reed Diffuser (50ml, RRP $25.95)

    Hair
    Regulars
    Salon Professional Supplies Creme Peroxide 40 vol (200ml, RRP $5.95)
    Schwarzkopf OSIS+ Sparkler Shine Spray (300ml, RRP $27.95)
    Wella Koleston Perfect Permanent Creme Colour - Special Mix Clear (60g, RRP $19.97)

    Makeup
    Australis Pressed Ready Set Go Finishing Powder (9g, RRP $16.95)
    This is another product that I've been using faithfully for years, but somehow it's never made it to an Empties post because it lives in the makeup bag I take to work, plus I don't think I've ever hit pan - the hinge always breaks after about 6 months. Loose lids are one of my bugbears, so I toss it as soon as it snaps. Anyways it's what I use during the day if I need to counteract a little shine on my forehead, nose or chin, and despite the obvious packaging flaw, it's the best I've found ...
    Repurchase?
    Absolutely - recently stocked up when there was a special deal so I'm good for at least 18 months ...

    Regulars
    Australis HD Translucent Loose Setting Powder (RRP $16.95)
    Maybelline Volume Express The Falsies Waterproof Mascara (RRP $19.95)

    Giveaway



    With Valentines Day just around the corner, I though I'd make this month's giveaway a bit more like a pamper pack...
    • Glasshouse Rio De Janeiro Passionfruit & Lime Mini Candle (60g)
    • Koi Relaxing Bath Range - Lavender & Argan Oil Calming Bar Soap, Geranium & Petitgrain Soothing Body Wash & Soothing Bath Fizz
    • Nivea Hyaluron Cellular Filler Bi-Phase Nourishing Oil Elixir
    • Nutrimetics Blossom Bouquet Fragrance Diffuser
    • Nutrimetics Safflower Fragranced Soap & Hand Creme
    • Skin Republic Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patches - 2 x 3 pairs
    • Skin Republic Fast Fix Under Eye Masks - 2 x 2 pairs
    • Skin Republic Retinol Hydrogel Under Eye Patches -2 x 3 pairs
    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 see who won!
      a Rafflecopter giveaway
      Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Misfortune8 as the winner.  
      Congratulations gorgeous! 
      Misfortune8, please respond to the email I've sent you by
      midnight 3rd February to claim your prize :-)
      Edit: Misfortunate8 has claimed her prize 
      ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

      Best of luck to all who enter!

      Take care of you, and keep safe,
      kats xxx

      Sunday, 15 November 2020

      September 2020 Empties & Giveaway!...

      Hmm yes well, I'd planned to have these up in October along with the other two giveaways, but with one thing and another (including a bunch of beautyheaven reviews), I didn't get there. Then for one brief (and fleeting) moment, I thought maybe I should combine them with the October Empties, but as you can probably imagine, I couldn't fit them all on my bench, let alone in one camera shot lol! So anyway, I'm continuing on with the usual process, and fingers crossed I can get last month's ones up before we hit December - eek, December!...


      Body

      Bosisto's Kakadu Plum & Lemon Myrtle Nourishing Body Wash (500ml, RRP $8)
      Lovely body wash with a deliciously crisp & refreshing lemon scent - love the simplicity of the packaging and that it's available at Coles. No SLS content, Aussie-made, not tested on animals, and it's vegan, but still not quite moisturising enough compared with the others in my rack. Boy am I getting fussy! ...
      Repurchase?
      Maybe, if I have trouble getting hold of my other faves ...

      Lanolips Rose Hand Cream Intense (50ml, RRP $16.99)
      This was gifted to me so long ago I can't remember the source, and even though I had broken the seal, it's been in a dark drawer so it was perfectly fine. Not quite as intense as I'd hoped, and I have others that give my hands a richer treatment, but that rose fragrance? Heavenly! Absorbs quickly and completely, and it was particularly effective on my shrivelled cuticles ...
      Repurchase?
      Yes, if for nothing else than the fabulous scent ...

      No Pong All Natural Anti Odourant (35g, RRP $8.95)
      Small quantity left in the tin from last summer's series on aluminium-free deodorants - full review is HERE. Excellent product and 100% effective against odour & wetness - it didn't score 10/10 but only because getting the lid off is a challenge for me ...
      Repurchase?
      I would if my other preferred ones weren't available. This would be ideal for travellers because it's so small ...

      Regulars
      Colgate Plax Alcohol Free Gentle Mint Mouth Wash (500ml, RRP $6.49)
      Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)
      White Glo Charcoal Total Mouth Detox Whitening Mouthwash (500ml, RRP $6.99)
      White Glo Micellar Whitening Toothpaste (100ml, RRP $5.99)
      White Glo Toothbrush (free with the above toothpaste)


      Face

      Bioré Charcoal Cleansing Micellar Water (300ml, RRP $10.99)
      So many micellars on the market and after doing a whole bunch of research when they first appeared over 5 years ago, this is the one that I'm sticking with, well for the time being anyway. It's highly effective, a great price and I LOVE the fragrance. It's not that it works any better than many others, but the scent is so appealing. Beats me why this hasn't appeared in my Regulars section before as I've bought many bottles, but it will next time ...
      Repurchase?
      That's a yes ...

      Nutrimetics Ultra Care+ Super-C & Retinol Serum  (20ml, RRP $70)
      I haven't been all that impressed with the cheaper serums from this brand (mind you the Platinum one is sensational), and while this is still somewhat pricey, I bought it because they had a special deal of buy-one-get-one-free, so for $35, I was in! The serum itself is actually pretty darn fabulous, but the packaging sucks - a skinny little tube that I had trouble holding, and the product kinda squirts down the outside of the cap rather than onto the fingers. The serum is very thick, rich and viscous, and I would struggle to spread it onto my face in the cold weather, but apart from these issues, it made my skin look amazing - glowy, refined, plump, and a delicate floral fragrance, pretty much everything you want from a serum ...
      Repurchase?
      Absolutely, when it's on special, but not in the cooler months ...

      Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Serum (30ml, RRP $59.99)
      The jury is still out on this one. To be fair, this bottle wasn't used continuously as I was trialling the Skin Physics sculpting gel below and excluding all other products, so I'll reserve final judgement until I've had time to use another complete bottle without interruption. In the interim, I can say that it's a terrific serum that causes absolutely zero irritation, but I can't tell yet if it's any better for my age-related skin issues than others I've used. Adore the purple packaging, and I was surprised that I didn't mind the fact that it is fragrance-free (no fragrance is better than one that I dislike). Other advantages are that Olay products are regularly on special, so I'll never EVER have to pay full price for it, and it has maintained the pore refinement that I was seeing from my other retinol serums. To be continued ...
      Repurchase?
      Yes (on spesh natch) ...

      Regulars
      Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes (Pack of 25, RRP $7.99) 
      Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover (112ml, RRP $10.89)
      Skin Physics Dragon's Blood Facial Sculpting Gel (50ml, RRP $59.95)
      St. Ives Blackhead Clearing GreenTea Scrub (150ml, RRP $9.99)


      Face Masks

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


      Hair

      Head & Shoulders Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (200ml, RRP $6.75)
      Fortunately, I'm not dealing with dandruff or flaking scalp - I bought this many months ago on the recommendation of my stylist to remove excess colour safely from my hair if my home dye ends up too dark, and it's really quite effective. Even more so if I crush a Vitamin C tablet and mix it in with the liquid. It leaves my hair feeling like straw so I only do one application, leave it on for at least 5 minutes, rinse and then use my usual Goldwell Kerasilk one for application #2, and then it feels ok again. It sure takes out the dye quick-smart! ...
      Repurchase?
      Yes, but I've had so many compliments about my (accidental) darker hair shade I may not need it lol... 

      Regulars
      Goldwell Dualsenses Color Revive Color Giving Conditioner - Icy Blonde (s00ml, RRP $32.95)
      Goldwell Kerasilk Control Conditioner (1L, RRP $80.95)
      Schwarzkopf Igora Royal Permanent Color Creme - 8-11 Light Ash Blonde (RRP $23.95)
      Schwarzkopf Live Colour Pastels - Cool Grey, Metallic - Lilac Chrome & Denim Steel (RRP $5.49)


      Makeup

      Regulars
      Chi Chi Highlighting & Contouring Palette (33g, RRP $24.95)
      Maybelline Brow Ultra Slim Eyebrow Pencil (RRP $15.95)
      Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner (RRP $15.95)
      Natio Define Eye Pencil - Steel Grey (RRP $14.95) 


      Giveaway!



      Up for grabs are...
      • Elizabeth Arden 5th avenue boxed set - EDP (125ml), Parfum (3.7ml) & Moisturising Body Lotion (100ml)
      • Glow Lab Mini Pack (Creme Cleanser/Facial Moisturiser/Body Lotion/Facial Serum/Night Cream)
      • MCoBeauty 2-in-1 Bronzer & Highlighter
      • Sweet Little Things Floral Scented Soap Petals
      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 as per 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!
      Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Claudia C. as the winner.  
      Congratulations gorgeous! 
      Claudia, please respond to the email I've sent you by midnight
      Wednesday 25th November to claim your prize :-)
      Edit: Claudia has claimed her prize 
      ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

      Best of luck to all who enter!

      Take care of you, and keep safe
      kats xxx