Showing posts with label For Beloved One. Show all posts
Showing posts with label For Beloved One. Show all posts

Monday, 12 June 2017

SPOTLIGHT: May Empties!...

After last month's mammoth post, I thought I'd put this one together nice and early as I powered through quite a few in May as well. And to be honest, having all the empty containers lying around is a space issue for me, so here we go...


Hair & Me Hair Rejuvenation Treatment (90ml, RRP $16)
I've lost track of how many sachets of this magical hair elixir I've gone through - first discovered it two years ago, full review HERE, nothing's changed, it's still awesome and I can't live without it ...
Repurchase?
3 spares in the bathroom drawer ...


Skin Republic Youthfoil Face Mask Sheet (25ml, RRP $12.99)
Like the Hydrogel ones, this is special, which is why it's more expensive. It's a 2-piecer (much more comfortable) with lashings of hyaluronic acid serum. The foil fabric itself dries out by the end of the 20 minutes (no it's not alfoil lol), but the serum stays locked in underneath - when you peel it off, there's heaps left on the skin, which I massaged in, and that was my skincare regime for the night, nothing else required. Amazingly hydrating ...
Repurchase?
Already have 2 waiting in the queue ...

Hylamide Low-Molecular HA Multi-Depth Rehydration Booster (10ml, 30ml RRP $29.99)
This sample came in the Bloggers United AU goodie bag last November - amazingly thick and enriching serum, I can't imagine a dry skin cell making it out the other side of this stuff without transforming. Can't say I noticed any obvious change in my skin over such a very short period of time (barely a week), but I sure as eggs didn't need much else to moisturise my skin ...
Repurchase?
Probably - I need to investigate this whole brand (The Abnormal Beauty Company) in more depth, but right now I have no less than 6 serums backed up waiting for their chance to shine ...


NeoStrata Skin Active Intensive Eye Therapy (15g, RRP $69.99)
My favourite eye cream to date - I buy it from Pharmacy Online as it's almost always $20 cheaper. This has certainly helped diminish my crows feet and smoothed out my crinkly hoods a bit, but does nothing for my eye bags, and therefore doesn't technically qualify as an HG, but it's the best I can find for now ...
Repurchase?
Definitely, but again I have around 5 other eye creams to use up first - will probably buy some later this month and alternate with the others I'm testing as I don't want to lose the benefits I've already gained ...


Matt Miller Mega Lash Eyelash & Eyebrow Enhancing Serum (3ml, RRP $49.95)
Believe me I SO wanted to love this as it's a far more natural eyelash growth enhancer than the one I've been using for years (RapidLash). And it works a treat - rave reviews all over the internet including some of my blogger pals, but...over the space of a month or so, I developed a painful sensitivity to it (stinging), so I've gone back to RapidLash which gives me no such problem :-(
Repurchase?
Ouch, no...


Skin Republic Brightening Vitamin C Face Mask Sheet (25ml, RRP $7.99)
This one targets freckles (yay!) and age spots, so it will be a regular in my routine, unless the Eaoron (in June's empties) ones prove to be more effective. My skin tone did look more even and overall a tad lighter after using it, so there's definitely potential. Also contains Vitamin E & 7 plant extracts ...
Repurchase?
You bet ...


NATIO Cucumber & Aloe Micellar Cleansing Water (all skin types) - (200ml RRP $14.95)
Reviewed HERE, this is still the most gentle micellar water I've tried, just not as effective as some other brands ...
Repurchase?
Possibly, but I still have a stack left over from my research, and more in the wings to test lol ...


Natural Secrets Goatsmilk Moisturising Hand Wash (300ml, RRP $6.99)
Reviewed HERE, love this hand wash - it's actually one of my winter staples as it is very hydrating and smells delish ...
Repurchase?
Already have another one on my vanity ...


Dettol Profresh Peach Burst pH-Balanced Shower Gel (500ml, RRP $6.49)
Very nice body wash, lathers well but not a standout as far as fragrance or skin hydration are concerned...
Repurchase?
Maybe once we get to Spring/Summer - but hey, there are so many more out there that ARE special...


botanicES Face Creme (50ml, RRP $45)
Rave review HERE, I am NEVER without this face cream. I try a truckload of skin care products, some of which clog my pores because they're too rich, so in between trials, I go back to this darling and it sorts out my congestion in a couple of weeks. Love everything about it, it's the perfect formula for balancing my combo skin, but I'm still in search mode for one that will turn back time ...
Repurchase?
Done deal ...


Skin Republic Stem Cell Plant Protein Face Mask Sheet (25ml, RRP $7.99)
Especially for fine lines and deep wrinkles, in which case I probably need to use one of these every night for the rest of my life lol! Also containing CoQ10, this one (like all SR sheet masks) is refreshing and gave my complexion a definite lift. I don't see how it could possibly change wrinkle depth after one use, but I'll let you know once I've had a few more goes - I'm thinking of at least twice a week for a few months, just gotta squeeze it into the schedule ...
Repurchase?
Yes - there's not one of these that I've tried that I wouldn't use again and again ...


L'Oreal Revitalift Laser X3 Anti-Ageing Power Serum (30ml, $49.95)
Bought this because of the outstanding success I had with the Dual Action Moisturiser in the same range. Silky texture, smells lovely and fresh, absorbs in a flash. Can't say I noticed much difference in my pores or wrinkles, but I should imagine that using it in conjunction with the moisturiser is the way to go ...
Repurchase?
Yep - I have two bottles of the moisturiser stashed away (bought at half price) and once I'm done with a few of the other serums on my bench, I'll launch a major anti-ageing attack on my face ...


For Beloved One Hyaluronic Acid GHK-Cu Moisturising Serum (30ml, RRP $113)
Crikey, I think this is the most expensive serum I've ever tried, and interestingly I had no idea of its pricepoint until I looked it up for this post - it's another one that was in the Bloggers United AU goody bag. Beautiful serum - rich and thick, barely any fragrance, absorbs in nano-seconds, and hydrates like there's no tomorrow. I was kinda sad when I finished it as I was sure enjoying the feel of it on my skin, and the added juice it injected into my complexion. No visible reduction in wrinkles, but if you have super dry skin, I reckon this'll fix it.  To read more about the technical side, check out Labmuffin's highly informative review HERE ...
Repurchase?
Hmmm, I probably should for the sake of my face, but the cost is a wee bit prohibitive - it's available from Sephora ...


Calvin Klein Eternity Eau de Parfum (Miniature) - (100ml, RRP $89)
I've had this teeny little bottle for more years than I can remember, but the fragrance stayed pretty true till the last drop. This is a classic and timeless floral that I reviewed HERE ...
Repurchase?
Wasn't going to as I have so many already (!), but it's half price at Chemist Warehouse right now, so...maybe ...


Skin Republic Bubble Purifying + Charcoal Face Mask Sheet (20ml, RRP $7.99)
Already covered this in February's Empties post HERE, but I love it so much, it deserves another mention ...
Skin Republic Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patches (3 pairs, 18g, RRP $9.99)
Ditto ...
Repurchase?
Yes yes yes yes yes ...


Lush Ultrabland Cleanser (46g/100g, RRP $17.95/$29.95)
This and the two creams below were a few of  the goodies gifted to us at the Bloggers United AU Birthday Bash at Lush earlier this year (HERE).  It's a lovely cream cleanser, but not my thing - I'm into the foaming/wash-off kind, and while you can use warm water and a cloth to take the bulk of this off, it doesn't rinse away completely because of the oil content, and my face just didn't feel clean. It's one of their best sellers though, vegan and full of goodness...
Repurchase?
No...

Lush Vanishing Cream Facial Moisturiser (45g, RRP $39.95)
Fell head over heels in love with the smell of this cream - so fragrantly herbal and organic, sigh...it's just gorgeous! Very very rich though, in fact both this and the Celestial one below were just too rich for my skin - I had major congestion problems which annoyed the hell out of me because I loved this cream so much. Unfortunately, me loving it and me dealing with the lumps and bumps and pores filled with goop are too different things that just can't live together... Boo!
Repurchase?
Sadly, that's a no...

Lush Celestial Facial Moisturiser (45g, RRP $29.95)
Another lovely cream made from delicious natural ingredients. Lighter than the Vanishing Cream and delicately fragrant, but still too heavy for my pores...
Repurchase?
No, same reason as the other one...

Lush Sugar Scrub (100g, RRP $6.50)
Another one that I adored the smell of, which is why I bought it - that and the fact that I'm only just discovering body scrubs, and only just discovering the joys of Lush! Refreshingly herbal fragrance (fennel, ginger & lavender), at the time I chose it I wondered why there was a stack of metal boxes near the display. The first time I used the scrub in the shower (and left it on the shelf) I discovered that the boxes were for keeping the scrub intact and reasonably dry. Oh how I wish someone had told me! To my dismay, by the time I got home that night, most of the scrub had melted and oozed down my shower wall throughout the day, and very little was salvageable. Still I was able to scoop up about one third of it, and left it to dry out in a bowl for a couple of weeks, and have used it with reasonable success since, although a lot of the oils were lost so it was pretty rough and scratchy...
Repurchase?
Ermmm, I think I'll go for a tub or a bar next time - they make lots of other yummy scrubs in far more practical formats...


Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. As always I'm linking to Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Link Up - come check out all the brilliant blogger posts ...

Sunday, 28 May 2017

SPOTLIGHT: April Empties!...

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


Mirenesse Power Lift Dermal Firming Face Mask (2 sheets, RRP $25, VIP $17.50)
Mini review back in January HERE - still of the same opinion that it's a beauty, and there's the added bonus that there's no mess as the gel is only on one side of the mask ...
Repurchase?
Yes, but I have some of their Ice Crystal Cryotheraphy ones to use first ...

7th Heaven Very Berry Mud Masque (15g, $3.99)
This was part of my Secret Santa gift from the lovely Katelan from Katelan Maria. It's fabulous! Super cleansing and soothing, and bursting with Blueberries, Cranberries, Peach Kernel Oil & Aloe. Smells fantasticly fruity and left my skin feeling (and looking) like new. It's messy, but what mud mask isn't hey? I've just seen that Priceline has this range on a 3-for-2 special at the mo' ,..
Repurchase?
Definitely, actually I'm mad keen now to try all the other ones they make ...

Maybelline Master Glaze Blush Stick - Make A Mauve (6.8g, RRP $15.95)
It's taken just over 2 years to get to the bottom of this magical stick of creamy soft blush - I know because I scrolled way down in my Instagram page to find when I bought it (108 weeks ago to be exact). My favourite of the colour range, this is the perfect mauvey pink for my complexion. Love everything about this blush, from the formula to the packaging, to the price ...
Repurchase?
I panicked about 3 months ago when I was getting close to the stump, and bought another one ...

Urban Rituelle Ginger Apple Lip Balm (20gm, RRP $13.95)
Have had this on my bedside table for years, and was wondering if I'd ever hit pan - brilliant balm, brilliant value, cute-as container. They don't make this particular flavour any more, but there's seven to choose from HERE ....
Repurchase?
It's discontinued, but I still have half a pot of the Passionfruit one, and recently bought the Lemongrass, Lemon Myrtle, Grapefruit & Eucalyptus to try - I want to experience every single one! These are organic, and the ultra-enriching beeswax, shea butter & Vitamin E formula is the same in all varieties ...
Wotnot Facial Wipes Normal/Sensitive (25 wipes, $8.99)
Unlike many folks, I've never gotten into this brand of wipes - I usually only use the Neutrogena ones for cleaning my brushes, but after sampling these from the March Good Green Box, I'm a convert. Very kind to my skin, and they'll sure come in handy for those cold wintery late nights when I just can't bear to get my face wet ...
Repurchase?
Affirmative ...

Rimmel Stay Matte  Long Lasting Pressed Powder (14g, RRP $12.95)
An absolute essential for counteracting shine and for touchups throughout the day (included in my April post HERE), I always buy the transparent variety. I have one on my bench, one in my makeup purse, and...
Repurchase?
...a spare in my drawer ...


Skin Republic CoQ10 + Caviar Face Mask Sheet (25ml, RRP $7.99)
Nutty about everything this brand produces, and treat myself to one of their masks every Sunday - this is another that's fabulously hydrating, oodles of serum to replenish the skin's moisture, and it totally doused any redness in my complexion ...
Repurchase?
Already have my next one stashed away ...

Bioré Steam Activated Cleanser (145ml, RRP $10)
Thoroughly enjoyed this cleanser, although I didn't ever use it in the shower to take advantage of the steam activation. Still it worked a treat, non-drying, oil-free, non-comedogenic and I loved the fragrance ...
Repurchase?
Have had this for a while, and I can't see it on their website any more so it may have been discontinued. But all is not lost as their charcoal range is awesome..

Earth Mumma Pit Paste (30g, RRP $12.95)
This surprised the hell out of me with its effectiveness - came in the March Good Green Box (review HERE), and unlike any of the other aluminium-free deodorants I've tried, this one actually works, although I'd like to try it out on a hot humid January day to really put it to the test ......
Repurchase?
I'm not quite ready to take the plunge into a natural deodorant, but when I am, this is the one I will buy ...

Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Moisturising Lather Shampoo (250ml, RRP $32.95)
Recommended to me after my first keratin treatment for maintenance, I've been alternating this shampoo with my Swedish Reference staple. Lathers like there's no tomorrow, leaves my hair silky soft, and it's kind to colour treated tresses. Love it ...
Repurchase?
This was my second bottle, and I've since purchased some Goldwell Kerasilk shampoo for comparison, but I would buy it again in a flash ...
Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Keratin Cream Rinse (250ml, RRP $34.95)
Another post-keratin recommendation. Haven't used anything as softening as this before - I mean the way it makes my hair feel like strands of silk is ridiculous ... 
Repurchase?
Also bottle #2, and if the Kerasilk conditioner doesn't blow my skirt up, then I will DEFINITELY be buying this again ...

Johnson's Nutrient Burst Brightening Body Wash (384ml, RRP $6.99)
Lovely non-drying shower gel, and I'm addicted to the pomegranate & raspberry scent. Contains Vitamin A, B5, C & E. Due to crazy workload and subsequent blogging time constraints, I haven't as yet done an individual review ...
Repurchase?
Just as soon as I make some space in my caddy, or Spring arrives - whichever comes first ...

Lancôme Teint Visionnaire Skin Perfecting Foundation (30ml/2.8g, RRP $75)
First discovered this back in 2013 (review HERE), and for many years it was my HG foundation. It still is one of my favourites, but the price is a wee bit prohibitive, and I've found some others that work just as well for a fraction of the outlay (example HERE). The beauty of this is that it includes a matching concealer in the detachable lid ...
Repurchase?
Not at this stage as I'm kinda well stocked on foundation, but it's a brilliant font de teint ...

Skin Republic Spots & Blemish Anti-Spot & Pore Refining Mask (25ml, RRP $7.99)
Well fortunately I don't have any spots or blemishes, but I sure do need major pore refining. This mask contains Witch Hazel for tightening pores as well as Tea Tree & Salicylic Acid. Could see a very slight refinement in my skin texture, so I'll be trying more of these to see if there's a noticeable improvement with repeated use. The trouble is everything in this range is so good, I can't decide which ones to use on a regular basis - what a dilemma! ...
Repurchase?
Oui - three in reserve ...

Lanolips 101 Ointment - Strawberry (10g, RRP $14.95)
From a DJ's sample tote, this tube of skin restoring balm saved my nose and lips during my recent virus. Just about every time I have a cold, my nose and lips get so chafed and raw from tissue burn, and I invariably end up with a cold sore from the irritation. But thanks to this delightfully fragranced and healing ointment, I escaped that fate ...
Repurchase?
Absolutely - I need a tube of this on hand 24/7 ...

Glasshouse Fragrance Diffuser - Beverly Hills Pink Lemonade (250ml, $42.95)
My passion for this room scenter has already been expressed HERE - sublime fragrance, and potent with a capital P ...
Repurchase?
You betcha - I have a bottle stashed away for Spring ...

Skin Republic Hyaluronic Acid + Collagen Face Mask Sheet (3ml/25ml, RRP $9.99)
A most interesting concept - the top section of the sachet contains a fruit enzyme microdermabrasion & peel serum that you massage in and leave on for a minute, then rinse off. Only the slightest hint of tingling, and then the sheet mask went on, followed by a tad more tingling. All these masks are amazingly hydrating and nourishing, and this double-step one is even more so. My face felt smooth as, and even looked a teeny bit firmer ...
Repurchase?
I think you know answer? ...


For Beloved One Mandelic Acid Advanced Renewal Serum (15ml, RRP ?)
This was gifted in the goodie bag from the Bloggers United AU event last November - from what I can gather, it's a Korean beauty favourite. An alpha hydroxy acid, I loved the feel of it, and how refreshed it made my skin look. No noticeable lightening of my pigmentation issues, but experience has taught me that this process takes time ...
Repurchase?
I would if I could find it - Sephora has some of their range, but not this particular serum ...

Australis AC On Tour Contouring & Highlighting Kit Cool Tone Cream (RRP $24.95)
Another can't-live-without included in my Everyday Makeup Essentials post - pan #6 is the perfect nose & cheek contouring shade for my skin. I feel bad about not using up the rest of the colours, but until I find a single or a cheaper solution, this is it ...
Repurchase?
As I said, it's a can't-live-without, so yes ...

La Roche-Posay Purifying Micellar Water for Oily Sensitive Skin (200ml, RRP $25.95)
Full review HERE ...
Repurchase?
Not at this stage - it's a lovely micellar water, but my stock phrase for these more exxy waters is "there are others out there that are just as effective for a fraction of the price" ...

Skin Republic Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patch (3 pairs, RRP $7.99)
By now you MUST know how I feel about these ...
Repurchase?
Natch ...


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

Take care of you,
kats xxx

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

Wednesday, 7 December 2016

Bloggers United AU Sydney Event - Part 2...

Had to split my posts about the Bloggers United AU Sydney Event as there were just too many pictures (even this one will be a challenge for your ISP lol), but it's time to detail the gifted loot! All of these products came in a giant white carry bag, which was so heavy I was afraid it was going to split on the way home - but as luck would have it, I sat my bum down on an event chair that had a huge tote bag on it gifted by The Healthy Mummy, so that problem was solved ...


I'm not a mummy, but I'll certainly be getting lots of use out this bag - super sturdy and made from quality canvas, it has a waterproof lining and a zip pocket for special items ...


Very excited to see these For Beloved One products in the mix - I know nothing about this brand, but with a Hyaluronic & Mandelic Acid content in these serums, I'm looking foward to some stunning results in the anti-ageing department. I've spotted the range in Sephora too...



Aren't these Be Fraîche skincare products just the cutest? I'm tempted to put them aside for my next weekend away, but I doubt they'll make it - they smell so fantastic, and the teeny bit of Flower Face Cream I applied to the back of my hand told me to start using them stat!...



My skin is in for a triple treat with these Dove body washes and Moisturising Cream deodorant. I've tried the triple wash before and love how it makes my skin so soft as well as clean, and can't wait to experience the Aqua Moisture variety - it smells so incredibly refreshing. And I've been a Dove Stick Deodorant gal for more years than I can remember, so the opportunity to try another from the range is awesome ...


Next up are some deliciously moisurising Goats Milk products from all Aussie Natural Secrets - the hand cream is magically enriching, and this tube and the soap now have their place on the beside table and bathroom vanity respectively ...


Well my locks are going to be looking extra lush shortly! Thanks to TRESemmé for the Botanique Shampoo & Conditioner (which smell divine by the way), L'Oreal for the Shower Shine spray (I'm totally addicted to shine sprays) and Toni&Guy for the Style Spray Wax, which will define my blonde highlights magnificently ...


Another product that got my heart pounding when I spotted it - Hylamide Multi Depth Rehydration Booster. Yes please! I'm fully expecting to fall in love with this brand ...


And some very welcome goodies from Schick (thank you, I still shave my legs), Skin Republic (I already know and love you ), Lottie London (my raggedy nails are ever so grateful), and Waxaway (such a neat little kit with a bit of everything, and I'm always game to try something new)...


And a couple of orangey treats - Glycolic Fix Exfoliating Facial Pads from Nip+Fab. I might have to buy a container load of these! And I'm champing at the bit to try the Megalash Eyelash & Eyebrow Enhancing Serum from Matt Miller - I've been using RapidLash for years, so I'm keen to compare the results from this 100% natural serum ...


Are you still here? Lol, hang in there, we're almost to the end. How about this stunning Magnif'eyes palette from Rimmel? I think this is new in Oz because I can't find it on their website...


There seems to be three flavours - I'm absolutely THRILLED with the one I scored - "Keep Calm & Wear Gold". An inspired mix of mattes & shimmers - I'll be creating a look with this very very soon, including swatches!...

The lovelies at Thankyou sent along a can't-live-without bottle of water, and some enriching Geranium & Rosewood Hand Cream. So much goodness in this product range, and the motivation behind the company is something I wholeheartedly support ...

My dry bod will relish the Vaseline Intensive Care lotion, and this one is Advanced Strength. The gorgeous pastel blue nail polish from Sally Hansen will be adorning my toes sooner rather than later, and I've only just realised the Stophair spray is another product from Matt Miller, and while nothing springs to mind immediately, I'm intrigued enough with the natural ingredients to think of somewhere or someone that could use this lol ... 


And finally, the other fabulous items I featured in my first post, from Vani-T, BarryM & TheDessertStudio...


Well that's a wrap for now - needless to say you'll be seeing quite a few reviews from this little black duck in the months ahead. Buckets of thank yous to all the contributors, and to Bloggers United AU for the opportunity to try so many amazing products 

Take care of you,
kats xxx