8 Year Bloggiversary & Giveaway!...

Oh wow, I almost missed the date! When I started this little blog back in September 2013, I couldn't have imagined I'd still be here three years into the future, let alone eight ♥ But kats colourings is still alive and kicking, despite my current job extending its tentacles into my after-hours life. And joy of joys, our beloved Spring has sprung (yay!) and I haven't had a giveaway since May, so I couldn't think of a better excuse lol ♥...

Due to lockdown, my usual in-store bargain hunting has been on hold, but I did manage to pick up these three Nutrimetics Mystery Bags, and seeing as this month is a special celebration, I thought why not have three winners?...

Each bag contains four Nutrimetics items valued at over $90 - three are full-sized products, and the fourth is an accessory. I can't possibly show you what the goodies are because that would spoil the surprise now wouldn't it, but I've had a peek inside all of them, and I'd sure be happy to win any of these, and I hope you will too ♥...

As usual, 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 these beautiful gals as the winners. 

Amanda C.

Yohanna

Claire F 

Congratulations lovelies! 

Please respond to the emails I've sent you by midnight

Wednesday 22nd September to claim your prize :-)

Edit: All beauties have claimed their prizes ♥

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Hope you'll join in the fun, and best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you, and keep safe,

kats xxx

REVIEW & Giveaway: Myer Little Box of Beauty...

Sadly I missed the advent calendar bus this year - the two that I had my eye on sold out lightning-fast, but thanks to my beautyheaven friend Okatko (treasure!), I was reminded to get in quick for the always tempting and never disappointing Myer Little Box of Beauty. This will be my third one - all have been beaut value and a beauty bargain hunter's delight. At $80 for $220 worth of products (five of which are fragrances) & free delivery, I'm actually amazed that it's still available (HERE) but get in quick. Alternatively, you can stick around and read my blog post because I'm giving one away - it is, after all, Christmas! ♥...

Even the box is gorgeous - very sturdy and compact with eight drawer-like boxes, you could even use it to store jewellery or trinkets after sampling all the goodies ♥...

So here's what's in the first box: 

• Clinique Moisture Surge - 15ml
• OPI Nail Lacquer - 3.75ml, shade Princesses Rule!
• Lancome Hypnose Mascara - 2ml, Noir Hypnotic

Next up we have:

• Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Porefining Face Mask - 13g
• Sohum Tahitian Gardenia EDT Roller Ball - 8m

And there's an eau de parfum that I simply love:

Carolina Herrera Good Girl EDP - 7ml

And in another box are three fragrance miniatures - heaven!...

• Chi Chi Warm Vanilla Sugar EDP Spray - 15ml
• Miu Miu Twist EDP - 5ml
• Coach Floral Blush EDP - 4.5ml

Incidentally, the contents of all the boxes are identical, except for the Miu Miu fragrance - it varies between the EDP or the EDT...

And what's a beauty box without some delicious MOR products:

• MOR Marshmallow Hand & Body Wash - 20ml
• MOR Marshmallow Hand & Nail Cream - 10ml

Not to mention a little dose of Philosophy:

• Renewed Hope in a Jar Refreshing & Refining Moisturizer - 7ml
• Purity 3-in-1 cleanser for face & eyes - 30ml

Next up are two little gems:

• Inika Certified Organic Pure Perfection Primer - 4ml
• Coco & Eve Like a Virgin Tangle Tamer

And last but definitely by no means least...

• Myerbeauty Rose Quartz Face Roller
• Wavertree & London Macaron Triple Milled Soap - 200g

All ingredients are listed on the back of the plastic sleeve, which keeps the covers tightly closed, but slides off in a jiffy...

I'm thrilled to have a variety of products to try, and I'm blissing out that there are five perfumes - most items are sample sizes, but that makes them perfect stocking fillers, travel companions or guilt-free treats for moi lol...

GIVEAWAY!

Yes, I'm giving away a Myer Little Box of Beauty - it was purchased by me, and 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 find out who won!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Saturday 19th December to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Natasha has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter ♥

Take care of you, and Merry Christmas!

kats xxx

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

Eaoron Makeup Remover Balm (90g, RRP $39)

Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes (Pack of 25, RRP $7.99) 
Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover (112ml, RRP $10.89)

RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum (3ml, RRP $65)

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

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful 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 ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you, and keep safe

kats xxx

June 2020 Empties & Giveaway!...

Well COVID-19 is not affecting my Empties, that's for sure! The usual mega selection of regulars, but there's a handful of new ones reviewed. I'm always excited when I finish a fragrance, and last month I spritzed the last of two bottles, both of which I've reviewed in detail in past posts, so I've included the links. June was also the month when I experimented with wearing the Skin Republic Eye Patches almost every night (both Collagen & Retinol) - I went through eight packs (all half-price specials), which equates to 24 pairs/nights, and can report that they made a difference to the puffiness of my eye bags, but not much change to my wrinkles. I'll probably go back to a couple of times a week as it was a bit of an indulgence and at full price, not one my budget can maintain. For the Giveaway, I have a super-duper special one - let's call it Christmas In July, so read on! ♥♥♥...

Body

The Body Shop British Rose Shower Gel (60ml, RRP $4)

This was part of a gift set sent to me at Christmas by one of my regular readers - a gorgeous, kind and generous lady (you know who you are sweetheart). British Rose is just that - pure and natural, the scent is the same as if you leaned over a rose bush in full bloom and took a deep breath, and the formula is non-drying. There was a body butter and hand cream too, and I just adore them all ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I will buy the big bottle for myself this Christmas ♥♥♥...

Schmidt's Lavender + Sage Natural Deodorant (75g, RRP $13.99)
I figure this formula would be just as effective as the charcoal one for completely stopping both odour and wetness, and I was right - what I didn't figure on was falling in love with the scent! I thought it would be a wee bit insipid or girly for winter, but it's fabulous. Definitely lavender, but the sage cuts the floral component in half and makes it herbally enough to be interesting and earthy - my new fave! ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
Priceline sells this, so that'll be a yes, and I already have a few spares ♥♥♥...

Regulars
Glow Lab Coconut & Sandalwood Body Wash (400ml, RRP $9)

Nutrimetics Nutri-Rich Shower Oil (200ml, RRP $42)
Oral-B 3D White Luxe Glamorous White Toothpaste (96g, RRP $9.49)
Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)
Skin Physics Advance Superlift Caviar Age-Recovery Hand & Nail Renewal Cream SPF15 (75ml, RRP $39.99)
White Glo Charcoal Total Mouth Detox Whitening Mouthwash (500ml, RRP $6.99)

Face

Bioré Baking Soda Pore Cleanser (200ml, RRP $10.99)

As part of my "let's clear the bench" campaign, I finished off this cleanser, which has been hanging around with about 10 pumps left in it for 2 years. It doesn't seem to be available any more, which on the one hand is a shame as I enjoyed it's effectiveness on my combo skin, however, the decision to drop it from the range may have been something to do with the annoyance that I could never seem to remove all the little baking soda granules from my face if I used it at the basin. Who knows, but that was my only beef, and I quite liked the scent ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

No - discontinued ♥♥♥...

L'Oreal Pure Clay Detoxifying Gel Wash (150ml, RRP $14.99)

Love this but it's incredibly messy unless used in the shower. Stains my wash cloth too but I'm prepared to put up with that as it works a treat to deep cleanse my face, and I've a passion for skincare products containing charcoal. It also has a very pleasant fragrance ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Yep, but not till the weather warms up ♥♥♥...

Olay Luminous Tone Perfecting Cream (14g, RRP $10)

I seem to have a stash of these trial-size jars of Olay creams from various sources, so I'll work my way through them whenever I finish something else. This one was truly a joy to use, refreshing floral scent and it left my skin lusciously hydrated and soft. Didn't notice any improvement in luminescence or spot fading, but hey, the jar only lasts a week which really is too soon to tell if it's working ♥♥...

Repurchase?

I'm about to start the Regenerist Retinol24 range, so no ♥♥...

Swisse Micellar Makeup Remover + Cucumber Extract (300ml, RRP $10.95)

Very good second cleanser and I always go for micellars that don't drag on my skin - this one has lots of slip and picked up every last trace of makeup left from the first cleanse, but the scent was a bit weird - not sure what it is, kind of earthy, but definitely not cucumber ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Doubt it - there are others that smell much nicer ♥♥♥...

Regulars

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

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

Swisspers Make-up Pads (Pack of 80, RRP $3.79)

Face Masks

Regulars
Nutrimetics Mineral Clay Masque with Apricot Extract & Soybean Oil (125ml, RRP $40)

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

Fragrance

Britney Spears Believe Eau De Parfum (100ml, RRP $39)
I've had this bottle for six years, and only just finished it. Not one I would purchase on a regular basis, but I'll definitely be replacing this one with a smaller size, just 'cos I need it every now and then. It's very different from all the others from this gal. My ancient review of it is HERE ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
Affirmative - the 30ml bottle is available from CW for $19.99 ♥♥♥...

Jennifer Aniston Chapter Two Eau De Parfum (30ml, RRP $19.99)

Love this floral oriental fragrance - my full review of it is HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Definitely. There is a 50ml bottle but this one is small enough for the handbag, so I don't have to decant it. I'm actually leaning towards smaller bottles in general for the same reason ♥♥♥...

Hair

Regulars

Goldwell Dualsenses Color Revive Color Giving Conditioner - Icy Blonde (s00ml, RRP $32.95)

Makeup

Maybelline Volume Express The Falsies Mascara (RRP $19.95)

I actually use two mascaras when I'm going to work or somewhere special. I start with the waterproof variety of The Falsies, then curl my lashes (it holds the curl indefinitely), followed by a coat of this baby, and a waterproof layer over the top. I do this because this non-waterproof variety has heaps more fibres and gives my lashes some much-needed bulk ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I have a stash ♥♥♥...

Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Mascara (RRP $24.95)

Tried this during the lockdown, and it's good, but nothing special happened as far as lifting was concerned, so I'll stick with the original formulas ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

No - the combo mentioned above works best for me ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Australis AC On Tour Contouring & Highlighting Kit - Cool Tone Cream (RRP $24.95)
Australis HD Translucent Loose Setting Powder (RRP $16.95)

DB Pore Minimising Primer (25ml, $14.99)

Eye of Horus Emerald Tabula Goddess Pencil (1.2g, RRP $30)

Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner (RRP $15.95)

Maybelline Total Temptation Brow Definer (RRP $17.95)

Christmas In July Giveaway!

I think we could all do with a bit of a boost, so this month at kats colourings, we're having Christmas In July! The pack includes...

• Olay Eyes Retinol24 Night Cream
• Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturiser
• Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Serum

...but there are also some extra surprises in store for the lucky winner, because Christmas is all about surprises hey?  All items were purchased by me and the approximate value of the pictured products is around $180, but the "surprises" take it a fair whack above that.  The giveaway is open to...

Australian Residents Only! 

Here's how to enter...

1. Leave a blog post comment on this page that answers the question inside the Rafflecopter (please note: if you don't leave a comment on this page, you won't be included in the draw!) If you're unable to leave a comment for technical reasons, please email your answer to katshepsutt(at)gmail.com.
2. Leave your email address inside the Rafflecopter so I can contact you if you win
3. Follow my blog one way or another from the many choices listed
4. Only one entry per person, please read the T's & C's inside the Rafflecopter

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

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Claire F. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 29th July to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Claire has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx