March 2021 Empties & Giveaway!...

Before I get started on the March Empties, I thought to let you know that my work life is still impacting my personal world in a major way - I was kinda hoping that after 31st March the pressure would ease a little, but I'm still waiting for that to happen lol! It's a bummer as I have lots to share with you as well as on Instagram, but after long and stressful days, I have very little time or energy left to put it all together. But I know how much you enjoy the Empties and I'm up to my neck in throwaway containers (!), so instead of colouring my hair (whoops), here we go...

Body

Glow Lab Blackberry & Bay Body Wash (400ml, RRP $9)
I do so enjoy these Glow Lab body washes. When I first bought this one I tagged the scent as winter appropriate but it was so enticing I couldn't wait, so I washed my bod with it over the summer. It's crisp and spicy rather than fruity, although it has heaps of citrus essential oils, and they're balanced with floral & herbal extracts. Quite distinctive and one I'll continue to enjoy in the cold weather, but I'll add a few extra drops of shower oil to boost the moisture content ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
Yes indeed ♥♥♥...

White Glo Professional Choice Extra Strength Whitening Toothpaste (100ml, RRP $5.99)
Ever so slightly different taste to the others, but the same level of whitening power on my old choppers. It's good to know it doesn't matter which one from the range I buy - they're all as good as each other ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
For sure ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Colgate Plax Alcohol Free Gentle Mint Mouth Wash (500ml, RRP $6.49)
Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)

Schmidt's Charcoal + Magnesium Mineral Enriched Natural Deodorant (75g/92g, RRP $13.99/$19.95)

Swisspers Makeup Pads (Pack of 80, RRP $3.99)
White Glo Toothbrush (free with the above toothpaste)

Face

Breeze Balm Lip Balm - Birthday Bash (15g, RRP $19.95)

I'm crazy about these balms - far superior to anything else that's crossed my lips over the years. Not so keen on this "flavour" though - supposed to be pink lemonade, but it just smells super sweet to me. Same fabulously enriching formula though, and the good news is they've made the hole slightly bigger so it's an easier squeeze in the cold weather ♥...

Repurchase?
Not this one, but I'm hooked on the watermelon & pineapple variety ♥...

Regulars

Ecopure Bath Bamboo Fibre Face Cloths (pack of 2, RRP $12.99)

Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes (Pack of 25, RRP $7.99) 
Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Acne Wash (175ml, RRP $14.99)
Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence (40ml, RRP $39.99)
Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Serum (30ml, RRP $59.99)
Skin Physics Dragon's Blood Facial Sculpting Gel (50ml, RRP $59.99)

Fragrance

Vera Wang Lovestruck EDP (100ml, $89)
Well now, this fragrance is proof that if you keep your perfumes in a cool dark space, they last a long time. Bought this in 2015 and it was almost perfect until the last half dozen spritzes. I reviewed it at the time and I still feel the same way about it, click the name above to go there direct ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
Tempting, but there are so many others I want to try ♥♥♥...

Hair

Regulars

Goldwell Kerasilk Control Conditioner (250ml, RRP $34.95)

Goldwell Kerasilk Control Intensive Smoothing Mask (200ml, RRP $42.95)

Makeup

Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil - Grey (RRP $45)

I bought this in a fit of desperation during a relatively fruitless search for a grey eyebrow pencil (to match my hair) - in hindsight the price was ridiculous. Yeah, sure it was good quality, but too dark and stark for what I'm after, which is a  light to medium grey that I can build up ♥...

Repurchase?

Not unless I'm totally desperate again ♥...

ModelsPrefer Contour/Collection - Ultimate Higlighting + Contouring Palette ($16.99)
My local Priceline has stopped stocking this, but it seems to still be available online - thank goodness as it's the best colour scheme for my complexion (which means not orange!). Mind you I only use four of the six pans, but by mixing them together I can create a blend that suits me to a tee and doesn't look weird. Great price too. Powders are fine for my cheeks and jawline, but they seem to exaggerate the craterous pores on my nose, but I can smudge the cream ones so they're effective but not obvious. So hard to find cream contour kits! ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
Definitely, online ♥♥♥...

Revlon Colorstay Life-Proof Matte Foundation Stick - 180 Sand Beige (RRP $25.95)

Ahh, Revlon - you were one of my first loves, and you're still delivering the goodies. My current numero uno foundation. This is the one I wear to the office or for special occasions. PERFECT colour match to my skin, blends to a perfect finish, lasts ALL DAY, doesn't transfer, SPF 27, slight sheen finish - it doesn't get much better than this ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Forever ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Australis HD Translucent Loose Setting Powder (RRP $16.95)

Maybelline Brow Ultra Slim Eyebrow Pencil - Blonde (RRP $15.95)

Maybelline Master Precise Allday Liquid Liner (RRP $15.95)

Maybelline Volume Express The Falsies Mascara (RRP $19.95)

Natio Define Eye Pencil - Charcoal (RRP $14.95)

Giveaway!!!

Totally bummed that I didn't get to do a special Mother's Day gift in time, but hey, it's only May so I'll no doubt make up for it. For now, here's what's in the bundle...

• Makeup Revolution freebie comprising:
• Revolution Pro 4K Bronzer Palette - Warm
• Unicorns Heart Rainbow Highlighter
• 5 Eye Shadow Palette - Raspberry Icing
• Intensely Pigmented Foil Shadow Palette
• The Liner Revolution Waterproof Smudgeproof Eyeliner - Intense Black
• Semi-Permanent Brow Tint - Taupe
• Lovisa Rose Gold Tone Silk Square Earring and Necklace Set,  & Diamante Crossover Ring - Size M/L

The makeup was a Gift With Purchase - I thought it was so awesome I placed another order so I could get a set for this giveaway. Here's a pic of a couple of the items I opened from my pack:

And a closeup of the gorgeous jewellery:

Approximate value is $85, and this 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 Anna M. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 19th May to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Anna has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you, and keep safe,

kats xxx

February 2020 Empties & Giveaway!...

Hi everyone and welcome to Autumn, which officially began with the equinox on Friday at 2:49pm. Just like our recent Summer, this Autumn is shaping up to be like no other - wherever you live, our world is changing and with it, our lifestyles and habits must change too. I plan to keep posting on my blog through these challenging times, so I hope you'll continue to join me here for reviews, empties and my usual monthly giveaway, which this time around is a special one for Mother's Day - it's not till May, but given the current global circumstances, I thought it best to get in early ♥... 

Body

Glow Lab Blackberry & Bay Body Wash (400ml, RRP $9)

Mmmm, can't decide whether I like this one more than the Coconut & Sandalwood one - let's just say they are equally delicious, but this scent is probably the one I'll go for just that little bit more in the cooler weather. I've tried quite a few products from their range, and have been pleasantly surprised by all of them - love that they're cruelty-free and even the pump is recyclable ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
New one in the shower, one in reserve ♥♥♥...

Schmidt's Charcoal + Magnesium Mineral Enriched Natural Deodorant (75g/92g, RRP $13.99/$19.95)

In my not-so-long-ago series on aluminium-free deodorants, I rated this second to Fresca roll-on, but I've done a switcheroo, and made this my numero uno. They are equally effective at controlling odour, but I reckon the Schmidt's wins by a butterfly's eyelash as far as keeping me dry, PLUS (and this is a biggie) the 75g size is available from my local Priceline store - not having to pay shipping is a bonus ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Even though I'm working my way through the other locally available scents in the range, yes ♥♥♥...

Sensodyne Rapid Relief Original Toothpaste (100g, RRP $11.49)

My dentist gave me a sample size after I had some work done on a molar, and it sure helped reduce sensitivity after I had the crown fitted. Tasted good too, and there was enough in the tube for a week's use. He also gave me another brand which made my lips go numb (binned) so this would be my choice if I ever need something like this again ♥♥...

Repurchase?
Sure would ♥♥...

Regulars

Compeed Blister Plasters (Box of 5, RRP $12.95)
Johnson & Johnson Advanced Healing Hydro Seal Band-Aid  (box of 10, RRP $8.47)
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

Freezeframe Wrinkle Block Age Prevention Multi Stick (30ml, RRP $69)

I wrote quite an extensive review of this product last month (link HERE). This was my second stick and while I haven't quite finished the third, I don't think I'll be continuing on this path. Yes, it has made a difference to my fine lines, and my neck looks less craggy, but the deeper lines haven't budged since stick number 1, and there's still no impact whatsoever on my eye bags. The price is somewhat prohibitive, and at the end of the day, the benefits aren't sufficient for me to continue on for $70 a month. I've also decided that in my particular case, smooth texture, plumpness and radiance are more important than reducing wrinkles, so I just use it on my neck now ♥♥...

Repurchase?
If it's half price, maybe ♥♥...

Proactiv Amazonian Clay Mask (28g, RRP $?)

Interesting! This was sent to me to trial by beautyheaven over the Christmas period - I loved it, and even made a 3-minute video as part of my review. The text was published on 4th January, but no longer appears on the site, in fact, Proactiv is no longer listed full stop, so I guess they pulled the plug on the funding. Anyways, a beaut mask - quite thin, earthy scent that isn't overpowering, didn't make my face feel like it was going to crack up, and sent my blackheads packing ♥♥...

Repurchase?
Would if I could find it through an Aussie supplier, no luck so far ♥♥...

Regulars

Ecopure Bath Bamboo Fibre Face Cloths (pack of 2, RRP $12.99)
Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes (Pack of 25, RRP $7.99) 
Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover (112ml, RRP $10.89) 
Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging Detoxifying Pore Scrub (150ml, RRP $14.99)


Face Masks

BLAQ Charcoal Hydrogel Eye Mask (pack of 5, RRP $29.99)

Love these and first wrote about them back in March 2018, but I can no longer find them at Priceline and they only seem to be available from the Blaq website. Pity as they're really something special. They do have a tendency to slip down if you walk around in them, but I've been wearing them to bed, and they seem to stay on long enough when I'm horizontal ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

If I can find them locally, yes ♥♥♥...

Regulars

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

Fragrance

Estee Lauder Pleasures EDP (50ml, RRP $105)

Still one of my favourite Spring-Summer scents - my 2014 review of it is HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Absolutely, but not till later in the year ♥♥♥...

Hair

Creative Image Adore Semi-Permanent Hair Colour - Platinum (118ml, RRP $16.45)

Well now, this was a bonus find at Price Attack - vegan and cruelty-free, I add this to my fortnightly colouring concoction, and mix a little into my conditioner to keep my tresses as ashy and yellow-free as possible. There are heaps of other colours in the range, but this platinum one works best for me. It's a mauvey mushroomy colour, and while I would prefer something more silvery, it'll do for now ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
You bet, another one and a spare ♥♥♥...

Hi Lift True Colour Hair Colour Creme - Light Ash Blonde (100ml, RRP $6.95)

Brief review of this last month, but it won't be a regular - the shade doesn't turn out as ash or intense as the Salon Professional Supplies brand, and I only bought it because they were out of stock of my fave... 

Repurchase?

No...

Regulars

Goldwell Kerasilk Control Conditioner (250ml, RRP $34.95)

Salon Professional Supplies Pro-Colour - Light Ash Blonde (100ml, RRP $14.95)
Schwarzkopf Live Colour Pastels - Cool Grey, Metallic - Lilac Chrome & Denim Steel (RRP $5.49)

Makeup

Australis Stayput Long Lasting Retractable Lipliner - Romance (discontinued)

Boo to discontinued products! Great bricky-nude shade and lasted almost the whole day ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Sadly it's no longer available ♥♥♥...

Mirenesse Smooth Nude CC Hydra Makeup Mousse (40g, RRP $50)

Raved about this last January and I still love it, but with Mirenesse products, you need to be a VIP member to get special discounts and free shipping ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Probably not - I cancelled my membership when I was retrenched, and can't see myself rejoining any time soon ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder (RRP $13.95)

Maybelline Total Temptation Brow Definer (RRP $17.95)

Giveaway

With Mothers Day coming up soon, I decided to put together a special pack for a special Mum, rather than the same old favourites from the Empties collection. This bundle is made up of...

• Sweet Little Things Floral Scented Soap Petals
• Nutrimetics Fragrance Discovery Collection - 3 rollerball EDTs, Love & Courage, Fleurever & Breathtaking (personal fave reviewed HERE)
• Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Hydration Celebration Pack - Rose Quench Lip Rescue Balm, Quench Hydrating Primer, Drink of H2O Hydrating Boost Moisturiser & 4-in1 Setting Mist

All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $110.  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 Tracy M. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 1st April to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Tracy has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Keep safe lovelies, and take care of you,

kats xxx

October 2019 Empties & Giveaway!...

Well, I guess it was only a matter of time before the Regulars in my Empties post far exceeded my never-tried-before products, and it happened big time in October, with only seven items that haven't appeared here before, and 19 that are recurring gems in my beauty routine. So perhaps I'm settling into a pattern of using trusted products rather than being overly adventurous? Nothing wrong with that of course as it means I've found a whole bunch of goodies that suit me to a T, but it may make these posts (well at least this one) a bit boring. But have no fear - I'll no doubt relent and give in to my passion for experimenting with new ranges, especially when it comes to skincare and fragrances ♥...

Body

Glow Lab Coconut & Spiced Fig Hand Wash (300ml, RRP $5)

Hard to decide if this is my favourite from the range, but it's close, and will definitely appear again here over the summer. So delicious, with the spiced fig a wee bit more dominant than the coconut, but perfect for the festive season when we're all thinking about fruit mince pies and other yummies. Love this NZ brand in general for the absence of chemical inclusions, and their no animal testing stance ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Absolutely ♥♥♥...

Plunketts Nutri-Synergy Working Hands Intensive Hand Cream (150g, RRP $11.95)

Thanks to beautyheaven, I scored a full-sized tube a long long time ago and it only just made the front line of the stash in the last few months.  Awesome hand cream, well actually a treatment, for when your paws are in very paw poor shape - this will sort out any dryness, cracks and redness from the second or third application. After that, the skin is building resilience and becoming smoother and softer by the day ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Ooh yes - I reckon I need a tube of this on standby, always ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Ecostore Vanilla & Coconut Body Wash - (400ml, RRP $8.99)
Natural Secrets Goatsmilk Moisturising Handwash (300ml, RRP $5.99)
Nutrimetics Nutri-Rich Shower Oil (200ml, RRP $42)
Oral-B 3D White Luxe Diamond Strong Toothpaste (96g, RRP $9.49)
Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)
White Glo Charcoal Total Mouth Detox Whitening Mouthwash (500ml, RRP $6.99)

Face

L'Occitane Immortelle Overnight Reset Oil-In-Serum (30ml, RRP $90)

Holey guacemoley, where do I start with this gem. OK from somewhere or other I scored a 5ml sample of this fantabulous serum, and after using this teeny tiny quantity for a week, well, I just had to have more. Fortunately, my discovery coincided with an unusually generous tax return (from not working 4 months of last year) so I treated myself to two (yes two) bottles because I decided I couldn't possibly live without it, and I was right. It's pure heaven for my skin. I'll work on a dedicated post over the Christmas break as it truly deserves a place in the spotlight, and the bottle is so exquisite I need to spend some time on the photography so I can do it justice. For now, let's just say that it's like Mother Nature decided to put all her goodness into one jar, and then give L'Occitane the rights to sell it. Complexion bliss ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Putting a dollar coin away every day so I can buy the next bottle ♥♥♥...

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

I think this may just make the regulars list once I finish off my retinol night cream. My skin needs a break from the treatment over the Summer, and I'll probably go with this one for night, and the Whip one for daytime. It's really so good, I love the fragrance, and my skin always looks radiant and feels so loved after I massage it in ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Already have, picked it up for half price ♥♥♥...

John Plunkett Collagen Eye Lift Firming Eye Cream (15ml, RRP $39.95)

Can't remember where this came from - probably bh, but I certainly didn't buy it. A lovely eye cream that I decided to crack open (it's been in my drawer for ages) because my retinol one was causing the skin on my left hood to peel. No idea what's so special about the left one, but anyway, this cream fixed the problem after two applications. Nothing special, but nicely hydrating ♥...

Repurchase?
Maybe as a standby - I think there are more effective eye creams out there in this price range, well for my old eyes anyway ♥...

Regulars

Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes (Pack of 25, RRP $7.99) 
Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover (112ml, RRP $10.89) 
Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence (40ml, RRP $39.99) 
Swisspers Make-up Pads (Pack of 80, RRP $3.79)

Face Masks

Regulars

Purederm Ginkgo Eye Puffiness Minimizing Patches (2 pairs, RRP $3)

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

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

Fragrance

DKNY Be Delicious Intense EDP (100ml, RRP $110)

Adore this for summer - it's my third bottle, and won't be my last. Detailed review HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Undoubtedly! FeelingSexy has it on special at the mo' for $64.95 ♥♥♥...

Hair

Goldwell Dualsenses Blondes & Highlights Anti-Yellow Shampoo (300ml, RRP $25.95)

My one my only toning shampoo. Once you've tried this you will stick to it like me - works brilliantly as an antidote to the dreaded yellows, and unlike EVERY other purple shampoo I've tried, it smells divine and leaves my hair silky soft. Even my Kerasilk master tells me I can use this fairly regularly without detriment to my quarterly treatment ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
For as long as I'm on this ashy/silvery grey kick ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Schwarzkopf Live Colour Pastels - Cool Grey & Metallic - Lilac Chrome (RRP $5.49)

Makeup

ModelsPrefer Infinite Colour Eye Pencil - Lime Tart ($12.99)

I'm SO pi$$ed off because they've dropped this shade from the range - the PERFECT lime for Spring/Summer! Mind you I've had this for years and while I haven't actually finished it, it's just too old and dry to use any more. Pretty good staying power on the waterline, but I used it mainly for tightlining and as an eyeshadow base. Sob ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
If only I could ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Australis HD Translucent Loose Setting Powder (RRP $16.95)
Eye of Horus Scarab Sapphire Goddess Pencil (1.2g, RRP $30)

Maybelline Total Temptation Brow Definer (RRP $17.95)

Giveaway

This month we have up for grabs...

• Australis HD Translucent Loose Setting Powder
• DKNY Be Delicious EDP - 30ml
• Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence
• Skin Republic Volcanic Ash Mud Sheet Mask

All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $110.  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

Yay, the Rafflecopter is working again!

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

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Thursday 5th December to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Anne has claimed her prize ♥

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

Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx