SPOTLIGHT: Aluminium-free Deodorants, Part 2...

With summer well and truly here in Australia, my search for an effective Aluminium-free deodorant is in full swing. In Part 1, I was delighted to report I'd found a winner (Schmidt's), and I'm even happier to declare a second contender for the number one slot in this Part 2, so read on ♥...

Graham's Natural Herbal Mineral Deodorant (65ml, Website RRP $8.95)

I've been using this one for the last 2 years, but only from say April to October/November - either side of those months I need something more potent. It's certainly effective though when the weather isn't hot or humid. I love that it's a roll-on and this particular fragrance is lovely and fresh (there are four others to choose from), but at the end of a hot summer's day, I definitely have a bit of BO. Mind you it's not an offensive smell, but I'm aware of it, and I never ever want to risk that others are too. Other than that it is alcohol, aluminium, paraben and cruelty-free, and the only ingredients are purified water, potassium alum, xanthan gum, aloe leaf extract and natural fragrance. I will always recommend products from this awesome Aussie brand, I just need extra oomph in summer. 7/10 ♥♥...

Simple Pure Deodorant (50ml, Supermarket RRP $4.50)

To be honest, I bought this one purely based on the fragrance - it has that just-out-of-the-shower smell that I love (apparently it's a subtle mix of patchouli and cedarwood), and I felt all fresh and clean after applying it. Sadly that feeling didn't last beyond lunchtime, and I quickly applied one of my proven reliables to get me through the rest of the day. A pity, but I also decided to give the brand another chance and I've bought the aerosol version - it seems to have some different ingredients, which may or may not improve its effectiveness. Anyhow that one will probably be in Part 3 - yes, this exploration may go on for some time! For now, it's a no for the roll-on. 4/10...

Fresca Natural Deodorant - Wooden Spice with Sandalwood & Carrot Seed (50ml, Nourished Life RRP $16.50)

Another winner! This one is as good as, maybe even half a notch better than the Schmidt's, and that's saying something. First of all, it's a mess-free roll-on, it's in a squat topple-free container, and then there's the fragrance - yassss! I may be weird but I actually prefer the smell of men's deodorant, and this one is a beauty. The scent comes from essential oils only - sandalwood, carrot seed, cedarwood, chamomile, frankincense and cold-pressed lime, no wonder I love it. I don't find it blokey at all, just delightfully aromatic and earthy. No alcohol or aluminium and not tested on animals, this not only keeps my pits pong-free all day and night, but it also seems to absorb a lot of the wetness (aerated salt content?) so I'm comfortable whatever I'm doing, or how hot it gets. Wow, it even has a use-by date, and there's a big red tick on the back that says Naturopath Recommended. It's a bit pricey (still cheaper than the Schmidt's), but I'm willing to pay extra for the guarantee of staying fresh and stink-free all day. 9.5/10 ♥♥♥...

I'm so looking forward to Part 3 - hope you are too, should be up early in the New Year ♥...

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. I've also updated the others in Part 1 with kats love hearts (♥) and a rating out of 10.

April 2019 Empties & Giveaway...

Getting in relatively early with my empties post this month ♥ Finished three makeup items in April, and discovered a standout serum thanks to a beautyheaven trial. Also concentrated on using up some traditionally summertime products rather than putting them to the back of the cupboard. That's the plan from now on primarily because just the other night I found a partially used cream cleanser I'd completely forgotten about that had a use by date of July 2017! Honestly, I'm over having half a dozen opened products in each skin care category on my bench, so you'll be seeing quite a few strays over the next few months as I do a big cleanout ♥...

Body

Dove Deep Moisture Shower Foam (400ml, RRP $9)

I quite enjoyed this - one of a few shower products from this brand that are sulfate free. Love the classic fragrance, and it lasts quite a long time. But to be honest, I'm not keen on pre-foamed anything, whether they are facial cleansers, hand washes or shower products - I prefer to make my own suds as part of the cleansing process. This one is nicely moisturising though, and I bought it to encourage Dove to make their whole range sulfate-free ♥...

Repurchase?

No...

Dr. Bronner's 4-in-1 Sugar Lemongrass Lime Organic Pump Soap (355ml, RRP $17.95)

Have had this for a couple of years, alternating between the bench for hand washing and the shower stall. It's terrific for either, non-drying and the fragrance is fruity-fresh and zesty. Just about every ingredient is organic, at least 55% are Fair Trade, and it will take you around five minutes to read everything that's on the label. I added this to an iHerb order for the free shipping, but you can buy it here from their Aussie website (https://www.drbronner.com.au/collections/pump-soap/products/dr-bronners-hand-and-body-pump-soap-lemongrass-lime). Super concentrated, you can also use it as a shampoo although I didn't try that. Very nice product ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, but not this scent till next summer, might try the lavender one next. They also have an unscented one for babies ♥♥♥...

Swisse Vitamin C + Manuka Honey (120 chewable tablets, RRP $32.99)

Most of the supplements I buy are from Swisse - I find them to be excellent quality and more affordable than other brands as they are often on special. Which is how I came to buy these Vitamin C tablets, and I was keen to see what difference the manuka honey would make to my immune health. I still caught the flu, but it didn't seem to last as long so these daily pills may have contributed to the shorter sniffle duration. But...the taste is plain awful. I thought the "Natural honey & lemon flavour" would be ok, but it's almost intolerably sweet - like I mean sickly sweet. so I won't be buying them again...

Repurchase?

Negative ...

Regulars

White Glo Charcoal Total Mouth Detox Whitening Mouthwash (500ml, RRP $6.99)

Face

Essano Rosehip Gentle Facial Cleansing Micellar Water (400ml, RRP $12.99)

I gave this quite a glowing review in my Micellar Magic series (HERE) and it's a lovely gentle product, but for some reason, it now becomes super foamy on my skin - not sure if it's related to the cleansers I've been using, but I doubt it as I don't have this problem with other micellars. Besides, if I shake the bottle, it gets all frothy, and I don't remember it being like this before. Anyway, it annoys me that I end up with suds on my face, so that's the end of that ♥...

Repurchase?

Nope...

Grahams Daily Facial Gel Cleanser (125ml, RRP $12.95)

Still one of my favourite ever cleansing gels - I go through a couple of bottles every spring/summer. So cooling and refreshing with its green tea, aloe vera and cucumber ingredients. Full review of it is HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Always ♥♥♥...

Nivea Hyaluron Cellular Filler Anti Spot Treatment Serum (30ml, RRP $34.99)

This was the find of the month, thanks to beautyheaven. A beautiful serum that smells divine and hydrates like there's no tomorrow. Has helped fade my freckles, which always become more intense over summer despite the application of sunscreen. I also have a few pigmented marks around my hairline that had noticeably lightened by the end of the four-week trial, and I've been massaging the excess onto the backs of my hands which has helped the freckles there become paler too. My review of it is fourth from the top of the page HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, on my second bottle now ♥♥♥...

Nutrimetics Honey & Almond Scrub (125ml, RRP $38)

I can remember this from years ago. It's a very thick creamy paste with almond granules and oatmeal grains to scrub away all the dead skin cells - non-drying, supremely effective, and a little goes a long way. What's weird though is that it's fragranced with peppermint oil - given the name, it's quite unexpected, and there's no mention of it in the advertising. I kinda would prefer a honey/oatmeal scent, but the mint is actually quite refreshing early in the morning. I use this twice a week without fail ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I bought another one recently intending it to be part of this giveaway, but I've decided I love it too much, so I'm keeping it - sorry about that lol! ♥♥♥...

Regulars

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

Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence (40ml, RRP $39.99)

Face Masks

Burt's Bees Detoxifying Charcoal Sheet Mask with Honey (RRP $9.95)

I had no idea that Burt's Bees made sheet masks, although just about every brand is bringing them out now, so I should have guessed. I picked this up on special, and it's lovely. It doesn't adhere all that well to the skin so you'll have to stay horizontal, but it left my skin feeling clean, fresh and blissfully hydrated. There's one weird thing about it though - the instructions say to leave it on for 2 minutes. 2 minutes?!? I ignored that because there's no way I would go through all the fiddling, or spend $10 on something that'll be over in a flash ♥...

Repurchase?

I would, but only if it's discounted - the Garnier Skin Active charcoal one is my fave and it's half the price ♥...

Jiinju Beauty Face, Lip & Eye Mask Set (RRP $15?)

This Korean range sells in Woolworths, and I spotted the boxed set reduced to $5, so how could I resist? The pack contained an Avocado Sheet Mask, Red Cherry Gel Lip Mask and Ginseng & Eucalyptus Under Eye patches, so I whacked them all on at the one time. The face mask was a reasonable fit although the nose flap was way too short. The gel lip mask covered the entire mouth area (and more) but only stayed on because I positioned the sheet mask over the top - used on its own, you would need to lie down first and then press it on as it's super slippery. The eye patches were soothing and fitted right up to the lash line without any discomfort. Once I was horizontal, the whole experience was pleasurable, and my skin tone looked more even afterwards, and pleasantly hydrated. Like most Korean products, the packaging is super cute ♥♥...

Repurchase?

Probably although I don't know what the usual price is - it was a great deal for a fiver ♥♥...

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

After falling for the Hydro Boost variety big time, I decided to give this flavour a shot - not as hydrating as the one in the blue pack, but an equally delightful experience. The optional eye and lip flaps are a huge bonus -  I'm impressed that they've thought this whole face mask thing through and come up with something that covers the entire face, plus it's almost invisible, so no worry about frightening the cat. My complexion did indeed look and feel crazy smooth afterwards ♥♥...

Repurchase?

I'm more likely to go for the Hydro Boost ones as I want that extra moisturising hit ♥♥...

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

No action shots 'cos I slept in these four times - they shrivel and fall off at some stage during the night, but I reckon they're on for at least an hour, and my bags don't look nearly as voluminous the next morning. Adore! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Forever ♥♥♥...

Hair

Goldwell Kerasilk Control Conditioner (200ml, RRP $35.95)

Hard for me to go past this conditioner and it's partnering shampoo, actually the whole range is awesome. A bottle of each is included free every time I have my Kerasilk treatment done at the hairdressers (every 3 months), and I usually only have to buy one more to get me through till the next appointment. Sulfate-free it's truly the best and most silkening product for my naturally frizzy mop ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Sure will ♥♥♥...

Makeup

Crop Natural Concealer Pencil - Light (RRP $16)

Loved this little pencil for reverse outlining my lips - it was the perfect shade and texture ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

The range is no longer available at Coles, and it's not listed on their website, so I guess they've discontinued the product - boo! I've replaced it with a NYX Wonder Pencil which is working well, but it's more pinkish than the Crop one sigh ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder (RRP $13.95)
Maybelline Total Temptation Brow Definer (RRP $13.95)

Giveaway!

• Skin Republic 24K Gold Aquagel Under Eye Patches
• Neutrogena Youthful Boost 100% Hydrogel Face Mask
• Grahams Natural Daily Facial Gel Cleanser
• Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover
• Grahams Natural Organic Lip Balm - Raspberry
• Bourjois Rouge Velvet Lipstick Duo Pack - shades Don't Pink of It & Nude-ist

All items were purchased by me and the total prize value is approx $100. The giveaway is open to...

Australian Residents Only! 

Here's how to enter...

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

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This giveaway is now closed
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 29th May to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Raluca has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

March 2019 Empties & Giveaway...

Not my highest number of empties ever recorded, however 24 is a pretty good effort, and of course, a bottle of perfume and two foundations will always be a significant achievement for me given the sheer volume of part-used ones in my kit. Another noteworthy inclusion is that the Neutrogena skincare I listed in the January post is here again - that's quite something considering how frequently I change the lineup in my routine, and there's every likelihood that you'll see them in the Regulars section next time around. Oh, and in case you're wondering, there's no Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence in the photo purely due to timing - it's still one of my essentials, I just didn't finish the bottle before the end of March...

Body

Dove Go Fresh Pomegranate & Lemon  Verbena Moisturising Cream Deodorant (40g, RRP $5.99)

My preferred natural deodorant doesn't control wetness enough in the hot humid weather, so I go back to my fave Dove for the sticky months. The usual formula wasn't in stock so I bought this instead - works just as well, and it's quite a nice fresh scent, but I prefer the baby powder fragrance of the blue one ♥♥...
Repurchase? 
Yes, but only if the original version isn't available ♥♥...

Graham's Natural Body Wash with Cucumber & Aloe Vera (250ml, RRP $15.95)

One of my summer staples, full review HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, but not until later in the year ♥♥♥...

Oral-B 3D White Luxe Glamorous White Toothpaste (96g, RRP $9.49)

I'm pretty good with remembering to keep the containers of whatever I finish each month, except for my toothpaste tubes. Just mentioning it because the last time a tube of chopper cleaner appeared in one of these posts was in June last year, and in case my dentist is reading, I can assure you I NEVER go to bed without cleaning my teeth lol! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely - love the fresh peppermint taste ♥♥♥...

Shea Moisture African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Body Scrub (170g, RRP $10)

Absolutely delighted this is now available on their website ("KATS" checkout code for 30% discount!), although it's listed under "Limited Editions", but it's the best $10 you can spend on your bod, full review HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I've stashed a few away ♥♥♥...

Sukin For Men Cinnamon & Mandarin Body Wash (500ml, RRP $13.99)

Raved about this in my SLS-Free article HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes indeedy, Priceline sells it yay! ♥♥♥...

Regulars

White Glo Charcoal Total Mouth Detox Whitening Mouthwash

Face

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Anti-Ageing Moisturiser with Accelerated Retinol SA & SPF 15 (29ml, RRP $39.99)

Still loving this day cream, only wish it had a higher SPF content, but then again that might make it too greasy. As it is my skin is loving it, and I plan on keeping this in my routine throughout the winter - actually I've decided to stick with this range for 12 months to see what happens. That's so unusual for me, so I must be impressed ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

You betcha ♥♥♥...

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream with Accelerated Retinol SA (48g, RRP $48.99)

In my January Empties post, I was humming and hah-ing as to whether this night cream was potent enough to get me through the winter, and I'm now convinced it is - I only need a smidgin to give my face all the moisture it needs to get through the night, love it ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Ditto above ♥♥♥...

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum with Accelerated Retinol SA (29ml, RRP $42.99)

Still loving it, and only using at night so that I can clear the backlog of my opened stash, as well as a Nivea Anti-Spot serum I'm currently trialling for beautyheaven ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Ditto above ♥♥♥...

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream with Accelerated Retinol SA (14ml, RRP $34.99)

This is the only product in the range that I'm not shouting about from the rooftops. It's potent that's for sure, so much so I can only use it at night or else the skin above my eyes starts to peel. While it's keeping the area hydrated and firm, I can't honestly say I'm seeing any startling improvements in my wrinkles. I'm onto my second tube and will definitely finish it, but it had better start working some magic ♥...

Repurchase?

Maybe ♥...

Nivea Q10 Plus Anti-Wrinkle Replenishing Pearls (40ml, RRP $29.99)

One of way too many serums on my bench, but one I will definitely buy again - I love everything about it, how it makes my skin look and feel, and the scent has been a refreshing and uplifting blessing throughout this steamy season. I've only been using it in my morning ritual (night is the retinol one above) and I've been very happy with the performance and how it preps my face for makeup. Plus I love the "squish the pearls" concept! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

For sure ♥♥♥...

Sukin Oil Balancing Charcoal Purifying Gel Cleanser (125ml, RRP $12.95)

This is actually one of my favourite cleansers, but it hasn't appeared here for 12 months, purely because I was on a mission to clear the other nine opened cleansers on my bench. I'm still not there yet (three more to go) but I missed it so much I went back to it for the last part of the summer. I love that it is low-sudsing and doesn't dry my skin, but still takes off all the goop. And well hey, it's charcoal ha ha! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Done deal! ♥♥♥...

Face Masks

Essano Rosehip Clarifying Clay Masque (100g, RRP $16.99)

Have enjoyed this for almost a year, usually every second or third week - it's an excellent formula, very creamy and smooth, and one my skin has responded to by becoming less congested over time. I adore clay masks, and this is a beauty. My review of it is HERE ♥♥...
Repurchase? 

Interestingly, no - it's such a great product, but I've become quite sensitive to the scent (actually in most Essano products) so it's time to try something new ♥♥...

Olay Magnemasks Hydrating Sheet Mask (Box of 5, RRP $28.99)

I was already a fan of the Rejuvenating variety, and this one came my way at the beautyheaven Glosscars Marketplace event. Absolutely loved it - intrigued and delighted to have eye flaps for a COMPLETE experience. This is ultra hydrating, fits really well, and I didn't apply anything else to my skin that night - whoa! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase? 

Gonna get me a box of these stat! ♥♥♥...

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

The mud impregnated masks are my favourite kind from this brand - they adhere well to the skin so you can do things while you're having the treatment without them shifting or peeling off, and I find they deliver as advertised. This one really does tighten and firm, and the surface of my skin always looks ultra smooth and refined afterwards, and there's no mess. The trick is to wait till they're on special, and then buy a few - highly recommended, the Pink Clay and Green Tea ones are also brilliant ♥♥♥...

Repurchase? 

For sure ♥♥♥...

Regulars:

Purederm Ginkgo Eye Puffiness Minimizing Patches

Skin Physics Instant Lift V-Shape Vitality Mask

Fragrance

Versace Bright Crystal Absolu EDP (90ml, RRP $150)

This is my third bottle of this stunningly refreshing spring/summer fave - I raved about it 3 years ago HERE, and I can't imagine my collection without it, not now, not ever ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Sure have - feelingsexy always has it in stock for less than $90 ♥♥♥...

Hair

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

Have slowed down on my use of this as my hair seems to be holding the ashy tones for longer, but I still use it from time to time as a booster ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Yep - a couple of spares on the shelf ♥♥♥...

Urbane Mess Pomade (85g, RRP $7.99)

Since changing my hairstyle to something far less structured (which is a nice way to say messy lol) I've needed a product that would shape and define my hair, even spike it a bit without buildup, and this does the trick. Cheap as chips, washes out easily, lots of shine and available in supermarkets and Priceline ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Sure have ♥♥♥...

Makeup

Australis Stayput! Longwear Foundation (23ml, RRP $16.49)

Love this foundation, and Natural Fawn is a great match for my skin tone. Lasts all day and doesn't transfer - it's been the best performer this summer, surviving some of the sweatiest days I can remember. Great price and it's not tested on animals - well done Australis ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I still have eight opened foundations on my bench, so I probably won't buy this again till next  November ♥♥♥...

Maybelline Dream Cushion Foundation (14.6g, RRP $26.95)

Another foundation winner from Maybelline - Sand is my shade, and apart from the flawless finish, I love that this has SPF40. My dedicated review of it is HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Indeed - I bought two last time it was on special, so I'm good for a while now, although I won't open it till I've cleared some of the others ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Maybelline The Falsies Waterproof Mascara

Maybelline Total Temptation Brow Definer

Giveaway!

• Graham's Natural Body Wash with Cucumber & Aloe Vera
• Shea Moisture African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Body Scrub
• Sukin Oil Balancing Charcoal Purifying Gel Cleanser
• Revlon Get Lippy Ultimate Suede Lipstick pack - Couture & Supermodel
• Colette Rose Gold-toned Geometric Necklace
• Colette Rose Gold-toned Hoop Earrings

All items were purchased by me and the total prize value is approx $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!)
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 Yohanna as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 1st May to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Yohanna has claimed her prize ♥

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

Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

February 2019 Empties & Giveaway!...

Dear March, before you disappear completely I just wanted to say hello, and I'm sorry I've been way too busy with work commitments to really appreciate how wonderful you are! Every year I so look forward to your cooler nights and temperate days, and you're just what I need to fully recover from Christmas (February simply isn't enough), so thanks a squillion for being there for me even though we've not had much quality time together. And the same goes for you dear readers - boo to me only managing three posts this month, but that's what happens when you work for a company that has a 31st March end of financial year ♥...

I seem to be repeating myself quite a bit these days, which actually means I'm quite content with my regular skincare and makeup lineup, but I hope you don't get bored with the sameness of these posts ♥...

Body

Dove Cucumber & Green Tea Moisturising Hand Wash (500ml, RRP $8.99)

The last of the body products in the house that contains SLS. It's a lovely scent for summer and it's quite softening and moisturising, but I promised my skin no more SLS ♥...

Repurchase?

No...

Ecostore Vanilla & Coconut Body Wash (400ml, RRP $8.99)

This is a regular in my shower stall, a delicious fragrance that smells like a creme brulee, SLS and cruelty-free, non-drying, what's not to love ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Done deal ♥♥♥...

Graham's Natural Body Wash with Manuka Honey & Coconut (250ml, RRP $15.95)

While I've thoroughly enjoyed the scent of this skin-loving body wash over the last few months, my heart belongs to the Cucumber and Aloe Vera variety ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, but not until next Summer ♥♥♥...

Face

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water (400ml, RRP $13.99)

This was a mini 125ml bottle that came in a beauty box - it's a terrific product, highly effective and gentle, and one I would fall back on if my fave Bioré one wasn't available. Full review HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

For sure ♥♥♥...

Neutrogena Deep Clean Micellar Gel to Foam Cleanser (dry skin) (142ml, RRP $16.99)

Like the oily skin kind I reviewed in January's Empties post, this one is also too drying for my face...

Repurchase?

Nahhh, I'm a huge fan of the Hydro Boost one though...

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

I've been using this since 2011 and don't think I can ever give it up. My 2014 review of it is HERE. I've tried numerous other brands but none of them works as well as this one, nor does it sting.  Pharmacy Online always has it for sale for $49, so I order three at a time to get free shipping, and that little bundle lasts me a year ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Forever ♥♥♥...

Sukin Purely Ageless Intensive Firming Serum (30ml, RRP $25.99)

LOVE this serum, and if I wasn't committed to another retinol range, I would be using this every morning ad infinitum. Perfect for under makeup as my skin drinks it in - I was really quite surprised at how much of a glow it gave me as well as softening my creases. It's as good as other serums that are at least twice the price ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely! If my retinol one becomes too drying over winter, I'll go back to this ♥♥♥...

Face Masks

Dermalogica Age Smart Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque (75ml, RRP $85.50)

Found this 15ml tube in my samples drawer - who knows how long it's been there but whoa, this sure is some awesome treatment. I had no idea it was so expensive but can understand why. It's one of those healing and soothing masques that doesn't completely dry out, you leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse off to be rewarded with brand new, plumped, soothed and hydrated skin. Contains vitamins A, C, E & F ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Umm, yeah, gonna put my pennies aside for this one ♥♥♥...

Dr. Lewinn's Ultra R4 Collagen Firming Face Mask (RRP $9.95)

Stunning mask! If it's ever on special, buy as many as you can afford. All in one piece with cheek splits so you can fit it snugly to your face. It does what it says - firms, plumps, hydrates, smoothes lines & wrinkles - afterwards, my skin looked like it had been bathed in crushed pearls ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, yes, yes ♥♥♥...

Eaoron Ultimate Botox Mask (Box of 5, RRP $29.95)

Tried my first one of these back in September, and had forgotten how great it was. The sheet covers the entire face including lips and upper eyes. It doesn't contain Botox, but the blurb on the pack says one of the ingredients "behaves like Botox".  It certainly hydrates and firms, and is pretty good value for $5 a pop ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, but I'm torn between this and their charcoal brightening one ♥♥♥...

Skin Republic Green Tea Hydrogel Mask (RRP $12.99)

This was February's ultimate bargain - there have been two Priceline stores at my local Westfield for ages (they took over a small independent pharmacy), and the main beauty store closed down earlier this month (sob!) but not before having a clearance sale, and I scored this for $2.50! It's really quite special as it calms redness, and chills the skin magnificently, so much so that I would classify this a summer-only mask. Being hydrogel though, you can't walk around in it as it falls off. Supremely hydrating, you need to lie down for at least 30 minutes ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Next summer for sure ♥♥♥...

Face & Body Regulars

DB Pore Minimising Primer (25ml, $14.99)
Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover (112ml, RRP $10.89)

Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence (40ml, RRP $39.99)

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

White Glo Charcoal Total Mouth Detox Whitening Mouthwash (500ml, RRP $6.99)

Hair

Eleven Make Me Shine Spray Gloss (145g, RRP $23.95)

One of my pet peeves is discovering a BRILLIANT product, and then when I go to repurchase it, I find out it's been discontinued. BOO!!!!! In my (daily) travels I've (discreetly) observed ladies a fair bit older than me, and in my opinion, one of the things that sticks out in the ageing process is dull matte hair, so I'm a shiny hair freak, and this spray was fabulous for providing instant gloss without the goo, and now they've stopped making it. Merde! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Would if I could ♥♥♥...

Makeup

Chi Chi Highlighting & Contouring Palette (33g, RRP $24.95)

This palette has lasted me at least two years, although I've only used three of the eight pans -  #5, #6 and the highlighter #1. The two contouring shades are golden brown, not grey-brown or orange-brown like a lot of others on the market, so they suit my complexion perfectly. The highlighter is subtle and provides a soft glow without a glowing in the dark ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Already have ♥♥♥...

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

My go-to waterliners - I reckon these are the best on the market. Long wearing, so full of goodness, and they don't irritate my eyes. This green one is a fave as it enhances my tealy eye colour. Lasts me about 18 months ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

They were on special recently so I stocked up - I'm a bit concerned that they might be discontinuing this colour as they're giving one of these away with every purchase, from 3rd to 4th April ♥♥♥...

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream (32ml, RRP $61)

Raved about this gem of the cosmetic world HERE. I mix it 50/50 with my foundation for perfect coverage on weekdays, and on weekends I wear it on its own. The medium shade is perfect for me, and the only reason I mix it with a foundation is because I have a stack of old font de teints to use up. Once they're gone, I expect I'll wear this exclusively ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Not right now - I have a tube of the Illumination one to get me through the next 6 months ♥♥♥...

Makeup Regulars

Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder (RRP $13.95)

Maybelline Total Temptation Brow Definer - Blonde (RRP $13.95)

Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner (RRP $15.95)

Giveaway!

As always, a few of the favourites from my stash, plus a bonus Skin Physics Eye Rejuvenation Gift Set which boasts a complete 21-day eye renewal!...

• Skin Physics Limited Edition Eye Rejuvenation Gift Set
• Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder
• Bioré Baking Soda Cleansing Micellar Water mini
• Eye of Horus Emerald Tabula Goddess Pencil
• Eaoron Ultimate Botox Mask
• Skin Republic Green Tea Hydrogel Mask

All items were purchased by me and the total prize value is approx $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!)
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 Fei W. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 10th April to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Fei has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx