5th Bloggiversary Mammoth Giveaway!...

Ahh yes lovelies, it's that time of the year again, time to celebrate another year of kats colourings. This week my little blog turns five years old. FIVE! Can't believe I'm still prattling away in this little corner of the blogosphere lol. Mind you work concerns over the last few months have limited me to a solitary post per week, but I wouldn't miss that opportunity for the world - my one chance to rave on about colour and beauty, jewellery and fragrance, skincare and makeup, and of course, LIPPIES! Believe me, I'm grateful to any of you who stop by for a quick read, and my old ticker skips a beat if you leave a comment, so to thank all you fabulous friends and faithful followers, I've rummaged through my stockpile of loot and come up with this bundle of goodies. It's my biggest giveaway EVER, and worth around $400 ♥...

Up for grabs is...

• Glow Lab Treat Yourself Mini Pack containing Creme Cleanser, Facial Serum, Facial Moisturiser, Night Cream & Body Lotion
• Hair & Me Hair Rejuvenation Treatment
• ModelsPrefer Spectrum Collection 15 Eyeshadow Palette
• Real Techniques Starter Set of 5 brushes & case - Base Shadow, Deluxe Crease, Accent, Fine Liner & Brow
• Olay Overnight Miracle Skincare pack containing full-size Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence, Micro-Sculpting Day Cream & Micro-Sculpting Night Cream in a snazzy red travel case
• Colette multi-stone bling necklace & double-cross diamante ring (size L)
• Michael Hill sterling silver & pink cubic zirconia ring, size O
• 3 x packs of 3 x NYX Intense Butter Glosses - Pink Macaroon, Summer Fruit, Cherry Custard, Toasted Marshmallow, Chocolate Crepe, Cookie Butter, Oatmeal Raisin, Berry Strudel & Black Cherry Tart
• Lovisa gold plated sterling silver cubic zirconia stud earrings

Here's a closeup of the bling, which doesn't do it justice at all - it's so gorgeous and sparkly...

And a closeup of the Michael Hill ring - try as I might I haven't been able to get my camera to capture the colour of the stone accurately. It's a light pink, but brighter than this and more lolly pink rather than rose, if that makes any sense...

All items were purchased by me, apart from the jewellery everything is sealed, and 'cos this is such a major giveaway, I'll keep it running for several weeks, and will have to limit it 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 Stella L. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

Stella please respond to the email I've sent you by

Wednesday 26th September to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Stella has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

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 ♥...

EOTM Bloggiversary Giveaway!...

They say time flies when you're having fun, so I must be having an absolute BALL because this month my little blog is three years old, and it only seems like last week that I took my first tentative steps into the blogosphere! I kinda knew I'd love this gig, but I wasn't expecting it to be the ONE THING that's kept me from losing the plot in my day job, nor did I realise what precious friendships would come my way. I'm so grateful to all you lovelies for your support and encouragement, so I'm giving one lucky follower the chance to win this mega pack of goodies. Most of the items are personal favourites of mine, and who knows, they might end up being yours too ♥

The prize consists of...

• Boxed set of 3 Maybelline Colordrama Intense Velvet Lip Pencils - Minimalist, In With Coral & Red Essential
• Nude by Nature Face Scrub
• Nude by Nature Daily Cleanser
• Nude by Nature Miracle Serum
• Katy Perry Killer Queen EDP - 50ml
• CROP Intense Moisture Hand Cream
• Mirenesse 24hr Brow Lift & Shape Mascara
• Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm (Showy) & Colorburst Lacquer Balm (Vivacious) (boxed)
• BotanicES Natural Caffeine Skincare Travel Pack - Body Creme, Face Creme & Eye Creme - all 15ml (boxed)
• Grace Cole White Nectarine & Pear Bath Soak, Bath & Shower Gel & Body Lotion - all 50ml (boxed)
• DB Cosmetics Colour Kisses Limited Edition Lipstick Collection (boxed) - 5 mini lipsticks in Nude, Blush, Hibiscus, Hot Pink & Deep Red 
• Hair & Me Hair Rejuventation Treatment
• Australis Take Me On Tour Contouring & Highlighting Kit (boxed) - no shade name, but it looks Light to Medium

I've reviewed most of the products in the above list, and included links to the posts. All items were purchased by me, are brand new and sealed - total prize value is approximately $330!

Please note this giveaway is open to Australian Residents Only.

Here's another pic of the loot...

So...is this appealing at all? If so, here's how to enter...

1. Nominate which of the August EOTD's is your favourite from the eight pictured below, and let me know in the comments section why you like it the most
2. Inside the Rafflecopter, guess which of the EOTD's is my personal favourite
3. Leave your email address inside the Rafflecopter so I can contact you if you win
4. Follow my blog one way or another from the many choices listed

Please note: if you don't leave a comment on this page, or enter in the Rafflecopter which EOTD you think is my favourite, you will NOT be included in the draw. The first entry that the 'copter pulls up with the correct answer will win the prize pack, one entry per person...

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you ALL so much for your kind words, and for entering ♥

My personal favourite for last month was...#5 ♥

Out of the 6 entrants who guessed correctly, random.org has chosen

 Kate W.

as the winner!

Congratulations beautiful! 

Please respond to the email I've sent you

by Thursday 29th September to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Kate has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. I'm linking this post to Ingrid's fun and informative Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party - online at 6:30am ♥♥♥

SPOTLIGHT: January Empties...

Another mega-month for empties, but hey, I delved into my samples drawer for the first time in almost a year, and those teeny tubes don't take anywhere near as long to get through, so they boosted the collection. I've decided to completely exclude any product that I use on a regular basis, and that I've already covered in a previous post, so you'll only see NEW products listed and mini-reviewed from this point on. Actually I'm pretty darn excited about this post because I finished two makeup products this month lol!...

Palmer's Gentle Exfoliating Facial Scrub

I must be one of the very few beauty lovers on the planet that doesn't like the smell of Palmer's products - never have, and at the rate I'm going, never will. Don't get me wrong, this is a beaut scrub - gentle and powerful, but I find the fragrance totally off-putting...
Repurchase? Negative - took me 12 months to use this up, and I have some new loves that smell fantastic...

John Plunkett's Superfade Cream

This will be the subject of it's own review soon, with before and after pics - let's just say I'm very pleased with the results on my hands so far, but I'm not done yet...

Repurchase? Third tube is already in my handbag, and the Accelerator is next to my bed for nightly applications ♥...

Hair & Me Hair Rejuvenation Treatment

LOVE LOVE LOVE! This is the only treatment product I use on my hair other than the sensational REF range I recently reviewed (here). Full rundown on this amazing hair pacifier is here ♥...

Repurchase? YES YES YES!...

botanicES Face Creme, Eye Creme & Body Creme (samples)

Previously reviewed here. I've only just finished the eye creme today - gosh so little is required, I imagine a regular tube would last at least 6 months. No visible difference in the crinkles around my eyes, but I still reckon this has shrunk my under eye baggies a little. This gorgeous range definitely has mood enhancing qualities...

Repurchase? I've made myself a promise to buy the Face Creme just as soon as I get through the three others that are waiting for their turn. Same goes for the Eye Creme. The Body Creme is a beauty, but I so rarely have time to apply body lotions, so that's a yes, a yes, and a no ♥...

Swisspers Cotton Tips

I used to be a devoted Johnson & Johnson gal - totally wouldn't buy any other brand of cotton bud, but I've come around to Swisspers as they're just as good, seem to be more readily available, and, well, the pack is purple...

Repurchase? If you've read a few of my previous empties posts, you may have gathered I have an unbridled fear of running out of things (anything) so there are two of these big boxes in the cupboard at any moment in time ♥...

Ostelin Chewable Vitamin D & Calcium

I quite enjoy the taste of these - I always think it's good to experiment with different ways of getting vitamins and minerals into my bod, and the usual swallow-the-tablet method didn't seem to be working all that well. Here's hoping my next bone density scan gets me a pass mark...

Repurchase? There are 60 in each bottle, so yes, every two months ♥...

Lancôme Genifique Youth Activator

A darling friend sent me this full-sized bottle when she switched to cruelty-free - ever so grateful as I've never had the pleasure of this quantity on my bench before. A beautiful serum - deliciously hydrating, and a fabulous makeup base. Can't say I've observed any major improvements in my skin texture, pore size or elasticity, but I love the feel of it on my skin. I struggled a bit to work the dropper button with one hand, but that's minor...

Repurchase? Probably not, but only because Visionnaire works far better for me as far as shrinking pores are concerned. And if I'm going to spend >$100, I definitely want smaller pores... 

Bioderma Exfoliating Purifying Gel

Hmmm. Bought this in the hope it would reduce my pore congestion, but there wasn't any change. It's a very powerful scrub (probably a wee bit too powerful for my mature skin), smells delish, but I don't need to add it to my list of must-haves - it wasn't exactly cheap either...

Repurchase? No...

Boots Serum7 Regenerating Night Cream

A lovely night moisturiser - came in the first Marie Claire Ageless Parcel, along with the day cream (which I haven't tried yet). Light yet richly hydrating, this gently fragranced cream absorbed well into my skin, and I didn't wake up with a greasy face. Nice, but nothing special...

Repurchase? I really need something more powerful to target my ageing issues, so no...

Mirenesse Purify Dual Comfort Eye & Lip Makeup Remover (sample)

A beautiful product that takes off waterproof mascara and longwear lip products in a flash, but it's wickedly expensive...

Repurchase? No - I'll stick with my Neutrogena fave which does the trick just as well, and at a fraction of the price...

REF.241 Get It Straight
Recently reviewed on my blog here...
Repurchase? Absolutely, already have ♥...

ALPHA-H Balancing Cleanser (sample)

This was a tad disappointing, given who makes it - oh it's nice enough and effective, and I like the fact that it doesn't foam up, but with no fragrance, snore...

Repurchase? No hook to keep me interested, so no...

Lancome Eclat Miracle Serum of Light (sample)

Well now this was a treat - came in one of my GWP packs. A gorgeous pearlescent white liquid that made my skin look dreamy and soft-focused, feel beautifully hydrated, and there was an instant lightening effect. BUT I honestly don't see the point of these serums that contain particles to make your skin shimmer and glow, and then you turn the light off minutes later, or cover it up with makeup during the day...

Repurchase? Delighted to try it out, but no...

RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum

If I could recommend only ONE beauty product to any of my friends, it would be this amazing liquid. My lashes may not look all that lush in my photos compared to other gals, but before I started using this serum, I had basically none at all. It works! It's been in my kit on and off since 2011 with not one concern arising, and I'm NEVER going to stop now. I tried applying it every second night and lost some of the length, so I went back to daily applications, and could see the difference within a fortnight. Absolutely awesome stuff! Full review is here...

Repurchase? Cannot, repeat cannot live without this - three spares, Pharmacy Online has it permanently on special for $49 ♥... 

L'Oreal False Lash Telescopic Waterproof Mascara

Can't remember why I bought this because I gave up purchasing ANY mascara other than Maybelline The Falsies years ago, but I'm very glad I did - it's brilliant! Not enough volume for my EOTD pics, but what I do is apply a coat or two of this underneath the MNY one (or on its own when I'm not taking eye pics) - it separates the lashes magically, holds the curl, wouldn't dream of smudging or flaking, and looks completely natural...

Repurchase? Undoubtedly - onto my 2nd tube now ♥...

Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner

My one and only liquid liner, and I use it every single day along my lower lashline - nothing else compares for ease of use, longevity, availability and price...

Repurchase? Silly question - I have three spares of these in my drawer, bought them all at half price sales, which seem to be on every month or so. Bless you Maybelline - please don't EVER stop making this product ♥...

Take care of  you,
kats xxx

P.S. I've chosen this article for Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party, and highly recommend checking out the other bloggers' choices...

REVIEW: Hair & Me Rejuvenation Treatment...

I was one of the recent batch of exceptionally fortunate bloggers to receive this Hair&Me Hair Rejuvenation Treatment to trial, and boy am I thanking my lucky stars - it's amazing! I'd even go so far as to say it's the best treatment for damaged hair that I've ever had the pleasure to experience ♥...

Mind you my hair was in pretty good condition to start with because I look after it with quality salon products - I have to because I home colour every fortnight, and the chemical damage takes its toll unless I'm scrupulous with my maintenance routine. In my book, expensive skin care, expertly applied make up and fancy threads are a waste of time if my hair isn't gleaming with health and vitality, and I reckon nothing is more ageing than dull, lifeless tresses. Well I'm delighted to report that the contents of this bold pink pouch have taken my locks to another level of softness, manageability and gloss...

The formula is pretty much pure oil - coconut, sweet almond, macadamia and jojoba. The recommendation is to put it in the fridge for 15 minutes prior to use in order to make the consistency more paste-like, but it's been so cold in my house this Winter I had no trouble using it at room temperature (the above pic was taken in my cosy office with the heater going). Love the squishy packaging - the screw-top sachet makes dispensing super easy, and I know I'll be able to extricate the very last drop from the sachet (although it's a challenge to take a decent photo of it lol). So far I've done three treatments, and there's enough product left for one more - having said that my hair is very short and I've been slathering on a very generous amount, but other folk may well use far less than me. Considering the ingredients, and the fact that I've been leaving it on overnight (I wear a cotton turban to protect my pillow), my hair and scalp haven't been even the remotest bit oilier than usual...

Interestingly, the effects are not obvious until I dry my hair - by that I mean after applying the product, my wet hair doesn't feel silky or smooth like it does with conditioner. But after shampooing and blow drying, my tresses are soft and frizz-free, I have movement and bounce, and the shine is nothing short of dazzling...

The clincher came the day after the first treatment - I went to the hairdresser for my usual 5-week trim, and she commented on what great condition my hair was in, plus the brush kept losing it's grip when she was blow-drying (usually she has to pull and pull to get it smooth and silky).

Thank you SO much Hair&Me for the opportunity to try this brilliant product - I'm definitely a convert, and have just placed an order ♥

Have you tried this hair treatment?

Take care of you,
kats xxx