REVIEW: Urban Rituelle Aromatherapy Soy & Coconut Wax Candle & Natural Hand & Body Lotion...

On the one hand, I'm a little sad that this is the last in the current series of Urban Rituelle Natural Remedy product reviews - it's been such a pleasure to trial all these beauties. But on the other, I'm excited as I've just placed an order for the hand cream and lip balm from the same range, so it won't be long before they arrive, are put to the test and the results shared with you here. For now, it's my absolute pleasure to tell you all about the Natural Hand & Body Lotion, and Aromatherapy Soy & Coconut Wax Candle ♥...

Mandarin, Orange & Geranium Natural Hand & Body Lotion (500ml, RRP $39.95)

I mentioned in my review of the Hand & Body Wash (HERE) that I may not even need this partner product because the shower gel is so moisturising and skin softening. But the winter chill is on the horizon, which means that in a matter of weeks, my skin will transform literally overnight into a thirsty and flaky mess, so I'm thrilled I have this bottle of dry skin antidote at the ready! It has the same glorious essential oil fragrance as the body wash, and similar delicious ingredients (Kakadu Plum, Hibiscus Flower Extract, Argan Kernel Oil and Rosehip Fruit Oil) but with the added bonus of Shea Butter, Wheatgerm Oil, Olive Fruit Oil, Cucumber Fruit Extract & Chamomile Flower Extract. Quite possibly the most soothing body moisturiser to ever grace my vanity, I can't imagine anyone else not falling in love with this rapidly absorbed and intensely nourishing lotion. My skin feels supernally soft, smooth and supple - in short, the way it's supposed to be ♥...

Lemongrass, Ginger & Lime Aromatherapy Soy & Coconut Wax Candle (400g, RRP $44.95)

Candle lovers rejoice! This huge jar of uplifting goodness is literally a breath of fresh air and something I will treasure throughout the months ahead. I have several Urban Rituelle reed diffusers scattered through the house to maintain a continuously harmonious environment - in the larger spaces they work magically to provide a subtle scent as we swish past, and there's always one or two in the bedroom to aid relaxation. But for an intensive aromatherapy session, this candle is the ticket - whoa! Not only does it look beautiful (even before it's lit), the scent is sublime - lemongrass, lime and ginger are an inspired blend that lifts my spirits and creates a restorative atmosphere that's both energising and rejuvenating. Truly, I'm obsessed. Given the size and potential 80 hours of burn time, I was hoping this would see me through the winter, but at the rate I'm lighting it up (like, every night after work lol), I may need another one pronto ♥...

With dual 100% cotton wicks, the burn is even, slow and smokeless, and the glow of the amber glass is both warming and comforting. There's also Lemon & Star Anise Essential Oils in the mix, and a matching lid to sustain the fragrance when not in use, and keep the dust and bugs out. The 100% post-consumer recycled paper box includes detailed instructions on how to burn the candle safely, and to maintain its integrity. The jar is 100% recyclable, but this is one item that won't be hitting the yellow bin - I'm keeping it for my trinkets and/or cotton buds ♥...

This whole range is genius - congratulations UR Team, and thank you again for the chance to discover that stunningly fragrant and restorative products can be made, packaged and experienced without harming our beloved planet ♥...

Take care of you, and keep safe,

kats xxx

REVIEW: Urban Rituelle Seaside Story Hand & Body Lotions...

It's been way too long since I indulged my passion for any of the lovingly prepared Urban Rituelle products, and I'm counting my lucky stars that just recently, Team UR gifted me with their collection of exquisitely fragranced Seaside Story Hand & Body Lotions. And they arrived just in time for the warmer weather when my skin is in sore need of some preparation before breaking out the summery shorts and sleeveless tops ♥...

For as long as I can remember, Urban Rituelle has created a theme for each of their collections, and Seaside Story is aptly named indeed. Each one of these deliciously scented potions encapsulates an essence of a sea-and-sun lifestyle, and they are all captivatingly unique. The creamy formulation is both enriching and revitalising, leaving the skin ever so soft, and aglow with a healthy sheen. Absorbed in seconds, the skin-pampering ingredients include chamomile and cucumber, and three especially nourishing oils - argan, avocado and rosehip, all blended together with a caring concern that's palpable ♥...

Coconut & Lotus

I so need this fragrance in my collection! Lotus blooms drizzled with coconut milk. and the petals dusted with powdery musk. Well, that's what it smells like to me - beachy and sensual, with a hint of the tropics. There's also shea butter, macadamia, olive and wheat germ oils in the mix to keep skin supple and moisture-rich. Every summer-loving body needs this fragrant juice ♥...

Tiare Flowers

If you shower at night, you'll want to slather this on before you climb between the sheets. Heady white flowers blended with bergamot and ylang-ylang - mmmm, gardenia lovers, this is for you. Can a hand and body lotion be seductive? I think so ♥...

Mandarin Blossom

Us fruity-floral fragrance fiends have been well looked after with this gem - an absolute delight for the senses, it's the perfect balance of juicy fruits and sweet spring blossoms. with an added zing of crisp bergamot. This is for mornings when I want a little zest to get me started, and it's not too potent to interfere with whatever EDP I'm spritzing. I would say it's the prettiest and most delicate scent of the range ♥...

Sea Kiss

SO hard to pick a favourite, but I reckon this is it. I don't get to the beach much these days, but I don't need to any more - it's all here in a tube! Whoever came up with the name got it right. It's a little musky, a little salty, and a little peachy - I literally can't get enough of it. So fresh and clean, my skin smells like I've just emerged from the surf. I'll be coating myself in this after a long hot day (if there's any left!). Absolutely love it ♥...

UR presentation is always stunning, and these lotions are in 60ml recyclable plastic tubes with convenient flip top caps, and along with the box, each one has an original design and colour scheme that reflects the contents. They retail for $14.95, and there are matching soy candles and purse-size fragrance sprays... 

All Urban Rituelle products are never tested on animals and made in Australia by a team of creative individuals who so love what they do.  Yes I'm raving, but I can't help it when it comes to this brand - you can read some of my previous gushy reviews of products (that are still available), HERE, HERE & HERE...

Thank you thank you Urban Rituelle for this beautiful gift, and what perfect timing as I'm putting together my shopping list for Christmas for friends, family and ME - Santa, please take note!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: March Empties!...

Not going to fall into the same trap I did last month, so without further ado, here is almost everything I finished in March, excluding some items that I've covered before of course. Did exceptionally well I reckon, especially as there is one product here that I've been using for over 3 years - OMG I was beginning to think I'd never get to the end of it!...

Nivea Pure & Natural Body Lotion (400ml, RRP $7.99)

Oh wow, a 400ml bottle of Body Lotion - now that's a challenge for me to finish. This came in my Blogstar prize box back in January 2014, and I've only just squirted the last drop! As you may have gathered I'm not a big user of body lotions - I tend to only apply them after showering when I'm not in a hurry to get dressed and racing out the door shortly thereafter, and that pretty much only happens on Sundays.  This was nice enough, contains none of the major nasties, but I found it took a while to absorb, and after all these years I'm bored with the fragrance....

Repurchase?

Noooo - I prefer my super-fast-to-sink-in BotanicES, plus I have the fabulous Lush Dream Cream on my bench, and Dove Silky Nourishing Body Cream in the cupboard...

L'Oreal Revitalift Laser X3 Dual Action Total Rejuvenation Moisturiser (48ml, RRP $49.95)

Beautyheaven sent me this to trial last Christmas, and it wowed me, especially as I only used it at night, and ditched my usual serum during the trial. They sent me more L'Oreal products to trial almost straight after this one, so I had to stop using it, and have only just finished it now. I really think this firmed my facial contours a little, softened even my deep lines, and made my whole face look fresher. The plan is to use another bottle non-stop, and then post a proper review here. For now my advice is if you're over 40 and ever see this on special, buy it ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Heck yeah already have, just finishing off the remains of another two creams, and then this might just be a staple ♥...

L'Oreal Revitalift Magic Blur Anti-Ageing Daily Moisturiser (50ml, RRP $34.95)

This came in the August 2016 Marie Claire Ageless Parcel and I love it - there's no SPF, but no drama as I'm using a BB cream that has 50+ as my primer. This is such a lovely cream - a waxy mousse consistency, lightweight yet enriching, smells lovely, absorbs instantly, and the big bonus is that it has a matte finish, which is how it kinda works to blur the wrinkles ♥...

Repurchase?

Would definitely buy this again, just haven't as yet as I have three others I need to finish first ♥...

Nivea 3 In 1 Micellar Cleansing Water - Sensitive (200ml, RRP $9.99)

Full review of it HERE as part of my Micellar Magic series - not my favourite, and I did find it a little drying...

Repurchase?

No - there are others out there that have the edge in effectiveness, comfort and value...

Manicare Artiste Professional Kabuki Brush (RRP $?)

I've been using this for just over 18 months to apply my bronzer, and it's just started shedding. Not one hair now and then, but several every time I use it, and they stick to my makeup grrrrr. Odd as it's excellent quality, and I only wash my brushes in water twice a year.  My previous one was an el cheapo, and it never shed - go figure?  I won this in a prize, and it doesn't seem to be available any more so I don't know the price, but there's a retractable version listed for $25.95...

Repurchase?

I won't let this experience put me off buying other Artiste brushes (I have several that haven't given me any grief), but I replaced this particular one with a little baby by Nude by Nature ...

Dove Triple Moisturising & Aqua Moisture Nourishing Body Washes (375ml, RRP $7.36)

Recently reviewed both of these HERE - LOVE! ♥

Repurchase?

Affirmative - one's in the shower stall, the other's in the wings, waiting for a space ♥...

Alpha Keri Anti-Cellulite Sugar Body Scrub (225g, RRP $14.95)

My very first sugar body scrub, and I loved using it. To test the anti-cellulite properties, I only scrubbed my left bum cheek and thigh. At the end of the jar there was not much difference between the two (although my right side is still jealous of all the attention ha ha), but it did seen to improve the general appearance of the orange peel texture, and it sure got rid of any flaky bits ♥...

Repurchase?

I reckon I will - I started another one during March, and while there's been no further dimple reduction, I do enjoy it because it softens my skin beautifully, and being colourless, hey, the shower stays clean ♥...

L'Oreal Age Perfect Golden Age Glow Re-activating Essence (125ml, RRP $39.95)

Did a rave review of it in January HERE - this is the original bottle I received for the trial, so it's lasted 6 months with every day use. Amazing value ♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, already sitting on the bench waiting for me to finish off four (four!) other serums I'm testing out ♥...

Urban Rituelle Reed Diffuser - Comfort (Sandalwood & Tangerine) (190ml, RRP $39.95)

Raved about this HERE - I've bought quite a few of these because I adore the scent combo ♥...

Repurchase?

Sob... This fragrance has been discontinued and I'm shattered. I've bought the Alpine Loft one which is lovely, but it's hardly a substitute...

Skin Republic Gold Hydrogel Mask (RRP $12.99)

Totally in love with this mask. It's in two pieces, and the shape of it actually fits my face, and even covers my nose - yay! It's not messy like the others as most of the serum is impregnated in the plasticcy material. Of all the face masks I've tried so far, this is my #1 - my skin looks SO good afterwards. It costs a little more than the others but it's worth it - actually I wish they made it in a complete body suit lol ♥...

Repurchase?

Affirmative - I've already bought three more ♥...

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

I went through two of these sachets, which means I applied 6 pairs during the month - need I say more? ♥...

Repurchase?

Ha ha silly question...♥

Kmart Nourishing Shea Butter Hand Sheet Mask (10ml, RRP $3)

This was pretty good considering the price - nicely hydrating, smells like coconut, and the gloves aren't too big. As I said about the Skin Republic ones, what I'm looking for is something super enriching, and these don't quite make the cut...

Repurchase?

Maybe, but I'm still looking for other brands to try ♥...

LonVitalite Coconut Milk Hydrating & Nourishing Facial Mask (5 pack, RRP $39)

I really enjoyed this mask again (first review was December's Empties post) - very cooling and calming, and used it in combination with the 24K Active Gold Eye Mask listed below. Wrapped myself up like a mummy (see piccie below), and took a half hour break to let these babies do their thing. My skin looked and felt fabulous afterwards, all redness gone, pores slightly more refined, just wish it had a nose piece as that's where I need lots of help ♥...

Repurchase?

Possibly - I have a stockpile of Skin Republic ones (about 12) so I'll use them up first to see if any of them are more effective...

LonVitalite 24K Active Gold Eye Mask (6 pairs, RRP $32)

I forget where I got this single sample from, but I've had it for a while - definitely saw an improvement in the eye area, firmer and fresher. The latest ones are gold in colour ...

Repurchase?

Yes - they only work out to be $2 each more than the Skin Republic ones, and I'm keen to compare the results between the two brands ♥...

Rodial Dragon's Blood Eye Masks (8 pairs, RRP $52)

Used two more of these - getting the hang of their odd shape now, but they're still the messiest eye masks I've come across. I'm persisting though as the results are a smidgin better than the Skin Republic ones ♥...

Repurchase?

Not at this stage - I still have four more sachets left in the box, and the fact that I literally get covered in the serum trying to remove all the backing sheets puts me off ...

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. Linking to the Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party - you'll always find lots of interesting articles to read, come say hello ♥... 

Bloggers United AU 2nd Birthday Bash at Lush!...

If you're an Aussie Blogger, and you haven't hooked up with Bloggers United AU yet, you're missing out on a whole heap of benefits, including invitations to fabulous events, like the one I attended on Saturday 11th March. To celebrate their 2nd Birthday, this powerful team of gorgeous gals (who incidentally are blogging experts and so generously offer their tried and tested advice) arranged a celebration at QVB Lush, and I jumped at the chance of wishing them a Happy Birthday, enjoying the unbelievably colourful and scented surroundings of Lush, and catching up with some of my beautiful blogging buddies ♥...

Absolutely tickled pink (and red, and green, and blue lol) to see my lovely friend Ingrid from Fabulous and Fun Life at the door. We first met at last year's November event, and it was so wonderful to see her again and have a chat. She's such a warm, wise, fun and friendly lady, and her blog content is world class ♥...

After exploring some of the sights and smells in this wonderland of scintillating scents, tantalising textures and riotous rainbow hues, we were warmly welcomed by the knowledgeable staff, and were treated to a guessing game of "what are the ingredients in the Cupcake Mask" (which I believe Ingrid won!). We then split into two groups, and watched in amazement as the Lush ladies made two of the top selling masks, right in front of our eyes. My group was observing the blending of the luscious ingredients that go into the Catastrophe Cosmetic Fresh Face Mask. Incidentally that vision of loveliness on the right in the pic below is Rachel from Rachel Beauty Style, one of the Sydney Bloggers United team, and an absolute delight to know ♥...

And here's the finished product we were given to take home - those purply blue bits are freshly crushed blueberries! There's also chamomile, rose, and almond oils included in the formula, plus calamine powder and this kinda weird Irish Moss gel. We were advised to keep the mask in the fridge (no preservatives), and I treated myself to it's cooling and calming effect earlier this week - it's especially effective if you're dealing with redness. My complexion is still feeling super smooth and soft, and I'm so looking forward to another dose of this brilliant concoction...

Another guest I was delighted to catch up with was the stunning Marisa from Marisa Robinson MUA - this gal knows her makeup craft inside and out, and if you're not following her blog, you're missing out on awesome makeup tutorials and brilliant reviews of just about any beauty product you can imagine ♥...

After the mask-making, we headed on over to the cosmetic section, and here's the Goddess that is Barbe the Babe from Fashionista in Suburbia ♥ getting herself all swatched with eyeliner, lip colour, concealer, highlighter etc. I had no idea Lush made makeup, and I was so impressed with the quality and pigmentation, I bought one of their Liquid Lipsticks - more on that later...

There was a whole range of yummy refreshments to nibble on, and all of us were gifted with a selection of Lush products, plus there was the extra special treat of choosing something (pretty much anything) we liked, and that went into the bag as well. Below is what I scored - all divine creams that I've been thoroughly enjoying sampling this week (reviews soon)...

My special gift was a no-brainer - I chose the Dark Angels Fresh Facial Cleanser, which is actually more of a scrub than a cleanser, but being pitch black and made from charcoal, rhassoul mud, black sugar and cold pressed avocado oil, there simply couldn't be another choice hey? Here's what it looks like in store...

...and here's what's inside my pot. It's dry and firm, and you pinch off a piece about the size of a pea, mix it with water in your palm till it's like a paste, and then massage it into your skin. Being black the drips are a bit messy, so I'm keeping this in the shower recess. It smells a bit like licorice, and oh, what it does for my face is a wonder - my skin felt like that of a newborn babe, complete with the healthy glow. LOVE!

And what a joy it was to spot the truly gorgeous face of Mel from Aussie Beauty Talk. This woman is a total doll, and I reckon I deserve a bravery medal for standing next to her radiant beauty for this picture. I've been following Mel's blog for a while now - she does the best, funniest, 100% natural videos in the business, and sometimes her cute-as bunny is in them too. I say again, a total doll ♥... 

Not content with the goody bag, there were a few other items I just had to take away with me on the night, and I was ecstatic we were able to make purchases. Below is what I bought - a cake of lavender, fennel & ginger Sugar Scrub, the absolutely fascinating Whoosh Shower Jelly, mouthwateringly berrylicious The Comforter Shower Cream, and the amazingly pigmented Liquid Lipstick in the shade Power Without Force...

And here is the lipstick on my pucker. Head over heels in love with the formula - creamy, smooth, non-drying, and I swear I reapplied it ONCE throughout the whole day. Hard to see in the pic, but it has the most gorgeous gold shimmer. Yes indeedy, I'll be getting more of these ♥...

What a fabulous night it was - I'm still on a high, and there are so many Lush products I want to try! Thank you Bloggers United and Lush for inviting me to this wonderful event ♥...  

Are you a Lush-aholic? What's your favourite product from their range?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. Come on over to Ingrid's awesome Monday Makeup Madness Party any time after 6:30am ♥...

REVIEW: Urban Rituelle Dreamweaver Coconut & Lotus...

Oh boy! I was blessed to receive a surprise package from Urban Rituelle a few weeks back - all I knew was that it was "something" from their new Dreamweaver range, and to say I was blown away by what was inside is somewhat of an understatement ♥  There are two brand new fragrances - Island Blossom (frangipani, berries & jasmine), and the one I received, Coconut & Lotus...

Urban Rituelle packaging is always exquisite, but they've outdone themselves with this Island Getaway Gift Set. It looks like a clutch bag, and made (I think) from lightweight wood, with a flexible flap...

...and inside are three beautiful products that smell heavenly - Hand & Body Wash, Hand & Body Lotion, and a spray perfume in a (very practical) plastic flacon. The caps of the body products also look like wood - love the attention to detail!...

And now for the hard part - how to describe this intoxicating, long-lasting fragrance... There's a good deal of mastery in this blend - I'm not familiar with the scent of Lotus, but the blossoms certainly seem blissfully content to be in partnership with juicy coconut, and they're both nestled in a cradle of powder-soft musk. A stunning harmony that for me conjures up a holiday in a far away place - it's a hot night and I'm in a tropical garden filled with exotic night blooming flowers. But I can smell the tangy freshness of the sea as well, and almost feel the warm sand between my toes...

Swathed in this both crisp and heady perfume, I'm sitting at my keyboard in my own little island paradise. The Hand and Body Lotion contains shea butter, sweet almond oil and jojoba oil, and after slathering it all over my arms, my skin is soft, supple and fabulously fragrant. There's also avocado and rosehip oil listed in the ingredients, plus kelp extract (I KNEW I could smell the sea ha ha)...

Urban Rituelle shower gels are favourites of mine, unsurpassed for their moisturising characteristics, and this Hand & Body Wash is no exception - containing chamomile, cucumber and kelp extract, as well as argan & rosehip oils, there's not a chance of my skin being anything but cleansed, calmed and nourished...

The set retails for $34.95 (10% off all purchases for subscribers!), and if the Island Blossom variety is half as stunning as this, I have a fair whack of my Christmas gift list sorted already!

Urban Rituelle products are never tested on animals, and it's obvious they're made with love - thank you Team UR for sending me this gorgeous pack to try. My passion for what you produce continues to grow in leaps and bounds ♥

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. Don't forget to check out all the blogs joining in the fun of Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party - starts at 6:30am ♥