SPOTLIGHT: February Empties!...

Welcome to my February Empties post! Yes I know, I know, it's April already, but that's how things turned out last month with my work commitments. Still have a few critical things going on, but they should be over in the next week or two, and I can get on with my blogging...and my March Empties post lol. Feb wasn't a big month, but the sheet mask discoveries continued, and I'm ECSTATIC that I managed to finish off two of the micellar waters left over from the series. I promised myself I wouldn't try any more till I've cleared at least one more bottle, but that shouldn't take long...

Natural Secrets Goatsmilk Moisturising Hand Cream (80ml, RRP $6.99)
Already reviewed HERE, love this hand cream ♥...
Repurchase?
Yes, will always have a tube on my bedside table, or in my handbag ♥...

Alpha-H Liquid Gold (100ml, RRP $59.95)

This AMAZING stuff has featured in a couple of my empties posts already, but I figured it was worth mentioning again so that you can see that despite my general fickleness with skincare, there are some things which I absolutely keep using over and over again. I reckon this magical liquid keeps my complexion as radiant and youthful as possible via an external product application. I use it every second night, and at least once a week I leave it to work it's magic entirely unaided by anything else...

Repurchase?
This is one product I'll always have on my bench - I buy from Adore Beauty as they regularly have it on special. Back in August last year, I picked up the 200ml supersize for $69.95 ♥...

Avène Micellar Lotion (200ml, RRP $30.95)

Reviewed in Part 7 of my Micellar Magic Series (HERE). This is one of the nicest micellars around, pity it's so expensive...

Repurchase?

Yep I will (once I get through some more of the backlog) - this lotion will be perfect for those cold winter nights when I don't feel like doing the whole face flannel washing thingy. This seems to remove just about all my makeup, and yet it's SO gentle ♥...

Lacura Micellar 3 in 1 Cleansing Water (250ml, RRP $7.95)

This one starred in Part 6 (HERE) - excellent value, and very effective...

Repurchase?
Would if I could - it's not stocked permanently at Aldi,  but when I see it again, I'll buy several ♥...

Nature's Way Mega B Executive Stress (200 tablets, RRP $21.99) 

I credit these vitamin tabs with keeping me afloat for the last 6 months. Particularly towards the end of last year when I was trying to find a house closer to my workplace, and I needed  extra vitamin support due to accumulated lack of sleep and major job stresses...

Repurchase?

There's already another on the shelf to help me "maintain an even strain" ♥...

Hylamide SubQ Eyes Advanced Serum (15ml, RRP $49.99)

Well now, I'm going to be very cautious in my remarks here because it took me a while to get the dosage of this product right. I don't want to sound like a goose, but I swear the first 10 times (10!) I used it, I dispensed way too much liquid, and had to do the unthinkable and scoop it back into the bottle. I kept telling myself that one drop was too much, and yet that's what I ended up with each time. Doh! It has the most extraordinary amount of slip, so you really only need what's on the outside of the dropper lol. Anyways, I got it right in the end, and I think this serum is pretty darn good. Other gals have said it's their miracle product, and while I haven't seen anything that makes me want to climb up onto the roof and shout about it, it certainly has potential. I've also been massaging it into the vertical lines between my brows and above my top lip, and they are all less noticeable, crows feet are also diminished. My hoods are a little firmer too, and the fine lines on the fleshy part aren't as obvious. It doesn't do anything for my eye bags, but as I always say, nothing will except surgery ♥...

Repurchase?

Onto my second bottle, will buy another once that's done - for sure ♥...

Skin Republic Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patches (3 pairs, 18g, RRP $9.99)

This is the third appearance of these patches in my Empties series - guess what, they're going to be in EVERY MONTH! ♥...

Repurchase?

No need to ask, it's a done deal ♥...

Skin Republic Bubble Purifying + Charcoal Face Mask Sheet (20ml, RRP $7.99)

This was by far the most fun I've had with a face mask EVER. In case you missed it, here's my very scary Instagram piccie of the event...

First up, if  you have pets or small children, then stay in your bathroom until you're done - you will be unrecognisable and may frighten those dear to you. BUT, by the time it's bubbled and tingled to the point pictured above (15 minutes), you will have crystal clear glowing skin when you remove it. The fabric is black and you rub the packet before you open it to activate the bubbles. Then apply the mask like any other, watch the foam start to emerge, and you feel a tickling sensation as it oxygenates your complexion. Awesome! ♥...

Repurchase?

Already have - not all stores stock it (I found it at Chemist Warehouse), but keep looking, it's worth it ♥...

LonVitalite Collagen Crystal Eye Mask (RRP $32 for 6 pairs)

These patches came in my third Marie Claire Ageless parcel just over 12 months ago. No eye-dea why I waited so long to give them a go, but hey it finally happened, and I love them. Unlike the Skin Republic ones, these are very very thin, like matte Glad Wrap, but because they are so thin, they stay on all night. Lots of liquid, perfect shape, super hydrating, and I do believe my under eye area looked firmer and fresher in the morning. Definitely getting more of these ♥...

Repurchase?

Yes ma'am - they come in a pack of 6, and while they work out to be a couple of bucks more each than the SR ones, but I'm keen to see how they compare over time. There's another variety with added 24k gold for the same price, so I reckon they'll be the go ♥...

March Empties post is already in the pipeline, and will be up soon - promise!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. Linking to Ingrid's Monday Madness Link Up Party - come join in the fun after 6:30 Monday morning ♥...

REVIEW: Natural Secrets Goatsmilk...

You may have gathered I LOVE discovering new brands - sure I have my favourites, but finding a new love is always a delight, and I have the Bloggers United AU Event last November to thank for my latest skin and body care adventure. All the attendees were gifted with a tube of Goatsmilk Hand Cream and a cake of Goatsmilk Moisturising Soap from the generous folk at Natural Secrets. An all Australian brand, they make a range of products (some for bubs too) that you'll find in selected pharmacies. So far I haven't been able to locate one chemist that stocks the entire range, but when I fall in love with something, I don't mind heading off on a seek-and-ye-shall-find mission till I track down what I'm after. Below is only part of their selection, but it will keep me going for now ♥ If you have any trouble spotting this brand in your usual haunts, all products are purchasable from their website...

The first product I tried was the Moisturising Hand Cream - a delight from the very first application, it's non-greasy, and has a lovely fresh florally scent. My hands were in pretty poor shape after the move, from days and days of cleaning (without gloves - smack!) and ripping open cardboard boxes, but this deliciously hydrating cream fixed them in a week. I've actually been using it exclusively for the last month, and have already bought a standby tube ($6.99 for 80ml) ♥...

When I found out they made a Shower Gel, that was next on my list. With the same delicate scent, this bottle is what I reach for when I need some serious moisturising for my bod. Comes in a big fat 500ml container for $11.99, and your skin will love you for slathering on the super-softening pearly white bubbles. Suitable for dry and sensitive skin, it's made with goat's milk (no surprises there ha ha!), milk protein, aloe vera & vitamin E, and most importantly, free from sulphates, parabens & petrochemicals. Actually the entire range excludes these harsh chemicals ♥...

Just like makeup palettes, it's always a struggle for me to unwrap a cake of soap and actually use it - I do so love to keep them all pristine in my undies drawer, but I made an exception with this cake. Again the same refreshing scent, the one that was gifted was the plain moisturising variety, but I've since bought the kind that contains Manuka Honey. There are several other variations too, and both of these formulations leave your hands so soft and hydrated as well as clean. Although I'm a liquid hand wash gal, I always have a cake of soap on the vanity for when I want a really good scrub (especially under the finger nails), but also for guests so that they have a choice ♥...

The Moisturising Handwash was a must to try, and it didn't disappoint. Love the squat chubby bottle that never topples over (a steal for $6.99) - the formula is quite runny but highly concentrated, so one pump is enough to give your hands a fragrant cleanse that won't dry out your skin, in fact my hands always feel more supple and moist after a wash than before ♥...

Love each and every one of these products. There's also a Hand & Body Cream (250ml for $17.99) that I have my eye on - just desperately trying to use up a whole bunch of other body moisturisers that will expire in the next 6 months, but after that, I'll be adding it to my collection for sure ♥...

Love this range, and I reckon this old chooky and goats milk are a match made in heaven ♥...

How does your skin feel about goat's milk products? Have you tried this particular brand before?

Take care of you,
kats xxx

REVIEW: botanicES Hand Crème...

Not long ago, I stocked up on my beloved botanicES products, and decided to purchase the Full Skin Care Package, not only because I never want to run out of these magical formulations (it's my staple skin care), but because the pack includes the Hand Crème,which I was busting to try. At the time I placed my order, the crème was out of stock as the formula was being reworked to include Aloe Vera (yay!), so the Team botanicES lovelies posted it onto me as soon as it was available...

First of all let me just say this - if you are looking for a hand cream that gives your skin all the nourishment it needs to be smooth, soft, supple and hydrated AND isn't the slightest bit greasy, then this is the bomb! I don't think I've ever come across a formulation that does all of the above and absorbs so rapidly and completely that it doesn't leave even a trace of anything slippery on the surface. I swear you could apply it, and within seconds, pick up your most treasured crystal goblet, and not be at risk of either dropping it, or leaving a fingerprint film on the glass - it's nothing short of amazing ♥...

The scent is very similar to the other products in the range - delicate, organic and delicious, and it fades within a few minutes to the point where it's barely perceptible. The resulting softness is quite remarkable, and in my opinion, this hand crème has only one flaw - it comes in a squiddly little 15ml pump pack. Oh sure it's an exceptionally handy purse size (with zero risk of leaks), but for around the home, oh please botanicES, make it available in a 100ml bottle so I can slather it on!...

So this is what one pump looks like - I usually squirt one one each hand, and that's ample for complete coverage, instant elimination of dryness, and enough to massage into my cuticles. Did I mention I find this formula to be so incredibly soothing and smoothing?...

Here's the ingredients

Here's what's NOT included...

And here's what comes in the Full Skin Care Package for $120 - such a beautifully boxed presentation...

There is one thing that makes me sad though - at present, the hand crème is not available to purchase separately, it only comes with the Full Skin Care Package. But I do so hope that changes soon as I love it so much I would buy at least three bottles of it in a heart beat ♥...

If you missed my rave review of the other products in this stunning range, click HERE...

Take care of you,
kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: Urban Rituelle Prize!

Another crazily manic week, but I'm here at last, proudly displaying a prize I won for my photography - can't believe it ♥ You must know by now that taking pictures of beautiful things is almost at the top of my list of all consuming passions, and given that Urban Rituelle products are one of my favourite camera subjects, to win their December #myrituelle comp was a thrill that still has me tingling from the tips of my ears all the way down to my toes. But here it is June and I've only just claimed my loot! The prize was a $100 voucher to spend in their store, and the combination of being frantically busy in all areas of my life since Christmas, AND finding it almost impossible to decide what goodies to choose has meant it's taken me this long to place my order, but SO well worth the wait. And I'm posting this tonight because UR are having a BIG sale at the moment, and I thought that showcasing some of their gorgeous products might help you decide what to order if you'd planned on indulging...

I'll be reviewing some of these beauties individually over the next few weeks, but for now, here's a snapshot of what I scored...

Romance Amber & Musk Fragrance Diffuser Set

This is my first diffuser from UR, and I can assure you, the first of many - apart from the fact that this particular fragrance is exquisitely sexy, it looks just so darn classy, and it's a massive 190ml ♥

Mandarin + Basil + Lime Equilibrium Hand Cream

This is my second tube - can't live without this hand saviour, my rave review of it from last December is here.

Lemongrass, Lemon Myrtle, Grapefruit & Eucalyptus Organic Hand Cream

This was recommended to me by one of the UR team (thank you Lauren!) and I ordered two, one for me and one for my Mum. But I've fallen so passionately in love with it, I think my Mum is going to miss out - it's the lemoniest lemon fragrance you can possibly imagine...

Passionfruit Lip Balm

UR Lip Balms are my favourite of any brand I've tried - full of natural ingredients plus a sunscreen, I've been keeping my lips in top kissing form with my Ginger Apple one every day since January, and the tin is still half full! This passionfruit delight has a very subtle, sweet fruity fragrance and yummy taste - it was already on special, and this weekend there's a further 15% off. Bargain of the year!

Cotton Candy Organic Lip Balm and Petit Parfum

This smells just like toffee fairy floss, only nicer - I'm stashing the perfume away so I have a sweet treat to look forward to when Spring rescues us all from the big freeze, but the balm will have a place next to my bed (and on my lips), to remind me that Winter isn't forever...

Freebie - Hibiscus & Cranberry Perfume Oil

There's a free gift with every UR order, and it's usually one of their magnificent soaps plus a travel-sized hand cream, so imagine what a surprise it was to find one of my loves (review is here) tucked away inside the parcel. Obviously there's an angel in the dispatch department ♥

As you can see from the pics, the packaging of all products is superb, and I'll be taking advantage of their sale to nab some more favourites, as well as sampling some more wonders from their range.

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. Urban Rituelle products are 100% cruelty free and not tested on animals...

REVIEW: Urban Rituelle Botanical Infusions...

What gal (or Mum) doesn't adore lavishing their bod with beautifully fragranced and enriching products hey? You know, the ones that not only smell like they were made in heaven, but also provide essential nutrients to keep the skin in the best condition possible? Well my previous passion for Urban Rituelle's range has hit a new high after receiving this ever so pretty pouch of Botanical Infusions from the UR team ♥

The quilted zipper bag contains Botanical Perfume, Organic Hand Cream and Botanical Soap, all lovingly scented with vanilla, lavender and geranium essential oils. Such a treat for the senses - an inspired blend that's both calming and enlivening, soothing and refreshing, relaxing and revitalising. My nose can detect all three main ingredients - the lavender and geranium tend to steal the spotlight from the vanilla, but overall it's a masterful pot pourri of flowers and spice...

Botanical Perfume...
The perfume is cleverly packaged in a plastic pump spray bottle - this is a blessed innovation as I've already had one of my purse sprays topple over, roll off the vanity and smash into little shards on the tiled bathroom floor (sob...). First note is most definitely lavender, real lavender, which is an instant pick-me-up. The geranium starts to come through after a minute or so, and then they both snuggle down on a delicious bed of vanilla. The fragrance is pleasurably potent for around 3 hours, and leaves a creamy perfume caress on the skin for several more ♥

Botanical Soap

Regular readers will know of my passion for liquid hand and body washes, but I do still use soap every week (especially for shaving) and there's always a cake on the basin in case that's what visitors prefer. I can honestly say that the ONLY soaps in my bathroom are from Urban Rituelle - they lather like there's no tomorrow, and are enriched with Glycerin, Vitamin E, Shea and Cocoa Butters. Along with the vanilla, lavender and geranium oils, this botanical variety also contains Oat Bran. There's not even the remotest chance of this soap drying your skin - it's unbelievably creamy and I reckon it actually puts moisture back in. The cake is a massive 200gm, it's lightly scented with the same gorgeous fragrance, and will have your guests in raptures ♥

Organic Hand Cream
And now for the hand cream - another magnificently crafted concoction for paws that have seen better days. Love ALL UR hand creams (particularly crazy about the Equilibrium and Ginger Apple ones), but this little beauty is pretty close to taking over the top spot. My hands feel so incredibly soft and cared for after massaging in some of this magical formula. It's non greasy, and my skin is deliriously happy to drink in the Aloe Vera, Sweet Almond, Jojoba, Olive, Avocado & Rosehip oils it contains. Combined with Shea Butter and Vitamin E, it's an amazingly regenerative hand cream that protects while it heals and nourishes. Same delightful fragrance as the perfume, but more delicate and subtle ♥

And for those who like to know the whole score, here's the list of ingredients...

All up, a stunningly presented collection of beautifully fragrant and nourishing products - so kind to the skin, and your spirits will be transported out into a flower-filled meadow. I'm planning on ordering one of these for my Mum for Mother's Day - I have no doubt whatsoever that she will adore every item. This particular set is $39.95, but I've noticed there's another pack (with a smaller tube of hand cream and minus the pouch) on sale at the moment for $22 - total bargain! There's also a Lemon Grass, Lemon Myrtle, Grapefruit & Eucalyptus variety which sounds so wonderful, and I can't wait to try it ♥

Urban Rituelle use no artificial colours or fragrances in their products, no sulfates or parabens either, nor do they test on animals. Delivery is prompt, packaging is ever so pretty, and there's always a gift with every purchase ♥

Bless you Urban Rituelle - that's my "what'll I give my Mum?" gift dilemma sorted! Thank you so very much for the opportunity to sample more of your fabulous range, and to discover yet another new love ♥

What are you giving your Mum on Mother's Day, or if you're a mum, what would you like to receive? What's your favourite Urban Rituelle fragrance?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

REVIEW: Urban Rituelle Ginger & Apple...

I have a HUGE problem with Urban Rituelle - I love everything I buy from them, so much so that when I purchase something, often fully intending to give it as a gift to a precious friend or family member, I invariably end up keeping it for myself, which is precisely what happened here. I'd already purchased the Ginger Apple Parfum a few months prior, and found the fragrance an absolute delight, so when this Gift Set trio of the Petit Hand Cream, Lip Balm and Petit Parfum came up on the sale page for the same price, I immediately placed an order and stashed it away in the cupboard, with two or three worthy recipients in mind...

And then Christmas came and went, and well, wouldn't you know it, I looked in the cupboard a couple of weeks ago, and there it was..still sitting there waiting to be wrapped and put under the tree..only now with MY name written all over it lol!

I couldn't have organised it better if I'd tried ♥ So now that this set is officially mine, I'll start with the hand cream. LOVE UR Hand Creams - all of them are light and non-greasy, but packed with so much moisturising goodness, your hands will be clapping with glee.

This travel-sized tube has already replaced what was in my handbag, and I now have the pleasure of healing my ageing paws with a marvelously enriching formula whenever I think of it throughout the day. Let's see there's Sweet Almond and Jojoba Oil, Aloe Vera, Chamomile and Avocado Oil, Vitamin A & E, PLUS the big bonus, a sunscreen....

I'll admit the skin on my hands was already nicely softened and smoothed thanks to a liberal dose of Equilibrium hand cream every night before bed, but since massaging in this silky white softener during the day, they're looking more like they did 5 years ago, and my cuticles are in once piece, and in tip-top flexible condition. 

I've just treated myself to some now, and resumed typing a minute later with all the goodness absorbed, and no slippery layer left behind. And my hands smell good enough to eat - can't recommend this or any other of the UR hand saviours highly enough. I can't see this particular flavour listed on the website any more, but still there's an abundance of fragrances in the range to choose from, all with the same amazing hydrating power, so you're bound to find one that suits ♥

Mmmm...my very first UR lip balm - oh boy, have I been missing out or what? First of all it's in the cutest little tin, with all the lip-loving, pout-perfecting, mouth-moisturising ingredients listed on the back - things like Beeswax, Shea Butter, Vitamin E (to name a few), and once again, a sunscreen ♥

The balm is firm but easily picked up on a pinky finger, and it slicks on without being even remotely sticky. Has the same mouth-watering Ginger Apple fragrance (will detail a bit later) but tastes like...hmm...can't pick anything recognisable other than a slightly nutty floral tinge, but it's delish and very subtle - I guess it's a mix of the wax, oils and butter, and yet it doesn't taste oily at all. 

I've been applying it straight after cleansing off my lipstick/gloss, and then again before bed, and my lips feel SO soft and nourished ♥

If you're still reading, now we get to the tantalising part - what do all these Ginger Apple goodies smell like? To my nose they have the scent of spicy baked apples, but with a tangy freshness that never fails to lure me in. Definitely a gourmands delight, which is interesting because I'm not necessarily into foodie fragrances. 

But I do love scents that have a spicy kick, and I reckon there's some cinnamon lurking somewhere in the mix - combined with the green apple zing and a smattering of lily blossoms, it's actually no wonder that I enjoy it so much. Like all UR Petit Parfums, the spray bottle is 100% purse-friendly, there's oil in the formula so it's non-drying on the skin, and it comes beautifully boxed for gift-giving. Lasts a good three hours on my pulse points too...

This particular combination Gift Set isn't available right now, but there's another on sale at the mo' which has the parfum and lip balm, and a vegetable soap instead of the hand cream, all in a cute little pack for $18.00.

As you know I love sharing the UR love, so I'm giving away a bottle of this tantalisingly tasty fragrance to an Aussie resident follower - if you'd like to try it, just complete the Rafflecopter section below ♥

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Thursday 5th February to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Candice has claimed her prize ♥

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Take care of you,

kats xxx

REVIEW: Urban Rituelle "Equilibrium" Mandarin + Basil + Lime Hand Cream...

Time to review another gem from Team Urban Rituelle - this tube of healing wonders was a prize from an UR Instagram competition I was lucky enough to win about five weeks ago. It's my first experience of the new Equilibrium range, and given how effective it is and how delicious it smells, I'll be exploring the other products in the collection stat...

I'm fast becoming a hand cream-a-holic (hmmm, I do seem to have these addictive tendencies hey?). I've always had a passion for what I'd call "high-end" mitt-moisturisers - by that I mean non-Supermarket creams that cost upward of $30 (e.g. Crabtree & Evelyn, L'Occitane etc.). They're all marvellous of course, come in a range of delightful fragrances, look and feel luxurious, but there's often one thing about them that bugs me - the tube is invariably made from metal, and after just one use, it looks mangled and ratty. Very disappointing, so much so that I keep them in a drawer because they look just plain awful, and nowhere near pretty enough to remain on display. But...thankfully UR have the right idea with their packaging - the picture below was taken after I'd bathed my paws in this rejuvenating and refreshing formula at least 20 times, and it still looks as perfect as the day I first took it out of the box ♥

Now that I've got that little whinge off my chest, it's time to rave about this gorgeous product. As soon as I squeeze a little out of the tube, the invigorating fragrance dances the tango right up my nose. It's a mix of mandarin, basil and lime, and my schnozz can immediately detect all three of these zesty ingredients - it's pure fruit and herbal heaven! At the end of a long and sometimes hot day, this fresh and zingy scent gives me a much needed boost. The cream has a consistency similar to whipped cream from one of those pressure pack dispensers, and it's equally light and fluffy, but boy does it hydrate parched paws. There's Chamomile Extract, Rosehip, Argan and Avocado oils in the formula, and the top three ingredients listed on the back of the box are Aloe Vera Juice, Shea Butter and Sweet Almond Oil. And if that isn't enough natural goodness, there's also Cucumber Extract and Macadamia Oil - weathered hands and split cuticles don't stand a chance against this barrage of nature's healers, soothers and protectors ♥

The RRP is $20.96 for 100ml, which makes it close to half the price of my former favourite "expensive" hand cream, and after a month of nightly applications, there's not a red knuckle or dry skin cell in sight. I took a photo of the back of the box so you can see there are no less than 18 oils in this formula - whoa!

All up a fabulous hand cream that smells divine, restores and protects my hands with an arsenal of nature's gems, AND Urban Rituelle NEVER tests on animals. Love it!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. In all the excitement I forgot to mention that this beautiful cream is non-greasy - I slather on a generous quantity at night, but it still absorbs completely within a few minutes ♥

REVIEW: Urban Rituelle Hibiscus and Cranberry...

Last July, I posted a review of the fabulous Urban Rituelle Turkish Rose and Vanilla range that I had either been gifted by family, or won as a prize. To say I was smitten with the products was somewhat of an understatement, and since then I've been on a mission to explore all the other delights they have on offer. I still have a long way to go, if for no other reason than they have SO many goodies to choose from, but I've already discovered something I'm even crazier about - Hibiscus and Cranberry (warning: picture heavy post)...

Thankfully my efforts have been aided and abetted by the fact that UR have had a whole series of sales over the last few months, and the above selection is what I've been able to amass across several orders, all of which have arrived within days, with free shipping, and a generous little surprise in the box each time (latest one below) ♥

But enough of the blurb, what does it smell like? Hard to describe because I've not smelt anything quite like it before, but it's tangy and tart without being sour, and amazingly refreshing - an inspired blend of hibiscus tea, cranberry, lime and sugar cane. I simply adore the initial zing, which then softens down to a delicate fruit-with-slightly-floral blend, with the accent on the fruit. Definitely a Summer-ready fragrance - it's almost like a cranberry sherbet ♥

The Scented Candle ($24.95) is 180 grams, with an approximate burn time of 40 hours. I haven't lit mine yet - I'm saving it for a dull and dreary day when I need a zesty pick-me-up. You can probably tell from the photos that all UR products are stunningly presented, sturdily boxed for safe delivery, and I reckon any candle-lover would be in raptures to receive this as a gift... 

 

These three little travel size mini sweethearts came in a clear pouch with a zip lock - the 40ml size is perfect for packing light, and there's Body Lotion, Hand Therapy and Bath & Shower Gel. The Body Lotion ($22.50) will be my next purchase in the full-size - it contains a host of skin-loving ingredients including Chamomile, Grape Seed Oil, Ginseng, Shea Butter, Macadamia Oil, Calendula and Aloe Vera. And there's no tedious waiting for it to be absorbed - my skin soaks it up like a sponge. This will be a must-have for me through the hot months, to keep my skin soft and supple, and smelling berry-licious...

I need a giant size of the Hand Therapy! ($20.96). All hand creams in the "Tea Ceremony" range contain Sweet Almond and Jojoba Oils, Shea Butter, Vitamin E, Ginseng, Aloe Vera, Chamomile and Gingko Biloba - a powerhouse tube of nourishing, protecting and re-conditioning natural ingredients to restore and keep your hands and cuticles in tip-top condition, without being greasy. The formula is light but intensive, and leaves my paws satiny smooth and delicately fragranced. The standard tube is a generous 100ml and lasts forever - I also love that it isn't made of metal (like some other high-end brands), so it doesn't look all dented and tatty after a few squeezes. This little 40ml wonder is already safely tucked away in my handbag...

You'll find my rave about the Bath & Shower Gel further down the page ♥

The perfumes come in two formulas, both delightfully purse-friendly - Petit Parfum, an EDT spray, and Perfume Oil, which has a teeny little roller-ball applicator. The spray is light and the scent doesn't last long, but that's its beauty - sometimes I just want something to make ME feel good and smell delish without permeating the whole space around me. As you would expect, the oil is more potent and durable, and yet it has an enticing subtlety. I wore it today actually and smiled every time I moved and my nose caught a little waft of the scent. Ingredients include Sweet Almond, Grape Seed, Avocado, Sesame, Sunflower and Rose Hip oils, so you can imagine how softening it is on the skin. This is still on sale at the moment for $13.56 - I can't find it listed anywhere except on the Sale Store page, so I hope that doesn't mean it's being discontinued...

As usual I've saved the best till last - oh boy, am I in shower heaven! Regular readers will know that I'm a bodywashaholic, and given I've tried so many of the ones in the market place, for me to say this Bath & Shower Gel ($28.50) is my absolute all-time favourite is really quite a statement. But there it is, I've said it! Gee, how to describe my experience of this mouth-watering bod-cleanser? Ok, for starters the bottle is a huge 500ml and has a twist click lockable cap. The pump is sturdy and one push delivers only a teeny dollop, but I'm glad because I'm somewhat heavy handed with my gel dispensing, and quite a bit goes down the drain. I find about six squirts is just the right amount for a blissfully bubblesome experience. The gel is thick and clear, and smells divine. Honestly this is a sparkler of a fragrance, and I feel like I'm washing myself with cranberry soda fizz! After showering my skin feels soft and hydrated, so much so I can skip the body lotion step on those rushed weekday mornings. And it's no wonder with a stack of natural ingredients like Ginseng, Gingko Biloba, Chamomile, Calendula and Witch Hazel. This is a forever keeper ♥

Well by now I hope you're sufficiently entranced, and if you've made it this far down the page, well done (lol!), and there's a treat - I ordered an extra bottle of the Perfume Oil so I could give one away, and share the UR love ♥ If you've not experienced any Urban Rituelle products, and especially not the Hibiscus and Cranberry fragrance, this is your chance to try it out...

The Rafflecopter will decide the winner, so please make sure that you follow the entry instructions, and read the Terms and Conditions inside (Australian residents only). Please note that leaving a comment, providing your email address inside the Rafflecopter, AND following my blog one way or another from the many choices listed are MANDATORY for entry...

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This giveaway is now closed

Check back later tonight to see who the lucky winner is!

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 

Thursday 4th December to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Anna has claimed her prize ♥

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Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. All products were purchased by me - the plan was to give some of them as Christmas gifts, but I couldn't resist trying them, and well, that's the end of that plan ha ha!

P.P.S. Urban Rituelle products are 100% cruelty free and not tested on animals ♥