SPOTLIGHT: June Empties + Giveaway!...

Better late than never! Everything is topsy-turvy at work hence the delay, but June was yet another mammoth month for empties - actually, who am I kidding, this is now the norm for me ha ha!...

Body

Beechworth Honey Bush Honey & Macadamia Hand Cream (100ml, RRP $12)

One of my top three hand creams of all time, in fact, I'm wondering why on earth am I giving this away lol?!? Seriously though, when I find something I absolutely adore, I can't bear to NOT share it with you folks, and this is one of nature's gem - magnificently hydrating, supremely softening, it's scented with lemon myrtle & mandarin oils, and not tested on animals. I swear it's to die for ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

As sure as eggs ♥♥♥...

Dermaveen Extra Gentle Shower & Bath Oil (500ml, RRP $17.99)

Reviewed HERE - I go through a bottle of this every month, adding a few squirts to whatever body wash I'm using. Keeps my skin soft, supple and moisturised. LOVE! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yessirreeee ♥♥♥...

Ecostore Coconut & Vanilla Hand Wash (250ml, RRP $5.99)

Just as delish as the body wash, non-drying and smells fantastic - cray cray for this, love the packaging too, so modern and stylish ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes - always a bottle on my vanity, and one on the kitchen sink ♥♥♥...

Harvest Garden Rose Geranium, Patchouli & Lavender Soap with Australian Red Clay (130gm, RRP $7.50)

The last one in the old packaging, which was barely any packaging - not so keen on the new boxed presentation 'cos I can't see how gorgeous it is when I'm buying it. Have raved about this many many times - 100% natural, still my favourite soap ever, such a rich creamy lather, and I could sit around all day inhaling the fragrance ♥♥♥ ... 

Repurchase?

Never without a cake or two in my undies drawer ♥♥♥...

Harvest Garden Grapefruit & Cedarwood (130gm, RRP $7.50)

Not quite so mad keen on this one - it started out being nicely scented, but it's been on my vanity for several weeks now and I can barely smell it any more. It's a lovely soap though - pretty earthy pattern and colour, and has cornflower petals embedded in it so it has an almost exfoliating effect, awesome when my hands are really grubby or I've been swatching lipsticks ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Definitely ♥♥♥... 

Oral-B 3D White Luxe Glamorous White Toothpaste (95g, RRP $8.99)

This was my #1 toothpaste until I discovered the Perfection variety and instantly fell in love with its fresher pepperminty taste ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Only if the white one isn't available ♥♥♥...

Original Source Green Banana & Bamboo Milk Moisturising Shower Milk (250ml, RRP $3.50)

Reviewed HERE. This particular flavour doesn't appear on their website any more nor in supermarket listings, so I guess that means it's been discontinued - a pity as it's quite yummy, and there are so few banana fragranced body products out there ♥... 

Repurchase?

No - actually I'm phasing this whole range out of my collection as it contains SLS...

Sukin Botanical Lime & Coconut Body Wash (500ml, RRP $12.95)

Loved this, but it's not surprising as I seem to love anything Sukin - low sudsing, non-drying, no sulphates, invigorating fresh scent, aloe second on the ingredient list, 100% vegan, no animal testing, I could go on but probably quicker if you just go out and buy it ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Undoubtedly ♥♥♥...

Face

Beechworth Honey Beeswax Natural Lip Balm - Berry (5ml, RRP $7.95)

Softer than the usual stick lip balm consistency, and boy does it hydrate. Contains so many natural oils - sweet almond, coconut, sunflower, macadamia, rosehip, jojoba & olive, plus beeswax, shea butter, vitamins E & C. In short, it's a first aid kit for dry lips ♥♥♥ ... 

Repurchase?

Definitely - just wish I could buy it in-store rather than online ♥♥♥...

Essano Rosehip Gentle Facial Exfoliator (100ml, RRP $14.99)

Reviewed with love HERE ...

Repurchase?

Oddly enough, no, or at least not for a while - I think I'm bored with the fragrance as it no longer appeals...

Indeed Labs Eyesilix (15ml, RRP $34.99)

Covered this in my January 2017 Empties post (HERE), and nothing's changed in my view - it's a lovely cream but doesn't do anything startling for my issues (crows feet, sagging, bagging)...

Repurchase?

Nope - still looking for my HG eye cream...

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

My one, my only - I've not found any other product that can match this for taking off waterproof mascara in a flash, plus it's so gentle and doesn't sting my eyes ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

No less than three spares in my drawer at any one time ♥♥♥...

Skin Doctors Cosmeceuticals Eyetuck (15ml, RRP $49.95)

If you have small bags, then this will serve you brilliantly - effects are noticeable after two weeks' use, and even more noticeable if you stop using it in that the puffiness returns, so don't stop ha ha! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Love this, but my bags are so huge it no longer has any impact, and I've decided to bite the bullet and not repurchase as I've found something far more effective for my massive under-eye sacks (which I raved about HERE) ♥♥♥...

Face Masks

Andalou Naturals Instant Life & Firm Hydro Serum Facial Mask (18ml, RRP $8.99)

I'm 50/50 about this mask - it stung my eyes, terrible face fit (see below pic), and yet where it came in contact, my skin looked like it was made from crushed pearls. The fragrance is lovely but quite intense, it hydrates magically and my skin looked firmer afterwards - such a pity I couldn't get it to cover everything even after five minutes of frustrating fiddling...

Repurchase?

Not right now - might wait and see if they adjust the shape...

Bodyblendz Rose Collagen Facial Mask (RRP $7.50)

Reviewed HERE ♥...

Repurchase?

Probably, but not for a while as I have SO MANY in my stash - I keep thinking that my face mask discovery journey will wind down and then I can get on with just buying what I absolutely adore. But more and more companies keep bringing out more and more masks, so it will probably be endless like my micellar water exploration ♥...

Innoxa Hydrogel Under Eye Mask - Brightening with CoQ10 (3 pairs, RRP $14.99)

No photos as I slept in these during the week. They work out at $5 a pop, which is expensive compared to my other loves, but they are indeed superior in the firming, freshening and de-puffing departments ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, will slowly build up a stash (during sales) for special treats ♥♥♥...

Purederm Ginkgo Eye Puffiness Minimizing Patches (4 patches, RRP $3)

Well now, I think the word is spreading as these haven't been available in Kmart for three weeks, and my fear is rising ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

As soon as they are back in stock - I usually buy at least five packs at a time ♥♥♥...

Skin Physics Instant Lift V-Shape Vitality Mask (21g, RRP $14.99)

The most effective under-chin lifter EVER ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I stock up whenever Priceline or CW has them on sale ♥♥♥...

Skin Republic Gold Hydrogel Mask (25g, RRP $12.99)

An old fave, they've made the nose piece a lot longer - it's almost too long now as it kinda flaps around and was sucked into my nostrils whenever I breathed in! Hard to beat this golden beauty for what it does for my skin though ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I always have at least one of these in the backup box, but never EVER pay full price ♥♥♥...

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

Such great eye patches which I sleep in quite regularly - thankfully these are always available somewhere, and often on special ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Probably forever ♥♥♥...

Fragrance

Stoneglow Candles London Lime & Mandarin Reed Diffuser (140ml, RRP $38.95)

Found this at my local chemist - according to Google these diffusers don't appear to be available anywhere in this country, and it's beyond me why some home decor giant isn't importing the range - it's the best I've ever tried, and that includes Glasshouse & Urban Rituelle. Whoa! Never thought I would say that, but it's true. Their website link is HERE. The packaging is divine - just looking at it restores my energy, lasts around 4 months, and the scent permeates the entire room (not just the immediate surrounding area) with a stunningly refreshing fragrance. They even make refills! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I've kept the bottle because it's so pretty, and to remind me to pick up another one for next Summer - I'm heading back to the pharmacy to see what other scents they have in stock ♥♥♥...

Hair

Schwarzkopf Live Salon Permanent - Medium Ash Blonde (Box, RRP $13.99)

While I far prefer the Colour Specialist range (reviewed HERE) for its gentleness and the miraculous condition it leaves my hair in after use, over time the colour (Cool Light Blonde) is not working out to be what I wanted - it's too yellow (not enough ash). So I've switched to this range, which is the next best thing - contains "Salonplex" anti-breakage care, it's almost as softening, and the ammonia content is quite low. I mix two-thirds Medium Ash Blonde with one-third Ultra Light Ash Blonde for my roots, and the remainder I blend together for the ends every second or third round to maintain the highlights. Perfect! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

You can count on it ♥♥♥...

Schwarzkopf Live Colour Pastels - Cool Grey (30ml, RRP $5.49)

I was using this to counteract the yellow, but I'll probably ease back on it now that I'm using a far ashier permanent colourant ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I have quite a few bottles under the bathroom sink that I nabbed on special so I won't need to buy any for a while ♥♥♥...

Makeup

Eye of Horus Goddess Pencil - Jewel Amethyst (RRP $30)

My passion for these eyeliners is the stuff that legends are made of ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

No need to ask ♥♥♥...

Maybelline Brow Satin - Dark Blonde (RRP $16.95)

Was my HG brow product, but it's been replaced with the new MNY Total Temptation Brow Definer, which is the perfect shade for me (review HERE) ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Only if the TT one isn't available ♥♥♥...

Giveaway!

As usual a selection of my faves ♥...

• 1 x Beechworth Honey Bush Honey & Macadamia Hand Cream
• 1 x Skin Republic Gold Hydrogel Mask
• 2 x Oral-B 3D White Luxe Diamond Strong Toothpaste
• 1 x Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-Up Remover
• 1 x Harvest Garden Sweet Orange & Lavender Natural Handcrafted Soap

All products were purchased by me, and the total value is approximately $55.

And this giveaway is open to...

Australian Residents Only! 

Here's how to enter...

1. Leave a blog post comment on this page that answers the question inside the Rafflecopter (please note: if you don't leave a comment on this page, you won't be included in the draw!)
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 Anne as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 8th August to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Anne has claimed her prize ♥

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

Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: January 2018 Empties + Giveaway!...

Gee willikers - another mammoth month of mainly wonder-products. Quite a wide variety, and of course some faves to giveaway to one of my precious followers, so let's get started!

Body

Beechworth Honey Bush Honey & Macadamia Gentle Scrub (100ml, RRP $12)

Reviewed HERE, I adore this scrub but can't find anywhere that sells it except their website...

Repurchase?

I caved and just placed an order, as well as a selection of their other scrumptious products ♥♥♥...

Dove Nourishing Care & Oil BodyWash (375ml, RRP $7.36)

Enjoyed this very much, so softening and hydrating, lovely fresh fragrance...

Repurchase?

Probably not - actually I can't see this on their Aus website, only the UK one, but anyway I'm phasing out body washes that contain SLS (which sadly this does)  'cos it's starting to irritate the skin on my arms...

Glasshouse Beverly Hills Pink Lemonade Hand Wash (500ml, RRP $24.95)

Rave review HERE, one of my favourite scents for Summer, so fresh and crisp! ♥...

Repurchase?

Probably - again it's another product that contains SLS. I haven't had any problem with my hands, so I'm prepared to make an exception ♥...

Grahams Natural Vanilla Organic Lip Balm (4.25g, RRP $7.95)

Love all their products, and their lip balm is exceptional - jam-packed with organic goodness, minus the yucky stuff, and 100% edible...

Repurchase?

Not this flavour - my heart belongs to their Raspberry one, which I've already re-ordered ♥...

Harvest Garden Lavender & Patchouli with Zeolite Clay Soap (130g, RRP $7.50)

Still my favourite soap of all time, already covered in my October Empties post last year...

Repurchase?

Forever ♥♥♥...

Natural Secrets Goatsmilk Moisturising Handwash (300ml, RRP $5.99)

Discovered this brand just over 12 months ago, and I'm totally sold on their products. Full review HERE ♥...

Repurchase?

Affirmative - there's always a bottle on my vanity ♥♥♥...

White Glow Activated Charcoal Whitening Toothpaste (150g, RRP $5.99)

This was in the Liptember Beauty Box - glad to have the opportunity to try it as I'm still searching for a charcoal toothpaste that I like, but this is not it. Quite effective in the whitening department, but the taste is awful - reminds me of Quick Eze antacid tablets...

Repurchase?

Nooooooo...

Face

Antipodes Worship Skin Defence Antioxidant Serum (10ml sample, RRP $5)

Couldn't believe my luck when I found a whole shelf of these 10ml bottles for $5 each at my local chemist, all with a use-by date of 2020! Considering 30ml is $53.99, I bought several to try, but it's not really my thing. I was wanting hydration, but it doesn't moisturise very much at all - instead, it's an anti-oxidant treatment to counteract free-radical damage. Love everything else I've tried from Antipodes, but don't find I have a need for this beauty...

Repurchase?

I can't go past Hosanna (the love of my life), so no...

Grahams Natural Anti-Aging Hydrating Night Cream (50ml, RRP $19.95)

Full review is HERE - at the time I guessed it would last me 6 months, and that's about right too. Sure I've been sampling a couple of others along the way, but still, it's endured incredibly well as such a small amount is required. I know I'm repeating myself but I so love this brand - zero glamour or frills, but also no stuff to irritate the skin, nor does it clog my pores...

Repurchase?

Absolutely, but not for a while as I have at least 5 other creams to use up first ♥...

Nivea Skin Firming & Smoothing Concentrated Serum (75ml, RRP $18.46)

I heard about this via a YouTube video by AnneMarie (HERE) plus there was a pic on Instagram (HERE) - it's the Holy Grail for shrinking under-eye bags and firming jowls. Not available for sale in Australia, I bought several bottles from iHerb - it's regularly out of stock (no wonder!), but well worth waiting for. It contains a high concentration of L-Carnitine which is a fat dissolver, plus Q10 for firming, and it works. My eye bags have reduced by half since I started using it 7 months ago, and it's also helping to firm my jawline and double-chin - been holding off revealing it as I was hoping my bags would go away completely, but they haven't. But I'm thrilled with the results so far and will keep using it in the hope that over time they'll shrink even more. Mind you my bags were MASSIVE and I've had them for 30 years, so if yours are relatively small, this is the bomb because it's permanent and it's so unbelievably cheap! ...

Repurchase?

Without a doubt - I have a bottle on my makeup bench for night-time application, and one on the vanity for my neck, chin and jawline in the morning ♥...

Nutrimetics Ultra Care Platinum Tight Firm & Fill Face Serum (30ml, RRP $102)

Another one of the treasures in the beautyheaven 10th Birthday goodie bag. It's a magnificent serum, loved everything about it, and I'm seriously considering buying it although the price tag is somewhat offputting. Haven't done my bh review of it yet, but it does have a plumping effect, and the hydration level of my skin improved dramatically, as did the surface texture. Had a major problem with the pump though, which initially drove me bonkers - the second time I used it the cap that you push down to dispense the product kept getting stuck, so much so that I had to bang it against something hard to get it to come up again. That was until I figured out I could remove the inner plastic tube from the casing, and then it worked brilliantly. That little annoyance aside, it's a very very special product ♥...

Repurchase?

Certainly thinking about it - I went through it in about 3 weeks though, which makes it a budgeting nightmare ♥...

Face Masks

Garnier SkinActive Pure Charcoal Tissue Mask (RRP $4.95)

Crikey the cloth mask industry is exploding hey - just about every brand is adding them to their range now, which I'm thrilled about as they are an essential part of my skincare regime, and I love having lots to choose from. This one is a beauty - fits so well, actually I'd go so far as to say it's the best fit of all I've tried. My only beef is that the nose piece isn't long enough (nb: I hadn't ever considered that my nose might be longer than normal lol). It's refreshing and cooling, and there's a noticeable tightening sensation - loved it! ♥...

Repurchase?

Yes indeedy - there's also one with Black Tea which I've purchased but not as yet tried ♥...

Purederm Botanical Choice Ginkgo Eye Puffiness Minimising Patches (2 pairs, RRP $3)

Confirming these are even more effective at reducing under-eye puffiness than the Skin Republic ones - LOVE! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

The best $3 I've ever spent - can't live without 'em ♥♥♥...

Sephora Shea lip Mask (RRP $4)

Even more softening and soothing than the Rose one I raved about in the November Empties post ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes! It's currently out of stock, so I'm waitlisted ♥♥♥...

P.S. The charcoal nose pore strip in the pic is by Skin Republic - I'll review it when I've finished the 6-pack...

SK-II Facial Treatment Mask (RRP $28)

This came in Marie Claire Ageless Parcel just over 2 years ago (2 years!) and I was saving it for a special occasion but figured it might have a use-by date. Wow, I get why it's $28 a pop - 2 pieces that fit well, heaps of serum, cooling, firming and hydration levels I've only ever dreamed about ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I've written to Santa asking for the 6 pack ($140) ♥♥♥...

Hair

Scott Cornwall Decolour Hair Colour Stripper (RRP $24.95)

My first foray into true ash-toned home hair colouring over the Christmas hols was a catastrophe - my hair turned out black as coal! Not entirely sure why as the dye pack said Dark Ash Blonde, possibly a chemical reaction, but anyway I had to get rid of it because I can assure you, black-as-the-bottom-of-a-coal-mine-during-an-eclipse does NOT suit me. So I researched online and this Scott Cornwall product is what I came up with. Works BRILLIANTLY and doesn't damage the hair. But you must follow the instructions to the letter... 

Repurchase?

I bought another one for the cupboard in case I have another disaster ♥...

Schwarzkopf Live Salon Permanent Hair Colour - Medium Ash Blonde (RRP $13.99)

My second foray into ash home hair colouring was a success thanks to this product. The result was way darker than I had planned, but that's possibly because of having to strip out the aforementioned first attempt. Fabulous colour, very low ammonia, 100% coverage. Wish they made a Light Ash Blonde in this range ♥...

Repurchase?

Might try mixing it with the pearl blonde shade, although I've kinda fallen in love with their incredibly gentle Colour Specialist range, which I've recently trialled for beautyheaven - will do a post on that shortly ♥...

Home

Purewick (Aldi) Touch Pear & Vanilla Fragrance Diffuser (145ml, RRP $10 I think)

Bought this months ago which is why I can't remember the exact price, but I don't believe it was more than $10. Subtle but lovely fragrance, lasted well considering I put it in front of the open window, but that was the best way to release the scent into the room. About to finish up the Mango & Coconut one as well.  For the price, they are fantastic! ♥...

Repurchase?

The usual Aldi problem - if they come back, I sure will ♥...

Makeup

Beauty by Nicholas Foundation No More - Medium (30ml, RRP $39.99)

Review of this fabulous cream is HERE - still loving it to bits! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Already have ♥♥♥...

Eye of Horus Precision Sharpener (RRP $10)

The best sharpener ever - doesn't damage any pencils I sharpen, whether it be eyeliners or lipliners ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I have 3 spares, only because the plastic casing of this one split, but it was over 2 years old ♥♥♥...

Maybelline Brow Satin - Dark Blonde (RRP $16.95)

My go-to brow product - still suits me now that I've shifted my hair colour to ash, it's the perfect neutral and natural-looking brow power for fair-haired babes ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I have at least 3 in my drawer ♥♥♥...

Rimmel Exaggerate Full Colour Lip Liner - Peachy Beachy (0.25g, RRP $12.50)

Great colour, this is quite firm and dryish, but it lasts really well on the lips, and being the propelling variety, it never needs sharpening ♥...

Repurchase?

Gotta - it goes so well with most of my coral/peach lippies ♥...

GIVEAWAY!

I've picked some faves from this month to giveaway to one of you lovelies ♥...

• 3 packs of Purederm Botanical Choice Ginkgo Eye Puffiness Minimizing Patches (6 pairs)
• 1 x 10ml Antipodes Worship Skin Defence Anti-Oxidant Serum
• 1 x 100ml Beechworth Honey Bush Honey & Macadamia Hand Cream
• 1 x Harvest Garden Rose + Geranium + Patchouli + Lavender Natural Handcrafted Soap
• 1 x Grahams Natural Raspberry Organic Lip Balm

All products were purchased by me, the total value is approximately $40, and this giveaway is open to...

Australian Residents Only

Here's how to enter...

1. Leave a blog post comment on this page that answers the question inside the Rafflecopter (please note: if you don't leave a comment, 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 Karen C as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 7th March to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Karen has claimed her prize ♥

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

Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,
kats xxx