Showing posts with label L'Oreal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label L'Oreal. Show all posts

Sunday, 21 February 2021

January 2021 Empties & Giveaway!...

Gee these Empties posts seem to come around fast - well actually it's every fourth post I upload here unless I can squeeze in an additional review now and then, and as you can see, I'm still maintaining the monthly turnover pace. The Regulars sections are increasing but there are some new products in the weeks to come so hang in there with me - and this month's Giveaway is four of my all-time fave beauty products, plus some pretty bling babies, so read on ...


Body

Method Gel Hand Wash Refill - Pink Grapefruit (1L, RRP $12.99)
My passion for Pink Grapefruit scented products knows no bounds, and while I always intend to eliminate all cleansers containing SLS from my shelves, I haven't been able to find a substitute for this so far - even the Body Shop one contains SLS, so this is it for now. Mind you I haven't had any issues with my hands - the other ingredients are naturally derived, I find it doesn't dry the skin or cause any irritation, and it smells divine. I don't use the cute-as Method bottle because it becomes unstable as the quantity reduces so I use the refill pack to load my preferred pump dispensers. Overall I LOVE the brand - this pack is terrific value, and I've actually replaced all my home cleaning products (including laundry) with their range ...
Repurchase?
Yes indeed ...

Urban Rituelle Hand & Body Lotion - Sea Kiss (60ml, RRP $14.95)
This was gifted to me by UR just over 12 months ago in a set of four - this was my absolute favourite. My full review is HERE ...
Repurchase?
Probably, and I'm only saying "probably" because they have so many other delicious hand and body lotions, it's SO hard to choose ...

White Glo Coffee and Tea Drinkers Formula Extra Strength WhiteningToothpaste (100ml, RRP $5.49)
Gradually working my way through all the different formulations from this brand. So far no one variety is any better at whitening than the other, but I'll keep going as they work well - all seem to have the same minty taste that I like, and the brush is the best I've ever used ...
Repurchase?
Yes ...

Regulars
Nutrimetics Nutri-Rich Shower Oil (200ml, RRP $42)
Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)
Skin Physics Advance Superlift Caviar Age-Recovery Hand & Nail Renewal Cream SPF15 (75ml, RRP $39.99)


Face

A'kin Hydrating Coconut Water & Green Tea Micellar Water (500ml, RRP $17.95)
I bought a small (150ml) bottle of this three years ago for a whopping $14.95, so the pricing of this has dramatically changed for the better with this 500ml quantity now available for just a few dollars more. It's a 2nd cleanser that I use after the main wash - truly lovely, soothing and cooling, excellent slip, very pleasant "organic" fragrance which I can't pinpoint. It's up there with my faves ...
Repurchase?
Sure will - Aussie made, cruelty-free, recyclable packaging, no nasties ...

L'Oreal Sugar Scrubs Purifying Scrub with Kiwi Seed (50ml, RRP $19.95)
I bought this ages ago, and only recently found the part-used jar buried 3-deep on my bench. I'd forgotten all about it because I only use scrubs in the shower, and this is in a glass jar with a screw-top lid, which is a definite no-no! It smells delicious, works well, warms the skin while gently exfoliating, and looks positively mouth-watering - it's so pretty I reckon L'Oreal would have an absolute winner on their hands if they packaged it in a clear tube ...
Repurchase?
I have, but I'll transfer it into a squirty plastic travel bottle - just gotta find one with a big enough nozzle so the kiwi seeds don't get stuck ...

Regulars


Face Masks

Regulars
Skin Republic Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patch (3 pairs, RRP $9.99)
Skin Republic Fast Fix 5 Minute Under Eye Mask (2 pairs, RRP $9.99)
Skin Republic Retinol Hydrogel Under Eye Patch (3 pairs, RRP $9.99)


Fragrance

Regulars


Hair

Hi Lift Creme Peroxide For Hair - 20 Vol (1000ml, RRP $7.50)
I find very little difference in this product from one brand to the next, so I just go with whatever is a good deal at the time. The 20 vol strength is what I mix with the hair colours below to cover my white roots ...
Repurchase?
Absolutely ...

Regulars
Goldwell Kerasilk Control Conditioner (250ml, RRP $34.95)
Hi Lift True Colour Hair Colour Creme - Extra Light Intense Ash Blonde (100ml, RRP $7.50)
Wella Koleston Perfect Permanent Creme Colour - Special Mix Clear, Blue Intensive & Ash Intensive (60g, RRP $19.97)


Makeup

Rimmel Lasting Finish Skin Perfecting Full Coverage Foundation - Soft Beige (30ml, RRP $17.95)
Great foundation - perfect coverage, great finish though a little pale for me in summer, and I guess you could call this my COVID base as I opened the bottle in March last year. It lasts well all day long and doesn't transfer. I squirt a little onto the back of my hand and then pick up small dabs on my fluffy foundation brush ...
Repurchase?
Probably not, but it's a good standby if I can't get hold of my fave Revlon stick ...

Regulars
Maybelline Brow Ultra Slim Eyebrow Pencil - Blonde (RRP $15.95)
Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner (RRP $15.95)
ModelsPrefer Infinite Colour Eye Pencil - Blue Lagoon ($12.99)

Giveaway


The loot for this month is...
  • Eye of Horus Serpentine Sultry (deep olive) Goddess Pencil
  • Lovisa Silvertone Snowflake Pendant
  • Lovisa Emerald Green & Clear Swarovski Stud Earrings
  • Nutrimetics Nutri-Rich Shower Oil with Apricot Kernal Oil
  • Olay Regenerist Whip UV Active Moisturiser SPF30
  • Skin Physics Advance Superlift Caviar Age Recovery Hand & Nail Renewal Cream
All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $180.  The giveaway is open to...

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

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

    a Rafflecopter giveaway
    Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Alex P. as the winner.  
    Congratulations gorgeous! 
    Alex, please respond to the email I've sent you by
    midnight 3rd March to claim your prize :-)
    Edit: Alex has claimed her prize 
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Best of luck to all who enter!

    Take care of you, and keep safe,
    kats xxx

    Sunday, 19 July 2020

    June 2020 Empties & Giveaway!...

    Well COVID-19 is not affecting my Empties, that's for sure! The usual mega selection of regulars, but there's a handful of new ones reviewed. I'm always excited when I finish a fragrance, and last month I spritzed the last of two bottles, both of which I've reviewed in detail in past posts, so I've included the links. June was also the month when I experimented with wearing the Skin Republic Eye Patches almost every night (both Collagen & Retinol) - I went through eight packs (all half-price specials), which equates to 24 pairs/nights, and can report that they made a difference to the puffiness of my eye bags, but not much change to my wrinkles. I'll probably go back to a couple of times a week as it was a bit of an indulgence and at full price, not one my budget can maintain. For the Giveaway, I have a super-duper special one - let's call it Christmas In July, so read on! ...


    Body

    The Body Shop British Rose Shower Gel (60ml, RRP $4)
    This was part of a gift set sent to me at Christmas by one of my regular readers - a gorgeous, kind and generous lady (you know who you are sweetheart). British Rose is just that - pure and natural, the scent is the same as if you leaned over a rose bush in full bloom and took a deep breath, and the formula is non-drying. There was a body butter and hand cream too, and I just adore them all ...
    Repurchase?
    I will buy the big bottle for myself this Christmas ...

    Schmidt's Lavender + Sage Natural Deodorant (75g, RRP $13.99)
    I figure this formula would be just as effective as the charcoal one for completely stopping both odour and wetness, and I was right - what I didn't figure on was falling in love with the scent! I thought it would be a wee bit insipid or girly for winter, but it's fabulous. Definitely lavender, but the sage cuts the floral component in half and makes it herbally enough to be interesting and earthy - my new fave! ...
    Repurchase?
    Priceline sells this, so that'll be a yes, and I already have a few spares ...

    Regulars
    Glow Lab Coconut & Sandalwood Body Wash (400ml, RRP $9)
    Nutrimetics Nutri-Rich Shower Oil (200ml, RRP $42)
    Oral-B 3D White Luxe Glamorous White Toothpaste (96g, RRP $9.49)
    Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)
    Skin Physics Advance Superlift Caviar Age-Recovery Hand & Nail Renewal Cream SPF15 (75ml, RRP $39.99)
    White Glo Charcoal Total Mouth Detox Whitening Mouthwash (500ml, RRP $6.99)

    Face

    Bioré Baking Soda Pore Cleanser (200ml, RRP $10.99)
    As part of my "let's clear the bench" campaign, I finished off this cleanser, which has been hanging around with about 10 pumps left in it for 2 years. It doesn't seem to be available any more, which on the one hand is a shame as I enjoyed it's effectiveness on my combo skin, however, the decision to drop it from the range may have been something to do with the annoyance that I could never seem to remove all the little baking soda granules from my face if I used it at the basin. Who knows, but that was my only beef, and I quite liked the scent ...
    Repurchase?
    No - discontinued ...

    L'Oreal Pure Clay Detoxifying Gel Wash (150ml, RRP $14.99)
    Love this but it's incredibly messy unless used in the shower. Stains my wash cloth too but I'm prepared to put up with that as it works a treat to deep cleanse my face, and I've a passion for skincare products containing charcoal. It also has a very pleasant fragrance ...
    Repurchase?
    Yep, but not till the weather warms up ...

    Olay Luminous Tone Perfecting Cream (14g, RRP $10)
    I seem to have a stash of these trial-size jars of Olay creams from various sources, so I'll work my way through them whenever I finish something else. This one was truly a joy to use, refreshing floral scent and it left my skin lusciously hydrated and soft. Didn't notice any improvement in luminescence or spot fading, but hey, the jar only lasts a week which really is too soon to tell if it's working ...
    Repurchase?
    I'm about to start the Regenerist Retinol24 range, so no ...

    Swisse Micellar Makeup Remover + Cucumber Extract (300ml, RRP $10.95)
    Very good second cleanser and I always go for micellars that don't drag on my skin - this one has lots of slip and picked up every last trace of makeup left from the first cleanse, but the scent was a bit weird - not sure what it is, kind of earthy, but definitely not cucumber ...
    Repurchase?
    Doubt it - there are others that smell much nicer ...

    Regulars
    Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes (Pack of 25, RRP $7.99) 
    Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover (112ml, RRP $10.89) 
    Swisspers Make-up Pads (Pack of 80, RRP $3.79)


    Face Masks

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


    Fragrance

    Britney Spears Believe Eau De Parfum (100ml, RRP $39)
    I've had this bottle for six years, and only just finished it. Not one I would purchase on a regular basis, but I'll definitely be replacing this one with a smaller size, just 'cos I need it every now and then. It's very different from all the others from this gal. My ancient review of it is HERE ...
    Repurchase?
    Affirmative - the 30ml bottle is available from CW for $19.99 ...

    Jennifer Aniston Chapter Two Eau De Parfum (30ml, RRP $19.99)
    Love this floral oriental fragrance - my full review of it is HERE ...
    Repurchase?
    Definitely. There is a 50ml bottle but this one is small enough for the handbag, so I don't have to decant it. I'm actually leaning towards smaller bottles in general for the same reason ...

    Hair

    Regulars
    Goldwell Dualsenses Color Revive Color Giving Conditioner - Icy Blonde (s00ml, RRP $32.95)


    Makeup

    Maybelline Volume Express The Falsies Mascara (RRP $19.95)
    I actually use two mascaras when I'm going to work or somewhere special. I start with the waterproof variety of The Falsies, then curl my lashes (it holds the curl indefinitely), followed by a coat of this baby, and a waterproof layer over the top. I do this because this non-waterproof variety has heaps more fibres and gives my lashes some much-needed bulk ...
    Repurchase?
    I have a stash ...

    Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Mascara (RRP $24.95)
    Tried this during the lockdown, and it's good, but nothing special happened as far as lifting was concerned, so I'll stick with the original formulas ...
    Repurchase?
    No - the combo mentioned above works best for me ...

    Regulars
    Australis AC On Tour Contouring & Highlighting Kit - Cool Tone Cream (RRP $24.95)
    Australis HD Translucent Loose Setting Powder (RRP $16.95)
    DB Pore Minimising Primer (25ml, $14.99)
    Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner (RRP $15.95)


    Christmas In July Giveaway!


    I think we could all do with a bit of a boost, so this month at kats colourings, we're having Christmas In July! The pack includes...
    • Olay Eyes Retinol24 Night Cream
    • Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturiser
    • Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Serum
    ...but there are also some extra surprises in store for the lucky winner, because Christmas is all about surprises hey?  All items were purchased by me and the approximate value of the pictured products is around $180, but the "surprises" take it a fair whack above that.  The giveaway is open to...

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

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

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

      a Rafflecopter giveaway
      Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Claire F. as the winner.  
      Congratulations gorgeous! 
      Claire, please respond to the email I've sent you by midnight
      Wednesday 29th July to claim your prize :-)
      Edit: Claire has claimed her prize 
      ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

      Best of luck to all who enter!

      Take care of you,
      kats xxx

      Sunday, 17 May 2020

      April 2020 Empties & Giveaway!...

      What a revealing month for Empties April was! With the rather sudden reduction in the volume of what I went through, it's pretty obvious that I use quite a lot of products for presenting myself to the outside world, and working from home combined with only venturing to the shops one day per week sure made a significant difference. I also decided to give my hair a break from any major colouring attempts and bought half a dozen newsboy caps instead lol. Still, there's a couple of interesting skincare items in this lot, so on with the reviews ...

      Every product I finished in April 2020

      Body

      Black Chicken Remedies Axilla Deodorant Paste (15g, RRP $7.95)
      Rated this #3 in my Top 6 Aluminium-free Deodorants (review HERE), and the only reason it won 3rd prize is because I have to use my fingers to apply it. Other than that little fussy-folly of mine, this stuff is legendary ...
      Repurchase?
      If they made it in a stick form, you betcha ...


      KOi Relaxing Body Wash - Jasmine & Sandalwood (500ml, RRP $8)
      Beautifully fragranced, natural ingredients, great price, SLS & cruelty-free - a truly lovely body wash available from supermarkets, but just not quite enough hydrating power to meet my new baseline requirements ...
      Repurchase?
      Maybe next Summer ...

      Schmidt's Bergamot + Lime Natural Deodorant (75g, RRP $13.99)
      Schmidt's deodorants are my current #1 in the aluminium-free range, and I'm crazy about the Charcoal & Magnesium, Cedarwood & Juniper & Lavender & Sage varieties, but not this one. It works brilliantly and has a lovely zesty fragrance, but the little lumps in it (I think it's baking soda) are way too hard and scratchy - so much so I found this quite painful to apply. I bought it on special at Priceline so it may have been old stock and dried out, but I won't get it again just in case that's the way it is - it's just too harsh for my pits...
      Repurchase?
      No...

      Regulars
      Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)
      White Glo Charcoal Total Mouth Detox Whitening Mouthwash (500ml, RRP $6.99)

      Face

      Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream (50ml, RRP $205)
      One of the ritzy-ditzy products in the 2019 lookfantastic Advent Calendar, and one I was super excited to try, especially given the rave reviews and hefty price tag. Well now, I'm a little puzzled as I really didn't find it fabulous at all. Mind you I only used it at night. On the plus side, it's a lovely textured cream, very light, and the tiniest amount spreads so easily and absorbs well, but I didn't find it the least bit special - there were no obvious improvements in my fine lines, moisture levels or elasticity. The fragrance was disappointingly bleah - like an old-fashioned el-cheapo cold-cream, but not even as pleasant as that. Marketed as "a revolutionary anti-aging product", sorry folks it didn't work for me...
      Repurchase?
      No way...

      Indeed Labs Snoxin Facial Line & Wrinkle Fighting Serum (30ml, RRP ?)
      This has been in my stockpile drawer for longer than I can remember (like maybe 2 years), and I probably shouldn't review it at all as it's no longer for sale (there is a new version Snoxin II). But the seal was intact so I decided not to toss it. Actually, a lovely and amazingly slippery serum which left my skin feeling so silky smooth, but there were no obvious improvements. The box said "4 x better than $500+ serums" - maybe mine was old and had lost its potency, but I can't discount how fabulous it made my skin feel, and would definitely try the new version ...
      Repurchase?
      Snoxin II, yes ...

      Liar Wrinkle Cheater Eye Roller Serum (12ml, RRP $39.95)
      This came in the July 2019 Bellabox, and because it has a metal roller ball, I put it away till the warmer weather as it felt so cold on my face. Silly me - it's SO good! The best roller-ball eye serum I've ever tried - I don't know how or why, but unlike every other eye cream with this kind of dispenser, the Liar ball never EVER drags on my delicate skin. On first application, there is an immediate tightening sensation, and my eyes look refreshed and feel perfectly hydrated. No improvement to my eye bags, but my crow's feet are less deep and the under-eye area especially has lost that crepey withered look - 100% natural ingredients too ...
      Repurchase?
      Ooh yes ...

      L'Oreal Pure Clay Exfoliating Scrub (150ml, RRP $14.99)
      Absolutely LOVE the smell of this scrub and how it leaves my skin so soft and de-flaked without being harsh, although I wouldn't use it on my old skin more than once a week. It's messy (like the charcoal one) so best used in the shower, but it's a great product and a great price. No less than three clays plus red algae ...
      Repurchase?
      Yes ma'am ...


      Nivea Q10 Power Anti-Wrinkle Replenishing Day Cream for 60+ Skin (50ml, RRP $23.99)
      Trialled this for beautyheaven throughout the summer, I gave it 5 stars - my review is 4th from the bottom of the page HERE. Needs a light hand with the quantity or else there's a high probability of T-zone shine, but overall I loved it. So often the creams made for us oldies are way too rich for my skin and I end up with clogged pores, but not with this darling. The fragrance is fresh and delightful, and the price is surprisingly low, just wish it was 30+ SPF ...
      Repurchase?
      Sure will ...

      Regulars
      Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover (112ml, RRP $10.89) 
      Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence (40ml, RRP $39.99) 

      Face Masks

      Kmart Raspberry Leaf Botanical Eye Mask (2 pairs, RRP $3)
      My latest passion in the eye patch arena. These are as cheaps as chips, supremely comfortable, and surprisingly effective - they're the jelly type, almost invisible on the skin, and they slide down if you're standing up, but I wear them to bed. And at $1.50 a pop, I can afford them every night! These ones are for firming, and they also come in Red Ginseng for brightening, and Evening Primrose for hydrating ...
      Repurchase?
      Silly question lol ...

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

      Fragrance

      Sarah Jessica Parker  Lovely EDP (30ml, RRP $9.99)
      One of my faves, and the 30ml bottle is the perfect handbag size as well as being totally affordable - lovingly reviewed HERE ...
      Repurchase?
      Already have ...

      Paco Rabanne Lady Million EDP (30ml, RRP $81)
      The cutest little sample size, I forget how this came into my hands, but I'm glad it did as I sampled it years ago (when I was a different person ha ha) and didn't think much of it. Have definitely changed my mind about it, but maybe not quite enough to spend $80. Woodsy white flowers with a touch of orange and a base of patchouli. Quite the seductress, but I have caught a drift of it on quite a few gals, and that always puts me off a bit. Still, I might relent ...
      Repurchase?
      Maybe ...

      Regulars

      Hair

      Kérastase Paris Densifique Densimorphose Treatment Mousse (150ml, RRP $48)
      My stylist recommended this for my new spikey haircut, which needs some lift and has a tendency to reveal my scalp in places (and consequently my white roots if I've been slack), so I needed something to create a bit more fullness, and this is it. It doesn't make my hair all goopy and really fluffs it out without adding to the frizz. It's my first ever Kérastase product, and I'm already on my second can ...
      Repurchase?
      Affirmative ...

      Regulars
      Salon Professional Supplies Creme Peroxide 5 vol (200ml, RRP $5.95)
      Salon Professional Supplies Pro-Colour - Violet Toner (100ml, RRP $14.95)
      Schwarzkopf Live Colour Pastels - Cool Grey (RRP $5.49)

      Makeup
      Regulars
      Australis HD Translucent Loose Setting Powder (RRP $16.95)
      Eye of Horus Charcoal Obsidian Goddess Pencil (1.2g, RRP $30)
      Maybelline Volume Express The Falsies Waterproof Mascara (RRP $19.95)

      Giveaway
      This month's giveaway prize

      Ok, so this month we have up for grabs...
      • Sarah Jessica Parker Lovely EDP 30ml
      • Nourished Life Antibacterial Hand Sanitiser 125ml
      • Shea Moisture African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Body Scrub
      • Lacura Cherish Luxury Hand Cream with Peony Flower & Mandarin Oil Extract
      • Peppermint Grove Patchouli & Bergamot Soy Candle 60g
      • Colette Teardrop Diamante Stud Earring & Ring Set (Medium)

      All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $65.  The giveaway is open to...

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

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

        a Rafflecopter giveaway
        Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Ange L. as the winner.  
        Congratulations gorgeous! 
        Ange, please respond to the email I've sent you by midnight
        Wednesday 27th May to claim your prize :-)
        Edit: Ange has claimed her prize 
        ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

        Best of luck to all who enter!

        Take care of you, and keep safe,
        kats xxx