September 2020 Empties & Giveaway!...

Hmm yes well, I'd planned to have these up in October along with the other two giveaways, but with one thing and another (including a bunch of beautyheaven reviews), I didn't get there. Then for one brief (and fleeting) moment, I thought maybe I should combine them with the October Empties, but as you can probably imagine, I couldn't fit them all on my bench, let alone in one camera shot lol! So anyway, I'm continuing on with the usual process, and fingers crossed I can get last month's ones up before we hit December - eek, December!...

Body

Bosisto's Kakadu Plum & Lemon Myrtle Nourishing Body Wash (500ml, RRP $8)

Lovely body wash with a deliciously crisp & refreshing lemon scent - love the simplicity of the packaging and that it's available at Coles. No SLS content, Aussie-made, not tested on animals, and it's vegan, but still not quite moisturising enough compared with the others in my rack. Boy am I getting fussy! ♥♥...

Repurchase?

Maybe, if I have trouble getting hold of my other faves ♥♥...

Lanolips Rose Hand Cream Intense (50ml, RRP $16.99)

This was gifted to me so long ago I can't remember the source, and even though I had broken the seal, it's been in a dark drawer so it was perfectly fine. Not quite as intense as I'd hoped, and I have others that give my hands a richer treatment, but that rose fragrance? Heavenly! Absorbs quickly and completely, and it was particularly effective on my shrivelled cuticles ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, if for nothing else than the fabulous scent ♥♥♥...

No Pong All Natural Anti Odourant (35g, RRP $8.95)

Small quantity left in the tin from last summer's series on aluminium-free deodorants - full review is HERE. Excellent product and 100% effective against odour & wetness - it didn't score 10/10 but only because getting the lid off is a challenge for me ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I would if my other preferred ones weren't available. This would be ideal for travellers because it's so small ♥♥♥...

Regulars
Colgate Plax Alcohol Free Gentle Mint Mouth Wash (500ml, RRP $6.49)
Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)
White Glo Charcoal Total Mouth Detox Whitening Mouthwash (500ml, RRP $6.99)
White Glo Micellar Whitening Toothpaste (100ml, RRP $5.99)
White Glo Toothbrush (free with the above toothpaste)

Face

Bioré Charcoal Cleansing Micellar Water (300ml, RRP $10.99)

So many micellars on the market and after doing a whole bunch of research when they first appeared over 5 years ago, this is the one that I'm sticking with, well for the time being anyway. It's highly effective, a great price and I LOVE the fragrance. It's not that it works any better than many others, but the scent is so appealing. Beats me why this hasn't appeared in my Regulars section before as I've bought many bottles, but it will next time ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

That's a yes ♥♥♥...

Nutrimetics Ultra Care+ Super-C & Retinol Serum  (20ml, RRP $70)

I haven't been all that impressed with the cheaper serums from this brand (mind you the Platinum one is sensational), and while this is still somewhat pricey, I bought it because they had a special deal of buy-one-get-one-free, so for $35, I was in! The serum itself is actually pretty darn fabulous, but the packaging sucks - a skinny little tube that I had trouble holding, and the product kinda squirts down the outside of the cap rather than onto the fingers. The serum is very thick, rich and viscous, and I would struggle to spread it onto my face in the cold weather, but apart from these issues, it made my skin look amazing - glowy, refined, plump, and a delicate floral fragrance, pretty much everything you want from a serum ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely, when it's on special, but not in the cooler months ♥♥♥...

Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Serum (30ml, RRP $59.99)

The jury is still out on this one. To be fair, this bottle wasn't used continuously as I was trialling the Skin Physics sculpting gel below and excluding all other products, so I'll reserve final judgement until I've had time to use another complete bottle without interruption. In the interim, I can say that it's a terrific serum that causes absolutely zero irritation, but I can't tell yet if it's any better for my age-related skin issues than others I've used. Adore the purple packaging, and I was surprised that I didn't mind the fact that it is fragrance-free (no fragrance is better than one that I dislike). Other advantages are that Olay products are regularly on special, so I'll never EVER have to pay full price for it, and it has maintained the pore refinement that I was seeing from my other retinol serums. To be continued ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes (on spesh natch) ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Eaoron Makeup Remover Balm (90g, RRP $39)

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

RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum (3ml, RRP $65)

Skin Physics Dragon's Blood Facial Sculpting Gel (50ml, RRP $59.95)
St. Ives Blackhead Clearing GreenTea Scrub (150ml, RRP $9.99)

Face Masks

Regulars

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

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

Hair

Head & Shoulders Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (200ml, RRP $6.75)

Fortunately, I'm not dealing with dandruff or flaking scalp - I bought this many months ago on the recommendation of my stylist to remove excess colour safely from my hair if my home dye ends up too dark, and it's really quite effective. Even more so if I crush a Vitamin C tablet and mix it in with the liquid. It leaves my hair feeling like straw so I only do one application, leave it on for at least 5 minutes, rinse and then use my usual Goldwell Kerasilk one for application #2, and then it feels ok again. It sure takes out the dye quick-smart! ♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, but I've had so many compliments about my (accidental) darker hair shade I may not need it lol... ♥♥♥

Regulars

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

Goldwell Kerasilk Control Conditioner (1L, RRP $80.95)

Schwarzkopf Igora Royal Permanent Color Creme - 8-11 Light Ash Blonde (RRP $23.95)

Schwarzkopf Live Colour Pastels - Cool Grey, Metallic - Lilac Chrome & Denim Steel (RRP $5.49)

Makeup

Regulars

Chi Chi Highlighting & Contouring Palette (33g, RRP $24.95)

Maybelline Brow Ultra Slim Eyebrow Pencil (RRP $15.95)

Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner (RRP $15.95)

Natio Define Eye Pencil - Steel Grey (RRP $14.95) 

Giveaway!

Up for grabs are...

• Elizabeth Arden 5th avenue boxed set - EDP (125ml), Parfum (3.7ml) & Moisturising Body Lotion (100ml)
• Glow Lab Mini Pack (Creme Cleanser/Facial Moisturiser/Body Lotion/Facial Serum/Night Cream)
• MCoBeauty 2-in-1 Bronzer & Highlighter
• Sweet Little Things Floral Scented Soap Petals

All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $100.  The giveaway is open to...

Australian Residents Only! 

Here's how to enter...

1. Leave a blog post comment on this page as per 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

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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 Claudia C. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

Claudia, please respond to the email I've sent you by midnight

Wednesday 25th November to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Claudia has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you, and keep safe

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: April Empties!...

Absolute bumper crop of empties for last month - even impressed myself lol, although it's taken FOREVER to put this post together. Finished up some long termers (and I mean LONG), and of course I'm totally enraptured with cloth masks at the mo' ♥ Actually I don't think there's a single item here that I didn't love to bits, so here we go!...

Mirenesse Power Lift Dermal Firming Face Mask (2 sheets, RRP $25, VIP $17.50)

Mini review back in January HERE - still of the same opinion that it's a beauty, and there's the added bonus that there's no mess as the gel is only on one side of the mask ♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, but I have some of their Ice Crystal Cryotheraphy ones to use first ♥...

7th Heaven Very Berry Mud Masque (15g, $3.99)

This was part of my Secret Santa gift from the lovely Katelan from Katelan Maria. It's fabulous! Super cleansing and soothing, and bursting with Blueberries, Cranberries, Peach Kernel Oil & Aloe. Smells fantasticly fruity and left my skin feeling (and looking) like new. It's messy, but what mud mask isn't hey? I've just seen that Priceline has this range on a 3-for-2 special at the mo' ♥,..

Repurchase?

Definitely, actually I'm mad keen now to try all the other ones they make ♥...

Maybelline Master Glaze Blush Stick - Make A Mauve (6.8g, RRP $15.95)

It's taken just over 2 years to get to the bottom of this magical stick of creamy soft blush - I know because I scrolled way down in my Instagram page to find when I bought it (108 weeks ago to be exact). My favourite of the colour range, this is the perfect mauvey pink for my complexion. Love everything about this blush, from the formula to the packaging, to the price ♥...

Repurchase?

I panicked about 3 months ago when I was getting close to the stump, and bought another one ♥...

Urban Rituelle Ginger Apple Lip Balm (20gm, RRP $13.95)
Have had this on my bedside table for years, and was wondering if I'd ever hit pan - brilliant balm, brilliant value, cute-as container. They don't make this particular flavour any more, but there's seven to choose from HERE ♥....
Repurchase?
It's discontinued, but I still have half a pot of the Passionfruit one, and recently bought the Lemongrass, Lemon Myrtle, Grapefruit & Eucalyptus to try - I want to experience every single one! These are organic, and the ultra-enriching beeswax, shea butter & Vitamin E formula is the same in all varieties ♥...

Wotnot Facial Wipes Normal/Sensitive (25 wipes, $8.99)

Unlike many folks, I've never gotten into this brand of wipes - I usually only use the Neutrogena ones for cleaning my brushes, but after sampling these from the March Good Green Box, I'm a convert. Very kind to my skin, and they'll sure come in handy for those cold wintery late nights when I just can't bear to get my face wet ♥...

Repurchase?

Affirmative ♥...

Rimmel Stay Matte  Long Lasting Pressed Powder (14g, RRP $12.95)

An absolute essential for counteracting shine and for touchups throughout the day (included in my April post HERE), I always buy the transparent variety. I have one on my bench, one in my makeup purse, and...

Repurchase?

...a spare in my drawer ♥...

Skin Republic CoQ10 + Caviar Face Mask Sheet (25ml, RRP $7.99)

Nutty about everything this brand produces, and treat myself to one of their masks every Sunday - this is another that's fabulously hydrating, oodles of serum to replenish the skin's moisture, and it totally doused any redness in my complexion ♥...

Repurchase?

Already have my next one stashed away ♥...

Bioré Steam Activated Cleanser (145ml, RRP $10)

Thoroughly enjoyed this cleanser, although I didn't ever use it in the shower to take advantage of the steam activation. Still it worked a treat, non-drying, oil-free, non-comedogenic and I loved the fragrance ♥...

Repurchase?

Have had this for a while, and I can't see it on their website any more so it may have been discontinued. But all is not lost as their charcoal range is awesome..

Earth Mumma Pit Paste (30g, RRP $12.95)

This surprised the hell out of me with its effectiveness - came in the March Good Green Box (review HERE), and unlike any of the other aluminium-free deodorants I've tried, this one actually works, although I'd like to try it out on a hot humid January day to really put it to the test ♥......

Repurchase?

I'm not quite ready to take the plunge into a natural deodorant, but when I am, this is the one I will buy ♥...

Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Moisturising Lather Shampoo (250ml, RRP $32.95)

Recommended to me after my first keratin treatment for maintenance, I've been alternating this shampoo with my Swedish Reference staple. Lathers like there's no tomorrow, leaves my hair silky soft, and it's kind to colour treated tresses. Love it ♥...

Repurchase?

This was my second bottle, and I've since purchased some Goldwell Kerasilk shampoo for comparison, but I would buy it again in a flash ♥...

Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Keratin Cream Rinse (250ml, RRP $34.95)

Another post-keratin recommendation. Haven't used anything as softening as this before - I mean the way it makes my hair feel like strands of silk is ridiculous ♥... 

Repurchase?

Also bottle #2, and if the Kerasilk conditioner doesn't blow my skirt up, then I will DEFINITELY be buying this again ♥...

Johnson's Nutrient Burst Brightening Body Wash (384ml, RRP $6.99)

Lovely non-drying shower gel, and I'm addicted to the pomegranate & raspberry scent. Contains Vitamin A, B5, C & E. Due to crazy workload and subsequent blogging time constraints, I haven't as yet done an individual review ♥...

Repurchase?

Just as soon as I make some space in my caddy, or Spring arrives - whichever comes first ♥...

Lancôme Teint Visionnaire Skin Perfecting Foundation (30ml/2.8g, RRP $75)

First discovered this back in 2013 (review HERE), and for many years it was my HG foundation. It still is one of my favourites, but the price is a wee bit prohibitive, and I've found some others that work just as well for a fraction of the outlay (example HERE). The beauty of this is that it includes a matching concealer in the detachable lid ♥...

Repurchase?

Not at this stage as I'm kinda well stocked on foundation, but it's a brilliant font de teint ♥...

Skin Republic Spots & Blemish Anti-Spot & Pore Refining Mask (25ml, RRP $7.99)

Well fortunately I don't have any spots or blemishes, but I sure do need major pore refining. This mask contains Witch Hazel for tightening pores as well as Tea Tree & Salicylic Acid. Could see a very slight refinement in my skin texture, so I'll be trying more of these to see if there's a noticeable improvement with repeated use. The trouble is everything in this range is so good, I can't decide which ones to use on a regular basis - what a dilemma! ♥...

Repurchase?

Oui - three in reserve ♥...

Lanolips 101 Ointment - Strawberry (10g, RRP $14.95)

From a DJ's sample tote, this tube of skin restoring balm saved my nose and lips during my recent virus. Just about every time I have a cold, my nose and lips get so chafed and raw from tissue burn, and I invariably end up with a cold sore from the irritation. But thanks to this delightfully fragranced and healing ointment, I escaped that fate ♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely - I need a tube of this on hand 24/7 ♥...

Glasshouse Fragrance Diffuser - Beverly Hills Pink Lemonade (250ml, $42.95)

My passion for this room scenter has already been expressed HERE - sublime fragrance, and potent with a capital P ♥...

Repurchase?

You betcha - I have a bottle stashed away for Spring ♥...

Skin Republic Hyaluronic Acid + Collagen Face Mask Sheet (3ml/25ml, RRP $9.99)

A most interesting concept - the top section of the sachet contains a fruit enzyme microdermabrasion & peel serum that you massage in and leave on for a minute, then rinse off. Only the slightest hint of tingling, and then the sheet mask went on, followed by a tad more tingling. All these masks are amazingly hydrating and nourishing, and this double-step one is even more so. My face felt smooth as, and even looked a teeny bit firmer ♥...

Repurchase?

I think you know answer? ♥...

For Beloved One Mandelic Acid Advanced Renewal Serum (15ml, RRP ?)

This was gifted in the goodie bag from the Bloggers United AU event last November - from what I can gather, it's a Korean beauty favourite. An alpha hydroxy acid, I loved the feel of it, and how refreshed it made my skin look. No noticeable lightening of my pigmentation issues, but experience has taught me that this process takes time ♥...

Repurchase?

I would if I could find it - Sephora has some of their range, but not this particular serum ♥...

Australis AC On Tour Contouring & Highlighting Kit Cool Tone Cream (RRP $24.95)

Another can't-live-without included in my Everyday Makeup Essentials post - pan #6 is the perfect nose & cheek contouring shade for my skin. I feel bad about not using up the rest of the colours, but until I find a single or a cheaper solution, this is it ♥...

Repurchase?

As I said, it's a can't-live-without, so yes ♥...

La Roche-Posay Purifying Micellar Water for Oily Sensitive Skin (200ml, RRP $25.95)

Full review HERE ♥...

Repurchase?

Not at this stage - it's a lovely micellar water, but my stock phrase for these more exxy waters is "there are others out there that are just as effective for a fraction of the price" ♥...

Skin Republic Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patch (3 pairs, RRP $7.99)

By now you MUST know how I feel about these ♥...

Repurchase?

Natch ♥...

Phew - I don't know about you, but I'm exhausted ha ha! May is already shaping up to be a pretty good month too, so stay tuned...

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. You've probably guessed I'm linking to Ingrid's Monday Madness Link Up Party, wouldn't miss it for the world ♥...

What's On My Bedside Table Tag...

Sweet Varinder over at Make Up Me & YoYo tagged me the other day with her scathingly brilliant idea, and so did my beloved Gemma from Lady Sapphire Blog. So with a double whammy tagging, how could I refuse? (As if I'd NOT want to participate anyway hey)...

My dressing table doubles as a bedside bench, and I have very limited surface space (because I have so much makeup lol), so I try and keep things to a minimum. But handcreams are one of my greatest loves, and so is having choices, so I simply MUST have three on the go at any one time...

Mirenesse Power Lift Active Hand & Body Balm
Absolutely adore this stuff - in the past I've given Mirenesse a hard time for their marketing strategy (and outrageous RRP's) but buying this on special will give you the biggest treat. This cream has the most magical restorative powers for hands in need of severe love, and it smells like a freshly peeled orange. Super softening, it makes my skin feel like silk, and look 10 years younger ♥

Crabtree & Evelyn Evelyn Rose Hand Therapy
This was in my Blogstar pack. One word, two syllables - DI-VINE! I'm crazy about C&E hand creams, and to receive a giant sized tube was a major pleasure for me because I don't have to be mean with it. Containing shea butter, rose extracts (the fragrance is heavenly), macadamia nut oil & myrrh, this is a luxury I will make myself afford forever more. It's just so rich and moisturising, and the rose scent makes me SO glad I'm a gal ♥

Innoxa One & All Anti-Age Hand & Nail Rescue (SPF 15)
In my twenties and thirties, Innoxa One & All was the only hand cream I used. In those days they only had one formula and it came in a deep pink tube, and it transformed my nails from soft bendy tearaways into hard sleek talons. I'd quite forgotten all about it, and then spotted a whole variety of tubes in Chemist Warehouse last weekend for $3.99. It has barely any scent, but what there is is delicate and pretty, and I bought it specifically to use in the mornings because of the sunscreen content. Because I've only been using it for 2 days, I can't tell yet if it's the same brilliant formula as it was 30 years ago, but I'll report back in a few months time. I also bought the Intensive Hand & Nail Rescue for Very Dry Hands variety, and will review that in due course too...

Billie Goat Soap Lip Balm (Peach)
From memory this was in one of those DJ's sample bags, and it's now my #1 lip balm. I wouldn't dream of turning off the light without applying this to my lips. The peach fragrance makes me smile every time I use it, and the tube has a cleverly angled nozzle to make application easy and mess-free. Deliciously hydrating, I reckon this is one of the reasons I can still get away with LOTD closeups ha ha...

The Aromatherapy Co Therapy Range Sleep Pulse Point
Another gem from the DJ's bag, this is an oil you apply to your pulse points before retiring - wrists, neck, behind the ears, temples etc. The bottle is super slim, takes up very little space next to my bed, and has a tiny little roller ball in the top. A calming blend of lavender & chamomile, it's very subtle - just enough to give you delicate little wafts of the two herbs. I breathe it in, and then drift off to sleep ♥

Lanolips Golden Ointment
Yet ANOTHER winner from the DJ's tote, plus I scored a generous tube in my Blogstar box - yay! This baby is for my heels - they don't get cracked or overly ratty, the skin is just very dry, and seems to become progressively worse in winter when I live in boots. I rub this in every night to keep the whole area supple and nourished, and I doubt I will ever be without this next to my bed. Containing lanolin, Manuka honey and Vitamin E, it doesn't absorb completely, but not enough to mark my bed linen. It smells good enough to spread on toast, but I won't lol...

Let's Bring Back the Lost Language Edition
I cheated a bit here because I actually found this book UNDER the bed when I was setting up the photo - sadly it's been languishing there for a few months because when I hit the hay, I'm so incredibly tired, I go out like a light. But now that I've rediscovered it, I'll make a supreme effort to read a few of the fascinating sayings from bygone days before I close my eyes. Such an interesting read - it lists long forgotten expressions and includes a description of what they mean e.g. "jiggery-pokery" means "underhanded scheming", or "green around the gills" meaning "about to throw up", or "cockamamie" - "ridiculous". There's some brilliant little words and phrases for me to pluck out and use in forthcoming blog articles :-)

Well that's it - hope you've found this an interesting read. It's been a struggle to get it together and published  tonight with my eyes half closing, so please forgive me for not tagging anyone - I promise to make a supreme effort next time. Thanks again dear Varinder & Gemma for tagging moi ♥

Take care of you,
kats xxx