SPOTLIGHT: October 2018 Empties & Giveaway!...

Late again, but that seems to be the way with my Empties posts, so I'll just get on with all the amazing things I finished off in October - only one dud lol!...

Body

Coffee Bar Vanilla Latte Body Exfoliator (60g, $5.99)

Hmmm - have you ever wondered what it would be like to rub your skin with a cheese grater? Not something I'd thought about, but I reckon this bar does an admirable impression. I was not prepared for how painful this would be - I mean, there's no warning on the pack to say "can be used as a torture device".  I'm joking of course, but if you have sensitive skin, don't even go there. It's not technically an empty as I still use it occasionally on my heels, but only if I'm feeling particularly brave...

Repurchase?

One word, two letters - N O !!!

Ecostore Vanilla & Coconut Body Wash (400ml, $8.99 from Woolworths)

Had another rave about this on Sunday in my SLS-Free post ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Always! ♥♥♥...

Natural Secrets Goatsmilk Moisturising Shower Gel (500ml, $11.99)

A full and glowing review of this skin soothing wonder HERE. It's also SLS-free ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely, just have to finish off something else to make room lol ♥♥♥...

Thankyou Botanical Patchouli & Vanilla Hand Wash (500ml, $7.50)

Love this for the cold months as it's quite a warming earthy scent, and it's terrific value - the bottle lasts and lasts ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Definitely, but not till next autumn - I've already bought the Lemon Myrtle one for summer ♥♥♥...

Face

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

This was a 200ml bottle I bought on special last year. About 6 months ago I switched from using it every night to once per week because my skin seemed to have become used to it. But after reducing the frequency, I'm back to seeing the usual and wonderfully dramatic results, as well as experiencing the comforting tingle of this ahh-mazing skin resurfacer ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I still have a 100ml bottle in reserve, but once that's done and dusted, definitely ♥♥♥...

DB Pore Minimising Primer (25ml, $14.99)

Interestingly I stopped using primer earlier in the year as I was mixing together my CC cream and foundation (50/50) and didn't seem to need anything to prep my skin other than moisturiser. But, I was recently gifted with some Nude by Nature Mineral Cover, and it looked terrible on my face UNTIL I dug into my drawer and found this neglected tube. It's actually a brilliant primer and certainly fills in the pores so that the powder foundation sits magnificently, and lasts all day. It's a mousse consistency, oil & talc free, vegan and not tested on animals - WINNER! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Till the cows come home ♥♥♥...

Grahams Natural Organic Lip Balm - Raspberry (4.25g, $7.95)

Sometimes I wonder why on earth I bother with any other lip balm when this is my favourite, and the most effective ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Just placed an order this weekend for four more tubes ♥♥♥...

L'Oreal Age Perfect Golden Age Rosy Re-Densifying Day Cream SPF15 (50ml, $38.95)

The Beautyheaven Trial Team has been the source of pretty much all the L'Oreal skincare I've tried - my 5-star review of this particular flavour is fourth from the bottom HERE. My blog review of the earlier version minus the SPF15 is HERE. If I wasn't so fickle with face products I'd probably keep buying L'Oreal stuff as it's always excellent, and my face has loved every variety I've been lucky enough to trial. But as mentioned last month, I'm torn as to which set I should use as they treat different concerns. I guess I'm waiting for them to bring out a 60+ radiance-enhancing, pigmentation reducing, pore-refining, wrinkle erasing, neck and chin lifting, combination skin formula - ha ha! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Gee...probably ♥♥♥...

L'Oreal Age Perfect Intensive Re-Nourish Extraordinary Repairing Serum (30ml, $36.95)

Another one I trialled for bh (4th from the top HERE) - loved it SO MUCH I bought a second bottle because the results were SO GOOD in the firming and texture refining department. I've only stopped using it because I have a drawer stacked with other serums that I simply must use up or they'll expire ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Once I've gone through a couple of others, without a doubt! ♥♥♥...

Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence (40ml, RRP $39.99)

One of the few products that I use every single day, and will do so forever - this is the bomb for youthful radiance, and to improve the effectiveness of whatever serum I'm using ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Whenever it's on special, I have three spares in my drawer ♥♥♥...

Sukin Moisture Restoring Night Cream (120ml, $19.95)

Sukin can do little wrong in my book, and this night cream is excellent but nowhere near rich enough for my winter skin needs, so I switched to something more potent in May - this is fine for me in the warmer weather & it's a lovely cream in a huge jar, but to be honest, I need something with major anti-ageing additives. And because of my usual dilemma of up to five opened moisturisers on my bench at any one time, I used it up on my body so it wouldn't be wasted, which was a brilliant idea as it was a totally divine all over moisturising experience for the better part of 2 weeks! ♥...

Repurchase?

No, but only because I need more high tech help than this can provide ♥...

Face Masks

Dr.Lewinn's Ultra R4 Lift & Firm Collagen Firming Face Mask ($9.95)

Mmmm nice one -  all in one piece, but there's a split along the cheek line so you can stretch and reposition the lower half to get the best fit. It's one of those jelly types, very cooling & refreshing, left my skin beautifully smooth and slightly pumped. Didn't notice much firming but I did look all glowy afterwards ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Will do, but will probably wait till it's on special ♥♥♥...

Garnier SkinActive Hydra Bomb Eye Tissue Mask ($3.99)

Very flimsy under eye patches (in the pic below) - this was not a good test as they moved around underneath the clay mask I stuck on over the top, so I'll reserve judgement till the next time I try them. They were lovely and cooling though, just not sure if they're any good for eye bags ♥...

Repurchase?

Perhaps ♥...

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

Love these, used two this month ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Priceline had them on special so I stocked up ♥♥♥...

Skin Republic Green Tea Mud Sheet Mask (18g, RRP $12.99)

Went on about these back in July - I think this is my #1 favourite mask  ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Finally nabbed a few on special ♥♥♥...

LonVitalite C7 Collagen & Gold Lip Mask (Box of 6, RRP $35)

Have reported on these before - brilliant! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

You betcha ♥♥♥...

Skin Republic 24K Gold Aquagel Under Eye Patch (2 pairs, RRP $12.99)

Adore! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Got some on special! ♥♥♥...

Skin Republic Pink Clay Mud Sheet Mask (18g, RRP $12.99)

I think I'm keeping Skin Republic in business - if they make a record profit this year it will be because of me ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Ooh yes ♥♥♥...

Overnighters:

Purederm Ginkgo Eye Puffiness Minimizing Patches (2 pairs, RRP $3)

Went through three packs of these ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Every other week ♥♥♥...

Hair

Scott Cornwall Colour Restore Iced Platinum Anti-Yellow Toner (100ml, RRP $16.95)

Haven't found anything better than this as yet for maintaining my ashy tones - going through a tube every month ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Yes indeedy ♥♥♥...

Home

Models Prefer Scented Reed Diffuser Sampler - London (Box of 5, RRP $30)

Covered the background of this last month - lovely scent combination of rose, tangerine & musk, and a cute little Big Ben charm around the neck ♥... 

Repurchase?

Maybe - I prefer the Paris scent overall, but this is nice for the cooler months ♥...

Makeup

IT Cosmetics Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer - Light (8ml, $38)

I bought this two years ago (review HERE), but it was way too light and I ordered the medium which is perfect. So it's been languishing in my makeup drawer for all that time, but I couldn't bear to throw it out - turns out that was wise as it was just the thing for my ghoulish Halloween complexion in the pic below. I mashed up an old green eyeshadow and blended it with the entire tube of concealer, and then plastered it all over my face and down my neck for an instant Morticia Adams/Angelica Houston! ♥...

Repurchase?

Not the light one - medium is the right shade for me ♥...

Maybelline Total Temptation Brow Definer - Blonde (RRP $13.95)

Reviewed HERE, my go-to brow product ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Forever ♥♥♥...

Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner (RRP $15.95)

The only lower lashliner I use ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I go through one of these every three months ♥♥♥...

NYX Ombre Blush - Mauve Me (8g, $17.95)

My favourite blush of all time - this is my second pan, and like the first one, I've gone through it in 12 months because it's the most beautiful shade that perfectly matches my skin tone. There's a picture of it in my review HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I bought a spare about 6 months ago, and I'm so glad I did because it's no longer listed on their website, or available in Priceline, which probably means it's been discontinued - WAAAHHHHHHHHHH! ♥♥♥...

Giveaway!

• Skin Physics 24K Gold Aquagel Under Eye Patches
• Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence
• Grahams Natural Organic Lip Balm - Raspberry
• DB Pore Minimising Primer
• BotanicES Body Crème - 100ml

All products were purchased by me, the total value is around $100, 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

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This giveaway is now closed 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Leonie C. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Thursday 6th December to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Leonie has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: August 2018 Empties!...

Gee I barely finished off any body products last month - no, I haven't stopped showering, it's all about my face lol! As you can see my passion for cloth masks is a permanent condition, and with the market expanding exponentially (who ISN'T bringing out sheet masks?), there are always new ones to try as well as faves to revisit, so let's get on with the reviews ♥...

Body

DU'IT Tough Hands For Her (75g, RRP $9.95)

From memory, this was a freebie with a beautyheaven beautorium parcel last year, and I've only just gotten around to giving it a go. Was very pleasantly surprised, a lovely lightweight but potent non-greasy hand cream with a baby powder fragrance. Absorbs very well and leaves my hands feeling super smooth and soft ♥♥...

Repurchase?

Definitely, but not till I've used up a few of my others ♥♥...

Johnson's Baby Cotton Buds (Box of 60, RRP $2.99)

These are one of three types of cotton buds that I have on my bench, mainly for makeup cleanups after major disasters, but I occasionally use them to help soak up the excess moisture in my ears after I've washed my hair, and they're also useful for cleaning out my eye/lip pencil sharpeners. Being so big and fat they're super absorbent ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Always a spare pack in my drawer ♥♥♥...

Natura Siberica Oblepikha Shower Gel (400ml, RRP $10.99)

Interestingly I didn't like this shower gel at all when it first came out - the fragrance put me off, way too astringent and I cringed whenever I sniffed it in store. Back then it reminded me a bit of cat pee. But I decided to give it another try a few months ago, and now I'm quite taken with it - refreshing, non-drying, and it foams well. Just goes to show that my nose definitely has moods, and I've learned to not say "never" ha ha ♥...

Repurchase?

Yes - it will be great for summer when I want something zingy ♥...

Face

Beauty by Nicholas Plump It Up (50ml, RRP $59.99)

Regrettably, I didn't get this at all. I tried using it multiple ways - under makeup, over makeup, overnight, during the day, but no discernible impact on any of my fine lines or deep creases. I tried different amounts (using too much results in flaking), patting it on, massaging it in, but...nada - I think perhaps I'm too far gone lol!... 

Repurchase?

No...

Beechworth Honey Meadow Honey & Grapefruit Gentle Scrub (100ml, RRP $12)

This is as effective as my fave Bush Honey & Macadamia one (reviewed HERE) but the fragrance isn't as delish ♥♥... 

Repurchase?

No, but I will definitely buy the Macadamia one again ♥♥...

essano Clear Complexion Detoxifying Serum with Probiotics (30ml, RRP $29.99)

A bit embarrassed to say this was gifted at the beautyheaven Glosscars event back in March. I used it for several weeks (and loved it) and then had to switch to quite a few other serums I was "officially" trialling, and only just got to finish it off last month. It's a beauty and a blessing if you have oily or combination skin. Upon application, it mattifies the skin surface, and over time it reduced the oil production on my nose, and for both those reasons, it's going to be a winner for the humid Sydney Summer. Has an unusual but pleasant earthy oatmealy scent which doesn't linger. My beautyheaven review of it is HERE about halfway down the page (katshepsutt) ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Absolutely ♥♥♥...

Nivea Hydro Care Lip Balm (4.8g, RRP $4.49)

Another one I just didn't "get", or perhaps it's just that my lips are outrageously dry - this did very little to soothe my pout. I kept it next to my computer and found myself applying and reapplying it every 15 minutes or so. I honestly didn't feel any benefit from it, which is odd as it's highly rated in most online reviews. It just seemed to soak in, and then vanish... 

Repurchase?

No, there are quite a few others that work for me...

Nutrimetics Restore Anti-Ageing Eye Creme with Sauvignon Blanc Concentrate (15ml, RRP $52)

Bought this on special (almost half price) and I'm kicking myself for not buying more, but I rarely stock up before trying because, well, who knows? Anyways it's a gem of an eye cream. Unlike others that have a microscopic nozzle, this one has a fat cap that won't disappear down the plughole if you drop it (one day my sink is going to block up!). Very rich, quite thick but absorbs well and yet still leaves a surface film, delicate and pleasant floral fragrance, and...it firms. Woo hoo! My hoods appeared less saggy (which is a miracle) and the lid surface crinkles weren't anywhere near as prominent. Did nothing for my under-eye baggies, but not ever having found an eye cream that treats ALL my issues, I'm prepared to use this above my eyes, and another brand below ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

YES! Hanging out till it's on special again ♥♥♥...

Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence (40ml, RRP $39.99)

Raved about this last month HERE. It's SO GOOD I buy a bottle whenever it's on special, which seems to be every other week. ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Currently have 4 stashed away ♥♥♥...

Indeed Laboratories Snoxin Facial Line Fighter (30ml, RRP $39.99)

Had high hopes for this, but I only had a 5ml sample, and to be fair, it's just not enough for me to see any difference. Nice serum though, lots of slip, barely any fragrance, kept my skin hydrated day and night. Fortunately for moi, my darling friend and fellow blogger Lara from RivetLicker recently gifted me with a 30ml bottle, so I'll be having another go at this shortly ♥... 

Repurchase?

Will see how I go over a longer term ♥...

Face Masks

Essenzza Natural Silk Facial Mask - Carrot Seed & Coconut Oil (RRP $4.98)

What a pleasant surprise this was. Pictured below, it fits like a glove and is darn near invisible, which is a bonus if you co-habit or have pets. Super hydrating, smoothing and soothing ♥♥...

Repurchase?

You betcha - I have a few other varieties from the range to try, but this one is excellent ♥♥...

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

The results from these are noticeable, but they're a challenge to apply as there's so much serum, and being made of cloth, they tangle and fold over, and they're too wet to sleep in ♥...

Repurchase?

Naaah, the hydrogel type is so much easier to use, although these are a tad more effective ♥...

Skin Republic Nose Strip + Charcoal (6 strips, RRP $7.99)

Have covered these before - they work well to remove blackheads without damaging the skin ♥...

Repurchase?

Maybe - my blackheads are almost non-existent now (yay!) but if they return, I will ♥...

BodyBlendz Collagen Eye Mask (Box of 5, RRP $19.99)

These are good for hydrating, but not special enough for me to repurchase, and they sting a little bit if I position them too close to the lower lid. They're the clear plasticcy kind with embedded sparkles and four different colours, so they're a bit of fun...

Repurchase?

No, I prefer the cloth-backed hydrogel ones...

Garnier SkinActive Pure Charcoal Tissue Mask with Black Algae (RRP $4.95)

This is a frequent repeater, and one of the best I've tried for shrinking my craterish pores ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Regularly, and I stock up when they're on special ♥♥♥...

LonVitalite C7 Collagen & Gold Lip Mask (Box of 6, RRP $35)

My lips and their surrounds just LOVE these, what a treat, plus they melt away the vertical lines above my top lip, and keep them away for a day ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Gonna ♥♥♥...

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

I've said before I would use these every day if I could afford them - I look so different with only one chin! Used two this month, wish it had've been four, but I'm budgeting ♥...

Repurchase?

Come on Priceline, how about another sale hmm? ♥...

Skin Republic Retinol Hydrogel Mask (RRP $12.99)

Lovely two piece mask of the jelly kind, great fit and glowing results. You need to stay horizontal for 40 minutes, so for me, it will be a quarterly treat. Supernally hydrating, firming and smoothing ♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, now and then - I'd rather spend my $12.99 more frequently on their clay/mud masks which I can walk around in♥...

Overnighters:

Purederm Ginkgo Eye Puffiness Minimizing Patches (2 pairs, RRP $3)

Yeah baby ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yeah baby. These are catching on - it's a struggle to find them at Kmart, but I always have some spares ♥♥♥...

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

I alternate these with the above Purederm ones ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Always ♥♥♥...

Makeup

Eye of Horus Goddess Pencils - Scarab Sapphire & Selenite White (RRP $30)

Pure eye love, you know I adore these ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Already have another Scarab Sapphire one, I'll skip the Selenite White one as I don't use white on my waterline any more ♥♥♥...

Giveaway!

As usual, a selection of this month's empties, and who doesn't like trying stuff for free? ♥...

• 1 x Skin Republic Nose Strip + Charcoal (6 strips)
• 1 x Garnier SkinActive Pure Charcoal Tissue Mask with Black Algae
• 1 x Rodial Dragon's Blood Eye Mask
• 1 x Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence
• 1 x Johnson's Baby Cotton Buds
• 1 x Beechworth Honey Bush Honey & Macadamia Gentle Scrub

All products were purchased by me, the total value is around $75, 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

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

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

Wednesday 3rd October to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Candice has claimed her prize ♥

Thanks to all of you who entered!

Just a little reminder that if you don't comment on these giveaway posts, 

your entry is not counted.

There were lots of folks this month that I had to disqualify

because either there was no comment posted on this page, 

or they didn't enter the name inside the Rafflecopter

that they use to follow me, so I have no way of validating the entry.

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx