REVIEW & Giveaway: Myer Little Box of Beauty...

Sadly I missed the advent calendar bus this year - the two that I had my eye on sold out lightning-fast, but thanks to my beautyheaven friend Okatko (treasure!), I was reminded to get in quick for the always tempting and never disappointing Myer Little Box of Beauty. This will be my third one - all have been beaut value and a beauty bargain hunter's delight. At $80 for $220 worth of products (five of which are fragrances) & free delivery, I'm actually amazed that it's still available (HERE) but get in quick. Alternatively, you can stick around and read my blog post because I'm giving one away - it is, after all, Christmas! ♥...

Even the box is gorgeous - very sturdy and compact with eight drawer-like boxes, you could even use it to store jewellery or trinkets after sampling all the goodies ♥...

So here's what's in the first box: 

• Clinique Moisture Surge - 15ml
• OPI Nail Lacquer - 3.75ml, shade Princesses Rule!
• Lancome Hypnose Mascara - 2ml, Noir Hypnotic

Next up we have:

• Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Porefining Face Mask - 13g
• Sohum Tahitian Gardenia EDT Roller Ball - 8m

And there's an eau de parfum that I simply love:

Carolina Herrera Good Girl EDP - 7ml

And in another box are three fragrance miniatures - heaven!...

• Chi Chi Warm Vanilla Sugar EDP Spray - 15ml
• Miu Miu Twist EDP - 5ml
• Coach Floral Blush EDP - 4.5ml

Incidentally, the contents of all the boxes are identical, except for the Miu Miu fragrance - it varies between the EDP or the EDT...

And what's a beauty box without some delicious MOR products:

• MOR Marshmallow Hand & Body Wash - 20ml
• MOR Marshmallow Hand & Nail Cream - 10ml

Not to mention a little dose of Philosophy:

• Renewed Hope in a Jar Refreshing & Refining Moisturizer - 7ml
• Purity 3-in-1 cleanser for face & eyes - 30ml

Next up are two little gems:

• Inika Certified Organic Pure Perfection Primer - 4ml
• Coco & Eve Like a Virgin Tangle Tamer

And last but definitely by no means least...

• Myerbeauty Rose Quartz Face Roller
• Wavertree & London Macaron Triple Milled Soap - 200g

All ingredients are listed on the back of the plastic sleeve, which keeps the covers tightly closed, but slides off in a jiffy...

I'm thrilled to have a variety of products to try, and I'm blissing out that there are five perfumes - most items are sample sizes, but that makes them perfect stocking fillers, travel companions or guilt-free treats for moi lol...

GIVEAWAY!

Yes, I'm giving away a Myer Little Box of Beauty - it was purchased by me, and 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

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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 Natasha M. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Saturday 19th December to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Natasha has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter ♥

Take care of you, and Merry Christmas!

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: October Empties...

What an interesting exercise! Haven't done this before, but it seems to be a popular theme with so many bloggers, so I decided to keep track of all the products I used up last month, and it was somewhat of an eye-opener (whoops!). Mind you I made a concerted effort to finish off anything that was almost done, so this volume is unlikely to be repeated anytime soon, but I'm delighted that I've cleared some space on my shelves to make room for more goodies lol. I've already reviewed quite a few of these, so will keep these comments reasonably short...

Palmolive Strawberry Bodypolish Exfoliating Body Wash

I used this up, but only because I have a thing about wasting stuff. As a rule, Palmolive does sensational fruity fragranced shower products, but they just can't get strawberry right. Doesn't smell real to me, in fact I found this to be quite cloying and almost chocolatey, didn't feel at all refreshed after my shower, and gave myself a pat on the back for finishing the bottle.

Repurchase? Nope...

Palmolive Acai Berry Bodypolish Exfoliating Body Wash

This one was considerably better than the strawberry, but not enough for me to buy it again. Can't say I'm familiar with the fragrance of Acai Berries, but this to me smells like stewed prunes lol.

Repurchase? No...

Imperial Leather Indulgence Rich Moisturising Body Wash - Citrus & White Gardenia, and Jasmine, Lychee & Peony
RAVE review here.
Repurchase? You betcha, already have ♥...

MOR Basil & Grape Hand & Body Wash
Another RAVE review here.
Repurchase? Would if I could, but I believe this has been discontinued - boo!...

MOR Marshmallow Hand & Body Wash

Reviewed here, delicious musk lolly fragrance, but interestingly I can only take it in small doses - it's just SO sweet.

Repurchase? Probably not, although I would buy the EDP or perfume oil again...

Neutrogena Oil-free Eye Make-Up Remover

One of my can't-live-withouts - nothing, repeat NOTHING, works as well as this beauty to take off five layers of waterproof mascara! I've tried so many, but there are simply none to compare.

Repurchase? Undoubtedly, in fact I always have at least two bottles in reserve in the cupboard ♥... 

L'Oreal Skin Perfection Gel-cream Wash
This is a lovely cleanser, gentle yet effective, soap free and fragrance free, barely any suds to get in your eyes, and non-drying.
Repurchase? No, but only because it's fragrance free - I'm a scentophile and I got bored with it...

Lacura Micellar Cleansing Water 3 in 1
I really liked this - sort of a Micellar water with benefits. Purists won't be happy because it has additional ingredients (cucumber extract) that take it half way into "toner" territory, but nowhere near as harsh as even the gentlest traditional toner. Very refreshing and with some additional cleansing oomph, it also has that Lacura fragrance that people either love or hate.
Repurchase? Would if I could, but I haven't seen it since - the eternal Aldi availability problem...

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towlettes

Another of my can't-live-withouts - I use these to clean my brushes every day. I fold the cloth into four then rub the brushes onto the pad and keep rubbing them back and forwards till they're clean, then swipe them on a dry towel to remove any residue. They're amazingly effective and my brushes last longer by not being in water. They're also terrific for cleaning the sticky stuff off products before photographing them, as well as getting the marks off my bench.

Repurchase? Absolutely - like the eye make-up remover I always have at least two spare packs stashed away ♥...

Dove Original stick deodorant
Another must-have - this has been my go-to anti-perspirant for over five years, despite trying a whole stack of others. I don't like sprays (I always seem to breathe them in lol) or roll-ons (too sticky and wet), love the powdery fragrance and it keeps me dry and fresh all day.
Repurchase? Yep, always a spare in my drawer, and one at work...

Colgate Optus White Toothpaste
I alternate between the Express White and the Enamel White, whichever is on special. This toothpaste does make a difference, keeps my tea stains from settling in, and I like the taste.
Repurchase? Definitely, there are THREE spare tubes in my bathroom cabinet lol...

Elucent Whitening Day Moisturiser
Briefly touched on this beautiful day cream here - will write a proper review soon, this has lasted me over five months, I think it's because the pump delivers the exact amount so there's zero waste. Light and non-greasy but with SPF30, my face loves this stuff.
Repurchase? Certainly - I have three other day creams to trial first, but will definitely be getting this one again, suits my skin perfectly...

NeoStrata Targeted Bionic Face Serum
Beautiful serum and a hydrating treat for my skin - can't say I've noticed any startling improvements in the anti-aging department, but of the reviews I've read of any NeoStrata products, the raves come from the folks that have been using them for years so I guess these are "long-termers".
Repurchase? Would definitely give this a much longer time frame to show some benefits, and will order some more once I get through the other two serums I have in the wings...

NeoStrata Skin Active Intensive Eye Therapy
My latest fave eye cream - had a fit when it ran out the other night! Crows feet can only be seen when I smile, droopy lids have firmed a little and the minor discolourations have evened out. It has the edge over my previous fave, Clarins Super Restorative Total Eye Concentrate...
Repurchase? Sure have, just waiting for my order to arrive (hurry up Aust Post!)

Britney Spears Midnight Fantasy EDP
Of her range, this is the one I love the most - has lasted me 12 months, but I've been sparing with it so it would be around for as long as possible, review here.
Repurchase? Yes - just treated myself to a 100ml bottle...

Crabtree & Evelyn Hand Therapy - Evelyn Rose
Gorgeous hand cream - this came in my Blogstar prize almost two years ago. I have at least three on the go at any one time, which is why this has lasted so well. Deliciously moisturising, keeps my cuticles soft too, smells exactly like garden roses. Don't like the way the metal tube looks ratty even after the first use.
Repurchase? No, but only because I'm not so keen on the rose fragrance, would try another flavour...

L'Occitane Shea Butter Dry Skin Hand Cream
Well now who doesn't love this hand cream? Treated myself to this giant tube after scoring half a dozen travel sized ones from magazine covers. Been slathering it on as a treatment at night and reaping the soft-skin rewards the next day. But, I don't like the smell or the metal tube (see above) - yeah, I know, I'm hard to please.
Repurchase? Probably not as fragrance is becoming an even more important factor in my repurchase habits as I get older - I want to ADORE the whole experience, and I've found one I love more (here)...

Urban Rituelle Organic Hand Cream - Vanilla, Lavender & Geranium
UR hand creams are my absolute favourites - all of them are a feast for the senses, and they keep my hands soft and free of dry cracks and reddened knuckles. This little tube was actually a free gift with one of my orders. My rave review of it is here.
Repurchase? Probably not, but only because I still have two tubes in my drawer, and they keep coming out with more stunning fragrances to try - dilemma!...

Well that's what I tossed last month - this was a mammoth post, and if you're still here, congratulations!

Do you keep tabs on what you use up?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

CONFESSIONS: of a Body Washaholic (Part 11) - MOR...

Hard to go past MOR when it comes to hand and body washes. I treated myself to the Marshmallow one last Christmas and loved it, and as these were half price at the recent Myer Clearance Sale, there was not a chance of me letting them slip by without swelling the ranks of my ever-growing collection ♥ The formula is thick and concentrated, non-drying, the containers and pumps are sturdy, and the bottles are ever so pretty and classy to look at...

(If you're wondering about the back-lit photo, this was the only way I could capture them all lined up together, and still have the labels readable)...

Black Currant Iris

I've been buying this particular variety (and the Body Butter) for my Mum for years - her bathroom has blue accents, so that was my initial motivation, however she is so enraptured with the fragrance, the colour scheme match is no longer relevant, merely a bonus. A magnificent blend of Black Currant, Iris, and more than a touch of Rose, in fact I think the rose is the most dominant. There's a teeny weeny bit of zingy crispness as well which stops it from being too flowery - just gorgeous, verging on sensuous, perfect for Autumn/Winter, and I'm seriously thinking of keeping this one for myself (forgive me Mum!) ♥

Neroli Clementine

I have to admit I have no idea what Neroli or Clementine smell like, but what comes through is a unique and delicate scent of candied orange peel - you know the kind used in cakes. A clever balance of both sweet and mellowed citrus, there's also some Yuzu in the mix. I first discovered this delightful fragrance via the hand cream in the range - light and refreshing and a snippet away from being mouth watering, this is lovely all year round, but I'm stashing it away for hot Summer days when I crave a more fruity shower experience...

Basil & Grape

I actually bought two bottles of this Basil & Grape - the first because it was such an unusual but stunning scent when I sniffed it in the store (I'm one of those pesky customers that always takes the lid off things, but I always make sure I put everything firmly back together), and after washing my hands with it, I went back the next day to buy another. Love it! Found out later it also contains Violet, which probably explains why it captured my heart. Altogether the combo of fruit, herb & flower is quite magical - this is another I'll put away for the warmer weather, although I already have one bottle on the vanity because it makes my hands feel and smell so fresh and clean...

Sugar Rose Tiger Lily

How exquisite is this pink! I actually love the colour of this one more than the fragrance itself. It's predominantly rose (and a very pretty one at that), but there's a sour tang of something else that my nose (initially) couldn't identify, but I bought it anyway because I'm a total sucker for pink. At first I thought it was the Tiger Lily component, but then I wondered if it was just my expectation getting in the way - with a name like Sugar Rose I was anticipating something far sweeter. Being the curious Kat that I am, I went to their website and discovered that the recipe includes some "ripe Tropical Fruits" - hmmm I think the problem for me is that the fruit is a tad over-ripe. Anyways, it's unusual that's for sure, just not my favourite, but it certainly won't go wasted...

All these MOR hand and body washes contain tomato extract (cooling), peppermint and honey. The pump dispenses quite a modest amount with one press, but it's the perfect quantity for washing hands - for the shower I use about 10 squirts. Not a whole heap of bubbles, but I actually prefer less suds. All the liquids are clear and poured into divinely hued 350ml bottles, and none of them are tested on animals. RRP is $19.95.

Take care of  you,

kats xxx

P.S. I've just added this post to Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness #12 Link Up Party - you won't be disappointed if you drop by and have a read of some of the wonderful contributions ♥

REVIEW: MOR Marshmallow Stars Eau De Parfum Set...

Ahh MOR Marshmallow - I'd been lusting after this little set for many moons, eyeing it off in Myer just about every time I went there ♥ Fortunately Santa must have sensed my longing, and left this box of goodies under my tree on Christmas Day. And I've been gazing lovingly at it on my shelf ever since, just waiting for a day when I'd need a little pick-me-up, and that was last Wednesday, hump day in a difficult week...

Such a pretty pack, all housed in this gorgeous Moroccan-style tin box with a rose-gold lockable catch on the lid. Haven't decided exactly what I'm going to store in this little treasure yet - it looks like a tea tin, but it's way too fancy to be anywhere except in my boudoir or bathroom...

Inside was a 50ml bottle of Marshamallow Eau de Parfum. I've tried the perfume oil before and instantly adored it, so this was a very welcome addition to my fragrance collection. It's nowhere near as long lasting as the oil, but it packs a powerful initial punch, which then dries down to a soft and delicate marshmallowy delight...

Interestingly the box was supposed to contain 50ml of Hand & Body Wash and the same sized tube of Hand & Body Milk. But to my delight, there were TWO tubes of the body wash! Well you know how I feel about shower gels, so this factory slip-up turned out to be a huge bonus for me. I'm sure I'll get to try the milk at some stage, but for now I'm having a ball washing my bod with this delicious smelling foam. Tickled pink that it smells EXACTLY like the perfume, and the super softening low-sudsing formula is working a treat on my dry skin...

Loving these preciously perfumed products ever so much, but I'll definitely be investing in the oil next time - there's something so intensely enveloping about it, I simply must have it to get me through the coming Winter ♥

Are you a MOR Marshmallow fan? What other products in the range have you tried?

Take care of you,
kats xxx