January 2019 Empties & Giveaway!...

I've been working on a lippie post, and planned to finish this huge January 2019 Empties one next weekend - well that was until it dawned on me that February ends today! And with the weather already cooling down considerably, I need to think about getting my skincare organised for the seasonal change. It's not all that different, but I do shift from a gel cleanser to a balm or oil and up the hydration strength of my creams. This post includes some products from a new range (well new to me anyway) I've been trying out which may or may not get me through the winter, and I'll probably do a feature post soon 'cos I'm loving them, but for now, here we go ♥...

Body

Dermaveen Shower & Bath Oil (500ml, RRP $16.99)
Full review HERE ♥...
Repurchase? Probably not as I don't seem to need it now that I've gotten rid of all my body washes containing SLS ♥...

Marc Anthony Renewing Macadamia Oil Body Wash (500ml, RRP $12.99)

Already reviewed HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Hopefully - the Priceline store where I found it is closing, and the remaining one doesn't stock it, but it's available from their website ♥♥♥...

Nutrimetics Ultra Care+ Extreme Night Hand Repair (100ml, RRP $44 for Day/Night)

Raved about this in my September Empties post HERE. I've reached a plateau with the fading of my freckles, but I'll persist as this has really made a difference to the intensity of the dark spots, and with the weaker winter sun, I'm hoping there'll be some further improvement over the next six months ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely ♥♥♥...

Rexona Invisible Dry Antiperspirant Deodorant Stick (42g, RRP $4.49)

First time trying this. In general, I prefer a stick for the hot weather as it dries within seconds, and my preferred natural deodorant just doesn't control the wetness when the temperature soars. Not too fussed on the fragrance, but this is certainly effective on the hottest most humid days ♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, but not until next summer ♥♥...

Thankyou Botanical Lemon Myrtle & Goat's Milk Body Wash (500ml, RRP $7.99)

Numerous reviews of this in the past, most recent one HERE. I might have to shift this into the Regulars section going forward as I ALWAYS have a bottle of this in my caddy ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Sure bet ♥♥♥...

Face

Beauty Skin Care Micellar Cleansing Water (200ml, RRP $?)

Can't remember when I bought this or how much it cost, but it was from Chemist Warehouse and it was cheap as chips - it's no longer available, which is a pity as it was lovely. Non-drying, excellent slippage, delicate baby powder fragrance, made in the Netherlands ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

No longer listed - boo! ♥♥♥...

Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil (4.25g, RRP $6.95)

Wasn't so keen on this - for a "replenishing" lip balm I expected something richer that would give my shrivelled lips a major juice boost but it didn't quite happen. It hydrated a bit, but I prefer something that really softens and comforts my pout with one slick, whereas I needed to apply this over and over again ♥...

Repurchase?

Not this particular flavour/formula - currently loving their pink grapefruit one which hydrates brilliantly ♥...

Neutrogena Deep Clean Micellar Gel to Foam Cleanser (142ml, RRP $16.99)

I've been madly trying to use this up before autumn - it's nice enough and I love the fragrance, but it's simply too drying for any time of year except high summer. Cleanses magnificently. I have the Normal to Dry skin variety as well which I'm also doing my best to finish off this month - it's also too drying for my old face...

Repurchase?

No, the Hydro Boost is the one for me ...

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Anti-Ageing Moisturiser with Accelerated Retinol SA & SPF 15 (29ml, RRP $39.99)

So this is the range I've been stuck on since December, and it's awesome. I'm seeing some real results in skin smoothing, refining and pore-shrinking, but because I'm also using the serum and night cream, I don't know if any single product is responsible - it's quite possibly a combination of all three. Anyways I'm sticking with this regime for as long as I can. I haven't been involved too much in retinol products before, but can really see a major improvement in my skin texture - woo hoo! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely, and I've not paid full price as yet ♥♥♥...

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream with Accelerated Retinol SA (29ml, RRP $48.99)

This is the big daddy of the range - still experiencing some tingling when I apply it, but to me, that means it's working. No redness or flaking, so far this has been potent enough hydration-wise to get me through the night, and I hope that continues into the cooler months because I don't think I want to stop using this stuff EVER. Smells beautiful and I can't wait to take off my makeup and night! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes indeedy - between Priceline and Chemist Warehouse, this range seems to be on special fairly regularly ♥♥♥...

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum with Accelerated Retinol SA (29ml, RRP $42.99)

Have only been using this at night, for no other reason than I have a stack of serums that I don't want to toss out. But once they're all used up, I'll probably use this one day and night exclusively ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Ditto ♥♥♥...

Sukin Purely Ageless Restorative Night Cream (120ml, RRP $22.95)

I'm a Sukin lover from way back, and was super excited to try this range - adore the serum, but I found this night cream just wasn't potent enough for winter. I've been stuck on another brand for the last few months so I've been using up the jar contents on my bod to not waste it, and it's been terrific for my arms and legs. Smells delish, and of course, it's full of goodness and minus all the crappy stuff  ♥...

Repurchase?

Not at this stage ♥...

Face Masks

7th Heaven Dead Sea Mud Cleanse & Detoxify Hard Drying Mask (175g, RRP $10)

This is actually an AMAZING mud mask, and my skin looks and feels fabulous afterwards. But towards the end of the tube, I couldn't handle the smell any more. It's way way strong - deliciously refreshing and aquatic, salty, seaweedy, fruity all combined, but once I put it on, I have to keep moving until it dries or else the scent is overwhelming. The tube has lasted me well over 12 months so I reckon it's awesome value, and I'll try another variety, probably a sachet size before I buy the big tube ♥...

Repurchase?

Not this particular one ♥...

Neutrogena Hydro Boost 100% Hydrogel Mask (RRP $5.99)

Oh bliss, oh joy. This is a beauty. I do love two-piece sheet masks - they're just so much easier to handle and fit. If your skin is thirsty, then this will quench it. So cooling and refreshing, and I love that there are little flaps for eyes and lips so you can cover them too if you wish, which I did. If they made this in a body suit, I'd encase myself in it every week ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Already have, but I'll buy the box of 5 next time ♥♥♥...

Nutrimetics Ultra Care+ Clarifying Clay Treatment with Kaolin Clay & Black Rice Powder (60ml, RRP $69)

A lovely clay mask that has amazing deep cleansing and refining qualities, but it's dark grey and contains little sloughing granules, so for me, that means it's a shower-only product from a mess and rinse-off perspective, but then I can't leave it on for as long as I'd like. Dilemma! From memory it was a GWP so I'm not complaining, it just doesn't suit the way I run my skincare routine ♥...

Repurchase?

Love it but no, and actually the price is quite prohibitive ♥...

Hair

Goldwell Kerasilk Control Smoothing Fluid (75ml, RRP $35.95)

This is the magical non-greasy leave-in elixir that keeps my hair super smooth between Kerasilk treatments. A bottle lasts for around 12 months as you only need a few squirts in your palms to run through towel-dried hair. Has the same fresh and inoffensive fragrance as the shampoo and conditioner ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

That'll be a big yes ♥♥♥...

SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo (384ml, RRP $24.95)

I trialled this for beautyheaven back in September and gave it 5 stars. Awesome SLS-free and colour safe shampoo with a natural earthy fragrance, it's ideal for anyone with damaged or distressed tresses. Very soothing, smoothing, enriching and silkifying (is that a word?), and riddled with goodies like organic shea butter, peppermint and apple cider vinegar ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, but not immediately as it seems to have worked its magic and I don't seem to need it any more - it's actually too rich now! ♥♥♥...

P.S. A reminder that you can use my discount code "KATS" on the SheaMoisture website for 30% off!

Regulars

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

The best, gentlest, most effective waterproof eye makeup remover ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes - I stock up when it's on special, always at least three spares in my drawer! ♥♥♥...

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

Can't live without this stuff ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Forever ♥♥♥...

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

My under-eye maintainer ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Always ♥♥♥...

White Glo Charcoal Total Mouth Detox Whitening Mouthwash (500ml, RRP $6.99)

The best and tastiest mouthwash I've found so far - actually I probably won't try anything else as this one suits me just fine ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yep ♥♥♥...

Home

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

The only one I didn't like - smells like chocolate, and while I'm a chocoholic, I'm not keen on anything fragranced with it. But I kept the cute little stiletto sling-back heel charm that was hanging around the neck... 

Repurchase?

No...

Makeup

Mirenesse Smooth Nude CC Hydra Makeup Mousse (40g, RRP $39)

My current fave foundation - the colour (Vienna) is perfect for me for summer, and I blend it with a BB cream that has 50+ SPF. The formula is matte medium coverage, and it gives me a superb air-brushed finish. Mirenesse foundations are among the best in the market, and this is one of their cheaper ones, but the quality is still there. Lasts all day and doesn't crease ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Yes, I'm on my next tube already ♥♥♥...

Giveaway!

• Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence
• Nutrimetics Ultra Care+ Hand Repair SPF 15
• Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-Up Remover
• Neutrogena Hydro Boost 100% Hydrogel Mask
• 3 packs of Purederm Ginkgo Eye Puffiness Minimizing Patches

And to make it a little more enticing, I'm including this cute-as jewellery set from Lovisa featuring teal blue Swarovski crystals...

All items were purchased by me and the total prize value is approx $120. The giveaway is open...

Internationally! 

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 Gwendolyn J. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 13th March to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Gwendolyn has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of yourself,

kats xxx

REVIEW: SLS-Free Body Washes...

It's been an age since I did a multi-body-wash post, and given I've decided to NOT buy any more that contain Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), I figured it was a good time to let you know which ones I've found and loved (so far) that are SLS-free. There are heaps of others out there of course and I've barely scratched the surface of shower products that are minus this dodgy ingredient, but below are nine that are currently in my caddy(s) which I can highly recommend, and would most definitely repurchase as they are non-drying, pleasantly fragranced, reasonably readily available, and don't break the bank ♥...

I've already raved about the majority of these in earlier (either dedicated or Empties) posts, but there's a couple of newbies which I'm excited about too, so here we go, from left to right ♥...

Sukin For Men Body Wash - (500ml, $13.95)

I scored this for free from the beautyheaven Rewards Room, and it's delish! The scent is a combination of mandarin, lime & cinnamon oils which is fabulously refreshing, and also in the mix is aloe, jojoba, baobab, pepper & sesame oils. I really like the chubby squat bottle, and the bubbles are creamy, super concentrated, and even put a little moisture back into my skin ♥...

SheaMoisture African Black Soap Soothing Body Wash - (384ml, $24.95)

Reviewed last month (and more from the range) HERE. Absolutely crazy about this body wash - available from Priceline or the SheaMoisture website (HERE), and a reminder that there's a 30% discount code if you enter KATS at the checkout ♥...

Dove Deep Moisture Shower Foam - (400ml, $9.00)

Oh yay, at last, Dove has created a body wash that's sulfate-free! This shower foam has the classic Dove fragrance which I find so refreshing and zingy-clean, the suds are amazingly thick and rich, and two pumps will deliver a hefty hit of skin softening lather to deep clean your entire bod ♥...

Natures Commonscents Natural Goats Milk Body Wash - (500ml, $8.00)

Another beauty that's awesome value - there's a $4 discount voucher HERE for Woolworths which makes it half price! VERY subtle baby powderish fragrance, also contains vitamin E, and it's an Aussie brand that doesn't test on animals. This and their oatmeal scrub are ALWAYS in my shower - it's such a massive bottle with an indestructible pump, and so skin-loving and hydrating ♥...

Grahams Natural Body Wash with Cucumber & Aloe Vera - (250ml, $15.95)

Huge fan of the brand (which is now available from Chemist Warehouse), and I did a full review of this fabulous body wash back in February (HERE). Bliss if you have dry, sensitive or troubled skin and an absolute pleasure in the warmer months when the herbal green tea fragrance will give you an uplifting shower experience. Incidentally, it's on special at the moment (until 26th November) from their website for the ridiculous price of $4.95 - I've ordered several! ♥...

OGX Extra Hydrating Radiant Glow Argan Oil of Morocco Body Wash - (577ml, $17.99)

I had no idea that OGX made body washes & lotions as well as hair products, but I discovered this tucked away on a side wall in Priceline a few months ago. The most expensive body wash in this bunch, but well worth it for the moisture it feeds into your skin while it cleanses. There are a few other varieties in the range, and I'll be reviewing the Tsubaki Blossom (divine!) one in my November Empties post. This one is delightfully (and delicately) fragranced, and the bubbles are endless - currently half price at Priceline, but who knows for how long ♥...

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

I think this is my 5th bottle of this wonderful body wash. The best (all natural) vanilla & coconut scented product my nose has had the pleasure to detect. Totally non-drying, ingredients include harakeke, a medicinal plant that's used to treat boils and burns. Love that this range is available from Woolworths, and it's cruelty-free. I also use their hand wash, which smells just as yummy ♥...

Thankyou Botanical Lemon Myrtle & Goat's Milk Body Wash - (500ml, $7.99)

Another one that I've bought numerous times from the supermarket, and raved about in several  Empties posts - my favourite scent from this brand, it's SO lusciously lemony I could just sniff it all day long, and it comes in a hand wash too! The soothing and softening formula also contains aloe & chamomile, and this company is doing wonderful things for people in need ♥...

Marc Anthony Renewing Macadamia Oil Body Wash - (500ml, $12.99)

Another gem I spotted in Priceline, there are four flavours in this range, and I chose this one because it was labelled "extra nourishing", and it sure is. There's Tahitian vanilla, hibiscus & green tea along with macadamia oil & Vitamin E, and while the packaging is meh, what's inside is a subtle delight for the senses, as well as a treat for dry skin - definitely a keeper ♥...

Well lovelies, that's a wrap for the time being - hope this information is helpful to those of you whose skin objects to SLS ♥...

Take care of you,

kats xxx