SPOTLIGHT: Favourite July 2018 LOTD's...

As promised, this is my LOTD catch-up post - just for the record, these collages are so interesting for me as I have zero conscious recollection of the lipsticks I've worn in previous months, and this collection is particularly revealing as there's only one true red - what on earth was I thinking? It's all a bit odd as I almost always wear at least one scarlet lippie in a week, but obviously NOT in July lol...

Oh and I have a special giveaway at the end, so please read on ♥...

1. I think this is my favourite plum of all-time - Max Factor Color Elixir Giant Pen Stick in Intense Plum. Oh Max baby, PLEASE bring this back! ♥

2. Here's one for the bargain hunters - boe professional Colour Last Lipstick in Primped - beautiful formula and it's a steal for only $8.95 at BigW ♥...

3. The Lone Red is essence Bring the Glam On Star Lipstick in shade 01. The bullet is creamy and lush, and in the shape of a star - so very cute, but in reality, not all that practical ♥...

4. This gorgeous bricky shade is Milani Cinnamon Spice - another one I hope one day they will bring back (why do I fall in love with discontinued lippies?) ♥...

5. Next is one of my favourite browns for Autumn/Winter, Maybelline ColorSensational Lipstick in Bronze Metal - I do so love this range for comfort and value ♥...

6. And number 6 is Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick in Coffee Shimmer - not quite so daring as the previous one, but gorgeously earthy all the same ♥...

7. Next we have the find of the month, LipMonthly Lipstick, shade 02. Wowee, what an unusual colour - I'd describe it as burnt orange, and I absolutely adore it. I guess it was only a matter of time before LipMonthly released their own range, and if this is any indication, bring it on! ♥...

8. Ohh...the darling (and most expensive @ $46) of the bunch (thanks to beautyheaven) - Bobbi Brown Crushed Lip Color in Watermelon. There are no words, just ♥♥♥♥♥♥...

9. And another gem from a LipMonthly bag - this is a matte, but a comfortable one, City Color Be Matte Lipstick in Melon ♥...

10. Yay, the pretty pinks, starting with Mirenesse French Kiss Lip Cocktail in Bijoux - this lippie is beautifully moist, wears well too ♥...

11. 2nd from Mirenesse - this is their unbelievably sensational Lip Bomb, shade #3. I have quite a few of these and MUST dig them out because they really are something special - the pigmentation is extraordinary ♥...

12. I need to buy another one of these - MBA Cosmetics Color Rich Lipstick in Mauvalicious. It's the most exquisite feminine girly frosted pink, n'est pas? ♥...

13. On the home stretch now, and into my precious PURPLES. On the left is Australis Colour Inject Moisturising Mineral Lipstick in Mash Up. Sadly no longer listed on their website...sob. They seem to have gone ballistic with their GIRLBOSS range, so it would appear the lippies are on the way out ♥...

14. Another from MBA Cosmetics, and so dear to my heart - Heliotrope ...sigh...♥

15. And lucky last is Colourpop Satin Lips in So Wavy - not crazy about the formula, but the colour speaks to me in the language of love ♥...

And now for the giveaway!

So I ordered some lipsticks from Nutrimetics when they were on special recently, and I have two to give away to whoever thinks they could use them...

• Hydra Brilliance - Amber, a soft peach
• Hydra Brilliance - Garnet, a soft red (swatch of my one is HERE)

And because this will be a very small and lightweight package (no extras!), this 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  - check back later tonight to see who won!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Congratulations gorgeous! 

Meedee please respond to the email I've sent you by

Saturday 29th September to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Meedee has claimed her prize

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: 3rd Quarter 2017 Fave LOTD's - Part 2...

With so many finishes and formulas, it isn't possible for me to declare any particular one of these plums, berries, pinks and purples as the star of my collection - they are all here because I love them, and while some colours are similar, they all deserve a place on this page. Of course at my age, a bit of gloss always looks and feels heaps better, but there are a few mattes around that I'm comfortable in, so here goes ♥...

I wear all colours all year round, but the deeper ones don't appear as frequently in the warmer weather purely because my Summer wardrobe tends towards brighter lighter hues. But unlike my fragrances, I don't put any lippies away when the season changes - you never know when you're going to need a plum ha ha! ♥...

This first one in row one appeared in the last quarter post as well - crazy about this Max Factor Color Elixir Giant Pen Stick in Intense Plum. It doesn't seem to be part of the range any more, so I won't tease you again. In the middle is a similar hue that IS available - Covergirl Katy Kat Matte in Maroon Meow. Head over heels for this comfy formula, the range in general! ♥ Third one is Milani Lipstick in Chilled Brandy - can't see this one on their website, so I'll add it to the don't tease list. As you can tell I have a habit of falling in love with products and colours that get discontinued - boo!...

Berries are forever, and I reckon they look good on anyone. This first one is another of the ModelsPrefer Artist Collection Crayons - Orchid.  Next up is Bourjois Rouge Laque Liquid Lipstick in Purple Delique. You know when I said before that I couldn't name any one of these lippies as the star? Hmm, this is close. DIVINE! On the right is another Bourjois - a Rouge Edition Velvet liquid lipstick called Plum Plum Girl. It's quite sheer but buildable, feels like liquid silk, and lasts for hours. I have to say that my most lustworthy lip product discovery this Winter has been Bourjois ♥♥♥...

#1 is ANOTHER Bourjois Lipstick - Violine Strasse. Stunning colour, stunning formula. The second one is Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Sloane's Plum - can't fault this release for comfort and value. And the last one in this row is another that appeared in the last post - definitely my favourite dusky pink of all time, Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Vintage Pink. This colour is deep enough to make an impact, and soft enough to epitomise femininity ♥...

Who doesn't love a bright pink! These three are similar shades, but I've included them all because of the differences in formula and finish. On the left is Maybelline Color Jolt in Fight Me Fuchsia. I decided I wouldn't buy any of these (just to see how strong I could be) but as you can see I caved! So glad I did - these liquid glosses are gorgeous, and this pink is to die for. Middle one is Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Lipstick in shade 20. Beautiful, clear, bright pink and a pleasure to wear. On the right is Antipodes Lipstick in Dragon Fruit Pink. This is one I promised myself months and months ago after the beautiful Marisa Robinson so kindly gifted me with Hungry Like the Wolf. Hard to go past these lippies for comfort, intensity, moisture content and overall goodness ♥...

Another of the ModelsPrefer Artist Collection Crayons - this one is Bright Pink, and that pretty much sums it up. Love the blue content which makes it wearable with purples. #2 is Avon Mark in Berry Cute, a freebie on a mag cover. Quite impressed with this range, should have bought more mags lol! And this last one - hmmm, is it pink, or plum or purple? I stuck it here 'cos I wasn't sure, but I'm sure I love it. It's bhcosmetics Metallic Liquid Lipstick, shade Lucy - quite unique in my kit, a bit drying so not so comfortable to wear, but it's a killer colour ♥...

And now for the unmistakable purples ♥ On the left is ModelsPrefer Artist Collection Crayon in Grape - has an almost ethereal glow to it.  And these next two will probably appear in every fave list - NYX Cosmic Metals Lip Creams. Adore everything about these shiny explosions of colour. Middle one is Asteroid Aura, and the one on the right is a blend of Asteroid Aura and Ultraviolet. If you love purple, comfort and shimmer, then these are for you ♥...

Are you fond of these colour families? If so please tell me your fave plum, berry, pink and/or purple lippy - I'm always keen to know what you gals like ♥...

Take care of you,
kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: 2nd Quarter 2017 Fave LOTD's - Part 2...

It's pretty obvious I'm crazy about all lipstick colours (lol!), but it's especially difficult for me to choose my favourite plums, berries, pinks and purples - I mean they're just so gorgeous hey. But here's an attempt at selecting the ones that made my heart skip a beat over the last three months...

...a mix of old and new, matte and glossy, liquids, crayons and standard bullets, and most of them are under $15...

This first one is by Max Factor - it's their Color Elixir Giant Pen Stick in Intense Plum. While they still have these sticks in their range, I can't see this particular shade on their website any more. Darn shame as it's gorgeous, moist, glossy, and has a tinge of gold shimmer - just as well I stocked up before they ditched it (I have 3 stashed away). No. 2 is Milani Chocolate Berries - bummed that this one is not listed any more either. Why oh why do I fall in love with products that get discontinued? Absolutely adore Milani lipsticks, and thrilled to bits that they now have an Aussie website HERE. The third one is by Von Blair Hair Co - Liquid Velvet Lipstick in Anarchy - a Lip Monthly inclusion, this is one of the most comfortable matte liquids I've ever come across. No idea how to purchase it though, their website is quite weird - every time I go there, they only have 1 or 2 shades listed, always different, and never this one...

Next is Ulta3 Ultra Matte Long Wear Lip Cream in the shade Hunter Gatherer - yes this lasts well though it's a bit drying, but this colour - oh my... The middle stunner is one of the new Maybelline Color Sensational Bold lipsticks - Midnight Merlot. Super impressed with this range - they're magnificently pigmented, and the formula is so kind to my lips. No. 3 is Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate - shade 30. Fabulous berry hue, moisturising, just delish...

Onto the brighter hues, this is Mode Majestic Plum - $3 from Coles, impressive for the price, although it needs a bit of help in the hydration department. Middle one is another Maybelline Color Sensational Bold - Fiery Fuchsia. Love! Third one is Burt's Bees 100% Natural Lipstick in Brimming Berry - only just discovering their lippies and I'm in love already, so softening and a blissfully creamy texture...

And now for some purply pinks. NYX Intense Butter Gloss in Toasted Marshmallow - simply deevine, and my numero uno lip gloss formula. Next is Revlon Ultra HD Gel Lip Colour in Twilight - raved about these HERE, this colour speaks to me of love. On the right is another Lip Monthly one - Dirty Little Secrets Lipstick in the shade Vengeance - lovely, non-drying, needs regular reapplication but leaves a nice stain...

I reckon this one might appear in every quarterly selection - NYX Cosmic Metals Lip Cream in Fuchsia Fusion. I mean is that a killer pink or what? Can't think of any negative about these glosses other than my local Priceline doesn't stock them any more. What is wrong with you people? I mean get with the program puh-lease! Middle one is years old and still packing a punch - Revlon Color Burst Lip Butter in Lollipop. Sadly discontinued, this is the only one in the range that ever blew my skirt up, and it's still flapping around my ears ha ha. Last in this row is another NYX Intense Butter Lip Gloss - shade is Pink Macaroon. NYX is slaying the lip products hey...

Soft pinks - sigh...they're spesh. On the left is a gorgeous lip gloss by Be A Bombshell, called First Kiss (via Lip Monthly). Impressively pigmented, not sticky, lasts incredibly well. In the centre is another mini-lipstick by SAVVY - Pomegranate. And last one is my latest pale pink passion - Maybelline Moisture Renew Lipstick in Vintage Pink. So soft, so flattering, so feminine...

You know I love my purples ♥  Rimmel The Only 1 Matte Lipstick in Run The Show - appeared in the 1st quarter post as well, will no doubt feature again. Second one is NYX Cosmic Metals Lip Cream in Asteroid Aura - no words! Third one is NYX High Voltage Lipstick in Twisted - beyond me why they canned this range...

That's it for now lovelies - if  you missed Part 1, you'll find it HERE.

Take care of you,
kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: 2nd Quarter Fave LOTD's, Berries & Purples...

I make no secret of the fact that I'm not a Winter fan. There's no denying it does have some benefits though, like covering up all my bumps under layers of clothing, boots (LOVE boots!), and of course I get to (officially) indulge my passion for deeper hued lip products. Berries, plums and purples probably suit my skin tone best of all, and consequently I have absolutely no intention of restricting my adoration of these rich shades to the chilly season - some of these are just so darn gorgeous, I'll be wearing them all year round ♥ Below are just a few of the ones that have earned a forever place in my heart over the last three months...

The Max Factor Intense Plum has an almost metallic finish - I love it so much I already have two spares tucked away. And Chi Chi Lady Bump will always be in my kit ♥

The Maybelline Color Blur pencils are (in my opinion) one of the best lip products that MNY has ever released (rave review HERE) - SO easy to work with, super comfortable formula, the perfect (not completely) matte finish for me, and the stain lasts for ages. This is the only repeater from the first quarter lineup. Adore the Milani Chilled Brandy - I only discovered how brilliant Milani lipsticks are earlier this year. Lovely and moist, amazing pigment, and the packaging is classy ♥ 

These two a very similar, but sufficiently different to warrant their individual purchases right? I think I have almost the entire set of MNY Velvet Lip Pencils (yet another rave review HERE) - cheap as chips, and I also use them as a lip liner for other lipsticks. The BOE Primped has just a wee bit more pink, and of course I need every possible shade variation ♥ These lippies are absolute bargains, must buy some more lol ♥...

Ahh Revlon - I'm not even sure they make these shades any more. From memory I picked these up from a bargain table in Myer - unusual from this brand as they don't make too many purpley ones. Actually I've just checked their website, and Violet Frenzy is still listed - yay! ♥

Here's Revlon Seduction again - I included this extra LOTD to show you what happens when I use a brighter and more pink lip liner underneath. It's quite sheer and I find it needs some support or else it turns out a bit blotchy - maybe that's why it's been discontinued? The Australis Velourlips formula is a tad drying for my wrinkled lips, but I find it so easy to apply, it lasts well, and this particular shade is a stunner ♥

And last but not least are the MBA purples - all their lipsticks are beautifully bold and sassy, moist, long lasting, and I reckon they do purples better than anyone else ♥...

I can't possibly pick a #1 fave out of this selection - love 'em all for different reasons!

The final installment in this series (Oranges) will be up before the end of next week - regrettably only six. I tend to wear orange more in Spring and Summer, and I haven't added very many to my collection of late, mainly because none of the ones I tested were up to scratch finish-wise - does anyone else struggle to find orange lippies that apply evenly?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

EOTDs: Catch up time! (Part 2)...

Crikey, it's the last day of August, which means it's Spring tomorrow - yay!  And I'm just scraping in with the remaining four EOTD's for the month. I was determined to get these up so that there's eight to choose from for the next giveaway, which is closer than you think, and it'll be a SUPER DUPER special one to celebrate my little blog's third anniversary, so pop back in again soon won't you ♥

I haven't done a really colourful eye look for yonks, but I reckon this one might make up for it lol - used essence white kajal as my base on the inner corner, and Eye of Horus Amethyst Jewel Goddess Pencil for the rest, and on the waterline. The pink is the boldest magenta from the bhcosmetics Take Me To Brazil Palette, and that gorgeous sparkly purple/blue/pink multichrome is the one and only  Colourpop Dare...

My outfit was a purply pink top with navy pants, a combo I often put together, and I was thrilled to find the multi-bead bracelets in the pic below at Millers to add to my collection - they were a steal at $5, and helped tie everything together...

For this one I used Max Factor Charcoal Grey Kohl Pencil for my base and waterline, and patted down the grey from the Annabelle Haute Mer palette. For fun I added a smear of Eye of Horus Alchemy Gold Liquid Metals in the centre of the top lid, and swiped a wee bit under the lower lashline...

On the dial was Mirenesse Liquid Silk Foundation (yes I've FINALLY used it all up!), cheeks were the purple pink from the bhcosmetics Glamorous Blush palette, lips were MBA Cosmetics Liquid Matte Lip Color in the shade Immortal...

And the gold/grey accessories...

This one looks a bit weird because you can't really see my top eyelashes very well against the deep green, but I adore the shadow - it's from the Chi Chi Oasis palette, and it went over the top of Models Prefer Infinite Colour Eye Pencil in the shade Lime Tart. Also used this for my waterline blended with Eye of Horus Serpentine Sultry Goddess Pencil...

Foundation was Mirenesse Liquid Silk again, cheeks were Ulta3 Pretty Plum Blush, and on the lips was L'Oreal Color Riche Moisture Matte Lipstick in Bloody Mary...

I need to expand my olivey green jewellery collection, but there's been very little available in that shade this Winter, so will have to see what I can rustle up for next season...

And lucky last is Who's There from the Makeup Revolution Give Them Nightmares palette over the top of essence white kajal.  For the waterline, I stroked on Eye of Horus Emerald Tabula Goddess Pencil...

Foundation was the same Mirenesse one, cheeks were the brightest red pan from the bhcosmetics Glamorous Blush palette, and lips were Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Moss #30, over-slicked with Maybelline ColourSensational Gloss in Signature Scarlet - had to blend these two to make just the right shade to go with the pinky red in the striped top...

And of course, the jewels. I bought the triangle pendant more than 10 years ago at Vinnies, and was excited when I spotted the (almost matching) earrings a few months ago at Lovisa...

And so lovelies, I can't say I'm sorry to say bye bye to the cold weather, although I will miss my boots. Wishing you all a sensational Spring ♥

Take care of you,

kats xxx

EOTD's: Kat Von D Blacks & Greys...

As much as I complain about the cold weather (I'm truly a Summer gal at heart) I do love playing around with greys and charcoals during the chilly season, and Kat Von D does the BEST shadows for smokey eye looks. In the pics below, I've used both the Chrysalis & Monarch palettes - the pigmentation is astounding and the powders are so easy to blend, even I don't have trouble getting rid of the join ha ha...

So this is Summerfly (gold) and Deadhead from the Monarch palette - can't believe she's discontinued this fabulous collection of Autumn shades! For the waterline, I used Eye Of Horus Serpentine Sultry Goddess Pencil - this is such an interesting deep olivey green, and perfect for when I don't want the starkness of black. I also used their Alchemy Gold Liquid Metals eye liner on the lower lashline...

Face was Mirenesse Velvet Maxi Lift foundation, Maybelline Master Highlighting Blush in Pink Rose, and lips were Rubi Shoes Ruby Red...

I am so in love with this mix of gold and grey - so very different, and I normally wouldn't put anything with grey except silver, but thankfully someone else figured out the combo was a winner, and now I'm in search of other grey/gold pieces...

For look number two, I switched to the Chrysalis palette, and chose Graphic Nature (shimmery charcoal) and Lunar Lights (silvery white). My base was essence White Kajal on the inner half, and Max Factor Charcoal Grey Kohl Pencil on the outside, as well as the waterline...

Even I'm amazed at my seemingly seamless blending, but I swear it's just SO EASY with these shadows...

Foundation was Maybelline Super Stay 24 hour, cheeks were Laura Geller Blush "N" Brighten in Berry, and lips were Chi Chi Viva La Diva Lady Bump...

And here's the jewellery - I'm crazy about black, white and silver together, it's so simple and yet so elegant...

For look #3, I cheated a bit because I was trying to match the leopardy top in the pic below. The fabric is a mix of black, grey and a sort of lichen green, so I used Eye of Horus Goddess Pencil in Emerald Tabular as a base underneath Chrysalis Black Milk (dove grey) and Lunar Lights...

And because the end result was a bit dreary, I added the same Emerald Tabular on my waterline...

Same Maybelline Super Stay foundation, cheeks were Savvy Cheek & Lip Colour in Cozy Coral with a dusting of pan #3 from the BYS Endless Summer Trio, and lips were Maybelline ColorDrama Intense Velvet Lip Pencil in Fab Orange, which is more like Fab Red...

Was looking for something to go with the pendant, and scored the bangle and earrings from Target for half price ♥ Not a perfect match, but it'll do...

What's your go-to palette for a smokey eye?

Take care of you,

kats xxx