SPOTLIGHT: September Empties!...

Not a particularly riveting selection this month, and five body washes (again because they were left over from previous seasons), but the main thing is that I'm getting through them, and freeing up some much needed space. My bathroom cupboard is so chockers that to find anything, I have to take out half of what's there and then put it all back, and that's no fun lol, so here we go...

Original Source Lime Shower Gel (250ml RRP $4.40)

Absolutely raved about this delish product HERE. Zingy, zesty, and zensational lol! 

Repurchase?

That's a yes, and an "already have"- it's an absolute MUST for hot weather ♥...

The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Sleeping Cream (80ml RRP $54.95)

One of the products in the last Marie Claire Ageless Parcel, and an absolute stunner. The smell of it puts me off a bit though - it's quite a strong floral scent, but hey, the cream itself is amazing. One of the best I've ever tried in fact, beautifully hydrating & softening, non-greasy, and it's on special at the moment on their website for $38.47. I am drowning in skin care supplies right now, so I'm torn as to whether to order it or not. Merde - what a dilemma! It contains cold pressed Black Cumin, Camellia and Rosehip seed oils, plus seven other essential oils. I reckon any skin type would benefit, but especially if your face is dry, dry, dry...

Repurchase?

Even if I don't take advantage of the current sale, I will DEFINITELY be buying a jar of this ♥...

Natralus Natural Paw Paw Lip Butter - Coconut (10g RRP $5.75)

Rave HERE - I'm still undecided as to whether I prefer this to the strawberry one ♥...

Repurchase?

Yessiree, there's already a backup in the drawer ♥...

Imperial Leather Invigorating Mango & Juicy Papaya Shower Cream (250ml RRP $3.95)

Found this (and the next one) at Chemist Warehouse a while back, but haven't seen it since. Fresh & juicy fragrance, but nowhere near enough moisturising power. I used it up all the same...

Repurchase?

No - their Triple Moisturising range is far superior, and I'd rather pay more for something that gives my skin some juice...

Imperial Leather Revitalising Grapefruit & Pomegranate Shower Cream (250ml RRP $3.95)

Ditto the above, but I preferred the smell of this one - absolutely delicious!...

Repurchase?

No, for the same reason as above...

Natures Commonscents Natural Paw Paw Body Wash (500ml RRP $8.00) 
I bought this at Coles SO long ago, and now they don't stock it any more. Big boo as it's really quite something. Very strong but authentic paw paw scent, and contains the actual fruit. Packaging is the most sturdy I've ever come across, and virtually indestructible. The white cream is amazingly moisturising, contains Vitamin E, no parabens, no sulphates, Australian made, and they don't test on animals. They have a website HERE, but only seem to sell the body wash in packs of three ♥...

Repurchase?

While I'm a fanatical fruit fragrance fan, the smell of this is possibly TOO genuine, and I'm not that keen on paw paw. I'd certainly try the Goats Milk variety if I could find it in a store because the formula is awesome ♥...

L'Oreal True Match Super Blendable Concealer Pen - Natural (RRP $19.95)

An amazing concealer - stunning coverage, perfect colour match for my skin, lasts all day and blends like a dream. Could well have been awarded my HG title, but...I'm so pissed off as there's so very little product in the wind-up tube. This lasted three weeks only, and for $20, I expect a whole lot more product than that. The packaging is just over 100mm long, but there's actually only 20mm of concealer inside - grrrrrrr....

Repurchase?

Tempting because it works so well, but as yet I'm not over the feeling that I've been ripped off...

Garnier Nutrisse Creme Permanent Nourishing Hair Colour - Light Crystal Brown (RRP $14.95)

I do love this formula, and the colour is a gorgeous warm gold with a hint of amber. I use this for my roots, and then add blond streaks over the top ♥...

Repurchase?

Definitely ♥...

L'Oreal Preference Hair Colour - Siena (Golden Brown) (RRP $19.45)

L'Oreal do brilliant home hair colour kits - not too stinky, contains everything you need, plus this one comes with an additional tube of Colour Extender so you can refresh between sessions. Terrific idea to counteract colour fade, although I didn't actually use it...

Repurchase?

Yes, but not this shade - it's too dark for what I'm after, and not enough warmth...

NeoStrata Pigment Controller (30ml RRP $49.95)

I had reasonably high hopes for this product, but saw absolutely no change in my pigmentation by the end of the tube. Having said that I'm pretty far gone and have had freckles all my life, but I was expecting the in-between patches of age-related darkening to show some improvement. I've read reviews where other gals have had exceptional success with this cream, but only because they persisted, and so I would probably have to do the same. Lovely cream though and excellent packaging - stands up on the bench, and the pump works a treat, no discernible scent, contains retinol and various plant extracts. I reckon I need something more heavy duty, like IPL, especially after seeing the fabulous results of Barbe's treatments ♥...

Repurchase?
Probably not - four tubes of this cost the same as an IPL session, so I'd rather invest in something that is almost a sure bet...

SK-II R.N.A Eye Cream (15g RRP $149)

Another sample from the last Marie Claire Ageless Parcel - over the moon to try it as I wouldn't normally spend that much on ANY beauty product. Can't say I'm going to invest in a full-sized jar though - it's a gorgeous cream, amazingly hydrating, absorbs well and has a pretty much instantaneous freshening effect, but I didn't find it performed any better than Clarins Super Restorative Total Eye Concentrate, which is only $90. Having said that, a 2.5g jar is not really enough to make a proper assessment, especially given my age...

Repurchase?

Hmmm, I doubt it - it's quite a bit outside my budget, and I know the Clarins one works brilliantly for me..

LUX Moisturising Body Wash - Vanilla Flower & Sandalwood (400ml RRP $5.99)

Hard to beat the vanilla & sandalwood combo for the cooler months - this was actually left over from last Winter, and I really enjoyed finishing it off. Love the LUX formula - it's enriching and really leaves my skin feeling soft and cared for. Great price, and readily available at supermarkets...

Repurchase?

Yes, but not till next Autumn ♥...

Take care of you,
kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: July Empties!...

I was beginning to despair that I would never get this empties post up - but where there's a will (and a new PC & modem), there's a way lol. Somewhat disappointing turnover volume - same as the previous month actually, however some of these have been in the works for quite some time, like, almost a year! So starting from the left...

Bioré Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser (200ml RRP $10.99)

Before I start I just want to say I really REALLY like Bioré products, and I believe there are marvellous benefits of having charcoal as an ingredient. However...there's something in every item in the Bioré range that makes my eyes water. It's not that I let the stuff get anywhere near my eyes, it's more like there are fumes that billow up permeating the space around me (even when I'm in the shower), and make my eyes feel really weird - I think it's the menthol, I have the same reaction when I use one of those creams for an athletic injury. SO annoying because I really enjoy the effectiveness of this cleanser and how it makes my skin feel, same goes for the scrub and the masks...sigh...

Repurchase?

Umm, not unless they change the formula...

Imperial Leather Forbidden Fruit - Blackberry Blossom & Wild Fig Triple Moisturising Bodywash (1 litre RRP $8.99)

I've had this massive bottle since forever - note to self, don't by the giant size as you have to decant the contents 'cos it won't fit in the shower rack, and by the time you get to the end of it, you might just have had enough of it. Having said that I did enjoy this gorgeous purple fruit concoction, but I'm now totally bored with the fragrance...

Repurchase?

Negative - hey I found the Blue Lagoon one at The Reject Shop for $2!

Alpha-H Liquid Gold (200ml On special $69.95)

My precious - love this SO much I bought a year's supply. Way way overdue for it's own dedicated review post, and I already featured it in my December Empties post, but it's just TOO GOOD to not mention again ♥...

Repurchase?

There's another 200ml bottle waiting in the wings - Adore Beauty had it on special, bless 'em ♥...

Clarins Super Restorative Total Eye Concentrate (15ml RRP $90)

Yeah well, I guess I have to say this is my HG eye cream. I've been trying some other ones (NeoStrata Intensive Eye Therapy, freezeframe REVITALEYES) in an attempt to find something to match it performance-wise at a fraction of the cost, but it's not happening for me. I reviewed this beauty back in June last year (HERE) and for my particular issues, it's a standout. Doesn't do anything for the under-eye baggies, but nothing does. And it's too early to tell if the SK-II R.N.A. Eye Cream is any better, but in a way I'm kinda hoping it's not as it's even MORE expensive lol! The Clarins has the ability to make my eyes look refreshed, and with the limited amount of sleep I get on a regular basis, it's the one that works best ♥...
Repurchase?

Not yet, but it's inevitable ♥...

Nature's Way Vitamin C 500mg Chewable Tablets (500 RRP $15.95)

This massive container has lasted me the best part of a year - well almost. Let's see - 2 tablets a day and there's 500 in the pack, so that's 250 days, which is roughly 8 months. Awesome value - can't say this brand is any better than the rest, but it's a good deal, and I tend to go for whatever is on special. What I can say is that I can't survive without my daily dose of Vitamin C ♥...

Repurchase?

I couldn't find the giant jar, so I went for Cenovis (300) this time around, but will snap one up next time I see it...

Natralus Natural Paw Paw Lip Butter - Strawberry (10g RRP $5.75)

Lovingly reviewed HERE -  the jury is still out as to whether this is my fave or the Coconut one, but I'll always have a spare of both ♥...

Repurchase?

Already have ♥...

Garnier Anti-Shine Cleansing Gel (150ml RRP $9.95)

Been using this gel on and off over the last 12 months - quite a pleasant little cleanser. Haven't found it particularly effective for mattifying my face or tightening my pores, but it does cleanse thoroughly and smells delish - like grapefruit, green tea and blossoms. I do prefer something a little less foamy...

Repurchase?

Might buy another for Summer because it's super refreshing, but it's not on my list of essentials...

Palmolive Peach Indulgence Body Butter Moisturising Body Wash (400ml RRP $6.79)

Love this peach-a-licious body wash, my current fave - reviewed in detail HERE ♥...

Repurchase?

That would be a yes - I have three in the cupboard...although one is for my Mum ♥...


Given that my new computer is not blue-screening every half an hour like the old one, and the overall electronic setup is now faster than the speed of light, you can rest assured that my August Empties post will be up in a far more timely manner ♥

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. Linking to Ingrid's magical Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party - online at 6:30am (if not before) ♥♥♥

SPOTLIGHT: April Empties!...

Well I'm not sad to say goodbye to April - had some major health issues for half of it, and as you can see, when I'm not 100% ticketyboo, I barely use up anything lol! All good now though, and there's always a silver lining hey - yes, my search for the perfect home hair colour came to a successful conclusion with the box pictured below, which means I'm SUPER happy, and besides, I'll get my empties revenge this month... 

Neutrogena Deep Clean Revitalising Pink Grapefruit Daily Scrub (100g, RRP $13.99)

If any brand wants me to buy their product, all they have to do is make it smell like pink grapefruit! I need at least a weekly dose of this scrub for the fragrance alone - it's gentler than the Oil-Free Acne one so I'll stick with this variety...

Repurchase?
Oui - already have a replacement in the shower stall ♥...

Natura Siberica Oblephikha Shower Gel (400ml, RRP $12.99)

Hmmm. I love the whole concept of this range, and although it passed the sniff test in Chemist Warehouse, I really don't go for the smell of it in the shower. It's very cleansing and non-drying, but the fragrance is all a bit too weird. I've fallen in love with the hand wash though - at the time of purchase I noticed there was another shower gel flavour, but it didn't appeal, so I'll say no...

Repurchase?
Negative...

Urban Rituelle Turkish Rose & Vanilla Bath & Shower Gel (500ml, RRP $28.50)

I won this in a giveaway from the exceptionally beautiful Kate from Seducedbybeauty almost two years ago. It's lasted all this time because I only use it once Summer's heat has faded - the fragrance is a stunner but amazingly potent, and being super concentrated, it's taken this long for me to get to the bottom of the bottle. I absolutely ADORE Urban Rituelle's shower gels - they're the most moisturising of all, and chock full of nature's goodies. Reviewed here ♥...

Repurchase?
Not this particular one, but only because there's about 10 other scents in their range that I desperately want to try ♥...

Clairol Nice'nEasy - Natural Light Auburn (RRP $12.99)

Jackpot! This is officially my new hair colourant. Love it because it doesn't build up - I get the same result each time, and believe me, that's a huge bonus. I'm thrilled because I don't have to use two different shades (one for roots, one for lengths) - instead, this one goes onto the roots for 30 minutes, the lengths for another 10 to freshen them up, and then I paint on the L'Oreal Preference Brush On Glam Highlights No. 3 every six weeks for the highlights. Nice and easy!

Repurchase?
Just picked up 2 for $20 at Coles ♥...

L'Oreal Revita Lift Laser X3 Anti-Ageing Power Serum (30ml, RRP $49.95)

I couldn't resist this when it was on special at Coles (yes I buy the majority of my beauty products from the supermarket!) - two for $50, which is basically half price. Love the deep red pump bottle, AND the contents. Smells dee-vine, and makes my skin feel amazingly soft, and injects a ton of moisture into it. Can't say it did much for my pores or wrinkles, but then again I don't expect much from one round - it absorbs very quickly, and works well under makeup. Until I find something that performs better, I'll stick with this ♥...

Repurchase?
I still have the unopened second bottle, and the minute it goes on special again, I'll stock up...

Garnier 2in1 Express Eye-Makeup Remover (125ml, RRP $7.99)

I've had this for over 12 months - bought it to try mainly because it's purple lol. It's pretty good, but takes way too long to cut through my three layers of waterproof mascara, so I've been using it up on weekends when I rarely wear much eye makeup. It's one of those ones that you shake to mix the two layers. Doesn't sting, and I'd actually recommend it to anyone who wears non-waterproof eye products ♥...

Repurchase?
No - the Neutrogena one is my HG, and all I need...

Natralus Natural Paw Paw Lip Butter - Honey & Vanilla (10g, RRP $5.75)

As mentioned previously, I've recently had a really nasty (and I mean NASTY) virus that had my nose running like the tap washer had disintegrated - unstoppable! 10 boxes of tissues later, I'm fine, and my lips and nose were lovingly protected and nourished throughout with this lip butter. Went through the whole tube in 2 weeks because I applied it every time I blew my schnozz - kept my lips and skin magnificently hydrated and supple, and I didn't experience one bit of peeling. I used this particular flavour because it has the least fragrance of the set, and as I couldn't smell or taste ANYTHING, I figured I'd keep the strawberry and coconut ones for when I could appreciate how yummy they are. Reviewed here ♥...

Repurchase?
Probably not this variety, but I'm NEVER going to be without one of the others ♥...

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. This is my contribution to what I know will be a selection of terrific reads over at Ingrid's Monday Madness Link Up Party ♥

REVIEW: Natralus Natural Paw Paw Lip Butter...

I recently won these achingly cute Natralus Natural Paw Paw Lip Butters in an Instagram comp run by my generous and beautiful gal pal (and fellow blogger) Temporary Princess.  I so rarely enter giveaways because I've been blessed with substantial wins from beautyheaven over the years, but these were just so appealing, and besides, anything darling TP promotes is always fantabulous! And so these arrived in a matter of days, and I couldn't wait to open them and give my shrivelled old pucker a treat...

They come in three delicious flavours - Strawberry, Honey & Vanilla & Coconut (my personal fave is the Strawberry), and all are free from Petroleum Jelly and Petrochemicals. I'd never heard of this brand before, but they are Australian owned, and their products are available in Coles & Woolworths. These adorable little tubes of moisturising magic contain organic papaya, are enriched with shea butter and vitamin E, and they retail for the budget-friendly price of $4.99...

The softening power is one of the best I've come across, and joy of joys, the formula isn't sticky. Under the screw top cap, the tip of the tube is angled for easy application - I'm not keen on applying products directly to my lips, so I squeeze a teeny amount (that's all that's required for total hydration) onto my finger, and then slick it onto my pout...

The moisturising effect lasts for hours, and my lips are now super supple without a trace of flaky skin. These are WINNERS!

Thank you gorgeous lady for the chance to try these beauties - they'll keep me going for a while, but I'll be restocking shortly as I don't want to ever be without the nourishment they deliver ♥

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. You MUST check out Leah's brilliant blog here...