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

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: April Empties 2018 + Giveaway!...

Well, my monthly product turnover doesn't appear to be slowing down! Of course there's always going to be quite a few sheet masks and eye patches (I'm addicted), but there are a bunch of "regulars" here, so I'll concentrate on the ones I haven't mentioned before, or at least not for a while ♥...

Body

Bondi Sands Liquid Gold Self Tanning Dry Oil (150ml, RRP $19.95)

One of my can't-live-withouts. Have tried lots and lots of self-tanners, and this is the one I've settled on - never fails to deliver an even, golden, natural looking tan, and it dries in less than a minute. The best! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely, but probably not till around October when I peel off the winter layers...

Dermaveen Shower & Bath Oil (500ml, RRP $16.99)

Another can't-live-without, especially in the cooler weather when my skin shrivels. Covered in several previous Empties posts, and full review HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Forever...

Dove Original Antiperspirant Deodorant (250ml, RRP $5.25)

Believe it or not, I've had this since November 2016! It was part of the goody bag from the Bloggers United Event, and it's been on my bench ever since. While I'm a devoted Dove stick deodorant user in Summer, I'm not at all keen on aerosols of any kind 'cos I loathe breathing in the fumes, but I managed to hold my breath and FINALLY use up this can. It's awesomely effective for keeping wetness and odour completely at bay, and it has that lovely baby powder fragrance that Dove does so well ♥...

Repurchase?

No, but only because I'm thingy about sprays...

Graham's Cucumber & Aloe Vera Natural Body Wash (250ml, RRP $15.95)

Love, LOVE, LOVE! Full review HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Already have, but I've stashed it for next Summer when it will once again become my #1...

Natura Siberica Extra-Firming Hand Cream (75ml, RRP $14.99)

I absolutely love the Oblepikha hand cream, and this one was a GWP from Chemist Warehouse. Absolutely love this one too - enriching without being greasy, this will sort out any dry skin woes you might be experiencing. Has a lovely delicate, powdery, floral fragrance and it leaves my hands feeling soft, nourished and much loved. Ingredients are 99% natural origin and include Siberian ginseng & limonnik nanai (Vit C & E). You don't need much ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

You betcha...

Oral-B 3D White Luxe Perfection Toothpaste (95g, RRP $9.49)

For the majority of my life, I've been a Colgate gal, but I switched to Oral-B several years ago because of a change in taste preferences, and haven't looked back. Been working my way through their range, and this is my latest purchase. I'm sold on the fresh peppermint taste, and I like that this is icy blue instead of the usual garish stripe. It's enamel safe and keeps my pegs shiny and bright ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

I have a stash that I picked up on special...

Swisse Ultiboost Memory + Focus - Ginkgo, Brahmi & B Vitamins (50 tablets, RRP $29.95)

Earlier this year I went through a period where my short-term memory frequently went out the window - I was struggling to remember the names of everyday things (and people!) in conversations. I didn't know if it was exhaustion, stress or old-age, but it was ferociously embarrassing, so I bought this jar and within a couple of weeks, I was back to normal (thank goodness!) ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I still don't know the cause, but I'm guessing it's a combination of everything I mentioned above, so I'm not taking any chances and will continue to buy these for a while lol...

Urban Rituelle Mandarin + Basil + Lime Hand Cream (100ml, RRP $24.95)

One of my favourite hand creams EVER, the fragrance is to die for, and it's chockfull of goodness - I reviewed it years ago HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Once I get through the five I currently have open, without a doubt...

Face

Beauty by Nicholas Eye Alchemy (15ml, RRP $49.99)

Still my go-to eye cream, full review HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

My peepers absolutely INSIST I do!...

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water (250ml, $31.99)

Reviewed this in my Micellar Magic series (HERE). It's outrageously expensive, but it's the best ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I reckon I'll always have a bottle of this in my stash...

Bioré Charcoal Pore Minimiser (92ml, RRP $10.99)

This little gem has already appeared in three previous Empties posts, love it. Hasn't reduced my pores any further than when I first used it, but they aren't getting any bigger either lol ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
It's a staple...

Graham's Natural Raspberry Organic Lip Balm (4.25g, RRP $7.95)

I haven't actually reviewed this on my blog or beautyheaven, but it's my favourite lip balm. Deliciously hydrating (and tasting) I apply this at various times throughout the day whenever I'm not wearing lippie, but ALWAYS before bed. I've included a few in some of my giveaways, but not any more, I'm keeping them all for myself ha ha! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Till I'm pushing up daisies...

Sukin Oil Balancing + Charcoal Pore Refining Facial Scrub (125ml, RRP $12.95)

My rave review is HERE. The more Sukin products I try, the more impressed I become - the best value range of natural Aussie skincare ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I stock up whenever it's on special, which thankfully is often...

Face Masks

BLAQ Charcoal Eye Mask (Box of 5, RRP $29.99)

In my March Empties post, these are beautiful but you cannot walk around in them, so take advantage of that limitation and RELAX ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Hoping they're on special in next Priceline skincare sale, but if I not I'll buy them anyway...

Lancôme Advanced Genefique Hydrogel Melting Mask (RRP $29)

Part of an Instagram prize from Adore Beauty, there are almost no words for this beauty. In their words "...contains the same amount of bifious extract found in one full bottle of Advanced Genefique Serum". Whatever that bifious stuff is, it works. This is the sheet mask to end all sheet masks - the most plumping, smoothing, refreshing, hydrating, firming & hydrating mask I have EVER tried. Also comes in a box of 4 for $110, which is top of my Santa Wish List ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Sigh...saving my pennies as Christmas is 7 months away...

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

Mentioned these in February's post, just adore them. If I could afford it I would use one every day and say goodbye to my vertical lip lines ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes - I only have one left!

Neutrogena Youthful Boost 100% Hydrogel Mask - Smoothing (RRP $5.99)

If you're overwhelmed by the choices of sheet masks to try, then give this one a go. For $6 it blew me away. Comes in 2 pieces (preferred) and has optional flaps to cover eyes and lips if you want to treat absolutely everything (awesome innovation), very pale lilac colour which looks almost clear when you're wearing it so it won't scare the cat or young children, contains hyaluronic acid & adenosine, nicely hydrating and smoothing. Winner! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Gonna buy a stack of these next time I see them on special...

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

Always raving about these, introduced my hairdresser to them and now she's hooked too! Word is spreading though, and every now and then they're out of stock at Kmart - quelle horreur! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Kmart restocked on Friday so I can breathe again...

Skin Republic Retinol Hydrogel Mask (RRP $12.99)

One of several new additions to the SR range, I think I prefer this to their gold one (did I say that?). Another one that won't frighten anyone, it's in two pieces, the nose flap is longer than usual so it covers my big schnozz, it sits quite high under the eyes so it works on that area too without needing separate eye patches. I left it on for the full 40 minutes and was impressed with how my skin looked and felt afterwards. Contains hyaluronic acid, peony & jojoba - the results aren't as spectacular as the Lancôme one, but it's the next best thing, and far more affordable ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yep - this will be a quarterly (at least!) treat for me...

Fragrance

Tilley Aromatic Reed Diffuser - Pink Lychee (150ml, RRP $24.95)

Adore this in Spring and Summer, waxed lyrical about it back in November HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

As soon as the weather warms up...

Hair

Schwarzkopf Colour Specialist - Cool Ultra Light Blonde (RRP $18.99)

The best home hair colourant on the market - gave it both thumbs up and a bucketload of gold stars HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Priceline & Chemist Warehouse regularly have this on special, and there are three boxes in my bathroom cupboard...

Schwarzkopf Live Salon Permanent - Ultra Light Ash Blonde (RRP $13.99)

The second best home hair colourant on the market, I use this to create my highlights. It's one or two notches below the Colour Specialist for gentleness and low damage, but still streets ahead of anything else out there. I did a mini-review in my January Empties post in which I wished they made a Light Ash Blonde, and was thrilled to discover they do - found it at CW! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Two boxes under the vanity...

Schwarzkopf Live Colour Pastels - Cool Grey (RRP $5.49)

Appeared in my March Empties post, and you'll be seeing it over and over again ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes...

Makeup

Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder - True Translucent (RRP $13.95)

Yet another of my C-L-W's, the only setting powder that works for me to control shine in any temperature and minimise the appearance of my pores and lines. It's a shaker style with little holes in the middle of the pan - way too much powder comes through, so when I peel back the seal on a new jar, I only take it part-way and then cut the half I've lifted off. Also comes in a pressed compact version, which I carry with me wherever I go ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Always one or two in my spares drawer...

Colourpop Creme Gel Liner - Teaspoon (RRP US$5)

My #2 eyeliner for the waterline. Doesn't last as long as my EOH faves, but there's no stinging or eye-watering, and this colour is the most fabulous bright emerald green. As with all Colourpop propelling pencils, the product always separates at the base inside the tube so you have to keep pushing it back in, and only being available from their US website means shipping costs and waiting for delivery, but for US$5, I'm prepared to put up with those annoyances ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Must!...

GIVEAWAY!

I've chosen five of my April faves for one of you lovelies - I'm keeping this pack lightweight so the OS gals can join in...

• 1 x Skin Republic Retinol Hydrogel Mask
• 1 x LonVitalite C7 Collagen & Gold Lip Mask
• 1 x Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder - True Translucent
• 1 x Natura Siberica Extra-Firming Hand Cream
• 1 x Neutrogena Youthful Boost 100% Hydrogel Mask - Smoothing

All products were purchased by me, and the total value is approximately $53.

And 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

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 6th June to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Fay has claimed her prize ♥

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: March Empties 2018 + Giveaway!...

Well, I guess no-one can say that I never finish products! Not a bad effort for March and this post is late yet again because of the time it takes to put it all together, but I sure do get a wonderful sense of achievement when I hit "Publish", and my recycle bin gets a good feed haha. Oh and there's a special treat with the giveaway this time around, so off we go lovelies ...

Body

Cutex Nourishing Nail Polish Remover (100ml, RRP $4.99)

This was my polish remover of choice (for my toes), but as of a couple of months ago, I stopped painting my own toenails, and now I have them shellacked at a salon - holey guacemoley, what rock have I been living under?...

Repurchase?

Not anymore, but it was the best and most effective for standard gel nail polish...

Cutex Acetone Free Nail Polish Remover (100ml, RRP $4.99)

So much kinder to my nails than regular remover, but takes a bit more soaking and rubbing...

Repurchase?

Even though I'm now having my toenails painted at a salon, I still need this for removing sticky marks that come off my shoes and dull the shellac, and it doesn't damage the glossy finish, so yes, bought some today in fact ♥♥♥...

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

I wasn't a fan of this shower gel when it first came out - there was a sharpness to the fragrance that didn't appeal initially, but things change, well...I changed, and now I love it! Being tall and slim it takes up minimal space in my caddy, the turquoise bottle is a standout amongst the others, it contains lots of interesting Siberian herbs, no SLS, and it doesn't dry out my skin. Hoping that one day I'll be able to pronounce it lol...

Repurchase?

Definitely! ♥♥♥...

Nutrimetics Nutri-Rich Shower Oil (200ml, RRP $38)

This creates such a beautiful shower experience, I wish it wasn't so expensive. But just about everything from this brand eventually goes on sale, and surprise surprise, the replacement for this bottle was a freebie with my last order - score! A very interesting product - yes it's an oil, but when mixed with water it foams into a light and creamy cleanser that moisturises the skin without leaving it feeling greasy, or making the shower floor slippery. The apricot fragrance is to die for, and I don't need to apply any body lotions or potions afterwards. Very softening, very hydrating, very nice...

Repurchase?

Undoubtedly ♥♥♥...

Nutrimetics Ultra Care Platinum Hand Therapy (75ml, RRP $42)

Well, it's called Hand Therapy, and that just about sums it up. Superb hand cream with a soft baby powder scent that smooths and hydrates the most withered skin. I didn't notice any reduction in my brown spots, but I'd say a few tubes would be needed for that. Love the glam silver (platinum) packaging. It's as good as the L'Occitane Shea Butter one, and absorbs COMPLETELY!...

Repurchase?

That'll be a yes, as soon as it's on special ♥♥♥...

Original Source Limited Edition Hibiscus & Pomegranate Tea Shower Gel (250ml, RRP $3.99)

Fell for the scent of this bargain shower gel quite a while ago, and being a Limited Edition, I stocked up. Crisp and refreshing, this is a beaut all-year-round body wash that lathers well and the delicate fruity-floral fragrance is 100% natural. Contains SLS, but unlike numerous other products with this tricky ingredient, it doesn't dry or irritate my skin ...

Repurchase?

Would if I could but I think it's only available on eBay now - fortunately I still have several bottles stashed away in the cupboard ♥♥♥...

Face

BioEffect Day Serum (5ml sample, 30ml, RRP $195)

Crikey, from memory this sample came in an Adore Beauty order, but I nearly fainted when I looked it up and found out that a 30ml bottle costs $195!!!! It's an interesting formulation - the clear gel is amazingly smooth and a tiny amount spreads in a flash. It feels almost like silicone, but boy does it hydrate! No scent that I can detect and some of the online reviews are from gals that swear by it. Honestly, I didn't notice any change or improvement in the short period of time I was using it, but I may have been a bit more observant and frugal with the dispensing if I'd known how much it costs lol...

Repurchase?

Umm, I doubt it - lovely serum, but for that price, I need it to work an overnight miracle!...

L'Oreal Pure Clay Detoxifying Gel Wash (150ml, RRP $14.95)

Definitely one of my favourite cleansers. My passion for anything clay or charcoal is well documented, and this contains both, so it was bound to be a winner. Love the fresh fragrance, and while it's blackish in the tube, it becomes lighter grey when mixed with water and even foams up. It's one of those rare cleansers that removes every molecule of makeup from my face, and the rinse water doesn't leave a ring around my basin, which makes it a winner...

Repurchase?

I already have several of these stashed away (bought on special!) ♥♥♥...

L'Oreal Age Perfect Cell Renewal Advanced Regenerating Serum (30ml, RRP $49.95)

Trialled this for beautyheaven in March and gave it 5 stars - my review is towards the bottom of the page HERE. It's even better than the original formula, and I so looked forward to my beauty routines, both for the feel of it on my skin, and the revitalising lemony scent. Perfect overnight serum hydration-wise, and a beaut base for makeup too as it absorbs very quickly, and the pearly liquid contains tiny gold particles that give a slightly shimmery radiance to the complexion...

Repurchase?

No less than 6 serums on my bench, but as soon as they reduce to 3, I'll definitely be picking up another of these gems ♥♥♥...

Sukin Super Greens Detoxifying Facial Scrub (125ml, RRP $12.95)

My rave review of this is HERE...

Repurchase?

You betcha! ♥♥♥...

Face Masks

BLAQ Charcoal Hydrogel Eye Mask (pack of 5, RRP $29.99)

My latest under-eye-depuffing love (pictured below underneath the brown face mask) - these are slippery little suckers, so you can't really walk around with them on as gravity and the slightest movement makes them slide down, but they work a treat AND they contain charcoal. They work out to be $6 a pop, but who cares. LOVE!...

Repurchase?

Affirmative ♥♥♥...

Purederm Black Food Recipe MG:Gel Mask (RRP $3)

Exceptionally hydrating, and even (temporarily) firmed my jawline. Contains 17 black foods - whoa! - including black rice, black bean and blackcurrant. The blurb says that if you store it in the fridge, even more moisture will be released when you slap it on, so for me that little extra tip is a hot weather only one. Anyways for $3 from Kmart, it's a bargain and well worth trying to find it in amongst the gazillion masks they have for sale these days...

Repurchase?

Sure will - I have at least 30 sheet masks in stock to use up (gaahhhhh!), but I'll definitely be buying this one again ♥♥♥...

South Mane Lip Gel (Pack of 3, RRP US$9)

Also pictured above partially covered by the face mask, this pack of 3 came in a Lip Monthly box. They're huge and cover the entire lip area and surrounds, but are also very slippery so you need to lie down and not move your mouth at all. Nicely softening, but very little moisturising beyond the 10 minutes of wear...

Repurchase?

They seem to be only available from the US website, so I'll stick with the LonVitalite ones...

Skin Republic Bubble Purifying + Charcoal Face Mask (RRP $7.99)

Already raved about this one numerous times ...

Repurchase?

Absolutely! ♥♥♥...

Fragrance

Lanvin Eclat d’Arpège EDP (100ml, $140)

Just can't live without this beautiful fragrance in Spring & Summer - been buying it for years, and always ALWAYS receive compliments. Covered it succinctly in a previous empties post in 2016 (HERE) and nothing has changed - this stunner will forever be part of my life. BTW it is regularly on special at various outlets/websites, and I've never paid more than $65 for it...

Repurchase?

I make sure I have a spare even before I open a new bottle ♥♥♥...

Glasshouse Fragrances Beverly Hills Pink Lemonade Reed Diffuser (250ml, $42.95)

A full review of this beautiful baby HERE - it's so summery and fresh and fun! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Affirmative, but not till next warm season ♥♥♥...

Hair

Schwarzkopf Live Colour Silver Toner (RRP $5.49)

I think this may work best if you have bleached blonde hair - it toned down the yellow in mine, but overall my colour was too dark for this to have anything other than a neutralising effect. Leaves the hair nicely conditioned and glossy though...

Repurchase?

No - the one below is what works for me...

Schwarzkopf Live Colour Pastels Cool Grey (RRP $5.49)

Now, this is the go - it actually adds colour, a lovely soft grey (not purplish or bluish). It may sound odd that I wanted to put grey in my hair, but it's true - my ultimate goal is ash blonde with silver streaks. I've decided to go with the flow a bit more, and change my colour to something that blends a whole lot better with my white roots, which are killers to cover up every 2 weeks. This cheap-as-chips semi-permanent has already helped get me closer to where I want my tresses to be without any more damage, and I will continue to use it every month or so (in addition to the Schwarzkopf Colour Specialist) to keep the yellows at bay... 

Repurchase?

It was recently on special at one of the supermarkets, so I bought 8 (yes 8!) boxes ♥♥♥...

Makeup

Maybelline COLORdrama Intense Velvet Lip Pencil - In With Coral (RRP $9.95)

The perfect coral colour for my skin tone and I also use it as a liner for some of my other lipsticks - lovingly reviewed the range HERE...

Repurchase?

Can't live without it ♥♥♥...

GIVEAWAY!

As usual, I've picked some faves from this month to giveaway, and the thought crossed my mind, why only have one winner? So to double the fun, there are TWO prize packs this time around!

Up for grabs are 2 packs (1 for each winner) containing...

• L'Oreal Pure Clay Detoxifying Gel Wash
• Skin Republic Bubble Purifying + Charcoal Face Mask Sheet
• Original Source Hibiscus & Pomegranate Tea Shower Gel
• Sukin Super Greens Detoxifying Facial Scrub
• BLAQ Charcoal Eye Mask

All products were purchased by me, and each pack is valued at around $45.

And again because of the weight, the giveaway is open to...

AUSTRALIAN RESIDENTS ONLY 

(To all you gals who are overseas, there'll be another International Giveaway soon - dinks!)

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 following 2 beauties as the winners!

Sonia A. & Leonie C.  

Congratulations lovelies! 

Sonia & Leonie please respond to the emails I've sent you by

Wednesday 9th May to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Sonia & Leonie have claimed their prizes ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx