Showing posts with label Neostrata. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Neostrata. Show all posts

Monday, 2 October 2017

SPOTLIGHT: August Empties!...

Eeek! With all the Bloggiversary giveaways, I didn't get to post my August Empties, and September ones are in the box waiting their turn too, but first things first. Another big month - I decided to use up some small sample tubes that have been cluttering my drawers for some time, and I'm feeling good about clearing a wee bit more space. Due to my current passions though, I figure the face mask tally is always going to be reasonably high, as is the body washes. There's a few long-term makeup items in here as well, some of which I've highlighted previously in these posts, but as they're absolute FAVES, I'm compelled to include them yet again ha ha  ...


Body Products

Dove Gentle Exfoliating Nourishing Body Wash (375ml, RRP $7.36)
Love these Body Washes - they're so incredibly hydrating, including this one. Only a whisper of exfoliation so I'm more likely to categorise it as a body polish. Smells very similar to the rest of the range...
Repurchase?
Probably not - the Triple Moisturising one below is my favourite..

Dove Triple Moisturising Nourishing Body Wash (375ml, RRP $7.36)
Review HERE - Winter skin saviour! 
Repurchase?
Already have - this has become a can't-live-without ...

Lacura (Aldi) Detox Me Exfoliating Body Scrub (100g, RRP $4.99)
Nothing special although it smells incredible, but it's actually really annoying - it's pretty much dry coffee granules that don't hold together at all, which means that they flick all over the walls and make a HUGE mess of my shower stall when applied all over my bod. Ended up using it only below the knees to reduce the fallout...
Repurchase?
No...

Lush The Comforter Shower Cream (250g, RRP $19.95)
Bought this at the Bloggers United AU 2nd Birthday bash in March. Smells amazing (blackcurrant & vanilla), has delish skin softening qualities (Almond Oil) and what a pretty addition to my shower stall array ...
Repurchase?
Yes - it's one of the few Lush products that I don't need to see, touch and feel before buying, so I can order it online ...


Skincare

Bioderma Hydrabio Light Cream (40ml, RRP $40.99)
This was a 15ml sample tube that came in one of my Marie Claire Ageless parcels (incidentally I'm shattered this quarterly box has been discontinued, it was SO good). A lovely lightweight cream that's intensely hydrating, has a delightful and delicate fragrance, and is suitable for sensitive skin. Absorbs within a few seconds leaving the skin surface silky soft and smooth. You really can't go wrong with anything by Bioderma ...
Repurchase?
Maybe for next Winter...I have so many moisturisers stashed in my cupboard to try ...

Freeze 24.7 Anti-Aging Eye Serum (7ml, RRP US$56)
I forget how this came into my possession (a sub box?), but I sure didn't buy it, and with a US$56 price tag, that's a good thing. Have read mixed reviews of this product online - some gals say they would kill for it, while others (like me) experienced no change whatsoever in their issues (puffiness/dark circles/fine lines etc). It's a clear gel that doesn't hydrate at all, so you need an eye cream as well. There's definitely a tightening sensation as it dries, but for the outrageous cost of such a microscopic tube, I expected SOMETHING!...
Repurchase?
Hell no...

Innoxa Gentle Cleansing Gel (75ml, RRP $14.99)
Disappointed with this - didn't like the smell, and while it sure is gentle and it's a gel, I didn't find it all that effective at removing the layers of slap that I wear on weekdays. Absolutely amazing list of organic ingredients, but hey, if it doesn't work all that well AND I don't like the fragrance, forget it...
Repurchase?
Nope...

Mirenesse Youth Switch DNA Stem Cell Booster Eye Cream (10g, RRP $59.95)
Gosh I have so much Mirenesse skincare in my collection that has arrived via VIP packs, so it was time to test out another. They do make lovely products, and the online reviews of some of them are astounding - I just find most of them to be nothing special as far as targeting my particular advanced ageing skin concerns. This eye cream is super hydrating, the packaging is stunning, it has a nifty little paddle applicator (although I always use my pinky), but obviously I don't need DNA Stem Cells as I noticed no change in my crinkles. Mind you there was no further deterioration while I used it, but I'd rather spend my $60 on something that gives me visible results in a few weeks...
Repurchase?
No...

Nature's Care All Natural Paw Paw Lip Balm (10g, RRP $3.99)
Excellent lip balm, no better or worse than any of the other Paw Paw varieties out there for a similar price. Available from the supermarket, I find this type of liquid balm to be more hydrating than any stick variety, they're just not as convenient to apply. This is an Aussie brand ...
Repurchase?
Will probably buy another tube to keep next to the bed or in my handbag ...

NeoStrata Renewal Cream (30g, RRP $58.50)
I've tried quite a few NeoStrata creams now, and am suitably impressed with the quality, and their range is quite extensive. I reckon it's a case of finding the right product for the issues you're dealing with. I wanted this one to work on my skin texture and pore size - didn't notice any change, but it felt like it was doing something (tingling). According to their website, there was no pore size reduction observed until the product had been used for 3 months, so I probably need to line up a few tubes and actually stick with something for a while lol...
Repurchase?
Definitely, but not unless it's on special...

Neutrogena Hydro Boost (50g, RRP $24.99)
Another sample size, this one came with a beautyheaven beautorium order - loved it! Very pleasant fragrance, very hydrating, great for daytime as it absorbs COMPLETELY, I prefer something that leaves a trace for overnight, but this is a beaut day cream ...
Repurchase?
Yes, after clearing some of the aforementioned backlog ...

Nude by Nature Daily Cleanser (125ml, RRP $17.95)
The last appearance of this fab cleanser in these posts - so sad that Nude have discontinued their skin care range...
Repurchase?
Can't...sob...


Face Masks

7th Heaven Charcoal Masque (15g, RRP $4.99)
After falling head over heels for their Dead Sea Mud Pac, I was all set to be hooked on this charcoal one (considering I'm charcoal-obsessed), but to be honest...it scared me. It's an exfoliator as well - walnut shells, but it felt like coarse sand (or fine gravel), and after the first few finger swipes, I didn't dare massage it in. Maybe I got a dud batch with extra granules, but I would class this product under "dermabrasion" because it almost hurt when it came time to wash it off. I had to rub quite a bit and my face was bright pink for a while afterwards. Admittedly my skin felt fantastic after it calmed down, but I wasn't mentally prepared for this level of resurfacing from a face masque - yikes!...
Repurchase?
Seeing as it won a beauty award in 2016, I'm gonna give it another shot, but I'll brace myself first lol...

Eaoron Instant Whitening Face Mask (Box of 5, RRP $29)
I enjoyed this so much the first few times, I bought another box (of 5), and embarked on a weekly session to see what would happen with repeated use - results will be revealed in my September empties post, coming soon! ...
Repurchase?
Sure did ...



Skin Republic Gold Hydrogel Mask (25g, RRP $12.99)
LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ...
Repurchase?
YES YES YES YES YES YES YES!!!!!!!! ...



Skin Republic Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patch (3 pairs, RRP $9.99)
LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ...
Repurchase?
YES YES YES YES YES YES YES!!!!!!!! ...

Skin Republic Spots & Blemish (25ml, RRP $7.99)
First tried it back in April, loved it, and it's another one that I plan on using repeatedly over a set period to see if there is any improvement in my pore size ...
Repurchase?
I already have 2 stashed away, and will buy 2 more so I can do my experiment ...


Makeup

Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder (?, RRP $13.95)
I use this every day, have done for years ...
Repurchase?
Always, and at least 2 spares in my drawer ...

Australis Stayput! Longwear Foundation (23ml, RRP $16.49)
Well this surprised the hell out of me - so cheap and SO good! Absolutely lasts all day, the colour match is fantastic, although I'm bummed that either the label has come off or it never had one, anyway I have no idea what shade I purchased, so I'll have to take the bottle with me to buy another one (there's still a teeny bit left). The pump works brilliantly, coverage is full without looking caked on, SPF 15, and it's not tested on animals. Winner! ...
Repurchase?
Promised myself I'd finish off at least 2 of the 14 (gahhhh!) I have in rotation at the moment, but I will certainly buy this again - it will be terrific for the warmer weather when I desperately need a longwear formula ...

Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner (0.5g, RRP $15.95)
My precious, I use this EVERY TIME I do my eye makeup, it's goof-proof ..
Repurchase?
Forever ...

Maybelline Brow Satin - Dark Blonde (?, RRP $16.95)
My latest must-have brow product! I was perfectly happy with the ModelsPrefer crayon I was using, but I changed my hair colour slightly (amped up the ashy content to counteract the orangey tones it was developing) and consequently the usual brow pencil shade was too warm. So I bought several new products to try, all epic fails except for this one, and I was immediately hooked. It's the propelling kind, and it has one major flaw - if you wind it up more than a millimetre, it breaks off. Happened quite a few times before I twigged, and I went through the whole tube in less than 3 weeks. But I've got the hang of it now. Possibly the most realistic brow product I've ever used, the neutral tone is perfect for my new colouring. There's a spring-loaded smudger on the other end which also dispenses miniscule amounts of powder filler, but I never use it as it tends to flatten the hairs too much - instead I use a standard mascara brush to tidy up. Lasts all day ... 
Repurchase?
You betcha - bought several in fact from the Chemist Warehouse half-price sale, I reckon I have enough to keep me going for at least 6 months ...

NYX Ombre Blush - Mauve Me (8g, RRP $17.95)
Methinks this is my favourite blush EVER - the colour is just perfect for my skin tone, it's the only blush in my kit that makes me look like I'm genuinely blushing. By that I mean it looks real, and the fact that I used it up ENTIRELY over a period of 12 months says it all. I mean, I don't think I've EVER hit pan on a blush before ...
Repurchase?
Yessirreeee - bought another at the last Priceline half-price makeup sale ...


Fragrance

Versace Bright Crystal Absolu EDP (90ml, RRP $150)
For me Spring is just not Spring without this fragrance - I absolutely adore it, so crisp and fresh and feminine. Raved about it 3 years ago HERE, and it will always be in my collection. It's such a beautiful bottle, I've kept the gorgeous faceted lid to use as a paper weight ...
Repurchase?
Yes indeedy, plus I have a spare as I expect to go through the latest bottle within 6 months. Incidentally I have never paid full price for it, I usually buy it on spesh from feelingsexy ...


4th Bloggiversary Giveaway will be up soon, along with September empties!...

Take care of you,
kats xxx

Sunday, 16 July 2017

SPOTLIGHT: June Empties!...

I know, I know, how crazy is this photo? Yes lovelies, I had a BLITZ last month on all my part-used products. To be honest I was running out of space in my shower caddies (where I keep washes & both face & body scrubs) as well as on the top of my vanity, so I made a vow to clear the decks a bit, and this is the result - slam dunk into the bin, and boy do I feel good! There were so many containers with just a few applications left, so I'm giving myself a hearty pat on the back. Mind you, the vacated spots have already been filled with newer releases and old faves, but that's what happens when you have a beauty product addiction...


BODY CARE

Dove Go Fresh Body Wash - Cucumber & Green Tea Scent (375ml, RRP $7.36)
Already lovingly reviewed HERE ...
Repurchase?
A sure bet ...

Du'It Tough Hands For Her Intensive Skin Repair (75g, RRP $9.95)
I received a sample size (20g) with my beautyheaven Beautorium order - never heard of this brand before, but I do love this hand cream. More of a gel than a cream, it smells quite pleasant (almondy), and absorbs reasonably well, and the softening and healing affect it had on my hands was quite amazing. My only beef is that for something so runny, it should have a nozzle rather than just an open top because I found way too much came out, and you don't need much of this to be effective. Mind you this may just be a symptom of the sample size ...
Repurchase?
Definitely ...

Natural Secrets Goats Milk Moisturising Shower Cream (500ml, RRP $11.99)
Full review HERE - love this stuff ...
Repurchase?
Absolutely ...

Nivea Happy Time Shower Cream (500ml, RRP $4.99)
Had this one for a while, the fragrance is a bit sickly sweet (Bamboo Milk & Orange Blossom) but the shower cream itself is lovely and hydrating...
Repurchase?
No - can't handle the smell any more ...

Thankyou Botanical Geranium & Rosewood Coffee Body Scrub (300g, RRP $14.95)
Ooh yes, on my list of can't-live-withouts. Supporting this company in what they do is on my list of priorities, and when they make a product I love, well it's a done deal hey. This smells FANTASTIC and leaves my skin ridiculously soft - the only thing that has me puzzled is that the label says "wait for 5-10 minutes to ensure your skin absorbs all the natural hydrating goodness". I haven't figured out how to do that in the shower unless I turn off the water, and I ain't gonna do that in Winter lol! ...
Repurchase?
Already have ...


FACE CARE

Alpha-H Instant Facial with Cypress & Barley (100ml, RRP $62 )
This was a 30ml sample that came in a Marie Claire Ageless parcel - it's nice, left my skin feeling soft and supple, but no other change was noticeable...
Repurchase?
Nope - I'm happy with the Liquid Gold one...

Antipodes Hosanna H20 Skin Plumping Serum (30ml, RRP $48.99)
Holey socks Batman! A 10ml bottle came in my DJ's Sampler in February 2016 - to think it's been sitting in my drawer for almost 18 months, when my face could have been basking in it's goodness long before now. I think this is THE serum for me - I don't know if I can express how much I love it, the smell of it alone feeds my soul. Is it a sin to adore a beauty product so much? When I massage it into my face, I can hear my skin cells singing hallelujah ...
Repurchase?
I bought the full size bottle as part of my qualifying purchase for the Priceline Skincare Gift Bag, and it's killing me to see it unopened on my bench - I promised myself I'd finish off another serum before I crack the seal...sigh......

Bioré Pore Unclogging Scrub (135ml, RRP $9.99)
I was happy to find out that the micro beads in this are not the kind that harm the environment, still I'm not so keen on this scrub - it's effective and good value, but I have issues with the fragrance which makes my eyes water a little ...
Repurchase?
Not this one, see below ...

Bioré Charcoal Pore Minimiser (92ml, RRP $10.99)
Very recent review HERE ...
Repurchase?
Affirmative ...

Jorel Parker Fango Mud Therapy Face Mask (200ml, RRP $27)
Scored this sample size from one of my first Lip Monthly bags - it's brilliant, very VERY green, one of the best masks I've ever used, and you only need 5 minutes for it to work its magic. Sweet Almond Oil, Avocado Oil, Green Tea Antioxidants, Volcanic Ash Minerals, 100% vegan ...
Repurchase?
Haven't been able to confirm where I can buy this as yet - seems to be a website called  harveyprince but the packaging is different as is the label, and besides, it won't let me add it to my cart, boo...

Natural Instinct Refreshing Foaming Cleanser (110ml, RRP $9.95)
I did enjoy this, and am starting to explore the rest of the range. While I'm a foaming cleanser fan, there's a limit to how much foam I can tolerate lol, and thankfully this one has minimal suds that are creamy and refreshing, the scent is floral and fresh, and there's none of the usual chemicals. It's actually vegan and of course not tested on animals, contains Goji Berry & Kakadu Plum ...
Repurchase?
Yes indeed, but not for a few months as I have a massive backlog to clear ...

Neostrata Ultra Smoothing Cream (40g, RRP $52.95 )
This is a lovely cream, but for $53, I expected to see some obvious difference in my skin texture by the end of the tube - hydrates very well and very softening, but no "...smoothing wrinkles from the inside..."
Repurchase?
Probably not - I should have started using this a long time ago...

Revo Lip Balm - Watermelon (10g, RRP $4.99)
This was really nice - loved the flavour, but after seeing the list of ingredients, I won't get it again - there are so many lip balms out there that are full of good things...
Repurchase?
Negative...

St. Ives Green Tea Blackhead Clearing Scrub (150ml, RRP $9.99)
Review HERE ...
Repurchase?
Never without this one ...

Swisse Bamboo Facial Exfoliant (125ml, RRP $9.95)
With bamboo particles, this really appealed to me, but it's so darn runny, I ended up using it as a body scrub - it just drips through my fingers and I wasted stacks the first few times I used it, so then I squirted it onto my flannel, and it worked just fine...
Repurchase?
No - I prefer my body scrubs to be creamy and more like a paste, and it's just not practical to use it as a face scrub...

True Essentials Deep Clean Face Scrub (150ml, RRP $4)
A reasonably new range from Coles, these are quite good value, but this scrub is another one that's way too runny for my taste...
Repurchase?
Shakes head from left to right...

SHEET MASKS

Skin Republic Collagen Hydrogel Mask (RRP $12.99)


Very similar to the gold one, not quite so glamorous (or scary for the cat). Love these ones that come in 2 pieces as they fit my face so much better, and I think it helps the process if the mask is actually touching your skin in all places. This one contains Sea Minerals, Collagen and Argan Oil, and it leaves my face plump, soft and supple ...
Repurchase?
Already have ...

Skin Republic Gold Hydrogel Mask (RRP $12.99)


Covered this one back in March - torn between this and the previous one, I think the gold has more of a firming effect, whereas the other one seems to hydrate and soften my skin just a tad more ...
Repurchase?
You betcha ...

Skin Republic Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patch (3 pairs, RRP $7.99)
...
Repurchase?
...

Garnier Skin Active Hydra Bomb Tissue Mask - Green Tea & Hyaluronic Acid (for normal/combo) - RRP $4.95 (not pictured above)

This isn't in the picture at the top of the page because I filed the empty wrapper incorrectly (duh!), but I definitely used it during June. Lovely - fits my face better than some others, although I found actually getting it onto my face a wee bit more challenging as there are two backing sheets which have to be removed. That annoyance aside, it sure is hydrating ...
Repurchase?
Maybe - I actually prefer the Chamomile one ...

Eaoron Instant Whitening Face Mask (25ml, box of 5 RRP $29.95)


Hadn't heard of this brand before - it's a relatively new Aussie skincare company (2015). Found this box at Chemist Warehouse and I'm so glad I took the plunge. These masks are a beautiful experience - calming, soothing and actually made my skin look lighter and whiter. White tea, apple, kiwifruit, melon, pine bark, bearberry, white mulberry & licorice root - sounds good enough to suck on it lol ...
Repurchase?
Yessiree - I need to use a whole box in the space of a month to see if they will permanently fade my freckles ..

Skin Physics Advance Superlift 3D Deep Hydration Lifting Masks (box of 3, $59)


Bought this box on special at Priceline, I think it was around $33, and for that price, I loved it. For the regular price of $20 each, I'm not so sure if they're worth it. LOVE that there's a bit that extends down the neck, but it doesn't work so well as it comes unstuck unless you lay completely still. But the mask itself is super hydrating and my face looked plumper and firmer afterwards ...
Repurchase?
Not unless they are on special again ..


MAKEUP

Eye of Horus Goddess Pencil - Teal Malachite (RRP $30)
Raved about it HERE ...
Repurchase?
Never EVER without this eye liner ...

Max Factor Kohl Pencil - Charcoal Grey (RRP $20.95)
One of the few eyeliners I use outside of Eye of Horus or Colourpop - this one lasts well on the waterline, and I keep buying it because it's the perfect medium grey shade for when I want something not quite so dramatic. Doesn't irritate my eyes, and I also use it as a base under eyeshadow ...
Repurchase?
Sure have - it's another of my can't-live-withouts ...

Maybelline Dream Cushion Liquid Foundation in a Compact (14.6g, RRP $26.95)
RAVE review HERE ...
Repurchase?
I stocked up the last time MNY was half price, I think I still have two more of these in reserve ...

Mirenesse Velvet Maxi Lift Supreme Antiageing Renovage 18hr Foundation (30g, RRP $89.50)
My favourite of all the Mirenesse foundations, the best coverage and totally TOTALLY flawless finish ...
Repurchase?
Undoubtedly - I have SO many foundations in my kit to get through, but I know I will cave ...


MISCELLANEOUS


Chi Chi Strawberry & Violet EDP Purse Spray (full size 50ml, RRP $19.95)
Reviewed HERE ...
Repurchase?
One of my fave Chi Chi fragrances, I've already bought the big bottle ...

Life Space Broad Spectrum Probiotic Capsules (30 capsules, RRP $23.99)
Can't for the life of me remember how I came by this jar, but I reckon it was free - anyway I took one capsule every day for a month. Must say I didn't notice any improvement in my digestive tract health or well being in that time. Mind you I'm a regular yoghurt consumer so maybe I'm getting what I need already? ...
Repurchase?
I'll think about it ...

Reference of Sweden Shine Spray (200ml, RRP $34)
Review HERE ...
Repurchase?
My hairdresser retired (gahhhhhh!) so I need to find another stockist - I've tried various "substitutes", but they all weigh down my hair ...


Phew! Well lovelies that's it for June - before I go I was wondering if you have a preference for the entries in my empties posts i.e. would you rather they were listed as per their appearance in the photo, in a single alphabetical order, or grouped in categories like I did this time around?

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. I actually look forward to Mondays, thanks to Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Link Up...

Monday, 12 June 2017

SPOTLIGHT: May Empties!...

After last month's mammoth post, I thought I'd put this one together nice and early as I powered through quite a few in May as well. And to be honest, having all the empty containers lying around is a space issue for me, so here we go...


Hair & Me Hair Rejuvenation Treatment (90ml, RRP $16)
I've lost track of how many sachets of this magical hair elixir I've gone through - first discovered it two years ago, full review HERE, nothing's changed, it's still awesome and I can't live without it ...
Repurchase?
3 spares in the bathroom drawer ...


Skin Republic Youthfoil Face Mask Sheet (25ml, RRP $12.99)
Like the Hydrogel ones, this is special, which is why it's more expensive. It's a 2-piecer (much more comfortable) with lashings of hyaluronic acid serum. The foil fabric itself dries out by the end of the 20 minutes (no it's not alfoil lol), but the serum stays locked in underneath - when you peel it off, there's heaps left on the skin, which I massaged in, and that was my skincare regime for the night, nothing else required. Amazingly hydrating ...
Repurchase?
Already have 2 waiting in the queue ...

Hylamide Low-Molecular HA Multi-Depth Rehydration Booster (10ml, 30ml RRP $29.99)
This sample came in the Bloggers United AU goodie bag last November - amazingly thick and enriching serum, I can't imagine a dry skin cell making it out the other side of this stuff without transforming. Can't say I noticed any obvious change in my skin over such a very short period of time (barely a week), but I sure as eggs didn't need much else to moisturise my skin ...
Repurchase?
Probably - I need to investigate this whole brand (The Abnormal Beauty Company) in more depth, but right now I have no less than 6 serums backed up waiting for their chance to shine ...


NeoStrata Skin Active Intensive Eye Therapy (15g, RRP $69.99)
My favourite eye cream to date - I buy it from Pharmacy Online as it's almost always $20 cheaper. This has certainly helped diminish my crows feet and smoothed out my crinkly hoods a bit, but does nothing for my eye bags, and therefore doesn't technically qualify as an HG, but it's the best I can find for now ...
Repurchase?
Definitely, but again I have around 5 other eye creams to use up first - will probably buy some later this month and alternate with the others I'm testing as I don't want to lose the benefits I've already gained ...


Matt Miller Mega Lash Eyelash & Eyebrow Enhancing Serum (3ml, RRP $49.95)
Believe me I SO wanted to love this as it's a far more natural eyelash growth enhancer than the one I've been using for years (RapidLash). And it works a treat - rave reviews all over the internet including some of my blogger pals, but...over the space of a month or so, I developed a painful sensitivity to it (stinging), so I've gone back to RapidLash which gives me no such problem :-(
Repurchase?
Ouch, no...


Skin Republic Brightening Vitamin C Face Mask Sheet (25ml, RRP $7.99)
This one targets freckles (yay!) and age spots, so it will be a regular in my routine, unless the Eaoron (in June's empties) ones prove to be more effective. My skin tone did look more even and overall a tad lighter after using it, so there's definitely potential. Also contains Vitamin E & 7 plant extracts ...
Repurchase?
You bet ...


NATIO Cucumber & Aloe Micellar Cleansing Water (all skin types) - (200ml RRP $14.95)
Reviewed HERE, this is still the most gentle micellar water I've tried, just not as effective as some other brands ...
Repurchase?
Possibly, but I still have a stack left over from my research, and more in the wings to test lol ...


Natural Secrets Goatsmilk Moisturising Hand Wash (300ml, RRP $6.99)
Reviewed HERE, love this hand wash - it's actually one of my winter staples as it is very hydrating and smells delish ...
Repurchase?
Already have another one on my vanity ...


Dettol Profresh Peach Burst pH-Balanced Shower Gel (500ml, RRP $6.49)
Very nice body wash, lathers well but not a standout as far as fragrance or skin hydration are concerned...
Repurchase?
Maybe once we get to Spring/Summer - but hey, there are so many more out there that ARE special...


botanicES Face Creme (50ml, RRP $45)
Rave review HERE, I am NEVER without this face cream. I try a truckload of skin care products, some of which clog my pores because they're too rich, so in between trials, I go back to this darling and it sorts out my congestion in a couple of weeks. Love everything about it, it's the perfect formula for balancing my combo skin, but I'm still in search mode for one that will turn back time ...
Repurchase?
Done deal ...


Skin Republic Stem Cell Plant Protein Face Mask Sheet (25ml, RRP $7.99)
Especially for fine lines and deep wrinkles, in which case I probably need to use one of these every night for the rest of my life lol! Also containing CoQ10, this one (like all SR sheet masks) is refreshing and gave my complexion a definite lift. I don't see how it could possibly change wrinkle depth after one use, but I'll let you know once I've had a few more goes - I'm thinking of at least twice a week for a few months, just gotta squeeze it into the schedule ...
Repurchase?
Yes - there's not one of these that I've tried that I wouldn't use again and again ...


L'Oreal Revitalift Laser X3 Anti-Ageing Power Serum (30ml, $49.95)
Bought this because of the outstanding success I had with the Dual Action Moisturiser in the same range. Silky texture, smells lovely and fresh, absorbs in a flash. Can't say I noticed much difference in my pores or wrinkles, but I should imagine that using it in conjunction with the moisturiser is the way to go ...
Repurchase?
Yep - I have two bottles of the moisturiser stashed away (bought at half price) and once I'm done with a few of the other serums on my bench, I'll launch a major anti-ageing attack on my face ...


For Beloved One Hyaluronic Acid GHK-Cu Moisturising Serum (30ml, RRP $113)
Crikey, I think this is the most expensive serum I've ever tried, and interestingly I had no idea of its pricepoint until I looked it up for this post - it's another one that was in the Bloggers United AU goody bag. Beautiful serum - rich and thick, barely any fragrance, absorbs in nano-seconds, and hydrates like there's no tomorrow. I was kinda sad when I finished it as I was sure enjoying the feel of it on my skin, and the added juice it injected into my complexion. No visible reduction in wrinkles, but if you have super dry skin, I reckon this'll fix it.  To read more about the technical side, check out Labmuffin's highly informative review HERE ...
Repurchase?
Hmmm, I probably should for the sake of my face, but the cost is a wee bit prohibitive - it's available from Sephora ...


Calvin Klein Eternity Eau de Parfum (Miniature) - (100ml, RRP $89)
I've had this teeny little bottle for more years than I can remember, but the fragrance stayed pretty true till the last drop. This is a classic and timeless floral that I reviewed HERE ...
Repurchase?
Wasn't going to as I have so many already (!), but it's half price at Chemist Warehouse right now, so...maybe ...


Skin Republic Bubble Purifying + Charcoal Face Mask Sheet (20ml, RRP $7.99)
Already covered this in February's Empties post HERE, but I love it so much, it deserves another mention ...
Skin Republic Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patches (3 pairs, 18g, RRP $9.99)
Ditto ...
Repurchase?
Yes yes yes yes yes ...


Lush Ultrabland Cleanser (46g/100g, RRP $17.95/$29.95)
This and the two creams below were a few of  the goodies gifted to us at the Bloggers United AU Birthday Bash at Lush earlier this year (HERE).  It's a lovely cream cleanser, but not my thing - I'm into the foaming/wash-off kind, and while you can use warm water and a cloth to take the bulk of this off, it doesn't rinse away completely because of the oil content, and my face just didn't feel clean. It's one of their best sellers though, vegan and full of goodness...
Repurchase?
No...

Lush Vanishing Cream Facial Moisturiser (45g, RRP $39.95)
Fell head over heels in love with the smell of this cream - so fragrantly herbal and organic, sigh...it's just gorgeous! Very very rich though, in fact both this and the Celestial one below were just too rich for my skin - I had major congestion problems which annoyed the hell out of me because I loved this cream so much. Unfortunately, me loving it and me dealing with the lumps and bumps and pores filled with goop are too different things that just can't live together... Boo!
Repurchase?
Sadly, that's a no...

Lush Celestial Facial Moisturiser (45g, RRP $29.95)
Another lovely cream made from delicious natural ingredients. Lighter than the Vanishing Cream and delicately fragrant, but still too heavy for my pores...
Repurchase?
No, same reason as the other one...

Lush Sugar Scrub (100g, RRP $6.50)
Another one that I adored the smell of, which is why I bought it - that and the fact that I'm only just discovering body scrubs, and only just discovering the joys of Lush! Refreshingly herbal fragrance (fennel, ginger & lavender), at the time I chose it I wondered why there was a stack of metal boxes near the display. The first time I used the scrub in the shower (and left it on the shelf) I discovered that the boxes were for keeping the scrub intact and reasonably dry. Oh how I wish someone had told me! To my dismay, by the time I got home that night, most of the scrub had melted and oozed down my shower wall throughout the day, and very little was salvageable. Still I was able to scoop up about one third of it, and left it to dry out in a bowl for a couple of weeks, and have used it with reasonable success since, although a lot of the oils were lost so it was pretty rough and scratchy...
Repurchase?
Ermmm, I think I'll go for a tub or a bar next time - they make lots of other yummy scrubs in far more practical formats...


Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. As always I'm linking to Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Link Up - come check out all the brilliant blogger posts ...