Bloggiversary Giveaway - Sukin Skincare!...

At the risk of boring everyone with another Bloggiversary Giveaway, here's Number 3! I've been exploring the Sukin Australian Natural Skincare range lately, and am super impressed with what I've tried so far (cleanser, scrub, mask & hydrating mist toner). Their products are vegan, minus the usual bunch of yucky chemicals, they're cruelty-free, and all ingredients are naturally derived - they're also biodegradable and 100% carbon neutral! And so when I recently spotted the range on the supermarket shelves for a fraction of the price, I took the hint from the Universe that one of you gals might enjoy these products too ♥ There's pretty much a whole skincare set in this prize, just waiting for a face to nurture... 

Total prize value is around $100, and up for grabs is...

• Foaming Facial Cleanser (125ml)
• Hydrating Mist Toner (125ml)
• Super Greens Nutrient Rich Facial Moisturiser (125ml)
• Moisture Restoring Night Cream (120ml)
• Antioxidant Eye Serum (30ml)
• Super Greens Detoxifying Facial Scrub (125ml)
• Anti-Pollution Facial Masque (100ml)

Because of the sheet weight of all these goodies, 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
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 to see who won

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Tuesday 3rd October to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Faiza has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

BotanicES Natural Caffeine Skincare Giveaway!...

Nothing like the mid-year sales for stocking up on my favourites at bargain prices, trying out new products that are suddenly enticingly affordable, AND refilling my giveaway coffers! I found some awesome deals this time around, and it's tempting to put them all into one surprise parcel, but I figured why not share the love across a handful of you lovelies instead of one ♥ So here we go with the first of a few in the months ahead - a BotanicES Natural Caffeine Skincare Travel Pack...

My passion for this range has been well documented in rave reviews HERE, HERE and HERE. It's actually the only company I'm affiliated with as I don't believe in hooking up with and/or promoting brands unless they make products that I personally use regularly and love. Mind you I haven't earned a cent from my connection with them, but that doesn't stop me waxing lyrical at any opportunity lol. It's no secret that I'm a skincare junkie, and am constantly trying out heaps of products across a wide range of manufacturers, but the BotanicES creams are the ONLY ones that have had a permanent place on my bench since I discovered them 18 months ago (thanks to the beautiful Angela at A Bella Adventure, and I can't see that changing any time soon...

The giveaway consists of a boxed set of the following:

1 x BotanicES Body Crème - 15ml

1 x BotanicES Eye Crème - 15ml

1 x BotanicES Face Crème - 15ml

The travel pack was purchased by me, is valued at $60, and this giveaway is open...

INTERNATIONALLY!

So all that said, how do you nab this beaut little pack of goodness? Easy peasy. Just choose which of my recent Instagram EOTD's you like the most from the 8 pictured below, leave a comment ON THIS PAGE explaining why, one entry per person, you must be following me one way or another from the various options at the top of the page, and you'll need to complete the required information 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 Alex P. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 23rd August to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Alex has claimed her prize

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Best of luck to all who enter! ♥...

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. Linking to Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party - the best of the blogs, starts 6:30am ♥... 

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY! - Grahams Natural Anti-Aging Skincare...

Being the skincare fanatic that I am, I was delighted when Grahams Natural contacted me early in June, and sent me their Anti-Aging day and night creams to trial and review. I was not familiar with this Aussie brand at all, but having read the story HERE of how they researched and developed their Calendulis Plus eczema cream and Bath Oil, as well as other treatments for psoriasis & dermatitis, I was confident that they knew their stuff as far as meeting skin hydration needs were concerned. I've been using the Natural Moisturising Cream and Natural Hydrating Night Cream for 2 weeks, loving them both, and wanted to spread the word AND share the love, so I hope you'll keep reading to the end for the giveaway ♥...

The Natural Moisturising Cream with Seaweed Extract comes in a 125ml plastic recyclable pump bottle - no packaging glam here, no frills, no gimmicks. The pump is sturdy, and it's easy as pie to adjust the amount dispensed. The cream is gentle and light but amazingly effective - it spreads effortlessly, has a delicate floral fragrance that dissipates quickly, and makes my skin feel silky soft, like I was born yesterday. Primers and foundations glide on, and I experienced no additional shine or greasiness throughout the day ♥ Note: there's no SPF content, so you'll need to add ray protection. Ingredients include Rice Bran Oil (highest), Shea Butter, Licorice Root Extract, and Bladderwrack (seaweed) Extract (rich in Vitamin C)...

One standard pump is way too much for my particular needs - I find that less than half that is plenty for my face, neck and chest area, and I expect this large bottle to last a good while. And with a price tag of $14.95, my bank manager will be beside him/herself with glee. Absorption rate is high with the right quantity, and although it's too early to tell if there are any anti-aging benefits, I can assure you my face is 100% hydrated, and my complexion looks plumped, becalmed and healthy, and not a flake of dry skin to be seen in my magnifying mirror ♥...

The Natural Hydrating Night Cream is even more potent - you can see below how little I use for such a big area, whoa! At this rate the 50ml jar will last me at least 6 months ♥ Slightly different fragrance and even more delicate, this is such a pleasure to use, and my skin feels like it has been given everything it needs to repair and regenerate while I sleep. The formula is amazingly enriching, and yet there's no excess oil on my T-zone in the morning... 

After purified water, the second highest content is Sweet Almond Oil & Glycerin, and there's also Olive Butter, Sea Buckthorn Oil, Coffee Extract and Thyme Extract. I should imagine that if you are dealing with particularly dry skin, or you are allergic to chemical-based formulas, both of these creams will answer your prayers as far as hydration is concerned. I've used a truckload of face creams throughout my life, but none quite as effective at replenishing moisture as either of these beauties ♥...

There's another BONUS - neither of them clog my pores! Congestion is something I deal with on a regular basis, and particularly when I switch to a new product range, but I've had no such issues with these formulas. By the way none of Grahams Natural products are tested on our furry friends ♥ In summary, if you're dealing with dry skin and you're after maximum hydration with no irritation, then I expect these creams will serve you brilliantly...

I was so impressed with these creams (and the cleanser reviewed last week HERE), I placed an order for some of their other goodies, with multiples of some items as I just KNEW they would be great. Plus the folks at Grahams Natural generously included a few extra products for me to try, and I'll be reviewing them over the coming weeks ♥...

Meanwhile, I'm busting to share this latest product range discovery with you lovelies, so I've put together a giveaway. I haven't tried the soap as yet, and the Rose Mineral Deodorant in the picture below was gifted, but the Herbal one I ordered is brilliant, and if you don't love the 100% edible Raspberry Organic Lip Balm, I'll eat my hat!...

So the giveaway consists of the following items:

• Natural Anti-Aging Moisturising Cream with Seaweed Extract (125ml)
• Mineral Deodorant - Rose (65ml)
• Daily Facial Gel Cleanser with Green Tea, Aloe Vera & Cucumber (125ml)
• Natural Soap with Manuka Honey (100g)
• Organic Lip Balm - Vanilla (4.25g)
• Organic Lip Balm - Raspberry (4.25g)

Apart from the (gifted) deodorant, all products were purchased by me. Total prize value is just under $60, and this giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY...

The usual rules apply - one entry per person, follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter section, and leave a comment below that answers the question inside the copter...

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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 Suzanne G. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 19th July to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Suzanne has claimed her prize

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Best of luck to all who enter! ♥...

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. Linking to Ingrid's always popular Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party - starts 6:30am ♥... 

SPOTLIGHT: March Empties!...

Not going to fall into the same trap I did last month, so without further ado, here is almost everything I finished in March, excluding some items that I've covered before of course. Did exceptionally well I reckon, especially as there is one product here that I've been using for over 3 years - OMG I was beginning to think I'd never get to the end of it!...

Nivea Pure & Natural Body Lotion (400ml, RRP $7.99)

Oh wow, a 400ml bottle of Body Lotion - now that's a challenge for me to finish. This came in my Blogstar prize box back in January 2014, and I've only just squirted the last drop! As you may have gathered I'm not a big user of body lotions - I tend to only apply them after showering when I'm not in a hurry to get dressed and racing out the door shortly thereafter, and that pretty much only happens on Sundays.  This was nice enough, contains none of the major nasties, but I found it took a while to absorb, and after all these years I'm bored with the fragrance....

Repurchase?

Noooo - I prefer my super-fast-to-sink-in BotanicES, plus I have the fabulous Lush Dream Cream on my bench, and Dove Silky Nourishing Body Cream in the cupboard...

L'Oreal Revitalift Laser X3 Dual Action Total Rejuvenation Moisturiser (48ml, RRP $49.95)

Beautyheaven sent me this to trial last Christmas, and it wowed me, especially as I only used it at night, and ditched my usual serum during the trial. They sent me more L'Oreal products to trial almost straight after this one, so I had to stop using it, and have only just finished it now. I really think this firmed my facial contours a little, softened even my deep lines, and made my whole face look fresher. The plan is to use another bottle non-stop, and then post a proper review here. For now my advice is if you're over 40 and ever see this on special, buy it ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Heck yeah already have, just finishing off the remains of another two creams, and then this might just be a staple ♥...

L'Oreal Revitalift Magic Blur Anti-Ageing Daily Moisturiser (50ml, RRP $34.95)

This came in the August 2016 Marie Claire Ageless Parcel and I love it - there's no SPF, but no drama as I'm using a BB cream that has 50+ as my primer. This is such a lovely cream - a waxy mousse consistency, lightweight yet enriching, smells lovely, absorbs instantly, and the big bonus is that it has a matte finish, which is how it kinda works to blur the wrinkles ♥...

Repurchase?

Would definitely buy this again, just haven't as yet as I have three others I need to finish first ♥...

Nivea 3 In 1 Micellar Cleansing Water - Sensitive (200ml, RRP $9.99)

Full review of it HERE as part of my Micellar Magic series - not my favourite, and I did find it a little drying...

Repurchase?

No - there are others out there that have the edge in effectiveness, comfort and value...

Manicare Artiste Professional Kabuki Brush (RRP $?)

I've been using this for just over 18 months to apply my bronzer, and it's just started shedding. Not one hair now and then, but several every time I use it, and they stick to my makeup grrrrr. Odd as it's excellent quality, and I only wash my brushes in water twice a year.  My previous one was an el cheapo, and it never shed - go figure?  I won this in a prize, and it doesn't seem to be available any more so I don't know the price, but there's a retractable version listed for $25.95...

Repurchase?

I won't let this experience put me off buying other Artiste brushes (I have several that haven't given me any grief), but I replaced this particular one with a little baby by Nude by Nature ...

Dove Triple Moisturising & Aqua Moisture Nourishing Body Washes (375ml, RRP $7.36)

Recently reviewed both of these HERE - LOVE! ♥

Repurchase?

Affirmative - one's in the shower stall, the other's in the wings, waiting for a space ♥...

Alpha Keri Anti-Cellulite Sugar Body Scrub (225g, RRP $14.95)

My very first sugar body scrub, and I loved using it. To test the anti-cellulite properties, I only scrubbed my left bum cheek and thigh. At the end of the jar there was not much difference between the two (although my right side is still jealous of all the attention ha ha), but it did seen to improve the general appearance of the orange peel texture, and it sure got rid of any flaky bits ♥...

Repurchase?

I reckon I will - I started another one during March, and while there's been no further dimple reduction, I do enjoy it because it softens my skin beautifully, and being colourless, hey, the shower stays clean ♥...

L'Oreal Age Perfect Golden Age Glow Re-activating Essence (125ml, RRP $39.95)

Did a rave review of it in January HERE - this is the original bottle I received for the trial, so it's lasted 6 months with every day use. Amazing value ♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, already sitting on the bench waiting for me to finish off four (four!) other serums I'm testing out ♥...

Urban Rituelle Reed Diffuser - Comfort (Sandalwood & Tangerine) (190ml, RRP $39.95)

Raved about this HERE - I've bought quite a few of these because I adore the scent combo ♥...

Repurchase?

Sob... This fragrance has been discontinued and I'm shattered. I've bought the Alpine Loft one which is lovely, but it's hardly a substitute...

Skin Republic Gold Hydrogel Mask (RRP $12.99)

Totally in love with this mask. It's in two pieces, and the shape of it actually fits my face, and even covers my nose - yay! It's not messy like the others as most of the serum is impregnated in the plasticcy material. Of all the face masks I've tried so far, this is my #1 - my skin looks SO good afterwards. It costs a little more than the others but it's worth it - actually I wish they made it in a complete body suit lol ♥...

Repurchase?

Affirmative - I've already bought three more ♥...

Skin Republic Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patch (3 pairs, RRP $9.99)

I went through two of these sachets, which means I applied 6 pairs during the month - need I say more? ♥...

Repurchase?

Ha ha silly question...♥

Kmart Nourishing Shea Butter Hand Sheet Mask (10ml, RRP $3)

This was pretty good considering the price - nicely hydrating, smells like coconut, and the gloves aren't too big. As I said about the Skin Republic ones, what I'm looking for is something super enriching, and these don't quite make the cut...

Repurchase?

Maybe, but I'm still looking for other brands to try ♥...

LonVitalite Coconut Milk Hydrating & Nourishing Facial Mask (5 pack, RRP $39)

I really enjoyed this mask again (first review was December's Empties post) - very cooling and calming, and used it in combination with the 24K Active Gold Eye Mask listed below. Wrapped myself up like a mummy (see piccie below), and took a half hour break to let these babies do their thing. My skin looked and felt fabulous afterwards, all redness gone, pores slightly more refined, just wish it had a nose piece as that's where I need lots of help ♥...

Repurchase?

Possibly - I have a stockpile of Skin Republic ones (about 12) so I'll use them up first to see if any of them are more effective...

LonVitalite 24K Active Gold Eye Mask (6 pairs, RRP $32)

I forget where I got this single sample from, but I've had it for a while - definitely saw an improvement in the eye area, firmer and fresher. The latest ones are gold in colour ...

Repurchase?

Yes - they only work out to be $2 each more than the Skin Republic ones, and I'm keen to compare the results between the two brands ♥...

Rodial Dragon's Blood Eye Masks (8 pairs, RRP $52)

Used two more of these - getting the hang of their odd shape now, but they're still the messiest eye masks I've come across. I'm persisting though as the results are a smidgin better than the Skin Republic ones ♥...

Repurchase?

Not at this stage - I still have four more sachets left in the box, and the fact that I literally get covered in the serum trying to remove all the backing sheets puts me off ...

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. Linking to the Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party - you'll always find lots of interesting articles to read, come say hello ♥... 

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: L'Oreal Age Perfect - Golden Age...

Happy 2017 lovelies! At last I have my new blog HQ set up, and with the relocation impacting the plans for my usual November and Christmas giveaways, I'm celebrating my first post for the new year with some goodies for you. Back in September last year, beautyheaven invited me to trial the new Age Perfect Golden Age skin care range from L'Oreal, and I absolutely loved it. I was so impressed with the presentation, quality and benefits, I just had to post a review here, and give you the opportunity to try these lovely products for yourself, or if you're a young'un, nab a set for your Mum or Grandma. It's the first time I've ever seen a range specifically created for 60+ gals, and I'm delighted that L'Oreal acknowledges that us seniors still need and want to look after our skin with the best possible (and affordable) products ...

The packaging is gorgeous - all pastel pink and gold, very feminine and all the containers look ultra-luxurious on my vanity. There are three products in the range - Radiance-Activating Serum, Rosy Re-Densifying Day Cream and Rich Re-Densifying Night Cream (wish there was an eye cream - hint, hint L'Oreal!)...

The serum is a favourite of mine, and in fact I'm still using the same lightweight plastic bottle from the trial - there's about one third left after four months of daily use, so for $39.95, it's excellent value. Under the screw cap there's no dropper, just a hole - when you tip the bottle upside down, one drop of serum is dispensed with each tap. I've been using two or three drops because I don't like to be mean with my face products, plus I always include my neck and chest in my routine. The serum is light, spreads easily, and feels a bit sticky before it completely absorbs, but once it sinks in, you're left with soft, hydrated and refreshed skin that glows with a youthful radiance. There are tiny little golden flecks and micro pearls suspended in the pale pink liquid to provide some subtle and shimmery illumination to one's features, and it has a very delicate rose fragrance...

The day cream lasted a good three months - specially formulated for mature and often dull skin, ingredients include neo-calcium (for strengthening and plumping), and imperial peony extract and iris flower (to rehydrate and give a hint of natural colour). It's the prettiest peachy pink shade which isn't actually visible on the skin once you massage it in, but it sure enhances the glow that's already started happening with the serum...

There's no SPF included so you'll need a sunscreen, but you won't need much else - this cream gave my skin such a moisture boost and healthy radiance, there were days when I seriously considered not wearing foundation - whoa! I especially love that it's light and yet so enriching - it leaves a faint sheen on my skin, but the residue is not the least bit greasy, and I find it to be the perfect makeup base. Ever so lightly scented, it won't interfere with your perfume...

I still have some of the night cream left in the jar because I've been trialling the Revitalift Laser X3 cream for the last five weeks (that's a whole other story of complexion rejuvenation!), but I'll be returning to it shortly as it just so perfectly hydrates my skin overnight...

Quite a bit denser than the day cream, it has an almost waxy consistency. While it doesn't absorb completely, it's not greasy or heavy, and there's no oil slick on my T-zone the next morning. When I use this night cream, I wake up looking refreshed, my skin is plump and refined, and my complexion doesn't have that awful "flattened" appearance that creeps in as the years go by...

So loving this range, and I'm giving away a set to one of my followers. I bought it at Coles at a time when someone screwed up - it seems that whoever was stocking the shelves was advised that this was a discontinued range rather than a brand new one, and all three were marked as "Clearance" with a crazily low price tag (back to normal price the following week). Being the opportunistic blogger that I am (always on the lookout for a bargain) how could I resist?...

To enter, just follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter section below, and leave a comment as to why you'd like to win. Because of the weight of the items (the jars are glass), this giveaway is open to Australian Residents Only. And in case you're planning to give the skin care to a relly, I'm also including the pretty knot earrings and bracelet pictured below for you - they're from Colette and were purchased by me at one of their sales ♥...

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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 Dianne C. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 25th January to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Dianne has claimed her prize

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. Linking to Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Linkup Party, which I believe is resuming as a weekly feature starting today ♥...

SPOTLIGHT: August Empties!...

This post comes to you from a very happy blogger - the days are finally getting longer, the Antarctic winds are finding someone else's toes to freeze, and I've started poking around in the secondary wardrobe for some of the bargains I scored at the end of last Spring/Summer. I do so love buying at end of season sales, and then stashing things away so that I've something fresh and new to wear on day one. And today I changed my hair colour (yet again!), but enough of the Kats-Has-Got-Spring-Fever ravings, let's get on with last month's empties ♥...

Skin Doctors Relaxaderm Advance (30ml RRP $59.95)

From memory I bought this at Chemist Warehouse because it came with a free tube of Younger Hands (which is very good).  I've been using this instead of a serum - advertised as a wrinkle relaxer, it claims to reduce expression lines by 66% in 28 days, but I've not noticed much difference in my crevasses. To be honest I think I'm too far gone for anything like this to have an effect, but you don't know till you try! I've had mixed results from SD products in the past - some have been astoundingly good (like their Eyetuck), while others have been nice enough, but not all that (visibly) effective. I reckon this would be excellent for much younger gals who are starting to see some signs of ageing...

Repurchase?

No - my search for the Fountain of Youth will continue elsewhere...

Imperial Leather Japanese Spa - Jasmine & Green Tea Triple Moisturising Bodywash (1 litre RRP $8.99)

Another one of my gigantic bottle purchases, but unlike the Forbidden Fruit one, I'm still loving this fragrance. Surprising as it contains Jasmine, but it's beautifully balanced with the Green Tea, plus a wee bit of citrus, orange blossom and rose - a lovely fresh and slightly exotic scent that hits the spot all year round. I raved about it HERE, in fact I think it's the same bottle lol!...

Repurchase?

Definitely - at least this one is still available at Coles, but I'll wait till I've cleared some of the others in the cupboard ♥...

Garnier Skin Naturals Miracle Sleeping Cream (50ml RRP $19.95)

This came in my third Marie Claire Ageless Parcel, and won me over from the first application. It's just plain gorgeous - the fragrance alone is heavenly enough to put me in the perfect state for a peaceful slumber. The cream has an unusual texture - it's sort of springy to the touch (if that makes any sense). Not a gel nor a cream, but somewhere in between. Magnificently hydrating without being heavy, it absorbs in a flash, and I wake up with plump, refreshed and satin-soft skin, and no oily film. LOVE it! ♥...

Repurchase?

Already have another jar - I have SO many night creams to try, but I'll alternate them with this because it's so special ♥...

Mirenesse Liquid Silk Foundation (35g RRP $59.50)

Well whoopdedoo, I finished some makeup! I have to hand it to Mirenesse - they make fabulous foundation. Pricey (unless you're a VIP member), and their entire range of foundations only comes in 4 shades, but Vienna is the perfect match for me. This baby is matte, oil free and contains SPF15. It's not my HG (their Velvet Maxi Lift Supreme Antiageing Renovage is even better) but it's a close second. Not quite enough coverage to be perfect, but with a tinted cc cream underneath, the finish is superb. Detailed review HERE ♥...

Repurchase?

I'm in a bit of a quandry - I like the Velvet Maxi Lift a tad more but it's an extra $40, and I'm just now trying their new Smooth Nude CC Hydra Makeup Mousse which I'm absolutely loving, so... maybe not ♥...

Maybelline FITme Shine-Free Foundation Stick (9g RRP $15.95)

I always like to have a stick foundation in my kit, but I was disappointed with this. Super easy to apply and blend, but kind of disappears by lunchtime on my combo skin, and even though I didn't wear it every day, I used up the entire stick within a month. I didn't find it to be shine-free either ...

Repurchase?

No - MNY make so many other foundations that are heaps better...

Clairol Nice'nEasy - Natural Lightest Golden Brown (RRP $12.99)

My experimentation with a new hair colour continues - so now I'm moving away from the reds and getting into the golden stream, and this shade is a natural looking dark honeyish blonde (no way is it brown!). As mentioned in previous empties posts, this range suits me to a T because the colour never EVER becomes darker with re-application. I'm actually after something a wee bit deeper as my base, but the next one up is medium brown which I reckon will be too dark, so I might do my usual trick and mix them half and half ♥...

Repurchase?

Oui - there's several boxes under the bathroom sink ♥...

Lancôme Trésor in Love Eau de Parfum (30ml/50ml/75ml RRP $81/$114/$138)

SO sad when I finished this - it was only a miniature, but I sure fell under its spell, and I made it last for 4 years! I wrote a rave review about it on beautyheaven, and called it 100% romance. The original Trésor smells like rotting fruit on me, but this fruity-floral on a cedar base is nothing short of divine ♥...

Repurchase?

I'm putting all my gold coins in a jar so I can buy the big bottle - it's taking a while, but I'll get there ♥...

Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector (10ml RRP $50)

I'm embarrassed to say that this eye cream was part of my beautyheaven Blogstar prize that arrived in January 2014, and it's been languishing in my drawer for two years! Mind you I don't have dark circles under my eyes (I have huge bags instead), which is why I wasn't in a hurry to try it. Nor can I report that it does in fact work. All I can say is that the cream is a fleshy colour, has a lovely texture, a groovy little dispenser nozzle, hydrates well, and leaves my skin baby soft...

Repurchase?

Negative - does nothing for my eye bags, and my squinty crows feet are the same depth...

CROP Gentle Cleansing Gel - Essential Oil Blend (125ml RRP $12)

Finishing this was probably my greatest achievement last month. I'm a huge fan of CROP products, but this cleanser would have to be the weirdest one I've ever tried. In its favour, it smells fantastic because of its essential oil content (eucalyptus, rosemary, lemongrass, cajeput & peppermint), and once I rinse out my face cloth, the water is decidedly murky and the colour of my foundation, so it's amazingly effective, but it feels way too peculiar on my skin. I'll try to explain. It's an oil. The directions say to work it into a light lather, but it's ridiculously sticky, and the only way I can get any kind of lather up is to wet my hands a little. So then it lathers a teeny bit and spreads a little more easily, but only for a few seconds, and then my hands get stuck to my skin again, and I have to add more water, and on it goes. By this stage, I'm dripping all over the sink, and well, it's all just too awkward...

Repurchase?

Shakes head from left to right - life's too short for tacky cleansers...

CROP Natural Mineral Pressed Bronzer - Solaire (10g RRP $24)

My HG bronzer - it's a quad with four shades ranging from light to dark, the lightest shade is a terrific highlighter with a slight shimmer. I've hit pan on the two deeper pigments, and halfway to the bottom on the other two, but I'm treating myself to a brand new one that doesn't look so cruddy. EXACTLY the right tone for my skin, riddled with goodness, minus all the bad stuff, and no animal testing ♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely - it was 40% off at Coles this morning. Yay! ♥...

Did you get through many products last month?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. It's a done deal that I'm linking this to the always awesome Ingrid's Monday Madness Link Up Party ♥

REVIEW: Ego QV Face Nurturing Night Cream...

Been saving this one ♥ Out of all the Ego QV Face products I've tried from my awesome win, this has the #1 spot on my faves list - it's truly a gorgeous cream. Amazingly light, almost a gel-like consistency (and a pretty good dupe of some of the exxy branded ones), and it lasts forever! Well it's probably a bit soon to talk about forever, but I've been using it every night for five weeks, and there's barely any drop in the level of product in the jar - it's amazingly concentrated, smooths over my skin without any greasy residue, and absorbs within minutes...

My face truly loves the softness it brings with only a tiny dollop, and any dry areas I had are long gone. I've had issues with night creams six times the price (!) congesting my pores, I think because they're just way too rich for my combination skin, even though I'm of mature age - I invariably have to alternate them with something far less intense, and then I get into a pickle because I can't remember from one night to the next which one I used last! So to have only one jar that meets all my moisturising needs is a blessing ♥

It's not an anti-wrinkle anti-ageing cream by any stretch of the imagination, nor does it purport to be, but for just under $20, it gives my complexion all the hydration it needs to recover from whatever I've put it through in a day. When I wake up, there's no oily sheen on my face, nor any tightness or flaky bits - my skin just feels super soft, and exactly how it ought to feel if I'm looking after it...

Like all Ego QV Face products, there's a manufacture and expiry date on the bottom of the box, so stocking up when it's on special is not going to give you any headaches either...

Having tried a wide range of ritzy-ditzy creams with all their fancy ingredients, I'm really quite taken with the refreshing simplicity of Ego QV Face Nurturing Night Cream ♥

Take care of you,

kats xxx