Showing posts with label Oskia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oskia. Show all posts

Sunday, 23 August 2020

July 2020 Empties & Giveaway!...

Well now, in comparison to many of my other Empties posts, July was a bit of a fizzer - my collection tub was only two thirds full lol! Understandable as I took a break from the under-eye patches (I used 24 the month before), I was trialling a few new skincare items so my usual ones went on hold, plus I have quite a few products in rotation so I'll probably finish a whole bunch at the same time, which means that next month should be back to normal max volume ha ha. There are a few newbies in this collection though, so at least there's something interesting for you to read...

Body

Colgate Plax Alcohol-Free Gentle Mint Mouth Wash (500ml, RRP $6.49)
Because I get bored easily, and also so I wouldn't tire of the taste of the White Glo mouthwash that's always in my Regulars section, I chose this one mainly because of the description "Gentle Mint". Most mouth washes are way too strong for me - I don't like it when they sting, burn my tongue, or inhaling the fumes makes me cough, and this particular variety doesn't give me any such grief. In fact, it might well become my favourite - delish fresh mint taste, and it's available at the supermarket. The only negative is that it doesn't have any whitening power ...
Repurchase?
Absolutely! ...

Du-it Tough Hands Intensive Skin Repair (150g, RRP $11.99)
I'm a bit naughty when it comes to hand creams - I have around eight partially used ones in my bedside drawer, so I'm now on a mission to use them all up before I open anything else (wish me luck!). I think this sample tube was a freebie from a beautyheaven Rewards Room pack, but regardless of its origin, if your hands are in poor shape, it's really something special. Amazingly rich and restorative, it absorbs well and doesn't leave a greasy film on the surface - just enough to keep the healing going, especially overnight. Barely any scent but I don't mind as it's such a great cure for cracked and damaged paws ...
Repurchase?
Definitely need a tube of this on hand for when I'm doing dirty work and neglect to wear gloves ...

Sukin Arkie Hand Wash (500ml, RRP $9.95)
A lovely scent mix of tangerine, mandarin, lavender & vanilla, I bought this primarily because I spotted it at Coles, and my household is powering through the hand wash these days (like everybody else). Foams well, doesn't dry my hands, and with jojoba, avocado & rosehip oils, aloe vera and chamomile, well how could I not toss it into the trolley? ...
Repurchase?
It's a limited edition, but if I spot it at Coles again, yes ...

Weleda Citrus Creamy Body Wash (200ml, RRP $19.95)
ADORE this body wash - my full review of it is HERE. It's officially a regular from now on ...
Repurchase?
Without doubt ...

Weleda Skin Food Light (75ml, RRP $24.95)
Ahh, Weleda - I'm a late boarder on this bus, but I'm making up for the lost time. There's a bit of a story behind how I discovered how AMAZING this stuff is. I knocked over a cup of freshly made tea onto my hand - my arm was in a sling from a major shoulder injury the day before, and literally trapped the just-off-the-boil water against my skin. In short, I had a rather severe burn across the back of my hand. Did all the right things with the ice, but it was bright red and very sore for days. Once the sting had gone I applied some of this magical potion every time I thought of it - let's say up to 10 times in a day. It was so soothing and cooling. After a few weeks, the skin started to peel - looked terrible while it was going on, dark brown and very wrinkly. But I kept applying the Skin Food Light until all the dead skin peeled off, revealing...smooth, clear, non-scarred skin. Unbelievable! My left hand now looks 10 years younger than my right. Weleda, you are my hero ...
Repurchase?
Silly question ...

Regulars

Natures Commonscents Natural Goats Milk & Paw Paw Body Wash (500ml, $8.00)
Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)
White Glo Charcoal Total Mouth Detox Whitening Mouthwash (500ml, RRP $6.99)

Face

Eaoron Makeup Remover Balm (90g, RRP $39)
My favourite cleanser for the cold weather. Don't be put off by the price - this seems to be permanently on special at Chemist Warehouse (currently $18) - a total bargain, and it's brilliant. Such a shame the jar isn't recyclable. My in-depth review of it is HERE...
Repurchase?
Yes, every winter ...

Olay Eyes Pro-Retinol Eye Treatment (15ml, RRP $48.99)
Thanks to Fawn ♥ for putting me onto this gem. Improvements in under-eye skin texture within a matter of days, same for crows feet. I'm trying the new purple retinol one right now, and that has maintained the benefits already gained, but no startling new developments. I will always have a tube of this red jewel on hand. Pricey, but regularly on special, and I honestly don't care a fig about price if it works, which it does. No change to the baggies, but that's a given ...
Repurchase?
You betcha ...

Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel (35ml, RRP $?)
This sample tube came in last year's lookfantastic Advent Calendar. The problem with these boxes is that a lot of the products simply aren't available anywhere in Australia, this one included (although ASOS will ship for free). So if you fall in love with any of them, you're pretty much screwed. I didn't exactly fall in love with this one (fortunately) but it's a lovely pink cleanser - it's almost an oil that melts into the skin and removes everything, with minimal suds. Smells a bit soapy, but tolerable ...
Repurchase?
Nah - I prefer my Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit cleanser any day ...

Skin Physics Dragon's Blood Facial Sculpting Gel (50ml, RRP $59.99)
This was sent to me to trial by theorycrew, and I'll be forever grateful. Loved it so much I bought two more jars when it was on special recently at Priceline, which is the only place you can buy it. It's a soother and a smoother, absorbs super quick and leaves my skin all glowy, plump & refreshed. Unlike other gels I've tried recently, this one doesn't leave any tacky feeling on the skin surface. Mega hydrating with very little scent (sort of earthy, coconut coffee maybe?) and I believe it's making a difference to my jawline. Watch this space ...
Repurchase?
Yes, oui, si, ja etc. ...

Regulars
Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover (112ml, RRP $10.89) 
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil (30ml, RRP $42.99)
Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence (40ml, RRP $39.99) 
Sukin Rosehip Rejuvenating Facial Scrub (125ml, $14.99)
Sukin Oil Balancing Charcoal Pore Refining Facial Scrub (125ml, $12.95)
Swisspers Make-up Pads (Pack of 80, RRP $3.79)

Fragrance

Versace Dylan Blue EDP (30ml, RRP $102)
Cute little sample bottle from a DJ's beauty bag. Nice scent, but for me not worth buying as it fades quickly. Starts off fruity and flowery and then becomes wood, wood and more wood. Adore the bottle...
Repurchase?
No...

Hair

Schwarzkopf Professional Royal Permanent Hair Color (60ml, RRP $23.96)
Still hunting for a permanent silvery-blue hair colour - thought I'd found it in this one, but no. First time I used it, perfect! Fabulous shimmery steely grey - my dream shade. The second time, came out brown-ash, and third time, golden highlights. What is it with grey hair dye that no-one seems to be able to make it?...
Repurchase?
No - the search continues...

Makeup

Maybelline Brow Ultra Slim Eyebrow Pencil (RRP $15.95)
So Maybelline dropped my hero Total Temptation Brow Definer from their range - boo! This is the substitute, and it's a pretty good one. The thing is, now that I'm going silvery-grey (or attempting to at least) my brows look weird being blonde and even weirder if I go up a level. So I use this to create the shape, and then go over them very lightly with the MNY Tattoo Brow Pomade in taupe, because this Ultra Slim doesn't come in taupe - boo! Believe me, I've tried 15 different colours and brands in the last 3 months, even grey and they all make me look like a clown, or Sylvester Stallone's mother. So, for now, it's a two-step process, and that's working just fine, just takes longer ...
Repurchase?
Affirmative ...

Maybelline Face Studio Prime Pore Minimizing Primer (30ml, RRP $17.95)
Because of this primer, Maybelline you are forgiven for the above. My regular is by DB Cosmetics, but my local Price Attack is ALWAYS out of stock, so I tried this and it's almost identical. Does the same pore minimising and mattifying trick, and at least it's readily available in lots of places. In June I bought four tubes for half price at Priceline ...
Repurchase?
Not for a while as I'm sorted for now, but yes ...


Giveaway


Ok, so this month we have up for grabs...
  • Maybelline Face Studio Prime Pore Minimising Primer
  • Olay Eyes Pro-Retinol Eye Treatment
  • Sukin Rosehip Rejuvenating Facial Scrub
  • Weleda Citrus Creamy Body Wash
  • 2 x Amber Rose Rose Gold-toned Indian Bracelets
  • Lovisa Rose Gold-toned Mosaic Earrings
All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $135.  The 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!If you're unable to leave a comment for technical reasons, please email your answer to katshepsutt(at)gmail.com.
  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 find out who won!

    a Rafflecopter giveaway
    Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Manda G. as the winner.  
    Congratulations gorgeous! 
    Manda, please respond to the email I've sent you by midnight
    Wednesday 2nd September to claim your prize :-)
    Edit: Manda has claimed her prize 
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Best of luck to all who enter!

    Take care of you, and keep safe,
    kats xxx

    Sunday, 10 November 2019

    SPOTLIGHT: lookfantastic Advent Calendar 2019...

    Oh wow - after several agonising weeks' wait, my lookfantastic Advent Calendar 2019 finally arrived, and it's even more fantastic than I'd hoped. Interestingly, it's the only Advent Calendar I've ever bought and what a way to start! For $145, the contents are advertised as being worth over $750, and almost all of them are full-size. And having opened all the boxes, I definitely chose wisely for my first experience ...
    Spoiler Alert - contents will be revealed! 

    Lookfantastic Advent Calendar Box with christmas garland

    The presentation is absolutely gorgeous! The box is huge and really quite heavy, made of super sturdy cardboard in a deep blue with gold embellishments. I have to say I'm feeling a bit of a tease as this is currently listed as "sold out", but I'm posting all the goodies in case it might inspire you to put some pennies aside throughout the coming year so you can score one next Christmas - I sure as hell am! ... 

    nside Lookfantastic Advent Calendar Box with christmas decorations

    Each slide-out box contains a beauty item professionally wrapped in midnight blue tissue paper, with a cute little numbered card describing the product - it's all so so beautiful, so let's get on with the contents. This will be a picture heavy post without many words as I haven't tried any of the products yet, but you'll see my reviews as usual in the Empties posts going forward ...

    #1 - Morphe 9A Always Golden Eyeshadow Palette*
    Morphe 9A Always Golden Eyeshadow Palette - box and inside

    A mix of matte and shimmer pans in beautiful warm shades - I have a couple of Morphe palettes in my kit and their pigmentation is excellent and the texture buttery smooth...

    #2 - Living Proof Perfect Hair Day 5-in-1 Styling Treatment
    Living Proof Perfect Hair Day 5-in-1 Styling Treatment tube & card

    This styling cream promises strength, shine, smoothing, volume & condition - right up my alley!...

    #3 - Caudalie Vinopure Clear Skin Purifying Toner
    Caudalie Vinopure Clear Skin Purifying Toner bottle & card

    I haven't used a toner for years, but looking forward to trying this on my open pores...

    #4 - Luxie Eye Makeup Brushes - 121 & 141
    Luxie Eye Makeup Brushes & description card

    Excellent! Some nice new eyeshadow brushes never go astray...

    #5 - Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Day Cream
    Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Day Cream jar & description card

    Holey guacemoley - this cream sells for $196 at Mecca, and it promises to "...soften wrinkles, firm, tone and hydrate for visible results in 14 days."  Fingers crossed!

    #6 - Illamasqua Nude Collection Lip Liner - Raw*
    Illamasqua Nude Collection Lip Liner & description card

    A little pale for me, but everything I've ever tried from Illamasqua has been fabulous...

    #7 - Rituals The Ritual of Ayurveda Dry Oil
    Rituals The Ritual of Ayurveda Dry Oil bottle & description card

    This is for both hair and body, and I can't wait to try it out...

    #8 - Philip Kingsley Elasticizer hair mask
    Philip Kingsley Elasticizer hair mask tube & description card

    Ooh yes please, and I'll probably leave it on overnight instead of the recommended 20 minutes...

    #9 - Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel
    Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel tube & description card

    Perfect timing with the start of the warmer weather and my shift away from cleansing balms. This is non-foaming as well which makes it even more appealing...

    #10 - First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads
    First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads jar & description card

    I'm hoping for mega-radiance from these pads, which contain lactic and glycolic acid, and pretty awesome reviews on Sephora...

    #11 - Avant Skincare Moisture Surge Overnight Treatment
    Avant Skincare Moisture Surge Overnight Treatment tube & card

    Crikey - this is the same quantity (and appears to be the same product) as the jar on the lookfantastic website that's priced at $156.40. I'll be saving this for special occasions lol!...

    #12 - PRAI Throat & Decolletage Creme
    PRAI Throat & Decolletage Creme jar & description card

    How perfect is this for me? Whoop, whoop, whoop!...

    #13 - Lord & Berry Eye Liner - Travel Black*
    Lord & Berry Eye Liner crayon & description card

    I have several lip crayons from this brand and they are brilliant - very creamy, long-lasting and beautifully pigmented...

    #14 - Mellow Cosmetics Liquid Lip Paint - Tehran*
    Mellow Cosmetics Liquid Lip Paint tube, box & card

    While this shade isn't all that appealing, the formula sounds like my kinda thing...

    #15 - Rodial Dragon's Blood Lip Mask
    Rodial Dragon's Blood Lip Mask sachet & description card

    Just what the doctor ordered for my shrivelled pout...

    #16 - Molton Brown Fiery Pink Pepper Bath & Shower Gel*
    Molton Brown Fiery Pink Pepper Bath & Shower Gel bottle & card

    I'm positive this would smell totally divine, but it contains SLS so I'll be gifting this baby...

    #17 - Emma Hardie Moisture Boost Vit + C Cream
    Emma Hardie Moisture Boost Vit + C Cream tube & card

    One of the very few sample sizes in the box, I'll definitely use it on some of my pigmentation spots...

    #18 - Neal's Yard Remedies Wild Rose Hand Cream
    Neal's Yard Remedies Wild Rose Hand Cream tube & card

    Can never have too many hand creams, and this sounds delish...

    #19 - Bioeffect EGF Serum
    Tiny Bioeffect EGF Serum bottle & description card

    This is the cutest bottle, and while it's only 5ml, it'll be plenty if all I need is 2-4 drops. The 15ml dropper bottle sells for $195 so I'm more than happy with $65-worth...

    #20 - Eyeko Lash Alert Mascara - Black*
    Eyeko Lash Alert Mascara tube, box and card

    Oh wow, how interesting - my lashes could do with some caffeine!...

    #21 - Delilah Cosmetics Eye Brow Pencil - Sable*
    Delilah Cosmetics Eye Brow Pencil, box and card

    Such a pity this is way too dark for me...

    #22 - lookfantastic Bubble T Limited Edition Bath Fizzies - Salted Caramel
    lookfantastic Bubble T Limited Edition Bath Fizzies package & card

    Well, these should satisfy my sweet tooth...

    #23 - Filorga Meso-Mask
    Filorga Meso-Mask tube & card

    You know of my passion for face masks - thankyou, thankyou, thankyou...

    #24 - Sleek Makeup Highlighting Palette - Solstice*
    Sleek Makeup Highlighting Palette box & card

    The package was sealed so I didn't open it, but it looks stunning...

    #25 - Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist Limited Edition
    Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist Limited Edition bottle & card

    So looking forward to the delightful boost this will give me at the end of a hot humid day...


    I haven't heard of half of these brands, but I'm busting to try them, and I tell you what with all this going on my face, body and hair over the next 12 months, I'll have no excuse to not look fantastic by the end the of the year ha ha. Overall I reckon this is the most unbelievable value and massive thanks to darling Ingrid from fabulous and fun life, without whom I would never have known it existed! ...

    Even though I've already peeked inside every box, I've put everything back, and am planning to still play along with the tradition, and only open and try each product on the relevant day in December - incidentally any of the above products marked with an asterisk (*) are the ones that don't necessarily suit me, so watch this space in the weeks ahead as I might just have a special giveaway ...

    Take care of you,
    kats xxx