SPOTLIGHT: January Empties...

Another mega-month for empties, but hey, I delved into my samples drawer for the first time in almost a year, and those teeny tubes don't take anywhere near as long to get through, so they boosted the collection. I've decided to completely exclude any product that I use on a regular basis, and that I've already covered in a previous post, so you'll only see NEW products listed and mini-reviewed from this point on. Actually I'm pretty darn excited about this post because I finished two makeup products this month lol!...

Palmer's Gentle Exfoliating Facial Scrub

I must be one of the very few beauty lovers on the planet that doesn't like the smell of Palmer's products - never have, and at the rate I'm going, never will. Don't get me wrong, this is a beaut scrub - gentle and powerful, but I find the fragrance totally off-putting...
Repurchase? Negative - took me 12 months to use this up, and I have some new loves that smell fantastic...

John Plunkett's Superfade Cream

This will be the subject of it's own review soon, with before and after pics - let's just say I'm very pleased with the results on my hands so far, but I'm not done yet...

Repurchase? Third tube is already in my handbag, and the Accelerator is next to my bed for nightly applications ♥...

Hair & Me Hair Rejuvenation Treatment

LOVE LOVE LOVE! This is the only treatment product I use on my hair other than the sensational REF range I recently reviewed (here). Full rundown on this amazing hair pacifier is here ♥...

Repurchase? YES YES YES!...

botanicES Face Creme, Eye Creme & Body Creme (samples)

Previously reviewed here. I've only just finished the eye creme today - gosh so little is required, I imagine a regular tube would last at least 6 months. No visible difference in the crinkles around my eyes, but I still reckon this has shrunk my under eye baggies a little. This gorgeous range definitely has mood enhancing qualities...

Repurchase? I've made myself a promise to buy the Face Creme just as soon as I get through the three others that are waiting for their turn. Same goes for the Eye Creme. The Body Creme is a beauty, but I so rarely have time to apply body lotions, so that's a yes, a yes, and a no ♥...

Swisspers Cotton Tips

I used to be a devoted Johnson & Johnson gal - totally wouldn't buy any other brand of cotton bud, but I've come around to Swisspers as they're just as good, seem to be more readily available, and, well, the pack is purple...

Repurchase? If you've read a few of my previous empties posts, you may have gathered I have an unbridled fear of running out of things (anything) so there are two of these big boxes in the cupboard at any moment in time ♥...

Ostelin Chewable Vitamin D & Calcium

I quite enjoy the taste of these - I always think it's good to experiment with different ways of getting vitamins and minerals into my bod, and the usual swallow-the-tablet method didn't seem to be working all that well. Here's hoping my next bone density scan gets me a pass mark...

Repurchase? There are 60 in each bottle, so yes, every two months ♥...

Lancôme Genifique Youth Activator

A darling friend sent me this full-sized bottle when she switched to cruelty-free - ever so grateful as I've never had the pleasure of this quantity on my bench before. A beautiful serum - deliciously hydrating, and a fabulous makeup base. Can't say I've observed any major improvements in my skin texture, pore size or elasticity, but I love the feel of it on my skin. I struggled a bit to work the dropper button with one hand, but that's minor...

Repurchase? Probably not, but only because Visionnaire works far better for me as far as shrinking pores are concerned. And if I'm going to spend >$100, I definitely want smaller pores... 

Bioderma Exfoliating Purifying Gel

Hmmm. Bought this in the hope it would reduce my pore congestion, but there wasn't any change. It's a very powerful scrub (probably a wee bit too powerful for my mature skin), smells delish, but I don't need to add it to my list of must-haves - it wasn't exactly cheap either...

Repurchase? No...

Boots Serum7 Regenerating Night Cream

A lovely night moisturiser - came in the first Marie Claire Ageless Parcel, along with the day cream (which I haven't tried yet). Light yet richly hydrating, this gently fragranced cream absorbed well into my skin, and I didn't wake up with a greasy face. Nice, but nothing special...

Repurchase? I really need something more powerful to target my ageing issues, so no...

Mirenesse Purify Dual Comfort Eye & Lip Makeup Remover (sample)

A beautiful product that takes off waterproof mascara and longwear lip products in a flash, but it's wickedly expensive...

Repurchase? No - I'll stick with my Neutrogena fave which does the trick just as well, and at a fraction of the price...

REF.241 Get It Straight
Recently reviewed on my blog here...
Repurchase? Absolutely, already have ♥...

ALPHA-H Balancing Cleanser (sample)

This was a tad disappointing, given who makes it - oh it's nice enough and effective, and I like the fact that it doesn't foam up, but with no fragrance, snore...

Repurchase? No hook to keep me interested, so no...

Lancome Eclat Miracle Serum of Light (sample)

Well now this was a treat - came in one of my GWP packs. A gorgeous pearlescent white liquid that made my skin look dreamy and soft-focused, feel beautifully hydrated, and there was an instant lightening effect. BUT I honestly don't see the point of these serums that contain particles to make your skin shimmer and glow, and then you turn the light off minutes later, or cover it up with makeup during the day...

Repurchase? Delighted to try it out, but no...

RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum

If I could recommend only ONE beauty product to any of my friends, it would be this amazing liquid. My lashes may not look all that lush in my photos compared to other gals, but before I started using this serum, I had basically none at all. It works! It's been in my kit on and off since 2011 with not one concern arising, and I'm NEVER going to stop now. I tried applying it every second night and lost some of the length, so I went back to daily applications, and could see the difference within a fortnight. Absolutely awesome stuff! Full review is here...

Repurchase? Cannot, repeat cannot live without this - three spares, Pharmacy Online has it permanently on special for $49 ♥... 

L'Oreal False Lash Telescopic Waterproof Mascara

Can't remember why I bought this because I gave up purchasing ANY mascara other than Maybelline The Falsies years ago, but I'm very glad I did - it's brilliant! Not enough volume for my EOTD pics, but what I do is apply a coat or two of this underneath the MNY one (or on its own when I'm not taking eye pics) - it separates the lashes magically, holds the curl, wouldn't dream of smudging or flaking, and looks completely natural...

Repurchase? Undoubtedly - onto my 2nd tube now ♥...

Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner

My one and only liquid liner, and I use it every single day along my lower lashline - nothing else compares for ease of use, longevity, availability and price...

Repurchase? Silly question - I have three spares of these in my drawer, bought them all at half price sales, which seem to be on every month or so. Bless you Maybelline - please don't EVER stop making this product ♥...

Take care of  you,
kats xxx

P.S. I've chosen this article for Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party, and highly recommend checking out the other bloggers' choices...

SPOTLIGHT: December Empties...

Hmmm - this series is becoming more embarrassing with every post! I'm only a petite gal, but I seem to go through so much stuff in a month. Oh well, at least the body wash count will be zero for January as the ten bottles (!) I have in my shower are all pretty full ha ha. And of course there will always be four empty boxes of hair colour for as long as I choose NOT to be a white haired lady lol. I don't want to bore you with repeaters, so there's a new section at the bottom where I'm listing all the monthly products that I've already mentioned in previous empties posts...

Palmolive Passionfruit Bodypolish Exfoliating Body Wash

Adore this stuff - reviewed here ♥...
Repurchase? There are already three bottles in the bathroom cupboard...

Imperial Leather Summer Bliss Mango Butter & Frangipani Triple Moisturising Body Wash

Delish - reviewed here.
Repurchase? Won't buy it again for a while, but only because there's no room in the cupboard (see above)... 

Original Source Pink Grapefruit Shower Gel

The fragrance is lovely, but not potent enough for me (reviewed here). Have just bought the Lime one and the Raspberry & Vanilla one, which are much more intensely scented... 

Repurchase? I'll give this one a miss as there are others out there waiting to be discovered ha ha...

Original Source Tropical Pineapple Shower Gel

My favourite of the range so far (reviewed here), but the Lime and Raspberry & Vanilla are new contenders...
Repurchase? Yes, when space permits ♥...

Natura Siberica Nourishing Cream-Soap

Loved this - bought if after reading A Bella Adventure's beaut review (here). Smells divine, nicely moisturising, big fat bottle, I'm mad keen on it because it's different, AND full of goodness♥...

Repurchase? Yes indeedy!

Chi Chi Persimmon Eau De Parfum

This Chi Chi fragrance is gorgeous - fabulously fruity and fresh, I've reviewed it twice already (latest one is here). Doesn't last as long on my skin as my fave Peach & Mango, but I adore it's tarty tang ♥..

Repurchase? If Chi Chi DON'T release the new Tutti Frutti in a large bottle, then definitely. I still have some left in my Travalo, and one of the small vials, but the TF has won my heart...

Alpha-H Liquid Gold

Was ecstatic to find this in my last Marie Claire Ageless Parcel. Haven't used this magical elixir for about two years - just forgot about it in amongst the sea of skincare I seem to immerse myself in constantly. Anyways I've just finished using this every second night for about a month - did the full monty (i.e. stroked it onto my face after cleansing, and then added...NOTHING), and it still amazes me how soft and supple and hydrated my skin is the next morning without the usual additional layers of serums and creams. My complexion looks and feels fabbo - refined and toned, glowing and refreshed, and no irritation or flaking. More please ♥...

Repurchase? For sure - as soon as I see a good deal on the giant bottle. I think I need to apply this all over my bod...

Scentrelle Reverse Time Face Serum

Lovely hyrdating serum - came in my prize from those lovelies at Bloggers United AU. It's basically an unfragranced oil which at first I thought was quite light, but then I started to have major shine issues during the day (mind you the weather didn't help) so I stopped using it in the mornings, and kept it for my overnight replenishment - magnificently moisturising, no obvious improvement in my skin though. Would suit gals with much drier skin than I have - my T-zone still churns out a ton of oil. AND I've said before that fragrance-free products bore me after a while, and that's what happened here, although I was delighted to finish it, and I'm ever so grateful for the opportunity to give it a try.. 

Repurchase? No - there are others that excite and entice (and suit) me more...

Nude Face Scrub

Fell in love with this almost a year ago (review here), and I'm still experiencing the same passion - my #1 fave scrub, and has never been absent from my bathroom shelf. Simply put it has the best consistency, exfoliating power and fragrance (lemon/lime) of anything I've ever used ♥...

Repurchase? Forever and a day...

St. Ives Oatmeal Scrub + Mask

Discovered and reviewed at the same time as the Nude one, this is another that is a constant in my life. There's something so yummy and comforting about the oatmealy floral smell, plus I love the fact that I can leave it on as a mask. It's incredibly soothing ♥...

Repurchase? Yes - I always buy a spare before it runs out...

LonVitalite Coconut Milk Hydrating & Nourishing Facial Mask

Another treat that came in my Bloggers United AU prize. For whatever reason, I avoided these cloth type masks for many many moons, but I'm totally sold now. In fact I may NEVER use a regular mask again. The big attraction with this was that I spent 20 minutes on my bed doing absolutely nothing. Unheard of for me, but there you go, I did it, and I'll be doing it again - I reckon it's good for this gal. The mask itself is super easy to apply (although it takes a little untangling), but once on my face, I just laid back and let it cool and calm my skin. When the time was up I lifted off the cloth and splashed a little warm water on my face and patted it dry - talk about glowing, my skin felt (and looked) like new! Love the fresh natural fragrance too - winner ♥...

Repurchase? I have another up my sleeve already, but I need to do a bulk order so I can pamper myself a few times per week...

Swisspers Make-Up Pads

I don't even look at other brands - never ever leaves fluff on my face, soft and gentle, but super strong too. I keep them in a large container on the vanity, which is why the wrapper hasn't appeared in my empties list before...
Repurchase? Constantly - I usually by three or four packs at a time and stash them away...

Ostelin Vitamin D

A few years ago I had a Vitamin D deficiency - too much time in front of the computer, and not enough outdoor activities no doubt. Hazardous at my age as without Vitamin D, calcium isn't absorbed, and my last bone density scan was an epic fail. So I don't take chances any more and have one of these capsules every day, and I think my body can handle the liquid form better...

Repurchase? I am never without a bottle...

Listerine Reach Dentotape

This tape is a lot wider than regular floss but I have largish gaps between some of my teeth, and this is the only one that lifts out whatever is well and truly wedged in place, although it is a tight fit. I alternate it with the Glide Pro Health Deep Clean Floss. Between the two of them, my gums are staying healthy - even my Dentist is impressed :-)
Repurchase? Several spares in the drawer because it's hard to find, but Chemist Warehouse always saves the day...

Garnier Nutrisse Permanent Nourishing Hair Colour - Copper Passion & Fiery Red

I'm perfectly happy with my L'Oreal and Schwarzkopf hair colourants, but this was on special and the Copper one was such a fabulous shade on the box lol! Works just as well for me as the others - about the same level of stink, and my hair was nice and soft afterwards. I never have a problem with fading anyway because of my dyeing frequency and the shampoo I use. The Fiery Red is coolish (for the roots), and the Copper Passion is warm (for the ends) - combining the two, I ended up with a gorgeous shade of red that's neither cool nor warm, just rich and bold. Hmm, I might have been converted...
Repurchase? Sure as eggs - I live in fear that the other brand reds will be discontinued, so I'm relieved to know this combo works brilliantly...  

Every Monthers, & already covered...

Dove Original Deodorant Stick
Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-Up Remover
Colgate Optic White Toothpaste
Schwarzkopf Brilliance Intense Permanent Hair Colour
L'Oreal Preference Premium Fade-Defying Colour

January empties post should be a bit more interesting as I'm experimenting with some new skin products - yep, Little Miss Fickle ♥

Take care of you,
kats xxx