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...

CONFESSIONS: of a Scrubaholic (Part 4)...

Although I found one polish at the end of last year that suits my skin beautifully (by Ego QV Face, and reviewed here), my addiction to scrubs (or rather the collecting and trying out of scrubs ha ha), shows no signs of abating. Despite shower space being a premium, I don't think I'm ever going to get over my passion for variety - using the same product every single day is just way too boring in my personal beauty book, so here's the next lot I've been putting through their paces ♥

St. Ives Blackhead Clearing Green Tea Scrub

St. Ives scrubs have been part of my kit for almost a decade - in fact I've just found a beautyheaven review of the Fresh Skin Invigorating Apricot one I wrote back in 2008 (embarrassingly only three sentences, but you can tell I loved it). For value (around $10) and performance this range is hard to beat, and there's a good variety to choose from for various skin concerns. While I'm lucky to have very little facial redness, blackheads on my nose are forever looming on the horizon unless I keep a watchful eye on their formation. Using this twice a week though, I can keep them under control with (I believe) the Salicylic Acid content. The cream is such a pretty olive shade, and the green tea fragrance is light and refreshing. Just the right consistency, not too runny or too thick, the sloughing grains are super-fine and not even visible to the naked eye, yet its smoothing power is undeniable. The new packaging contains a nifty little "exfoliation meter" on the back of the pack (a bit like those bushfire hazard warning signs) indicating Gentle, Moderate or Deep, and this Green Tea Scrub is marked as Moderate. All St. Ives scrubs contain no parabens or sulfates, are hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested and non-comedogenic...

St. Ives Smooth & Hydrated Oatmeal Scrub & Mask

My skin seems to love anything oatmealy in the skin care department, and this combination scrub and mask from St. Ives is a keeper. Loving the fact that it's a gentle scrub, plus I can leave it on till I finish the rest of my ablutions, and my complexion receives the benefits of a soothing and hydrating mask, all while I'm showering - now that's a dual purpose that's practical as well as being a marvellous time-saver. Honestly this really is moisturising, and yet it has enough oomph to remove any dry flakes. The cream is the colour of oatmeal with tiny brown beads - the consistency is more liquid than the green tea one, but not runny enough to be a problem with it dripping through my fingers. And the fragrance is worthy of a special mention - subtle yet fresh, it's a beautiful floral that I find incredibly calming. Actually I'd LOVE a body wash that smells like this, and with the same skin softening and moisturising formula - hint hint St. Ives ♥

Palmer's Coca Butter Formula Gentle Exfoliating Facial Scrub

This purchase was actually a revisit - I stopped using this scrub almost two years ago for a couple of reasons. 1) I'm not keen on the fragrance - yes I know the scent of Palmer's Cocoa Butter products has a MASSIVE following, but it just doesn't appeal to me, never has, and after repurchasing this truly terrific scrub, nothing has changed from my perfume point of view. 2) I found it extraordinarily difficult to squeeze the cream from the tube - it used to be such a thick consistency, and I struggled every time, especially with wet fingers. The good thing this time around is that the formula seems to have been re-worked, and it's now far more liquid than before - but actually I think it's almost too liquid and I waste quite a bit. Sigh - oh well you can't please everybody hey? Performance-wise though, this is a great scrub - I'd classify it as heavy duty, and as such I only use it once a week. It contains lots of goodies like Vitamin E, Aloe Vera and Evening Primrose, and I do like the fact that the beads are actually cocoa beans, and not bits of plastic like some other brands... 

Nude by Nature Nude Face Scrub

As I often do, I've saved the best till last - this little gem is my current #1 fave ♥ It also happens to be the very first Nude by Nature product I've ever tried, which is puzzling as the brand has been around for years (and so have I) although I don't remember seeing it in the supermarket until fairly recently, which may be the explanation. I so rarely get to Priceline these days, and every time I go into Chemist Warehouse, I get sidetracked at the perfume counter (oops!), so Coles or Woolies tends to be the place where I shop for my skincare basics, and I'm super excited that I can now pick up some of this range when I do my weekly grocery purchase.

Firstly I love the packaging - sure it's the same flip-top tube as most other brands, but there's something about the colours and the simplicity of the labelling that really appeals to me. Of course it's what's inside that counts, and that's what has really won my heart. The cream has a consistency and appearance more like a moisturiser - it's quite thick and shiny, yet it spreads effortlessly. If I've read the label right, the exfoliating beads are made from coconut husks, jojoba and walnuts, which soften as you add water and gently massage it into your skin. The rest of the ingredients are just as natural - Kakadu Plum, Quandong, Desert Lime, Avocado, Rose Hip and Jojoba oils, and NO parabens, preservatives, sulfates, artificial fragrance or petrochemicals, PLUS it's not tested on animals. With all those goodies, and no baddies, it's no wonder it smells divine - like freshly squeezed lemons and limes. Leaves my skin feeling so incredibly soft and smooth, and my complexion looks and feels like I've had a facial. Love it so very much - at $17.95 it's quite a bit more expensive than others on my shelf, but SO worth the extra $$$ for both the delightful experience and the impressive results ♥ 

In case you missed them, Part 1, Part 2, Part 3...

Take care of you,

kats xxx

CONFESSIONS: of a Body Washaholic (Part 4)...

This is actually a double-confession - ermmm I went out and bought four more body washes, even though I'd only finished off one of my existing ones from Parts 1, 2 & 3. Gee wiz, I just couldn't help myself :-( At this stage this just HAS to be it for a while though because as you can imagine, there's simply NO room at the inn...

As a reminder, here's what was already bulging out of my shower caddys...

Ok now that I've fessed up, there's little point dwelling on past sins, so here's what tempted me...

Grace Cole Fruitworks Strawberry & Kiwi Shower Gel

Loving body washes as I do, I've been on a mission to find some new and interesting ones to add to my collection. Spotted this in Chemist Warehouse, and it had me at first sniff. I reckon it's a bargain for $4.99 and there's quite a few varieties in the range (along with other matching body products), but given the fact that my mouth waters at the first hint of strawberries and kiwi fruit, the other scent combos didn't really get a look-in this time around. It's made in England, paraben free, and I've not seen it for sale anywhere else. The clear berry coloured gel is quite runny so be careful when you pop the flip-top lid - I cup my flannel and squeeze a bit into the middle, then mash the edges together before slathering the fruity suds all over my bod. Non-drying and zingily refreshing, I'll be exploring the other yummy scents once I have some space lol (I'm almost certain there was a pink grapefruit one, so that'll be next...)

Radox Coconut Rush Body Wash

Oddly enough, in the past I've avoided coconut fragranced products - haven't a clue why, and actually after trying this beauty from Radox, I'm wondering what past experience could possibly have induced this silly scent-blockage, but whatever it is, I'm over it because I LOVE this stuff - the name alone makes me feel energised. The smell is very definitely coconut, but it's not overly sweet or cloying. The liquid is thick and pearly white, soap free, and according to the back of the big fat bottle, contains Sorbitol (third item listed in the ingredients) to moisturise, and that it does. Most definitely scoring a place on my "regulars' list, the 500ml bottle is available in supermarkets and pharmacies for just under $7, and there's also a giant 1 litre pump container for less than $10. A massive thank you to Gemma Sapphire for inspiring me get over my coconut phobia ♥

Lux Soft Touch Cherry Cream Body Wash

Oh now this is a pretty one - forget it fellas, this is a 100% girly fragrance, a blend of cherry blossom and baby powder ♥ You know I really should note down where I buy things as soon as I walk in the door - by the time I get around to reviewing, I'm struggling to remember the source, which is a pain when I want to find it again. Anyway my seniors brain is telling me The Reject Shop for around the $5 mark. A gorgeous pastel pink liquid that's thick and pearly, this body wash is said to contain Silk Protein Extract and Cherry Cream - well it sure makes my skin feel as smooth as silk, nicely hydrated, and the ultra-feminine fragrance lingers for a while without interfering with my perfume...

Palmer's Tropical Shea Butter Body Wash

If the smell of fruit salad and cream appeals to you, then I can highly recommend this body wash. It's the first Palmer's one I've tried, and like most of their products, the Shea Butter content delivers a rich boost of moisture with every squirt, without making my skin feel slippery or slimy. Can't see any fruit listed in the ingredients, but it does have a lovely tropical tang to it, and the consistency is nice and thick. Interestingly there's not one review of it on beautyheaven, but the Coconut flavour won a 2014 Glosscars. This 400ml bottle has only just appeared at my local Coles for $5.99, is sulfate & paraben free, and Palmer's are against animal testing....

Well I'm calling the Body Washaholic series a wrap for the time being, but you just KNOW I'll be doing a Part 5 in the not too distant future now don't you? Ha ha...

Take care of you,
kats xxx