February 2020 Empties & Giveaway!...

Hi everyone and welcome to Autumn, which officially began with the equinox on Friday at 2:49pm. Just like our recent Summer, this Autumn is shaping up to be like no other - wherever you live, our world is changing and with it, our lifestyles and habits must change too. I plan to keep posting on my blog through these challenging times, so I hope you'll continue to join me here for reviews, empties and my usual monthly giveaway, which this time around is a special one for Mother's Day - it's not till May, but given the current global circumstances, I thought it best to get in early ♥... 

Body

Glow Lab Blackberry & Bay Body Wash (400ml, RRP $9)

Mmmm, can't decide whether I like this one more than the Coconut & Sandalwood one - let's just say they are equally delicious, but this scent is probably the one I'll go for just that little bit more in the cooler weather. I've tried quite a few products from their range, and have been pleasantly surprised by all of them - love that they're cruelty-free and even the pump is recyclable ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
New one in the shower, one in reserve ♥♥♥...

Schmidt's Charcoal + Magnesium Mineral Enriched Natural Deodorant (75g/92g, RRP $13.99/$19.95)

In my not-so-long-ago series on aluminium-free deodorants, I rated this second to Fresca roll-on, but I've done a switcheroo, and made this my numero uno. They are equally effective at controlling odour, but I reckon the Schmidt's wins by a butterfly's eyelash as far as keeping me dry, PLUS (and this is a biggie) the 75g size is available from my local Priceline store - not having to pay shipping is a bonus ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Even though I'm working my way through the other locally available scents in the range, yes ♥♥♥...

Sensodyne Rapid Relief Original Toothpaste (100g, RRP $11.49)

My dentist gave me a sample size after I had some work done on a molar, and it sure helped reduce sensitivity after I had the crown fitted. Tasted good too, and there was enough in the tube for a week's use. He also gave me another brand which made my lips go numb (binned) so this would be my choice if I ever need something like this again ♥♥...

Repurchase?
Sure would ♥♥...

Regulars

Compeed Blister Plasters (Box of 5, RRP $12.95)
Johnson & Johnson Advanced Healing Hydro Seal Band-Aid  (box of 10, RRP $8.47)
Oral-B 3D White Luxe Glamorous White Toothpaste (96g, RRP $9.49)
Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)
White Glo Charcoal Total Mouth Detox Whitening Mouthwash (500ml, RRP $6.99)


Face

Freezeframe Wrinkle Block Age Prevention Multi Stick (30ml, RRP $69)

I wrote quite an extensive review of this product last month (link HERE). This was my second stick and while I haven't quite finished the third, I don't think I'll be continuing on this path. Yes, it has made a difference to my fine lines, and my neck looks less craggy, but the deeper lines haven't budged since stick number 1, and there's still no impact whatsoever on my eye bags. The price is somewhat prohibitive, and at the end of the day, the benefits aren't sufficient for me to continue on for $70 a month. I've also decided that in my particular case, smooth texture, plumpness and radiance are more important than reducing wrinkles, so I just use it on my neck now ♥♥...

Repurchase?
If it's half price, maybe ♥♥...

Proactiv Amazonian Clay Mask (28g, RRP $?)

Interesting! This was sent to me to trial by beautyheaven over the Christmas period - I loved it, and even made a 3-minute video as part of my review. The text was published on 4th January, but no longer appears on the site, in fact, Proactiv is no longer listed full stop, so I guess they pulled the plug on the funding. Anyways, a beaut mask - quite thin, earthy scent that isn't overpowering, didn't make my face feel like it was going to crack up, and sent my blackheads packing ♥♥...

Repurchase?
Would if I could find it through an Aussie supplier, no luck so far ♥♥...

Regulars

Ecopure Bath Bamboo Fibre Face Cloths (pack of 2, RRP $12.99)
Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes (Pack of 25, RRP $7.99) 
Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover (112ml, RRP $10.89) 
Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging Detoxifying Pore Scrub (150ml, RRP $14.99)


Face Masks

BLAQ Charcoal Hydrogel Eye Mask (pack of 5, RRP $29.99)

Love these and first wrote about them back in March 2018, but I can no longer find them at Priceline and they only seem to be available from the Blaq website. Pity as they're really something special. They do have a tendency to slip down if you walk around in them, but I've been wearing them to bed, and they seem to stay on long enough when I'm horizontal ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

If I can find them locally, yes ♥♥♥...

Regulars

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

Fragrance

Estee Lauder Pleasures EDP (50ml, RRP $105)

Still one of my favourite Spring-Summer scents - my 2014 review of it is HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Absolutely, but not till later in the year ♥♥♥...

Hair

Creative Image Adore Semi-Permanent Hair Colour - Platinum (118ml, RRP $16.45)

Well now, this was a bonus find at Price Attack - vegan and cruelty-free, I add this to my fortnightly colouring concoction, and mix a little into my conditioner to keep my tresses as ashy and yellow-free as possible. There are heaps of other colours in the range, but this platinum one works best for me. It's a mauvey mushroomy colour, and while I would prefer something more silvery, it'll do for now ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
You bet, another one and a spare ♥♥♥...

Hi Lift True Colour Hair Colour Creme - Light Ash Blonde (100ml, RRP $6.95)

Brief review of this last month, but it won't be a regular - the shade doesn't turn out as ash or intense as the Salon Professional Supplies brand, and I only bought it because they were out of stock of my fave... 

Repurchase?

No...

Regulars

Goldwell Kerasilk Control Conditioner (250ml, RRP $34.95)

Salon Professional Supplies Pro-Colour - Light Ash Blonde (100ml, RRP $14.95)
Schwarzkopf Live Colour Pastels - Cool Grey, Metallic - Lilac Chrome & Denim Steel (RRP $5.49)

Makeup

Australis Stayput Long Lasting Retractable Lipliner - Romance (discontinued)

Boo to discontinued products! Great bricky-nude shade and lasted almost the whole day ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Sadly it's no longer available ♥♥♥...

Mirenesse Smooth Nude CC Hydra Makeup Mousse (40g, RRP $50)

Raved about this last January and I still love it, but with Mirenesse products, you need to be a VIP member to get special discounts and free shipping ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Probably not - I cancelled my membership when I was retrenched, and can't see myself rejoining any time soon ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder (RRP $13.95)

Maybelline Total Temptation Brow Definer (RRP $17.95)

Giveaway

With Mothers Day coming up soon, I decided to put together a special pack for a special Mum, rather than the same old favourites from the Empties collection. This bundle is made up of...

• Sweet Little Things Floral Scented Soap Petals
• Nutrimetics Fragrance Discovery Collection - 3 rollerball EDTs, Love & Courage, Fleurever & Breathtaking (personal fave reviewed HERE)
• Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Hydration Celebration Pack - Rose Quench Lip Rescue Balm, Quench Hydrating Primer, Drink of H2O Hydrating Boost Moisturiser & 4-in1 Setting Mist

All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $110.  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

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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 Tracy M. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

Tracy, please respond to the email I've sent you by midnight

Wednesday 1st April to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Tracy has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Keep safe lovelies, and take care of you,

kats xxx

Beautyheaven Glosscar Awards Marketplace Member Event...

Yesterday I had the absolute pleasure of attending one of the Beautyheaven Glosscar Awards Marketplace Member Event sessions at bh headquarters in the Sydney CBD ♥ The Beautyheaven Glosscar Awards are an annual affair, and members can vote for their favourite beauty products released in the previous 12 months. This Marketplace Event was a fabulous opportunity to learn about and experience some of the amazing products nominated this year, from MAC, Estee Lauder, Bobbi Brown, Beauty by Nicholas, L'Occitane, Essano & Proactiv ♥...

Image courtesy of beautyheaven.com

While we were only there for an hour, we were provided with some delicious refreshments, and there was time to take in everything on display, as well as catch up with some long-time member friends and the bh Team of lovelies. After missing out on a pic with the gorgeous Debbie Black from beautyheaven at the 10th Birthday Party Event last October, I made sure to hijack her this time around - she's a total doll! ♥...

There were seven beauty stations to visit, manned either by bh staff or sponsor representatives, and we were able to sample the products, ask questions, and were generously gifted with items from every stand. I've been a fan of the Beauty by Nicholas brand ever since discovering them at the previous bh event I attended last year and chose the only product from their range that I hadn't tried before - Omega Hydroxy Night Rejuvenation ♥...

I left it too late to take a photo of the Bobbi Brown stand before it was swamped (lol!), but all 20 colours of their Crushed Lip Colour lipsticks were on display and available to swatch, and you can imagine all us girls went to town on that opportunity! ♥... 

I chose the shade Watermelon, a stunning red with lots of pink, or is it pink with lots of red? Either way the formula is a wonder combination of long-lasting pigments and a matte finish that's comfortable to wear ♥...

At the Essano station, we learned about their Rosehip Clarifying Clay Masque, which I tried last night and it's brilliant! Delectable rose fragrance, the prettiest soft pink colour, and it left my skin glowing and deeply cleansed. Also gifted was their Clear Complexion Detoxifying Serum, which I also included in my Saturday night beauty routine, and will continue to use to help control my oily-T zone ♥...

The Estee Lauder experts were on hand to colour match us with their new Double Wear Nude Water Fresh Makeup which includes SPF 25. They used one of those nifty electronic gadgets that they hold against areas of the face and neck in order to find the perfect match. We were gifted with a full-sized bottle of this delightful foundation, and my match was Ivory Beige 3N1, which I'll be road-testing tomorrow ♥...

Our lovely L'Occitane rep treated us to samples of the latest moisturisers, and we were so kindly gifted with their miraculous Shea Butter Intensive Hand Balm, and a bottle of Terre De Lumiere EDP. I'll be reviewing this separately, but let's just say that it's a crisp and spicy, sensual gourmand floral masterpiece! ♥...

Here's bh's stunning and ever so friendly Steph at the MAC stand, where we were introduced to the Bold & Bad Lash mascara. Of course, I'll be doing an in-depth review in the weeks ahead, but if the contents are as magnificent as the packaging, I'll be happy as a clam! The spectacular silver, red and black tube has two brushes, one each for top and bottom, and the bottom lash formula is smudge-proof - we shall see! ♥...

I've not tried any Proactiv products before - their speciality is troubled skin, and I only experience maybe one blemish in a year, but I am regularly dealing with blackheads on my nose, so I was delighted to have the opportunity to try their Blackhead Dissolving Gel. It's designed to shrink pores as well - my hooter has already had a treatment, and I'll report back to you soon. Incidentally, it smells divine ♥...

How beaut it was to play catch up with some of the other bh members, so many of whom are fellow beauty bloggers, like these two babes - Leah from Temporary Princess, and Marisa from Marisa Robinson Makeup Artist ♥♥♥...

And here's what was in my loot bag - I feel totally spoiled and so chuffed to have received so many delish products to try ♥...

 

If you're not already a beautyheaven member, I can assure you the rewards are amazing, and if you join now and vote, you can be in the running for one of 10 prize packs valued at around $1,000. I've been lucky enough to win two of these mammoth prize boxes in my 9 years as a member so I won't be entering the comp, but I WILL be voting for my fave products before the closing date of this Thursday 29th March...

Huge thankyous to the beautyheaven team (& sponsors) for this fun experience - you guys always put on the best show! ♥...

Take care of you,

kats xxx