Showing posts with label Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reviews. Show all posts

Sunday, 23 May 2021

REVIEW: Judith Leiber Topaz EDP...

The addition of a Judith Leiber perfume to my collection is literally a dream come true. She's the lady who makes all those stunning bejewelled clutches you see accessorising the stars at the Academy Awards, and I've been wanting one of her fragrances for at least 10 years - but at $120 a pop (and hard to find), I could never justify the outlay. That was until last December when Feeling Sexy had Topaz in stock and on special for $64.95, and at that price, I couldn't justify NOT buying it, especially as of the three I was lusting after (Amethyst & Exotic Coral are the other two), Topaz was a sure bet to be the one I would love the most considering its high wood content ...


Just look at that bottle - it's absolutely exquisite  The gems on the cap and centre base of the bottle were what piqued my interest in this set all those years ago - I'm totally obsessed with bling (oh really?) and this would have to be one of the most glam flacons on my shelf. The glass is thick and solid and tinted roughly the same pale amber as the gems, which means that the fluid is a deeper shade of amber. In the pic below you can see the inside of the box has a cutout base (a throne!) to hold the bottle securely in place, and the top of the box also fits snugly to protect the precious contents during transit...


And what of the fragrance? Oh my gosh - it's divine of course! I can't believe it's been sitting in its box at the back of my cabinet for five months - well actually I have amazing self-control in some areas (and absolutely NONE in others ha ha) and stashing a fragrance until the right time of the year is something I've practised religiously, and I wasn't about to spoil my pre-winter pleasure by getting stuck into this precious gem before the cooler weather hit. But it's here now and at last, I can indulge my passion for this golden elixir ...


The opening notes are quite fruity and fresh, thanks to black currant, bergamot, mango and kiwi fruit. The fruit actually holds its own right to the very end, but the heart and base are what sends my pulses racing. There's jasmine, frankincense, ylang-ylang, lily-of-the-valley, violet leaf, rose and myrrh to create a warm and exotic caress, and the base intensifies the mystery with a sexy and smoky blend of musk, patchouli, guaiac wood, vanilla, cedar, oud and sandalwood. Holey guacemoley, I think I have a new winter signature scent! It's just SO classy, sensuous, elegant and unique, and lasts on my skin for around six hours - an absolute gem, the contents are a perfect match for the packaging ... 


The good news is that this amber elixir is still available from Feeling Sexy for $69.95, and given how long I waited to embrace this jewel (and given I spritz it every night before retiring), I'll be securing another bottle stat. If you love woody orientals with a touch of fruit and flowers, then you won't be disappointed. Sigh...I'm besotted ...

Take care of you, and keep safe,
kats xxx

Sunday, 28 February 2021

REVIEW: Estée Lauder Pleasures EDP...

Seeing as it's the last day of summer (what summer?) I thought I'd post a review of another of my fairly regular warm weather fragrances - Estée Lauder Pleasures EDP. This is my third bottle and one I plan on always having on my shelf.  I first discovered it back in 2013 when I was gifted with a mini bottle in one of those collection sets. It so reminds me of the very first bottle of perfume I ever owned when I was a spotty teenager - Louis Feraud Justine. I don't know when they stopped making that beauty but it was a long time ago, and Pleasures (created 30 years later) is the closest match I've found so far to its refreshing crispness ...


Close enough for me to classify this as a crystalline (my fave for hot days), this quite potent scent is a white floral perfectly balanced with a fairly hefty whack of greenness that stays right up till the end (around 5 hours later). The formula contains Freesia, Violet (love!), Tuberose, Red Berries, Lily-of-the-Valley, Peony, Lilac, Lily, Rose, Geranium, Jasmine and Karo Karounde (unheard of by me but apparently smells like spicy Jasmine). All these precious petal juices are interlaced with a sprinkling of Pink Pepper on a base of Sandalwood, Cedar, Musk and Patchouli. Magnificent ...


The bottle is exquisitely fluid and feminine - plain as can be but with a sensuous curve, the name etched into the glass in a romantic font, and a frosted silver bulb cap. The box is a glorious salmon pink with alternating sheen stripes that sadly don't show up all that well in my pics - ever so pretty though ...


Described on the Estée Lauder website as a sheer, shimmering floral, I totally agree. The green edge stops it from being overly sweet, and the longevity and projection are impressive. Some gals say it smells like soap, others say it reminds them of celery, but I don't get any of that - it conjures up flowers that have been kissed by rain, and I can't think of a better formula for a hot day when something refreshing, revitalising and uplifting is all I want ...


I was lucky enough to pick up this 50ml bottle from Priceline for less than half price (RRP is $110) during a recent sale - in hindsight, I should have gone for the 100ml! But if you ever spot it on sale anywhere, go for it - it's such a pleasure ...

Do you have a favourite Estée Lauder fragrance?

Take care of you, and keep safe,
kats xxx

Sunday, 21 February 2021

January 2021 Empties & Giveaway!...

Gee these Empties posts seem to come around fast - well actually it's every fourth post I upload here unless I can squeeze in an additional review now and then, and as you can see, I'm still maintaining the monthly turnover pace. The Regulars sections are increasing but there are some new products in the weeks to come so hang in there with me - and this month's Giveaway is four of my all-time fave beauty products, plus some pretty bling babies, so read on ...


Body

Method Gel Hand Wash Refill - Pink Grapefruit (1L, RRP $12.99)
My passion for Pink Grapefruit scented products knows no bounds, and while I always intend to eliminate all cleansers containing SLS from my shelves, I haven't been able to find a substitute for this so far - even the Body Shop one contains SLS, so this is it for now. Mind you I haven't had any issues with my hands - the other ingredients are naturally derived, I find it doesn't dry the skin or cause any irritation, and it smells divine. I don't use the cute-as Method bottle because it becomes unstable as the quantity reduces so I use the refill pack to load my preferred pump dispensers. Overall I LOVE the brand - this pack is terrific value, and I've actually replaced all my home cleaning products (including laundry) with their range ...
Repurchase?
Yes indeed ...

Urban Rituelle Hand & Body Lotion - Sea Kiss (60ml, RRP $14.95)
This was gifted to me by UR just over 12 months ago in a set of four - this was my absolute favourite. My full review is HERE ...
Repurchase?
Probably, and I'm only saying "probably" because they have so many other delicious hand and body lotions, it's SO hard to choose ...

White Glo Coffee and Tea Drinkers Formula Extra Strength WhiteningToothpaste (100ml, RRP $5.49)
Gradually working my way through all the different formulations from this brand. So far no one variety is any better at whitening than the other, but I'll keep going as they work well - all seem to have the same minty taste that I like, and the brush is the best I've ever used ...
Repurchase?
Yes ...

Regulars
Nutrimetics Nutri-Rich Shower Oil (200ml, RRP $42)
Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)
Skin Physics Advance Superlift Caviar Age-Recovery Hand & Nail Renewal Cream SPF15 (75ml, RRP $39.99)


Face

A'kin Hydrating Coconut Water & Green Tea Micellar Water (500ml, RRP $17.95)
I bought a small (150ml) bottle of this three years ago for a whopping $14.95, so the pricing of this has dramatically changed for the better with this 500ml quantity now available for just a few dollars more. It's a 2nd cleanser that I use after the main wash - truly lovely, soothing and cooling, excellent slip, very pleasant "organic" fragrance which I can't pinpoint. It's up there with my faves ...
Repurchase?
Sure will - Aussie made, cruelty-free, recyclable packaging, no nasties ...

L'Oreal Sugar Scrubs Purifying Scrub with Kiwi Seed (50ml, RRP $19.95)
I bought this ages ago, and only recently found the part-used jar buried 3-deep on my bench. I'd forgotten all about it because I only use scrubs in the shower, and this is in a glass jar with a screw-top lid, which is a definite no-no! It smells delicious, works well, warms the skin while gently exfoliating, and looks positively mouth-watering - it's so pretty I reckon L'Oreal would have an absolute winner on their hands if they packaged it in a clear tube ...
Repurchase?
I have, but I'll transfer it into a squirty plastic travel bottle - just gotta find one with a big enough nozzle so the kiwi seeds don't get stuck ...

Regulars


Face Masks

Regulars
Skin Republic Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patch (3 pairs, RRP $9.99)
Skin Republic Fast Fix 5 Minute Under Eye Mask (2 pairs, RRP $9.99)
Skin Republic Retinol Hydrogel Under Eye Patch (3 pairs, RRP $9.99)


Fragrance

Regulars


Hair

Hi Lift Creme Peroxide For Hair - 20 Vol (1000ml, RRP $7.50)
I find very little difference in this product from one brand to the next, so I just go with whatever is a good deal at the time. The 20 vol strength is what I mix with the hair colours below to cover my white roots ...
Repurchase?
Absolutely ...

Regulars
Goldwell Kerasilk Control Conditioner (250ml, RRP $34.95)
Hi Lift True Colour Hair Colour Creme - Extra Light Intense Ash Blonde (100ml, RRP $7.50)
Wella Koleston Perfect Permanent Creme Colour - Special Mix Clear, Blue Intensive & Ash Intensive (60g, RRP $19.97)


Makeup

Rimmel Lasting Finish Skin Perfecting Full Coverage Foundation - Soft Beige (30ml, RRP $17.95)
Great foundation - perfect coverage, great finish though a little pale for me in summer, and I guess you could call this my COVID base as I opened the bottle in March last year. It lasts well all day long and doesn't transfer. I squirt a little onto the back of my hand and then pick up small dabs on my fluffy foundation brush ...
Repurchase?
Probably not, but it's a good standby if I can't get hold of my fave Revlon stick ...

Regulars
Maybelline Brow Ultra Slim Eyebrow Pencil - Blonde (RRP $15.95)
Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner (RRP $15.95)
ModelsPrefer Infinite Colour Eye Pencil - Blue Lagoon ($12.99)

Giveaway


The loot for this month is...
  • Eye of Horus Serpentine Sultry (deep olive) Goddess Pencil
  • Lovisa Silvertone Snowflake Pendant
  • Lovisa Emerald Green & Clear Swarovski Stud Earrings
  • Nutrimetics Nutri-Rich Shower Oil with Apricot Kernal Oil
  • Olay Regenerist Whip UV Active Moisturiser SPF30
  • Skin Physics Advance Superlift Caviar Age Recovery Hand & Nail Renewal Cream
All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $180.  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 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
    midnight 3rd March to claim your prize :-)
    Edit: Alex has claimed her prize 
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Best of luck to all who enter!

    Take care of you, and keep safe,
    kats xxx

    Sunday, 14 February 2021

    REVIEW: Urban Rituelle Hydrating Face Cleanser & Hydrating Face Balm...

    My skin's love affair (skomance?) with the new Natural Remedy range from Urban Rituelle continues. I've been using their Hydrating Face Cleanser and Hydrating Face Balm for a few weeks now, and my skin doesn't want me to stop any time soon! Jam-packed with naturally derived and organic ingredients, they're not only keeping my skin clean, supple and hydrated but also delivering a delight for the senses throughout my evening ritual - when something smells as fantastic as it looks and feels, it's a winner in my beauty book...


    Mandarin, Lime & Neroli Hydrating Face Cleanser (100ml, RRP $25.95)


    Oh wow - I think I just found my new summer cleanser! This is a clear golden gel that lightly foams and gently (but thoroughly) removes all traces of makeup (including long-wear foundation), while at the same time providing an instantaneous aromatherapy session  Fruit gel cleansers are my favourite in the warmer weather and as soon as this hits my face I can smell the zing of freshly squeezed limes and mandarins - I swear it's the real deal! SO refreshing at the end of any day, but especially a hot and sticky one. The ingredients list reads like a who's who of the botanical world - Aloe Vera, Camellia Seed Oil, Hibiscus Flower, Ginkgo Biloba, Seaweed Extract and Kakadu Plum. Not the slightest bit irritating or drying, this cleanser is an absolute delight, and one I will definitely continue to use ...

    Incidentally, when I opened the parcel, I thought the Body Wash or the Face Scrub were sure bets to be my pick of the bunch from this range - it turns out that all three of the ones I've reviewed so far score equal passion points. But wait...there's more ...

    Mandarin, Lime & Neroli Hydrating Face Balm (200ml, RRP $34.95)


    Well now, this is an interesting one. I don't believe I've ever tried a face balm before, and so I wasn't quite sure how this would pan out - I mean it's not a day cream or a night cream, which is what I'm used to. Anyways, because it doesn't contain sunscreen I thought I'd start by trying it at night - I can assure you that any doubts I might have had about its potency or suitability for my mature skin went out the window on morning one. My skin felt incredibly soft, plump, supple yet firm, and not a hint of dryness or any skerrick of excess oil either. This is a BEAUTIFUL moisturiser, surprisingly enriching, yet light and rapidly absorbed. Whoever develops these products at Urban Rituelle has done their homework and come up with a brilliantly balanced formula that seems to provide everything my skin needs to feed on overnight. Two tiny pumps of this thickish white cream are all I need to massage an instant glow into my face, neck and decolletage, and I'm still glowing when I wake up ...

    I'm delighted that the fragrance is similar to the cleanser - that fabulously uplifting lime/mandarin combo, I swear it makes me feel energised and happy. Some of the ingredients are common too - Kakadu Plum, Aloe Vera & Hibiscus Flower, and there's also Shea Butter, Sweeet Almond Oil, Olive Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil and Avocado Oil. Actually, according to the box, 84% of the ingredients are organic, which is possibly why this feels so soothing. Calling it a Hydrating Face Balm was genius - what lip balm does for my pucker, this formula works the same wonder for my face ...

    So lovelies, another two winners from this range - there are two more products from the parcel for me to review (soon), and the Mandarin Lip Balm and Hand Cream are absolute dead certs to be in my next UR order ... 

    Take care of you, and keep safe,
    kats xxx

    Sunday, 7 February 2021

    REVIEW: Lanvin Eclat D'Arpège EDP...

    I was going through my fragrance collection the other day, and a thought struck me - what if there was some sort of crises which meant that I could only keep one bottle of perfume? Perish the thought, but hey, we weren't expecting COVID. So which one would I choose? Well lovelies, it wasn't that hard at all - faced with the prospect of the same perfume every day for an unknown length of time, I immediately grabbed a darling that's been on my shelf and behind my ears for almost 20 years - Lanvin Eclat D'Arpège ...


    And given I've just finished a bottle and happened to have another pristine one stashed away, it was the perfect opportunity to photograph this beauty and give her a moment in the spotlight because she's so worth it, and so very close to my heart. Incidentally, a 100ml bottle usually lasts me around two years - I reckon this is number 12 as I've had a few 50ml ones gifted to me and they're usually done and dusted in 12 months. Which makes it the perfume I've bought more often than any other - I start spritzing on or around the first day of spring, and don't put it away till early April ...


    Released in 2002, I first discovered her in 2003 when sampling for a friend's birthday gift. The friend absolutely loved it, and the scent stayed in my head and my heart for weeks - I swear I could still remember how beautiful it was so I picked up one for me as soon as I could afford it. It's nothing like the original Arpège, which I don't like, even though it was my grandmother's signature scent. Perfect for her but not for me. The bottle has the same gold mother & child symbol on the flacon, but that's where the similarity ends. This Eclat version is young, fresh and summery, and out of all the perfumes I've ever worn, it's the one that has generated the most compliments. And as I've said in previous Empties posts, I have never EVER smelled it on anyone else. So it's all mine lol ...


    Lanvin Eclat D'Arpège is a magical blend of lilacs and lemons, wisteria and peach blossom, peonies and green tea, white cedar, musk and amber. There's not one part of it that I don't absolutely adore, from the crisp fruity floral opening to the soft musky dry down that's still hanging there five hours later. I categorise this scent as a crystalline - same group as Bvlgari Omnia Crystalline and Versace Bright Crystal. It stays very close to my skin so it's not at all intrusive, it's just there like a gentle fragrant breeze all through the day. Perfect for the office, the scent is elegant, timeless, almost angelic, and as you can see, the most exquisite lilac shade. The cap has a faceted jewel mounted on the top and there are two gold rings that rotate around the base, supposedly representing the marriage between the two versions ... 


    RRP of the 100ml is $140, but I've never paid more than $65 as it's regularly on special, either at Chemist Warehouse or Feeling Sexy (currently $55.75!). This is a classic fragrance - no vanilla and no caramel, it will lift your spirits up into the clouds. It's so, so beautiful, and a perfume that will always be in my collection ...

    Take care of you, and keep safe,
    kats xxx

    Sunday, 31 January 2021

    REVIEW: Urban Rituelle Natural Hand & Body Wash and Purifying Face Scrub...

    My love affair with Urban Rituelle products goes back, way back - at least 7 years in fact. A search on my blog reveals no less than 15 articles, and their fragrance diffusers and hand creams have made numerous appearances in my empties posts because they are exceptional - lovingly created, exquisitely presented, and the UR Team are constantly working towards developing products that are not only beneficial to our bodies (and souls) but also have the least impact on the environment ...


    Recently they so kindly sent me six of the products from their new Natural Remedy range (there are 11 in total), which also includes face products - woo hoo! And I can assure you that each and every one of them is chock full of natural ingredients, an absolute pleasure to use, beautifully packaged, and all materials and ingredients used are chosen with sustainability as a priority - UR's philosophy is that their products not only have to work brilliantly, feel and look sensational, they also must be made with the greatest respect for our planet and its dwindling resources ...


    I'll be reviewing all of the above in the coming weeks, but for now, I'll start with those categories that are most dear to my heart ...


    Mandarin, Orange & Geranium Natural Hand & Body Wash (500ml, RRP $37.95)


    I'll begin with the packaging which is a cream cardboard box made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper  The list of ingredients is impressive to me as there is only one item (2nd last) that isn't either naturally derived or certified organic, and that's Dehydroacetic Acid, which Google explains is a preservative to prevent the growth of microorganisms. Everything else is either natural or, better still, organic - things like Kakadu Plum, Hibiscus Flower Extract, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Argan Kernel Oil, Macadamia Seed Oil and Rosehip Fruit Oil. There are no sulphates, parabens, mineral oils, phthlates, synthetic colour or fragrance, and no PEGS or silicones. The dark brown bottle is made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic, and the pump dispenser is the kind you pivot left or right to open and close ...

    The golden liquid inside has an almost gel-like consistency, and it smells as if it were divinely inspired - predominantly geranium, but there is also a tinge of citrus, lavender and patchouli to steer it into the realm of family-friendly rather than girls-only. I'm besotted - it's the only hand and body wash that I've EVER moved from shower stall to vanity and back again just so I could experience it more than once in the same day! I definitely need another bottle lol. The suds are creamy and fragrant, and anyone with skin prone to dryness will be blissing-out just like me as this formula is so nourishing, calming and moisturising. There is a partnering Hand and Body Lotion in the range, but I'm not even sure I need it after this! LOVE 


    Mandarin, Lime & Neroli Purifying Face Scrub (100ml, RRP $25.95)


    Similar recycled cardboard box with UR's Earth-friendly mission statement(s) on one side, and equally fabulous (and comforting) ingredients information on the other two. 50% of the tube is made from post-consumer plastics, it's 100% recyclable, and has what I regard as the essential flip-top cap for easy dispensing, especially in the shower. Over half of the ingredients in this beauty are organic - Aloe Leaf Juice, Kakadu Plum, Gooseberry Fruit Powder, and there's also White Kaolin Clay and Hibiscus Flower Extract. The sloughing granules are small and firm, and there's no indication as to what they are made from but I'm guessing that the Ground Bamboo Stem may be involved here. The scent is very subtle, and I would call it more earthy or natural rather than citrus-inspired - but the Mandarin, Lime & Neroli essential oils are there, just not in predominance, so scent-sensitive folks are well catered for...

    As for the results, my face feels amazing. I almost always use scrubs in the shower, but I've tried this over the basin, and unlike other brands in my kit, it's super easy to completely rinse off the fine granules. Incidentally, afterwards, I paused in my skincare routine as I was distracted by something else, and by the time I got back to the remaining steps, I was delighted to observe that my skin felt fabulous as is! No tightness, no feeling as if the surface had been stripped - just deeply cleansed, super-soft and supple skin, and I massaged the rest of my products into an ultra-smooth and healthily glowing surface. Needless to say I'M HOOKED   


    All Urban Rituelle products are Australian made, cruelty-free, and if you don't wish to order from their website or visit their Caringbah store, there are over 1000 stockists around the country, plus with every purchase I have made over the years, I have received a free soap - a different one each time (how do they know?) ...

    Thank you Urban Rituelle for this beautiful gift, and I'm both excited & delighted to have the opportunity to review all of these stunning products in the weeks ahead. I'm so in love with what you create, and I hope your dreams filter out into the world ...

    Take care of you, and keep safe,
    kats xxx

    Tuesday, 26 January 2021

    December 2020 Empties & Giveaway!...

    I've always felt blessed to have been born in this country, and especially given the state of the world right now, I'm grateful to live in what I believe is the safest place on planet earth, and wouldn't want to call anywhere else home - here's hoping your day is a special one  As for my December Empties, it's two to one in favour of the regulars quantity-wise, but there's a few newbies that I'm delighted to report on, so without further ado ...


    Body

    Oral-B 3D White Diamond Strong Whitening & Enamel Strengthening Rinse  (473ml, RRP $9.99)
    Given the comfort and success with both the White Glo and Colgate mouthwashes I've been using of late, I thought I'd try my luck again with one specifically targetting teeth whitening. But in hindsight, I was pushing my luck. While this Oral-B is an excellent product, my mouth is obviously overly sensitive and it stings way too much for me to use comfortably on a regular basis...
    Repurchase?
    No - for now I'll stick with the ones that are tried and true...

    Schmidt's Bergamot + Lime Natural Deodorant (75g, RRP $13.99)
    Back in May last year, I reported on this in my April 2020 Empties post that it was scratchy and too painful to use due to large hard lumps of baking soda. I still don't know if it was old stock or simply a dodgy batch, but I gave it another go and am relieved to find that in either ideal production or storage conditions, this is a winner. It's actually as smooth and creamy as the Lavender + Sage variety, and the citrus shot makes it even more desirable for the hot weather. It's actually my current fave, just wish I knew for sure what caused the issue with the formula of the first one I tried. I'm hoping it was old stock ...
    Repurchase?
    Yes, I have another one stashed away and it looks like it's going to be just fine ...

    Weleda Sea Buckthorn Creamy Body Wash (200ml, RRP $19.95)
    Another one from the range to add permanently to the collection in my shower rack. The predominant scent is orangey (it's actually mandarin & grapefruit lol) on a sandalwood base (yum!) and the formula is just as softening and moisturising as the other three I adore (Citrus, Pomegranate & Lavender, which is to be reviewed shortly). Honestly, my skin loves this set, and they look so colourful and pretty in my shower stall ...
    Repurchase?
    Ry has them on special at the moment for $13.97 each, and with the enticement of free shipping, I've just placed an order (not that I needed an enticement ha ha!) ...

    Regulars
    Colgate Plax Alcohol Free Gentle Mint Mouth Wash (500ml, RRP $6.49)
    Natures Commonscents Natural Goats Milk & Paw Paw Body Wash (500ml, $8.00)
    Reach Dentotape (100m, RRP $9.99)
    SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Hydrating Body Wash (384ml, RRP $19.99)
    Swisspers Makeup Pads (Pack of 80, RRP $3.99)

    Face

    La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel For Oily Sensitive Skin (200ml, RRP $25.95)
    This 50ml sample came in a gift promotion, and I was pleasantly surprised with how gentle and effective it was despite it targetting an acne-prone audience. A lightly foaming gel that smells fresh and crisp (is it lemon?), it sure takes off my long-wear makeup without any effort. It's perhaps a bit of overkill on my mature skin which has a tendency to dryness in winter, but it did keep my oily-T under control when the humidity hit ...
    Repurchase?
    Probably not - there are so many cleansers out there that I love more, and are better suited to my older complexion ...

    Nutrimetics Nutri-Rich Smoothing Lip Polish (15g, RRP $30)
    This has been discontinued so I'm not going to spend too much time on it - bought it almost 2 years ago and only just now finished it. It was a great product and certainly softened and sloughed my lips whenever I used it (once per week), but somehow it was awkward to dispense and apply. So many times the product slipped off my finger before I could get it to my pout, so I wasted quite a bit. Perhaps they'll bring it back in a different format ...
    Repurchase?
    No - discontinued...

    Olay Eyes Ultimate Eye Cream (15ml, RRP $48.99)
    I've had this in my drawer for around six months, waiting till I'd finished a few of the others on my bench. Well, it was worth the wait - there's something about the formula and the soft apricot colour that instantly makes my under-eye area look and feel heaps better. Very hydrating, and while I don't have dark circles, I do have a tendency towards a faintly bluish tinge directly under my lash line, and this counteracts that in a flash ...
    Repurchase?
    I'm torn between this and the Regenerist one, which is more effective on my fine lines, but I'm pretty sure I'll grab another jar next time it's on special - it's ideal for day time, and I'll use the other one at night ...

    Olay Regenerist Retinol Night Moisturiser (50g, RRP $59.90)
    Was excited to try this whole range as products containing retinol do seem to have a more obvious impact on my face than those without. This is a lovely cream with limited improvements showing on my skin, but I have to admit I've been interspersing it with other night creams I was sent to test, so I haven't given it a proper chance to do what it's supposed to. While I can well appreciate that its lack of scent is a huge bonus to those folks who have sensitivities, I find it boring despite the purple packaging. If I buy it again I'll have to add a few drops of essential oil to it, which hopefully won't irritate my skin. Might seem silly, but for $60, I need to love it a bit more ...
    Repurchase?
    Will give it another chance next time it's on special ...

    Skin Physics Oxygen-C Vitamin C Brightening Serum  (30ml, RRP $19.95)
    This was sent to me to trial and I well and truly loved it. For what I would classify as an inexpensive serum, it really made a difference to the appearance of my complexion. Prior to using it twice daily I had areas of pinkness around my nose and chin that always seemed to be there, but they have literally gone bye-byes, and that's pretty impressive after a short period of use. It spreads so easily, and even shrank my pores a little and made my freckles less obvious ...
    Repurchase?
    This will be a standby for me - I have several serums in the drawer that I need to use up first, but after that, for sure ...

    Regulars
    Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes (Pack of 25, RRP $7.99) 
    Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Acne Wash (175ml, RRP $14.99)
    Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover (112ml, RRP $10.89)
    Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence (40ml, RRP $39.99)
    Olay Regenerist Whip UV Cream SPF 30  (50g, RRP $48.99)
    Skin Physics Dragon's Blood Facial Sculpting Gel (50ml, RRP $59.99)

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


    Fragrance
    Regulars
    Ecoya Cedarwood & Leather Mini Reed Diffuser (50ml, RRP $25.95)

    Hair
    Regulars
    Salon Professional Supplies Creme Peroxide 40 vol (200ml, RRP $5.95)
    Schwarzkopf OSIS+ Sparkler Shine Spray (300ml, RRP $27.95)
    Wella Koleston Perfect Permanent Creme Colour - Special Mix Clear (60g, RRP $19.97)

    Makeup
    Australis Pressed Ready Set Go Finishing Powder (9g, RRP $16.95)
    This is another product that I've been using faithfully for years, but somehow it's never made it to an Empties post because it lives in the makeup bag I take to work, plus I don't think I've ever hit pan - the hinge always breaks after about 6 months. Loose lids are one of my bugbears, so I toss it as soon as it snaps. Anyways it's what I use during the day if I need to counteract a little shine on my forehead, nose or chin, and despite the obvious packaging flaw, it's the best I've found ...
    Repurchase?
    Absolutely - recently stocked up when there was a special deal so I'm good for at least 18 months ...

    Regulars
    Australis HD Translucent Loose Setting Powder (RRP $16.95)
    Maybelline Volume Express The Falsies Waterproof Mascara (RRP $19.95)

    Giveaway



    With Valentines Day just around the corner, I though I'd make this month's giveaway a bit more like a pamper pack...
    • Glasshouse Rio De Janeiro Passionfruit & Lime Mini Candle (60g)
    • Koi Relaxing Bath Range - Lavender & Argan Oil Calming Bar Soap, Geranium & Petitgrain Soothing Body Wash & Soothing Bath Fizz
    • Nivea Hyaluron Cellular Filler Bi-Phase Nourishing Oil Elixir
    • Nutrimetics Blossom Bouquet Fragrance Diffuser
    • Nutrimetics Safflower Fragranced Soap & Hand Creme
    • Skin Republic Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patches - 2 x 3 pairs
    • Skin Republic Fast Fix Under Eye Masks - 2 x 2 pairs
    • Skin Republic Retinol Hydrogel Under Eye Patches -2 x 3 pairs
    All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $150.  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 see who won!
      a Rafflecopter giveaway
      Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Misfortune8 as the winner.  
      Congratulations gorgeous! 
      Misfortune8, please respond to the email I've sent you by
      midnight 3rd February to claim your prize :-)
      Edit: Misfortunate8 has claimed her prize 
      ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

      Best of luck to all who enter!

      Take care of you, and keep safe,
      kats xxx