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! 

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! ♥... 

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*

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

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

#3 - Caudalie Vinopure Clear Skin Purifying Toner

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

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

#5 - Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Day Cream

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*

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

#7 - Rituals The Ritual of Ayurveda Dry Oil

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

#8 - Philip Kingsley Elasticizer hair mask

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

#9 - Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel

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

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

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

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

#13 - Lord & Berry Eye Liner - Travel Black*

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*

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

#15 - Rodial Dragon's Blood Lip Mask

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

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

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

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

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

#19 - Bioeffect EGF Serum

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*

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

#21 - Delilah Cosmetics Eye Brow Pencil - Sable*

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

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

Well, these should satisfy my sweet tooth...

#23 - Filorga Meso-Mask

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

#24 - Sleek Makeup Highlighting Palette - Solstice*

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

#25 - Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist Limited Edition

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

SPOTLIGHT: March Empties!...

Not going to fall into the same trap I did last month, so without further ado, here is almost everything I finished in March, excluding some items that I've covered before of course. Did exceptionally well I reckon, especially as there is one product here that I've been using for over 3 years - OMG I was beginning to think I'd never get to the end of it!...

Nivea Pure & Natural Body Lotion (400ml, RRP $7.99)

Oh wow, a 400ml bottle of Body Lotion - now that's a challenge for me to finish. This came in my Blogstar prize box back in January 2014, and I've only just squirted the last drop! As you may have gathered I'm not a big user of body lotions - I tend to only apply them after showering when I'm not in a hurry to get dressed and racing out the door shortly thereafter, and that pretty much only happens on Sundays.  This was nice enough, contains none of the major nasties, but I found it took a while to absorb, and after all these years I'm bored with the fragrance....

Repurchase?

Noooo - I prefer my super-fast-to-sink-in BotanicES, plus I have the fabulous Lush Dream Cream on my bench, and Dove Silky Nourishing Body Cream in the cupboard...

L'Oreal Revitalift Laser X3 Dual Action Total Rejuvenation Moisturiser (48ml, RRP $49.95)

Beautyheaven sent me this to trial last Christmas, and it wowed me, especially as I only used it at night, and ditched my usual serum during the trial. They sent me more L'Oreal products to trial almost straight after this one, so I had to stop using it, and have only just finished it now. I really think this firmed my facial contours a little, softened even my deep lines, and made my whole face look fresher. The plan is to use another bottle non-stop, and then post a proper review here. For now my advice is if you're over 40 and ever see this on special, buy it ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Heck yeah already have, just finishing off the remains of another two creams, and then this might just be a staple ♥...

L'Oreal Revitalift Magic Blur Anti-Ageing Daily Moisturiser (50ml, RRP $34.95)

This came in the August 2016 Marie Claire Ageless Parcel and I love it - there's no SPF, but no drama as I'm using a BB cream that has 50+ as my primer. This is such a lovely cream - a waxy mousse consistency, lightweight yet enriching, smells lovely, absorbs instantly, and the big bonus is that it has a matte finish, which is how it kinda works to blur the wrinkles ♥...

Repurchase?

Would definitely buy this again, just haven't as yet as I have three others I need to finish first ♥...

Nivea 3 In 1 Micellar Cleansing Water - Sensitive (200ml, RRP $9.99)

Full review of it HERE as part of my Micellar Magic series - not my favourite, and I did find it a little drying...

Repurchase?

No - there are others out there that have the edge in effectiveness, comfort and value...

Manicare Artiste Professional Kabuki Brush (RRP $?)

I've been using this for just over 18 months to apply my bronzer, and it's just started shedding. Not one hair now and then, but several every time I use it, and they stick to my makeup grrrrr. Odd as it's excellent quality, and I only wash my brushes in water twice a year.  My previous one was an el cheapo, and it never shed - go figure?  I won this in a prize, and it doesn't seem to be available any more so I don't know the price, but there's a retractable version listed for $25.95...

Repurchase?

I won't let this experience put me off buying other Artiste brushes (I have several that haven't given me any grief), but I replaced this particular one with a little baby by Nude by Nature ...

Dove Triple Moisturising & Aqua Moisture Nourishing Body Washes (375ml, RRP $7.36)

Recently reviewed both of these HERE - LOVE! ♥

Repurchase?

Affirmative - one's in the shower stall, the other's in the wings, waiting for a space ♥...

Alpha Keri Anti-Cellulite Sugar Body Scrub (225g, RRP $14.95)

My very first sugar body scrub, and I loved using it. To test the anti-cellulite properties, I only scrubbed my left bum cheek and thigh. At the end of the jar there was not much difference between the two (although my right side is still jealous of all the attention ha ha), but it did seen to improve the general appearance of the orange peel texture, and it sure got rid of any flaky bits ♥...

Repurchase?

I reckon I will - I started another one during March, and while there's been no further dimple reduction, I do enjoy it because it softens my skin beautifully, and being colourless, hey, the shower stays clean ♥...

L'Oreal Age Perfect Golden Age Glow Re-activating Essence (125ml, RRP $39.95)

Did a rave review of it in January HERE - this is the original bottle I received for the trial, so it's lasted 6 months with every day use. Amazing value ♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, already sitting on the bench waiting for me to finish off four (four!) other serums I'm testing out ♥...

Urban Rituelle Reed Diffuser - Comfort (Sandalwood & Tangerine) (190ml, RRP $39.95)

Raved about this HERE - I've bought quite a few of these because I adore the scent combo ♥...

Repurchase?

Sob... This fragrance has been discontinued and I'm shattered. I've bought the Alpine Loft one which is lovely, but it's hardly a substitute...

Skin Republic Gold Hydrogel Mask (RRP $12.99)

Totally in love with this mask. It's in two pieces, and the shape of it actually fits my face, and even covers my nose - yay! It's not messy like the others as most of the serum is impregnated in the plasticcy material. Of all the face masks I've tried so far, this is my #1 - my skin looks SO good afterwards. It costs a little more than the others but it's worth it - actually I wish they made it in a complete body suit lol ♥...

Repurchase?

Affirmative - I've already bought three more ♥...

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

I went through two of these sachets, which means I applied 6 pairs during the month - need I say more? ♥...

Repurchase?

Ha ha silly question...♥

Kmart Nourishing Shea Butter Hand Sheet Mask (10ml, RRP $3)

This was pretty good considering the price - nicely hydrating, smells like coconut, and the gloves aren't too big. As I said about the Skin Republic ones, what I'm looking for is something super enriching, and these don't quite make the cut...

Repurchase?

Maybe, but I'm still looking for other brands to try ♥...

LonVitalite Coconut Milk Hydrating & Nourishing Facial Mask (5 pack, RRP $39)

I really enjoyed this mask again (first review was December's Empties post) - very cooling and calming, and used it in combination with the 24K Active Gold Eye Mask listed below. Wrapped myself up like a mummy (see piccie below), and took a half hour break to let these babies do their thing. My skin looked and felt fabulous afterwards, all redness gone, pores slightly more refined, just wish it had a nose piece as that's where I need lots of help ♥...

Repurchase?

Possibly - I have a stockpile of Skin Republic ones (about 12) so I'll use them up first to see if any of them are more effective...

LonVitalite 24K Active Gold Eye Mask (6 pairs, RRP $32)

I forget where I got this single sample from, but I've had it for a while - definitely saw an improvement in the eye area, firmer and fresher. The latest ones are gold in colour ...

Repurchase?

Yes - they only work out to be $2 each more than the Skin Republic ones, and I'm keen to compare the results between the two brands ♥...

Rodial Dragon's Blood Eye Masks (8 pairs, RRP $52)

Used two more of these - getting the hang of their odd shape now, but they're still the messiest eye masks I've come across. I'm persisting though as the results are a smidgin better than the Skin Republic ones ♥...

Repurchase?

Not at this stage - I still have four more sachets left in the box, and the fact that I literally get covered in the serum trying to remove all the backing sheets puts me off ...

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. Linking to the Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party - you'll always find lots of interesting articles to read, come say hello ♥... 

SPOTLIGHT: January Empties!...

Before I start I'm sending a quick but heartfelt shout out to all the bloggers who upload Empties (or Monthly Favourites) posts ♥ For me they are the most intensive and time consuming articles I do, I guess because there's virtually a review of every product, and that takes quite a bit of effort. So to all you lovelies who create these faithfully every month, I thank you! No better recommendation than a blogger who's actually finished using a product, and can therefore comment authoritatively on it's effectiveness or otherwise (well for them at least). At kats colourings, January was a bit of a "cloth mask month", and I'm thrilled to be letting you know about some of the ones I've discovered ♥...

Mirenesse Power Lift Dermal Firming Face Mask (2 sheets, RRP $25, VIP $17.50)

So enjoyed this - it's in two pieces, one for the eye area and one for the lower half of the face. Key ingredients include Epidermal Growth Factor Peptide, Hyaluronate, Beta Glucan, Retinol. Collagen & Apple Stem Cells. Whoa! I've only heard of four of these, but it sure packs a hydrating and firming punch. Smells nice too and my face looked extra refreshed after removing the bits and massaging in the remaining essence...

Repurchase?

Seriously considering it - I haven't actually bought anything from Mirenesse for yonks, this came in one of my VIP packs (every second month) but I reckon I might indulge...

Rodial Dragon's Blood Eye Masks (8 sheets, RRP $52)

Oddly enough I've only used one of these so far, primarily because the sheets are impregnated with lots of liquid, so they're a bit messier than some other brands, and you have to lie still or else they slide out of place. They're also a somewhat odd shape with a pointy bit on the inner corner that I had trouble positioning, but I probably just need practice. And then by the time I figured out there was an extra piece of backing cloth, my hands were covered in the serum (like I said I need practice lol). Works out at just under $7 per experience, but I bought them for almost half price at Priceline. Immediate result was a firming and smoothing of the under eye area, didn't notice very much de-puffing, but I need to use them regularly...

Repurchase?

Not at this stage - these will last me a few months, but I do prefer the convenience of the Skin Republic ones, which are peel and stick, and I can sleep in them...

Skin Republic Neck & Decolletage Repair Mask (RRP $7.99)
OMG lovelies, if you could do one thing before the end of this furnace-like Sydney Summer, treat yourself to one of these masks! You kinda need to be undressed to use it (well from the boobs up anyways) as it's loaded with slippery lush serum, but it is so unbelievably cooling and refreshing, you'll want to do what I did and buy more stat! I swear the skin on my neck and chest looked toned, revitalised, firm and above all, lovingly cared for (♥) after I laid down for 20 minutes and basked in all the goodies the formula contains. Ingredients include collagen, CoQ10, rice bran, mulberry, liquorice, aloe & vitamin E. A truly pleasurable experience, and one I'm determined to repeat once a week ♥...
Repurchase?
I already have three waiting in my stash - so far I've only found them at Coles ♥...

Skin Republic Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patch (3 pairs, $9.99)
I featured these in my December Empties post, but I'm including them again so you know how much I adore them, and have continued to use them, once a week, without fail. LOVE!
Repurchase?
You know the answer lol ♥...

Nivea In-Shower Rich Body Lotion Skin Conditioner - Very Dry Skin (400ml, RRP $7.99)

One of the benefits of moving house is that there's the high probability of a reassessment (and rediscovery) of the various products one has acquired and possibly forgotten over time. Found this at the back of the cupboard - can't remember why I put it there (almost empty) but most likely I wanted to review it (I usually leave some in the container as a reminder). Anyways I'm so glad I unearthed it as this is a saviour for my bod when my skin is extra dry, or if I've been testing out a not-so-moisturising body wash. Love the scent, love that when I dry myself off, my skin feels silky smooth, and any cracked or flaky bits have gone the way of the dodo ♥...
Repurchase?
That'll be a yes - I especially need this in winter when it's too cold to stand around naked slathering on lotions and/or creams ♥...

Eye of Horus Goddess Pencils - Scarab Sapphire & Smokey Black (12g, RRP $30)
Still entwined in a passionate love affair with these pencils. Until very recently, I haven't found anything to compare with them, and even then, my latest discovery (Colourpop Creme Gel) while long lasting, isn't riddled with nature's goodness like these babies. I ordered these in 2015, and lovingly reviewed them HERE, so they do last for ages - I use any one of the seven in my kit just about every day ♥...
Repurchase?
Back in July last year I was blessed with a win in the Eye of Horus monthly Instagram comp (my choice of $300 worth of products!) and I opted for the Charcoal Obsidian instead of the black - I'm getting a bit long in the tooth to be wearing black on my waterline, and this is a tad more subtle with tiny little sparkles that don't irritate in any way. I also chose the Scarab Sapphire again because it's just such a gorgeous blue. When these run out, I will DEFINITELY be repurchasing them ♥...

Indeed Labs Eysilix (15ml, RRP $36.99)
I was kinda hoping for a mini miracle from this cream as it has pretty good reviews all round - used it twice a day and finished the tube, and although I didn't notice much improvement in my issues (crinkles & eye bags) I ordered another but haven't opened it as I'm trying out Hylamide SubQ Eyes Advanced Serum (which seems to be more effective). I'll certainly use up the second tube, but it didn't deliver any results that were noticeable in the six weeks of use. Also I have one word of warning - the cap is SO tiny and thin, it rolled off the basin and went down the drain at the end of week two, and none of my other caps fit it, so I had to improvise with wrapping a tissue around it. Wasn't all that effective as each time I went to use it, the first bit that squeezed out was dry and stiff - boo!...
Repurchase?
No - I'll keep searching for my HG eye cream...

L'Oreal Age Perfect Golden Age Rich Re-Densifying Night Cream (50ml, RRP $36.95)
Absolutely crazy about this cream - rave review HERE - love this whole range actually. I'm in the middle of trialing the Classic range at the mo' (also for beautyheaven) and while that night cream is gorgeous, it doesn't suit my skin quite as well as this beauty ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
Sure have - the fornula is darn near perfect for my ageing needs ♥...

Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser (177ml, RRP $14.99)
This cleanser is one of those that seemingly lasts FOREVER - it's taken me almost a year to get to the bottom of the bottle! From memory it came in a Priceline skin care goody bag. It's quite nice and very effective for foaming off long wear makeup, but there's something about the scent that bothers me - it's odd as the fragrance is fresh and tangy and not the least bit chemical, but I got bored with it after the second cleanse. No nasty inclusions (although it does contain SLS), it features willowbark, and one pump from the sturdy dispenser will get your face super clean without leaving your skin feeling stripped. Yeah, as I said nice, but for me a bit meh...
Repurchase?
Negative - there are many more that I prefer...

Thanks for reading lovelies, and here's hoping that February is treating you kindly ♥...

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. Hooking up with Ingrid's always awesome Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party - come say hello after 6:30am...