February 2021 Empties & Giveaway!...

Hope March has been kind to you - it's the busiest time of the year for me workwise as my employer has a 31st March End of Financial Year. So it's been 12-hour days for me for the last three weeks, and not much left in the tank for personal activities like blogging - boo! But the end (of the month) is in sight, and I've managed to put together my smallest Empties collection in a long, long time. I guess it's because there were only 28 days in February - either that or I have way too many products on rotation. Anyways, here we go with a very limited post, but a nice little collection of Nutrimetics goodies in the giveaway...

Body

Help@Hand 100% Pure Cotton Tips (200pk, RRP $2?)
I bought these because at the time they were the only ones available at Woolworths. Almost as good as Johnson's, which I don't seem to be able to buy anywhere any more. They are quite good quality, and the recyclable box has a hinged click-down lid, which I'll use to store broken jewellery or other bits and pieces ♥♥...
Repurchase?
Out of stock at the moment (which is why I'm unsure of the price), but yes ♥♥...

Regulars
Colgate Plax Alcohol Free Gentle Mint Mouth Wash (500ml, RRP $6.49)
Natural Secrets Goatsmilk Moisturising Shower Gel (500ml, RRP $9.95)
Reach Dentotape (100m, RRP $9.99)
Schmidt's Lavender + Sage Natural Deodorant (75g, RRP $13.99)
Swisspers Makeup Pads (Pack of 80, RRP $3.99)
Weleda Lavender Creamy Body Wash (200ml, RRP $19.95)

Face

Bioré Yuzu Lemon + Dragon Fruit Brightening Exfoliating Scrub (103.5ml, RRP $9.99)

Absolutely crazy about this scrub - the lemon & dragon fruit scent is so tangy and refreshing in the morning, totally wakes me up. The beads are firm and fine (I think they are made of wax) but have enough oomph to shift any flakey bits without causing any irritation, and my skin feels super smooth afterwards. Didn't notice any brightening effect, but I never really give a scrub a chance to perform as advertised because I use a different one each day. In summary, this is a winner ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Ooh yes ♥♥♥...

IT Cosmetics Confidence in an Eye Cream (15ml, RRP $59)

I won this in a set from an Adore Beauty Instagram comp. A wondrous cream that improved the appearance of my under eye area from the first application. The pale apricot tint instantly neutralises any darkness (which I didn't realise I had) and brightens and refreshes the skin. Overall I looked less tired, and that's certainly a bonus. I found it to be sufficiently hydrating for my dry skin, my concealer sat nicely throughout the day without any creasing or flaking, and it even seemed to firm my eye bags a little. My only beef is that once the level drops, it's quite difficult to extract the cream without a spatula due to the squat shape of the jar. A minor irritation though, this is a beauty ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I'm going to try my fave Olay one again for comparison - depending on the results I may well buy this one in future ♥♥♥...

Regulars

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 Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence (40ml, RRP $39.99)

Sukin Super Greens Detoxifying Facial Scrub (125ml RRP $13.95)

Fragrance

Chi Chi Strawberry & Violet EDP (50ml, RRP $19.95)

The next empty bottle of this beautiful scent will be in the Regulars section. Adore this, and it's one of the few fragrances that I buy over and over again. Review from when I first discovered it back in 2015 is HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Already have, I can't live without this sweetheart in my life ♥♥♥...

Hair

Regulars

Hi Lift True Colour Hair Colour Creme - Extra Light Intense Ash Blonde (100ml, RRP $7.50)

Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector (100ml, RRP $49.95)

Wella Koleston Perfect Permanent Creme Colour - Special Mix Clear (60g, RRP $19.97)

Makeup

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush (RRP $22.99)

I used this to blend my foundation (stick or liquid kind) - it was excellent for literally pushing the cream into my gaping pores, and left me with a streak-free flawless finish. Bought it 12 months ago and was quite impressed, but it started to shed badly, so I switched to a Manicare Glam one, which is going splendidly so far ♥♥...

Repurchase?

I've not found a foundation brush that survives longer than a year, so...maybe ♥♥...

Sephora Color & Sculpt Stick - 01 Clear Light (5.5g, RRP $19)

One of the more successful attempts I've made at finding a cream contour that's a suitable colour for my skin tone. Most on the market are too orangey, and my favourite Australis palette that had the perfect shade has been discontinued. This one worked quite well, although I still had to mix it with a lighter yellowish pan from another brand. The search continues ♥♥...

Repurchase?

If I'm unable to find a better colour match, then probably yes ♥♥...

Regulars

Maybelline Brow Ultra Slim Eyebrow Pencil - Blonde (RRP $15.95)

Giveaway

A truly pampering treat for any of you wanting to try some Nutrimetics products...

• Blossom Bouquet Fragrance Diffuser
• Magic Eraser Body Exfoliating & Polishing Cleansing Glove
• Nutri-Rich Bathing Bar
• Nutri-Rich Gentle Foam Body Wash
• Nuri-Rich Nourishing Body Butter

All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $160.  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 see 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 7th April to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Tracy has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you, and keep safe,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: May Empties 2018 + Giveaway!...

Well now, May was a whopper for empties! I went through so many products I couldn't fit them all in one photo, so the masks are in a separate pic halfway down the page lol. I managed to clear five bottles of body wash, but before you start thinking I shower 10 times in a day, I must add that I didn't START them all in May - these all had an inch or two left in them at the end of Sydney's long hot Summer, and I decided to concentrate on using them up instead of storing them away to make space for my Winter faves. Also (unbelievably!) I finished off two foundations, so this really was quite a record month...

Body

Avalon Organics Refreshing Lemon Bath & Shower Gel (355ml, RRP $11)

I'd read such amazing reviews of the Avalon Organics range online, so I just had to try it and ordered this lemon gel from iHerb. If lemon is your thing, then you'll be in zest heaven with this gem - it actually contains oils from limes, grapefruit and oranges as well as lemons, plus the number one ingredient listed is aloe juice. It's vegan, not tested on animals, paraben-free and the bottle is made from 100% recycled material. Not quite as hydrating as I'd hoped, and it's a pain to have to order it outside of Oz, but it has everything else going for it! ♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, but I'll try the lavender one next as the lemon is a bit too zingy for the cold weather ha ha ♥♥...

Ecostore Coconut & Vanilla Gentle & Nourishing Body Wash (400ml, RRP $8.99)

I tell you what New Zealand is rapidly becoming THE most fabulous source of skin care products.  Absolutely love this range and the fact that I can buy it at Woolworths. The packaging is modern and stylish, it smells delish, and it doesn't dry my skin AT ALL. Cruelty-free and no SLS either ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I have several bottles in the cupboard, as well as three of the hand-wash - LOVE! ♥♥♥...

Estelle & Thild Fresh Water Lily Hand Soap (250ml, RRP $16)

Added this to my Sephora cart to qualify for free shipping, but I won't buy it again. Sure it's nice enough - made in Sweden and certified organic, but I really didn't enjoy the scent, and it's way too runny to be practical. Lost count of the number of times I depressed the pump and managed to squirt it past my hands and onto my clothing!...

Repurchase?

No...

Nature's Own Double Strength Cold Sore Relief L-Lysine 1000mg (50 tablets, RRP $25.99)

A while back I went through a period of recurring cold sores from stress - had 3 in a row so I figured I needed some biochemical support, and these were recommended by a dear friend (thanks hon!). Expensive, but I haven't had a breakout since ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Yep ♥♥♥...

Nubian Heritage Mango Butter Body Wash (384ml, RRP $14)

Another one that was raved about on iHerb, and I completely understand why - it's ah-mazing. Contains mango, shea and cocoa butter, Vitamin C & coconut oil - incredibly hydrating, lathers like crazy and the fruity mango fragrance is to die for. It only has one flaw - it's SO thick, I can only use it in the warm weather, almost impossible to get it out of the bottle once the temp drops below 20 degrees. No animal testing, fair trade & organic ingredients ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely! There are so many in the range that I want to try - all based on traditional African recipes, like Honey & Black Seed, Indian Hemp & Haitian Vetiver, Patchouli & Buriti ♥♥♥...

Sephora Hydrating & Energising Shower Gel (400ml, RRP $19)

Loved this, reviewed HERE - bummed that I can't see it on their website any more ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Would if I could ♥♥♥...

Swisse Women's Power Ultivite (40 tablets, RRP $33.95)

Went for these mainly because the label said "stress response" - well they sure helped, but they are SO HUGE and with a matte finish, I could barely swallow them...

Repurchase?

No, but only because of the above - most multivitamins are large, but I have to go for ones encased in easy-to-slide-down gelatin...

Thankyou Coffee Body Scrub (300g, RRP $14.95)

Love this, love what the company is doing, messy but supernally effective and I adore the smell of it. I'm actually using the empty jar to store one of my other body scrubs - can't stand sachets in the shower ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Affirmative ♥♥♥...

Thankyou Milk Body Wash - Botanical Lemon Myrtle & Goat's Milk (500ml, RRP $7.99)

Another of my repeaters - my fave from this brand, divine scent, non-drying and one I will be using all year round ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Sure bet ♥♥♥...

Face

L'Oreal Age Perfect Cell Renewal Night Cream (50ml, RRP $44.95)

A beautiful cream that came my way via the beautyheaven Trial Team. A stunning formulation that's perfect for dry skin, or if you're like me, skin that transforms into a flakey prune once the temperature drops. My bh review of it is HERE, about halfway down the page. Aimed at the 50-70 age market, it's a gem. I reviewed the original formulation back in 2013 (HERE) and this reworked version is even better with the inclusion of Black Truffles ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Definitely on my must-buy list once I plough through the backlog of moisturisers on my bench ♥♥♥...

Lush Dark Angels Fresh Facial Cleanser (100g, RRP $17.50)

This was #gifted to me in March last year (review HERE) and I put it aside due to the plethora of other charcoal products on my shelf but made a special effort to finish it off. It was well beyond its use-by date, and the only change was that the oil separated out a bit, but it still worked a treat ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, but I'll have to clear the other products first - because Lush doesn't use preservatives, this baby only has a recommended shelf life of 3 months, and to use it all up in that time, it would have to be my only one ♥♥♥...

Mirenesse Endless Youth Pearly Glow Bubble Cleanser (60g, RRP $39.50)

Most of the Mirenesse products that appear here arrive via their VIP packs, and this one was a pleasant surprise, and the name says it all - soft creamy bubbles that melt away makeup, lovely fresh fragrance, contains centella asiatica, sage, green tea, tea tree & purslane. Mirenesse is a cruelty-free brand, and this particular product is made in South Korea ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Probably not - it's lovely, but I prefer a gel for Summer and a balm for Winter ♥♥♥...

Sukin Super Greens Detoxifying Clay Masque (100ml, RRP $15.95)

OMG I actually finished a tub of mask! I have about five part-used ones on my bench, but this one I've had for the longest period (about 2 years) so it was time for it to earn a place in an empties post - no change or deterioration in the product though, just as effective as the first application. Gives any clogged pores a scare and draws out the goop, leaves my complexion cool, calm, deeply cleansed and refined ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

After I use up one of the other ones, for sure ♥♥♥...

Hair

Goldwell Kerasilk Color Intensive Luster Mask (200ml, RRP $42.95)

I found this in one of beautyheaven's beautoriums, and it was love at first application. It's the palest lavender cream that smells sensational, and given I have a Goldwell Kerasilk treatment every three months, I figured this would help maintain the smooth silky finish, and it sure does that. Only needs to be left on for 10 minutes, but sometimes I sleep in it (with a beanie) to give my tresses an extra conditioning boost ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

I actually bought the regular one this time around as I'm not so concerned about colour fade now that I'm no longer red/gold ♥♥♥...

Kevin Murphy Shimmer Me Blonde Repairing Shine Treatment for Blondes (100ml, RRP $42.95)

This is the "ash" version of the golden one I reviewed back in October (HERE) - not cheap, but it lasts me around 6 months and gives my locks that bit of extra glisten and gleam without weighing it down ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I've just had the Kerasilk treatment done again so I'll wait for a month before repurchasing as my hair doesn't need a shine boost at the mo' ♥♥♥...

Olaplex Hair Perfector (100ml, RRP $49.95)

This stuff is so good - everything I wrote about it in my February Empties post (HERE) still stands - can't live without it! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Forever ♥♥♥...

Makeup

Covergirl + Olay Simply Ageless Foundation - Natural Beige (12g, RRP $25.95)

Bought this so long ago I can't remember exactly when, but it was back in the days when I was still trying to find the best colour and finish for my skin. This isn't the one, but I've kept using it as the coverage is 110%, and there have been days when I needed the complete mask-like end result. It's a bit orangey for my complexion, and it always ended up a bit cakey by the afternoon, but I appreciated the SPF28 ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Nope - see the Maybelline review below ♥♥♥...

Eye of Horus Goddess Pencil - Charcoal Obsidian (RRP $30.00)

Regular readers will know of my passion for this range, and this one was part of a prize I won back in 2016 (HERE) - as a rule, each colour lasts me around 2 years, I love this shade because it isn't black black, more like a graphite so it's not as stark on my old peepers, plus it has tiny little sparkles in it, which incidentally don't irritate my eyes (however do they do that?) ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I always buy a replacement when the pencil is down to one-third remaining, so I bought one a while back ♥♥♥... 

Maybelline Dream Cushion Liquid Foundation in a Compact - Sand (14.6g, RRP $26.95)

I bought several of these on special when they were relatively newly released because it suits my skin SO well in every department - gave it a whole lotta love HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I have one more left ♥♥♥...

Rimmel Exaggerate Full Colour Lip Liner - Eastend Snob (RRP $12.50)

One of the best nude lipliners I've tried - this one has lasted me 18 months ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Already have ♥♥♥...

Face Masks

These aren't in alphabetical order as I've fitted them around the relevant piccie...

Skin Republic Detox Charcoal + 10-Superfood Formula (25ml, RRP $9.99)

First tried this last July, and I have such a stash of sheet masks from a wide range of brands that I'm only just getting around to repeats of the ones I really liked, and this was one of them. Has all sorts of yummy stuff in it including Acai Berries, Chia Seeds, Quinoa and Avocado - deep cleans as well as nourishes. It also fits quite well and stays put, perfect for my multi-masking days (see pic below) ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes although it's a challenge as this amazing company keeps bringing out new varieties that catch my eye ♥♥♥...

Skin Republic 24K Gold Aquagel Under Eye Patch (2 pairs, RRP $12.99)

I do so love these - so cooling, calming and firming. Too expensive to use every week, and I keep hoping they'll be included in one of the Priceline special sales, but no luck so far. They slip and slide around so apply them under another mask, or lie down and chill ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes absolutely ♥♥♥...

LonVitalite C7 Collagen & Gold Lip Mask (Box of 5, RRP $35)

Have already raved about these a few times - LOVE! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I need a truckload of these, so yes ♥♥♥...

Skin Republic Volcanic Ash Mud Sheet Mask (RRP $12.00)

Yeah, baby - one of three new mud varieties that came out recently. The others are Green Tea and Pink Clay, which I'm busting to try next. This one is utterly fab - the cloth is saturated with the clay/ash formula so you have to be careful applying it or it gets in your hair, not that it really matters. The flap that covers the nose is longer than others (yay!) and the overall fit is brilliant. The cloth stiffens as it dries (just like a cream mud mask would) and you need to rinse your face afterwards. Results are particularly awesome - my pores looked way smaller, my skin felt super clean and soft, and there was an overall radiance and refinement that I'd like to see permanently! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Of course - actually, this one might just overthrow the gold collagen one as my fave from this brand ♥♥♥...

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

Revisited these as the cheaper Purederm ones were out of stock at Kmart for almost three weeks. They're so good, and I shudder to think how many I've bought since I discovered them ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Will always have some of these around ♥♥♥...

Skin Physics Advance Superlift 3D Deep Hydration Lifting Mask (Pack of 3, RRP $59.99)

Excellent product, just wish it fitted better - love that it has bits for my neck (which needs a LOT of work), but they just don't sit right ♥...

Repurchase?

Not unless there is a design overhaul ♥...

Skin Physics Instant Lift V-Shape Vitality Mask (RRP $14.99)

This slingy thing (pictured above underneath the other mask) is so effective, I would sleep in one of these every night if I could afford it. I swear it firms my saggy chin and jawline and the effects last for around 24 hours ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Just as soon as they're on special again, and then I'll buy lots ♥♥♥...

Purederm Ginkgo Eye Puffiness Minimizing Patches (4 patches, RRP $3.00)

At $1.50 a pop, these can't be beat - I sleep in them at least three nights every week ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes ma'am ♥♥♥...

Giveaway!

I've tried to keep the package lightweight so I can make the giveaway International, so there are only a few faves from May, but I've included some pretty jewellery items to boost the value of the prize ...

• 1 x Skin Republic Volcanic Ash Mud Sheet Mask
• 1 x Skin Republic Detox Charcoal + 10-Superfood Formula Face Mask Sheet
• 1 x Sukin Super Greens Detoxifying Clay Masque
• 1 x Nutrimetics rose gold-tone Necklace (49cm) and Earrings (6mm studs) set, made with Swarovski Elements
• 1 x Colette rose gold-tone diamante & faux pearl ring, size L

Here's a closeup of the jewellery - the stones are clear crystal...

All products were purchased by me, and the total value is approximately $95.

And this giveaway is open...

INTERNATIONALLY! 

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!)
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 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Again so many entries, and again I had to disqualify quite a few folks

as they didn't leave a comment on this page...but...

Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Cassandra D. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

Cassandra please respond to the email I've sent you by

Thursday 28th June to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Cassandra has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: November Empties + Giveaway!...

Wow, what a mega-month of empties, but what month isn't for me hey ha ha! All pretty much awesome products except for one epic fail, but I'll let you discover which one that was as you read on. A good mix of faves that make fairly regular appearances here, and some I've only just discovered but have rocketed to the top of my can't-live-withouts list. Plus I'm giving some of these newly acquired loves away, so I hope you make it to the end of the article. For now, it's on with the show ♥...

Body Products

Essano Bliss Coconut Oil Lightly Moisturising Body Wash - Frangipani & Paw Paw (445ml, RRP $9.99)
Absolutely loved the smell of this body wash, but had problems with the pump - it got sort of stuck in the depressed position, and even though I cleaned it (thought it might be gummed up with product) it made no difference and I ended up having to unscrew the cap and tip the liquid onto my wash cloth in order to use it. Not my idea of a good time, and it doesn't lather up very much at all. I actually prefer low sudsing body washes, but this one just doesn't have enough bubbles for my personal taste. Non-drying though, no nasties and they don't test on animals...

Repurchase?

No - there's a gazillion body washes in the marketplace that meet my shower experience criteria, without being annoying lol...

Grahams Herbal Mineral Deodorant Roll-on (65ml, RRP $7.95)

I'm a big fan of this company and what they produce - simple, effective and natural formulations that work. I ordered this deodorant on a whim to give it a try and was amazed at its effectiveness, both for keeping me dry as well as smelling fresh. The fragrance is refreshing, very subtle, and it doesn't linger - but what does hang around is whatever the stuff is that counteracts any odour or wetness. Ingredients are Purified Water, Potassium Alum, Xanthan Gum, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract and Natural Fragrance. No alcohol, parabens or aluminium. Amazing! ♥...

Repurchase?

Already have ♥...

I love... Mango & Papaya Bubble Bath & Shower Creme (500ml, RRP $7.99)

Bought this from Priceline as it definitely passed the kats sniff test, but I won't buy it again - doesn't appear to contain anything natural except for water lol! Apart from the delicious scent, it's quite average - non-drying but non-moisturising either...
Repurchase?

No - see above reasons...

Thankyou Charcoal Body Polish - Black Clay, Botanical Sweet Orange & Coconut Oil (350g, around $12 I think)

While I am 100% supportive of this brand and what they're doing for the world, and I simply adore their hand washes, body washes & coffee scrub, this was a DISASTER. I'd read on Instagram that the charcoal left a stain on the skin, but I was prepared to deal with that - what I wasn't prepared for was the stench when I peeled off the seal. Oh lordy, talk about stale oil - it was so awful I didn't even get as far as putting it anywhere near my skin let alone dealing with the charcoal stain. I'm guessing someone screwed up at the factory, or else this has been stored in a hot warehouse for 5 years (no aircon). I can't see it listed on their website, and Woolworths says it's unavailable, so I guess it's been canned...

Repurchase?

Never EVER!!!...

Hair Care

Schwarzkopf Live Colour Silver Toner (RRP $4.89)

Haven't bought one of these packs for years, but nothing's changed - it's still a cheap and effective but temporary way to get rid of yellow/orange tones from blonde hair. I've been gradually working my way into a cooler more ashy blonde for the Summer, and this has been helping my highlights achieve the colour I'm after. Lasts about 6 washes on my hair, and so long as you apply it evenly, it does the trick ♥...

Repurchase?

I have two packs stashed away ♥...

Makeup

Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder (RRP $13.95)
I've tried numerous similar products by other brands, some of them way more expensive, but nothing works as well for me as this baby ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
Always two spares in my drawer ♥♥♥...

Eye of Horus Goddess Pencil - Scarab Sapphire & Serpentine Sultry (12g, RRP $30)

Repeating that these are my numero uno eye pencils, reviewed numerous times (in depth HERE) ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
Absolutely - both these colours are can't-live-withouts ♥♥♥...

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer (8ml, RRP $38)

My HG concealer, raved about it HERE and in that December 2016 article, I said it would probably last me a year - guess what, I was right! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Just recently bought two tubes - I cannot POSSIBLY live without this stuff, and this brand is regularly out of stock at Sephora, so I'm not taking any chances ♥♥♥...

Skin Care

Bioré Charcoal Pore Minimiser (92ml, RRP $10.99)

This is a keeper, review HERE ♥...

Repurchase?

Yes ma'am ♥...

L'Oreal Revitalift Concentrated Serum (30ml, RRP $32.95)

Have had this for 12 months since it came in a Marie Claire Ageless Parcel (service since discontinued sob!). It's an ok serum - didn't notice any improvement in my wrinkles though, but hey being the age I am, I need no less than the Laser X3 range to make any sort of dent. Back then I said "It's a translucent white liquid with a baby powder fragrance that dissipates quickly - lots of slip so it spreads easily, and dries almost matte", and that's about it...

Repurchase?

Not potent enough for me, so no...

Nature's Way Beauty Collagen Gummies (40, RRP $19.99)

I wrote a funny little review for beautyheaven - this jar came in their 10th Birthday goody bag, and I've been hooked ever since, on both the flavour of these beautifying lollies and the idea of taking collagen internally. I promised myself I'd munch away on 3 of them daily for at least 3 months to see if there was any improvement in my skin elasticity and wrinkle depth - I'm up to about day 60 now and I swear my jowls aren't hanging as low as they were before, and overall I'd say my face is looking a tad plumper. Of course, it could be my imagination combined with my passion for these delicious tasting low-calorie sweets, but I've 3 more jars in the cupboard so I won't be stopping anytime soon. I'll be sure to let you know in the next few months if this truly is a can't-live-without inclusion in my anti-ageing arsenal ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

As mentioned above, I have enough stashed away for another 40 days ♥♥♥... 

Nutrimetics White-Age Luminous Skin Serum (30ml, RRP $70)

Having recently rejoined Nutrimetics as a home buyer, I bought this to try as it has the little suspended beads of activators that dissolve when you dispense the serum - I love this concept in a face serum! Lovely product with a beautiful fragrance, very soothing and hydrating, it was supposed to "dramatically even skin tone", but that didn't happen. I actually prefer the Nivea Cellular Volume Filling Pearls, which is also half the price...

Repurchase?

Unlikely...

Nutrimetics Ultra-Care Platinum DNA Cellular Age Repair Creme (60ml, RRP $82)

Was lucky to score a 5ml sample pot from the beautyheaven-Turns-10 birthday bash, enough for about a week. While it's a truly beautiful and delicately fragranced cream that hydrates brilliantly, a week isn't long enough for this old chook to see any improvement. Still I'm quite impressed with the range, and plan on trying the whole set once the bank account has recovered from Christmas - they have a great deal of $179 for this cream, the serum, and the eye cream. Gee, I should have written to Santa ♥...

Repurchase?

Yes ♥...

Olay Regenerist Revitalising Thermal Mini-Peel Treatment (125ml, RRP $19.99)

Recently reviewed HERE...

Repurchase?

Nope - microbeads...

Face Masks

Essenzza Fuss Free Naturals No Dirt on Me Natural Silk Facial Mask (30g, RRP $2.99)

No pic, pretty good for the price, but I struggled to handle it as there are 2 backing sheets to remove, and I seem to be all fingers and thumbs with cloth masks that are dripping serum onto my lap! There's quite a big range, and I have 4 more to try - this one was especially for cleansing and exfoliating, although I don't see how a cloth mask can exfoliate (I guess it's a chemical peel). Very little fragrance and my skin did feel super clean afterwards...
Repurchase?
I'll try the others and probably repurchase my favourite from the range...

Leaders 7 Wonders Caribbean Coconut Calming Mask (RRP $7.86)

Scored this in a @lipmonthly bag - can only find it on one website, and that's not in Australia so I doubt I'll pursue actually buying any of these. Reasonable face fit, adheres really well if you prefer to be moving around for your mask session, very calming and cooling, but so many of them are right?...

Repurchase?

No - I'll stick to what's readily available...

It's Skin Prestige Eye Masque D'Escargot (Box of 5 pairs, RRP $13.33)

Bought this (made in Korea) pack from iHerb as the reviews were very good (4.6/5). They're interesting because they're clear, almost invisible, and yet they are quite substantial and adhere well. One side is smooth and the other has a texture, which I believe is the side that's supposed to touch the skin. I've used them twice now - they are cooling, temporarily firm the area and there's a slight reduction in the puffiness. I reckon these are worth further investigation and experimentation ♥...

Repurchase?

Probably - they contain niacinamide for brightening as well as the snail secretion for treating wrinkles, so I reckon I need a few packs in order to see some obvious and lasting results ♥...

Purederm Botanical Choice Ginkgo Eye Puffiness Minimizing Patches (2 pairs, RRP $3)

The kats colourings beauty find of 2017! These are from K-mart (made in Korea) and they are SENSATIONAL. I mean they actually reduce the size of my under eye bags - whoa! Not permanently mind you but I get a good few hours looking like a normal person ha ha. Honestly, these are even better than the Skin Republic Collagen Hydrogel ones that you know I adore, and 2 pairs for $3 is the most brilliant value. At that price, I could afford to use them almost every day...

Repurchase?

Umm, let's see that'll be a yes, like YES, like YES...

Sephora Rose Lip Mask (RRP $4)

I finally made it to a Sephora store (!) and this is one of the products I bought - very happy I did because it's a beauty. Having had cold sores since my teenage years, my lips have suffered considerably and I feel good about giving them this treat on a regular basis. I love that the mask covers the area outside the lipline as well - it's where I have some vertical lines, and anything that gives them a scare is high on my list of necessities. The whole experience was one of loving hydration, and my lips felt so softened and cared for afterwards...

Repurchase?

Already have, but I'd better be quick to order more as this has made it to the Sephora Skincare, Bath & Body 2017 Hall of Fame, and I'm dreading that "Out of Stock" symbol...

Skin Inc Soothe-N-Purify Black Gold Mask (RRP $16)

A bit more expensive than what I usually limit myself to, but well worth it as I reckon this is my favourite mask of all time. Bought it from Sephora (it's currently out of stock!) mainly because it is infused with Vitamin C, Charcoal and Pure Gold, and I was curious to discover if that particular combination of ingredients made any difference. Well, my skin looked so refined and felt so good afterwards, I reckon the answer is yes! The mask comes in two separate (packaged & sealed) pieces, which means you can fit it PERFECTLY to the contours of your face, with the hydrogel material touching almost every part of the skin. The blurb says "Calm & Detox", and that's how I felt, and my skin was perfectly hydrated and soothed. Made in Korea, I'll be saving these up for special occasions ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Wish I could! I'm waitlisted ♥♥♥...

Giveaway!
I've chosen four of my most loved products from last month to give away to one adventurous follower...

• 2 x Skin Republic Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patch packs
• 2 x It's Skin Prestige Eye Masque D'Escargot [packs
• 2 x Purederm Botanical Choice Ginkgo Eye Puffiness Minimizing Patches packs
• 2 x jars Nature's Way Beauty Collagen Gummies

All products were purchased by me, the total value is approximately $70, and this giveaway is open...

INTERNATIONALLY!

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, you won't be included in the draw!)
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 today to see who won!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Sandhra J. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

Sandhra please respond to the email I've sent you by

Saturday 30th December to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Sandhra has claimed her prize

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,
kats xxx