SPOTLIGHT: Aluminium-free Deodorants, Part 3...

Well now, what an interesting exercise this is turning out to be. Quite frankly I'm staggered at the uselessness of some of the aluminium-free deodorants I've been putting to the test, so much so that I wonder why they're even on the market. I guess it's just that everybody's needs are so different, and the ones I'm classifying as duds must actually perform ok for some folks. Anyways, let's get on with Part 3, which will essentially complete my supermarket coverage ♥...

Weleda 24h Roll-On Deodorant - Sea Buckthorn (50ml, Website, RRP $16.95)

After giving this a go on both a 20 degree and 30+ day, the results are pretty much the same. Maximum four hours of worry-free protection, and about 1 hour before the sticky-pits scenario sets in, and that's without any exercise or exertion. Today was the lower temp day - it's now 7pm, and while I'm not exactly tainting the environment, I'm keeping my arms close to my sides as my pits are sour. Disappointing as I love some of their other products, but it might be ok in winter. The orangey fragrance is pleasant, the bottle is 70% recycled plastic, and it's made in Switzerland. I'll give it a 6.5/10 ♥...

Earth Purities Natural Deodorant - Nero For Him (50ml,  Nourished Life, RRP $12.95)

I mentioned in one of my other posts that I often prefer deos targetted for males because of the woody or musky scents they have, but I also go for them because I figure that they'll be a tad more potent, given that fellas often need a bit more help in the underarm department. Well this one is a treat for citrus lovers as it's scented with bergamot and lemon, and it worked well for me for 12 hours on a very humid day - it didn't keep me all that dry but I can live with that. Vegan, not tested on animals, Aussie made and owned, the container is recyclable glass, and it has a "best before" sticker on the base (June 2021). 8/10 ♥♥♥...

Redwin Sensitive Skin Anti-perspirant Deodorant (150ml,  Supermarket, RRP $5)

As promised this is a pump spray and a generous one for the price. To me, it smells like a generic men's aftershave or cologne, so it might not appeal to some of you gals. On the other hand, I'm not sure if anyone would benefit from this - I needed to reapply it every two hours, and squirting it on while dressed is not my idea of practical, especially as I had to wait 5 minutes for the spray to dry enough to put my top back on. While I didn't feel the need to re-shower, I ended up slicking on one of my success stories after the third respray. Sorry, no - 2/10...

Simple Pure Deodorant - Aerosol (200ml, Supermarket, RRP $7)

This started out really well, and then sadly faded after four hours, just like the roll-on variety with the same name. Same deliciously fresh scent, I enjoyed the sensation of the cooling, dry almost powdery spray, and it was much easier to reapply, so I'm giving it one point extra over the roll-on. However, that still doesn't give it enough of an anti-BO oomph factor to pass my test - I'll use it up on my feet. 5/10 ♥...

Sukin Signature Natural Deodorant (125ml, Supermarket RRP $6.95)

Another one that was recommended by one of you gals (♥). Sukin is such a terrific brand, and this is the best of the pump sprays so far (it comes with a protective cap on the nozzle, but I can't find where I put it lol). A fairly confident 10 hours without having to reapply, I love the scent of this one - a mix of mandarin, lavender and vanilla. Doesn't do much for wetness but the formula does a great job of neutralising odour.  It's a close call as to whether I would wear it on a work-day as I do quite a bit of running around and attend a lot of meetings in very small rooms. I think I'll keep it for the cooler weather, and give it a 7.5 ♥♥... 

Norsca Anti-perspirant Deodorant - Rosewater & Lotus Scent (50ml, Supermarket, RRP $4.99)

Quite a pleasant fragrance, but I hit the stink wall after two hours.  Maybe in the next life - 1/10.

Overall it's looking like 8/10 is about my threshold for what I would wear to the office - I'm confident with anything rated that or above. Between 5 & 8 I'll keep for the chilly season or around the house, and if it's less than 5, I'm giving it to the garbos (once emptied wherever possible of course). I would say that apart from the Sukin one, I wouldn't bother with those from the supermarket - they just don't cut it performance-wise. Having said that, perhaps I'm an overly stinky sweaty gal and they may, in fact, work for you - as always, it's best to try for yourself, deodorant is even more personal than perfume ♥...

Unfortunately, my research will slow down from now on as I'm back at work next week, and will only be testing new discoveries on the weekends. But Part 4 is in the pipeline, and already there are a few winners to bring to light, so hope you'll be back for a read soon ♥...

And if you missed them, here is Part 1 & Part 2.

Take care of you,
kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: Aluminium-free Deodorants, Part 2...

With summer well and truly here in Australia, my search for an effective Aluminium-free deodorant is in full swing. In Part 1, I was delighted to report I'd found a winner (Schmidt's), and I'm even happier to declare a second contender for the number one slot in this Part 2, so read on ♥...

Graham's Natural Herbal Mineral Deodorant (65ml, Website RRP $8.95)

I've been using this one for the last 2 years, but only from say April to October/November - either side of those months I need something more potent. It's certainly effective though when the weather isn't hot or humid. I love that it's a roll-on and this particular fragrance is lovely and fresh (there are four others to choose from), but at the end of a hot summer's day, I definitely have a bit of BO. Mind you it's not an offensive smell, but I'm aware of it, and I never ever want to risk that others are too. Other than that it is alcohol, aluminium, paraben and cruelty-free, and the only ingredients are purified water, potassium alum, xanthan gum, aloe leaf extract and natural fragrance. I will always recommend products from this awesome Aussie brand, I just need extra oomph in summer. 7/10 ♥♥...

Simple Pure Deodorant (50ml, Supermarket RRP $4.50)

To be honest, I bought this one purely based on the fragrance - it has that just-out-of-the-shower smell that I love (apparently it's a subtle mix of patchouli and cedarwood), and I felt all fresh and clean after applying it. Sadly that feeling didn't last beyond lunchtime, and I quickly applied one of my proven reliables to get me through the rest of the day. A pity, but I also decided to give the brand another chance and I've bought the aerosol version - it seems to have some different ingredients, which may or may not improve its effectiveness. Anyhow that one will probably be in Part 3 - yes, this exploration may go on for some time! For now, it's a no for the roll-on. 4/10...

Fresca Natural Deodorant - Wooden Spice with Sandalwood & Carrot Seed (50ml, Nourished Life RRP $16.50)

Another winner! This one is as good as, maybe even half a notch better than the Schmidt's, and that's saying something. First of all, it's a mess-free roll-on, it's in a squat topple-free container, and then there's the fragrance - yassss! I may be weird but I actually prefer the smell of men's deodorant, and this one is a beauty. The scent comes from essential oils only - sandalwood, carrot seed, cedarwood, chamomile, frankincense and cold-pressed lime, no wonder I love it. I don't find it blokey at all, just delightfully aromatic and earthy. No alcohol or aluminium and not tested on animals, this not only keeps my pits pong-free all day and night, but it also seems to absorb a lot of the wetness (aerated salt content?) so I'm comfortable whatever I'm doing, or how hot it gets. Wow, it even has a use-by date, and there's a big red tick on the back that says Naturopath Recommended. It's a bit pricey (still cheaper than the Schmidt's), but I'm willing to pay extra for the guarantee of staying fresh and stink-free all day. 9.5/10 ♥♥♥...

I'm so looking forward to Part 3 - hope you are too, should be up early in the New Year ♥...

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. I've also updated the others in Part 1 with kats love hearts (♥) and a rating out of 10.

SPOTLIGHT: December Empties!...

Considering the house was in a state of total chaos for several weeks, I'm kinda proud of myself for finishing these, but more so for not losing track of them in the move lol! I did my utmost to afford myself some "me" time in between packing and unpacking, hence the three masks (and what a treat they were), but let's get on with it...

Cenovis Chewable Sugarless C 500mg (300 tablets, RRP $16.95)

As mentioned in a previous empties post, I just buy whichever brand is on special whenever I run out - they all taste the same to me, and providing they're sugarless, I'm easy ♥...

Repurchase?
Sure ♥...


Nivea Free Time Shower Cream (250ml, RRP $2.99)

This was an interesting one. Always happy with Nivea shower products as they're so incredibly moisturising. I enjoyed this particular fragrance (Star Fruit + Aloe Vera) - quite tangy and sharp, but very refreshing. Found this at Chemist Warehouse, but haven't seen it since ♥...

Repurchase?

I have a few others to get through, but I would buy it again if it was available, mainly for the skin softening properties ♥...

Clearasil Daily Clear Superfruits Refreshing Scrub (150ml, RRP $10.99)

Lovely scrub, I reviewed it in full HERE. To this day I'm still amazed that Clearasil products work so well on my ancient face, without any irritation. I've enjoyed many tubes of this scrub, but I'm bored with the raspberry/cranberry fragrance now, and won't buy it again for a while. But it works really well ♥...

Repurchase?
Yes, but not in the immediate future...


Skin Republic Anti-Aging Hand Repair (18g, RRP $7.99)

Great idea, but not quite as exciting as I'd hoped. The gloves are ridiculously large, so big I wondered if they'd stay on while I rested - they did, but I don't understand why they need to be yeti-sized. The serum inside them was highly effective, but not as nourishing or rich as I'd hoped - I'd prefer something less runny, something that I could massage in afterwards rather than pat, but hey that's just me. My hands absolutely LOVED the treatment - ingredients include marine collagen, shea butter, vitamin E & 7 plant extracts. You leave them on for 20 minutes, but I had an afternoon nap of around 2 hours while wearing mine ♥...

Repurchase?

Probably, but I'll have a look around to see what other brands are available - so far I've only found them online ♥...

Skin Republic Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patch (3 pairs, 18g, RRP $9.99)

Totally in love with these thingies - they're quite firm so they stay put reasonably well without flapping around, and there are 3 pairs in the pack. Didn't do much for my baggies, but my under eye area was supremely hydrated, and the skin looked far less crepey afterwards. I reckon I need one pack per week for the rest of the year lol! Contains collagen, green tea, aloe vera & vitamins A & E. These were gifted to me at the Bloggers United AU event ♥...

Repurchase?

Already have - I sleep in these, although they've usually fallen off by morning ♥...

Skin Republic Brightening Vitamin C Face Mask Sheet (25ml, RRP $7.99)

This refreshing sheet mask came in the November Marie Claire Ageless Parcel pack - loved my first go, so much so I bought a stack more. This is a great excuse to take some time out because you really need to lie down once you've applied the sheet. Supposed to even out skin tone by reducing age spots - I didn't notice any improvement in that department, but it's early days yet, and I plan on treating myself to one of these each week. Gave my skin a lovely boost of hydration, and it's mess-free. I'm keen to try the bubbling charcoal one, but so far I haven't found anywhere that stocks it ♥...

Repurchase?

Several already, including some of the other varieties ♥...

Sukin Energising Coffee & Coconut Body Scrub (50ml sample, 125ml, RRP $14.95)

Another product that came in the November Marie Claire Ageless Parcel. I'm not a regular user of body scrubs, so I can't compare this to any other brand. But from a new-comer's point of view, it smelt nice and I like all the natural ingredients, but I found it really scratchy (yikes!), and the consistency was a bit too watery. I reckon I'd prefer something with a bit more substance, and granules that aren't so hard. Maybe I'm a sugar scrub kinda gal?

Repurchase?

No - I'll probably explore other brands of body scrubs in due course, but I don't think this is the one for me...

Rimmel Exaggerate Full Colour Lip Liner - Eastend Snob (0.25g, RRP $12.95)

Really like these lipliners - this one is a twist up variety, creamy and smooth, great pigmentation. I think I have all six of the colours it comes in. If you're after a good quality nudey lip liner, then this is the go ♥...

Repurchase?

You bet - actually took the old one with me to make sure I bought the right replacement ♥...

L'Oreal Age Perfect Golden Age Re-Densifying Day Cream (50ml, RRP $36.95)

Oooh yes, just published my review of this beauty HERE. Love the whole range actually, so much so I'm giving away a set so I can share the lurve ♥...

Repurchase?

Already have - bought it 2 weeks into the trial because I was so impressed ♥...

Simple Kind to Skin Micellar Cleansing Water (200ml, RRP $9.99)

Reviewed HERE as part of my Micellar Magic series. I have SO many bottles of micellar water in the cupboard, so I was thrilled to actually get to the bottom of this one!...

Repurchase?

Probably not - it's nice, effective for what I want to do with it, good price, but nothing startling, and well, there's so many others out there that have the edge...

it Cosmetics Color Correcting Full Coverage CC+ Cream (32ml, RRP $58.00)

Major rave about it HERE. Will NEVER be without this wonder cream ♥...

Repurchase?
Already have, and about to order a spare ♥...


Neutrogena Deep Clean Revitalising Pink Grapefruit Daily Scrub (100g, RRP $13.99)

Was listed as one of my empties last April, but it's SO good, I'm adding it again. Adore the fragrance, love the consistency, delighted with what it does for my skin ♥...

Repurchase?
Absolutely! ♥...

Take care of you,
kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: Micellar Magic Part 3...

Ok so we're off and running with Part 3 of my Micellar Water adventure! This week I'm reviewing the Garnier for Combination to Oily Skin, and the offering from Simple. Both are excellent quality, but once again they are quite different, so read on...

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water Combination to Oily Skin 125ml/400ml (RRP $7.95/$12.95)

I have an oily T-zone and fairly normal cheeks, so I was particularly keen to try this formulation, and to compare it with the Sensitive Skin version, reviewed here. Love the pink one, but not so keen on this green labelled bottle. Given the target skin type, I expected it to be a wee bit drying, but it's a little too drying for my mature complexion. Identical ingredients, except for one extra inclusion - Alcohol Denat. Boo! I know some gals have a problem with this stuff, and although I didn't experience any reaction, I won't be buying this again. Doesn't make my skin feel tight, but it definitely feels like there is less moisture content after using it. I switched to Micellar Water from toner long ago mainly because of the harshness of the (often) alcohol content, so no, I'll stick with the original formulation... 

Simple Kind to Skin Micellar Cleansing Water 200ml (RRP $9.99)

This is nice enough, no acohol content and it's supposed to contain multi-vitamins, but in my beauty book, it's nothing special. I've already gone through half a bottle as it's half the size of the Garnier one. Doesn't sting, and my skin feels clean, cool and refreshed after use, and super silky soft. It has a faint chemical-ish fragrance when it first hits the cotton pad, and after the skin dries, the scent is a bit like garden soil after a shower of rain - earthy but natural. Not unpleasant, and it dissipates very quickly, but a bit odd all the same - might be something to do with the chamomile content, although it doesn't smell like chamomile to me. It also doesn't seem to work as well at removing the last traces of makeup as some of the others, but I would buy it again if any of my other preferences weren't available ♥

I'm planning on uploading Part 4 next week, and to complete this little bit of research, I'll be declaring my personal favourite, as well as reviewing the Bioderma one. Till then why not join me in popping on over to Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party ♥

Take care of  you,

kats xxx