SPOTLIGHT: June Empties + Giveaway!...

Better late than never! Everything is topsy-turvy at work hence the delay, but June was yet another mammoth month for empties - actually, who am I kidding, this is now the norm for me ha ha!...

Body

Beechworth Honey Bush Honey & Macadamia Hand Cream (100ml, RRP $12)

One of my top three hand creams of all time, in fact, I'm wondering why on earth am I giving this away lol?!? Seriously though, when I find something I absolutely adore, I can't bear to NOT share it with you folks, and this is one of nature's gem - magnificently hydrating, supremely softening, it's scented with lemon myrtle & mandarin oils, and not tested on animals. I swear it's to die for ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

As sure as eggs ♥♥♥...

Dermaveen Extra Gentle Shower & Bath Oil (500ml, RRP $17.99)

Reviewed HERE - I go through a bottle of this every month, adding a few squirts to whatever body wash I'm using. Keeps my skin soft, supple and moisturised. LOVE! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yessirreeee ♥♥♥...

Ecostore Coconut & Vanilla Hand Wash (250ml, RRP $5.99)

Just as delish as the body wash, non-drying and smells fantastic - cray cray for this, love the packaging too, so modern and stylish ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes - always a bottle on my vanity, and one on the kitchen sink ♥♥♥...

Harvest Garden Rose Geranium, Patchouli & Lavender Soap with Australian Red Clay (130gm, RRP $7.50)

The last one in the old packaging, which was barely any packaging - not so keen on the new boxed presentation 'cos I can't see how gorgeous it is when I'm buying it. Have raved about this many many times - 100% natural, still my favourite soap ever, such a rich creamy lather, and I could sit around all day inhaling the fragrance ♥♥♥ ... 

Repurchase?

Never without a cake or two in my undies drawer ♥♥♥...

Harvest Garden Grapefruit & Cedarwood (130gm, RRP $7.50)

Not quite so mad keen on this one - it started out being nicely scented, but it's been on my vanity for several weeks now and I can barely smell it any more. It's a lovely soap though - pretty earthy pattern and colour, and has cornflower petals embedded in it so it has an almost exfoliating effect, awesome when my hands are really grubby or I've been swatching lipsticks ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Definitely ♥♥♥... 

Oral-B 3D White Luxe Glamorous White Toothpaste (95g, RRP $8.99)

This was my #1 toothpaste until I discovered the Perfection variety and instantly fell in love with its fresher pepperminty taste ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Only if the white one isn't available ♥♥♥...

Original Source Green Banana & Bamboo Milk Moisturising Shower Milk (250ml, RRP $3.50)

Reviewed HERE. This particular flavour doesn't appear on their website any more nor in supermarket listings, so I guess that means it's been discontinued - a pity as it's quite yummy, and there are so few banana fragranced body products out there ♥... 

Repurchase?

No - actually I'm phasing this whole range out of my collection as it contains SLS...

Sukin Botanical Lime & Coconut Body Wash (500ml, RRP $12.95)

Loved this, but it's not surprising as I seem to love anything Sukin - low sudsing, non-drying, no sulphates, invigorating fresh scent, aloe second on the ingredient list, 100% vegan, no animal testing, I could go on but probably quicker if you just go out and buy it ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Undoubtedly ♥♥♥...

Face

Beechworth Honey Beeswax Natural Lip Balm - Berry (5ml, RRP $7.95)

Softer than the usual stick lip balm consistency, and boy does it hydrate. Contains so many natural oils - sweet almond, coconut, sunflower, macadamia, rosehip, jojoba & olive, plus beeswax, shea butter, vitamins E & C. In short, it's a first aid kit for dry lips ♥♥♥ ... 

Repurchase?

Definitely - just wish I could buy it in-store rather than online ♥♥♥...

Essano Rosehip Gentle Facial Exfoliator (100ml, RRP $14.99)

Reviewed with love HERE ...

Repurchase?

Oddly enough, no, or at least not for a while - I think I'm bored with the fragrance as it no longer appeals...

Indeed Labs Eyesilix (15ml, RRP $34.99)

Covered this in my January 2017 Empties post (HERE), and nothing's changed in my view - it's a lovely cream but doesn't do anything startling for my issues (crows feet, sagging, bagging)...

Repurchase?

Nope - still looking for my HG eye cream...

Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-Up Remover (112ml, RRP $10.89)

My one, my only - I've not found any other product that can match this for taking off waterproof mascara in a flash, plus it's so gentle and doesn't sting my eyes ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

No less than three spares in my drawer at any one time ♥♥♥...

Skin Doctors Cosmeceuticals Eyetuck (15ml, RRP $49.95)

If you have small bags, then this will serve you brilliantly - effects are noticeable after two weeks' use, and even more noticeable if you stop using it in that the puffiness returns, so don't stop ha ha! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Love this, but my bags are so huge it no longer has any impact, and I've decided to bite the bullet and not repurchase as I've found something far more effective for my massive under-eye sacks (which I raved about HERE) ♥♥♥...

Face Masks

Andalou Naturals Instant Life & Firm Hydro Serum Facial Mask (18ml, RRP $8.99)

I'm 50/50 about this mask - it stung my eyes, terrible face fit (see below pic), and yet where it came in contact, my skin looked like it was made from crushed pearls. The fragrance is lovely but quite intense, it hydrates magically and my skin looked firmer afterwards - such a pity I couldn't get it to cover everything even after five minutes of frustrating fiddling...

Repurchase?

Not right now - might wait and see if they adjust the shape...

Bodyblendz Rose Collagen Facial Mask (RRP $7.50)

Reviewed HERE ♥...

Repurchase?

Probably, but not for a while as I have SO MANY in my stash - I keep thinking that my face mask discovery journey will wind down and then I can get on with just buying what I absolutely adore. But more and more companies keep bringing out more and more masks, so it will probably be endless like my micellar water exploration ♥...

Innoxa Hydrogel Under Eye Mask - Brightening with CoQ10 (3 pairs, RRP $14.99)

No photos as I slept in these during the week. They work out at $5 a pop, which is expensive compared to my other loves, but they are indeed superior in the firming, freshening and de-puffing departments ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, will slowly build up a stash (during sales) for special treats ♥♥♥...

Purederm Ginkgo Eye Puffiness Minimizing Patches (4 patches, RRP $3)

Well now, I think the word is spreading as these haven't been available in Kmart for three weeks, and my fear is rising ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

As soon as they are back in stock - I usually buy at least five packs at a time ♥♥♥...

Skin Physics Instant Lift V-Shape Vitality Mask (21g, RRP $14.99)

The most effective under-chin lifter EVER ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I stock up whenever Priceline or CW has them on sale ♥♥♥...

Skin Republic Gold Hydrogel Mask (25g, RRP $12.99)

An old fave, they've made the nose piece a lot longer - it's almost too long now as it kinda flaps around and was sucked into my nostrils whenever I breathed in! Hard to beat this golden beauty for what it does for my skin though ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I always have at least one of these in the backup box, but never EVER pay full price ♥♥♥...

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

Such great eye patches which I sleep in quite regularly - thankfully these are always available somewhere, and often on special ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Probably forever ♥♥♥...

Fragrance

Stoneglow Candles London Lime & Mandarin Reed Diffuser (140ml, RRP $38.95)

Found this at my local chemist - according to Google these diffusers don't appear to be available anywhere in this country, and it's beyond me why some home decor giant isn't importing the range - it's the best I've ever tried, and that includes Glasshouse & Urban Rituelle. Whoa! Never thought I would say that, but it's true. Their website link is HERE. The packaging is divine - just looking at it restores my energy, lasts around 4 months, and the scent permeates the entire room (not just the immediate surrounding area) with a stunningly refreshing fragrance. They even make refills! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I've kept the bottle because it's so pretty, and to remind me to pick up another one for next Summer - I'm heading back to the pharmacy to see what other scents they have in stock ♥♥♥...

Hair

Schwarzkopf Live Salon Permanent - Medium Ash Blonde (Box, RRP $13.99)

While I far prefer the Colour Specialist range (reviewed HERE) for its gentleness and the miraculous condition it leaves my hair in after use, over time the colour (Cool Light Blonde) is not working out to be what I wanted - it's too yellow (not enough ash). So I've switched to this range, which is the next best thing - contains "Salonplex" anti-breakage care, it's almost as softening, and the ammonia content is quite low. I mix two-thirds Medium Ash Blonde with one-third Ultra Light Ash Blonde for my roots, and the remainder I blend together for the ends every second or third round to maintain the highlights. Perfect! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

You can count on it ♥♥♥...

Schwarzkopf Live Colour Pastels - Cool Grey (30ml, RRP $5.49)

I was using this to counteract the yellow, but I'll probably ease back on it now that I'm using a far ashier permanent colourant ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I have quite a few bottles under the bathroom sink that I nabbed on special so I won't need to buy any for a while ♥♥♥...

Makeup

Eye of Horus Goddess Pencil - Jewel Amethyst (RRP $30)

My passion for these eyeliners is the stuff that legends are made of ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

No need to ask ♥♥♥...

Maybelline Brow Satin - Dark Blonde (RRP $16.95)

Was my HG brow product, but it's been replaced with the new MNY Total Temptation Brow Definer, which is the perfect shade for me (review HERE) ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Only if the TT one isn't available ♥♥♥...

Giveaway!

As usual a selection of my faves ♥...

• 1 x Beechworth Honey Bush Honey & Macadamia Hand Cream
• 1 x Skin Republic Gold Hydrogel Mask
• 2 x Oral-B 3D White Luxe Diamond Strong Toothpaste
• 1 x Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-Up Remover
• 1 x Harvest Garden Sweet Orange & Lavender Natural Handcrafted Soap

All products were purchased by me, and the total value is approximately $55.

And this 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!)
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 Anne as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 8th August to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Anne has claimed her prize ♥

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: October Empties (the real ones) & Giveaway!...

Confusing title I know, but I had a major brain lapse with the previous "October Empties"- they were actually the SEPTEMBER empties! Could have been a seniors moment I guess, but I like to think it was the excitement of all the giveaways I've had lately lol. Anyways, here we go with the REAL October ones, and yes there's another giveaway at the bottom, and it's not just one of the faves in the pic below, so read on ♥...

Body Products

Bondi Sands Liquid Gold Self-Tanning Dry-Oil (150ml, RRP $19.95)

I've tried quite a few tanners over the years, and this is the one I've settled on as the staple in my kit. What makes it my #1 choice is that it's simple to use, dries in seconds so I can get dressed pretty much straight away without the fear of the product getting onto my clothes, the colour is a glowy amber and very natural looking, it smells delish, no streaks when applied with their self-tanning mitt, and it lasts up to a week. Absolutely TANFASTIC! ♥...

Repurchase?
Never without it once the temp stays above 20C, or I stop wearing socks ♥...

Natural Secrets Goatsmilk Moisturising Shower Gel (500ml, RRP $11.99)

I keep raving about this shower gel, and rightly so because my skin just loves it, non-drying, fresh but delicate fragrance, and it's such a great price. Reviewed HERE ♥...

Repurchase?
Always in my shower stall ♥...

Natures Commonscents Natural Goats Milk Body Wash (600ml, RRP $8.25)

Another beaut goats milk shower product - this one has a lovely soft scent, non-drying, not tested on animals, plus it's available in supermarkets. Also comes in a pawpaw variety ♥...

Repurchase?
As soon as I make some room lol ♥...

Nutrimetics Loofah Shower Gel (150ml, RRP $25)

I received a 50ml tube for free with one of my first orders, and I was instantly sold on this exfoliating gem, so much so that I bought the full size one ASAP. It's gentler than a body scrub and yet just as effective, and the little loofah particles don't make a mess of my shower stall. It has the usual divine apricot fragrance we've come to know and love from this brand, plus it leaves my skin feeling SO soft and silky, hydrated and refreshed ♥...

Repurchase?
Already have, and I will again ♥...


Hair Care

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

My life changed back in Feb 2016 when I experienced the Goldwell Kerasilk treatment that sent my frizzies packing, a prize from beautyheaven, and reviewed HERE. Things have changed a bit since then e.g. the treatment is now only $180 (woo hoo!), plus the salon provides a bottle of the shampoo & conditioner for free to get you started. Using their hair products post-treatment also guarantees their guarantee - that it will last for 3-5 months, else they will redo it at no cost. That's my kind of guarantee so I'm continuing on with this range - they are both fabulous, smell delish, ensure the longevity of the silky smooth finish of the treatment, and in general, keep my tresses in tip top condition ♥...

Repurchase?

I actually scored some of the shampoo from beautyheaven's beautorium, so I've only had to buy the conditioner ♥...

Clairol Nice'n Easy - Natural Dark Cool Blonde (RRP $14.49)

For Summer I've decided to go a bit cooler in the hair colour department, moving from golden blonde to ashy blonde, and this is the perfect shade for what I'm after. It's actually pretty close to my natural colour (before it turned white). This range always seems to be on special for $10 somewhere in my travels, so colouring fortnightly is a minimal expense ♥...

Repurchase?
Yes, several actually - there's only one chemist that carries this particular shade so I stocked up ♥...

Home

Tilley Pink Lychee Aromatic Reed Diffuser (150ml, RRP $24.95)

Had not heard of this brand before, which is astounding as the company has been going for 150 years! But I stumbled across a display of their diffusers and soaps in a chemist next to my dentist. It was love at first sniff - the Pink Lychee fragrance is so crisp and fresh, every time I smell it I feel energised. All Australian-made, they have a massive range of products, and the diffusers are triple-scented. Looks like they've recently changed the packaging as their website shows the bottles as being opaque white whereas mine is clear. I find it doesn't last as long as the more expensive brands (like Glasshouse), but being considerably cheaper I'm thrilled 'cos I'm inspired to try more from their range. This particular fragrance is out of stock at the mo', understandable as it is simply sensational ♥...

Repurchase?

Yep - bought another one when I had my recent check-up ♥...

Makeup

L'Oreal False Lash Superstar XFiber Mascara (RRP $28.95)

My current fave, and passionately reviewed (with pictures) HERE. I'm staggered that the two reviews on beautyheaven are negative, but it just goes to show how different we all are. Having experienced the discomfort of conjunctivitis several times in my life, I religiously toss out my mascaras every 3 months ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Several spares in my drawer because of my 3-month limit. It's pricey, but I have NEVER paid full price for this ♥♥♥...

Maybelline The Falsies Waterproof Black Mascara (RRP $19.95)

This has been my HG mascara for more years than I can remember. I still use it in conjunction with the L'Oreal one above - this goes on first, then I curl, then the L'Oreal one, then a final coat of The Falsies because it's waterproof. The combination locks my lashes into their curl for the whole day, and I mean from 6:30am to 11pm. ♥...

Repurchase?

Also several of these in my drawer - again I have NEVER paid full price, it's always on special somewhere sometime or other ♥...

Skin Care

Ecopure Bamboo Fibre Face Cloth (pack of 2, RRP ?)

The packaging says this is "Specially packed for Priceline" yet I can't find it on their website, and I honestly can't remember how much it cost, but it was under $15. This is my go-to face cloth - it's super soft and highly effective at removing all traces of makeup and cleanser. Rinses out so easily and being so small and soft, it dries in a few hours. I throw it in the washing machine every week and only toss it out when it gets so very stained that it looks awful hanging on the bathroom hook ♥...

Repurchase?

You betcha - I refuse to use any other kind of cloth on my face ♥...

Grahams Natural Daily Facial Gel Cleanser (125ml, RRP $12.95)

This is still my favourite cleanser - I know, I know, how can that be when it's so cheap and so non-mainstream? I reviewed it HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Just ordered two more bottles ♥♥♥...

Indeed Labs Retinol Reface (30ml, RRP $34.99)

My first real foray into retinol, but a little disappointing. It doesn't sting or cause any irritation, but it also made very little difference to my issues. I'd say it's one of those products that you need to use for at least 3 months, well on my ancient face anyway...

Repurchase?

I have five more serums to try, and then I might give this another go ...

Johnson & Johnson Hydrocolloid Technology Band-Aid  (box of 10, RRP $8.47)

Not exactly a beauty item, but considering they heal any of my cuts and scrapes super fast with no scarring, I'm including them. These are amazing, and I'd never go back to regular Band-Aids again. You leave them on till they (literally) fall off - they're waterproof and act like an instant scab, similar to blister patches. More expensive than the regular ones, but so worth the extra couple of $$$ ♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely ♥...

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

There are SO many face creams that I love, but this one is probably the most effective for anti-ageing results. Sometimes I wonder if I should simply stop trying out other products, and stick with something that works, but hey I'm a skincare junkie, so it never happens lol. For now, I alternate whatever I'm testing with this wonder-cream. This stuff definitely firms and lifts the skin, and whenever I see it on special, I buy it. For some reason, I didn't ever get around to reviewing it here on my blog, but my beautyheaven assessment of it is HERE about halfway down the page (katshepsutt) ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Two bottles safely tucked away in my stash ♥♥♥...

Nivea Cellular Anti-Age Volume Filling Pearls (30ml, RRP $32.99)

Absolutely adored this bottle of anti-ageing fun - barely lasted a month, but then again I was using it at every opportunity. Loved how it felt on my face, how it made my skin glow with a healthy radiance, how quickly it absorbed, the fragrance is fresh and feminine, and watching the little pearls melt as soon as the serum hit my hands was a treat ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

This is another one that I buy whenever it's on special - currently have three bottles in reserve ♥♥♥...

Skin Doctors Eyetuck (10ml, RRP $49.95)

The only eye cream that has ever reduced my under eye-bags - only a slight reduction, but a reduction no less. I pat this on every morning and let it absorb before doing my makeup routine. Interestingly, my bottle is just over a year old and it's 15mls, whereas I noticed on their website that you now only get 10ml for the same price. How wicked!...

Repurchase?

I already had another 15ml bottle stashed away - my bags are so huge I honestly can't tell if this is still working, but I'm not game to stop using it lol ♥...

St. Ives Oatmeal Scrub & Mask (150ml, RRP $9.99)

Been using this scrub for years, and will continue to do so - it's so darn calming. I reviewed it HERE ♥...

Repurchase?

I always have a spare in my cupboard ♥...

Face Masks

Skin Republic Youthfoil Sheet (25ml, RRP $14.99)

Already raved about this numerous times ♥...

Repurchase?

There's always one in my stash ♥...

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

Even better than the Hydrogel ones - total bliss! If I could afford it, I would sleep in these every night. They're so cooling, calming and firming ♥...

Repurchase?

Can you believe I haven't yet? Actually, I did, but gave the pack away in a recent giveaway, will definitely be buying these again though. If they're ever on special, I'd buy like 10 packs haha ♥...

Baroness Snail Mask Sheet (RRP $4.99)

This is one of several Korean sheet masks I also bought from the chemist near my dentist. There were 15 on the stand, and of the couple I've tried so far, this has been my favourite. In the pics below, the left side was taken with a flash, and the right, no flash. The mask didn't fit my face as well as others (and not enough nose coverage which is where most of my problems are) but overall I was really impressed with how refreshed and bright my complexion looked afterwards. This is supposed to reduce scars and age spots, and I'd believe it. Definitely one to repeat a few times a week I'd say  ♥...

Repurchase?

I'm not due for another dental checkup for 6 months, but I'll make an exception and drive all the way  up north to buy a few more of these ♥...

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Concentrated Recovery PowerFoil Mask (RRP $35)

Once you get past the name (!), this definitely is the Rolls Royce of sheet masks - came in the beautyheaven 10th Birthday goody bag. It's in two pieces, and while it was a supremely pampering experience that I will be eternally grateful for, and my skin felt supple, hydrated and firm afterwards, I'm not sure that it's worth the mind-boggling price ♥...

Repurchase?

I doubt it - they are cheaper when you buy them in bulk, but unless Santa has $210 spare buckaroos, I'll probably give these a miss ...

Mirenesse Wrinkle Freeze Collagen Event Mask (RRP $29.95)

First go at one of these masks was a fail - you put it in the freezer for 10 minutes prior to use, and I was SO looking forward to it as the day was a stinker. But it kind of disintegrated in my hands as I was trying to separate it from the backing sheet. I mean sections of it literally broke off into my lap. It may be because I've had a stash of these in my drawer for almost 2 years (they came in various VIP packs). So I opened another one without freezing it first, and that was a raging success. As you can see in the below photo it is clear and almost invisible on the skin. Ultra cooling and calming, and my pores looked more refined afterwards ♥...

Repurchase?

I have a few more in my drawer so I'll use those up first, after that I'll have a think about it - they're really quite expensive ...

Giveaway!

I've chosen five of my most loved products from last month to give away to one adventurous follower (plus there's always a surprise in my giveaway parcels). These are products I use and buy regularly, and hunt them down whenever they're on special:

• Grahams Natural Daily Facial Gel Cleanser
• Nivea Cellular Anti-Age Volume Filling Pearls
• L'Oreal Revitalift Laser X3 Dual Action Moisturiser
• L'Oreal False Lash Superstar XFiber Mascara
• Skin Republic Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patches

Total RRP of the above products is over $140, all items were purchased by me, 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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This giveaway is now closed - check back later tonight to see who won!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Lauren A. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 22nd November to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Lauren has claimed her prize ♥

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: August Empties!...

This post comes to you from a very happy blogger - the days are finally getting longer, the Antarctic winds are finding someone else's toes to freeze, and I've started poking around in the secondary wardrobe for some of the bargains I scored at the end of last Spring/Summer. I do so love buying at end of season sales, and then stashing things away so that I've something fresh and new to wear on day one. And today I changed my hair colour (yet again!), but enough of the Kats-Has-Got-Spring-Fever ravings, let's get on with last month's empties ♥...

Skin Doctors Relaxaderm Advance (30ml RRP $59.95)

From memory I bought this at Chemist Warehouse because it came with a free tube of Younger Hands (which is very good).  I've been using this instead of a serum - advertised as a wrinkle relaxer, it claims to reduce expression lines by 66% in 28 days, but I've not noticed much difference in my crevasses. To be honest I think I'm too far gone for anything like this to have an effect, but you don't know till you try! I've had mixed results from SD products in the past - some have been astoundingly good (like their Eyetuck), while others have been nice enough, but not all that (visibly) effective. I reckon this would be excellent for much younger gals who are starting to see some signs of ageing...

Repurchase?

No - my search for the Fountain of Youth will continue elsewhere...

Imperial Leather Japanese Spa - Jasmine & Green Tea Triple Moisturising Bodywash (1 litre RRP $8.99)

Another one of my gigantic bottle purchases, but unlike the Forbidden Fruit one, I'm still loving this fragrance. Surprising as it contains Jasmine, but it's beautifully balanced with the Green Tea, plus a wee bit of citrus, orange blossom and rose - a lovely fresh and slightly exotic scent that hits the spot all year round. I raved about it HERE, in fact I think it's the same bottle lol!...

Repurchase?

Definitely - at least this one is still available at Coles, but I'll wait till I've cleared some of the others in the cupboard ♥...

Garnier Skin Naturals Miracle Sleeping Cream (50ml RRP $19.95)

This came in my third Marie Claire Ageless Parcel, and won me over from the first application. It's just plain gorgeous - the fragrance alone is heavenly enough to put me in the perfect state for a peaceful slumber. The cream has an unusual texture - it's sort of springy to the touch (if that makes any sense). Not a gel nor a cream, but somewhere in between. Magnificently hydrating without being heavy, it absorbs in a flash, and I wake up with plump, refreshed and satin-soft skin, and no oily film. LOVE it! ♥...

Repurchase?

Already have another jar - I have SO many night creams to try, but I'll alternate them with this because it's so special ♥...

Mirenesse Liquid Silk Foundation (35g RRP $59.50)

Well whoopdedoo, I finished some makeup! I have to hand it to Mirenesse - they make fabulous foundation. Pricey (unless you're a VIP member), and their entire range of foundations only comes in 4 shades, but Vienna is the perfect match for me. This baby is matte, oil free and contains SPF15. It's not my HG (their Velvet Maxi Lift Supreme Antiageing Renovage is even better) but it's a close second. Not quite enough coverage to be perfect, but with a tinted cc cream underneath, the finish is superb. Detailed review HERE ♥...

Repurchase?

I'm in a bit of a quandry - I like the Velvet Maxi Lift a tad more but it's an extra $40, and I'm just now trying their new Smooth Nude CC Hydra Makeup Mousse which I'm absolutely loving, so... maybe not ♥...

Maybelline FITme Shine-Free Foundation Stick (9g RRP $15.95)

I always like to have a stick foundation in my kit, but I was disappointed with this. Super easy to apply and blend, but kind of disappears by lunchtime on my combo skin, and even though I didn't wear it every day, I used up the entire stick within a month. I didn't find it to be shine-free either ...

Repurchase?

No - MNY make so many other foundations that are heaps better...

Clairol Nice'nEasy - Natural Lightest Golden Brown (RRP $12.99)

My experimentation with a new hair colour continues - so now I'm moving away from the reds and getting into the golden stream, and this shade is a natural looking dark honeyish blonde (no way is it brown!). As mentioned in previous empties posts, this range suits me to a T because the colour never EVER becomes darker with re-application. I'm actually after something a wee bit deeper as my base, but the next one up is medium brown which I reckon will be too dark, so I might do my usual trick and mix them half and half ♥...

Repurchase?

Oui - there's several boxes under the bathroom sink ♥...

Lancôme Trésor in Love Eau de Parfum (30ml/50ml/75ml RRP $81/$114/$138)

SO sad when I finished this - it was only a miniature, but I sure fell under its spell, and I made it last for 4 years! I wrote a rave review about it on beautyheaven, and called it 100% romance. The original Trésor smells like rotting fruit on me, but this fruity-floral on a cedar base is nothing short of divine ♥...

Repurchase?

I'm putting all my gold coins in a jar so I can buy the big bottle - it's taking a while, but I'll get there ♥...

Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector (10ml RRP $50)

I'm embarrassed to say that this eye cream was part of my beautyheaven Blogstar prize that arrived in January 2014, and it's been languishing in my drawer for two years! Mind you I don't have dark circles under my eyes (I have huge bags instead), which is why I wasn't in a hurry to try it. Nor can I report that it does in fact work. All I can say is that the cream is a fleshy colour, has a lovely texture, a groovy little dispenser nozzle, hydrates well, and leaves my skin baby soft...

Repurchase?

Negative - does nothing for my eye bags, and my squinty crows feet are the same depth...

CROP Gentle Cleansing Gel - Essential Oil Blend (125ml RRP $12)

Finishing this was probably my greatest achievement last month. I'm a huge fan of CROP products, but this cleanser would have to be the weirdest one I've ever tried. In its favour, it smells fantastic because of its essential oil content (eucalyptus, rosemary, lemongrass, cajeput & peppermint), and once I rinse out my face cloth, the water is decidedly murky and the colour of my foundation, so it's amazingly effective, but it feels way too peculiar on my skin. I'll try to explain. It's an oil. The directions say to work it into a light lather, but it's ridiculously sticky, and the only way I can get any kind of lather up is to wet my hands a little. So then it lathers a teeny bit and spreads a little more easily, but only for a few seconds, and then my hands get stuck to my skin again, and I have to add more water, and on it goes. By this stage, I'm dripping all over the sink, and well, it's all just too awkward...

Repurchase?

Shakes head from left to right - life's too short for tacky cleansers...

CROP Natural Mineral Pressed Bronzer - Solaire (10g RRP $24)

My HG bronzer - it's a quad with four shades ranging from light to dark, the lightest shade is a terrific highlighter with a slight shimmer. I've hit pan on the two deeper pigments, and halfway to the bottom on the other two, but I'm treating myself to a brand new one that doesn't look so cruddy. EXACTLY the right tone for my skin, riddled with goodness, minus all the bad stuff, and no animal testing ♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely - it was 40% off at Coles this morning. Yay! ♥...

Did you get through many products last month?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. It's a done deal that I'm linking this to the always awesome Ingrid's Monday Madness Link Up Party ♥