SPOTLIGHT: July Empties!...

Had another successful month of clearing the decks and making way for more stuff - think I'm on a roll lol! Again I had quite a few almost-used-up products, and hooray I'm coming to the end of those now, but the real thrill last month was finishing off four makeup items - honestly it's such a rare thing for me, but it does happen...eventually ♥...

Bodycare

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

Yep I'm a scentophile - I have this thing about products that perform brilliantly AND have a fragrance that resonates with every cell in my bod, and this is one of them. Super softening, non-greasy and smells DEE-VINE (lemon myrtle) ♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, Yes, Yes! ♥...

Original Source Lime & Coconut Milk Moisturising Shower Milk (250ml, RRP $4)

Reviewed HERE -  my skin has been extra dry this winter, and even these moisturising shower milks haven't been hydrating enough (along with quite a few other brands), so I've been adding a squirt or two of Dermaveen Shower Oil to my flannel when I use them, and that does the trick...

Repurchase?

Yes but not for a few months as I have NO SPACE lol...

Original Source Green Banana & Bamboo Moisturising Shower Milk (250ml, RRP $4)

Ditto above...

Repurchase?

Same goes for this one...

Pearl Drops Instant Natural White Charcoal Innovation Toothpaste (75ml, RRP $11.99)

Gave this a go because of the charcoal content. So far I haven't found either a charcoal powder or a toothpaste that whitens my teeth any more than mainstream whitening brands. This has a delish minty flavour, but like so many other products with charcoal content, it's messy. The paste is dark purple so you'll need to rinse thoroughly after use or else your lips and teeth give you a very nice zombie look...

Repurchase?

Not unless I decide to ONLY clean my teeth while I'm in the shower...

Skincare

Antipodes Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream (60ml, RRP $55.99)

So I'm officially stating that this moisturiser is my overnight HG - this pot of goodness does everything for my skin that I want it to in the nourishment & hydration department, and the fragrance blisses me out. I SO look forward to my nightly cleanse just so I can use this! Actually I'm fast becoming an Antipodes addict. Contains Avocado Oil, Manuka Honey Active 20+ & Vinanza Grape. The scent comes from sandalwood, ylang ylang & patchouli essential oils. Euphoria! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Forever ♥♥♥...

Be Fraiche The Flower Face Cream (50 ml, RRP $35)

Interestingly this is a close second to the Antipodes cream - very similar fragrance (scented with Frankincense & Patchouli), enriching but not heavy or greasy. Like the one above, massaging it into my face is the most pleasurable experience. This adorable sample pot came my way in the Bloggers United AU goodie bag last year, another instance of me being very silly to wait so long to try it ♥...

Repurchase?

Definitely - it's not as expensive as the Antipodes, and I'll use it as a day cream ♥...

Bioten Skin Moisture Micellar Water 3-in-1 (200ml, RRP $4.99)

Reviewed HERE - I'm slowly working my way through the huge collection of micellar waters I amassed when I was doing the series. One more bottle to go and then I'll resume where I left off...

Repurchase?

I would actually but not for a while - it's effective and good value, but I still have 5 bottles to finish up...

BotanicES Natural Caffeine Face Creme (50ml, RRP $45)

As mentioned in earlier empties posts, this moisturiser will always be in my kit. While I find myself needing something more potent for overnight at this time of year, this is the cream I fall back on whenever my pores become congested with anything else I'm using, and it's the perfect consistency and formula for summer when my skin can't take anything too heavy ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Already have, I say again it will always be in my kit ♥♥♥...

Freezeframe REVITALEYES (15ml, RRP $69)

A delightfully refreshing gel, sadly this did nothing for my vast array of issues. For the price I was hoping for a mini-miracle, but perhaps I'm too far gone for it to have any effect. Mind you my wrinkles and bags didn't get any worse during the time I used it, but there was no obvious improvement. After reading reviews around the internet, it seems folks either love it or are very disappointed, given how expensive it is...

Repurchase?

No - I've had noticeable and ongoing improvements from other eye products for the same price or less...

Jojoba Natural Pigmentation Oil (30ml, RRP $39.99)

Designed to target age spots, uneven skin tone and pigmentation, I was very excited to try this product. It's lovely, comes in a gorgeous shimmery orange bottle, has a very pleasant smell and my skin seemed to drink it in, but as with anything else in my skincare experiments, if I don't see any noticeable benefits by the time I get to the bottom of the container, then I tend to write it off, and that's what happened here...

Repurchase?

I'll think about it...

L'Oreal Revitalift Laser Renew/Laser X3 Eye Cream (15ml, RRP $44.95)

Well now, I'm on the fence with this one - I noticed an initial improvement in the first week as far as firming is concerned, so it scores points for that, but no change thereafter. Interestingly the blurb says to apply it to the under eye area, but no mention about the region above, and I need something that will work everywhere. Mind you so far my bags are defying just about anything. Nifty metal (somewhat phallic-shaped) applicator, but I never like these things so I always dispense onto my pinkie...

Repurchase?

Maybe not...

Skin Therapy Dragon's Blood Sculpting Serum (30ml, RRP $30)

Another beaut product I fall back on when I'm disappointed by anything else similar, as it really helped firm my jawline. Having fallen in love with Antipodes Hosanna, and with four other serums lined up to trial, this may or may not reappear in one of these future posts...

Repurchase?

I might just keep one in reserve for emergencies lol ♥...

Face Masks

Garnier SkinActive Hydra Bomb Pomegranate Tissue Mask (RRP $5)

Aimed at normal to dehydrated skin, for me this Pomegranate variety is the least hydrating of the three available. I actually found it to be better for firming and tightening - go figure? ♥♥......

Repurchase?

Certainly - I need a ton of firming and tightening, and for $5, well it's a sure bet ♥♥...

Garnier SkinActive Hydra Bomb Chamomile Tissue Mask (RRP $5)

My favourite of the three in the range - in a word, calming. One of the most relaxing sheet mask experiences, target is sensitive or dry skin, neither of which I have but this was just so lovely. The only reason I didn't doze off completely is because I left the packet on my forehead after I took the piccie, and it slid off when I started to turn on my side, which I do just before I go to sleep, but never do when I'm wearing a mask, but hey I was just so relaxed ♥♥♥... 

Repurchase?

Oooh yes ♥♥♥...

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

Raved about this back in the May Empties post and I'm still of the same opinion - up near the top of my list of fave sheet masks ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Without a doubt ♥♥♥...

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

This is a special one - it doesn't just deep cleanse and hydrate, but it also feeds the skin. So many nourishing ingredients - Acai Berries, Chia Seeds, Quinoa, Spirulina, Black Tea, Rosehip, Avocado and Quinoa. I swear I could feel my face drinking in all the goodness ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Already have ♥♥♥...

Skin Republic Platinum Lift (25ml, RRP $7.99)

Like all SR sheet masks, this was supernally hydrating and came with oodles of serum so there was plenty to massage into my neck and hands after I was done. Not sure that it's special enough for me to buy again though - some of their others are knockouts, and I'd rather concentrate on the ones that make a big difference rather than a small one...

Repurchase?

Maybe not, but I won't say never...

Skin Republic Brightening Eye Mask (3 pairs RRP $9.99)

No photos 'cos I applied them on week nights, but I used the remaining pairs last month instead of the Collagen Hydrogel patches. They do different things, so there's a place for both, and I won't give up my collagen patches ever again, not for anything. The patches firm, whereas these eye masks cover the entire eye area, and are deliciously hydrating.

Repurchase?

Will do, but I want to try a couple more brands before I get back into these again...

7th Heaven Dead Sea Mud Pac (20g, RRP $3.99)

Only the second one from this brand I've tried, but I'm in love. You know that fabulously fresh salty smell and feel your skin has when you've had a day at the beach? Well this gives you the same, only there's additional aquatic fragrances and hydrating ingredients, and it doesn't leave your skin feeling parched, quite the contrary actually. Contains kaolin, Dead Sea salt, Dead Sea mud, seaweed extract and lavender oil to name a few of the goodies in the mix. Yes it's messy, but aren't they all ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Affirmative - I've already bought the big tube ♥♥♥...

Haircare

Amazon Series Muru Muru Anti-Frizz Smoothing Masque (250ml, RRP $29.95)

My new hairdresser recommended this to help maintain the benefits of my keratin treatments. I like it because I don't have to leave it on for a long time to reap the rewards, and therefore I can give my tresses a hit while I'm showering, and in between post-colouring deep conditioning.  It has a lovely natural fragrance, and leaves my hair silky soft. Don't like the container as it's difficult to unscrew the lid and scoop out the product with the shower running, but I can live with that ♥...

Repurchase?

Bought a replacement the last time I had a trim ♥...

Kevin Murphy Smooth.Again.Wash Smoothing Shampoo (250ml, RRP $38.95)

Another recommendation from my stylist. Nothing special and not as good at smoothing fly-aways as my HG Reference of Sweden, but I can't buy that any more so was prepared to try something else. Not keen on the rectangular packaging with the cap sticking out design as it's an awkward shape to fit in my storage hangers. I've since found a salon that sells the entire Goldwell Kerasilk range, and I'll probably stick with that...

Repurchase?

No...

Kevin Murphy Repair.Me.Rinse Reconstructing Conditioner (250ml, RRP $42.95)

Whether this worked or not (it did) I would buy it again for the fragrance alone. If it was an EDP I would wear it every day. There's something about the scent that makes my whole body sing. I stand there in the shower taking deep breaths because it's so fabulous - must be the papaya and the pineapple. Anyway it's also a beaut 2 minute conditioner, and this particular rectangular bottle shape (with the cap on top) is workable ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Heck yeah - even if I only use this once a week, I need that fragrance hit ♥♥♥...

Makeup

Estée Lauder Little Black Eyelash Primer (6ml, RRP $45)

A gift from my gorgeous friend Amy at Health and Beauty Girl. Chatted about it HERE, lovely product but not an essential - thrilled to have had the opportunity to try something like this though...

Repurchase?

Probably not...

Eye of Horus Goddess Mascara (8g, RRP $34.95)

My weekend mascara. It's so good I'd wear it every day, but I need fibres in my mascara for as long as I'm taking photos - my lashes just don't show up in the pics if I don't. But this is a beautiful mascara, full of natural and mostly organic ingredients. I treat my lashes to its goodness on Saturdays and Sundays, and I feel them breathe a sigh of relief when I start stroking it on ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely ♥♥♥...

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream (32ml, RRP $58)

My HG primer, will always be in my kit, deliriously ecstatic review HERE, except that Sephora is out of it at the moment - holey cow, I'm trying not to panic! Had to wait 6 months for them to restock the Bye Bye Redness cream- oh how I wish I could buy this somewhere else. Once it's available I'm going to order 3 so I'm never without it again (although one tube does last me for 6 months) ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I'm waitlisted...sob ♥♥♥...

Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner (RRP $15.95)

My HG under-eye liner, has been for years - never smudges or smears, and I rarely (if ever) make a mistake when I use it. In my book it's goof-proof ♥♥♥......

Repurchase?

No less than 3 spares in my drawer ♥♥♥...

How did you go last month lovelies - got rid of some clutter?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. Here's the link to Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Link Up - come say gidday after 6:30am...

SPOTLIGHT: May Empties!...

May was an exciting month for me - not for the volume of stuff I went through (very little sob), but the fact that I finished THREE bottles of fragrance. Whoopdeedoo! Getting to the bottom of a perfume bottle is a rare thing for me - I tend to rotate them to make them last, and of course I do a seasonal swap at this time of year, and put my warmer weather delights into a dark cavity until the first sign of a blossom. I was initially a wee bit sad though as two of them are no longer readily available, but my good friend Google managed to source some online stockists, so I can relax ♥ Not that I'm short of perfumes, but as every gal knows, they are like lipsticks - all totally unique, and therefore all totally justified lol...

Skin Therapy Dragon's Blood Sculpting Serum (30ml RRP $30)

My current serum of choice - prefer it over the L'Oreal one I said I'd stick with last month (typical me ha ha!). Apart from soothing my skin and firming my jawline a tad, I'm feeling a whole lot more comfortable as it has far less chemicals in it, more naturally occurring ingredients, and they're against animal testing. I seem to be heading down the path of natural skincare - I have to admit it hasn't been a conscious decision, I'm just finding that I prefer the texture or the smell or the performance of the ones that have been coming my way, so I guess you could say my shift is somewhat "organic", and I like that. All for the better I reckon, plus this one is available at the Coles ♥...

Repurchase?

On my second bottle, which interestingly came to me in the Marie Claire Ageless parcel (mini review HERE). I think the Universe is trying to tell me something! I'll definitely be buying it again ♥...

Elizabeth Taylor Violet Eyes EDP (50ml RRP $72)

This is my second bottle of Violet Eyes, the only ET fragrance that I like - discovered it in Chemist Warehouse about 3 years ago. A beautiful, feminine and romantic concoction that always elicits comments from fellas (they want to know what it is). A potent and long lasting oriental floral, I lovingly reviewed it briefly HERE...

Repurchase?

Most definitely - can't find it anywhere in-store, but there are some online stockists, and the price is roughly the same as what I paid (<$30) although I'll have to fork out for shipping. It's worth it ♥

Imperial Leather Anti-bacterial Cleansing Hand Wash - #42 Rockpool Indian Lotus & Waterlily (250ml RRP $3.99)

For me this is the most interesting variety of the Imperial Leather hand washes - comes in a body wash too, gorgeous deep tealy blue, and smells amazingly exotic, the body wash review is HERE ♥...

Repurchase?

Can't find it anywhere (sob!), only the body wash, but hey, it'll work for hands too, just not anti-bacterial...

Nude by Nature Daily Cleanser (125ml RRP $17.95)
My top of the pops cleanser - has not one flaw, already posted a rave rant HERE ♥...
Repurchase?
No prize for guessing the answer, it's a given ♥...

Kylie Minogue Dazzling Darling EDT (50ml RRP $59)

Kylie my dear - why on earth did you discontinue this gem? Sorry - I don't like Darling at all, but Dazzling Darling is a treasure. Bought several bottles of this at Christmas 2012 when it was $20 a pop at Priceline - actually five to be exact, gave away three as pressies and kept two for myself. Now it's only available at perfume clearance houses - boo! Review HERE ♥...

Repurchase?
Yes, very soon - found an online store that has it in stock so I better get cracking ♥

Urban Rituelle Fragrance Diffuser Set - Romance (Amber & Musk) (190ml RRP $39.95)

My all time favourite reed diffusers are from Urban Rituelle - not only are the fragrances made in heaven, the presentation is exquisite and they last for around 6 months! There are two I absolutely adore - this is one of them (reviewed HERE), the other is Comfort (Sandalwood & Tangerine) reviewed HERE which I have in my office, and will star in my June Empties post because it's almost depleted, but hey, I opened it in October last year, so that's 7 months - well worth the price tag ♥...

Repurchase?
Clever clogs Kats - I already had a spare in the cupboard ♥

Yves Saint Laurent Opium EDT (30ml RRP $80)

Rediscovered this fragrant delight just on 12 months ago, and considering I only wear it in Winter, I powered through the cute little bottle in record time. Fortunately Chemist Warehouse recently had the 90ml bottle on sale for $90, so I indulged, and am hoping this bigger size will see me through a couple of rotations. It's only an EDT but it sure packs a punch. Absolutely adore it - call me old fashioned but I don't like the Black variety at all, can't fathom what all the fuss is about. We're all different hey. Dedicated an entire post to this oriental beauty HERE ♥...

Repurchase?
Affirmative ♥...

Maybelline The Falsies Waterproof Mascara (RRP $19.95)

My number one mascara, and high on my list of can't-live-withouts. Although my lashes have quadrupled in volume (from nothing) thanks to RapidLash, I still need a mascara that has fibres in it, and this is the best I've tried. Others irritate my eyes (especially the ones where you apply a base coat and then all the fluffy bits), but not one speck of discomfort from this, and my lashes show up in my EOTD pics. Doesn't budge, flake or smudge either ♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely - I always buy one when they're on special, and my most recent stocktake revealed four spares ♥...

Have you tried any of these goodies?

Take care of you,
kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: Marie Claire Ageless Parcel #4...

Another fabulous collection of top name brands, and for my particular needs, this Marie Claire Ageless Parcel is the best one so far. I'm excited about every one of these products, and can't wait to put them to the test, so without further ado...

Skin Therapy Dragon's Blood Sculpting Serum - full size, 30ml ($30)

This was a bonus as it just so happens to be the serum I'm using at the moment! I'm almost out (it will be in my May Empties post) so the timing couldn't have been more perfect. LOVE this serum, and for $30 at the supermarket, I reckon I'll be continuing on with it for some time. I'm experiencing every ageing issue that's in the book, so it's a challenge to find a serum that will cover all bases, but the contents of this silver pump bottle seem to be addressing most of my concerns, in particular my saggy baggy jawline and turkey neck. I've seen some improvement in both these areas, and overall my face looks and feels fresher and firmer since I've been using it. Has a very very faint "natural" fragrance, and absorbs in about 15 seconds. It's made in New Zealand, and there's no parabens or animal testing. Winner! ♥♥♥

Alpha-H Balancing Moisturiser & Gentle Exfoliant - 30ml sample ($37.20)

A very interesting product from those clever folk at Alpha-H - according to the blurb, "the glycolic acid exfoliates and brightens skin, while the hyaluronic acid locks in moisture for continuous hydration". Can't say I've heard of an exfoliating moisturiser before (whoa!), but I'm keen to give it a shot. Contains alpha-hydroxy acid, so you have to apply something with at least SPF 15 over the top...

Bioderma Hydrabio Light Cream & Micellar Water for sensitive skin - 15ml sample ($14.63) & 20ml sample ($2.56)

Always delighted to try anything from Bioderma, and this moisturiser is no exception. The enclosed leaflet says it's for dry, tight and dull skin - my cheeks have a tendency to become drier and a bit flaky once Winter sets in, and dullness is always looming on the horizon, so thank you MC - I'll most definitely enjoy this sample. And isn't that cutest little container of micellar water you've ever seen? Also perfect timing as I've been exploring all the different types on the market - this one is specifically for sensitive, dehydrated skin. No room on the bubba-sized bottle for a list of ingredients, but I'll let you know how it goes ♥...

Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Antixidant Infusion Essence - 10ml sample ($9.28)

Just the mention of Prevage gets my attention ♥ I've used some of this range before and adored it, but didn't continue on because of the price tag. This seems to be the EA version of the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, which incidentally did zilch for my skin (review here) so I'm mad keen to try my luck with this formulation. Some gals won't be happy to see alcohol and alcohol denat near the top of the list of ingredients, and sodium laureth sulfate near the bottom, but given I haven't had a reaction to any of these in the past, I'll press on regardless...

It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream, shade medium - 12ml sample ($21.75)

Ok so this is the one item I'm truly BUSTING to try ♥ "7 products in one" is what it says on the side of the box - a full coverage foundation, a shield against environmental free-radicals, a brightening colour corrector, an anti-aging serum, a pore minimizing primer, a dark spot corrector, and a moisturising day cream. Phwoarrr! On top of all that, it contains SPF 50+, and it's in the shade medium, which is just the ticket for me ♥ Blimey if this lives up to even half of the hype, it will become a staple in my kit, giant size please! It's a bit hard to read in the photo, but those percentages you can see on the bottom right of the packaging are "clinically proven" hydration increase in 10 days (179%), softer smoother skin (96%), reduction in wrinkles (85%) and smaller pores (77%). So far I've only applied it to the back of my hand, but the coverage, colour and finish is fantastic - has a slight lemony fragrance, and the second listed ingredient is...wait for it...snail secretion filtrate! Well I don't care a fig so long as it works ha ha. Am I wearing this tomorrow? You betcha ♥

Time for the maths - I've worked out the total value of the contents to be $115.42, and that's for a $25 outlay. I'm not sure if I have to renew my subscription or if it's automatic, but I can assure you I'm not stopping any time soon, and I can't wait to see what's in the next box ♥

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. You'll find this post and some fabulous blog reads over at Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party tomorrow morning at 6:30 ♥