Showing posts with label St. Ives. Show all posts
Showing posts with label St. Ives. Show all posts

Monday, 21 December 2020

November 2020 Empties & Giveaway!...

Well with two Empties posts this month my recycle bin is overflowing, but I'm so relieved to have been able to catch up at last! Lots of regulars but I finished some new products as well, and perhaps even my ultimate ashy/grey hair colouring solution, the search for which has been ongoing for well over 12 months. And as I've mentioned before, I believe Christmas shouldn't just be one day a year (which is one of the reasons why I have giveaways every month), but I have chosen some special products for this bundle to mark the occasion, and I hope you'll enter - the prize won't arrive till January, but it would be a beaut start to 2021 for one of my precious followers ...


Body

Nutrimetics Ultra Care Platinum Hand Therapy (75ml, RRP $39)
I do love this hand cream - still searching for my Holy Grail, but this is pretty close. I reckon if I used three tubes in a row, I'd see a significant reduction in the pigmentation on my hands. It does lighten the spots a little, but I want to get rid of them completely, so I'm hanging out till the next time this is on special. I've tried other brands that specialise in fading the spots, but none of them has worked for me - with this there is hope ...
Repurchase?
Will do ...

Palmolive Luminous Oils Hand Wash - Rejuvenating Fig Oil with White Orchid (500ml, RRP $7)
This contains SLS which is a no-no in my beauty routine, but I'll be honest I bought it for the colour (pastel coral pink) and the scent (I'm a fig fragrance fanatic). I wanted something pretty to decant into my clear glass dispenser, but I've since changed to an amber set, so colour is not a requirement any more. Can I live without the fragrance? Probably - but it was nice to try it, and  I had no irritation from the dodgy content ... 
Repurchase?
Perhaps ...

Regulars
Colgate Plax Alcohol Free Gentle Mint Mouth Wash (500ml, RRP $6.49)
SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Body Wash - (384ml, $10)
SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Hydrating Body Wash (384ml, RRP $19.99) 
SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Soap (230g, RRP $9.99)
White Glo Micellar Whitening Toothpaste (100ml, RRP $5.99)
White Glo Toothbrush (free with the above toothpaste)

Face


Garnier Organics Anti-Age Sleeping Cream (50ml, RRP $19.95)
Gee this is such a lovely cream - I'm tempted to use it exclusively for the divine scent alone, but I'm not sure it's potent enough for my old skin. Mind you I had no issues with dryness or deterioration in my current wrinkle situation, but I think I'm at a stage in my life when I need some big guns - something that addresses my additional issues of enlarged pores and pigmentation ...
Repurchase?
Yeah, I'll keep a jar on the bench for when I need a lavender fix and the fabulous feel of this on my face ...

Nutrimetics Ultra Care+ Super-C & Retinol Serum  (20ml, RRP $70)
The other half of the buy-one-get-one-free deal - loved this second bottle as much as the first. I was concerned as the special deal was listed as "Clearance" so I figured it was discontinued, but I just found it on their website so I can relax. I raved about the first tube back in September - I still feel the same way about it, and I'd use it regularly if it was on special regularly ...
Repurchase?
Not till the next deal and if that happens in winter, I'd keep it for the warmer weather as it's hard to spread ...

St. Ives Energising Coconut & Coffee Scrub (150ml, RRP $9.99)
Love the consistency of this scrub - it's marked with an exfoliating factor of "Deep" and that suits me just fine for a once-a-week application, but I'm on the fence with the fragrance. Coffee & coconut is what it smells like, but I think I would prefer coffee and caramel, or coconut with something else. Anyways I'm a huge fan of St. Ives scrubs, but not so keen on this particular fragrance ...
Repurchase?
Possibly ...

Regulars
Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes (Pack of 25, RRP $7.99) 


Fragrance

Stoneglow Candles Bergamot, Vetiver & Patchouli Reed Diffuser (140ml, RRP $38.95)
This was my winter room scenter and it's lasted a particularly long time - opened the bottle in May, so that makes it a good six months. The fragrance is to die for and one of those that I would spritz on myself if it was available as an EDP.  Sensual, uplifting, comforting - divine. The local chemist doesn't seem to be stocking the brand anymore so I'm freaking out, plus this particular scent isn't listed on their website. But I'm keeping the glass container - the ombre blue to green is gorgeous. Sigh ...
Repurchase?
Would if I could ...

Hair

Hi Lift True Colour Hair Colour Creme - Extra Light Intense Ash Blonde (100ml, RRP $7.50)
This is the base colour I use with the Ash & Blue colours below. Being so light it doesn't contribute very much yellow or gold to the mix - that's a bonus, plus it's cheap as chips ... 
Repurchase?
Yessiree - I have half a dozen tubes in the cupboard ...

Wella Koleston Perfect Permanent Creme Colour - Special Mix Clear, Blue Intensive & Ash Intensive (60g, RRP $19.97)
Found these on the Salon Warehouse website. While I'm still experimenting with the proportions (too much of the Intensive colours makes my hair look almost black lol) I'm confident that I'll get the quantity right within the next few applications, and then the yellowy tinge that ALWAYS creeps into my locks with other brands will be gone forever. These are pure pigments designed to boost the base colour, and they certainly deliver. I use the Clear one to dilute the Ash & Blue so that I have enough mixture to apply all over, and I've also used it with 40 Vol to lighten my hair if it's turned out too dark. Works a treat, pure silvery-grey here I come ♥♥... 
Repurchase?
You bet - I've recently stocked up so I have enough to play with ♥♥...

Regulars
Goldwell Kerasilk Control Conditioner (250ml, RRP $34.95)
Goldwell Kerasilk Control Shampoo (250ml, RRP $35.95)


Makeup


Tarte Double Duty Beauty Shape Tape Contour Concealer - Light Neutral (10ml, RRP $40)
Bought this in January from Sephora so it's lasted brilliantly, I think because it's so dense and therefore very little is required for complete coverage. I doubt I'll ever buy any other concealer - it's the best I've tried in all my years. I use it under my eyes to give the whole area a lift, around my nose to cover red spider veins, down the centre of my schnozz for contouring, and around the outside of my lipline, which helps me achieve a clean finish for my LOTD pics. It doesn't crease or flake and comes in 30 shades - truly awesome ♥♥... 
Repurchase?
Already have, it's on my can't-live-without list ♥♥...

Regulars
Maybelline Brow Ultra Slim Eyebrow Pencil (RRP $15.95)
Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner (RRP $15.95)
Maybelline Volume Express The Falsies Waterproof Mascara (RRP $19.95)

Giveaway




Ok, so for the Christmas edition, we have up for grabs...
  • Ecopure Milk & Honey Fragranced Hand Soap with Natural Honey Extract
  • Ecopure Oh Be Hive Milk & Honey Fragranced Gift Soap
  • Lovisa Sapphire Blue & Silver-toned Necklace & Earring Set
  • Nutrimetics Juniper Fragranced Hand Cream
  • Nutrimetics Juniper Fragranced Soap
  • Nutrimetics Sequinned Makeup Bag
  • Urban Rituelle Lemongrass & Lime Fragrance Diffuser Set
  • White Glo Accelerator Dentist Blue Light Teeth Whitening kit
Here's a closeup of the jewellery so you can see how gorgeous the set is...


All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $150.  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

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

    a Rafflecopter giveaway
    Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Sakina M. as the winner.  
    Congratulations gorgeous! 
    Sakina, please respond to the email I've sent you by midnight
    Thursday 31st December to claim your prize :-)
    Edit: Sakina has claimed her prize 
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Best of luck to all who enter!

    And in case I don't get to post again before Friday...

    Merry Christmas Lovelies!

    Take care of you, and keep safe,
    kats xxx

    Sunday, 15 November 2020

    September 2020 Empties & Giveaway!...

    Hmm yes well, I'd planned to have these up in October along with the other two giveaways, but with one thing and another (including a bunch of beautyheaven reviews), I didn't get there. Then for one brief (and fleeting) moment, I thought maybe I should combine them with the October Empties, but as you can probably imagine, I couldn't fit them all on my bench, let alone in one camera shot lol! So anyway, I'm continuing on with the usual process, and fingers crossed I can get last month's ones up before we hit December - eek, December!...


    Body

    Bosisto's Kakadu Plum & Lemon Myrtle Nourishing Body Wash (500ml, RRP $8)
    Lovely body wash with a deliciously crisp & refreshing lemon scent - love the simplicity of the packaging and that it's available at Coles. No SLS content, Aussie-made, not tested on animals, and it's vegan, but still not quite moisturising enough compared with the others in my rack. Boy am I getting fussy! ...
    Repurchase?
    Maybe, if I have trouble getting hold of my other faves ...

    Lanolips Rose Hand Cream Intense (50ml, RRP $16.99)
    This was gifted to me so long ago I can't remember the source, and even though I had broken the seal, it's been in a dark drawer so it was perfectly fine. Not quite as intense as I'd hoped, and I have others that give my hands a richer treatment, but that rose fragrance? Heavenly! Absorbs quickly and completely, and it was particularly effective on my shrivelled cuticles ...
    Repurchase?
    Yes, if for nothing else than the fabulous scent ...

    No Pong All Natural Anti Odourant (35g, RRP $8.95)
    Small quantity left in the tin from last summer's series on aluminium-free deodorants - full review is HERE. Excellent product and 100% effective against odour & wetness - it didn't score 10/10 but only because getting the lid off is a challenge for me ...
    Repurchase?
    I would if my other preferred ones weren't available. This would be ideal for travellers because it's so small ...

    Regulars
    Colgate Plax Alcohol Free Gentle Mint Mouth Wash (500ml, RRP $6.49)
    Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)
    White Glo Charcoal Total Mouth Detox Whitening Mouthwash (500ml, RRP $6.99)
    White Glo Micellar Whitening Toothpaste (100ml, RRP $5.99)
    White Glo Toothbrush (free with the above toothpaste)


    Face

    Bioré Charcoal Cleansing Micellar Water (300ml, RRP $10.99)
    So many micellars on the market and after doing a whole bunch of research when they first appeared over 5 years ago, this is the one that I'm sticking with, well for the time being anyway. It's highly effective, a great price and I LOVE the fragrance. It's not that it works any better than many others, but the scent is so appealing. Beats me why this hasn't appeared in my Regulars section before as I've bought many bottles, but it will next time ...
    Repurchase?
    That's a yes ...

    Nutrimetics Ultra Care+ Super-C & Retinol Serum  (20ml, RRP $70)
    I haven't been all that impressed with the cheaper serums from this brand (mind you the Platinum one is sensational), and while this is still somewhat pricey, I bought it because they had a special deal of buy-one-get-one-free, so for $35, I was in! The serum itself is actually pretty darn fabulous, but the packaging sucks - a skinny little tube that I had trouble holding, and the product kinda squirts down the outside of the cap rather than onto the fingers. The serum is very thick, rich and viscous, and I would struggle to spread it onto my face in the cold weather, but apart from these issues, it made my skin look amazing - glowy, refined, plump, and a delicate floral fragrance, pretty much everything you want from a serum ...
    Repurchase?
    Absolutely, when it's on special, but not in the cooler months ...

    Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Serum (30ml, RRP $59.99)
    The jury is still out on this one. To be fair, this bottle wasn't used continuously as I was trialling the Skin Physics sculpting gel below and excluding all other products, so I'll reserve final judgement until I've had time to use another complete bottle without interruption. In the interim, I can say that it's a terrific serum that causes absolutely zero irritation, but I can't tell yet if it's any better for my age-related skin issues than others I've used. Adore the purple packaging, and I was surprised that I didn't mind the fact that it is fragrance-free (no fragrance is better than one that I dislike). Other advantages are that Olay products are regularly on special, so I'll never EVER have to pay full price for it, and it has maintained the pore refinement that I was seeing from my other retinol serums. To be continued ...
    Repurchase?
    Yes (on spesh natch) ...

    Regulars
    Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes (Pack of 25, RRP $7.99) 
    Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover (112ml, RRP $10.89)
    Skin Physics Dragon's Blood Facial Sculpting Gel (50ml, RRP $59.95)
    St. Ives Blackhead Clearing GreenTea Scrub (150ml, RRP $9.99)


    Face Masks

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


    Hair

    Head & Shoulders Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (200ml, RRP $6.75)
    Fortunately, I'm not dealing with dandruff or flaking scalp - I bought this many months ago on the recommendation of my stylist to remove excess colour safely from my hair if my home dye ends up too dark, and it's really quite effective. Even more so if I crush a Vitamin C tablet and mix it in with the liquid. It leaves my hair feeling like straw so I only do one application, leave it on for at least 5 minutes, rinse and then use my usual Goldwell Kerasilk one for application #2, and then it feels ok again. It sure takes out the dye quick-smart! ...
    Repurchase?
    Yes, but I've had so many compliments about my (accidental) darker hair shade I may not need it lol... 

    Regulars
    Goldwell Dualsenses Color Revive Color Giving Conditioner - Icy Blonde (s00ml, RRP $32.95)
    Goldwell Kerasilk Control Conditioner (1L, RRP $80.95)
    Schwarzkopf Igora Royal Permanent Color Creme - 8-11 Light Ash Blonde (RRP $23.95)
    Schwarzkopf Live Colour Pastels - Cool Grey, Metallic - Lilac Chrome & Denim Steel (RRP $5.49)


    Makeup

    Regulars
    Chi Chi Highlighting & Contouring Palette (33g, RRP $24.95)
    Maybelline Brow Ultra Slim Eyebrow Pencil (RRP $15.95)
    Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner (RRP $15.95)
    Natio Define Eye Pencil - Steel Grey (RRP $14.95) 


    Giveaway!



    Up for grabs are...
    • Elizabeth Arden 5th avenue boxed set - EDP (125ml), Parfum (3.7ml) & Moisturising Body Lotion (100ml)
    • Glow Lab Mini Pack (Creme Cleanser/Facial Moisturiser/Body Lotion/Facial Serum/Night Cream)
    • MCoBeauty 2-in-1 Bronzer & Highlighter
    • Sweet Little Things Floral Scented Soap Petals
    All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $100.  The giveaway is open to...

    Australian Residents Only! 
    Here's how to enter...
    1. Leave a blog post comment on this page as per 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
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    This giveaway is now closed  - check back later tonight to find out who won!
    Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Claudia C. as the winner.  
    Congratulations gorgeous! 
    Claudia, please respond to the email I've sent you by midnight
    Wednesday 25th November to claim your prize :-)
    Edit: Claudia has claimed her prize 
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Best of luck to all who enter!

    Take care of you, and keep safe
    kats xxx

    Monday, 5 October 2020

    August 2020 Empties & Giveaway!...

    Gosh, what happened to September? I know we had one but my 30 days dissolved into a puddle of work commitments, home priorities and an Instagram block that sure was a joy killer. Between them all my blogging suffered a big hit, but I'm back with a vengeance and October will be a catch-up month of two Empties posts and a belated 7-year (whoa!) Bloggiversary celebration. So we'll start with the August Empties which included some new discoveries ...


    Body

    (Aldi) Five Stars Antibacterial Hand Wash Refill Pack - Grapefruit (500ml, RRP $?)
    I sniffed this in-store and had to have it - I'm a nutter for grapefruit scented body products, and this smelled just like the real deal. Lots of foam and non-drying - can't remember how much it was but it couldn't have been more than $5. To decant the pretty pink liquid, I bought a curvy ribbed glass dispenser with a rose gold cap, and the combined result looked gorgeous on my vanity ...
    Repurchase?
    If I ever see it again, yes. Meanwhile, I'm loving the one by Method ...

    (Aldi) Country Life Antibacterial Hand Wash - Lemon Myrtle (500ml, RRP $?)
    Another one from Aldi that was as cheap as chips - absolutely adored the lemony fresh fragrance but it has minimal suds, and suds are needed for effective COVID capture so I didn't use it after venturing outside ...
    Repurchase?
    Again, yes if I ever see it again, but will only use it when I'm housebound ...

    The Body Shop British Rose Petal-Soft Hand Cream (30ml, RRP $7)
    Partner to the body wash I was gifted by one of my followers. The rose scent is mind-blowingly natural and divine. The cream itself is quite runny so it's more of a lotion than a hand cream ...
    Repurchase?
    While it's not quite the heavy-duty moisturiser I need for my old hands, the scent is to die for, so yes ...

    Weleda Almond Sensitive Skin Body Wash (200ml, RRP $19.95)
    My review of this super softening and hydrating body wash is HERE ...
    Repurchase?
    No - I'm a scentophile and this has barely any fragrance. Besides I'm in love with the Citrus and Pomegranate varieties ...

    White Glo Micellar Whitening Toothpaste (100ml, RRP $5.99)
    Well it's official - I've switched from my usual Oral-B 3D one to this. Doesn't seem to be any more effective at whitening my pegs, but I'm prepared to see how it performs in the long term, and I'm a huge fan of micellar products. It has a delicious minty taste, but the bonus is the toothbrush that comes in every pack, so read on ...
    Repurchase?
    Definitely ...

    White Glo Toothbrush (free with the above toothpaste)
    I've always bought quality toothbrushes, but I never knew how good they could be until I tried this one. Firm enough to clean the surface, but gentle on my gums, this toothbrush combines both requirements to create the perfect one for me. Truly, I was amazed at how great this feels when I brush - just the right balance in my hand and makes me want to brush more frequently, and that's a good thing hey ...
    Repurchase?
    Absolutely ...

    Regulars


    Bioré Rose Quartz + Charcoal Gentle Pore Refining Scrub (113g, RRP $9.99)
    When I first bought this scrub I absolutely loved it - such a pretty texture and colour, and just the right amount of exfoliating power to leave my skin feeling smooth, soft and not stripped of moisture. Plus the idea of it containing rose quartz and charcoal was super appealing, but I've always found the scent to be a bit odd - hard to describe, but it's definitely not natural.  By the time I got to the end of the tube, I simply couldn't handle it any more ...
    Repurchase?
    No - can't take the scent ...

    Olay Luminous Whip UV Cream SPF30  (50g, RRP $48.99)
    My second favourite day cream, primarily for the light fluffy texture and the SPF30 content. My fave is the Regenerist Whip because of the scent - I just can't get enough of it, and sadly this Luminous one isn't the same. I know scent can be troublesome for some folks, but it is SO important to me as a pleasure factor. Having said that this is a beautiful cream, and I'm just so thrilled that Olay has upped the UV content for this range ...
    Repurchase?
    Maybe ...

    Olay Regenerist Luminous Tone Perfecting Treatment  (30ml, RRP $53.99)
    Love everything about this. If I wasn't determined to give the Retinol range a good try, I would use this on a regular basis - it's a lot more affordable than my L'Occitane fave and it's regularly on special, which makes it even more appealing. Feels so hydrating when applied and the lemony fragrance is a delight - I will probably stick with this during the summer and see if any of my spots fade ...
    Repurchase?
    You betcha, but only when it's on spesh ...

    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) 
    St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub (150ml, RRP $9.99)

    Face Masks

    Skin Republic Fast Fix 5 Minute Under Eye Mask (2 pairs, RRP $7.99)
    These are SO good - I've had the best eye-bag reducing results compared with any other mask I've tried, and there's been quite a few. The only problem is that the effect doesn't last more than a few hours - if only it was permanent! ...
    Repurchase?
    Already have - at least I can look less baggy until lunchtime ...

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

    Fragrance

    Ecoya Cedarwood & Leather Mini Reed Diffuser (50ml, RRP $25.95)
    This was my winter bedroom scenter - it's the kind of warm, sensuous and earthy fragrance that I crave in the cold weather. Comforting and cosy, I spent quite a bit of time just sniffing the sticks lol. Vetiver, bergamot, leather, clove and cedarwood - mmmm. If I'd known how good it was I would have bought the bigger size ...
    Repurchase?
    I'm almost finished the 2nd jar, and then I'll probably switch to something fresher like the Guava & Lychee one for the summer months. But I'll buy this again next March, the full-sized one. Ecoya make the best diffusers ...


    Hair

    Schwarzkopf Igora Royal Permanent Color Creme - 8-11 Light Ash Blonde (RRP $23.95)
    First time I used this, the colour turned out the perfect silvery grey I was seeking, and exactly as pictured on the supplier's website, so I bought a few more. 2nd time I applied it, there was more gold content than silver. Sigh - my search continues...
    Repurchase?
    No...

    Regulars
    Goldwell Kerasilk Control Shampoo (250ml, RRP $35.95)
    Schwarzkopf Live Colour Pastels - Cool Grey, Metallic - Lilac Chrome & Denim Steel (RRP $5.49)


    Makeup

    DB Cosmetics Kohl Eye Pencil - Malachite (RRP $6.99)
    The most fabulous spring green - while I don't use this on my waterline, it's perfect for tight-lining my upper lashes and as a base for shadow. Cheap as chips ...
    Repurchase?
    Already have - the EOH Emerald one is too dark for spring/summer ...

    Regulars
    Australis HD Translucent Loose Setting Powder (RRP $16.95)
    Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner (RRP $15.95)
    Maybelline Volume Express The Falsies Mascara (RRP $19.95)

    Giveaway!



    Up for grabs are...
    • Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence
    • Olay Regenerist Luminous Tone Perfecting Treatment
    • 3 x Skin Republic Fast Fix 5 Minute Under Eye Mask packs
    • White Glo Micellar Whitening Toothpaste
    All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $120.  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
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    This giveaway is now closed  - check back later tonight to find out who won!
    Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Meedee as the winner.  
    Congratulations gorgeous! 
    Meedee, please respond to the email I've sent you by midnight
    Wednesday 14th October to claim your prize :-)
    Edit: Meedee has claimed her prize 
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Best of luck to all who enter!

    Take care of you, and keep safe
    kats xxx