Showing posts with label Sukin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sukin. Show all posts

Sunday, 28 March 2021

February 2021 Empties & Giveaway!...

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

Body

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

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


Face

Bioré Yuzu Lemon + Dragon Fruit Brightening Exfoliating Scrub (103.5ml, RRP $9.99)
Absolutely crazy about this scrub - the lemon & dragon fruit scent is so tangy and refreshing in the morning, totally wakes me up. The beads are firm and fine (I think they are made of wax) but have enough oomph to shift any flakey bits without causing any irritation, and my skin feels super smooth afterwards. Didn't notice any brightening effect, but I never really give a scrub a chance to perform as advertised because I use a different one each day. In summary, this is a winner ...
Repurchase?
Ooh yes ...

IT Cosmetics Confidence in an Eye Cream (15ml, RRP $59)
I won this in a set from an Adore Beauty Instagram comp. A wondrous cream that improved the appearance of my under eye area from the first application. The pale apricot tint instantly neutralises any darkness (which I didn't realise I had) and brightens and refreshes the skin. Overall I looked less tired, and that's certainly a bonus. I found it to be sufficiently hydrating for my dry skin, my concealer sat nicely throughout the day without any creasing or flaking, and it even seemed to firm my eye bags a little. My only beef is that once the level drops, it's quite difficult to extract the cream without a spatula due to the squat shape of the jar. A minor irritation though, this is a beauty ...
Repurchase?
I'm going to try my fave Olay one again for comparison - depending on the results I may well buy this one in future ...

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


Fragrance

Chi Chi Strawberry & Violet EDP (50ml, RRP $19.95)
The next empty bottle of this beautiful scent will be in the Regulars section. Adore this, and it's one of the few fragrances that I buy over and over again. Review from when I first discovered it back in 2015 is HERE ...
Repurchase?
Already have, I can't live without this sweetheart in my life ...


Hair

Regulars
Hi Lift True Colour Hair Colour Creme - Extra Light Intense Ash Blonde (100ml, RRP $7.50)
Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector (100ml, RRP $49.95)
Wella Koleston Perfect Permanent Creme Colour - Special Mix Clear (60g, RRP $19.97)


Makeup

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush (RRP $22.99)
I used this to blend my foundation (stick or liquid kind) - it was excellent for literally pushing the cream into my gaping pores, and left me with a streak-free flawless finish. Bought it 12 months ago and was quite impressed, but it started to shed badly, so I switched to a Manicare Glam one, which is going splendidly so far ...
Repurchase?
I've not found a foundation brush that survives longer than a year, so...maybe ...

Sephora Color & Sculpt Stick - 01 Clear Light (5.5g, RRP $19)
One of the more successful attempts I've made at finding a cream contour that's a suitable colour for my skin tone. Most on the market are too orangey, and my favourite Australis palette that had the perfect shade has been discontinued. This one worked quite well, although I still had to mix it with a lighter yellowish pan from another brand. The search continues ...
Repurchase?
If I'm unable to find a better colour match, then probably yes ...

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


Giveaway



A truly pampering treat for any of you wanting to try some Nutrimetics products...
  • Blossom Bouquet Fragrance Diffuser
  • Magic Eraser Body Exfoliating & Polishing Cleansing Glove
  • Nutri-Rich Bathing Bar
  • Nutri-Rich Gentle Foam Body Wash
  • Nuri-Rich Nourishing Body Butter
All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $160.  The giveaway is open to...

Australian Residents Only! 
Here's how to enter...
  1. Leave a blog post comment on this page that answers the question inside the Rafflecopter (please note: if you don't leave a comment on this page, you won't be included in the draw!If you're unable to leave a comment for technical reasons, please email your answer to katshepsutt(at)gmail.com.
  2. Leave your email address inside the Rafflecopter so I can contact you if you win
  3. Follow my blog one way or another from the many choices listed
  4. Only one entry per person, please read the T's & C's inside the Rafflecopter
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This giveaway is now closed - check back later tonight to see who won!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Tracy M. as the winner.  
Congratulations gorgeous! 
Tracy, please respond to the email I've sent you by midnight
Wednesday 7th April to claim your prize :-)
Edit: Tracy has claimed her prize 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you, and keep safe,
kats xxx

Tuesday, 8 December 2020

October 2020 Empties & Giveaway!...

Well, obviously I didn't make my December deadline for this October Empties post last weekend. Instead, all the outdoor Christmas lights are up as well as the tree and other inside decorations, and I'm giving myself a pat on the back anyway as this is quite an achievement, especially given how festive and beautiful the house looks. All the same, I'm determined to catch up this month, and I know I can do it as holidays are looming on the not so distant horizon, so I'll just get on with this lot ...


Body 

Bondi Sands Liquid Gold Self-Tanning Dry Oil (150ml, RRP $19.99)
This has been my go-to tanning product for years - love the natural-looking colour it gives my bod, and if I apply it on Sunday morning, I'm still looking reasonably tanned by the following Friday. It doesn't have the usual fake tan stink - this one is nice and coconutty. It's a non-aerosol spray that I squirt onto my Bondi Sands tanning mitt, it dries in 5 minutes so there's no waiting to get dressed, and doesn't stain my clothing or bed-linen. Perfect ...
Repurchase?
Without a doubt, although I seem to have scored a couple of cans of the Aero foam variety, so I have enough to get me through this summer ...

Weleda Pomegranate Regenerating Body Oil (100ml, RRP $29.95)
Regular readers will know that I'm pretty much obsessed with using shower products that actually restore moisture to my skin, and this is another of my secret weapons. I mix a few drops with any of my shower gels or creams for an extra boost of skin juice - the scent is divine on its own, but not strong enough to clash with whatever wash I'm using, nor does it make the shower floor slippery ...
Repurchase?
Yep, I reckon this is one in the "forever" category ...

White Glo Charcoal Total Mouth Detox Whitening Mouthwash (500ml, RRP $6.99)


Face


Breeze Balm Lip Balm - Go Go Mango (15g, RRP $19.95)
I'm still of the opinion that this is the best & most effective lip balm to ever soothe my lips. I've bought a few from the range now and they all have the same fabulous formula, just the flavour/scent changes. In that regard, this Mango one doesn't ring my bells, but I'm glad I tried it. I reviewed my fave Pineapple Pash HERE ...
Repurchase?
Pineapple Pash, yes! ...

Breeze Balm Lip Balm - Watermelon Crush (15g, RRP $19.95)
This was delicious, in fact, it's a close second to Pineapple Pash - love it! ...
Repurchase?
Definitely ...

Garnier Organics Anti-Age Eye Cream (15ml, RRP $19.95)
This was sent to me to trial by beautyheaven as part of their Natural Beauty Month, and I was super impressed, 5 stars impressed actually. I'd been using a retinol eye cream which was so potent, the skin under my eyes towards the outside corners was quite flakey and my concealer wasn't sitting right. This marvellous and enriching cream fixed the problem in a couple of days, and I used it continuously, night & day, till it was no more. Smells divine ...
Repurchase?
Sure will. I have several other eye creams opened at the moment, but as soon as I clear one or two of them, I will grab another tube of this cream - it's awesome and a total bargain ...

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) 
Skin Physics Dragon's Blood Facial Sculpting Gel (50ml, RRP $59.95)
St. Ives Oatmeal Scrub & Mask (150ml, RRP $9.99)
Swisspers Make-up Pads (Pack of 80, RRP $3.79)


Face Masks


Sukin Pink Clay Facial Masque (100ml, RRP $19.99)
This jar has lasted me 12 months. An interesting thing occurred during the COVID lockdown. I became quite slack in my face mask routine, which was a clay one every Friday night. Didn't do it for around 6 weeks, and my blackheads came back with a vengeance. I used to think that they were controlled by my morning scrubs, but this abstinence revealed that either the mask keeps them at bay, or a combination of mask & scrub does the trick. So revealing, and needless to say I resumed my weekly clay mask, and the blackheads are no more ...
Repurchase?
For sure, but I had already bought the Sukin Super Greens Detoxifying one, so it won't be for a while ...

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)


Fragrance

Beyoncé Midnight Heat EDP (100ml, RRP $29)
Had this bottle for 4 years, and sadly wasn't able to completely finish it as it changed on me. It's the first one from this gal that I ever bought, and it's still my favourite of hers. My full review of it is HERE ...
Repurchase?
Not for a while - there are so many more that I want to try, and my fragrance shelf is going to collapse unless I finish a few others first ...

Katy Perry Royal Revolution EDP (100ml, RRP $30)
This one I did manage to finish - I prefer this to Killer Queen, although I really like that one as well. Surprised myself with the fact that I never ever reviewed this on my blog - WTF? No idea why 'cos it's a special one, a lot fresher than KQ. Definitely a fruity floral, which is my fave combo for spring/summer - this one opens with red pomegranate and pink freesia, but the vanilla kicks in pretty quickly followed by leather and musk. SO interesting and I adore the bottle, although it takes up way too much room on my shelf because it has to lie down ...
Repurchase?
Another one that's "not for a while" for the same reason above ...

Hair

Indola Permanent Caring Color - Very Light Blonde Intense Ash (60ml, RRP $11.88)
On the website, the hair sample swatch is silver grey. On my hair, it turns out golden...
Repurchase?
Noooooooooooo...

Kerastase Densifique Densifying Treatment Mousse (150ml, RRP $48)
My hair is quite thick, but I have it chemically straightened every 3 months with a Goldwell Kerasilk treatment. The process leaves my hair silky soft but super straight and I use this fab mousse to give it a bit of body and root lift. Expensive, but well worth it as it doesn't make my hair gluggy ...
Repurchase?
Already have ...

Kevin Murphy Maxi Wash Detox Shampoo (250ml, RRP $40.95)
This is one of my life's embarrassing moments - bought it probably 5 years ago (eek!) and it's taken this long to use it up as it's a kind of once-every-few-months application. Takes out all the product build-up and has a refreshing fruity fragrance. Doesn't fade home hair dye, and doesn't leave the hair feeling stripped ...
Repurchase?
Probably not for the time being - I've changed the finishing products I use and so I'm no longer dealing with build-up, but if I ever need a clarifying shampoo again, this is it ...

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


Makeup


Revlon Colorstay Life-Proof Matte Foundation Stick - Sand Beige (10g, RRP $24.95)
Yes, it's love - my current fave foundation of all time. Of course, the recipient of this accolade changes whenever better formulations are developed and released, but this is it for me for now. Perfect shade, perfect coverage, perfect finish. I've always loved stick foundations, but they're not all created equal - some I've tried have been too greasy or cakey, some have been too sheer, some transfer onto my clothing or don't last the day, but not this brilliant baby - it's smooth and creamy, blends like a dream, and finishes almost matte, but not dull enough to emphasise my wrinkles. The original Colorstay liquid was my #1 for almost 10 years, but Revlon has gone one better ...
Repurchase?
Definitely - I've bought two of these now, both half price. It's a dream come true ...

Regulars
Australis HD Translucent Loose Setting Powder (RRP $16.95)
Rimmel Exaggerate Full Colour Lip Liner - Peachy Beachy (0.25g, RRP $12.95)


Giveaway



Up for grabs are some of my personal favourites, and ones I'm currently using...
  • Australis HD Translucent Loose Setting Powder
  • Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence
  • Schmidt's Lavender + Sage Natural Deodorant (aluminium free)
  • Skin Physics Dragon's Blood Facial Sculpting Gel
All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $130.  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 Ariane S. as the winner.  
    Congratulations gorgeous! 
    Ariane, please respond to the email I've sent you by midnight
    Friday 18th December to claim your prize :-)
    Edit: Ariane has claimed her prize 
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Best of luck to all who enter!

    Take care of you,
    kats xxx

    Sunday, 23 August 2020

    July 2020 Empties & Giveaway!...

    Well now, in comparison to many of my other Empties posts, July was a bit of a fizzer - my collection tub was only two thirds full lol! Understandable as I took a break from the under-eye patches (I used 24 the month before), I was trialling a few new skincare items so my usual ones went on hold, plus I have quite a few products in rotation so I'll probably finish a whole bunch at the same time, which means that next month should be back to normal max volume ha ha. There are a few newbies in this collection though, so at least there's something interesting for you to read...

    Body

    Colgate Plax Alcohol-Free Gentle Mint Mouth Wash (500ml, RRP $6.49)
    Because I get bored easily, and also so I wouldn't tire of the taste of the White Glo mouthwash that's always in my Regulars section, I chose this one mainly because of the description "Gentle Mint". Most mouth washes are way too strong for me - I don't like it when they sting, burn my tongue, or inhaling the fumes makes me cough, and this particular variety doesn't give me any such grief. In fact, it might well become my favourite - delish fresh mint taste, and it's available at the supermarket. The only negative is that it doesn't have any whitening power ...
    Repurchase?
    Absolutely! ...

    Du-it Tough Hands Intensive Skin Repair (150g, RRP $11.99)
    I'm a bit naughty when it comes to hand creams - I have around eight partially used ones in my bedside drawer, so I'm now on a mission to use them all up before I open anything else (wish me luck!). I think this sample tube was a freebie from a beautyheaven Rewards Room pack, but regardless of its origin, if your hands are in poor shape, it's really something special. Amazingly rich and restorative, it absorbs well and doesn't leave a greasy film on the surface - just enough to keep the healing going, especially overnight. Barely any scent but I don't mind as it's such a great cure for cracked and damaged paws ...
    Repurchase?
    Definitely need a tube of this on hand for when I'm doing dirty work and neglect to wear gloves ...

    Sukin Arkie Hand Wash (500ml, RRP $9.95)
    A lovely scent mix of tangerine, mandarin, lavender & vanilla, I bought this primarily because I spotted it at Coles, and my household is powering through the hand wash these days (like everybody else). Foams well, doesn't dry my hands, and with jojoba, avocado & rosehip oils, aloe vera and chamomile, well how could I not toss it into the trolley? ...
    Repurchase?
    It's a limited edition, but if I spot it at Coles again, yes ...

    Weleda Citrus Creamy Body Wash (200ml, RRP $19.95)
    ADORE this body wash - my full review of it is HERE. It's officially a regular from now on ...
    Repurchase?
    Without doubt ...

    Weleda Skin Food Light (75ml, RRP $24.95)
    Ahh, Weleda - I'm a late boarder on this bus, but I'm making up for the lost time. There's a bit of a story behind how I discovered how AMAZING this stuff is. I knocked over a cup of freshly made tea onto my hand - my arm was in a sling from a major shoulder injury the day before, and literally trapped the just-off-the-boil water against my skin. In short, I had a rather severe burn across the back of my hand. Did all the right things with the ice, but it was bright red and very sore for days. Once the sting had gone I applied some of this magical potion every time I thought of it - let's say up to 10 times in a day. It was so soothing and cooling. After a few weeks, the skin started to peel - looked terrible while it was going on, dark brown and very wrinkly. But I kept applying the Skin Food Light until all the dead skin peeled off, revealing...smooth, clear, non-scarred skin. Unbelievable! My left hand now looks 10 years younger than my right. Weleda, you are my hero ...
    Repurchase?
    Silly question ...

    Regulars

    Natures Commonscents Natural Goats Milk & Paw Paw Body Wash (500ml, $8.00)
    Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)
    White Glo Charcoal Total Mouth Detox Whitening Mouthwash (500ml, RRP $6.99)

    Face

    Eaoron Makeup Remover Balm (90g, RRP $39)
    My favourite cleanser for the cold weather. Don't be put off by the price - this seems to be permanently on special at Chemist Warehouse (currently $18) - a total bargain, and it's brilliant. Such a shame the jar isn't recyclable. My in-depth review of it is HERE...
    Repurchase?
    Yes, every winter ...

    Olay Eyes Pro-Retinol Eye Treatment (15ml, RRP $48.99)
    Thanks to Fawn ♥ for putting me onto this gem. Improvements in under-eye skin texture within a matter of days, same for crows feet. I'm trying the new purple retinol one right now, and that has maintained the benefits already gained, but no startling new developments. I will always have a tube of this red jewel on hand. Pricey, but regularly on special, and I honestly don't care a fig about price if it works, which it does. No change to the baggies, but that's a given ...
    Repurchase?
    You betcha ...

    Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel (35ml, RRP $?)
    This sample tube came in last year's lookfantastic Advent Calendar. The problem with these boxes is that a lot of the products simply aren't available anywhere in Australia, this one included (although ASOS will ship for free). So if you fall in love with any of them, you're pretty much screwed. I didn't exactly fall in love with this one (fortunately) but it's a lovely pink cleanser - it's almost an oil that melts into the skin and removes everything, with minimal suds. Smells a bit soapy, but tolerable ...
    Repurchase?
    Nah - I prefer my Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit cleanser any day ...

    Skin Physics Dragon's Blood Facial Sculpting Gel (50ml, RRP $59.99)
    This was sent to me to trial by theorycrew, and I'll be forever grateful. Loved it so much I bought two more jars when it was on special recently at Priceline, which is the only place you can buy it. It's a soother and a smoother, absorbs super quick and leaves my skin all glowy, plump & refreshed. Unlike other gels I've tried recently, this one doesn't leave any tacky feeling on the skin surface. Mega hydrating with very little scent (sort of earthy, coconut coffee maybe?) and I believe it's making a difference to my jawline. Watch this space ...
    Repurchase?
    Yes, oui, si, ja etc. ...

    Regulars
    Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover (112ml, RRP $10.89) 
    Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil (30ml, RRP $42.99)
    Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence (40ml, RRP $39.99) 
    Sukin Rosehip Rejuvenating Facial Scrub (125ml, $14.99)
    Sukin Oil Balancing Charcoal Pore Refining Facial Scrub (125ml, $12.95)
    Swisspers Make-up Pads (Pack of 80, RRP $3.79)

    Fragrance

    Versace Dylan Blue EDP (30ml, RRP $102)
    Cute little sample bottle from a DJ's beauty bag. Nice scent, but for me not worth buying as it fades quickly. Starts off fruity and flowery and then becomes wood, wood and more wood. Adore the bottle...
    Repurchase?
    No...

    Hair

    Schwarzkopf Professional Royal Permanent Hair Color (60ml, RRP $23.96)
    Still hunting for a permanent silvery-blue hair colour - thought I'd found it in this one, but no. First time I used it, perfect! Fabulous shimmery steely grey - my dream shade. The second time, came out brown-ash, and third time, golden highlights. What is it with grey hair dye that no-one seems to be able to make it?...
    Repurchase?
    No - the search continues...

    Makeup

    Maybelline Brow Ultra Slim Eyebrow Pencil (RRP $15.95)
    So Maybelline dropped my hero Total Temptation Brow Definer from their range - boo! This is the substitute, and it's a pretty good one. The thing is, now that I'm going silvery-grey (or attempting to at least) my brows look weird being blonde and even weirder if I go up a level. So I use this to create the shape, and then go over them very lightly with the MNY Tattoo Brow Pomade in taupe, because this Ultra Slim doesn't come in taupe - boo! Believe me, I've tried 15 different colours and brands in the last 3 months, even grey and they all make me look like a clown, or Sylvester Stallone's mother. So, for now, it's a two-step process, and that's working just fine, just takes longer ...
    Repurchase?
    Affirmative ...

    Maybelline Face Studio Prime Pore Minimizing Primer (30ml, RRP $17.95)
    Because of this primer, Maybelline you are forgiven for the above. My regular is by DB Cosmetics, but my local Price Attack is ALWAYS out of stock, so I tried this and it's almost identical. Does the same pore minimising and mattifying trick, and at least it's readily available in lots of places. In June I bought four tubes for half price at Priceline ...
    Repurchase?
    Not for a while as I'm sorted for now, but yes ...


    Giveaway


    Ok, so this month we have up for grabs...
    • Maybelline Face Studio Prime Pore Minimising Primer
    • Olay Eyes Pro-Retinol Eye Treatment
    • Sukin Rosehip Rejuvenating Facial Scrub
    • Weleda Citrus Creamy Body Wash
    • 2 x Amber Rose Rose Gold-toned Indian Bracelets
    • Lovisa Rose Gold-toned Mosaic Earrings
    All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $135.  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 Manda G. as the winner.  
      Congratulations gorgeous! 
      Manda, please respond to the email I've sent you by midnight
      Wednesday 2nd September to claim your prize :-)
      Edit: Manda has claimed her prize 
      ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

      Best of luck to all who enter!

      Take care of you, and keep safe,
      kats xxx