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

Colgate Plax Alcohol Free Gentle Mint Mouth Wash (500ml, RRP $6.49)

Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)
SheaMoisture African Black Soap Soothing Body Wash - (384ml, $19.99)
SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Hydrating Body Wash (384ml, RRP $19.99) 

Weleda Pomegranate Creamy Body Wash (200ml, RRP $19.95)

Face

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

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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 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 ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you, and keep safe

kats xxx

June 2020 Empties & Giveaway!...

Well COVID-19 is not affecting my Empties, that's for sure! The usual mega selection of regulars, but there's a handful of new ones reviewed. I'm always excited when I finish a fragrance, and last month I spritzed the last of two bottles, both of which I've reviewed in detail in past posts, so I've included the links. June was also the month when I experimented with wearing the Skin Republic Eye Patches almost every night (both Collagen & Retinol) - I went through eight packs (all half-price specials), which equates to 24 pairs/nights, and can report that they made a difference to the puffiness of my eye bags, but not much change to my wrinkles. I'll probably go back to a couple of times a week as it was a bit of an indulgence and at full price, not one my budget can maintain. For the Giveaway, I have a super-duper special one - let's call it Christmas In July, so read on! ♥♥♥...

Body

The Body Shop British Rose Shower Gel (60ml, RRP $4)

This was part of a gift set sent to me at Christmas by one of my regular readers - a gorgeous, kind and generous lady (you know who you are sweetheart). British Rose is just that - pure and natural, the scent is the same as if you leaned over a rose bush in full bloom and took a deep breath, and the formula is non-drying. There was a body butter and hand cream too, and I just adore them all ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I will buy the big bottle for myself this Christmas ♥♥♥...

Schmidt's Lavender + Sage Natural Deodorant (75g, RRP $13.99)
I figure this formula would be just as effective as the charcoal one for completely stopping both odour and wetness, and I was right - what I didn't figure on was falling in love with the scent! I thought it would be a wee bit insipid or girly for winter, but it's fabulous. Definitely lavender, but the sage cuts the floral component in half and makes it herbally enough to be interesting and earthy - my new fave! ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
Priceline sells this, so that'll be a yes, and I already have a few spares ♥♥♥...

Regulars
Glow Lab Coconut & Sandalwood Body Wash (400ml, RRP $9)

Nutrimetics Nutri-Rich Shower Oil (200ml, RRP $42)
Oral-B 3D White Luxe Glamorous White Toothpaste (96g, RRP $9.49)
Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)
Skin Physics Advance Superlift Caviar Age-Recovery Hand & Nail Renewal Cream SPF15 (75ml, RRP $39.99)
White Glo Charcoal Total Mouth Detox Whitening Mouthwash (500ml, RRP $6.99)

Face

Bioré Baking Soda Pore Cleanser (200ml, RRP $10.99)

As part of my "let's clear the bench" campaign, I finished off this cleanser, which has been hanging around with about 10 pumps left in it for 2 years. It doesn't seem to be available any more, which on the one hand is a shame as I enjoyed it's effectiveness on my combo skin, however, the decision to drop it from the range may have been something to do with the annoyance that I could never seem to remove all the little baking soda granules from my face if I used it at the basin. Who knows, but that was my only beef, and I quite liked the scent ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

No - discontinued ♥♥♥...

L'Oreal Pure Clay Detoxifying Gel Wash (150ml, RRP $14.99)

Love this but it's incredibly messy unless used in the shower. Stains my wash cloth too but I'm prepared to put up with that as it works a treat to deep cleanse my face, and I've a passion for skincare products containing charcoal. It also has a very pleasant fragrance ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Yep, but not till the weather warms up ♥♥♥...

Olay Luminous Tone Perfecting Cream (14g, RRP $10)

I seem to have a stash of these trial-size jars of Olay creams from various sources, so I'll work my way through them whenever I finish something else. This one was truly a joy to use, refreshing floral scent and it left my skin lusciously hydrated and soft. Didn't notice any improvement in luminescence or spot fading, but hey, the jar only lasts a week which really is too soon to tell if it's working ♥♥...

Repurchase?

I'm about to start the Regenerist Retinol24 range, so no ♥♥...

Swisse Micellar Makeup Remover + Cucumber Extract (300ml, RRP $10.95)

Very good second cleanser and I always go for micellars that don't drag on my skin - this one has lots of slip and picked up every last trace of makeup left from the first cleanse, but the scent was a bit weird - not sure what it is, kind of earthy, but definitely not cucumber ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Doubt it - there are others that smell much nicer ♥♥♥...

Regulars

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

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

Swisspers Make-up Pads (Pack of 80, RRP $3.79)

Face Masks

Regulars
Nutrimetics Mineral Clay Masque with Apricot Extract & Soybean Oil (125ml, RRP $40)

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

Britney Spears Believe Eau De Parfum (100ml, RRP $39)
I've had this bottle for six years, and only just finished it. Not one I would purchase on a regular basis, but I'll definitely be replacing this one with a smaller size, just 'cos I need it every now and then. It's very different from all the others from this gal. My ancient review of it is HERE ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
Affirmative - the 30ml bottle is available from CW for $19.99 ♥♥♥...

Jennifer Aniston Chapter Two Eau De Parfum (30ml, RRP $19.99)

Love this floral oriental fragrance - my full review of it is HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Definitely. There is a 50ml bottle but this one is small enough for the handbag, so I don't have to decant it. I'm actually leaning towards smaller bottles in general for the same reason ♥♥♥...

Hair

Regulars

Goldwell Dualsenses Color Revive Color Giving Conditioner - Icy Blonde (s00ml, RRP $32.95)

Makeup

Maybelline Volume Express The Falsies Mascara (RRP $19.95)

I actually use two mascaras when I'm going to work or somewhere special. I start with the waterproof variety of The Falsies, then curl my lashes (it holds the curl indefinitely), followed by a coat of this baby, and a waterproof layer over the top. I do this because this non-waterproof variety has heaps more fibres and gives my lashes some much-needed bulk ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I have a stash ♥♥♥...

Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Mascara (RRP $24.95)

Tried this during the lockdown, and it's good, but nothing special happened as far as lifting was concerned, so I'll stick with the original formulas ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

No - the combo mentioned above works best for me ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Australis AC On Tour Contouring & Highlighting Kit - Cool Tone Cream (RRP $24.95)
Australis HD Translucent Loose Setting Powder (RRP $16.95)

DB Pore Minimising Primer (25ml, $14.99)

Eye of Horus Emerald Tabula Goddess Pencil (1.2g, RRP $30)

Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner (RRP $15.95)

Maybelline Total Temptation Brow Definer (RRP $17.95)

Christmas In July Giveaway!

I think we could all do with a bit of a boost, so this month at kats colourings, we're having Christmas In July! The pack includes...

• Olay Eyes Retinol24 Night Cream
• Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturiser
• Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Serum

...but there are also some extra surprises in store for the lucky winner, because Christmas is all about surprises hey?  All items were purchased by me and the approximate value of the pictured products is around $180, but the "surprises" take it a fair whack above that.  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 Claire F. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

Claire, please respond to the email I've sent you by midnight

Wednesday 29th July to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Claire has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: November Empties!...

Wasn't expecting my Christmas Eve post to be the empties from two months ago lol! But that's how it happened with all that's been going on in December. Still I'm giving myself a pat on back for having a successful November finishing off quite a few products - a good mix of body, teeth and face goodies, some of which were first timers, while others were long time favourites that have taken forever to get through. So let's get on with it...

Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief Toothpaste (100g, RRP $9.99)

Found this at the back of the drawer during a clean out - it was opened but the use by date was somewhere far off in 2017, so I finished it off. I had a sensitive tooth after it was crowned, and while this did the trick with helping to settle it down, I know why it was in the drawer - not the most inspiring taste (a bit meh actually), I much prefer the refreshing Sensodyne one below...

Repurchase?
No - there are other brands whose taste is more to my liking...

Sensodyne Whitening, Repair & Protect Toothpaste (100g, RRP $10.99)

Excellent product - tooth is no longer sensitive in the slightest, actually that happened long before I finished the tube but I kept going as it tasted so nice and minty ♥...

Repurchase?
Yes, next time I have a peg that shrieks when I eat icecream, this will be the one I go for ♥...

nspa Fresh Sweet Raspberry Shower & Bath Gel (500ml, RRP $7.15)

Love this brand of body wash in general, this one is particularly refreshing - definitely raspberries, but Coles has stopped stocking it - bah humbug!

Repurchase?
Absolutely, if I can find another stockist ♥...

nspa Exotically Creamy Coconut Shower & Bath Gel (500ml, RRP $7.15)

I actually prefer coconut scented products in Winter - I find this quite warming, and so I was just finishing it off to make space for something fruity. If you like coconut though you'll love it. The nspa formula of all their gels has lots of creamy bubbles, and it's non-drying...

Repurchase?
Not till the weather cools down...and I can find it again ♥...

Lancôme La Vie Est Belle EDP (4ml sample, 30ml RRP $97)

This beautifully gourmand fragrance leaked in my handbag a month ago (stopper dislodged) so technically I didn't finish it, but the bottle is empty so it qualifies for this post ha ha, and my bag is only just now returning to it's unscented state. Exceptionally potent, I did a little rave about it a couple of years ago HERE...

Repurchase?
I haven't actually purchased this ever - I have several tiny bottles that all came in GWP's, so no, I have enough to keep me going for a while yet ♥...

MBA Cosmetics Petite Lipstick - Paranormal (3.5g no longer available, 5g, RRP USD7.50)

ADORE this lipstick - MBA make the most fabulous purple lip products, and you'll find a piccie of this on my lips at the bottom of the page HERE. It's just so vibrant, the formula is dense and hydrating, and I'm shattered that I'll be without this beauty until I place my next order ♥...

Repurchase?

There was never a surer bet - the petites are no longer available, but it comes in a standard lippie so I'll breathe again as soon as the next sale is on ♥...

L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara Black (8ml, RRP $26.95)

This was a pretty good mascara, but nothing exceptional - I bought it because it seemed pretty close to my fave (False Lash Telescopic Waterproof, which was out of stock), and while it worked ok as a first coat (for separation) under my HG Maybelline The Falsies, it just didn't do the job as well as the other one I love...

Repurchase?
No...

NYX HD Studio Finishing Powder (6g, RRP $18.95)

Being a NYX product I had high hopes, but to be honest, it isn't as good as my HG Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder. The main issue I have with this product is that it has a sheen - that might be what you're looking for, but I need my finishing powder to be matte, well at least at the start of the day. So while it ticked almost every other box (it's $6 more than Australis), I'll stick with the one that does precisely what I need it to do...

Repurchase?
Not unless they change the formula...

Dr. Lewinn's Eternal Youth Day & Night Eye Cream (15g, RRP $69.95)

Hmmm interesting. This is a lovely LOVELY eye cream, but I can't get past the weird applicator. It's hard to describe, but it's like a slightly curved metal disc - you squeeze the tube and the product oozes from the middle onto the metal, and then you swipe that around your eye. Doesn't feel sharp, but the sensation is not all that comfortable, and for that reason I'll give it a miss. The formula itself is very moisturising, just wish it was either a roller ball, or a plain old squeeze tube ♥...

Repurchase?
If they change the delivery system, yes...

Original Source Hibiscus & Pomegranate Tea Shower Gel (Limited Edition) (250ml, RRP $4.40)

Oh boy, this was a lesson in the fickle nature of my nose. Sniffed it when it first came out, and wasn't impressed. Then, being a limited edition, Coles were getting rid of it for $2, so I relented, and that's when I lapsed into TOTAL dismay because I absolutely LOVED it in the shower! Raced back the next day to buy whatever was left, and it was all gone. Sob...that'll teach me to always give a product a second sniff ♥...

Repurchase?
If anyone has seen this ANYWHERE, please let me know - I'd buy 10 bottles if I could...

botanicES Hand Creme (15ml, RRP $?)

Oh yeah baby, this is the ultimate hydrating, enriching, non-greasy hand cream. Rave review HERE, however it has two major flaws - 1) currently only purchasable with the complete skin care package, and 2) it comes in pump bottle that's way too small. The lovelies at botanicES have advised that they're working on both of these issues, and so I wait ♥...

Repurchase?
Without a doubt, just hanging till they sort out the packaging and availability ♥...

Eye of Horus Goddess Pencil Amethyst Jewel (12g, RRP $30)

These goddess pencils are my current HG eye liners - I use them as bases for my eye shadows because they're so incredibly pigmented and long lasting, but also on my waterline as they don't irritate, and last a good four or five hours. This particular purple is gorgeous - has some sparkles in it which look amazing on the lids, but it's a tad uncomfortable on the waterline if any of the bits find their way into my eye. Doesn't sting or cause any redness or watering, it's just not all that comfortable...

Repurchase?

Not for now - I have almost the complete set, but I'll keep looking elsewhere for a purple waterliner that doesn't have any glittery inclusions...

The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Facial Oil (7ml sample, 30ml, RRP $54.95)

Wasn't quite as enamored with this oil as I was with the Sleeping Cream in the same range (adore!), but it sure is a lovely oil. I would highly recommend it if you have dry skin and are after a more natural product - my skin is normal with oily parts, and while it didn't give me any problems, it also didn't really show me any benefits that I would want to pursue with a larger quantity...

Repurchase?

Probably not - with the range of products available these days, I would need an oil at this price to really blow my skirt up, plus I'd rather spend my moolah on something that is specific for my pigmentation...

Wishing you all the Merriest of Christmases - stay well and happy, and keep your loved ones close and safe ♥

Take care of you,
kats xxx