Showing posts with label Vera Wang. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vera Wang. Show all posts

Sunday, 9 May 2021

March 2021 Empties & Giveaway!...

Before I get started on the March Empties, I thought to let you know that my work life is still impacting my personal world in a major way - I was kinda hoping that after 31st March the pressure would ease a little, but I'm still waiting for that to happen lol! It's a bummer as I have lots to share with you as well as on Instagram, but after long and stressful days, I have very little time or energy left to put it all together. But I know how much you enjoy the Empties and I'm up to my neck in throwaway containers (!), so instead of colouring my hair (whoops), here we go...


Body

Glow Lab Blackberry & Bay Body Wash (400ml, RRP $9)
I do so enjoy these Glow Lab body washes. When I first bought this one I tagged the scent as winter appropriate but it was so enticing I couldn't wait, so I washed my bod with it over the summer. It's crisp and spicy rather than fruity, although it has heaps of citrus essential oils, and they're balanced with floral & herbal extracts. Quite distinctive and one I'll continue to enjoy in the cold weather, but I'll add a few extra drops of shower oil to boost the moisture content ...
Repurchase?
Yes indeed ...


White Glo Professional Choice Extra Strength Whitening Toothpaste
 (100ml, RRP $5.99)
Ever so slightly different taste to the others, but the same level of whitening power on my old choppers. It's good to know it doesn't matter which one from the range I buy - they're all as good as each other ...
Repurchase?
For sure ...

Regulars

Colgate Plax Alcohol Free Gentle Mint Mouth Wash (500ml, RRP $6.49)
Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)
Schmidt's Charcoal + Magnesium Mineral Enriched Natural Deodorant (75g/92g, RRP $13.99/$19.95)
Swisspers Makeup Pads (Pack of 80, RRP $3.99)
White Glo Toothbrush (free with the above toothpaste)

Face

Breeze Balm Lip Balm - Birthday Bash (15g, RRP $19.95)

I'm crazy about these balms - far superior to anything else that's crossed my lips over the years. Not so keen on this "flavour" though - supposed to be pink lemonade, but it just smells super sweet to me. Same fabulously enriching formula though, and the good news is they've made the hole slightly bigger so it's an easier squeeze in the cold weather ...
Repurchase?
Not this one, but I'm hooked on the watermelon & pineapple variety ...

Regulars

Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes (Pack of 25, RRP $7.99) 
Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Acne Wash (175ml, RRP $14.99)
Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence (40ml, RRP $39.99)
Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Serum (30ml, RRP $59.99)
Skin Physics Dragon's Blood Facial Sculpting Gel (50ml, RRP $59.99)

Fragrance

Vera Wang Lovestruck EDP (100ml, $89)
Well now, this fragrance is proof that if you keep your perfumes in a cool dark space, they last a long time. Bought this in 2015 and it was almost perfect until the last half dozen spritzes. I reviewed it at the time and I still feel the same way about it, click the name above to go there direct ...
Repurchase?
Tempting, but there are so many others I want to try ...


Hair

Regulars

Goldwell Kerasilk Control Conditioner (250ml, RRP $34.95)
Goldwell Kerasilk Control Intensive Smoothing Mask (200ml, RRP $42.95)

Makeup

Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil - Grey (RRP $45)

I bought this in a fit of desperation during a relatively fruitless search for a grey eyebrow pencil (to match my hair) - in hindsight the price was ridiculous. Yeah, sure it was good quality, but too dark and stark for what I'm after, which is a  light to medium grey that I can build up ...
Repurchase?
Not unless I'm totally desperate again ...

ModelsPrefer Contour/Collection - Ultimate Higlighting + Contouring Palette ($16.99)
My local Priceline has stopped stocking this, but it seems to still be available online - thank goodness as it's the best colour scheme for my complexion (which means not orange!). Mind you I only use four of the six pans, but by mixing them together I can create a blend that suits me to a tee and doesn't look weird. Great price too. Powders are fine for my cheeks and jawline, but they seem to exaggerate the craterous pores on my nose, but I can smudge the cream ones so they're effective but not obvious. So hard to find cream contour kits! ...
Repurchase?
Definitely, online ...

Revlon Colorstay Life-Proof Matte Foundation Stick - 180 Sand Beige (RRP $25.95)
Ahh, Revlon - you were one of my first loves, and you're still delivering the goodies. My current numero uno foundation. This is the one I wear to the office or for special occasions. PERFECT colour match to my skin, blends to a perfect finish, lasts ALL DAY, doesn't transfer, SPF 27, slight sheen finish - it doesn't get much better than this ...
Repurchase?
Forever ...

Regulars

Australis HD Translucent Loose Setting Powder (RRP $16.95)
Maybelline Brow Ultra Slim Eyebrow Pencil - Blonde (RRP $15.95)
Maybelline Master Precise Allday Liquid Liner (RRP $15.95)
Maybelline Volume Express The Falsies Mascara (RRP $19.95)
Natio Define Eye Pencil - Charcoal (RRP $14.95)

Giveaway!!!

Totally bummed that I didn't get to do a special Mother's Day gift in time, but hey, it's only May so I'll no doubt make up for it. For now, here's what's in the bundle...


  • Makeup Revolution freebie comprising:
    • Revolution Pro 4K Bronzer Palette - Warm
    • Unicorns Heart Rainbow Highlighter
    • 5 Eye Shadow Palette - Raspberry Icing
    • Intensely Pigmented Foil Shadow Palette
    • The Liner Revolution Waterproof Smudgeproof Eyeliner - Intense Black
    • Semi-Permanent Brow Tint - Taupe
  • Lovisa Rose Gold Tone Silk Square Earring and Necklace Set,  & Diamante Crossover Ring - Size M/L
The makeup was a Gift With Purchase - I thought it was so awesome I placed another order so I could get a set for this giveaway. Here's a pic of a couple of the items I opened from my pack:



And a closeup of the gorgeous jewellery:



Approximate value is $85, and this giveaway is open to...

Australian Residents Only! 

Here's how to enter...
  1. Leave a blog post comment on this page that answers the question inside the Rafflecopter (please note: if you don't leave a comment on this page, you won't be included in the draw!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 Anna M. as the winner.  
    Congratulations gorgeous! 
    Anna, please respond to the email I've sent you by midnight
    Wednesday 19th May to claim your prize :-)
    Edit: Anna has claimed her prize 
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Best of luck to all who enter!

    Take care of you, and keep safe,
    kats xxx

    Sunday, 19 April 2020

    March 2020 Empties & Giveaway!...

    Well now, my biggest collection of Empties ever. Holey guacamoley, there are almost 40 containers here - so many I had to stand three feet back from the bench in order to take the pic! No less than four body washes - I usually have around eight in rotation in the shower caddy, and for whatever reason, I finished half of them within a few weeks of each other. Also another bottle of perfume (major back-pats for kats), two lip balms and some new skincare, so here we go...


    Body

    Beechworth Honey Bush Honey & Macadamia Hand Cream (100ml, RRP $12)
    I've just realised I don't have a hand cream in my Regulars section - it's because I have such a huge stash to work through, and it takes me forever to finish each tube (although I'm using more now that I'm washing my hands every 10 minutes lol). The last appearance of this beauty in an Empties post was July 2018, but if I can manage another one this year, this darling will be the first one to hit that section. Even though I have at least 10 others in my drawer (most partly used), I bought this because I love what it does for my hands, plus I didn't want to go through a Summer without the refreshment of the zingy lemon myrtle fragrance ...
    Repurchase?
    Spare stashed away ...

    Bosisto's Kakadu Plum & Lemon Myrtle Nourishing Body Wash (500ml, RRP $8)
    Lovely crisp and fresh scent and has everything else going for it - available in the supermarket, SLS-free, not tested on animals & Australian owned. So why not three hearts? Well because of my age I've made yet another decision about the shower products I use, above and beyond they must be SLS-free - they also have to contribute some moisture to my skin, and I need that all year round not just in Winter. So while this is a lovely product, and I would recommend it to anyone that doesn't have very dry skin, I won't be including it in my collection going forward (see pic below of what I'm continuing to use) ...
    Repurchase?
    No. I actually have another one stashed away, but it's too heavy to include in the giveaway so I'll gift it to a family member ...




    Fresca Natural Deodorant - Wooden Spice with Sandalwood & Carrot Seed (50ml, RRP $16.50)
    In my not-so-long-ago series on aluminium-free deodorants, I rated this numero uno, and I still love it. But I'm now preferring the wind-up stick format from Schmidt's (see below), purely from an application comfort point of view as I don't have to wait for it to dry - cream sticks have been my preference for years now and still are, but that aside, this is a fabulous product and highly recommended ...
    Repurchase?
    Maybe ...

    Schmidt's Cedarwood + Juniper Natural Deodorant (92g, RRP $13.99)
    This range is now my #1. While I said that this fragrance was a bit strong and masculine on the really hot days, it's actually just right for the cooler weather ...
    Repurchase?
    Even though this particular scent is not available at Priceline, yes ...

    Regulars
    Natures Commonscents Natural Goats Milk & Paw Paw Body Wash (500ml, $8.00)
    Oral-B 3D White Luxe Glamorous White Toothpaste (96g, RRP $9.49)
    Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)
    SheaMoisture African Black Soap Soothing Body Wash - (384ml, $24.95)
    SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Hydrating Body Wash (384ml, RRP $24.95)
    White Glo Charcoal Total Mouth Detox Whitening Mouthwash (500ml, RRP $6.99)


    Face

    Breeze Balm Lip Balm - Bananas For You & Grape Crush  (15g, RRP $19.95)
    Finished both of these at the same time, one next to the bed, one on my computer bench. Breeze Balm is still the best and most effective lip balm I've ever tried, and I've been hitting it hard these last few weeks as I've only been wearing lipstick for rare outings or swatching. My lips have reaped the rewards of pretty much all day use of this amazing formula - so much softer, more supple and even less wrinkly. I reviewed the Pineapple Pash HERE and have since fallen big time for Watermelon Crush ...
    Repurchase?
    Not these two particular flavours, but this balm will be in my kit forever, in one variety or another ...

    InstaNatural Retinol Serum (30ml, RRP $32.77)
    Embarrassed to say I bought this from iHerb several years ago when I was first researching retinol products, and never opened it! Well, my loss that's for sure - it's a gorgeous serum with a fabulously fresh citrus (orange?) scent. Contains Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide & COQ10 - an absolute powerhouse of anti-ageing ingredients. It had a use-by date towards the end of last year, but I figured that because I hadn't opened it, it would be ok. Well, it still gave me a little tingle and considering its age, I was pleasantly surprised at how much my skin seemed to love it - very runny but absorbs quickly, and my skin looked radiant, firm and with a more even texture ...
    Repurchase?
    I might just to see if a fresh bottle performs even better to lighten my pigmentation - it's cheaper than the Neutrogena one below, but the shipping and waiting for it to arrive is a bit of a pain ...

    La Roche-Posay Reactive Skin Micellar Water Ultra (200ml RRP $27.95)
    This 100ml bottle came in a skincare bag - it's a lovely and very effective product, but I wouldn't normally buy it because of the price. There are other micellar waters that are just as good and cost half as much, and I only use it as a second cleanser anyway. I reviewed the Effaclar one for oily skin HERE and this one is very similar ...
    Repurchase?
    As nice as it is, probably not ...

    Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil (30ml, RRP $42.99)
    I actually prefer this to the cream serum - I find it more effective and my skin seems to drink it in faster, which is interesting considering it's an oil, but there you go. It's a very light consistency, has barely any scent, and is effortlessly massaged into the skin. I stopped using it over the Summer (along with my other retinol skincare) and just finished up the last few droppers towards the end of March - love the cap with the push button that loads just the right amount into the glass tube ...
    Repurchase?
    Already have, just using up a couple of other serums I've had on the bench for a while ...

    Sukin Oil Balancing Charcoal Purifying Gel Cleanser (125ml, RRP $12.95)
    I love this cleanser, but it usually only appears once every 12 months as there are others that I love just that little bit more. Still, it's a terrific product for my combination skin in the hot weather - low-sudsing and non-drying, but still takes off all the makeup and helps balance my oily-T ...
    Repurchase?
    Yes but not till next November ...

    Regulars
    Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes (Pack of 25, RRP $7.99) 
    Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Acne Wash (175ml, RRP $14.99)
    Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover (112ml, RRP $10.89) 
    Sukin Oil Balancing Charcoal Pore Refining Facial Scrub (125ml, $12.95)
    Swisspers Make-up Pads (Pack of 80, RRP $3.79)


    Face Masks

    BLAQ Charcoal Hydrogel Eye Mask (pack of 5, RRP $29.99)
    I bought this second box from Priceline a while ago and then forgot about them. Used all five in March, but only one pic as I wore four pairs to bed! Love them, but sadly they only seem to be available from the BLAQ US website now, which means they are outside my beauty equation ♥♥...
    Repurchase?
    Not unless they are once again available in Australia ♥♥♥...


    Lacura Charcoal Bubble Mask with Moringa & Green Tea Extract (Box of 3, RRP $4.99)
    What a surprise this was! Just as good as the other brands I've tried, with the added bonus that there are three in the pack. If I see these again in Aldi, I will buy lots (COVID-19 purchase restrictions permitting of course). Below is my face once I removed the mask and wiped over with micellar water - deeply cleansed, smooth and hydrated. Incidentally, I do have eyebrows, but they are so pale and sparse, my camera barely registers them ...
    Repurchase?
    In a heartbeat! ...



    Regulars
    Purederm Ginkgo Eye Puffiness Minimizing Patches (2 pairs, RRP $3)
    Skin Republic Retinol Hydrogel Under Eye Patch (3 pairs, RRP $9.99)


    Fragrance

    Vera Wang Lovestruck Floral Rush EDP (50ml, Discontinued)
    Lovingly reviewed HERE, I bought this in 2016 so it's taken the best part of four years to finish it. Lovely fresh and alluring fragrance for Spring/Summer and I shall miss the exquisite bottle ...
    Repurchase?
    Can find it on eBay, but negative - there are way too many others to try! ...


    Hair

    Vitality's Art Absolute Creme Peroxide 30 vol (500ml, RRP $5.99)
    This is the Chemist Warehouse equivalent of what I normally by from Price Attack. Very cheap and seems to work just as well ... 
    Repurchase?
    Probably not as I don't get to CW as often as PA ...

    Vitality's Art Absolute Hair Colour Cream - Ash Blonde (100ml, RRP $11.99)
    Ditto the above but sadly the shade doesn't turn out as ash as the Salon Professional Supplies brand, in fact, it's more golden blonde than ash-blonde... 
    Repurchase?
    No...

    Regulars
    Goldwell Dualsenses Blondes & Highlights Anti-Yellow Shampoo (300ml, RRP $25.95)
    Goldwell Kerasilk Control Shampoo (250ml, RRP $35.95)
    Schwarzkopf Live Colour Pastels - Cool Grey, Metallic - Lilac Chrome & Denim Steel (RRP $5.49)
    Schwarzkopf OSIS+ Sparkler Shine Spray (300ml, RRP $27.95)


    Makeup

    NYX Pore Filler (20ml, $21.95)
    This has an almost identical texture and delivers results similar to my favourite DB Cosmetics Pore Minimising Primer - mattifies and smooths my face without making it feel tight or dry, and creates the perfect base for foundation. I bought it because it was on special and actually cheaper than the DB one, but the regular price is $7 more and has 5ml less product ♥♥... 
    Repurchase?
    If I can't get hold of my DB fave, then yes - always a good idea to have a backup plan! ♥♥...

    Regulars
    Australis AC On Tour Contouring & Highlighting Kit - Cool Tone Cream (RRP $24.95)
    Natio Define Eye Pencil - Steel Grey (RRP $14.95)


    Giveaway


    This month we have some faves from earlier posts...
    • Eye of Horus Goddess Pencil - Charcoal Obsidian
    • Eye of Horus Precision Sharpener
    • Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash - Pink Grapefruit
    • Nutrimetics Honey & Almond Scrub
    • Nutrimetics Mineral Clay Masque

    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 B. as the winner.  
      Congratulations gorgeous! 
      Ariane, please respond to the email I've sent you by midnight
      Wednesday 29th April to claim your prize :-)
      Edit: Ariane has claimed her prize 
      ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

      Best of luck to all who enter!

      Take care of you, and keep safe,
      kats xxx

      Friday, 14 June 2019

      May 2019 Empties & Giveaway!...

      This may well be my biggest empties post yet! I mentioned in my April article that I was "over" having multiple opened skincare products on my bench, so I'm in the middle of a blitz clearing everything that's part-used. While there are only two "old" creams here (eye & day moisturiser), the big win was actually the shower stall where I managed to clear several hair products and face scrubs that I've had in rotation for many months. Feels SO GOOD I can assure you! ...

      May 2019 Empties

      Body

      La Roche-Posay Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil (400ml, RRP $33.95)
      This 100ml sample tube came in a beauty box a long long time ago - having only recently experienced its wondrous moisturising powers in the shower, I was feeling quite silly for keeping it in the drawer for so long. But then I read the label and saw the SLS content, and now I'm in a quandary because my skin sure seems to love this slightly foaming cleanser ...
      Repurchase?
      Despite it being such a lovely product, probably not...

      Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)
      I keep forgetting to hang onto this container to include it in my empties. After this post, it will appear in the Regulars section as I go through at least one pack a month flossing after every meal. This is a can't-live-without, the ONLY floss worth buying in my book! I have a mixture of wide and tight gaps between my teeth, and this tape is the only one that works for every instance, doesn't fray, and doesn't hurt my gums. Being extra wide, it lifts out even the minutest chunks of debris and those hard to shift berry seeds. The crazy thing is that I can only buy it at Chemist Warehouse, so I usually pick up in-store or order online at least five packs at a time ...
      Repurchase?
      For as long as I have teeth! ...

      SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Hydrating Body Wash (384ml, RRP $24.95)
      So softening, so moisturising, so beneficial for dry skin. My review is HERE ...
      Repurchase?
      Most definitely - a reminder that if you enter the "KATS" code at the checkout, you get 30% off! ...

      Skin Physics Advance Superlift Caviar Age-Recovery Hand & Nail Renewal Cream SPF15 (75ml, RRP $39.99)
      Hand cream is another I'll be putting into focus over the next few months as I'm notorious for having anything up to 10 "in progress" tubes lying around the house, office, handbag, car. But it will be a big challenge to clear those as I fell so deeply in love with this hand cream that came my way at the beautyheaven Glosscars event back in March. At $40 for 75ml, it's what I would call expensive, but I'm prepared to pay that much for my next tube because I consider it a treatment product. If the ingredients list sequence is anything to go by, I don't think there's much caviar content, but the formula is certainly a winner for hands of advanced age like mine. The cream is quite runny, but sure packs a punch as far as moisturising potency is concerned, together with delivering tangible results in spot lightening, wrinkle reduction, nail strengthening and overall skin plumping. It has a faint fresh scent and absorbs lightning fast, leaving no greasy residue. The only thing I don't like is the tube, which is flat and unstable when stood on end - it topples over when the cat sneezes in another part of the house, but I can live with that because it's so good ...
      Repurchase?
      I certainly will, just as soon as I finish off my MASSIVE tube of L'Occitane, that was also gifted by beautyheaven ...

      Regulars
      Johnson's Baby Cotton Buds (Box of 60, RRP $2.99)
      White Glo Charcoal Total Mouth Detox Whitening Mouthwash (500ml, RRP $6.99)


      Face

      BotanicES Eye Creme (15ml, RRP $40)
      My review of this fab eye cream is HERE. I've been somewhat unfaithful to it over the last 18 months in that I've been trying quite a few others that came my way as gifts, freebies or trials, and am currently stuck on a retinol one, but I'll get back to this darling for the summer, which is when the consistency and moisturising power are perfect for my peepers ...
      Repurchase?
      Yep ...

      Neutrogena Deep Clean Purifying Cooling Gel Scrub (100g, RRP $11.99)
      Love this scrub, and especially its invigoratingly fresh scent, which wakes me up nicely on these cold dark mornings. Gentle yet effective for keeping my pores goop-free ...
      Repurchase?
      Already have ...

      Nivea Cellular Anti-Age Day Cream SPF15 (50ml, RRP $27.99)
      This was left over from last September when I was sent the revamped (Hyaluron) version to trial for beautyheaven. After that, I shifted to a retinol range, and then the Elasticity & Re-Densifying Day Cream arrived for trial (again from bh), so this one has been languishing on my bench with about one third left in the jar. Didn't want to toss it though as it's excellent ...
      Repurchase?
      It's not available any more, the new Hyaluron version is even better...

      Nutrimetics Honey & Almond Scrub (125ml, RRP $40)
      Actually covered my first tube of this (in many years) last month, so I may have to shift it to the Regulars section next time around. I powered through this second one in six weeks, that's how often I use it ...
      Repurchase?
      Yes, love it! ...

      Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging Detoxifying Pore Scrub (150ml, RRP $14.99)
      Another scrub that I absolutely adored. I bought it purely because it was on special, and I've decided it'll be a regular in my skin care kit from now on. Smells divine and it's gentle enough to use every other day - the exfoliant is silica. My only beef with this is the packaging - the red colouring of the label starts to wear off after a while, and it took a few "what the hell is that?" episodes before I figured out where the little red flakes on my face were coming from! ...
      Repurchase?
      Yes indeedy ...

      St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub (150ml, RRP $9.99)
      My shower caddy is never without this - it's my deep dive super clean mega scrub that I use once a week to really pare back the dead surface cells. Love the apricot scent, and even though it's the strongest scrub in my kit, it never ever causes any irritation. Been using it for years, and will continue to do so for as long as they make it ...
      Repurchase?
      Forever ...

      Regulars
      Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover (112ml, RRP $10.89)
      Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Anti-Ageing Moisturiser with Accelerated Retinol SA & SPF 15 (29ml, RRP $39.99)
      Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum with Accelerated Retinol SA (29ml, RRP $42.99)
      Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence (40ml, RRP $39.99)


      Face Masks

      Skin Republic Pink Clay Mud Sheet Mask (18g, RRP $12.99)
      With the regularity of their appearances in these posts, it's safe to say that Skin Republic masks are very dear to my heart, and whenever they're on special, I stock up. This Pink Clay Mud one has been featured several times because it has so much going for it - full coverage, great fit, mess-free, deep cleansing, and it tightens pores. The only drawback is the price - but if you're like me, you'll hunker down until there's a deal at Priceline, Chemist Warehouse, Woolworths etc ...
      Repurchase?
      That'll be a yes ...

      Skin Republic Pink Clay Mud Mask

      Skin Republic Seaweed Hydrogel Mask (18g, RRP $12.99)
      It's hard to beat hydrogel masks for a hydration boost. As effective at calming redness and infusing moisture as the Green Tea one, this one doesn't have quite as much chill so it's a more comfortable one for winter. They're both terrific, and my preference is always for a two-piece as they fit heaps better, and seem to be less likely to fall off ...
      Repurchase?
      Affirmative ...

      Skin Republic Seaweed Hydrogel Mask

      Regulars
      Purederm Ginkgo Eye Puffiness Minimizing Patches (2 pairs, RRP $3)


      Fragrance

      Vera Wang Princess Revolution EDT (50ml, RRP $49)
      I reviewed this lovingly HERE. It's taken me three years to get through this totally gorgeous bottle of edgy deliciousness, but that's not surprising given I have so many others on my shelf (oops!). Sadly I can't find this anywhere except on eBay, so I guess I'll have to replace it with one of the many others in the Princess series ...
      Repurchase?
      Would if I could ...

      Vera Wang Princess Revolution


      Hair

      Goldwell Kerasilk Control Shampoo (250ml, RRP $35.95)
      Oddly enough, this is the first appearance of this brilliant shampoo on my blog, which is puzzling since I've been using it for years. A free bottle is included with every Kerasilk treatment (usually every three months) and then I only have to buy one more bottle to tide me over till the next session. Oddly enough it contains SLS (I've only just spotted it on the label - quelle horreur!) and yet it doesn't have any negative effects on either my hair or scalp. It has a lovely fresh scent and keeps my tresses glossy and in tip-top de-frizzed shape ...
      Repurchase?
      Despite the SLS content, always ...

      O&M Original Detox Shampoo (350ml, RRP $32.95)
      This was recommended by my hairdresser as I use quite a few styling products to achieve my latest messy look (lol!), and it works a treat as a clarifier - doesn't strip away the necessary oils nor any colourant. Being SLS-free it takes a bit of doing to get the first wash to foam up but after that no problem. What I'm not so keen on is the strong peppermint content, which I enjoy in toothpaste, mouthwash, Minties and chewing gum, but as a rule, not anywhere else ...
      Repurchase?
      No - I've since found something even more effective with a fragrance that I love...

      Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Keratin Cream Rinse (250ml, RRP $34.95)
      This bottle was left over from the time when I was unable to buy the Goldwell Kerasilk Control Conditioner, and if I ever have that problem again, this is the conditioner I would purchase in a heartbeat as a replacement. It's truly fabulous - leaves my hair SO SOFT it doesn't even feel like hair ha ha! ...
      Repurchase?
      Absolutely, but only if I can't find my Kerasilk fave ...

      Schwarzkopf OSIS+ Sparkler Shine Spray (300ml, RRP $27.95)
      Discovered this during my ongoing search for a shine spray that doesn't weigh my hair down or build up after multiple uses. Well, this one (recommended by a Priceattack assistant) is pretty darn near perfect - unbelievable mirror shine, plus de-frizzing and conditioning. It does build up a little if you use it in the same quantity as hairspray but applied as recommended in short bursts, it's the ultimate gloss and makes even grey hair look fabulously healthy and vibrant ...
      Repurchase?
      You betcha ...

      Regulars
      Scott Cornwall Colour Restore Iced Platinum Anti-Yellow Toner (100ml, RRP $16.95)


      Makeup

      Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation - Beige (30ml, RRP $29)
      Awesome foundation - the perfect colour match for my skin tone. Medium coverage with a soft dewy finish, I mix it most days (on the back of my hand) 50/50 with am SPF50 CC cream for a tad more density and protection. But it works brilliantly on its own as well, lasts a good 12 hours, more in the cooler weather when I don't sweat so much ...
      Repurchase?
      Definitely - as soon as I finish a couple of others ...

      DB Cosmetics Flawless All in One Foundation Stick - True Beige (15g, RRP $14.99)
      I always prefer to have at least one stick foundation in my kit at all times - reminds me of my drama school days and the pro makeup stash underneath the stage that we were able to raid whenever there was a performance. This one from DB is excellent for the price - it's quite creamy and provides full coverage if you need it, has a slightly dewy finish (that I set with a translucent powder,) lasts well throughout the day, and True Beige is a great match for me. I also use this with a cotton bud to clean up mascara or eye shadow specks around my eyes even when I'm using other foundations ...
      Repurchase?
      I was supposed to wait until I cleared some of the backlogs, but I bought another one today ...

      Regulars
      Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner (RRP $15.95)
      Maybelline Total Temptation Brow Definer (RRP $13.95)
      Maybelline Volume Express The Falsies Waterproof Mascara (RRP $19.95)


      Giveaway!

      As usual, I've bundled up some of this month's faves and added a cute Lovisa boxed jewellery set 

      Giveaway prize

      Here's a closeup of the necklace and earrings - they're so sparkly!

      Lovisa Jewellery set
      • Lovisa Owl Necklace & Earring Set
      • Maybelline Volume Express The Falsies Waterproof Mascara
      • Neutrogena Deep Clean Purifying Cooling Gel Scrub
      • Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging Detoxifying Pore Scrub
      • Reach Dentotape
      • Skin Republic Pink Clay Mud Sheet Mask
      • Skin Republic Seaweed Hydrogel Mask
      • St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub
      All items were purchased by me and the total prize value is approx $100. 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 see who won!

        a Rafflecopter giveaway

        Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Candice N. as the winner.  
        Congratulations gorgeous! 
        Candice, please respond to the email I've sent you by midnight
        Wednesday 26th June to claim your prize :-)
        Edit: Candice has claimed her prize 
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        Best of luck to all who enter!

        Take care of you,
        kats xxx