Showing posts with label Weleda. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Weleda. 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, 26 January 2021

December 2020 Empties & Giveaway!...

I've always felt blessed to have been born in this country, and especially given the state of the world right now, I'm grateful to live in what I believe is the safest place on planet earth, and wouldn't want to call anywhere else home - here's hoping your day is a special one  As for my December Empties, it's two to one in favour of the regulars quantity-wise, but there's a few newbies that I'm delighted to report on, so without further ado ...


Body

Oral-B 3D White Diamond Strong Whitening & Enamel Strengthening Rinse  (473ml, RRP $9.99)
Given the comfort and success with both the White Glo and Colgate mouthwashes I've been using of late, I thought I'd try my luck again with one specifically targetting teeth whitening. But in hindsight, I was pushing my luck. While this Oral-B is an excellent product, my mouth is obviously overly sensitive and it stings way too much for me to use comfortably on a regular basis...
Repurchase?
No - for now I'll stick with the ones that are tried and true...

Schmidt's Bergamot + Lime Natural Deodorant (75g, RRP $13.99)
Back in May last year, I reported on this in my April 2020 Empties post that it was scratchy and too painful to use due to large hard lumps of baking soda. I still don't know if it was old stock or simply a dodgy batch, but I gave it another go and am relieved to find that in either ideal production or storage conditions, this is a winner. It's actually as smooth and creamy as the Lavender + Sage variety, and the citrus shot makes it even more desirable for the hot weather. It's actually my current fave, just wish I knew for sure what caused the issue with the formula of the first one I tried. I'm hoping it was old stock ...
Repurchase?
Yes, I have another one stashed away and it looks like it's going to be just fine ...

Weleda Sea Buckthorn Creamy Body Wash (200ml, RRP $19.95)
Another one from the range to add permanently to the collection in my shower rack. The predominant scent is orangey (it's actually mandarin & grapefruit lol) on a sandalwood base (yum!) and the formula is just as softening and moisturising as the other three I adore (Citrus, Pomegranate & Lavender, which is to be reviewed shortly). Honestly, my skin loves this set, and they look so colourful and pretty in my shower stall ...
Repurchase?
Ry has them on special at the moment for $13.97 each, and with the enticement of free shipping, I've just placed an order (not that I needed an enticement ha ha!) ...

Regulars
Colgate Plax Alcohol Free Gentle Mint Mouth Wash (500ml, RRP $6.49)
Natures Commonscents Natural Goats Milk & Paw Paw Body Wash (500ml, $8.00)
Reach Dentotape (100m, RRP $9.99)
SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Hydrating Body Wash (384ml, RRP $19.99)
Swisspers Makeup Pads (Pack of 80, RRP $3.99)

Face

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel For Oily Sensitive Skin (200ml, RRP $25.95)
This 50ml sample came in a gift promotion, and I was pleasantly surprised with how gentle and effective it was despite it targetting an acne-prone audience. A lightly foaming gel that smells fresh and crisp (is it lemon?), it sure takes off my long-wear makeup without any effort. It's perhaps a bit of overkill on my mature skin which has a tendency to dryness in winter, but it did keep my oily-T under control when the humidity hit ...
Repurchase?
Probably not - there are so many cleansers out there that I love more, and are better suited to my older complexion ...

Nutrimetics Nutri-Rich Smoothing Lip Polish (15g, RRP $30)
This has been discontinued so I'm not going to spend too much time on it - bought it almost 2 years ago and only just now finished it. It was a great product and certainly softened and sloughed my lips whenever I used it (once per week), but somehow it was awkward to dispense and apply. So many times the product slipped off my finger before I could get it to my pout, so I wasted quite a bit. Perhaps they'll bring it back in a different format ...
Repurchase?
No - discontinued...

Olay Eyes Ultimate Eye Cream (15ml, RRP $48.99)
I've had this in my drawer for around six months, waiting till I'd finished a few of the others on my bench. Well, it was worth the wait - there's something about the formula and the soft apricot colour that instantly makes my under-eye area look and feel heaps better. Very hydrating, and while I don't have dark circles, I do have a tendency towards a faintly bluish tinge directly under my lash line, and this counteracts that in a flash ...
Repurchase?
I'm torn between this and the Regenerist one, which is more effective on my fine lines, but I'm pretty sure I'll grab another jar next time it's on special - it's ideal for day time, and I'll use the other one at night ...

Olay Regenerist Retinol Night Moisturiser (50g, RRP $59.90)
Was excited to try this whole range as products containing retinol do seem to have a more obvious impact on my face than those without. This is a lovely cream with limited improvements showing on my skin, but I have to admit I've been interspersing it with other night creams I was sent to test, so I haven't given it a proper chance to do what it's supposed to. While I can well appreciate that its lack of scent is a huge bonus to those folks who have sensitivities, I find it boring despite the purple packaging. If I buy it again I'll have to add a few drops of essential oil to it, which hopefully won't irritate my skin. Might seem silly, but for $60, I need to love it a bit more ...
Repurchase?
Will give it another chance next time it's on special ...

Skin Physics Oxygen-C Vitamin C Brightening Serum  (30ml, RRP $19.95)
This was sent to me to trial and I well and truly loved it. For what I would classify as an inexpensive serum, it really made a difference to the appearance of my complexion. Prior to using it twice daily I had areas of pinkness around my nose and chin that always seemed to be there, but they have literally gone bye-byes, and that's pretty impressive after a short period of use. It spreads so easily, and even shrank my pores a little and made my freckles less obvious ...
Repurchase?
This will be a standby for me - I have several serums in the drawer that I need to use up first, but after that, for sure ...

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)
Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence (40ml, RRP $39.99)
Olay Regenerist Whip UV Cream SPF 30  (50g, RRP $48.99)
Skin Physics Dragon's Blood Facial Sculpting Gel (50ml, RRP $59.99)

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


Fragrance
Regulars
Ecoya Cedarwood & Leather Mini Reed Diffuser (50ml, RRP $25.95)

Hair
Regulars
Salon Professional Supplies Creme Peroxide 40 vol (200ml, RRP $5.95)
Schwarzkopf OSIS+ Sparkler Shine Spray (300ml, RRP $27.95)
Wella Koleston Perfect Permanent Creme Colour - Special Mix Clear (60g, RRP $19.97)

Makeup
Australis Pressed Ready Set Go Finishing Powder (9g, RRP $16.95)
This is another product that I've been using faithfully for years, but somehow it's never made it to an Empties post because it lives in the makeup bag I take to work, plus I don't think I've ever hit pan - the hinge always breaks after about 6 months. Loose lids are one of my bugbears, so I toss it as soon as it snaps. Anyways it's what I use during the day if I need to counteract a little shine on my forehead, nose or chin, and despite the obvious packaging flaw, it's the best I've found ...
Repurchase?
Absolutely - recently stocked up when there was a special deal so I'm good for at least 18 months ...

Regulars
Australis HD Translucent Loose Setting Powder (RRP $16.95)
Maybelline Volume Express The Falsies Waterproof Mascara (RRP $19.95)

Giveaway



With Valentines Day just around the corner, I though I'd make this month's giveaway a bit more like a pamper pack...
  • Glasshouse Rio De Janeiro Passionfruit & Lime Mini Candle (60g)
  • Koi Relaxing Bath Range - Lavender & Argan Oil Calming Bar Soap, Geranium & Petitgrain Soothing Body Wash & Soothing Bath Fizz
  • Nivea Hyaluron Cellular Filler Bi-Phase Nourishing Oil Elixir
  • Nutrimetics Blossom Bouquet Fragrance Diffuser
  • Nutrimetics Safflower Fragranced Soap & Hand Creme
  • Skin Republic Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patches - 2 x 3 pairs
  • Skin Republic Fast Fix Under Eye Masks - 2 x 2 pairs
  • Skin Republic Retinol Hydrogel Under Eye Patches -2 x 3 pairs
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 see who won!
    a Rafflecopter giveaway
    Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Misfortune8 as the winner.  
    Congratulations gorgeous! 
    Misfortune8, please respond to the email I've sent you by
    midnight 3rd February to claim your prize :-)
    Edit: Misfortunate8 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