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

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)

Sukin Super Greens Detoxifying Facial Scrub (125ml RRP $13.95)

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

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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 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 ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you, and keep safe,

kats xxx

January 2021 Empties & Giveaway!...

Gee these Empties posts seem to come around fast - well actually it's every fourth post I upload here unless I can squeeze in an additional review now and then, and as you can see, I'm still maintaining the monthly turnover pace. The Regulars sections are increasing but there are some new products in the weeks to come so hang in there with me - and this month's Giveaway is four of my all-time fave beauty products, plus some pretty bling babies, so read on ♥...

Body

Method Gel Hand Wash Refill - Pink Grapefruit (1L, RRP $12.99)

My passion for Pink Grapefruit scented products knows no bounds, and while I always intend to eliminate all cleansers containing SLS from my shelves, I haven't been able to find a substitute for this so far - even the Body Shop one contains SLS, so this is it for now. Mind you I haven't had any issues with my hands - the other ingredients are naturally derived, I find it doesn't dry the skin or cause any irritation, and it smells divine. I don't use the cute-as Method bottle because it becomes unstable as the quantity reduces so I use the refill pack to load my preferred pump dispensers. Overall I LOVE the brand - this pack is terrific value, and I've actually replaced all my home cleaning products (including laundry) with their range ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes indeed ♥♥♥...

Urban Rituelle Hand & Body Lotion - Sea Kiss (60ml, RRP $14.95)

This was gifted to me by UR just over 12 months ago in a set of four - this was my absolute favourite. My full review is HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Probably, and I'm only saying "probably" because they have so many other delicious hand and body lotions, it's SO hard to choose ♥♥♥...

White Glo Coffee and Tea Drinkers Formula Extra Strength WhiteningToothpaste (100ml, RRP $5.49)

Gradually working my way through all the different formulations from this brand. So far no one variety is any better at whitening than the other, but I'll keep going as they work well - all seem to have the same minty taste that I like, and the brush is the best I've ever used ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Natures Commonscents Natural Goats Milk Body Wash (500ml, $8.00)

Nutrimetics Nutri-Rich Shower Oil (200ml, RRP $42)

Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)

SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Soap (230g, RRP $9.99)

Skin Physics Advance Superlift Caviar Age-Recovery Hand & Nail Renewal Cream SPF15 (75ml, RRP $39.99)

Swisspers Makeup Pads (Pack of 80, RRP $3.99)

Thankyou Botanical Lemon Myrtle & Goat's Milk Body Wash - (500ml, $7.99)

Face

A'kin Hydrating Coconut Water & Green Tea Micellar Water (500ml, RRP $17.95)

I bought a small (150ml) bottle of this three years ago for a whopping $14.95, so the pricing of this has dramatically changed for the better with this 500ml quantity now available for just a few dollars more. It's a 2nd cleanser that I use after the main wash - truly lovely, soothing and cooling, excellent slip, very pleasant "organic" fragrance which I can't pinpoint. It's up there with my faves ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Sure will - Aussie made, cruelty-free, recyclable packaging, no nasties ♥♥♥...

L'Oreal Sugar Scrubs Purifying Scrub with Kiwi Seed (50ml, RRP $19.95)

I bought this ages ago, and only recently found the part-used jar buried 3-deep on my bench. I'd forgotten all about it because I only use scrubs in the shower, and this is in a glass jar with a screw-top lid, which is a definite no-no! It smells delicious, works well, warms the skin while gently exfoliating, and looks positively mouth-watering - it's so pretty I reckon L'Oreal would have an absolute winner on their hands if they packaged it in a clear tube ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I have, but I'll transfer it into a squirty plastic travel bottle - just gotta find one with a big enough nozzle so the kiwi seeds don't get stuck ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Ecopure Bath Bamboo Fibre Face Cloths (pack of 2, RRP $12.99)

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 Advanced Anti-Aging Detoxifying Pore Scrub (150ml, RRP $14.99)

Face Masks

Regulars

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

Skin Republic Fast Fix 5 Minute Under Eye Mask (2 pairs, RRP $9.99)
Skin Republic Retinol Hydrogel Under Eye Patch (3 pairs, RRP $9.99)

Fragrance

Regulars

Lanvin Eclat d’Arpège EDP (100ml, $140)

Hair

Hi Lift Creme Peroxide For Hair - 20 Vol (1000ml, RRP $7.50)

I find very little difference in this product from one brand to the next, so I just go with whatever is a good deal at the time. The 20 vol strength is what I mix with the hair colours below to cover my white roots ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely ♥♥♥...

Regulars

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

Hi Lift True Colour Hair Colour Creme - Extra Light Intense Ash Blonde (100ml, RRP $7.50)

Wella Koleston Perfect Permanent Creme Colour - Special Mix Clear, Blue Intensive & Ash Intensive (60g, RRP $19.97)

Makeup

Rimmel Lasting Finish Skin Perfecting Full Coverage Foundation - Soft Beige (30ml, RRP $17.95)

Great foundation - perfect coverage, great finish though a little pale for me in summer, and I guess you could call this my COVID base as I opened the bottle in March last year. It lasts well all day long and doesn't transfer. I squirt a little onto the back of my hand and then pick up small dabs on my fluffy foundation brush ♥♥...

Repurchase?

Probably not, but it's a good standby if I can't get hold of my fave Revlon stick ♥♥...

Regulars

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

Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner (RRP $15.95)

ModelsPrefer Infinite Colour Eye Pencil - Blue Lagoon ($12.99)

Giveaway

The loot for this month is...

• Eye of Horus Serpentine Sultry (deep olive) Goddess Pencil
• Lovisa Silvertone Snowflake Pendant
• Lovisa Emerald Green & Clear Swarovski Stud Earrings
• Nutrimetics Nutri-Rich Shower Oil with Apricot Kernal Oil
• Olay Regenerist Whip UV Active Moisturiser SPF30
• Skin Physics Advance Superlift Caviar Age Recovery Hand & Nail Renewal Cream

All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $180.  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 Alex P. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

midnight 3rd March to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Alex has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you, and keep safe,

kats xxx

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 ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you, and keep safe,

kats xxx