August 2019 Empties & Giveaway!...

Hello October ♥ I'm so glad you're here - daylight saving, no more early morning frost on the windscreen, winter woollies packed away, Halloween on the horizon, self-tanner on the bench, pedicure booked in, woo hoo! But arriving seemingly super fast, you've also landed me in a bit of a pickle - I'm literally drowning in empties! Three buckets, two brimming with tubes, bottles, packets and jars that need to go into the recycling bin stat, and one that I already can't see the bottom of. Note to self: earning a living is important, but there needs to be a balance between work and play. So...at least one day of this long weekend is for catching up with my blog posts (and a sheet mask), so let's get started ♥...

Body

Ecostore Vanilla & Coconut Hand Wash (250ml, RRP $5.50)

Pretty close to being my favourite hand wash - I simply ADORE the fragrance, plus it's non-drying, made in New Zealand (the land of fantabulous skincare), no SLS, not tested on animals, the shape of the bottle means that it sits nicely on the narrow laundry and kitchen sink ledges, and the packaging colour scheme goes perfectly with my creamy toned ensuite ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Easy peasy, plus I can find it at Woolworths ♥♥♥...

Johnson's Pure Cotton Buds Applicators (150, RRP $2.69)

The only cotton buds that go anywhere near my ears because they never shred or fluff off - also essential for makeup cleanups, and the plastic container is super handy for storing bits and pieces 'cos the lid snaps firmly in place ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Forever ♥♥♥...

Nubian Heritage Coconut & Papaya Bar Soap (142g, RRP $10)

One of many Limited Edition soaps available from Shea Moisture. They're all deliciously fragranced, super softening and creamy, an elegantly curved shape, and not tested on animals. I bought several to try and I opted to start with this one as it matched my bathroom decor the best. It's really long-lasting, and I haven't actually finished it yet, but how do I take a picture of a used soap bar? ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Definitely, well as long as the Limited Editions are available ♥♥♥...

Schick Hydro Silk Razor (RRP $14.25)

This aqua blue version is SO old I don't think they make it any more, but the purple one seems to be the replacement. It still works with the latest refills but on close inspection, I noticed it was really quite stained and ratty looking, so I decided to treat myself to a new one ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yep - shaving is the only hair removal I can be bothered with, and the Schick razors are always reliable, safe and effective ♥♥♥...

Shea Moisture African Black Soap Soothing Body Wash (384ml, RRP $19.99)

Lovingly reviewed HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Always, and if you apply the KATS code at the Shea Moisture checkout, you'll still get 30% off! ♥♥♥...

Sukin Botanical Body Wash (250ml, RRP $8.95)

A lovely body wash that's non-drying and leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean. I'm a big Sukin fan, and this has a very pleasant herbally fragrance, but it's not quite interesting enough to entice me to buy it again ♥...

Repurchase?

I doubt it - I prefer the scent of the Lime & Coconut variety, or the Sukin for Men Cinnamon & Mandarin one ♥...

Weleda Skin Food (30ml, RRP $14.95)

Gifted at the August Beautyheaven Natual Beauty Event, I'm in awe of this cream, and at a total loss as to how I haven't come across it before now. Quite simply the richest moisturising cream I've ever used, and to top it off, the lemony fragrance is to die for. Holey guacemoley - way too intense to use on my face, the restoration work this did on my Winter-withered hands as an overnight treatment was phenomenal. So much so I'm kicking myself for forking out almost double the $$$ for another brand of hand cream that only recently became my HG. I'll still use it during the day of course, but this Skin Food has instantly earned a forever place in my beauty stash - whoa! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

You betcha. and the large tube at that ♥♥♥...

Regulars

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

Shea Moisture African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Body Scrub (170g, RRP $10)

Face

Eaoron Makeup Remover Balm (90g, RRP $26.99)

My go-to Winter cleanser - love it to bits, and now available at Priceline as well as Chemist Warehouse.  My in-depth review is HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Sure have, I stocked up at a recent CW sale ♥♥♥...

Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Daily Youth Restoring Serum Capsules (60 capsules, RRP $140)

I scored a sample tube of seven capsules from somewhere, and I hesitated to try them because I was concerned I'd fall in love with them, and then my beauty budget wouldn't stretch to keep the supply going. Well, they were indeed a lovely experience, but I needn't have worried as the results were not sufficient for me to invest in any more. Exceptionally hydrating yes, but I saw no visible improvement in texture or wrinkles, and to be honest, I found trying to rip open the little pea pods without the precious contents running through my fingers quite annoying ♥...

Repurchase?

No, said she as her Bank Manager breathed a sigh of relief ♥...

Lacura Green Tea & Olive Leaf Clarifying Facial Scrub (150ml, RRP $4.99)

I bought this to try, instead of the equivalent St. Ives one. It's very similar, both in fragrance, texture and performance, but I think the St. Ives one has the edge ♥...

Repurchase?

Probably not - there are so many other scrubs I prefer, and this one is a bit boring in comparison ♥...

Lancôme Renergie Multi-Lift Day Cream (50ml, RRP $159)

A 15ml sample jar leftover from a 2 years-ago GWP. A stunning cream, but too rich for my skin...and because of the price, fortunately, lol. I knew that before I opened it, but I wasn't going to toss it, and it was too old to give away. Even for the short time I used it, my pores clogged, but the problem went away soon after I finished it. Still, I won't go there again - for the record, the same thing happens with La Prairie and La Mer creams, so with the exception of L'Occitane, I'm not destined to use high-end skincare - phew! ♥...

Repurchase?

Negative ♥...

Wrinkles Schminkles Morning After Glow Serum (50ml, RRP $44.95)

I bought the Wrinkles Schminkles Eye Smoothing Kit (silicone eye pads), and this is the serum that's applied the next morning. Well the pads haven't done anything for my under eye area so far, but I'll persist, or I'll try them on my upper lip. This serum is quite lovely - silky, soothing and softening with a fresh lemon scent, but there are so many others I prefer (like my latest passion, L'Occitane Immortelle Overnight Reset serum - ooh la la!) ♥...

Repurchase?

I don't think so ♥...

Regulars

DB Pore Minimising Primer (25ml, $14.99)
Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover (112ml, RRP $10.89)

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum with Accelerated Retinol SA (29ml, RRP $42.99)

Nivea Hyaluron Cellular Filler Anti Spot Treatment Serum (30ml, RRP $34.99)

Face Masks

ActivLayr 5 Sec Firming Eye Mask (7 pairs, RRP $89.99)

These were my greatest August discovery (review HERE) - I loved them so much I bought two more boxes (the first was a PR gift). I have more pictures of terrific results for another post, but just haven't had the time to put it all together yet. Keep an eye out for this brand though, and whatever they bring out next - I reckon their marine collagen products are going to be big ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I'm waiting for the full face mask (or entire body suit lol) ♥♥♥...

Yes To Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Mud Mask (10ml, RRP $5.99)

This was in the July Bellabox - was SO looking forward to it, but was disappointed that I could barely scrape it out of the sachet. It was set quite hard and thick, and took a bit of doing to get it onto my face and spread it out. It left my skin soft and deep cleansed, but I was puzzled as to why it was so dry - that was until I noticed the expiry date of "4/19". Whether Bellabox knew this or not, or whether Yes To provided old stock to Bellabox, I think it was bad form to include a product that was past its use-by date...

Repurchase?

I doubt it - the experience put me off trying any of their other products...

Regulars

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

Fragrance

Chi Chi Strawberry & Violet Eau De Parfum (50ml, RRP $19.95)

Can't imagine my fragrance collection without this - it's so beautiful, and I receive regular compliments and queries whenever I wear it. I first discovered it back in 2015 when I called it "shamelessly romantic and totally feminine", and that's still the case. Review HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, it's a keeper ♥♥♥...

Hair

Coco & Eve Like A Virgin Super Nourishing Coconut & Fig Hair Masque (212ml, RRP $64.90)

Another sample (38ml) treat from the July Bellabox - it's definitely bliss-worthy. The fab fragrance enveloped me in the shower, and the beauty of it is that you only leave it on for 5-10 minutes. Incredibly nourishing, my hair felt so silky and smooth afterwards ♥♥...

Repurchase?

As much as I enjoyed it, unlikely - too expensive, the Kerasilk one I love is just as good ♥♥...

Nordic Blonde Blonde Toner (150ml, RRP $12.99)

This worked quite well to counteract the yellowing in my hair, but it does stain the fingers a wee bit, and the smell is just plain awful...

Repurchase?

No way - ewwwwww it stinks...

Schwarzkopf Live Colour Metallic - Denim Steel (RRP $5.49)

This is a gorgeous and intense deep blue-grey. I've actually changed my hair colouring now to this range because it doesn't actually dye the hair. I'll go into more detail in a later post, but I've decided to move away from permanent colourant, and these "8 washes" sachets are working brilliantly for me ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, plus the Cool Grey and Lilac Chrome ♥♥♥...

Regulars

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

Makeup

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

Ok, so this month we have up for grabs...

• DB Cosmetics Pore Minimising Primer
• Eaoron Makeup Remover Balm
• Lacura Makeup Brush Cleaner & Dryer
• Nubian Heritage Olive Oil & Green Tea Soap
• SheaMoisture Bamboo Charcoal Body Scrub

All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $80. 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 MerryGoRound as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 16th October to claim your prize :-)

Edit: MerryGoRound has claimed her prize ♥

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx

REVIEW: July Bellabox...

When I was made redundant last year, I thought it best to cancel all my subscriptions until I landed a new job, and I sure have missed the parcels of goodies that used to turn up every month from various sources. And even though I've been working fairly steadily since then, I haven't re-subscribed to anything because it was the perfect opportunity to use up the ton of products I had stashed away - a task I've only just recently managed to (almost) complete. But then as luck would have it, last week the generous folks at Bellabox kindly sent me their July pack to review, and after grazing through the terrific contents, and seeing the value, I'm sorely tempted to make this monthly offering my next adventure ♥...

No doubt some of you are familiar with this particular sub, but for those of you who aren't, let's take a closer look at what's in this month's box...

Luna by Luna Eyeshadow ($15)

The shade I received was Miracle - a gorgeous shimmery plum that's smooth as silk and blends like a dream. Delighted to have a compact single pan to slip into my makeup bag in case I need to pat on a little more during the day, although I doubt I'll need to - this seems to have excellent staying power, and it's cruelty-free ♥...

MODELCO Highlighting Shimmer Whip ($12)

This is a stunning cream luminiser in the shade Champagne - the prettiest soft gold with an amazing metallic sheen. I'm not a big user of highlighter - I usually just dust a little on the top of my cheeks and the tip of my nose, but I've already tried blending a teeny bit of this liquid with my foundation, and I'm amazed at the difference it makes to my face - gives me a lovely youthful radiance without looking overdone. I also stroke a smidgin down the centre of my nose after contouring, and I far prefer the result than the powder I've been using ♥...

Yes to Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Mud Mask (10ml, $5.99)

Haven't tried this yet, but it's scheduled in for the end of the week which is when I always ALWAYS indulge in some kind of mud mask. While I don't experience acne, my skin can always do with some detoxifying, and I'm loving the sound of the tomato, watermelon and pumpkin ingredients. The blurb says it's 96% natural, so that's a bonus too ♥...

Liar Wrinkle Cheater Eye Serum (12ml, $39.95)

I'm always up for a new eye product, and this clear serum is 100% natural, cruelty-free and vegan, and has a lovely fresh scent. With a metal rollerball applicator, it feels icy cold in the current Sydney temperatures, so I'm stashing this away till the weather warms up a bit. Specifically for reducing wrinkle depth and preventing new ones forming, I'll report back on this via one of my Empties posts later in the year. Love the writing on the tube - "Tell them your real age, they'll never believe you" ♥...

Coco & Eve Like a Virgin Super Nourishing Coconut & Fig Hair Masque (212ml, $64.90)

Can't wait to try this when I next shampoo - it smells SO good, and the instructions say it only needs to stay on for 10 minutes. Cruelty-free and vegan, it's also minus any sulfates or parabens and is designed to restore damaged hair, tame the frizzies, and deliver lots of hydration and shine. Sounds like my kind of hair product ♥...

Plunkett's Nutri-Synergy Working Hands Intensive Repair Treatment 

I actually have a half-finished tube of this magical hand repairer in my bedside table drawer - I've been sidetracked with three others that came my way, but it will appear in my Empties post in the next month or so. Absolutely BRILLIANT hand cream - totally unglamorous, but boy does it work, and it absorbs completely ♥...

I've checked out the contents of previous boxes, and they all seem to be of the same excellent quality. Bellabox costs $19.95 per month, and the fact that there will always be five sample-sized products is especially appealing as there's no chance my bench will become overloaded again with a whole bunch of stuff that I'll struggle to finish. And the bonus is that anything I try that I love, I can probably buy from their website. I've lost count of the number of beauty items from other subscription services that I adored, but could never purchase because they simply weren't available in Australia...

Thank you Bellabox for the opportunity to sample your terrific product - I love that there's a mix of skincare, hair and makeup items, so this is a winner!

What say you lovelies - does this sound like your kind of thing, or are you already a customer?

Take care of you,

kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: December Empties+ Giveaway!...

Most products I finished last month were terrific - a couple of meh ones, but overall I'm very happy with these choices, and the majority of them have earned a place in my regular stash. As usual, there's a giveaway at the end, so off we go...

Body

Dermaveen Soap-Free Wash (500ml, RRP $16.99)

Reviewed HERE, this is SO good for solving winter dry skin woes ♥...

Repurchase?

Yes indeedy ♥...

Dermaveen Shower & Bath Oil (500ml, RRP $16.99)

Reviewed HERE, this is a can't-live-without! Two squirts of this will transform any body wash on your shelf into a hydrating wonder. LOVE it! ♥...

Repurchase?

You betcha ♥...

Essano Rosehip Repairing Body Wash - Jasmine & Fig (445ml, RRP $9.99)

Unlike the Frangipani & Paw Paw variety I covered in the November Empties article, I had no issues with this pump - I reckon the other one was just a bad egg on the production line so I won't hold it against Essano lol. My favourite scent of the two ♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely ♥...

Thankyou Milk Body Wash - Botanical Lemon Myrtle & Goat's Milk (500ml, RRP $8)

If you enjoy lemon myrtle fragrance, then hot tail it to your local supermarket and grab this beauty - absolutely adore it! SO refreshing and SO hydrating, I haven't been this excited about a shower milk in a while. I really enjoyed their Geranium & Rosewood Body Wash (review HERE), but this one is totally my kind of thing all year round, but especially in the hot weather when I go for tangy crisp scents ♥...

Repurchase?

Forever ♥...

Face

Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub (140g, RRP $13.99)

Full review HERE ♥...

Repurchase?

I have quite a few new ones on the shelf to try, and if none of them ring my bells, I'll be buying this one again ♥...

Beauty by Nicholas Eye Alchemy (15ml, RRP $49.99)

This was in the beautyheaven 10th Birthday swag bag - I won't give away too much here as I'll be doing a dedicated post on this product very soon, but let's just say it's my new HG eye cream ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I've already bought two more bottles, sigh ♥♥♥...

botanicES Face Creme (50ml, RRP $45)

Numerous raves about this cream (and the range in general) on my blog (main one HERE), it's the only face cream I buy over and over again. Perfection for the warmer months when my skin doesn't need an over-enriched moisturiser, but still needs to be hydrated and cared for ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Always ♥♥♥...

Harvest Garden Pink Grapefruit & Passionflower Lip Balm (5gm, RRP $6)

I'm crazy in love with their soaps, and this lip balm is just as wonderful. All natural ingredients - Sweet Almond Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil, Organic Shea Butter, Beeswax, Vitamin E and Essential Oils. It's softer and squishier than other brands, but that's what I love about it. Gonna try the Orange, Ginger & Turmeric one next ♥...

Repurchase?

Undoubtedly - promised myself I'd finish at least one more lip balm before I bought another, but this is top of my list ♥...

Innoxa Hydrating Micellar Cleansing Water (300ml, RRP $16.95)

Excellent performer, this cleanses thoroughly and has plenty of slip so the cotton pad never drags over the skin. Not so keen on the florally fragrance - it's pleasant enough, but I'd rather no fragrance at all, or something a wee bit more on the herbal side. Love that it's not tested on animals, safe for sensitive complexions, and the skinny tall bottle takes up little space on my bench ♥...

Repurchase?

Already have, but I probably shouldn't have as there's at least 5 more in the cupboard that I haven't even road tested yet - might be time to resurrect my Micellar Magic series! ♥...

L'Occitane Immortelle Precious Cream (50ml, RRP $87)

Magnificent cream that smells divine, and makes my skin feel so soft, supple and nourished. Some high priced skin care can be disappointing, but not this. I used to lust after La Mer and La Prairie, but after trying both of them, I found the formulations were too intense for my skin and I ended up with massively clogged pores, whereas the L'Occitane ranges are perfectly balanced for my combo face ♥...

Repurchase?

I'd love to but I doubt it - I reckon I can get similar results from something less expensive, but if I wanted to give myself a luxe treat, either this or the Immortelle Divine one would be it! ♥...

Nutrimetics Restore Anti-Ageing Extreme Serum with Grape Stem Cell Technology (30ml, RRP $75)

Bought this on special - I would have been a tad disappointed if I'd paid full price. It's a lovely serum, but no better than products with half the price tag. I'm a long-time Nutrimetics fan - all their stuff looks and smells divine, but the performance of this serum was a little average. It hydrated my skin beautifully, but I was hoping for a visible improvement either in firmness or wrinkle reduction. Mind you I've since used another of their serums that was fabulous, and that mini-review will be in my January empties post ♥...

Repurchase?

No...

Yes to Grapefruit Daily Facial Scrub (113g, RRP $14.99)

Reviewed HERE ♥...
Repurchase?

Yes, but not for a while as I have a stash to clear ♥...

Face Masks

Skin Republic Gold Hydrogel Mask (25g, RRP $12.99)

I've waxed lyrical about this mask many many times ♥...
Repurchase?

Silly question ♥...

Facial Fresh GreenTea Cloth Facial Treatment Mask (RRP $8.95)

Not the most perfect fit, but a relaxing experience all the same. Calming & refreshing, these masks are only available in Australia from Bellabox. Couldn't smell any green tea, but who cares hey...

Repurchase?

Perhaps - the cloth mask market is expanding at a great rate of knots, already way too many choices lol...

Skin Physics Advance Superlift 3D Deep Hydration Lifting Mask (box of 3, RRP $59)

This is a wonderful formula, but the fit is very poor across forehead and nose, and while the neck flaps are a BRILLIANT innovation, they just flop around and don't stay stuck to the skin, so the design needs refinement. I do love how this makes my skin look and feel, but the annoyance at getting the darn thing to sit properly on my face counteracts the relaxation factor - boo!...

Repurchase?

These work out to be $20 each - for that price they need to be perfect, so no...

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

Raved about these last month and I'm still raving - definitely one of my greatest finds last year, these are the go for reducing under-eye puffiness. I wear them to bed and they're still on the next morning! ♥...

Repurchase?

I have no less than 10 packs stashed away - YES! ♥...

Hair

Goldwell Kerasilk Color Shampoo (250ml, RRP $34.95)

Picked this up for free from beautyheaven's beautorium ♥ - it's just as brilliant at taming frizzies as the control one, just especially formulated for coloured hair ♥...

Repurchase?

Now that I'm not into bold bright hair colours, I'll stick with the Control version to maintain my Kerasilk treatment, but if I ever go red again, this would be a sure bet ♥...

Giveaway!

I've picked three faves from this month to giveaway to one of you lovelies ♥...

• 3 packs of Purederm Botanical Choice Ginkgo Eye Puffiness Minimizing Patches (6 pairs)
• 1 x Innoxa Hydrating Micellar Cleansing Water
• 1 x 50ml botanicES Face Creme

All products were purchased by me, the total value is approximately $70, and because of the liquid content, 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, you won't be included in the draw!)
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

Wednesday 31st January to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Anna has claimed her prize ♥

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,
kats xxx

CONFESSIONS: of a Scrubaholic (Part 6)...

Yikes, I almost forgot to post this next episode in the series - embarrassed to say Part 5 was back in June! But I've been a busy bee discovering more new and absolutely delightful face scrubs to add to my collection, so Part 7 is not far away. Meanwhile let's get on with some of these that have been on the market for a while...

Yes to Grapefruit Daily Facial Scrub (113g, RRP $14.99)

I use a scrub to cleanse my face every morning in the shower, and I need quite a few different intensities to choose from so that I can alternate (from gentle to heavy duty) to not overdo the sloughing effect on my skin, and this one I would classify as gentle to medium. This clear gel is quite runny, so care needs to be taken when dispensing - I do prefer something not quite so fluid, but it's manageable. Overall this is a lovely scrub - I believe the granules are grapefruit peel, and it also contains Vitamin C, Lycopene and Sunflower Oil. No parabens, petroleum or SLS, and it has quite a sour fruit scent, (a mix of grapefruit and lemon), but I enjoy it as it doesn't smell fake and there's no artificial sweetening. Another bonus is that it doesn't leave behind any grainy bits in my facial nooks and crannies - I've found that some do regardless of how well I rinse ♥...

Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub (140g, RRP $13.99)

If you're after a gentle scrub, then this is the go! So kind and loving to the skin, the granules are super-fine and virtually invisible in the pearly cream - I haven't been able to find out what they're made from, but the label says "naturally derived". Great consistency and lovely fresh scent, this is mild enough for daily use, and leaves my face smooth and refreshed without any irritation. I have normal/oily combination skin, and while this isn't powerful enough to frighten away the relentless blackheads on my nose, I use it once a week to give my face a break from the other more rigorous scrubs on the shelf ♥...

Olay Regenerist Revitalising Thermal Mini-Peel Treatment (125ml, RRP $19.99)

While technically this isn't a scrub, it has an exfoliating component, hence it's inclusion here. As soon as it hits my face, it warms my skin - absolute heaven in winter! It has a delicate floral scent, the cream is a pretty pale lavender shade, and it leaves my skin feeling smooth without drying it out. The packaging looks modern and ritzy, but the tube needs some major refinement from a functional perspective - as the amount of product reduces, it get's harder and harder to extract anything from it. It kind of shrinks and shrivels with use (like a toothpaste tube), and the cap is so huge (and doesn't unscrew) so it's almost impossible to squeeze out the scrub that's left at the bottom  Another negative is that I found out (after purchase) that it's on the Microbead naughty list, so that means I will never buy it again unless it is reformulated - boo...

Nivea Daily Essentials Gentle Exfoliating Scrub (150ml, RRP $9.98)

Have had this on my shower shelf for almost 6 months and barely used it at all. Oh it's nice enough, does a terrific job of sloughing off the skin cells and ensuring my blackheads don't get the upper hand, but, well, I find it boring. Silly comment I know but hey, there are so many scrubs out there that don't bore me, so I asked myself why, and came up with "it's the fragrance". It's just kinda soapy and bland, and therefore there's nothing to grab me, or pull me in to look forward to using it over and over again. I was also concerned about the white exfoliating beads that don't dissolve, but I checked and it doesn't seem to have any of the "poly-xxx" ingredients that are so bad for the marine life. Anyways, if a body wash or hand cleanser has a mehhh scent, I add a few drops of fragrant oil to it, but I can't do that with a face scrub, so I bit the bullet and put it in the laundry for when I do gardening, and the dirt gets inside my gloves...

In summary, two winners out of four, but that's the way it goes sometimes. Do you use a scrub regularly? What's your favourite?

Take care of you,
kats xxx