SPOTLIGHT: November Empties!...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Repurchase?

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

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

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

Repurchase?
No...

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

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

Repurchase?
Not unless they change the formula...

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

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

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

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

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

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

botanicES Hand Creme (15ml, RRP $?)

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

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

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

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

Repurchase?

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

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

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

Repurchase?

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

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

Take care of you,
kats xxx

CONFESSIONS: Of a Body Washaholic (Part 14) - nspa...

I doubt I'm not alone in loving beaut body washes containing at least some natural ingredients, are not tested on animals, and that I can pick up for under $8 at the supermarket - nspa is one such brand, a UK company that sells exclusively (?) through ASDA stores, and yet I found these at Coles...

Available in a standard 500ml plastic container with a flip top lid, the formula contains no parabens, lathers well and I haven't found it to be at all drying on my skin. The "natural vitamins" are not identified anywhere on the label, but there's quite a few strange sounding ingredients listed on the back, and three of them translate as Pro-Vitamin B5, Vitamin E and Vitamin A ...

Peach...

My personal fave, and starred in last month's empties - I mentioned it smelt exactly like freshly cut peaches, and it still amazes me how realistic the fragrance is. I know it says "real fruit goodness" on the label, but that doesn't always mean that the smell is spot on after all the processing, but in this case it is. Bellissimo. Truly this totally fools my brain into thinking it's the real deal, and my mouth actually starts to water whenever I sniff it! Nice thick consistency too so it won't slide off your loofah before you have a chance to lather up ♥...

Raspberry

Not quite so ecstatic about this one - smells more like raspberry cordial to me, although it isn't at all sickly or lolly sweet. Having said that I don't think I've actually stuck my nose into a punnet of raspberries (too busy eating them lol), so it may actually be close to the original. Gorgeous colour though, and I'll definitely finish it up because it's a nice fresh scent, just probably won't repurchase as there are lots of other shower fragrances that ring my bells a whole lot louder...

Coconut

Not a massive fan of this particular fragrance, but it's most definitely coconut - creamy and subtle, I'd prefer if it had a bit of something else mixed with it, like banana or mango, but that's just me. Still it's nice to have a change from my other flower and fruit varieties, and with any body wash that I'm not overly excited about, I can always use it as a hand wash. All these shower gels can be used as bubble baths as well - according to the blurb, they make masses of bubbles..

On their website there are 13 flavours in the range, and I can only hope that Coles decides to stock more varieties - personally I'd love to try the passionfruit and apple ones (pretty please?) ♥

Take care of you,
kats xxx

SPOTLIGHT: November Empties...

Gee after October's mega exercise, I was amazed at what I managed to get through in November. But I did forget to include hair care products last month, so they've boosted the collection this time around. And I've decided to keep going with this particular theme - for whatever reason, my first article is still scoring hits daily from Google, so someone must find the information interesting lol. Anyhoo, without further ado, off we go...

Schwarzkopf Brilliance Intense Permanent Hair Colour

I alternate between Hypnotic Red and the L'Oreal ones below. Maintaining my vibrantly-hued tresses takes a bit of doing, with fortnightly colourings a must. My hair is actually stark white and so the roots need regular touchups with this shade, but if I use it all over for a freshen-up, I find the rest of my hair becomes too dark (compared to the roots), hence the mixing of the two brands. It's a beaut non-drying formula though, and the pack contains one of those little blister packs of gloss serum. I never use the enclosed conditioner from any dye packs though, preferring to use specialised treatment products each time I colour. Previous review is here ♥...

L'Oreal Preference Premium Fade-Defying Colour

Two shade varieties here - Pure Spice Power & Mango. Orange-red seems to suit my skin tone better than blue-red, and applying either one of these to the lengths keeps the overall colour from becoming too deep. These packs also include a "Hi-Shine Elixir" gloss to go into the mix. I pick these up (and the Schwarzkopf packs) whenever they're on special (often only $10) so my cupboard is always well-stocked ♥...

REF Shine Spray

I use a range of REF hair care products to keep my hair in tip-top condition (will do a review of all of them soon), and I am never without this finishing spray - gives my locks an extra boost of mirror shine, and it's super light so there's no build up or sticky residue. Will be eternally grateful to my hairdresser for putting me onto this awesome brand, and there's always a spare on my shelf ♥...

Versace Bright Crystal Absolu EDP

My signature scent for the warmer weather (review here) - so refreshing, crisp and feminine, makes me smile, lasts all day without swamping the space around me, and I've had countless compliments, even from fellas ♥...

Lancôme Visionnaire

Have been using this faithfully since trialling it for beautyheaven back in 2011. Transformed my skin to the extent that I looked like I'd been photoshopped, and shrank my enlarged pores more than any other product I've ever used. But at $130 a pop, I started looking for something else that would give me the same results for a lot less outlay. Haven't found one yet, so I'll no doubt buy another bottle before the end of the month. You'll find my bh reviews of it half way down the page ♥

nspa Peach Shower & Bath Gel

Will have to do another round of Confessions of a Bodywashaholic, purely for this brand - bargain priced from the supermarket, and some delightful fragrances. This one is my favourite - smells exactly like freshly cut peaches, and I mean EXACTLY. It's non-drying too, and a must-have for the summer months - picking up another bottle this weekend, without fail ♥...

Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder

One of my can't-live-withouts. I pat this on after I've primed, then add my foundation, and then pat again over the top - stops the shine like nothing else, doesn't accentuate my wrinkles in fact it makes them less visible (along with any enlarged pores) and it never builds up. Just have to make sure it's applied sparingly and evenly or else you see tell-tale white sections in photos taken with a flash (remember THAT picture of Nicole Kidman?). I always have one or two as back-ups ♥...

Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner

Lost track of just how many of these I've bought - still the absolute best liquid liner I've come across, and I use it every day along my lower lashline, and then usally soften it before it dries with a shadow. Never EVER budges, and I don't seem to be able to make a mistake with it - a definite can't-live-without, and I have at least two of them stashed away at any one time ♥...

Urban Rituelle Coconut & Lotus Hand & Body Wash
Adore this new fragrance from UR - the Hand & Body Wash is more runny than the shower gel, but just as delish, reviewed here ♥...

Urban Rituelle Hibiscus & Cranberry Hand Therapy

I love so many of the UR hand creams (one in particular is my #1), but this will always be in my kit for the fragrance alone - so fresh and tangy, and the formula is super mosturising. This size is also perfect for my handbag ♥...

Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
Waxed lyrical about this last month ♥...

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

My favourite Micellar water - HUGE bottle that lasts and lasts. I use this instead of toner because it's just so gentle, and takes off the last of the makeup debris. Lovely and cooling at the end of a hot day too - always have this on my bench ♥...

Glide Pro-Health Deep Clean Floss

I've tried all sorts of dental hygiene products and tools at different times, but I always go back to floss as the most effective way of keeping my gums healthy - this particular variety is not so easy to find, but I buy it whenever I see it (last time was at Chemist Warehouse) and I swear I have at least 5 packs up my sleeve in the bathroom. The other brands are either too thick or too thin for the gaps between my teeth, and besides, I'm addicted to the minty taste ♥...

Well every product listed here has a ♥, which means you'll probably see it again in a future empties post...
What did you finish up last month?

Take care of you,
kats xxx