July 2020 Empties & Giveaway!...

Well now, in comparison to many of my other Empties posts, July was a bit of a fizzer - my collection tub was only two thirds full lol! Understandable as I took a break from the under-eye patches (I used 24 the month before), I was trialling a few new skincare items so my usual ones went on hold, plus I have quite a few products in rotation so I'll probably finish a whole bunch at the same time, which means that next month should be back to normal max volume ha ha. There are a few newbies in this collection though, so at least there's something interesting for you to read...

Body

Colgate Plax Alcohol-Free Gentle Mint Mouth Wash (500ml, RRP $6.49)

Because I get bored easily, and also so I wouldn't tire of the taste of the White Glo mouthwash that's always in my Regulars section, I chose this one mainly because of the description "Gentle Mint". Most mouth washes are way too strong for me - I don't like it when they sting, burn my tongue, or inhaling the fumes makes me cough, and this particular variety doesn't give me any such grief. In fact, it might well become my favourite - delish fresh mint taste, and it's available at the supermarket. The only negative is that it doesn't have any whitening power ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely! ♥♥♥...

Du-it Tough Hands Intensive Skin Repair (150g, RRP $11.99)

I'm a bit naughty when it comes to hand creams - I have around eight partially used ones in my bedside drawer, so I'm now on a mission to use them all up before I open anything else (wish me luck!). I think this sample tube was a freebie from a beautyheaven Rewards Room pack, but regardless of its origin, if your hands are in poor shape, it's really something special. Amazingly rich and restorative, it absorbs well and doesn't leave a greasy film on the surface - just enough to keep the healing going, especially overnight. Barely any scent but I don't mind as it's such a great cure for cracked and damaged paws ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Definitely need a tube of this on hand for when I'm doing dirty work and neglect to wear gloves ♥♥♥...

Sukin Arkie Hand Wash (500ml, RRP $9.95)

A lovely scent mix of tangerine, mandarin, lavender & vanilla, I bought this primarily because I spotted it at Coles, and my household is powering through the hand wash these days (like everybody else). Foams well, doesn't dry my hands, and with jojoba, avocado & rosehip oils, aloe vera and chamomile, well how could I not toss it into the trolley? ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

It's a limited edition, but if I spot it at Coles again, yes ♥♥♥...

Weleda Citrus Creamy Body Wash (200ml, RRP $19.95)

ADORE this body wash - my full review of it is HERE. It's officially a regular from now on ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Without doubt ♥♥♥...

Weleda Skin Food Light (75ml, RRP $24.95)

Ahh, Weleda - I'm a late boarder on this bus, but I'm making up for the lost time. There's a bit of a story behind how I discovered how AMAZING this stuff is. I knocked over a cup of freshly made tea onto my hand - my arm was in a sling from a major shoulder injury the day before, and literally trapped the just-off-the-boil water against my skin. In short, I had a rather severe burn across the back of my hand. Did all the right things with the ice, but it was bright red and very sore for days. Once the sting had gone I applied some of this magical potion every time I thought of it - let's say up to 10 times in a day. It was so soothing and cooling. After a few weeks, the skin started to peel - looked terrible while it was going on, dark brown and very wrinkly. But I kept applying the Skin Food Light until all the dead skin peeled off, revealing...smooth, clear, non-scarred skin. Unbelievable! My left hand now looks 10 years younger than my right. Weleda, you are my hero ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Silly question ♥♥♥...

Regulars

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

Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)

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

Face

Eaoron Makeup Remover Balm (90g, RRP $39)

My favourite cleanser for the cold weather. Don't be put off by the price - this seems to be permanently on special at Chemist Warehouse (currently $18) - a total bargain, and it's brilliant. Such a shame the jar isn't recyclable. My in-depth review of it is HERE. ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, every winter ♥♥♥...

Olay Eyes Pro-Retinol Eye Treatment (15ml, RRP $48.99)

Thanks to Fawn ♥ for putting me onto this gem. Improvements in under-eye skin texture within a matter of days, same for crows feet. I'm trying the new purple retinol one right now, and that has maintained the benefits already gained, but no startling new developments. I will always have a tube of this red jewel on hand. Pricey, but regularly on special, and I honestly don't care a fig about price if it works, which it does. No change to the baggies, but that's a given ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

You betcha ♥♥♥...

Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel (35ml, RRP $?)

This sample tube came in last year's lookfantastic Advent Calendar. The problem with these boxes is that a lot of the products simply aren't available anywhere in Australia, this one included (although ASOS will ship for free). So if you fall in love with any of them, you're pretty much screwed. I didn't exactly fall in love with this one (fortunately) but it's a lovely pink cleanser - it's almost an oil that melts into the skin and removes everything, with minimal suds. Smells a bit soapy, but tolerable ♥...

Repurchase?

Nah - I prefer my Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit cleanser any day ♥...

Skin Physics Dragon's Blood Facial Sculpting Gel (50ml, RRP $59.99)

This was sent to me to trial by theorycrew, and I'll be forever grateful. Loved it so much I bought two more jars when it was on special recently at Priceline, which is the only place you can buy it. It's a soother and a smoother, absorbs super quick and leaves my skin all glowy, plump & refreshed. Unlike other gels I've tried recently, this one doesn't leave any tacky feeling on the skin surface. Mega hydrating with very little scent (sort of earthy, coconut coffee maybe?) and I believe it's making a difference to my jawline. Watch this space ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, oui, si, ja etc. ♥♥♥...

Regulars
Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover (112ml, RRP $10.89) 
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil (30ml, RRP $42.99)
Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence (40ml, RRP $39.99) 
Sukin Rosehip Rejuvenating Facial Scrub (125ml, $14.99)
Sukin Oil Balancing Charcoal Pore Refining Facial Scrub (125ml, $12.95)
Swisspers Make-up Pads (Pack of 80, RRP $3.79)

Fragrance

Versace Dylan Blue EDP (30ml, RRP $102)

Cute little sample bottle from a DJ's beauty bag. Nice scent, but for me not worth buying as it fades quickly. Starts off fruity and flowery and then becomes wood, wood and more wood. Adore the bottle...

Repurchase?

No...

Hair

Schwarzkopf Professional Royal Permanent Hair Color (60ml, RRP $23.96)

Still hunting for a permanent silvery-blue hair colour - thought I'd found it in this one, but no. First time I used it, perfect! Fabulous shimmery steely grey - my dream shade. The second time, came out brown-ash, and third time, golden highlights. What is it with grey hair dye that no-one seems to be able to make it?...

Repurchase?

No - the search continues...

Makeup

Maybelline Brow Ultra Slim Eyebrow Pencil (RRP $15.95)

So Maybelline dropped my hero Total Temptation Brow Definer from their range - boo! This is the substitute, and it's a pretty good one. The thing is, now that I'm going silvery-grey (or attempting to at least) my brows look weird being blonde and even weirder if I go up a level. So I use this to create the shape, and then go over them very lightly with the MNY Tattoo Brow Pomade in taupe, because this Ultra Slim doesn't come in taupe - boo! Believe me, I've tried 15 different colours and brands in the last 3 months, even grey and they all make me look like a clown, or Sylvester Stallone's mother. So, for now, it's a two-step process, and that's working just fine, just takes longer ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Affirmative ♥♥♥...

Maybelline Face Studio Prime Pore Minimizing Primer (30ml, RRP $17.95)

Because of this primer, Maybelline you are forgiven for the above. My regular is by DB Cosmetics, but my local Price Attack is ALWAYS out of stock, so I tried this and it's almost identical. Does the same pore minimising and mattifying trick, and at least it's readily available in lots of places. In June I bought four tubes for half price at Priceline ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Not for a while as I'm sorted for now, but yes ♥♥♥...

Giveaway

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

• Maybelline Face Studio Prime Pore Minimising Primer
• Olay Eyes Pro-Retinol Eye Treatment
• Sukin Rosehip Rejuvenating Facial Scrub
• Weleda Citrus Creamy Body Wash
• 2 x Amber Rose Rose Gold-toned Indian Bracelets
• Lovisa Rose Gold-toned Mosaic Earrings

All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $135.  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 Manda G. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 2nd September to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Manda has claimed her prize ♥

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

Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you, and keep safe,

kats xxx

REVIEW: Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover & Cleansing Towlettes...

Given the popularity of my Empties posts, I thought I'd do a series of catch-up reviews of the products that I list as "Regulars" - the ones I buy and use over and over because they are just so good, and fulfil my needs perfectly. The plan is that eventually, every item listed as a Regular will be linked to one of my personal reviews here on kats colourings. Some of them were part of my beauty routine even before I started blogging (seven years ago!), so they most certainly deserve a special place in the spotlight. Two that I simply can't do without are Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover and their equally amazing partner product, Makeup Remover Cleansing Towlettes ♥...

Every now and then I try another brand, but I've not found anything else on the market that is as effective, accessible and bargain-priced as these two beauties...

Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover (112ml, RRP $10.89)

Truly my one and only, and if you wear waterproof mascara, this is the one to beat. My eyes water at the drop of a hat so I'm particular about the products I use, and this formula gives me no grief whatsoever. It's gentle, yet extraordinarily effective and has very little scent. I give the bottle a shake, tip a small quantity onto a cotton pad, hold it over my eyes for about five seconds, and then swipe across my lashes and lid. No need to rub - just a few light-handed strokes and every trace of waterproof eye makeup is history. I do the same on my brows, and it's just as easy to remove long-wear lipstick and lip stains in a flash, with no stinging or irritation. Definitely a kats hero product ♥...

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towlettes (Pack of 25, RRP $7.99)

Interestingly I rarely use these on my face, but on the odd occasion when it's very late or I don't feel like getting my face wet, they're my go-to for taking off every bit of slap. They're lovely and moist, super-soft and have a delicate yet refreshing floral scent. However, their primary use in my kit is to clean my brushes every day. Sure, I have one of those devices that swirls the brushes in liquid and spins them dry, but I only use that sparingly as I find getting the brushes even slightly wet reduces their lifespan. So I take one of these wipes, fold it a few times, then swish the brush across it from side to side until the cloth is clean, and wipe off any residue on a towel. Eye shadow, blush, foundation, lip-liner, brow brush - any and all of them get a going over every day. I've been doing this for years, and there's been no detrimental effect on any of my brushes, and it feels good to start each day with clean tools. Incidentally, I also use these to clean my benchtop - better than any of those spray-and-wipe formulas, and they even take off the remains of the sticky tape that retailers sometimes annoyingly wrap around lipstick cases to stop customers using them as testers. In summary, an all-round fabulous multi-tasking product ♥...  

So now you know some of my secrets lol! Both these awesome products are available from supermarkets and Priceline, and regularly on sale - I highly recommend stocking up whenever possible, although even at full price, I reckon they are bargains ♥...

Take care of you, and keep safe,
kats xxx

REVIEW:Makeup Revolution Precious Stone - Emerald Eyeshadow Palette...

I bought this fabulous Makeup Revolution Precious Stone - Emerald eyeshadow palette in October last year, and have only just started using it in the last few weeks. Until now, all I've done is look at it - how hopeless am I? Couldn't bear to muck it all up lol. It's not the first time that's happened of course, and I figured I would never EVER use it unless I reviewed it, because to review it I have to swatch the pans, and well, then after that it's no longer pristine and I can get on with experimenting with all the stunning colours and finishes it contains, so here she is ♥...

My eyeshadow palette purchasing frequency has reduced dramatically since I stopped photographing my eye looks a couple of years ago (too old and wrinkly now). I most certainly haven't lost interest though - I wear eyeshadow every day and I still have a stack of palettes, even after a cull of the really old ones. Around that same time, I decided to direct my beauty investments into skincare, haircare, lipsticks and fragrances, and that's what I've been doing. But then I saw this in Priceline and fell head over heels for the shades and textures in this glorious palette, and I just had to have it ♥...

Under the sparkly teal lid, there's a full-size mirror and 20 pans set into a luxurious shiny gold base - a mix of matte, shimmers and even a couple of glittery ones for those days when I'm feeling particularly brave. I bought it mainly because of the six greens - two stunning emeralds and four mossy olivey shades, but there are some gorgeous pinks, mauves, taupes, blues and purples as well as some pale ones for highlighting ♥...

Overall the range of shades is right up my alley, and apart from a couple of neutrals that probably won't get used all that much, they are all colours I will wear on a regular basis. The mattes are well pigmented and blend nicely, the shimmers are intense and creamy and glide on like butter, and the ones I thought would be really glittery aren't over the top at all - just a gorgeous extra sparkle that even I can wear daily. You have to admit, she's divine from any angle ♥...

But enough of the chatter, let's get on with the swatches...

This top row contains all mattes, all stunning colours, and how about that Royal one at the end - it swatches with more green content than it looks in the pan - in fact, it's a marine explosion! ♥...

The middle row has the extra shimmery/sparkly ones - Primitive has a gold reflect, and I thought that Azure was metallic grey but it has quite a lot of lichen green in it.  These are all faves, but I've been wearing Vivid the most ♥...

And the bottom row is a mix of slight shimmers and mattes. To be honest, I bought this palette based on Majestic - that truly awesome emerald is the one that blew my mind when I spotted it, but every other colour is a winner, and I adore them all ♥...

In summary, it's a rare thing to find a palette with no duds, but this is it. Can't recommend it highly enough - there are so many different finishes and the selection of shades makes it ultra-versatile. And gals, it's on special at Priceline right now for $15 - get it while you can! ♥...

Take care of you, and keep safe

kats xxx

June 2020 Empties & Giveaway!...

Well COVID-19 is not affecting my Empties, that's for sure! The usual mega selection of regulars, but there's a handful of new ones reviewed. I'm always excited when I finish a fragrance, and last month I spritzed the last of two bottles, both of which I've reviewed in detail in past posts, so I've included the links. June was also the month when I experimented with wearing the Skin Republic Eye Patches almost every night (both Collagen & Retinol) - I went through eight packs (all half-price specials), which equates to 24 pairs/nights, and can report that they made a difference to the puffiness of my eye bags, but not much change to my wrinkles. I'll probably go back to a couple of times a week as it was a bit of an indulgence and at full price, not one my budget can maintain. For the Giveaway, I have a super-duper special one - let's call it Christmas In July, so read on! ♥♥♥...

Body

The Body Shop British Rose Shower Gel (60ml, RRP $4)

This was part of a gift set sent to me at Christmas by one of my regular readers - a gorgeous, kind and generous lady (you know who you are sweetheart). British Rose is just that - pure and natural, the scent is the same as if you leaned over a rose bush in full bloom and took a deep breath, and the formula is non-drying. There was a body butter and hand cream too, and I just adore them all ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I will buy the big bottle for myself this Christmas ♥♥♥...

Schmidt's Lavender + Sage Natural Deodorant (75g, RRP $13.99)
I figure this formula would be just as effective as the charcoal one for completely stopping both odour and wetness, and I was right - what I didn't figure on was falling in love with the scent! I thought it would be a wee bit insipid or girly for winter, but it's fabulous. Definitely lavender, but the sage cuts the floral component in half and makes it herbally enough to be interesting and earthy - my new fave! ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
Priceline sells this, so that'll be a yes, and I already have a few spares ♥♥♥...

Regulars
Glow Lab Coconut & Sandalwood Body Wash (400ml, RRP $9)

Nutrimetics Nutri-Rich Shower Oil (200ml, RRP $42)
Oral-B 3D White Luxe Glamorous White Toothpaste (96g, RRP $9.49)
Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)
Skin Physics Advance Superlift Caviar Age-Recovery Hand & Nail Renewal Cream SPF15 (75ml, RRP $39.99)
White Glo Charcoal Total Mouth Detox Whitening Mouthwash (500ml, RRP $6.99)

Face

Bioré Baking Soda Pore Cleanser (200ml, RRP $10.99)

As part of my "let's clear the bench" campaign, I finished off this cleanser, which has been hanging around with about 10 pumps left in it for 2 years. It doesn't seem to be available any more, which on the one hand is a shame as I enjoyed it's effectiveness on my combo skin, however, the decision to drop it from the range may have been something to do with the annoyance that I could never seem to remove all the little baking soda granules from my face if I used it at the basin. Who knows, but that was my only beef, and I quite liked the scent ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

No - discontinued ♥♥♥...

L'Oreal Pure Clay Detoxifying Gel Wash (150ml, RRP $14.99)

Love this but it's incredibly messy unless used in the shower. Stains my wash cloth too but I'm prepared to put up with that as it works a treat to deep cleanse my face, and I've a passion for skincare products containing charcoal. It also has a very pleasant fragrance ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?
Yep, but not till the weather warms up ♥♥♥...

Olay Luminous Tone Perfecting Cream (14g, RRP $10)

I seem to have a stash of these trial-size jars of Olay creams from various sources, so I'll work my way through them whenever I finish something else. This one was truly a joy to use, refreshing floral scent and it left my skin lusciously hydrated and soft. Didn't notice any improvement in luminescence or spot fading, but hey, the jar only lasts a week which really is too soon to tell if it's working ♥♥...

Repurchase?

I'm about to start the Regenerist Retinol24 range, so no ♥♥...

Swisse Micellar Makeup Remover + Cucumber Extract (300ml, RRP $10.95)

Very good second cleanser and I always go for micellars that don't drag on my skin - this one has lots of slip and picked up every last trace of makeup left from the first cleanse, but the scent was a bit weird - not sure what it is, kind of earthy, but definitely not cucumber ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Doubt it - there are others that smell much nicer ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes (Pack of 25, RRP $7.99) 

Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover (112ml, RRP $10.89) 

Swisspers Make-up Pads (Pack of 80, RRP $3.79)

Face Masks

Regulars
Nutrimetics Mineral Clay Masque with Apricot Extract & Soybean Oil (125ml, RRP $40)

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

Britney Spears Believe Eau De Parfum (100ml, RRP $39)
I've had this bottle for six years, and only just finished it. Not one I would purchase on a regular basis, but I'll definitely be replacing this one with a smaller size, just 'cos I need it every now and then. It's very different from all the others from this gal. My ancient review of it is HERE ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
Affirmative - the 30ml bottle is available from CW for $19.99 ♥♥♥...

Jennifer Aniston Chapter Two Eau De Parfum (30ml, RRP $19.99)

Love this floral oriental fragrance - my full review of it is HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Definitely. There is a 50ml bottle but this one is small enough for the handbag, so I don't have to decant it. I'm actually leaning towards smaller bottles in general for the same reason ♥♥♥...

Hair

Regulars

Goldwell Dualsenses Color Revive Color Giving Conditioner - Icy Blonde (s00ml, RRP $32.95)

Makeup

Maybelline Volume Express The Falsies Mascara (RRP $19.95)

I actually use two mascaras when I'm going to work or somewhere special. I start with the waterproof variety of The Falsies, then curl my lashes (it holds the curl indefinitely), followed by a coat of this baby, and a waterproof layer over the top. I do this because this non-waterproof variety has heaps more fibres and gives my lashes some much-needed bulk ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I have a stash ♥♥♥...

Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Mascara (RRP $24.95)

Tried this during the lockdown, and it's good, but nothing special happened as far as lifting was concerned, so I'll stick with the original formulas ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

No - the combo mentioned above works best for me ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Australis AC On Tour Contouring & Highlighting Kit - Cool Tone Cream (RRP $24.95)
Australis HD Translucent Loose Setting Powder (RRP $16.95)

DB Pore Minimising Primer (25ml, $14.99)

Eye of Horus Emerald Tabula Goddess Pencil (1.2g, RRP $30)

Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner (RRP $15.95)

Maybelline Total Temptation Brow Definer (RRP $17.95)

Christmas In July Giveaway!

I think we could all do with a bit of a boost, so this month at kats colourings, we're having Christmas In July! The pack includes...

• Olay Eyes Retinol24 Night Cream
• Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturiser
• Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Serum

...but there are also some extra surprises in store for the lucky winner, because Christmas is all about surprises hey?  All items were purchased by me and the approximate value of the pictured products is around $180, but the "surprises" take it a fair whack above that.  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 Claire F. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 29th July to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Claire has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,

kats xxx