August 2020 Empties & Giveaway!...

Gosh, what happened to September? I know we had one but my 30 days dissolved into a puddle of work commitments, home priorities and an Instagram block that sure was a joy killer. Between them all my blogging suffered a big hit, but I'm back with a vengeance and October will be a catch-up month of two Empties posts and a belated 7-year (whoa!) Bloggiversary celebration. So we'll start with the August Empties which included some new discoveries ♥...

Body

(Aldi) Five Stars Antibacterial Hand Wash Refill Pack - Grapefruit (500ml, RRP $?)

I sniffed this in-store and had to have it - I'm a nutter for grapefruit scented body products, and this smelled just like the real deal. Lots of foam and non-drying - can't remember how much it was but it couldn't have been more than $5. To decant the pretty pink liquid, I bought a curvy ribbed glass dispenser with a rose gold cap, and the combined result looked gorgeous on my vanity ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

If I ever see it again, yes. Meanwhile, I'm loving the one by Method ♥♥♥...

(Aldi) Country Life Antibacterial Hand Wash - Lemon Myrtle (500ml, RRP $?)

Another one from Aldi that was as cheap as chips - absolutely adored the lemony fresh fragrance but it has minimal suds, and suds are needed for effective COVID capture so I didn't use it after venturing outside ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Again, yes if I ever see it again, but will only use it when I'm housebound ♥♥♥...

The Body Shop British Rose Petal-Soft Hand Cream (30ml, RRP $7)

Partner to the body wash I was gifted by one of my followers. The rose scent is mind-blowingly natural and divine. The cream itself is quite runny so it's more of a lotion than a hand cream ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

While it's not quite the heavy-duty moisturiser I need for my old hands, the scent is to die for, so yes ♥♥♥...

Weleda Almond Sensitive Skin Body Wash (200ml, RRP $19.95)

My review of this super softening and hydrating body wash is HERE ♥...

Repurchase?

No - I'm a scentophile and this has barely any fragrance. Besides I'm in love with the Citrus and Pomegranate varieties ♥...

White Glo Micellar Whitening Toothpaste (100ml, RRP $5.99)

Well it's official - I've switched from my usual Oral-B 3D one to this. Doesn't seem to be any more effective at whitening my pegs, but I'm prepared to see how it performs in the long term, and I'm a huge fan of micellar products. It has a delicious minty taste, but the bonus is the toothbrush that comes in every pack, so read on ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Definitely ♥♥♥...

White Glo Toothbrush (free with the above toothpaste)

I've always bought quality toothbrushes, but I never knew how good they could be until I tried this one. Firm enough to clean the surface, but gentle on my gums, this toothbrush combines both requirements to create the perfect one for me. Truly, I was amazed at how great this feels when I brush - just the right balance in my hand and makes me want to brush more frequently, and that's a good thing hey ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely ♥♥♥...

Regulars

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

Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)
SheaMoisture African Black Soap Soothing Body Wash - (384ml, $19.99)
SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Hydrating Body Wash (384ml, RRP $19.99) 

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

Face

Bioré Rose Quartz + Charcoal Gentle Pore Refining Scrub (113g, RRP $9.99)

When I first bought this scrub I absolutely loved it - such a pretty texture and colour, and just the right amount of exfoliating power to leave my skin feeling smooth, soft and not stripped of moisture. Plus the idea of it containing rose quartz and charcoal was super appealing, but I've always found the scent to be a bit odd - hard to describe, but it's definitely not natural.  By the time I got to the end of the tube, I simply couldn't handle it any more ♥...

Repurchase?

No - can't take the scent ♥...

Olay Luminous Whip UV Cream SPF30  (50g, RRP $48.99)

My second favourite day cream, primarily for the light fluffy texture and the SPF30 content. My fave is the Regenerist Whip because of the scent - I just can't get enough of it, and sadly this Luminous one isn't the same. I know scent can be troublesome for some folks, but it is SO important to me as a pleasure factor. Having said that this is a beautiful cream, and I'm just so thrilled that Olay has upped the UV content for this range ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Maybe ♥♥♥...

Olay Regenerist Luminous Tone Perfecting Treatment  (30ml, RRP $53.99)

Love everything about this. If I wasn't determined to give the Retinol range a good try, I would use this on a regular basis - it's a lot more affordable than my L'Occitane fave and it's regularly on special, which makes it even more appealing. Feels so hydrating when applied and the lemony fragrance is a delight - I will probably stick with this during the summer and see if any of my spots fade ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

You betcha, but only when it's on spesh ♥♥♥...

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) 
St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub (150ml, RRP $9.99)

Face Masks

Skin Republic Fast Fix 5 Minute Under Eye Mask (2 pairs, RRP $7.99)

These are SO good - I've had the best eye-bag reducing results compared with any other mask I've tried, and there's been quite a few. The only problem is that the effect doesn't last more than a few hours - if only it was permanent! ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Already have - at least I can look less baggy until lunchtime ♥♥♥...

Regulars

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

Fragrance

Ecoya Cedarwood & Leather Mini Reed Diffuser (50ml, RRP $25.95)
This was my winter bedroom scenter - it's the kind of warm, sensuous and earthy fragrance that I crave in the cold weather. Comforting and cosy, I spent quite a bit of time just sniffing the sticks lol. Vetiver, bergamot, leather, clove and cedarwood - mmmm. If I'd known how good it was I would have bought the bigger size ♥♥♥...
Repurchase?
I'm almost finished the 2nd jar, and then I'll probably switch to something fresher like the Guava & Lychee one for the summer months. But I'll buy this again next March, the full-sized one. Ecoya make the best diffusers ♥♥♥...

Hair

Schwarzkopf Igora Royal Permanent Color Creme - 8-11 Light Ash Blonde (RRP $23.95)

First time I used this, the colour turned out the perfect silvery grey I was seeking, and exactly as pictured on the supplier's website, so I bought a few more. 2nd time I applied it, there was more gold content than silver. Sigh - my search continues...

Repurchase?

No...

Regulars

Goldwell Kerasilk Control Shampoo (250ml, RRP $35.95)

Schwarzkopf Live Colour Pastels - Cool Grey, Metallic - Lilac Chrome & Denim Steel (RRP $5.49)

Makeup

DB Cosmetics Kohl Eye Pencil - Malachite (RRP $6.99)

The most fabulous spring green - while I don't use this on my waterline, it's perfect for tight-lining my upper lashes and as a base for shadow. Cheap as chips ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Already have - the EOH Emerald one is too dark for spring/summer ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Australis HD Translucent Loose Setting Powder (RRP $16.95)

Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner (RRP $15.95)

Maybelline Volume Express The Falsies Mascara (RRP $19.95)

Giveaway!

Up for grabs are...

• Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence
• Olay Regenerist Luminous Tone Perfecting Treatment
• 3 x Skin Republic Fast Fix 5 Minute Under Eye Mask packs
• White Glo Micellar Whitening Toothpaste

All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $120.  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 find out who won!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Meedee as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 14th October to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Meedee has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you, and keep safe

kats xxx

REVIEW: Jennifer Aniston Silver EDP...

If you're searching for a fresh, crisp and unique warmer weather fragrance to add to your collection, then look no further than the new Silver EDP by Jennifer Aniston. In the same bottle shape as J, Near Dusk & Lolavie (none of which I've tried), this one is a mirrored stunner and the fragrance inside refreshingly different from anything else that I've come across ♥...

I'm quite the fan of scents from this lovely lady (Chapter Two HERE & Chapter One HERE), and she's got me again with this latest release from her lineup. Starting with the bottle, it's just plain gorgeous - modern with an asymmetrically curved base, the cap is a clear acrylic rectangle with Jen's moniker around the neck - this is the only "labelling" on the bottle other than the sticker on the underside. Made of clear glass, the bottom half of the flacon has a mirrored metallic finish that ombres out about halfway up, but when you hold it up to the light, the glass is clear with a slight blue-grey tint at the base. Absolutely love it, although it's a challenge to photograph lol ♥...

The fragrance is strong at first, fades after about 30 minutes into a gentle and soft musky floral (with attitude), and then lasts for hours on my skin. Classified as an aquatic (which I don't normally go for), I'm loving the freshness and clean vibe of this almost metallic elixir, which could probably be worn by fellas as well - it's neither feminine nor masculine. Opening notes are bergamot, and rain accord (no idea what this is but yes it smells like rain lol), followed by jasmine and rose petals on a base of ambrox, musk, cedarwood and vanilla. It's one of those "if x had a fragrance, this is what it would smell like" kind of scents - very silvery, lustrous and reflective, and consequently, very aptly named ♥...

I've found that many celebrity fragrances go overboard with the vanilla - but not this little gem. It's subtle yet long-lasting, distinctive, sophisticated and unique. One little annoyance is that it only seems to be available in the 30ml size. While that limitation makes it very handbag friendly, it won't last all that long given how frequently I'm already wearing it. But the good news is that Priceline has it for $29, and it was recently on special for $18, so that sort of outlay makes it totally affordable and repurchasable. Nice one Jen ♥

Does Silver sound appealing to you? Have you tried any other JA fragrances?

Take care of you, and keep safe,

kats xxx

P.S. I'm still blocked on Instagram, which is why I haven't uploaded my Empties and Bloggiversary Giveaway post - will wait till next week and see if I'm still in the bad books ♥...

Liptember September

Don't you just love September? It's quite possibly my favourite month of the year and always lifts my spirits. And how could it not considering it heralds the start of spring - a bevvy of blossoms and new growth in the garden, longer daylight hours, not so chilly nights and mornings, and not to forget, it's Liptember month. Every year various organisations & individuals contribute to the Liptember campaign to raise awareness of women's mental health. Chemist Warehouse is the major partner and they always have a stand at their checkout counters displaying colourful lipsticks for $5, made by W7 cosmetics. I buy these every year as they're a creamy and moist formula, the colours are so cheerful, and I'm keen to support a great cause...

There are six in the set, but I didn't buy the blue and the green - truly, apart from Halloween (will there be one this year?) I'd never wear them, but here are the other four gorgeous and totally wearable colours...

Cin Cin

Palest pastel pink and the sheerest of the set - needs to be reapplied often as it wears off quickly, but what a heavenly spring shade this is, blossoms all the way ♥...

Neon Purple

Adore this royal colour - so vibrant and lush, and it covers my freckles with a couple of swipes ♥...

Fluorescent Orange

One of the few yellowy oranges in my kit, and it goes on easily with barely any streaks ♥...

Devils Darling

I've saved the best till last - fire engines, eat your heart out! One of the best $5 reds of all time ♥...

Well worth a trip to Chemist Warehouse hey lovelies?

Take care of you, and keep safe,
kats xxx

P.S. In case you're wondering why I haven't been posting my usual social media photo frenzy, I've been blocked on Instagram for over two weeks, and there's no end in sight and no explanation. Can't like anything, can't comment.  Will just have to ride it out and cross my fingers they let me back in :-(

Jewellery Storage Refresh...

I've been working on a personal project for a few months now - the refresh and re-org of my jewellery collection. My plan was to have it all done and dusted for spring, and I'm absolutely chuffed that I completed it with one day to spare! I have a vast array of costume jewellery that I've amassed over the years (only buying when items are on special, natch) - I guess you could call it part of my persona or my signature. In fact, I never leave the house without something pretty on my bod, although thanks to COVID, it's usually just earrings or bracelets as I'm constantly sanitising/washing my hands. But on the two days every second week that I head into the office, I get dressed up to the nines just like I used to in the old (BC) days. When you have a collection as big as mine, it's VITAL to be organised, so I'm also constantly on the lookout for new and effective ways to store the precious contents. The final piece of this "overhaul" puzzle came just last Thursday when I picked up the rainbow box (below left) from Spotlight, and I've been flat chat ever since cleaning, rearranging and culling all the bits and bobs to get them into their new homes...

The main impetus for the re-org was the fact that I was running out of space for my rings and earrings. The rings were so jammed into the drawers (below) that sometimes I couldn't open them without jiggling the box. I've had these perspex containers for several years (reviewed HERE), and while they provided a nice display, they've been in front of the window for so long that, as you can see, the plastic has dulled (and in some cases turned yellow) from the winter sun that comes streaming in (thankfully!). So, what to do?...

I was searching for another cabinet like the tall one below with 33 drawers, which up until today contained my earrings. But everything I found online looked too much like a toolbox you'd normally keep in the garage. And then I spotted the rainbow box (which has 60 drawers) on the Spotlight website - perfect for my earrings! And it just happened to be on special, so I thanked the Universe for providing the answer, and cleaned up and repurposed the black one for my rings ♥. Problem solved!

I already had the other 5-drawer cabinets for my necklaces and bracelets - also had these for years but they are still in good shape, so I dusted off the spare one I had on the shelf, re-lined the drawers of the old ones with some black non-slip vinyl I found on eBay, and then spent hours untangling everything and setting it all out so it looked pretty ♥. These drawer cabinets are actually for stationery, and Kmart still sells them for $18...

I'm over the moon with this new arrangement - like my wardrobe, everything is sorted according to colour or gold/silver, and I'm especially excited as I now have enough space to dedicate a drawer each to the rose and silver diamante pieces ♥...

So here's the final layout - I have wind out windows that I need to access so it's not entirely perfect, matching or symmetrical, but it works well, I know where everything is and I can find whatever I'm after in a flash. Incidentally, in the bottom right of this pic you can see my Empties tub, which is already overflowing, so expect a post soon ♥...

Stage 2 is to re-line my makeup drawers and sort/cull my lip liners which you can see on the right-hand side of the dressing table, but that won't take long. My lipsticks are stored separately (still the same as HERE), well away from the window so they don't get affected by the extra heat and light, along with my perfumes, the re-org of which will be Stage 3. It's endless lol!...

How do you store your gems?

Take care of you, and keep safe,

kats xxx