September 2020 Empties & Giveaway!...

Hmm yes well, I'd planned to have these up in October along with the other two giveaways, but with one thing and another (including a bunch of beautyheaven reviews), I didn't get there. Then for one brief (and fleeting) moment, I thought maybe I should combine them with the October Empties, but as you can probably imagine, I couldn't fit them all on my bench, let alone in one camera shot lol! So anyway, I'm continuing on with the usual process, and fingers crossed I can get last month's ones up before we hit December - eek, December!...

Body

Bosisto's Kakadu Plum & Lemon Myrtle Nourishing Body Wash (500ml, RRP $8)

Lovely body wash with a deliciously crisp & refreshing lemon scent - love the simplicity of the packaging and that it's available at Coles. No SLS content, Aussie-made, not tested on animals, and it's vegan, but still not quite moisturising enough compared with the others in my rack. Boy am I getting fussy! ♥♥...

Repurchase?

Maybe, if I have trouble getting hold of my other faves ♥♥...

Lanolips Rose Hand Cream Intense (50ml, RRP $16.99)

This was gifted to me so long ago I can't remember the source, and even though I had broken the seal, it's been in a dark drawer so it was perfectly fine. Not quite as intense as I'd hoped, and I have others that give my hands a richer treatment, but that rose fragrance? Heavenly! Absorbs quickly and completely, and it was particularly effective on my shrivelled cuticles ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, if for nothing else than the fabulous scent ♥♥♥...

No Pong All Natural Anti Odourant (35g, RRP $8.95)

Small quantity left in the tin from last summer's series on aluminium-free deodorants - full review is HERE. Excellent product and 100% effective against odour & wetness - it didn't score 10/10 but only because getting the lid off is a challenge for me ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I would if my other preferred ones weren't available. This would be ideal for travellers because it's so small ♥♥♥...

Regulars
Colgate Plax Alcohol Free Gentle Mint Mouth Wash (500ml, RRP $6.49)
Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)
White Glo Charcoal Total Mouth Detox Whitening Mouthwash (500ml, RRP $6.99)
White Glo Micellar Whitening Toothpaste (100ml, RRP $5.99)
White Glo Toothbrush (free with the above toothpaste)

Face

Bioré Charcoal Cleansing Micellar Water (300ml, RRP $10.99)

So many micellars on the market and after doing a whole bunch of research when they first appeared over 5 years ago, this is the one that I'm sticking with, well for the time being anyway. It's highly effective, a great price and I LOVE the fragrance. It's not that it works any better than many others, but the scent is so appealing. Beats me why this hasn't appeared in my Regulars section before as I've bought many bottles, but it will next time ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

That's a yes ♥♥♥...

Nutrimetics Ultra Care+ Super-C & Retinol Serum  (20ml, RRP $70)

I haven't been all that impressed with the cheaper serums from this brand (mind you the Platinum one is sensational), and while this is still somewhat pricey, I bought it because they had a special deal of buy-one-get-one-free, so for $35, I was in! The serum itself is actually pretty darn fabulous, but the packaging sucks - a skinny little tube that I had trouble holding, and the product kinda squirts down the outside of the cap rather than onto the fingers. The serum is very thick, rich and viscous, and I would struggle to spread it onto my face in the cold weather, but apart from these issues, it made my skin look amazing - glowy, refined, plump, and a delicate floral fragrance, pretty much everything you want from a serum ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely, when it's on special, but not in the cooler months ♥♥♥...

Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Serum (30ml, RRP $59.99)

The jury is still out on this one. To be fair, this bottle wasn't used continuously as I was trialling the Skin Physics sculpting gel below and excluding all other products, so I'll reserve final judgement until I've had time to use another complete bottle without interruption. In the interim, I can say that it's a terrific serum that causes absolutely zero irritation, but I can't tell yet if it's any better for my age-related skin issues than others I've used. Adore the purple packaging, and I was surprised that I didn't mind the fact that it is fragrance-free (no fragrance is better than one that I dislike). Other advantages are that Olay products are regularly on special, so I'll never EVER have to pay full price for it, and it has maintained the pore refinement that I was seeing from my other retinol serums. To be continued ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes (on spesh natch) ♥♥♥...

Regulars

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

Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes (Pack of 25, RRP $7.99) 
Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Make-up Remover (112ml, RRP $10.89)

RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum (3ml, RRP $65)

Skin Physics Dragon's Blood Facial Sculpting Gel (50ml, RRP $59.95)
St. Ives Blackhead Clearing GreenTea Scrub (150ml, RRP $9.99)

Face Masks

Regulars

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

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

Hair

Head & Shoulders Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (200ml, RRP $6.75)

Fortunately, I'm not dealing with dandruff or flaking scalp - I bought this many months ago on the recommendation of my stylist to remove excess colour safely from my hair if my home dye ends up too dark, and it's really quite effective. Even more so if I crush a Vitamin C tablet and mix it in with the liquid. It leaves my hair feeling like straw so I only do one application, leave it on for at least 5 minutes, rinse and then use my usual Goldwell Kerasilk one for application #2, and then it feels ok again. It sure takes out the dye quick-smart! ♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes, but I've had so many compliments about my (accidental) darker hair shade I may not need it lol... ♥♥♥

Regulars

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

Goldwell Kerasilk Control Conditioner (1L, RRP $80.95)

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

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

Makeup

Regulars

Chi Chi Highlighting & Contouring Palette (33g, RRP $24.95)

Maybelline Brow Ultra Slim Eyebrow Pencil (RRP $15.95)

Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner (RRP $15.95)

Natio Define Eye Pencil - Steel Grey (RRP $14.95) 

Giveaway!

Up for grabs are...

• Elizabeth Arden 5th avenue boxed set - EDP (125ml), Parfum (3.7ml) & Moisturising Body Lotion (100ml)
• Glow Lab Mini Pack (Creme Cleanser/Facial Moisturiser/Body Lotion/Facial Serum/Night Cream)
• MCoBeauty 2-in-1 Bronzer & Highlighter
• Sweet Little Things Floral Scented Soap Petals

All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $100.  The giveaway is open to...

Australian Residents Only! 

Here's how to enter...

1. Leave a blog post comment on this page as per 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 Claudia C. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 25th November to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Claudia 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: Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Gold EDP...

This is my third Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy fragrance - I started with the original which I won in a beautyheaven competition in 2010, but I wasn't keen on it. In fact, I couldn't work out what all the fuss was about as it didn't appeal to me, and I ended up giving the 3/4 full bottle to a friend. Fast forward to 2018 when I decided to revisit the range, and interestingly fell in love with the Noir version (review HERE). I wasn't all that surprised as frequently I've found that my perfume tastes change over time - it's happened before that what I used to love doesn't do it for me any more, and contrarily, some scents I didn't enjoy years ago are now blowing my skirt up lol. Anyway so the Noir was a raging success, but then I subsequently watched Jeremy's OTT RAVE video of the Gold flanker and wondered if I'd bought the wrong flavour. So I decided to sample it in-store at Priceline, and was immediately struck by two things - it's resemblance to the Noir version, but with a twist that totally hooked me, and it was the "hook" (plus the heavily discounted price) that made this fabulous bottle end up with me at the checkout ♥...

The packaging (like the Noir version) is absolutely stunning - heavy amber glass with a metallic gold chamber that houses the elixir, hot pink Couture embossed over the usual JC Coat of Arms, a clear faceted crystal cap, and a spotted net bow straight from an Audrey Hepburn movie - it's just so ridiculously adorable ♥...

Once I opened the box, I was determined to find out what it was that so inspired me to purchase something so similar to one I already had in my collection, but grabbed me from the first sniff all the same. Interestingly, when I spritzed each one on my wrists, it's obvious the two fragrances are distinctly different - Noir is heavy on the fruit, whereas Gold is almost pure caramel & vanilla. Both versions contain the same ingredients (wild berries, jasmine, honeysuckle, sandalwood, amber, caramel & vanilla) with the exception that Noir also has mandarin and gardenia. I'm guessing what differentiates them is the proportions - to me, Gold has a far greater concentration of caramel and vanilla, which is what makes it so creamy, mellow and enveloping, whereas Noir kinda punches the air ♥...

I love them both, but I will wear Viva La Juicy Gold a lot more frequently, and all throughout the year - I can already tell that its potency won't be a problem in the heat, in fact, I think it will be even more fabulous on a steamy day/night. Longevity is pretty good, even better if you mist a little on your clothing or hair.  Mind you it's only strong for about an hour, but then it stays on the skin, faintly detectible in the air as you move around ♥...

And so my shelf is sagging a little bit more now, but this perfume is definitely worth making space for if you enjoy gourmands - and even if they're not your thing, you may be surprised with how delicious  & appealing this is ♥...

Are you a Juicy Couture fan? Which variety is your fave?

Take care of you, and keep safe,

kats xxx

7 Year Bloggiversary Giveaway!...

Holey guacemoley - I've been doing this for 7 years? I remember the excitement (and trepidation) I felt when I uploaded my very first blog post in September 2013 (HERE) - would anyone read it? does the world need yet another blogger? can I maintain the commitment? All these doubts were running through my head as I hit the upload button, but encouraged and inspired by the beautyheaven beauties I'd made friends with over the years, it happened, and I'm still here! I'm not posting twice weekly any more, and the content has changed a bit, but it's still based on pretty things, things that I love. So to celebrate yet another milestone of my mumbles and musings, I decided to put together a giveaway bundle of those beauty items that I write about most frequently and are dearest to my heart - lipsticks and perfume! ♥...

So if fragrance and lippies are your thing, I hope you'll like what I've put together:

• Britney Spears Hidden Fantasy EDP 100ml
• Britney Spears Island Fantasy EDP 100ml
• MCoBeauty Limited Edition Fruity Beauty 6 Piece Lipstick Collection
• Nutrimetics Floral Bloom Gift Set - contains 8ml Rollerball EDT & 50m Body Lotion
• OHLEO Cosmetics All Dolled Up Collection Creme Long Lasting Lipsticks - Becky (bright pink), Britney (mauve), Kelly (fuchsia) & Chelsea (orange) 
• W7 Kiss Kit - Red Alert - contains Mega Matte Lip Liner (Red), Lippy Chic (Tongue & Cheek) & Glam Gloss (Too Hot!)
• W7 Kiss Kit - Bare It All - contains Mega Matte Lip Liner (Pink), Lippy Chic (Banter) & Glam Gloss (Super Star)

All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $300.  The giveaway is open to...

Australian Residents Only! 

Here's how to enter...

1. Leave a blog post comment on this page as per the Rafflecopter directions (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 Lady L. as the winner.  

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 28th October to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Lady L. 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: Sarah Jessica Park Covet EDP...

Well now, this was lucky 13 for me - that's how many years Covet by Sarah Jessica Parker has been on the market, and I've only just discovered her beauty. My theory is that it's never too late to find a fragrance that you resonate with unless of course it's been discontinued. There are internet rumours that this has been scrapped, but I think this darling will be around for a while yet as it's listed on so many store sites. The 100ml bottle was a steal for $19.99 from Chemist Warehouse, and at that price, it's tempting to buy another as I'm certainly powering through this one before the weather gets too hot ♥...

The bottle is clear glass with a smokey topaz flower cap that covers the nozzle to reduce the risk of accidental spritzing. I'm a little puzzled by the amber colour of the fluid though - in so many pictures it's the most gorgeous olive/lime green, so I'm not sure if it's a remix of the original ♥...

A grown-up fragrance, or a fragrance for grownups - either way, it's exceptionally feminine and quite sensuous and I reckon the fellas will love it. It's a delicious mix of lemon, lavender and cocoa with a floral heart of magnolia, honeysuckle and lily of the valley, nestled on a base of musk, amber, cashmere wood, vetiver and teak wood. It starts off quite crisp and fresh, almost green with a hint of spiced mint (from geranium leaves I believe), but it quickly softens into a creamy chocolate white floral (but not overly sweet) which lasts for around 10 minutes, and then the woods, musk and amber kick in and hold it all together for the next (at least) 6 hours ♥...

Most fragrances that contain chocolate tend to be gourmand style, but this one doesn't strike me that way at all. It's quite delicate, almost baby powderish, but it has the lovely zest of fruit to keep it interesting, and I'm a goner for anything containing amber. I've been spraying it on night and day as it's just so pretty, relaxing and enveloping, and I'm forever sniffing my wrist - it's the type that becomes even more entrancing as the hours go by ♥...

Well worth a try if you love soft feminine scents that last a long time, and don't intrude on anyone else's space - it stays close which makes it perfect for the office, or for getting close to someone special. I'm definitely coveting this beauty ♥...

Has this perfume ever been on your radar?

Take care of you, and keep safe,

kats xxx