CONFESSIONS: Of a Body Washaholic (Part 18)...

Been almost 6 months since my last body wash confession - the influx of new varieties has definitely slowed, mainly due to the fact that my shelves and cupboards just can't take any more! But as you can see in my Empties posts, I've been putting in a concerted effort to finish off quite a few, and that focus has rewarded me with some space for these four newbies...

Given that I've tried just about every supermarket brand and flavour that's currently available (well the ones I liked the smell of anyway), this time I extended my search to a couple of online sources - Sephora and DB Cosmetics. It's a bit weird for me to have body wash arrive via the postie, but the nearest Sephora store is two hours away, and I've never seen shower products on the DB stand at my local stockist. Well that's my excuse anyway ♥...

Original Source Mango Shower Cream...

For a long long time, my Coles just didn't stock this fabulous Original Source Mango, and then one day it appeared, and in the giant 500ml size, so I grabbed it in a flash. I've waxed lyrical about some of the other flavours in this range at various stages (HERE & HERE), but I've been lusting after this fruity delight for months (without smelling it) ever since I spotted it on their website, and it sure didn't disappoint. I adore both the taste and scent of mangos, and this is the real deal. Fresh and fabulous without being overly sweet, I look forward to every shower, but trying not to use it all the time as I never want to tire of it. The formula is creamy, bubbly and non-drying, although for gals with skin sensitivities, it does contain SLS. A bargain for around $7 ♥...

Sephora Hydrating & Energizing Shower Gel (with Goji Berry extract)...

Definitely one of my greatest discoveries! This was $19, but worth every penny (although it also contains SLS). The bottle says it's made in France, and while I can't actually pinpoint the main fragrance note, it sure lives up to its name. A combination of unidentifiable fruit, flowers, herbs and even a spice or two, this is one of the most invigorating shower gels I've ever had the pleasure to experience. Crisp and enlivening, my skin (and nose) just loves this formula - moisturising and bubbly fresh, it's the perfect antidote to hot and steamy weather, which has a tendency to make me feel a little lethargic. Definitely a wake-me-upper, and it's a sure bet I'll be buying it again ♥... 

Thankyou Botanical Geranium & Rosewood Body Wash...

My first body wash from this brand, and I'm suitably impressed. The fragrance is soft and feminine and predominantly rose - more the sort of scent I go for in cooler weather, but I'm enjoying it all the same because of the formula. Second listed ingredient is Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, and further down are Chamomile, Sweet Almond Oil, Geranium Oil, Rose Oil, Patchouli Oil, Lemon Oil and Rosewood Oil - crikey, that's a helluva lot of oil, and yet it's super cleansing! Of course all these delish ingredients means it's magically hydrating, and there's a very long list of what's NOT included, which natural product loving gals will appreciate, along with the fact it's not tested on animals. There's also quite a story behind this brand, and a heart warming philosophy which you can read about HERE. Very happy to support this company, and while I'm not so fussed on the scent of the other two varieties, I will most certainly be investigating more of their range. I already have their hand wash and hand cream to try ♥...

Designer Brands Pomegranate Body Wash...

For once I didn't save the best till last. This body wash is a bit wishy-washy, in both the fragrance and moisturising departments, but hey it was only $5.99. The scent is quite lovely, but once I'm in the shower, I can hardly smell it, so that means it's automatically crossed off my re-buy list. The ingredients include Pomegranate Extract, Coconut Oil, Vitamin C & Vitamin E (SLS too), but my skin didn't seem to register any obvious hydration benefits, although it doesn't make it feel dry. In its favour, the footprint is minimal so there's a tad more space in my caddy. In summary, just a bit ordinary and I'll probably use it up as a hand wash...

Hope you had a peaceful and enjoyable Christmas Day ♥...

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. Joining in Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party ♥...

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

REVIEW: Jessica Mauboy Be Beautiful EDT...

I have a huge backlog of fragrance reviews to post, but I chose to upload this Jessica Mauboy Be Beautiful first because the emerald green bottle with gold trim has "Christmas" written all over it. The whole presentation is gorgeous, from the jewel faceted cap to the trio of cute little trinkets around the neck - so festive, and I'll be adding them to my key chain once I've bathed myself in every last drop of this sparkling gem ♥...

It's a stunner of an eau de toilette, and more potent than some of the EDP's in my collection. When I first sampled it I thought it was so very similar to DKNY Be Delicious (which I adore), but every time I wear it I discover more and more differences in the blend that make it unique. It's also a fraction of the DKNY price ♥ Be Beautiful is an aquatic fruit floral, which means it's PERFECT for Spring and steamy Summer days. First notes are crisp and zingy apple and cucumber - the initial spritz is quite spectacular, and if you're hot and sweaty, or worn out from hitting the shops for pressie purchases, this is a sure bet to give you an instant boost of refreshment, and restore your vitality ♥...

After the first fruit flush comes the flowers - I can easily pick the magnolia and the frangipani, and there's waterlily and magnolia too, and the whole delight is cradled on a bed of musk, vetiver and white amber. Oh boy Mauboy! I can assure you it's as delightful and delish as it sounds - lasts a good three hours on my skin, and it stays very close to my body from beginning to end. Just love it when a fragrance envelops me without being overpowering. It's fresh, fruity, bursting with blossoms, and so unmistakably feminine. I bought it on sale at Target for half price ($15 instead of $29.95) - it came in a gift set with a shower gel and body lotion (which I've yet to try, and they're not tested on animals btw). The box was a bit battered and bruised (which is probably why it was on special) so I haven't pictured it, but the artwork on the individual bottle packaging is almost as stunning as the contents ♥...

It comes with a special message from Jess in the form of a poem (or perhaps they are lyrics to a song) which I've snapshotted from her website:

The 100ml bottle is currently on sale at Priceline for $19 (RRP $34.95), and I'll be picking up a spare to stash away as I expect to go through this 50ml rather quickly - I could easily wear this all day every day non-stop ♥..

Well done Jess! So looking forward to more fragrant delights from this talented Aussie gal ♥

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. Linking to Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party - you won't want to miss this week's edition xxx

Bloggers United AU Kris Kringle...

When the lovelies at Bloggers United AU invited me to participate in their annual Kris Kringle swap, I jumped at the opportunity to be involved in such a fun caper. Unlike a few of the secret santa events I've seen in the community, it wasn't a standard exchange - we were matched with two completely different bloggers. BUA provided details to send a gift to one gal, and we were to receive our pressie from another unidentified beauty. It was so well organised - we completed a form on which we listed what we'd really love to receive (and not!), general likes and dislikes, and any allergies. There was a spend limit ($25) and a set date for postage, and providing proof/tracking information was also one of the very mindful conditions. I had a ball choosing for my gal, sent the package off in good time, and was excited to receive my parcel this week - here's what was inside...

My Kris Kringle match was the lovely Katelan from Katelan Maria. She included this gorgeous Goddess card, and on the reverse introduced herself with some personal details and how to contact her. Katelan is a blogger and MUA from Brisbane who's relatively new to blogging, but she's well on her way, and I'm certain will have lots of interesting articles to contribute to the blogosphere...

Now for the surprises. Always believing the saying good things come in small packages, I opened the smallest parcel first, and to my delight, it contained this stunning Pro Lip Cream Palette (The Reds) by NYX. I'm absolutely over the moon as I don't have anything like this in my makeup kit, and adoring NYX lip products as I do, I'm busting to try every one of these stunning scarlet hues ♥...

Next up was the BIG package, which contained this lovely travel purse, with three delicious products by Fresh Fruit Spa. Never heard of this brand before, but loving fruity body goodies as I do, these are sure to be a winner. There's Papaya Moisturising Hand Cream, Coconut Body Lotion and Berry Cleansing Body Wash - yummm!

When I unwrapped the longish parcel, I was chuffed to find two BYS nail polishes - a scented one (Parfum Posies) and Confetti Top Coat. Again I have nothing like these in my enamel collection, and am very much looking forward to scented and spotted toes this Summer lol! Also in the package was a 7th Heaven Very Berry Mud Masque, which I will thoroughly enjoy plastering all over my face stat - ingredients include pressed blueberries, crushed cranberries, peach kernel oil and aloe ♥...

And here's everything all together - such a lovely gift ♥...

Katelan my dear, thank you so much for this very special present - I love everything, and so appreciate the care and thoughtfulness you put into choosing these products for me. I wish you and your family the merriest of Christmases, hope that your heartfelt desires all come true in 2017, and I'll be in touch with you soon ♥...

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. Adding this to Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party - come join in the fun from 6:30am ♥