Sunday, 8 October 2017

Bloggiversary Giveaway - Skin Republic Packs!...

Didn't get to fit this 4th Bloggiversary Giveaway into September, but who cares hey. What's important is that the fun goes on, and there's a whole lot of fun in this prize bundle - a selection of Skin Republic Face Sheet Mask, Under Eye Patch & Treatment packs! Some of my absolute favourites here, including the latest 24K Gold Aquagel Under Eye Patches, which I tried out on Friday night, and instantly fell in love with their calming, soothing and hydrating power ...

Skin Republic masks are made in Korea and are not tested on animals. I've tried each and every one of these and can vouch that they are all fabulous for different reasons. I've been amassing this collection for months, picking up the varieties whenever and wherever they were on special so that I could give one of you lovelies a chance to discover why I'm crazy about this brand, and what they make. So what do you get if you win?
  • 1 x Gold Hydrogel Mask
  • 1 x Hyaluronic Acid + Collagen Face Mask Sheet
  • 1 x Detox Charcoal + 10-Superfood Formula Face Mask Sheet
  • 1 x Bubble Purifying + Charcoal Face Mask Sheet
  • 1 x 24k Gold Aquagel Under Eye Patch (2 pairs)
  • 1 x Neck & Decolletage Repair 20 Minute Treatment
  • 2 x Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patch (6 pairs in total)
  • 1 x Youthfoil Foil Face Mask Sheet
  • 1 x Hand Repair 20 Minute Treatment

Total prize value is approx. A$100, all packs were purchased by me, and this giveaway is open
INTERNATIONALLY!

Here's how to enter...
  1. Leave a blog post comment on this page as to why you'd like to win this set of amazing face, eye, hand and body masks (please note: if you don't leave a comment, you won't be included in the draw)
  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 - winner will be announced shortly!
Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Michelle H. as the winner.  
Congratulations gorgeous! 
Michelle please respond to the email I've sent you by 
Tuesday 17th October to claim your prize :-)
Edit: Michelle has claimed her prize xxx
Thanks to everyone who entered - another giveaway will be starting soon! 
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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,
kats xxx

Monday, 2 October 2017

SPOTLIGHT: August Empties!...

Eeek! With all the Bloggiversary giveaways, I didn't get to post my August Empties, and September ones are in the box waiting their turn too, but first things first. Another big month - I decided to use up some small sample tubes that have been cluttering my drawers for some time, and I'm feeling good about clearing a wee bit more space. Due to my current passions though, I figure the face mask tally is always going to be reasonably high, as is the body washes. There's a few long-term makeup items in here as well, some of which I've highlighted previously in these posts, but as they're absolute FAVES, I'm compelled to include them yet again ha ha  ...


Body Products

Dove Gentle Exfoliating Nourishing Body Wash (375ml, RRP $7.36)
Love these Body Washes - they're so incredibly hydrating, including this one. Only a whisper of exfoliation so I'm more likely to categorise it as a body polish. Smells very similar to the rest of the range...
Repurchase?
Probably not - the Triple Moisturising one below is my favourite..

Dove Triple Moisturising Nourishing Body Wash (375ml, RRP $7.36)
Review HERE - Winter skin saviour! 
Repurchase?
Already have - this has become a can't-live-without ...

Lacura (Aldi) Detox Me Exfoliating Body Scrub (100g, RRP $4.99)
Nothing special although it smells incredible, but it's actually really annoying - it's pretty much dry coffee granules that don't hold together at all, which means that they flick all over the walls and make a HUGE mess of my shower stall when applied all over my bod. Ended up using it only below the knees to reduce the fallout...
Repurchase?
No...

Lush The Comforter Shower Cream (250g, RRP $19.95)
Bought this at the Bloggers United AU 2nd Birthday bash in March. Smells amazing (blackcurrant & vanilla), has delish skin softening qualities (Almond Oil) and what a pretty addition to my shower stall array ...
Repurchase?
Yes - it's one of the few Lush products that I don't need to see, touch and feel before buying, so I can order it online ...


Skincare

Bioderma Hydrabio Light Cream (40ml, RRP $40.99)
This was a 15ml sample tube that came in one of my Marie Claire Ageless parcels (incidentally I'm shattered this quarterly box has been discontinued, it was SO good). A lovely lightweight cream that's intensely hydrating, has a delightful and delicate fragrance, and is suitable for sensitive skin. Absorbs within a few seconds leaving the skin surface silky soft and smooth. You really can't go wrong with anything by Bioderma ...
Repurchase?
Maybe for next Winter...I have so many moisturisers stashed in my cupboard to try ...

Freeze 24.7 Anti-Aging Eye Serum (7ml, RRP US$56)
I forget how this came into my possession (a sub box?), but I sure didn't buy it, and with a US$56 price tag, that's a good thing. Have read mixed reviews of this product online - some gals say they would kill for it, while others (like me) experienced no change whatsoever in their issues (puffiness/dark circles/fine lines etc). It's a clear gel that doesn't hydrate at all, so you need an eye cream as well. There's definitely a tightening sensation as it dries, but for the outrageous cost of such a microscopic tube, I expected SOMETHING!...
Repurchase?
Hell no...

Innoxa Gentle Cleansing Gel (75ml, RRP $14.99)
Disappointed with this - didn't like the smell, and while it sure is gentle and it's a gel, I didn't find it all that effective at removing the layers of slap that I wear on weekdays. Absolutely amazing list of organic ingredients, but hey, if it doesn't work all that well AND I don't like the fragrance, forget it...
Repurchase?
Nope...

Mirenesse Youth Switch DNA Stem Cell Booster Eye Cream (10g, RRP $59.95)
Gosh I have so much Mirenesse skincare in my collection that has arrived via VIP packs, so it was time to test out another. They do make lovely products, and the online reviews of some of them are astounding - I just find most of them to be nothing special as far as targeting my particular advanced ageing skin concerns. This eye cream is super hydrating, the packaging is stunning, it has a nifty little paddle applicator (although I always use my pinky), but obviously I don't need DNA Stem Cells as I noticed no change in my crinkles. Mind you there was no further deterioration while I used it, but I'd rather spend my $60 on something that gives me visible results in a few weeks...
Repurchase?
No...

Nature's Care All Natural Paw Paw Lip Balm (10g, RRP $3.99)
Excellent lip balm, no better or worse than any of the other Paw Paw varieties out there for a similar price. Available from the supermarket, I find this type of liquid balm to be more hydrating than any stick variety, they're just not as convenient to apply. This is an Aussie brand ...
Repurchase?
Will probably buy another tube to keep next to the bed or in my handbag ...

NeoStrata Renewal Cream (30g, RRP $58.50)
I've tried quite a few NeoStrata creams now, and am suitably impressed with the quality, and their range is quite extensive. I reckon it's a case of finding the right product for the issues you're dealing with. I wanted this one to work on my skin texture and pore size - didn't notice any change, but it felt like it was doing something (tingling). According to their website, there was no pore size reduction observed until the product had been used for 3 months, so I probably need to line up a few tubes and actually stick with something for a while lol...
Repurchase?
Definitely, but not unless it's on special...

Neutrogena Hydro Boost (50g, RRP $24.99)
Another sample size, this one came with a beautyheaven beautorium order - loved it! Very pleasant fragrance, very hydrating, great for daytime as it absorbs COMPLETELY, I prefer something that leaves a trace for overnight, but this is a beaut day cream ...
Repurchase?
Yes, after clearing some of the aforementioned backlog ...

Nude by Nature Daily Cleanser (125ml, RRP $17.95)
The last appearance of this fab cleanser in these posts - so sad that Nude have discontinued their skin care range...
Repurchase?
Can't...sob...


Face Masks

7th Heaven Charcoal Masque (15g, RRP $4.99)
After falling head over heels for their Dead Sea Mud Pac, I was all set to be hooked on this charcoal one (considering I'm charcoal-obsessed), but to be honest...it scared me. It's an exfoliator as well - walnut shells, but it felt like coarse sand (or fine gravel), and after the first few finger swipes, I didn't dare massage it in. Maybe I got a dud batch with extra granules, but I would class this product under "dermabrasion" because it almost hurt when it came time to wash it off. I had to rub quite a bit and my face was bright pink for a while afterwards. Admittedly my skin felt fantastic after it calmed down, but I wasn't mentally prepared for this level of resurfacing from a face masque - yikes!...
Repurchase?
Seeing as it won a beauty award in 2016, I'm gonna give it another shot, but I'll brace myself first lol...

Eaoron Instant Whitening Face Mask (Box of 5, RRP $29)
I enjoyed this so much the first few times, I bought another box (of 5), and embarked on a weekly session to see what would happen with repeated use - results will be revealed in my September empties post, coming soon! ...
Repurchase?
Sure did ...



Skin Republic Gold Hydrogel Mask (25g, RRP $12.99)
LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ...
Repurchase?
YES YES YES YES YES YES YES!!!!!!!! ...



Skin Republic Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patch (3 pairs, RRP $9.99)
LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ...
Repurchase?
YES YES YES YES YES YES YES!!!!!!!! ...

Skin Republic Spots & Blemish (25ml, RRP $7.99)
First tried it back in April, loved it, and it's another one that I plan on using repeatedly over a set period to see if there is any improvement in my pore size ...
Repurchase?
I already have 2 stashed away, and will buy 2 more so I can do my experiment ...


Makeup

Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder (?, RRP $13.95)
I use this every day, have done for years ...
Repurchase?
Always, and at least 2 spares in my drawer ...

Australis Stayput! Longwear Foundation (23ml, RRP $16.49)
Well this surprised the hell out of me - so cheap and SO good! Absolutely lasts all day, the colour match is fantastic, although I'm bummed that either the label has come off or it never had one, anyway I have no idea what shade I purchased, so I'll have to take the bottle with me to buy another one (there's still a teeny bit left). The pump works brilliantly, coverage is full without looking caked on, SPF 15, and it's not tested on animals. Winner! ...
Repurchase?
Promised myself I'd finish off at least 2 of the 14 (gahhhh!) I have in rotation at the moment, but I will certainly buy this again - it will be terrific for the warmer weather when I desperately need a longwear formula ...

Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner (0.5g, RRP $15.95)
My precious, I use this EVERY TIME I do my eye makeup, it's goof-proof ..
Repurchase?
Forever ...

Maybelline Brow Satin - Dark Blonde (?, RRP $16.95)
My latest must-have brow product! I was perfectly happy with the ModelsPrefer crayon I was using, but I changed my hair colour slightly (amped up the ashy content to counteract the orangey tones it was developing) and consequently the usual brow pencil shade was too warm. So I bought several new products to try, all epic fails except for this one, and I was immediately hooked. It's the propelling kind, and it has one major flaw - if you wind it up more than a millimetre, it breaks off. Happened quite a few times before I twigged, and I went through the whole tube in less than 3 weeks. But I've got the hang of it now. Possibly the most realistic brow product I've ever used, the neutral tone is perfect for my new colouring. There's a spring-loaded smudger on the other end which also dispenses miniscule amounts of powder filler, but I never use it as it tends to flatten the hairs too much - instead I use a standard mascara brush to tidy up. Lasts all day ... 
Repurchase?
You betcha - bought several in fact from the Chemist Warehouse half-price sale, I reckon I have enough to keep me going for at least 6 months ...

NYX Ombre Blush - Mauve Me (8g, RRP $17.95)
Methinks this is my favourite blush EVER - the colour is just perfect for my skin tone, it's the only blush in my kit that makes me look like I'm genuinely blushing. By that I mean it looks real, and the fact that I used it up ENTIRELY over a period of 12 months says it all. I mean, I don't think I've EVER hit pan on a blush before ...
Repurchase?
Yessirreeee - bought another at the last Priceline half-price makeup sale ...


Fragrance

Versace Bright Crystal Absolu EDP (90ml, RRP $150)
For me Spring is just not Spring without this fragrance - I absolutely adore it, so crisp and fresh and feminine. Raved about it 3 years ago HERE, and it will always be in my collection. It's such a beautiful bottle, I've kept the gorgeous faceted lid to use as a paper weight ...
Repurchase?
Yes indeedy, plus I have a spare as I expect to go through the latest bottle within 6 months. Incidentally I have never paid full price for it, I usually buy it on spesh from feelingsexy ...


4th Bloggiversary Giveaway will be up soon, along with September empties!...

Take care of you,
kats xxx

Sunday, 24 September 2017

Bloggiversary Giveaway - Sukin Skincare!...

At the risk of boring everyone with another Bloggiversary Giveaway, here's Number 3! I've been exploring the Sukin Australian Natural Skincare range lately, and am super impressed with what I've tried so far (cleanser, scrub, mask & hydrating mist toner). Their products are vegan, minus the usual bunch of yucky chemicals, they're cruelty-free, and all ingredients are naturally derived - they're also biodegradable and 100% carbon neutral! And so when I recently spotted the range on the supermarket shelves for a fraction of the price, I took the hint from the Universe that one of you gals might enjoy these products too There's pretty much a whole skincare set in this prize, just waiting for a face to nurture... 


Total prize value is around $100, and up for grabs is...
  • Foaming Facial Cleanser (125ml)
  • Hydrating Mist Toner (125ml)
  • Super Greens Nutrient Rich Facial Moisturiser (125ml)
  • Moisture Restoring Night Cream (120ml)
  • Antioxidant Eye Serum (30ml)
  • Super Greens Detoxifying Facial Scrub (125ml)
  • Anti-Pollution Facial Masque (100ml)

Because of the sheet weight of all these goodies, this 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
  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 to see who won

Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Faiza as the winner.  
Congratulations gorgeous! 
Faiza please respond to the email I've sent you by 
Tuesday 3rd October to claim your prize :-)
Edit: Faiza has claimed her prize 
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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you,
kats xxx

Sunday, 17 September 2017

Bloggiversary Giveaway - Crop Mineral Cosmetics!...

As promised last week, here's Bloggiversary Giveaway #2 - a crop of Crop Naturally Derived & Dermatologically Tested Mineral Makeup items! I'm a regular user of their Concealer Pencil and Bronzer, and can vouch for the quality and consistency of their products. While the company is Australian owned, their range is made in Italy and sold in Coles, they don't test on our beloved furry friends, there's none of the usual chemicals in the ingredients list, and just about everything they make is enriched with Vitamins A & E. So if you've been meaning to try some of their range, this is your chance ...


RRP comes to around $110, and here's the details of what's up for grabs...
  • Natural Mineral Pressed Highlighter - Aura
  • Natural Mineral Eyeshadow Quad - Smokey
  • Natural Mineral Loose Powder - Translucent
  • Natural Mineral Pressed Bronzer - Solaire
  • 2 in 1 Folding Mineral Kabuki Brush

This giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY!

Here's how to enter...
  1. Leave a blog post comment on this page as to why you'd like to win this collection of yummy cosmetics
  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 see who won

Woo hoo! - random.org has chosen the beautiful Kate W. as the winner.  
Congratulations gorgeous! 
Kate please respond to the email I've sent you by 
Tuesday 26th September to claim your prize :-)
Edit: Kate has claimed her prize 
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Hope you'll join in the fun - best of luck lovelies!

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. Adding this post to Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party - come check it out any time after 6:30am Monday ...