February 2021 Empties & Giveaway!...

Hope March has been kind to you - it's the busiest time of the year for me workwise as my employer has a 31st March End of Financial Year. So it's been 12-hour days for me for the last three weeks, and not much left in the tank for personal activities like blogging - boo! But the end (of the month) is in sight, and I've managed to put together my smallest Empties collection in a long, long time. I guess it's because there were only 28 days in February - either that or I have way too many products on rotation. Anyways, here we go with a very limited post, but a nice little collection of Nutrimetics goodies in the giveaway...

Body

Help@Hand 100% Pure Cotton Tips (200pk, RRP $2?)
I bought these because at the time they were the only ones available at Woolworths. Almost as good as Johnson's, which I don't seem to be able to buy anywhere any more. They are quite good quality, and the recyclable box has a hinged click-down lid, which I'll use to store broken jewellery or other bits and pieces ♥♥...
Repurchase?
Out of stock at the moment (which is why I'm unsure of the price), but yes ♥♥...

Regulars
Colgate Plax Alcohol Free Gentle Mint Mouth Wash (500ml, RRP $6.49)
Natural Secrets Goatsmilk Moisturising Shower Gel (500ml, RRP $9.95)
Reach Dentotape (100m, RRP $9.99)
Schmidt's Lavender + Sage Natural Deodorant (75g, RRP $13.99)
Swisspers Makeup Pads (Pack of 80, RRP $3.99)
Weleda Lavender Creamy Body Wash (200ml, RRP $19.95)

Face

Bioré Yuzu Lemon + Dragon Fruit Brightening Exfoliating Scrub (103.5ml, RRP $9.99)

Absolutely crazy about this scrub - the lemon & dragon fruit scent is so tangy and refreshing in the morning, totally wakes me up. The beads are firm and fine (I think they are made of wax) but have enough oomph to shift any flakey bits without causing any irritation, and my skin feels super smooth afterwards. Didn't notice any brightening effect, but I never really give a scrub a chance to perform as advertised because I use a different one each day. In summary, this is a winner ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Ooh yes ♥♥♥...

IT Cosmetics Confidence in an Eye Cream (15ml, RRP $59)

I won this in a set from an Adore Beauty Instagram comp. A wondrous cream that improved the appearance of my under eye area from the first application. The pale apricot tint instantly neutralises any darkness (which I didn't realise I had) and brightens and refreshes the skin. Overall I looked less tired, and that's certainly a bonus. I found it to be sufficiently hydrating for my dry skin, my concealer sat nicely throughout the day without any creasing or flaking, and it even seemed to firm my eye bags a little. My only beef is that once the level drops, it's quite difficult to extract the cream without a spatula due to the squat shape of the jar. A minor irritation though, this is a beauty ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I'm going to try my fave Olay one again for comparison - depending on the results I may well buy this one in future ♥♥♥...

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)

Sukin Super Greens Detoxifying Facial Scrub (125ml RRP $13.95)

Fragrance

Chi Chi Strawberry & Violet EDP (50ml, RRP $19.95)

The next empty bottle of this beautiful scent will be in the Regulars section. Adore this, and it's one of the few fragrances that I buy over and over again. Review from when I first discovered it back in 2015 is HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Already have, I can't live without this sweetheart in my life ♥♥♥...

Hair

Regulars

Hi Lift True Colour Hair Colour Creme - Extra Light Intense Ash Blonde (100ml, RRP $7.50)

Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector (100ml, RRP $49.95)

Wella Koleston Perfect Permanent Creme Colour - Special Mix Clear (60g, RRP $19.97)

Makeup

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush (RRP $22.99)

I used this to blend my foundation (stick or liquid kind) - it was excellent for literally pushing the cream into my gaping pores, and left me with a streak-free flawless finish. Bought it 12 months ago and was quite impressed, but it started to shed badly, so I switched to a Manicare Glam one, which is going splendidly so far ♥♥...

Repurchase?

I've not found a foundation brush that survives longer than a year, so...maybe ♥♥...

Sephora Color & Sculpt Stick - 01 Clear Light (5.5g, RRP $19)

One of the more successful attempts I've made at finding a cream contour that's a suitable colour for my skin tone. Most on the market are too orangey, and my favourite Australis palette that had the perfect shade has been discontinued. This one worked quite well, although I still had to mix it with a lighter yellowish pan from another brand. The search continues ♥♥...

Repurchase?

If I'm unable to find a better colour match, then probably yes ♥♥...

Regulars

Maybelline Brow Ultra Slim Eyebrow Pencil - Blonde (RRP $15.95)

Giveaway

A truly pampering treat for any of you wanting to try some Nutrimetics products...

• Blossom Bouquet Fragrance Diffuser
• Magic Eraser Body Exfoliating & Polishing Cleansing Glove
• Nutri-Rich Bathing Bar
• Nutri-Rich Gentle Foam Body Wash
• Nuri-Rich Nourishing Body Butter

All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $160.  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 see who won!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

Wednesday 7th April to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Tracy 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: Urban Rituelle Aromatherapy Soy & Coconut Wax Candle & Natural Hand & Body Lotion...

On the one hand, I'm a little sad that this is the last in the current series of Urban Rituelle Natural Remedy product reviews - it's been such a pleasure to trial all these beauties. But on the other, I'm excited as I've just placed an order for the hand cream and lip balm from the same range, so it won't be long before they arrive, are put to the test and the results shared with you here. For now, it's my absolute pleasure to tell you all about the Natural Hand & Body Lotion, and Aromatherapy Soy & Coconut Wax Candle ♥...

Mandarin, Orange & Geranium Natural Hand & Body Lotion (500ml, RRP $39.95)

I mentioned in my review of the Hand & Body Wash (HERE) that I may not even need this partner product because the shower gel is so moisturising and skin softening. But the winter chill is on the horizon, which means that in a matter of weeks, my skin will transform literally overnight into a thirsty and flaky mess, so I'm thrilled I have this bottle of dry skin antidote at the ready! It has the same glorious essential oil fragrance as the body wash, and similar delicious ingredients (Kakadu Plum, Hibiscus Flower Extract, Argan Kernel Oil and Rosehip Fruit Oil) but with the added bonus of Shea Butter, Wheatgerm Oil, Olive Fruit Oil, Cucumber Fruit Extract & Chamomile Flower Extract. Quite possibly the most soothing body moisturiser to ever grace my vanity, I can't imagine anyone else not falling in love with this rapidly absorbed and intensely nourishing lotion. My skin feels supernally soft, smooth and supple - in short, the way it's supposed to be ♥...

Lemongrass, Ginger & Lime Aromatherapy Soy & Coconut Wax Candle (400g, RRP $44.95)

Candle lovers rejoice! This huge jar of uplifting goodness is literally a breath of fresh air and something I will treasure throughout the months ahead. I have several Urban Rituelle reed diffusers scattered through the house to maintain a continuously harmonious environment - in the larger spaces they work magically to provide a subtle scent as we swish past, and there's always one or two in the bedroom to aid relaxation. But for an intensive aromatherapy session, this candle is the ticket - whoa! Not only does it look beautiful (even before it's lit), the scent is sublime - lemongrass, lime and ginger are an inspired blend that lifts my spirits and creates a restorative atmosphere that's both energising and rejuvenating. Truly, I'm obsessed. Given the size and potential 80 hours of burn time, I was hoping this would see me through the winter, but at the rate I'm lighting it up (like, every night after work lol), I may need another one pronto ♥...

With dual 100% cotton wicks, the burn is even, slow and smokeless, and the glow of the amber glass is both warming and comforting. There's also Lemon & Star Anise Essential Oils in the mix, and a matching lid to sustain the fragrance when not in use, and keep the dust and bugs out. The 100% post-consumer recycled paper box includes detailed instructions on how to burn the candle safely, and to maintain its integrity. The jar is 100% recyclable, but this is one item that won't be hitting the yellow bin - I'm keeping it for my trinkets and/or cotton buds ♥...

This whole range is genius - congratulations UR Team, and thank you again for the chance to discover that stunningly fragrant and restorative products can be made, packaged and experienced without harming our beloved planet ♥...

Take care of you, and keep safe,

kats xxx

REVIEW: Estée Lauder Pleasures EDP...

Seeing as it's the last day of summer (what summer?) I thought I'd post a review of another of my fairly regular warm weather fragrances - Estée Lauder Pleasures EDP. This is my third bottle and one I plan on always having on my shelf.  I first discovered it back in 2013 when I was gifted with a mini bottle in one of those collection sets. It so reminds me of the very first bottle of perfume I ever owned when I was a spotty teenager - Louis Feraud Justine. I don't know when they stopped making that beauty but it was a long time ago, and Pleasures (created 30 years later) is the closest match I've found so far to its refreshing crispness ♥...

Close enough for me to classify this as a crystalline (my fave for hot days), this quite potent scent is a white floral perfectly balanced with a fairly hefty whack of greenness that stays right up till the end (around 5 hours later). The formula contains Freesia, Violet (love!), Tuberose, Red Berries, Lily-of-the-Valley, Peony, Lilac, Lily, Rose, Geranium, Jasmine and Karo Karounde (unheard of by me but apparently smells like spicy Jasmine). All these precious petal juices are interlaced with a sprinkling of Pink Pepper on a base of Sandalwood, Cedar, Musk and Patchouli. Magnificent ♥...

The bottle is exquisitely fluid and feminine - plain as can be but with a sensuous curve, the name etched into the glass in a romantic font, and a frosted silver bulb cap. The box is a glorious salmon pink with alternating sheen stripes that sadly don't show up all that well in my pics - ever so pretty though ♥...

Described on the Estée Lauder website as a sheer, shimmering floral, I totally agree. The green edge stops it from being overly sweet, and the longevity and projection are impressive. Some gals say it smells like soap, others say it reminds them of celery, but I don't get any of that - it conjures up flowers that have been kissed by rain, and I can't think of a better formula for a hot day when something refreshing, revitalising and uplifting is all I want ♥...

I was lucky enough to pick up this 50ml bottle from Priceline for less than half price (RRP is $110) during a recent sale - in hindsight, I should have gone for the 100ml! But if you ever spot it on sale anywhere, go for it - it's such a pleasure ♥...

Do you have a favourite Estée Lauder fragrance?

Take care of you, and keep safe,

kats xxx

January 2021 Empties & Giveaway!...

Gee these Empties posts seem to come around fast - well actually it's every fourth post I upload here unless I can squeeze in an additional review now and then, and as you can see, I'm still maintaining the monthly turnover pace. The Regulars sections are increasing but there are some new products in the weeks to come so hang in there with me - and this month's Giveaway is four of my all-time fave beauty products, plus some pretty bling babies, so read on ♥...

Body

Method Gel Hand Wash Refill - Pink Grapefruit (1L, RRP $12.99)

My passion for Pink Grapefruit scented products knows no bounds, and while I always intend to eliminate all cleansers containing SLS from my shelves, I haven't been able to find a substitute for this so far - even the Body Shop one contains SLS, so this is it for now. Mind you I haven't had any issues with my hands - the other ingredients are naturally derived, I find it doesn't dry the skin or cause any irritation, and it smells divine. I don't use the cute-as Method bottle because it becomes unstable as the quantity reduces so I use the refill pack to load my preferred pump dispensers. Overall I LOVE the brand - this pack is terrific value, and I've actually replaced all my home cleaning products (including laundry) with their range ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes indeed ♥♥♥...

Urban Rituelle Hand & Body Lotion - Sea Kiss (60ml, RRP $14.95)

This was gifted to me by UR just over 12 months ago in a set of four - this was my absolute favourite. My full review is HERE ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Probably, and I'm only saying "probably" because they have so many other delicious hand and body lotions, it's SO hard to choose ♥♥♥...

White Glo Coffee and Tea Drinkers Formula Extra Strength WhiteningToothpaste (100ml, RRP $5.49)

Gradually working my way through all the different formulations from this brand. So far no one variety is any better at whitening than the other, but I'll keep going as they work well - all seem to have the same minty taste that I like, and the brush is the best I've ever used ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Yes ♥♥♥...

Regulars

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

Nutrimetics Nutri-Rich Shower Oil (200ml, RRP $42)

Reach Dentotape (20m, RRP $2.99)

SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Soap (230g, RRP $9.99)

Skin Physics Advance Superlift Caviar Age-Recovery Hand & Nail Renewal Cream SPF15 (75ml, RRP $39.99)

Swisspers Makeup Pads (Pack of 80, RRP $3.99)

Thankyou Botanical Lemon Myrtle & Goat's Milk Body Wash - (500ml, $7.99)

Face

A'kin Hydrating Coconut Water & Green Tea Micellar Water (500ml, RRP $17.95)

I bought a small (150ml) bottle of this three years ago for a whopping $14.95, so the pricing of this has dramatically changed for the better with this 500ml quantity now available for just a few dollars more. It's a 2nd cleanser that I use after the main wash - truly lovely, soothing and cooling, excellent slip, very pleasant "organic" fragrance which I can't pinpoint. It's up there with my faves ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Sure will - Aussie made, cruelty-free, recyclable packaging, no nasties ♥♥♥...

L'Oreal Sugar Scrubs Purifying Scrub with Kiwi Seed (50ml, RRP $19.95)

I bought this ages ago, and only recently found the part-used jar buried 3-deep on my bench. I'd forgotten all about it because I only use scrubs in the shower, and this is in a glass jar with a screw-top lid, which is a definite no-no! It smells delicious, works well, warms the skin while gently exfoliating, and looks positively mouth-watering - it's so pretty I reckon L'Oreal would have an absolute winner on their hands if they packaged it in a clear tube ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

I have, but I'll transfer it into a squirty plastic travel bottle - just gotta find one with a big enough nozzle so the kiwi seeds don't get stuck ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Ecopure Bath Bamboo Fibre Face Cloths (pack of 2, RRP $12.99)

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 Advanced Anti-Aging Detoxifying Pore Scrub (150ml, RRP $14.99)

Face Masks

Regulars

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

Skin Republic Fast Fix 5 Minute Under Eye Mask (2 pairs, RRP $9.99)
Skin Republic Retinol Hydrogel Under Eye Patch (3 pairs, RRP $9.99)

Fragrance

Regulars

Lanvin Eclat d’Arpège EDP (100ml, $140)

Hair

Hi Lift Creme Peroxide For Hair - 20 Vol (1000ml, RRP $7.50)

I find very little difference in this product from one brand to the next, so I just go with whatever is a good deal at the time. The 20 vol strength is what I mix with the hair colours below to cover my white roots ♥♥♥...

Repurchase?

Absolutely ♥♥♥...

Regulars

Goldwell Kerasilk Control Conditioner (250ml, RRP $34.95)

Hi Lift True Colour Hair Colour Creme - Extra Light Intense Ash Blonde (100ml, RRP $7.50)

Wella Koleston Perfect Permanent Creme Colour - Special Mix Clear, Blue Intensive & Ash Intensive (60g, RRP $19.97)

Makeup

Rimmel Lasting Finish Skin Perfecting Full Coverage Foundation - Soft Beige (30ml, RRP $17.95)

Great foundation - perfect coverage, great finish though a little pale for me in summer, and I guess you could call this my COVID base as I opened the bottle in March last year. It lasts well all day long and doesn't transfer. I squirt a little onto the back of my hand and then pick up small dabs on my fluffy foundation brush ♥♥...

Repurchase?

Probably not, but it's a good standby if I can't get hold of my fave Revlon stick ♥♥...

Regulars

Maybelline Brow Ultra Slim Eyebrow Pencil - Blonde (RRP $15.95)

Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner (RRP $15.95)

ModelsPrefer Infinite Colour Eye Pencil - Blue Lagoon ($12.99)

Giveaway

The loot for this month is...

• Eye of Horus Serpentine Sultry (deep olive) Goddess Pencil
• Lovisa Silvertone Snowflake Pendant
• Lovisa Emerald Green & Clear Swarovski Stud Earrings
• Nutrimetics Nutri-Rich Shower Oil with Apricot Kernal Oil
• Olay Regenerist Whip UV Active Moisturiser SPF30
• Skin Physics Advance Superlift Caviar Age Recovery Hand & Nail Renewal Cream

All items were purchased by me and the approximate value is $180.  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 see who won!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Congratulations gorgeous! 

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

midnight 3rd March to claim your prize :-)

Edit: Alex has claimed her prize ♥

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Best of luck to all who enter!

Take care of you, and keep safe,

kats xxx