A liddle bit about Popbasic- What is Popbasic?

Popbasic is an awesome company with a nod to subscription box services without being an actual subscription box service. 

Basically each month the Popbasic team curate a collection of 3 pieces of clothing and accessories that are wardrobe staples that work beautifully together. If you like the collection you can purchase it as a set/ box &  if you don't- no worries, do nothing, they'll simply email you when the next collection comes out. 

You get updates via email and only buy what you want- that's really the defining difference- this is no lucky dip. You wont be on a direct debit and you wont get anything you don't want. Its pretty great! 

Collections typically range between $50- $100 and will be usually a mix of classic 'basic' wardrobe builders as well as a 'pop' statement piece. Other reviews sing about stellar quality and I will let you know what I think too soon as I pre-ordered a beautiful Le Breton Tee. 

Noteworthy also: free international shipping - anywhere on the globe!! 

The current collection (May 2014) is Paloma:

• white tee

• grey leather clutch

• infinity scarf 

And a liddle glance at previous collections: 

My fave! Featuring Le Brenton

Coming later this year:

RED Le Brenton 

Thus far my experience with Popbasic has been a delight and before even knowing I was a blogger they gave me a code below to share which gives any new subscriber a $15 credit when they sign up to receive email notification about collection launches. You get the discount towards your first purchase. If you want to use it, and be kept up to date on the collections, the code is:

https://popbasic.com/i/aqy6

enjoy! 

Xxx E 

Have you bought from Popbasic?
What do you think of the concept? 

Bellabox May 2014 'come fly with me'

One of my favourite times of the month is the day Bellabox arrives.  I love getting little presents in the mail & each month is equally exciting.

For those that don't know: Bellabox is a $15 'beauty discovery' subscription box delivered monthly. It is available to Australian residents.

My ritual as it seems: it arrives on a Friday & I wait ALL weekend to collect it first thing Monday... ahh the suspense. I then stare at it longingly on my passenger seat as I crawl through traffic. When I get to the office I lay my hands on the first sharp object I can and crack that baby open. Needless to say this month went along those exact lines. 

This Month saw Bellabox collab with JETSTAR, as you can see above the box had a Jetsar cover sleeve  & the card looked like a boarding pass. Bellabox also ran a comp to win Jetstar vouchers (hope I win). It really got me thinking about the next vacay. 

I must say the themes Bellabox do are fun, jovial & add a 'we've got out shit together' kinda vibe that a lot of the other subby companies don't have going on. The boxes make sense and as an example these are the types of products that would be used /taken on a trip.

Do you want to know whats inside??? 

1. Appelles body bar- Aussie- full size

2. Chapstick lip balm- Essential- full size

3. Timeless Truth Face Mask- Essential- full size

4. Wen by Chaz Dean Cleansing conditioner- Green- 60 ml sample

5. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow gel- colour- 2.5ml mini

6. Invisible Zinc Daywear SPF30+ light- Bonus- 5ml sample

More info please??? 

Appelles body bar- Aussie- so this smells ahhhhmazing! You had me at Rosemary & lemon Myrtle - I'm a nanna like that. The BF also likes a luxury soap so we are both going to enjoy having this little luxury in the shower. 

Timeless Truth Face Mask- Essential- as usual I love a mask! This claims to brighten, smooth, firm & hydrate. Yes please. As with the theme, this'd be good on or just off a flight. 

 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow gel- colour- brows are having a moment! I was pretty happy to get this clear brow gel. Basically you swipe this through your brows and it helps keep them sculptured and shaped in place. It also helps seal any colour you have put on underneath. 

Chapstick lip balm- Essential- Old faithful, basic Chapstick- you can't go wrong. This one has an SPF 15- good for everyday protection. I'm going to give this to my Chap as he needs one for being on the road with work. Beauty products for everyone! 

Wen by Chaz Dean Cleansing conditioner- Green- This is interesting! Its a 'cleansing' conditioner. You don't shampoo first which seems baffling. It just says to rinse your hair and then use this. Not sure... it seems like a nod to 'reverse conditioning' but theres no washing step.. I need to try in order to decide. Sweet Almond Mint seems appealing. There's an offer card for if you like the product which is always a nice touch.

I wonder if Cleansing Conditioner is a fancy way of saying 2 in 1? 

Invisible Zinc Daywear SPF30+ light- Bonus- eh- I really don't rate sunscreen. Don't get me wrong. I completely believe in SPF. My day cream has SPF and so does my BB cream- theres just no room in my routine for a snscreen layer too. I'll save this for a vacation but its not something I'll ever buy. 

High-light: Brow gel & Appelles Soap

Low-light: Invisible Zinc

Bellabox cost: $14.95. Actual received value $37.80

So all in all I thought this box was a bit light in value and content compared to other past boxes. I still am happy with it & enjoyed that my partner can enjoy some of this months products too. 

What was in your box? What do you think about this box or the products inside?  What other themes would you like to see?

Feel free to comment below! 

If you want to subscribe to Bellabox or want more info click HERE 

For last months Bellabox review click HERE and HERE or HERE

Please note I subscribe on my own accord, this is not a sponsored blog.

Lust Have It - May 2014 'face focus'

Lust Have It May 2014 collection is called  'face focus' it should be called 'FULL SIZE FOCUS'!! Every single item in this months box is full sized- pretty damn exciting to open and find that!! 

Lust Have It is a beauty subscription service that costs $19.95 per month- for more info click this link waaalahh!! 

Let me show you what was in my box... 

Looked like this: 

To be honest when I first opened it up I thought it looked daggy- the brown and pink tissue circa 2004... All was forgiven and forgotten when the contents was revealed. 

Every product - FULL SIZED! 

So the theme full faced makes sense when you look at what's inside- 

•Coral Colours Eyeshadow quad 

•Coral Colours Eyebrow Pencil
•Mary Kay Lip Lacquer 

•Cosmetic Kitchen Pure Mineral Blush 

•Premium Spa Face and Body Mask

Of course it comes with a card outlying a product description etc- looks like: 

Also there was a 2nd card: 

Because Lust Have It are waiting on 'new packaging' due to there being a missing cosmetic bag a $20 gift card for a discount on a different Lust Have It service has been given- this is really nice of them a good PR and goodwill. I don't mind if there's no additional bag (they seem to breed in your cupboard when your a beauty junkie).  I might have to do a future post on various ways to use these sort of bags up. For what its worth this box was incredible value and they didnt have to do this- though again, nice they did. 

Now for a little breakdown if you want to see more: 

Coral Colours Eyeshadow quad: this 'quartet' as they call it is named 'Vibrant Forest'. Normally I find cheap (rrp $7.95) eyeshadows to give similar results- so time will tell, I will road test these and report back. They appear to have a nice sheen without being too 'frosty'. Also notable is the texture, it is silkier and more pigmented than I expected. 

Coral Colours Eyebrow Pencil: eyebrows are IN in a big way at the moment- if your not doing something to your brows- your missing a step (not really- just figure of speach). This pencil also rrp $7.95 has good depth of colour and glides on. It is better quality than i assumed it would be. Of course long lasting and transfer/ setting will have to be road tested further than a mere swatch.

swatchyswatch!

Mary Kay Lip Lacquer: I'm in love! The shade is 'chai Latte' and for me it is THE perfect nude. Typically I prefer a stick/tube/ wand form for lip products but I can look past the convienience/ laziness for this fine hue! The formula is uber creamy and the finish is creamy semi opaque glossy nude heaven. I recently went to a Mary Kay party and had mixed feelings on the products-for this reason without a beauty box thrsting this product onto my radar I woouldn't have considered buying it- needless to say I'd have missed out. 
The retractable brush comes with it. rrp $22. This is the highlight for me! I'm going to start a monthly favourite post at end of May- be prepared to see this on the list. 

demo! 

Cosmetic Kitchen Pure Mineral Blush: whos heard of this brand before? Not me. But is seems pretty good. Pigment is decent, texture is nice and the power leaves a lovely luninous highlight too. exceuse the swatch if I dusted with a brush you would really see- so I've given a too generous smear... they boast no talc, nano free, no bismuth & cruelty free. rrp $34.95 

Premium Spa Face and Body Mask: I love a mask, I've said it before and I'll say it again. I like the idea of face and body- like a little day spa at home. All about the pampering I will no doubt do a full body mask with this and really give it a good try. This one clams to be purifying, moisturising and calming- just right for the way my skin is reating to the cool snap. The smell reminds me of a day spa or salon as it has that lovely essential oil scent. ahhh... there-it makes sense; ingredients Bergamont, Geranium, Clary sage, Sandalwood & Rosehip all make an appearance. mmm look forward to using this.  

rrp$14.99. 

So thats Lust Have It May 2014 'face focus' - retailed for $19.95 total value recieved $87.84 

Highlight: Lip Lacquer!! 

Lowlight: gun to head- eyeshadow- but its not really a lowlight

What do you think? 

Did you get this box? 

Do you love the gloss and much as me? 

What was your highlight/lowlight?  

If you do you want to subscribe, you can use code LIDDLE to get $5 off- 

YAY for Pretty Liddle Perks 

xxx E 

BeauTEAful Baths

So, this blog is by special request, its for a friend that is 'the cats pyjamas'. The name really suits as we spent much of our adolescents having slumber parties and frequenting the video store, subway, putt putt... in our jimmy jams.  Anyway she wanted a tea blog- this perhaps is NOT what she bargained for... 

If you were to pop over to my place, you would be offered a beverage... ok like most good hosts... I'm regular I know. The point is at my abode you will most likely have tea (or wine but that's a whole other blog). Iced or hot, black, green, red or fruit- whatever you fancy.

The cool snap has really made me turn even more to my favourite brew. It is perfect for every mood or ailment. Sore throat? honey lemon ginger. Want desert but you ate ALL the chocolate & promised yourself not to buy more... T2 Terrific Toffee. It's night and you wont get to sleep... Chamomile. Sore tummy/ over ate... Mint or liquorice tea will do the trick.

So we've already established tea is wonderful to drink but it's also a really popular ingredient in beauty products. Looking around my shower 2 products contained tea. Tea extract, caffeine, milk, honey to name a few are found in perfume, anti-aging creams & cleansers. 

Exhibit a) 

So why not get warm, cosy, clean soothed and feel 'perked' by turning your bathtub into a giant cuppa. Place a few teaspoon scoops in a mesh bag and steep in your tub. It obviously wont be as strong as a real cuppa (unless your willing to use a bucket of tea) but will still be delightfully scented.

Two I ran:

The Lemoncello: 

This bath is so refreshing! It smells amazing, is invigorating and also serves as a muscle recovery. The hot water releases all the citrus oil from the fruit making it super fragrant. 

I used Epsom salts, 1 lemon and 1 lime. 

Smells like: lemonade 

Feels like: zing! 

Looks like: your floating in a cocktail with garnish

Bathing in Epsom salts can help to reduce bloating, as the magnesium sulphate in the salt draws out toxins, cellular waste and excess fluid from the body.  Simply add Epsom salts to your bath and soak for 10 minutes (soaking longer will not shrink you further).

The Old English:
Like a classic cuppa I ran a hot bath and added 6 scoops of black tea (you could use tea bags) and half a cup of powdered milk.

Smells like: a classic cuppa

Looks like: insipid pond scum water

Feels like: warm, silky & comforting after a long day

(Less pics as it's just not as pretty as lemoncello bath) 

Aka pond scum: 

Other BeauTEAful baths to try:

The Rest up: Toss a handful of lavender flowers (or use lavender tea) in a hot bath. (Add a drop or two of eucalyptus oil to clear your passages if you have a stuffy cold) 

The Zigazayahh: For that pep up you really need. Simple and effective- a couple of scoops of peppermint tea in your bath. 

The Human porridge:  Add a 1/2 cup of oats, a cup of powdered milk and a generous drizzle of honey- this combo is super hydrating and soothing- the oats & milk are known to comfort dry skin.

CosiePosie:
3 scoops of rosebud tea 

3 scoops hibiscus flower tea

3 scoops jasmine tea 

This will make a fragrant floral tub- perfect for a ladies night in. Glass of wine essential addition on the side! 

What's the weirdest ingredient you've added to your tub? 

Would you soak in a big bath of tea? 

What did you think of this post? 

Comment below! 

And subscribe too if you want to see more from a liddle bit of pretty. 

X EMMY

Her fitness box March 2014

So... I'm quite aware it is MAY not March- but after much delays and a series of unfortunate drama I have a box at last! Due mid March my package arrived on 9th May. 

Reasons for March delay:
-Her Fashion/fitness moved office (give 'em a break- imagine moving your workplace) 
-The tote was delayed (when suppliers let you down it sucks) 

There was a bit of hoopla because hfb took too long to inform subscribers and there was mixed information released about what was happening- at one point they said the bags were ready to go, then 2 weeks later the story was the bags were delays- oops hfb. This fauxpa made them look like pants on fire.

An email was sent appologising for delays- however I did not receive this. 

It got to May, I saw others on social media had received their packages and nothing came so I decided to get intouch with HFB. Let me just say they were really appologetic, prompt and helpful- big kudos to them for that.  
Unfortunately somehow my details didn't transfer to their new system and therefore my order got missed (I purchased a 3mth subscription rather than a recurring one).
They informed me that one sample was out of stock and it would be replaced with an extra tea sachet and a strainer- no worries. 
They let me know when it was packed up and sent me a tracker. After a few days nothing came and I tracked the parcel- it was delivered to somewhere is QLD! Again hfb were really appologetic and a new parcel was shipped- FINALLY IT MADE IT! 

So that's the series of unfortunate events- really not anyone's fault- just a bit disappointing as a customer and frustrating for them as business. On a plus the April (also super late now) will arrive before we know it. 

Alrighty- now you've got the lowdown on why is March in May- let's look at the contents 

Her Fitness Box March 2014

This months box is a bag- I find these canvas totes ever handy- I'm always running out the door, they're perfect for the old scoop, toss and go. And green. They say rrrp $20- hmmm not sure about that but it is thicker caleco than last time. 

The cards: 

The fitness accessories are: 

 - sweat towel ($15) this is pretty cheap rubbish, it's really thin and poorly finished around the edges. I have a same size but thicker microfiber cotton-on towel that came with a drink bottle that was rrrp $14.95 for both. 
The difference:

- shaker ($15) again not great, my shaker lid has a warpped little bit in the flip lid so it doesn't seal properly- leaks when you shake it. Again the value is an outright fib. You can get a Bsc 'body' shaker with a sachet of protien powder in it for $4.99 at Priceline and...it's pink. I could buy three shakers/ three meals for said $15. 

This is them...what would you rather? 

And the rest of the contents: 

 

- Muesli for me I look forward to trying this, it's a good concept a bit of a design your own muesli type deal. I will let you know what it's like in the comments section 

- 2x detox tea samples I love tea, perfect for settling the tum- this will make a delightful post dinner bevy. I will let you know what it's like in the comments section. 

- Slim fit & fab bar last months bar was delicious- this has big shoes to fill the flavor sounds tasty. Its a peabt choc combo...NOM, I will let you know what it's like in the comments section. 

- exfoliating mitts not really fitness related but always handy for sloughing away dry winter skin

- white glo toothpaste mini perfect size for the gym bag

- foot file again not really much to do with fitness but good for banishing dry cracked heels  

There was supposed to be Caltrate samples it they ran out hence I got 2x tea sachets. To be honest I couldn't give a crap about Caltrate tablets so I'd rather the extra tea in the end. 

And... 
Hfb added a 'sorry about everything that's happened' gift for me which was super nice of them...along with a handwritten note which was appreciated. 

-A yoga mat
- sugar scrub 

As I said, I appreciated the gesture to make things right. I've seen this scrub and looks pretty good. And the Yoga Matt will be handy.

Overall (to be fair- sans the bonus sorry stuff), the monthly box was ok- not great. I'd be keen to hear what other subscribers think? 

The main Neg: I REALLY object to claims that the items are worth more than they are. This is my 2nd HFB, see my 1st click here. Neither have been amazing. This one feels really chucked together. 

For $39 per month the fitness bag/ box isn't really doing it for me. It's not fitsprational, it doesn't get me pumped to hit the gym and the collection of products don't really make sense. I'd love to see this great concept become much better in execution- the potential is there. 

Would I recommend to a friend: in a word no.


I'd love to hear your thoughts. 
What Themes would you like to see HFB do?! Pick a theme and tell me 3 things you'd put in to make it work. 

Comment below & don't forget to subscribe. 

Rose gold sticker 'nail fail'

I can't resist rose gold so when I saw these delightful nail stickers I snapped them up. 

I was never good at contacting books in the school days & my experience with nail stickers is limited so this was possibly a recipe for disaster.  

Here's my rose gold nail fail: 

Luckily they were only essence brand at $3.50- not a big loss 

Instructions: 

The result: 

Kinda dodge and a little creasy on the sides 

 *chic-glam took a quick slide to *sad-face 

Damn! 

The instructions say to pop a top coat if you want them to look shiny- I figured why not it might even them up and disguise the edges.... 

Bababowm! Bubble town. 

Back to the drawing board! Think I'm gonna stick with regular or gel polish from now on- or a little press on falsely if I want a fun print- way easier! 

What's your worst beauty fail? 

Have you had any luck with nail stickers? 

Perhaps these are just cheap n nasty... 

Come to the dark side- the dark lip

Recently I recieved the Model Co lipstick 'vanity fair' in a subscription box. I love lippy and I'm not affraid to rock a bold look. I was really hoping for this shade to add to my collection!  

Then came trying it out. This lippy requires an entire 'look' to go with it. Initially I swiped it on whilst wearing a black top... needless to say I looked like I was going through a 'phase'. Teen angst included. So where to turn for inspo but the internet. And I sure found it! So much foxiness. 

Keys to success: 

Good coverage foundation (as flawless as possible) 

Illuminiser for some radiance/ glow

Bronzer used as blush 

Natural toned eyeshadows 

Thin if / any eyeliner (unless you are going for a gothic look)

Natural mascara (I know its hard, more is more normally but not here) 

Lip liner! Essential! I improvised using a chocolate eyeliner as a substitute 

Special tip: 

Use a highlight in your cupids bow (Its the little curve on the top of your upper lip) I used a shiny cream pencil 

The products: 

The end result: (with a filter that made it fuzzy !?) 

Side note: Personally the Model Co formula didn't rock my world, it didn't apply or wear particularly evenly. Luckily I had a Clinique 'full potential' gloss that saved the day in a similar tone. Worked beautifully on top. 

Is there a look youre wanting to try? 

Is there look you want me to try? 

Comment below!