Bellabox January 2014 Review

Definition: Bellabox is a $15 'beauty discovery' subscription box delivered monthly. It is available to Australian residents.   

Its that day, BELLABOX day! 
This is the first Bellabox of 2014> the January box. I've been really lucky, my box is somehow in the first rounds this month and I must say my box usually comes in the first run from the BB warehouse. I received this box on the 16th Jan. Some members seem to get theirs a little later in the month but perhaps this is region based & also the quantity being sent I'd say can't be done by the DC in one hit. In any case sometimes a little suspense is good for us! 

This months box comes in a brown carton box with Bellabox on top, BB iconic dots on edges & the 'inspo' quote "be beautiful, surprise yourself" - don't mind if I do. 

From the pics you can see it comes packaged nicely with tissue wrap & the contents are tessellated neatly & front faced inside the box. This may not seem significant to everyone but the small attention to detail makes it feel special to open.  Imagine if it was all turfed in with little care... Like when someone gives you a card, in a newsagent bag. Bellabox really respect the customer with this tiny detail. 

Now for the contents...

1. Model Co 'Fat Lash' Mascara (full size) 

2. Avène Hydrance optimal Riche, Rich Hydrating Cream (5ml) 

3. Avène Smoothing Moisture Mask (5ml) 

4. Evo 'the therapist' calming shampoo (50ml) 

5. Evo 'the therapist' calming conditioner (50ml) 

6. Palmolive Ayrurituel joyous shower gel- Indian mulberry & lotus flower (50ml)

7. Coconut Revolution Coconut Body Cream (50gm) 

Lastly Bellabox often do a sachet deemed 'bonus product' I'd imagine this is it:

8. Egyptian Magic all purpose skin cream (3ml)

Note: the box also normally comes with a product card that details rrrp & use etc, mine was missing but I have contacted Bellabox & I am confident they will email me the details so I can share it with you! This card is really handy as it provides a blurb for each product- I think of it as a little beauty map for navigating the box each month!

More info  please? 

1. Model Co 'Fat Lash' Mascara (full size) 

I am a mascara junkie, so this is an item I'm looking forward to using! I'm going to say it, it's for me the HIGHLIGHT of this months Bellabox. Mascara is probably one of the first things I routinely used growing up. If I'm not wearing mascara, I may as well not be wearing pants.

They say: The non-drying, non-flaking formula instantly gives lashes a fuller and thicker feeling and appearance.

for instructions on how to use this beauty click here

2. Avène Hydrance optimal Riche, Rich Hydrating Cream (5ml)

I have combo skin so at first I was a bit scared by the word Rich (code for breakout and oil in my mind) BUT I've been finding using a higher density cream at night super nourishing lately. I've tried Avène in the past and was really happy with their quality, texture and result.

They say: A hydrated skin promises a healthier-looking skin. Avène Hydrance Optimale Rich Hydrating Cream is a potent daily moisturiser that is suitable for day and night usage. Its gentle yet luscious texture makes sure your skin’s natural moisture content is restored and boosted for prime hydration and skin radiance.

3. Avène Smoothing Moisture Mask (5ml) 

I aim to do a mask once a week, its really important to take time out to do things that make you feel refreshed! It doesn't hurt that its also good for your skin. Masks are usually super charged with potent ingredients and depending on the mask it can be like giving your skin a feed, a drink or a detox! I like that this one is preservative free.

They say: Avène Soothing Moisture Mask provides extensive hydration with its lush and creamy essence that is non-setting and calming for sensitive skin at the same time. Looking for a fuss-free, instant skin soothing and firming solution for an impromptu event? This preservative-free mask will give you the beauty radiance you need to stand out in the crowd.

4. Evo 'the therapist' calming shampoo (50ml) 

I love all things beauty related but Shampoo doesn't excite me. I have occasional psoriasis of the scalp so I find some products irritate. Testing a new shampoo comes with hesitation. That said I look forward to trying this one as it is sulphate free which is always a good start for those with allergies.

They say: Calm and soothe your hair-y nerves away with evo the therapist calming shampoo. Formulated with Glycerin and Argan Oil to moisturise, and Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein to repair and fortify each strand, this cleansing shampoo is the perfect solution for dull-looking and coloured tresses. It is sulphate-free.

5. Evo 'the therapist' calming conditioner (50ml) 

First impression: looks nice and rich. I like a thick (really thick) paste of a conditioner. Remember folks> just on the ends.. you don't want a greasy scalp! They say this is full of Humectants, this is good. Humectants are hydrophilic meaning the love water, they are moisture binding which is a win for dry ends.

They say: Manage your mane better with evo the therapist calming conditioner, a hydrating conditioner that helps to improve the state of parched, frizzy and coloured hair. Glycerin and Argan Oil locks in moisture into each strand, while Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein conditions, strengthens and protects the strands for a fuller and healthier-looking mane!

6. Palmolive Ayrurituel joyous shower gel- Indian mulberry & lotus flower (50ml) THIS SMELLS AMAZING!

My inner hippy rejoices! Ayurveda or Ayurvedic medicine is a system of traditional medicine native to India, which uses a range of treatments, including  herbal medicine, to encourage health and wellbeing. The name of this suggests a nod to this system. The slogan is 'find your sanctuary'. When I'm tired, stressed, grouchy... all of the above, I really find having a refreshing shower with nothing but a few candles for light really relaxing and restoring. The great thing about this is that its perfect for when you feel you have 'no time'. Little practices like this are a great way of turning an everyday given into a liddle slice of heaven.

They say: Cleanse your skin and refresh your mind with Palmolive Ayurituel Shower Gel. Motivated by ancient Indian Ayurvedic traditions, this shower gel contains three types of aromatic scent to stimulate and rejuvenate your senses. Palmolive Ayurituel, Joyous is a mix of Indian Mulberry and Lotus flower for a natural, calming scent.

7. Coconut Revolution Coconut Body Cream (50gm) 

Maybe it's summers fault... I'm really having a coconut moment! My first impression is a good one. This product smells delicious and is super rich and creamy. I'm going to test run this after a trip to the beach to really rehydrate my skin.  

They say: Start a skin revolution – demand softer and smoother skin with Coconut Revolution Body Cream. This rich, hydrating body cream is formulated with cold-pressed Virgin Coconut Oil for a silky smooth and firm skin from top to bottom! Filtered three times to ensure that the Coconut Oil is clear of impurities during production, this nutrient-rich power ingredient will keep your skin supple and luxurious with just one application.

8. Egyptian Magic all purpose skin cream (3ml)

It's always good to have a go to multi purpose cream or ointment.  I like kosmea rescue balm and Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream. Another cult classic is Lucas Paw Paw ointment. I'm looking forward to seeing what this one is like too and how it stacks up with my faves.

They say:
This cream formulated from olive oil, beeswax, bee pollen, royal jelly and honey is based on a skincare remedy of the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra, and is recommended today by top makeup artists, dermatologists and plastic surgeons. It truly is a an all-in-one skincare ointment that can be used for every day moisture, as well as a treatment for scars, stretch marks, burns, rashes, chapped lips, shaving balm and as a makeup primer! Gentle enough for bubs, effective enough for adults! Get ready to have a new lease on the skin you've been given!

For Ten ways to use it go HERE

Value: 

Ok so sometimes our fellow Bella's have beef about the value in the box. I challenge anyone who says its a rip off. I'd like to debunk the rip myth by giving the pro rata price of each sample and see where we end up!

1. Model Co 'Fat Lash' Mascara (full size) $20

2. Avène Hydrance optimal Riche, Rich Hydrating Cream (5ml) $6.61

3. Avène Smoothing Moisture Mask (5ml) $4.19

4. Evo 'the therapist' calming shampoo (50ml) $4.99

5. Evo 'the therapist' calming conditioner (50ml) $4.99

6. Palmolive Ayrurituel joyous shower gel- Indian mulberry & lotus flower (50ml) $0.85

7. Coconut Revolution Coconut Body Cream (50gm) $4.99

8. Egyptian Magic all purpose skin cream (3ml) $1.24

Box total value: $47.86

Cost to me: $15

with that shown, I am HAPPY & SATISFIED!

The Jan 2014 Bellabox sold out! If you wanna join (if you ask me, you should) I've provided a link here

Please note: I subscribe to Bellabox on my own accord. This is NOT a sponsored blog. My opinion is my own.
What was in your Bellabox? What was your highlight? Are you keen to join? Any Q's? Comment below!

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