Bellabox September 2014 beauty wardrobe

This month's Bellabox is Beauty Wardrobe in conjunction with Gritty Pretty (blogger). It really has a bit of everything for hair, face, nails, tan, makeup- they seemingly achieved the 'wardrobe' theme they were going for. 

The normal blue box was missing causing a 'wardrobe malfunction' cute Pun bellabox. 

First impression: 

(it's such a nice day, I'm posting from the balcony- like my succulents?) 

The Contents: 

Closer:

The card: 

1. Sleek makeup eye dust-(full size) this is really pigmented! Having dark circles I avoid green shades so I prob won't use this- if anyone got the gold and wants to swap? Comment below! The texture and quality of this is pretty good! It's hyper pigmented and really pearlescent. Hard to believe it's by the same company who sent out last months scabby liner! Being full size this already bumps the box into great value territory. See swatches.

2. Salon tan professional face lotion- (full size) this product is designed to be skincare and tan in one- I'm super happy to see it's a little green based meaning it will be neutral not orange. I enjoy a summer tan but do find it tricky to strike a balance on the face, looking forward to trying this out. This is valued at $19.95- this product alone pays for the box! See swatches.

3. Klorane quinine & vitamin b shampoo- it smells a little masculine and is targeted at stimulating hair follicles- seems a little rogaine to me... I Am willing to try it out though as Klorane do a fabulous dry shampoo. 

4. Bioderma sensibio mask- I really enjoy Bioderma products so I will try this out BUT I really am going to question Bellabox profiles here as this is the 2nd month in a row where I have received sensitive skincare and I do not have sensitive skin. I've been a subscriber for a year now and this is the 3rd sensitive skin mask I've received. I will use this it's just tricky to actually find a time when I NEED to use it. Please bellabox- use our profiles!! 

5. Gelogic nail enamel- (full size) black has become a classic shade in the nail polish wardrobe so I'm quite happy with this polish- while I do have a uv light, this gel polish doesn't need one to set making it uber convienient. Claiming to be long wearing and chip resistant- yes please. First coat I was worried as it looked sheer and patchy, second coat it looked perfectly fine. See swatches. 

Bonus: 

Garnier blur- a bit like benefit porefessional or clinique pore minimiser. 

Revlon colour stay foundation- always nice to try a different formula. 

Swatches: 

 So that's everything- all in all a decent box! I thought Sept was Bellaboxes birthday month but no mention of such was made... 

Top picks- 

Highlight: gelogic nail polish 

Lowlight: foundation sachet 

Lust Have it August 2014 Birthday Month!!

Lust Have It August BIRTHDAY MONTH!

I didn't get a July box and I didn't realise this until my August box came. Woo hoo Lust Have it! Youre back in my life and it's awesome! 

Hot tip: always subscribe to a Birthday box- they're always good and often full of full size or deluxe products! 

That said I do love a beauty box any time (all the time) 

Super cute card:

Back of card contents: 

This months is in a cute mesh bag, handy as ever! 

Contents: 

-Eleven Australia hair treatment full size

-Eassenzza facial wipes full size with bonus travel size!

-BioElixia stretch mark cream full size 

-Bioderma cleansing water sample size 

-marsk eyeshadow brush full size

And a stack of discount coupons and flyers 

-BioElixia stretch mark cream

Really rich and nourishing, I can't say long term yet but my fist impression of application, texture and smell- all good. 

-Eleven Australia hair treatment 

I always love a hair treatment for maintaining healthy locks. From the description this product is all that and a bag of chips! It promises to be lightweight which to me is super important. And it has a pump- ticks all boxes! 

-Marsk eyeshadow brush 

I needed to purchase a new eyeshadow brush- how did you know LHI?! This one is great quality, it's super soft but not flimsy and will definitely be able to create the crease definition I'm after.

-Eassenzza facial wipes full size with bonus travel size!

I love wipes for when I'm traveling or feeling a bit lazy but still want a good clean. These ones also promise to exfoliate. Loving the mini travel pack bonus! 

-Bioderma cleansing water sample

I already own this in a big 500ml bottle- I love love love cleansing water products and have used Clarins & Garnier varieties also- the thing that's great about it is that it's soooo gently but insanely effective. It's powerful enought to melt mascara but doesn't irritate- if you've never tried cleansing waters- give them a go! 

Variety of fliers- sometimes promo crap is just that- crap- in this pile there was actually a good assortment and a few brands to check out online, I think LHI knows their customer and has found good brand partners to liase with. 

Highlight: hair treatment or eyeshadow brush

Lowlight: there wasn't one :) 

So that was it! What do you think? Did you get the same assortment? 

I was thoroughly impressed and so happy with this months curation! Totally recomend subscribing! Should you want to you can use the code below! 

May favourites

Hi Pretties! Hope your well!? I've decided to start a little monthly favourites blog. Basically here you'll see the stuff that's really rocked my socks each month- beauty and otherwise. As my first favourites post I'll do a bit more 'life' than beauty per say so you can continue getting to know me a bit. 
I'd love to know if this is even interesting or if I should zip it- feel free to feedback your comments at the bottom. 

My boys (loves of my life) will always be my top faves, but my partner would hate for me to put a pic of him on the blog. Puppy cuddles have been plentiful around our home in May- our little bear has been such a snuggle bug and I just can't get enough! The weather has been delightful and Pinot sure knows how to catch some morning rays.

Girly catchup have made May heaven, Offspring Nights and a trip to Mudgee have really reminded me of how lucky I am and how important it is to have lady loves of your life. Mine are always armed with wine from pity party to celebration and are always willing to go in for extra scones. With my ladies more is more- in the best possible way. 

 

The cooler weather has really gotten me in the mood for scarves! In May I've pretty much lived in this Witchery grey marle Pom Pom number. It's so lush, big, soft and comforting to wear. I bought it last year but I saw it again in-store so I think its been repeated. You can have a look here.

My next favourite for May is Skechers! If your a 90's kid you might remember the ads with the slogan 'it's the S' for me it's the S, T, U,V, W,X,Y, Z, L, O, V, E! I've pretty much been an unmotivated sloth who'd rather do anything but exercise (ironically when I have gone to the gym I've had smashing sessions- so I really don't know what the problem is). A sure fire way to get myself fired back up is new gym gear & as a shoe lover, trainers do the trick. This pair have memory foam lining and they are awesomely grey marle like a t-shirt. Coming from the Flex Appeal range they move and contour as you walk/ train. They are my new gym buddy: 

In line with my no training, desert has been on the radar! Why is it that being unfit goes hand in hand with noshing deliciously fattening foods? Uh honestly though I've been loving an array of sweet treats- I give you below macarons, sticky date pudding, tart tatin and lemon slice. (Not shown: triple choc brownies, chocolate ice-cream, numerous blocks of Lindt strawberry, birthday cake, scones with the lot & the delicious rose water cupcake I inhaled all before the photo op). May sure has been the sweetest month! 

 

Being mostly a beauty blog I'd better touch upon the skincare & cosmetic products that have been my go-to this month. 

I've become obsessed with my new Mary Kay lipgloss pot that I received in May Lust Have it! So creamy and such a heavenly shade- see obligatory trout pout below: 

Skincare wise I've been loving Korres Milk Cleansing Emulsion- way less stripping & smells amazing.This particular one leaves your skin squeaky clean and feeling soft and fresh.I'm not normally a huge cream cleanser fan but this one changed my mind. I'm a huge Korres fan, infact I'll have to do a Korres post sometime. 

In winter I shower at night to avoid freezing in the morning- Bioderma cleansing water in the mornings has been a godsend- I avoid freezing facet water as much as possible (except of course hand washing!) Basically this stuff is a liquid cleanser that you swipe over with a cotton ball, it's incredibly effective and gentle at the same time- I used a similar Garnier and Clarins one in the past- it definitely measure up and above. 

Finally, I've been trying out a few hair oils/ hair treatments in May after my hairdresser used one on me that I liked- I was finally convinced that it might be OK to put oil in my hair (self confessed greasy-hair-o-phobe) & I can definitely see the benefit. I've sampled a Peter Thomas Roth oil & a Living Proof anti frizz cream and ended up buying a Schwartzkopf 'oil miracle volume amplifier'. It's basically made my hair feel lighter, softer and more manageable- all wins. 

So that's May favourites- (first favourites ever) - let me know what you think! Has anyone else been a sweet toothed fatty?

What made your month of May 2014 bliss?

Something new something old? 

Comment below! 

Lust have it! April 2014

I've known about beauty (and now also Fashion) brand 'Lust have it' a little while now. I have the propensity to go overboard at times and get way on board with trends I love. As mentioned before, I have too much neon because I got all consumed by citron. I am well and truly on the subscription box bandwagon. I love it when a lush little surprise package arrives and when you don't know what's inside wooooweeee! So before now I have been paring it back with only one beauty subscription and her fitness box (and a sporadic other treat from time to time & by time to time, I mean all the time. ). 

Lowdown:
Lust have it is a monthly subscription service. For $19.95 per month they will send 5-6 beauty samples to your door. free shipping. Let's just say that again, free shipping. For beauty product lovers to newbies these types of boxes are a great way to start out, build a product base, try new things & sample some of the latest lotions & potions to hit the market. 

The lovely people at lust have it have sent me the latest lust have it box to review for you my pretty readers! Let me just say, I'm a straight shooter- I will be honest to you and if something is crap I will say it.

So lets get started and crack this baby open!

Comes like this: 

Easy peasy little satchel 

First impressions: 

At a glance I knew it was gonna be good!

The contents: 

•Clear makeup purse- really handy 

•Glamourflage 'Jane Gem' Makeup primer- full size 

•Bronzer powder- says full size but it's a deluxe size sample (fs is 10g this is 3g-still very generous) 

•Aveeno body lotion- deluxe sample 

•bioderma moisturizer- deluxe sample

•wotnot wipes- deluxe sample  

The card: flimsier than a bellabox card- doesnt bother me- prefer these types of companies to spend the money where it counts instead of luxury packaging... also environmentally friendlier than a thicker card. 

and Claytime Australia Mini Bronzer swatch 

The clear bag: 

I know its just a bag, and theres no need to get hysterical but I love a clear makeup bag. You never have to rummage for that lost pencil because its right where you can see it!  

Glamorflage primer: 

FULL SIZE! Something every beauty subscription box purchaser loves to see! This retails at $22.95 so it alone pays off the entire boxes value! The product is SILKY smooth (really silky) and gives a matte base for underneath foundation. Everything about it reminds me of a Lancome one I had loved years ago but couldn't replace. ( shakes fist at cosmetic co's for discontinuing everything!) 

Bioderma Atoderm Moisturiser: 

Everything I've ever tried from Bioderma I've liked. They do an awesome cleansing water and I've been usng a scrub sample from anther beauty box that has been good too. This is really soothing and creamy- intended for day use but I'll prob use for night as my makup doesn't last if I use heavy day creams. If you're dry- go for gold and use in the a.m. 

Aveeno Daily moituriser Lotion:

Collodial oatmeal is the ingredient in this that Aveeno boast will make your skin soft, smooth, hydrated. I've loved their Skin relief moisturising cream & their positvely radient face cream in the past and both meet all claims. I'll probably take this mini traveling because I know it'll work a treat if my skin needs soothing from sun, sea or gross plane air.

Claytime Australia Mini Bronzer: 

The size says Full size but I think its a typo as FS is 10g & this is 3g- but who cares- its awesome! Its mineral based (your skin will breath and wont clog) and its a good shade- neutral, not brown, not yellow, not red, not orange. I would say its mid luminious- a made up term to say its not too shiny nor too matte. I personally prefer a cake bronzer as oppsed to loose but regardless will see how it goes. 

Wotnot wipes: 5 pack trial

These really impressed me! The cloth is thick and has plenty of moisture-I left one on table accidentally overnight and it was still moist in the morning.
Is anyone else sick of dry scratchy wipes
?
These are great and I will repurchase these wiith 100% certainty. 

Overall I'm really pleased with my first Lust Have It experience and am impressed with the contents and value. I promised to say if something is crap but nothing was. 

HIGHLIGHT: primer & wipes

LOWLIGHT:  none 

So that's the april lust have it! What do you think?? like? 

any comments or questions are welcome...  

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Also if you do wanna get a lust have it box, you can get $5 off with the code below.