Finito: Epic empties! Reviews of stuff I finished first quarter '14

I'd like to create a space for products I've used up each month. Let's call it 'Finito' meaning 'all done'. 

In 'Finito' you'll find reviews on stuff that I gave a red hot go & or used up. I'll let you know a bit about it & give an indicator of what I thought, if I'd use it again & if I'd tell a friend because it needs to be shared. 

You might see me say something is 'the dogs tuxedo' When I really love something I might describe it in this way. It is an old joke with a friend, when something is better than the bee's knees...better than the cats pajamas.

So here goes- I'll try to be brief!! 

Masks: 

• 10 o 6 No time to shine Mask: This is a smooth, non drying light cay mask. 10O6 sell these in a twin strip for $2 or $3 at Priceline. I love these mid week if i need a perk or if my skins not coming to the party. Buy again: YES, Recommend to a friend: YES. 
• 10 o 6 Strawberry & Yarrow Mud Mask : Smells AMAZING! As above smooth texture & great price. NON drying. Buy again: YES, Recommend to a friend: YES. 
• Nature Republic Tea Tree  Mask: I was given this from a friend who brought it back from Korea. Its a sheet mask of fabric that you put over your face. It smelt so fresh & made my skin look clear & bright. Buy again: YES if I could, Recommend to a friend: SURE.

Makeup:

• Korres Wild Rose Brightening Compact in WRP3: I'm a little in love with Korres. They are a Greek Brand that use lots of natural or plant based ingredient's. This power is so velvety smooth & though matte- the brightening finish ensures you don't look dull. The case is a split compact so the gross sponge doesn't sit directly on the powder- it lives underneath> pivotal for people with oily skin/ breakout to prevent too much continuation on product.  Buy again: ALREADY HAVE, recommend to a friend: YES. 
• Clinique Perfectly Real Compact in 102: This powder is a bit of an old faithful. It has build-able coverage so you can wear alone but it also works well as a setting powder over foundation. This is a good handbag powder as the case is sturdy & the coverage doesn't get masky if you reapply throughout the day. As above its a split case. Buy again: YES, Recommend to a friend: YES
• Clinique Moisture Sheer Tint in Fair: This was old & had to be used or chucked! BB stole my heart & this product got pushed to the side. I think its since been discontinued in Aus for BB & CC versions. I initially liked this product (this was my 2nd tube) but didn't provide all the benefits & coverage of BB. Buy again: NO, Recommend to friend: NO
• Essence I heart Extreme Mascara: I do not heart this Mascara. Essence is a cheapo brand available at Priceline. Their stuff is hit and miss. I had a different Mascara of theirs that was good so I thought I'd try this one. Application was awesome and gave the finish I like BUT it flaked, bleed, transfered and panda eyed. Buy again: NO, Recommend to a friend: NO

Skincare:

• Biore Skin Preservation Even Smoother Microderm Exfoliator: What a mouthful! And ain't that the truth- the back says don't go too close to lips... I learnt why. The exfoliating beads are so tiny they get in your mouth- bit gritty kitty! Other than that I really liked this scrub. Its effective & leaves the skin feeling refined & clear. Buy again YES, Recommend to a friend YES. 
• LOreal Ideal Skin Genesis Pore Minimiser: Love this one. I have not really used much L'Oreal but I'm a sucker for Pore products. This made the skin appear refined and smooth. The texture is velvety and almost a little powdery. I used it as a serum under my moisturizer; in the day makeup lasted better and resisted slip off effect & after using at night, in morn skin looked refined. Buy again: YES, Recommend to a friend: YES
• Burts Bees Sensitive Eye Cream: Its alright. This is just a hydrator. Does little else. Points for handy tube. Buy again: NO, Recommend to a friend: NO
• Korres Thyme Honey Cream- 24 Hr moisturising: Korres my love, you never disappoint! I used this as hydrating, nourishing night cream. Smells like honey & has a rich thick texture- a little goes a long way. Buy again: probably NO- a bit rich for my skin, Recommend to a friend: YES. 
• Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2: To the people who poo poo Clinique clarifying lotion> don't use it. MORE for me! This works for me, I love it, if I don't use & start again the difference is huge. It contains alcohol> big deal so does wine & I love that too. In seriousness, some products need alcohol so that they evaporate> no alcohol = wet skin. This product is not intended to be absorbed hence the alcohol. Many lotions etc have alcohol so that they do not leave the skin with excess product sitting on the surface. But again: ALREADY HAVE, Recommend to a friend: YES 

Hair:

• Matrix Biolage Volumizing Conditioner: Matrix Biolage is the best conditioner I have ever used. Dogs Tuxedo. I normally get the fortifying one but tried the Volumizing one for a change. It wasn't as lush & thick a paste as usual but it was still good. I don't think it was specifically volumizing but that's probably because I didn't use it in-conjunction with its partner shampoo. I swear by this brands conditioning products! Highly Recommend. Buy again: ALREADY HAVE restocked my Matrix Conditioner, Recommend to a friend: YES
• Batiste Dry Shampoo Cherry: Sucker. I bought this in a pack with a matching shower cap. Oh the crap I acquire. This was good old Batiste dry shampoo, dependable. I prefer the tropical one but this made a nice change. Buy again:YES/NO (not this scent but others yes), Recommend to a friend: YES 
• Evo The Therapist Shampoo:Bellabox sample, was okay. Hydrated hair and felt fresh & clean. Buy again: NO, Recommend to friend: NO
• Evo The Therapist Conditioner: Bellabox sample, don't bother, not effective, felt synthetic. See above Matrix. Buy again: NO, Recommend to a friend: NO

Fragrance:

• Garnier Mineral Ultra Dry Deodorant: Boring stories...deodorant. This one is quite good, been using it for ages. It's  good for your gym bag/ handbag as it has a little lock on the side so it doesn't leak. My local supermarkets haven't had it in stock so we shall see if its being repackaged or discontinued. I Have found a good Norsca back up. Buy again: YES, Recommend to a friend: NO
• FCUK Friction: I discovered this by having a little spritz while shopping, while wandering around I couldn't get enough- I went back & purchased it.The main scents are coconut, honeysuckle, vanilla and pineapple all delicious yummy notes! Buy again: ALREADY HAVE, Recommend to a friend: YES.
• Playboy Play It Sexy: Essentially just a cheap and cheerful fragrance. I like a floriential like this. The notes: pink grapefruit, mandarin and pink pepper,  jasmine tea, scented flowers and licorice, vanilla, patchouli, sandalwood and tonka. Buy again: MAYBE, Recommend to a friend: MAYBE

Body:

• Clarins After  Sun Shimmer Oil: I had this for ages and needed to finish. It's possibly discontinued or at least repackaged by now. This is a 'dry oil' mist with a whole lot of shimmer in it. This product is good for vacations & summer days. I found it can get on your clothes so its a bit off putting. That said it makes you positively GLOW! Buy again: NAH, Recommend to a friend: NAH  
• Priceline After Sun Cooling Gel: Not bad but not good. Smell didn't appeal to me & felt a little sticky. You get what you pay for as this is like $5. Nivea Creme- gel after sun is a much better purchase. Buy again: NO, Recommend to a friend: No
• Naked Tan Creme de la Creme: Gorgeous! Devine Orange oil scent, really super creamy and hydrating. My only criticism- a little does NOT go a long way. This miniature only lasted 2-3 applications- even in  full size, it wouldn't last that long. Buy again: Maybe, Recommend to a friend: Nah 

Assorted Samples:

• Couture Colour Pequi Oil Treatment: Loved this! Made my hair feel light, weightless and silky. WOW. Buy it: YES, Recommend to a friend: YES 
• Palmolive Ayurituel Joyus Shower Gel: This transported me to a sanctuary, I liked this so much that I got two big bottles before I even finished the sample. Its the dogs tuxedo! For an affordable, supermarket body wash> its an absolute winner! Smells incredible! Buy it: ALREADY HAVE, Recommend to a friend: HECK YES
• Egyptian Magic Cream: This product can be used for a myriad of things! I used it on my feet because they were needing a pick me up/ deep hydration. Its good but I wasn't blown away by it. Buy it: NO, Recommend to a friend: NO
• Avene Cleanance Gel-Creme: Another Dogs tuxedo! I purchased this right away I liked it so much. Its a moisturiser with ingredients that improve cell turn over, exfoliate and prevent clogged pores in combo skin. I found the texture hydrating but not greasy & It really works for my skin type. Buy again: FOR SURE, Recommend to a friend: YES
• Swisspers Naturals Aloe Nourishing Face Cream: This was a bonus sachet in Bellabox, I can't fault it, it was lightweight but rich enough to feel creamy, non greasy, felt clean and fresh and made my skin feel nice in the morning when I woke up. Buy it: I'm not in need of this type of product but MAYBE, Recommend to a friend: YES
• Simple Eye Makeup Remover: Good. I normally go for those dual layer shakey mix eye makeup removers but this one surprised me. It was really effective. Buy it: YES, Recommend to a friend: YES
• Natralus Paw Paw Gel: I liked this but the sample was way too small to really test out properly, I'd be interested to see how big the full size product is. It says its good for sunburn so I might grab a tube next summer (I don't plan to get burnt but it happens at least once). The gel felt cool & refreshing. Its basically paw paw ointment in gel form. Makes sense right!? Buy it: MAYBE, Recommend to a friend: MAYBE
• L'Occitane Hand Cream: Lush, creamy & smells like a baby? Its a nice hand cream, quite hydrating but I don't really see what all the hype is about. Whist I enjoyed using it, I prefer the Nivea Norweigan formula hand cream and its only $7. Some products are a splurge & others a save> hand cream for me is a save. Buy it: NO, Recommend to a friend: NO. 

Removal: 

• Beauty Care Green Tea Wipes: Pass. Grabbed these at the register at Kmart pre trip. Good for a refresher towel but these do nothing to remove anything. buy again: NO, Recommend to a friend: NO.
• Swisspers Make up Pads: These are awesome. I used to use the Coles or Priceline brand ones.My lovely partner grabbed these when he asked if I wanted anything at the shop.Being disposable I never wanted to spend the extra to get the good ones... My advise: pony up the extra dollar or two & upgrade. They are much more effective due to texture and a gentler on skin. Buy again: ALREADY HAVE, Recommend to a friend: YES.
• Coles Nail Polish Remover: Again time poor supermarket grab strikes again in this category! This product is fine, it does a good job. The Sally Hansen one is more effective. Buy again: YES, Recommend to a friend: NO.

Right so that's the LOT! thanks for reading... its quite a list!

Have you tried any of these products? What do you think? Any of your faves here? Questions or Comments feel free to post below! 

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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