The Parcel- Marie Claire 1st box

This When Marie Claire announced 'the Parcel' a new quarterly beauty subscription boasting top brand collaborators I was beyond excited! I subscribed for the 1st box immediately! 

Cost: $25 quarterly 

Promised value: over $100

So let me show you what it was like! 

The outer was shrink wrapped the address was printed onto the coverslip- (Hence my hand covering) 

Opening impressions: 

The card: 

Top- opened up 

Bottom L: front cover 

Bottom R: back cover

Benefitcosmetics they're real liner and mascara: 

So adorable! And wow! The liner is gooooood! It quite literally will. Not. Budge! I rubbed and smeared, scrubbed and wiped- it's amazing! This sample size gives you a good try before you buy. 

They're real mascara- I've used this before- I really quite like it- see my past review! 

Revlon colour stay lip stain: 

I probably wouldn't purchase this shade- it's the lightest in the range and being a little frosty it's looks even lighter. Formula: The texture is not amazing- I'm not blown away or tempted to try another hue (due to frost it doesn't apply evenly and looks a bit odd)  As a plus, the applicator wand is a good size and shape. 

Opi nail polish: 

I am starting to wonder if the companies put dud shades in these boxes!? This is a n interesting colour- I can see it appealing to a few people but generally it's not a showstopping 'love that' shade! I would call it purple petrol? 

Pantene shampoo and conditioner and loreal Elnett hair spray: 

Pantene are out in force at the moment! They are also in this month's bellabox (review to come- check it out). This is the third lot Pantene samples this year. I really liked their Aqua light range in bellabox March. (See that post too). I will willingly try these and see how they go. They smell really good! 

How handy this mini hairspray will be! I've been using fudge coconut & apple hairspray for 10 years, so I doubt I'll make the switch- that said, This is handy to have in a handbag size. It's a bit of a cult classic. 

Lancôme visionaries skin corrector- 

This product is so velvety- I am always keen for pore products so I can't wait to use this for a week and see if I like it. It's texture and scent are so far so good. 

So that's it! Marie Claire 'the parcel' first box. 

I think the value is there if you get colours  you like- if you don't then it's a bit of a bust. I won't resubscribe for now- they didn't quite win me over with the shades and other recent beauty box duplicates. 

What did you think?! 

Bellabox July 2014

Bellabox time!

My fave monthly parcel arrives again!! Wanna see what was inside?! I'll keep it short and sweet!

Ta da!!! 

This months theme was American Beauty! Love!

The contents: 

Nicole nail polish 

DB lip butter- coconut 

Derma doctor k p duty lotion 

Anastasia waterproof seal 

StriVectin sachet 

Yube all purpose cream

Opi- Nicole nail polish- this really is an all American red- super vibrant! Nicole is by opi so you know the quality will be there.

DB lip butter- coconut- smells delicious- I've used a few DB things and really liked them- this is ok but I probably wouldn't buy it again.

Derma doctor k p duty lotion- I like the idea of this- it's for the little bumps you get on the tops of the arm 'chicken skin' hence the picture of a chook. I don't currently have this skin concern but it surely will come in handy for other dry skin patches. 

Anastasia waterproof seal- genius. This is a clear weatherproof, waterproof seal that you apply over any mascara. Innovative and flawless. 

StriVectin sachet- I only just tried StriVectin a little while ago and was really impressed- you actually see a difference! This sachet might be saved for a travel bag- I've probably overdiscussed that I don't love sachets

Yube all purpose cream- I've had this before from Bellabox- it's just a little all purpose cream, nothing spesh but always handy! 

So that's the contents! The Anastasia, nail polish and lip butter all being full size make this months Bellabox ridiculously good value at $15! 

Highlight: Anastasia mascara seal

Lowlight: Yube cream

What would be your highlight in this box?! 

Please note- I subscribe to Bellabox at my own cost, my opinion is my own! 

Lust Have It June 2014

Unfortunately I've been delayed it posting lately! Sorry!! A combination of this parcel being late, a new job, a bigger commute and study all getting in the way!

This months lust have it bag was a little boring (sorry lhi but it was) maybe that's why I'm posting late- nothing to write home about... 

The contents: 

Closer:

Teez nail polish (this months main affiliate) 

Orly travel files 

Toe separators 

John Plunket Glyco peel 

La Roche cream (got this in another too) 

Nuxe eye & face cream sachets

Teez nail polish (this months main affiliate): this polish is a dark red metallic- it's a bit moodier than I usually wear- will prob give this away  

Orly travel files: handy little purse pack of files 

Toe separators: they do what they say- handy again

John Plunket Glyco peel: these products are always good to try before you buy- this is a decent size to determine if you like it. Skin should be deliciously smooth after use. Tick! 

La Roche cream (got this in another too) I liked it in the other box and I liked it again- this product also smoothing and assists with preventing clogged pores. 

Nuxe eye & face cream sachets: don't get me wrong Nuxe products are really lush and nice- but I hate sachets- they're just a bit awkward- there's more than one use but once it's open it let's air in affecting to product. 

Overall this box was fine- it's all useable but it's not exciting to get a little sachet, use it twice and that's it. This lhi wasn't ground breaking but I guess it's hard to wow every month! I still really enjoy this monthly treat- while this box may not temp you to subscribe- see my other lust have it blogs because they are usually incredible value with some exciting products inside! Bring on the next! 

If you are keen to check out Lhi you can use the coupon below to get a discount! 

The card: If you want more info! 

What did you think? Did you get this bag? 

Signature Nails

In 2011 a nail polish colour rocked my socks. It felt so me. If I could only ever wear one shade forever, my deserted island shade, it'd be this! It's a Witchery shade that was a summer limited edition mini..And I sure have loved it! 

Now 3 years later it's not unlike the panetone colour of the year... To my delight. 

I'd love to be one of those classic, chic individuals who can stick to one colour relentlessly and have it become their signature. But I can't! I love trying new things and shaking it up. That said, I'm going to give it a red hot go. 

Sticking with one colour would be too tough so I'm going to rock a colour palate theme instead. I'm aiming for 1 month of chic sameness. I'll add each week as we go... Here goes!

Week one: OPI 'Mod about you' 

Week two: Sally Hansen Complete manicure in 'purple heart' 

Week three: Essie 'go ginza' 

Week four: - so far I'm feeling pretty chic! couldn't resist, I repeated Essie 'go ginza' because I loved it so much! 

(side note: I'm loving essie! This is the first time I've used their product and I'm thrilled with quality, texture, staying power, chip resistance,application etc!) 

So that's 4 Weeks!! The verdict? I didn't feel bored & I quite liked having a signature! Will definitely keep this up for another few weeks!

If you want me to do another colour trial or give me a challenge, comment below!