Bellabox June 2014... ICONIC

This year has gone so fast!! Is it just me??? It's late June & I'm reeling! Where has this year gone?! 

Bellabox June is here after a little supplier delay. Bellabox were great and emailed subscribers on the 10th to let them know in advance of said delay- points to them for that! It arrived on the 19th- so really not that that late. 

So this months theme is ICONIC BEAUTY- how good is themed everything?! I love it! 

I was home amazingly when this months box arrived, my little pal & I bolted to the sound of the doorbell & to my delight it was the mail man & not a religious door knocker- hallelujah! 

Pinot was equally as excited as me and offered great curiosity. 

This months Bellabox came with this months Instyle Magazine as one of the bonus products. They did this last year I think it was September with Cleo or Cosmo- ANYWAY I am a massive mag hag so I was thrilled to read a mag that I wouldn't normally have purchased. 

The Contents: 

- Herbal Essesnces Naked Shine Shampoo & Conditioner (Essentials)

- La Roche-Persay Effclar Duo (Luxe)

- Innoxa Lip Pencil (Colour)

- VO5 Give Me Moisture HotOil (Classic)

- Cedel Blow Dry Fastener (Essential)

Bonus:

Instyle Magazine

Nutrimetics Nutri Rich Instant Radiance Balm 

- Innoxa Lip Pencil:

Boasting long wearing waterproof qualities I found this liner to be really creamy, smooth and vibrant! Its generously pigmented which is what you need in a liner. It's a wind up and it glides on really well. 

- Herbal Essesnces Naked Shine Shampoo & Conditioner 

White tea and mint- that combo is really appealing to me! This formula is silicon, paraben & dye free...having a pain in the ass sensitive scalp these tick some boxes. The product is crystal clear- how do they do that!? 

- VO5 Give Me Moisture HotOil 

I used something like this by VO5 years ago- you basically heat the oil up (to make it 'hot oil') apply to hair, leave for a period (usually 10min) and follow with your normal washing routine. I always love a mask/ treatment as a pep up so it should be good to try again. 

- Cedel Blow Dry Fastener 

I love this product! This is something I already use and love! I discovered it earlier this year. I highly recommend it!!! It's a heat protecter spray but it also works as a blow dry fastener. I have no idea how it does it but it cuts my blowdry time by half! It's weightless and doesn't leave your hair feeling heavy/ tacky/ oily. If you didn't get this in your box, you should go get some! It's (big call) my favourite discovery this year so far. 

La Roshe-Posay Effaclar Duo:

I'm pretty happy with this- I sampled a similar sounding Avene on through Bellabox and ended up buying it because I liked it so much. This product offers 24 hr hydration but removes excess oil and blockages- it claims to unclogs sebum blocked pores in 30 days. This is right up my ally. Combination skin is really difficult to treat because whilst it can be oily its can also be dehydated. My skin is hetting congested lately because I am applyng too much moisturiser trying to rehydrate bt I'm replenishing to much oil at the same time. The texture feels good, look forward to really roadtesting this baby!

Nutrimetics Nutri Rich Instant Radiance Balm:

I took this sachet away for  weekend, It was really nourishing and my skin looked bright and felt soft in the morning. It smelt heavenly like apricot- good enough to eat.

Over all thoughts: 

For me this box was a bit hair focused but even still I really was happy to use everything in this box. I'verecieved a few RED lip products from Bellabox this year so it might be time to change my profile with them. 

I was lucky to recieve a full size replacement  of something I always use (always better than a dud product instead) 

Highlight: blow dry fastener & La Roche- Posay cream  

Lowlight: dont have one :) 

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

What did you think of this months Bellabox? Did you get a different variation? What was in yours? 

Comments welcome below....

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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.

Bellabox March 2014 'Beauty Diaries'

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

So I'm a bit late, BELLABOX came two weeks ago and I've been a busy bee!
This is the Third Bellabox of 2014> the March box. I received this box mid March.

This months box comes in a brown mailer carton box with Bellabox on top, BB iconic dots on edges & the 'inspo' quote "be beautiful, surprise yourself" - Inside is a hard cover box which will be ever handy for a pretty little storage box. This is the new packaging Bellabox has been talking about 'coming soon'. Makes the box seem quite lushy luxe.
NB: A Colleague didn't get this box because she had a huge full size jar of face mask- its good to know they wont limit themselves to teeny items and if need be you'll get a big product instead of an empty box.  Awesome.

This months theme is beauty diaries and the Bellabox team have been discussing their loved products, shades etc on social media- quite a cute personal touch, I always love a theme! 

From the pics you can see it comes packaged nicely with tissue wrap- the little sticker was a Zoe Foster Blake sticker promoting Pantene. Which was the sneak peek product. Zoe is seriously heaven. See her blog here.

The Product Card set up like a spiro diary - cute cute

Now for the contents...

1.Model Co lipstick

2. Happy Skincare repair oil

3.Glam 3 in 1 Nail Pen

4.St Tropez gradual tan for face

5. Pantene Shampoo & Conditioner 

6.(bonus) Natralus Paw paw gel sachet

More info please? 

1.Model Co lipstick (full size) colour

I'm sure there were people praying not to get this shade. I wanted it sooooo bad! Feeling super lucky! I got it! The Model Co packaging on this is awesome- it has a mirror for reapplication when you're out and about. Being brunette I'm taking inspiration from the Foxes below. Though I am not as foxy, I will give it my best to rock this look. the texture and pigment of this product wasn't amazing I had to go over a few times to get the coverage desired.

 

2. Happy Skincare repair oil (sample 15ml) green 

I love a bit of face oil to nourish heal and repair. I would typically use something like this at night as I don't want to be greasy or have my makeup running off my face. In the morning skin looks really bright and fresh and fine dehydration lines are reduced. The smell is nutty/grassy. The texture and greasiness is similar to a rosehip oil.

3.Glam 3 in 1 Nail Pen (full size) tool

Eh. I was happy at first with this but the colour and quality was crap. It does good dots and the stencils are neat little patterns but the product is GLUGGY took forever to dry properly. I would consider emptying it and putting a colour I use in it as it would be useful for travel. see the picture below, two coats and the coverage & colour is pretty yuck! Can't win 'em all.

4.St Tropez gradual tan for face (sample 5ml) cult

St Tropez is one of those tanning brands that is definitely 'cult'. Consistency is light and easy to apply. I love a spray tan but don't usually do my face as its so drying therefore this will be perfect to try out. I like that its 'gradual' so you can really control the depth of colour you will end up with. This product also has anti aging ingredients- always helps.

5. Pantene Shampoo & Conditioner (deluxe sample 40ml each) essential 

The Box smelt delicious and it turned out to be the Pantene.Heaps of people on social media poo pooing this product.. ouch. I'm excited to try it anyway. The feedback so far is that it makes your hair feel light- having heavy, thick hair- I can see the appeal. Watch this space, I'll let you know when I use it!

6.(bonus) Natralus Paw paw gel sachet
I love after sun gels and aloes etc so I look forward to sampling this bonus sachet. Everyone loves paw paw right? So if it has comparable loved benefits it should be a winner!

Value: 
I always find the box to be exceptional value! 
Here's the pro-rata price of each sample: 

1.Model Co lipstick (full size): $19.95

2. Happy Skincare repair oil 15ml: $4.45

3.Glam 3 in 1 Nail Pen (Full size): $9.95

4.St Tropez gradual tan for face (5ml): $3.99

5. Pantene Shampoo & Conditioner (40ml) $0.91 & $0.91

6.(bonus) Natralus Paw paw gel sachet: $0.66

Box total value: $40.82

Cost to me: $15

Once again not bad!!

Highlight: lippy
Lowlight: nail polish kit



What was in your Bellabox? What was your highlight? Are you keen to join? Any Q's? Comment below!
Feel free to subscribe to my blog for other pretty liddle reviews and beauty posts! 

See last months Bellabox review here

Please note: I subscribe to Bellabox on my own accord. This is NOT a sponsored blog. My opinion is my own.

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!

Feel free to subscribe to my blog for other pretty liddle reviews and beauty posts!