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 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! 

Bellabox August 2014

Bellabox is a $15 monthly subscription service that delivers 5-7 beauty treats. It's awesome in my opinion! I love getting my little blue package each month! 

This months Bellabox is 'sport your style'. Nothing in this box speaks sporty to me but hey it's still a lovely monthly surprise. 

The card: 

The big reveal: 

1. Aveeno daily moisturizing lotion. I think this is for body... It doesn't say on card or bottle whether it's for face or body. I'm leaning towards face because all body creams I would imagine you can use daily where as a face cream is often day or night etc. Will have to look it up. All other Aveeno products I've tried have been quite gentle and have a great texture/ result-I'm optimistic this will be the same. 

2. Sleek kajal eyeliner- (full size) firstly this is the shittiest quality. (Sorry not sorry) See patchy no pigment swatch. I left the swatch ten mins and it wiped off my hand completely- no setting power at all. This seems like the 'play makeup' you give to kids...Also as it wears down it's going to get chunky and thick- bit of a design flaw. You could use it as an smokey eye product with a powder on top to try and set it. Maybe. 

3. Avene extremely gentle cleanser- this is a tissue off formula. Having combo skin I prefer to rinse off especially after a workout. Being for sensitive irritated skin this might be good for the pool bag as opposed to the gym bag. I love Avene Clearance gel creme exfoliating hydrator so again I trust this brands sample to be good. 

4. OGX Moroccan oil shampoo & conditioner- I seem to get hair products in every bellabox- I noticed some subscribers getting peeved about this. Bellabox is how I discovered my current shampoo so I say don't knock it til you try it. This shampoo & conditioner smells AMAZING! I look forward to seeing how it goes.

5. Maybeline colour show nail lacquer- (full size) f/s products really amp up the value of a subscription box. It's always hard to get a colour you love in a random box- I don't mind this in the spirit of trying something new. I must say I was dubious about texture but it's not too bad and leaves a beautiful glossy finish. In the light  it has lots of micro sparkles- see attempt to show you this in swatch. 

Bonus: Palmers coccoa butter formula sachet- If you've ever used this you know it makes you smell delicious & feel hydrated but not sticky. Always nice to be reminded of a cult classic. 

So that's Bellabox August 2014. All in all the eyeliner let it down- had it been good, the overall box would have felt much more exciting and better value.

Highlight: shampoo & conditioner 

Lowlight: eyeliner 

What did you think if this box? 

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! 

StriVectin & Lanolips sampler

So lucky, the people at Trimex got in touch & I was sent a  lovely bundle in the post to try out!

In the package was some StriVectin product and some Lanolips! 

 Please note while I have been given the products I will tell you what I really think! 

Contents: 

StriVectin CC cream 

StriVectin eyecream 

Lanolips 101 ointment 

Lanolips 'rose' lip ointment SPF 15 

So first should we talk about Lanolips?! 

I must say I've never been tempted to try Lanolips before, I've always been a Clinique super balm lover or a paw paw ointment person- this product really took me by surprise and I'm really impressed. 

First impressions: When it first arrived, it was a cold night and the product felt really firm I really had to squeeze hard to get some out of the tube- within a second of being warmed on my fingertip I had a smooth, creamy, emollient ointment ready to apply. Lanolips glides on really smoothly and has a pleasant lip feel. I had one of those 'where have you been all my life' moments! 

Aftermath: This product improved the condition of my lips on the first use. I really like the staying power- lasts way longer than a paw paw and with better conditioning. 

Recommend to a friend: Yes! 

Swatch: Clear and Rose 

StriVectin products: 

Eye Cream 

Cc cream 

I am so so so impressed and will definitely try other products from StriVectin. The eye cream is a fantastic texture and I felt like I saw a difference in fine dehydration lines instantly and overnight. 

The cc cream offers spf 30+ and has a good coverage- see swatch for colour- it's neutral based which is best for correcting- see how it's got a little bit of a green hue? That my friends will take all your red troubles away! 

One really really important thing to note is that when you use such potent products as these- you must must must wear sun protection! That's the good thing about the cc- it contains spf. 

Swatch: As you can see a tad dark for white gurrrrrl over here but when I get my more is more spray tan happening, it'll be perfection 

All in all I really liked the StriVectin products and I would now go and check out what else they have to offer. 

Recommend to a friend: yes

Do you use Lanolips or StriVectin?? Tell me your faves!

Lust Have It Eco box Winter 2014

In one of the lust have it boxes- there was a voucher to try the 'Eco' box at a reduced price. It normally retails at $29.95 quarterly but I think I paid half that for this box. 

The product card: 

Let me jut st start by saying the packaging was a nightmare! It was filled with that shredded woody paper crap- needless to say- it went everywhere! My dog was trying to sticky beak and eat it and I was trying to see what was in the box but everything I took out only scattered the packfill even more! What a mess! 

The Contents: 

Natural Galmour Bronzer: leaked through three lids and a box- not for travel friends! The product itself is a good colour and has a fine texture- you just can't move it off your vanity otherwise your in for a gigantic mess! 

Sukin Cleanser: not irritating in anyway- leaves skin feeling soft and clean

Billie Goat Soap: I can't decide if I loved this because it is cut into the shape of a goat or if I love it just because it's good! It's not hard soap but it's not a glycerine soap- the texture is in between. Really silky- a good leg shaving soap. 

Jojoba oil: I just can't get excited about this- it's alright but you've tried one, you've tried em all. 

Karpati eye mask: this was a nice little treat to revive the eyes pepped the peepers! 

La Mav eye lotion: I used the entire sample consistently for a few weeks, it's calming, comfortable to use but nothing to write home about. It sort of pushes around until it either evaporates or sinks in wasn't sure which! 

Weleda shampoo & conditioner sachet: another hohum good not great/ nothing exciting product- it's fine, does an ok job but nothing spec. 

Overall I wasn't blown away- each item was fine in it's own way but nothing really rocked my socks- the Bronzer would have been the star product had it not leaked everywhere. Maybe this box isn't the right fit for me- if I wanted specialty products for specific ingredient/ ethical concerns- it might have been. Sometimes a rockstar hero product can redeem an entire box- unfortunately there was no star to steal the show! 

Highlight: goat soap 

Lowlight: La Mav eye lotion

What do you think of Eco box? 

Is it up your alley?