Dare to Bare / No Make-Up Selfie

So over the last 48 Hours you may have noticed ladies on social media putting up selfies tagged #nomakeupselfie and #daretobare in the name of raising cancer awareness. 

The media has slammed posters saying that is does nothing for awareness despite some charities announcing a spike in web traffic and donations. 

So I say whatever to that...It's worth a contribution if even one person is more informed- and even if that one person is the woman in the selfie. Here's my 'no make up selfie' to support the movement and also a few links to show you where to go to get info and help you become more 'aware' so to speak. 

Cancer Council Australia 
Australian Cancer Research Foundation
National Breast Cancer Foundation 
Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation
Kids with cancer 

Her Fitness Box Feb 2014 (box launch)

So you all know by now I'm a Bellabox Junkie! I love a good subscription box! Lately I've been trying to eat cleaner, exercise more and be all in all a healthier human... not too excessively because I haven't that much resolve! So I subscribed the  the new Her Fitness box  by the people who make her fashion box.
The concept is you pay $39.95 per month as a subscription and you receive a curated box containing:

• 2 x Fitness accessories
• 4 x Health and Lifestyle deluxe samples
• a collectable box (at time i subscribed it said collectable tote) 
• and some exercise tips, recipes etc.  

They claim the box contents will be Over $110 of value, no contracts - cancel anytime.
I opted for a three month subscription to try it out. So I guess this blog is 1 of 3.  I was really excited about this as February 2014 is the launch of this new subscription box on the market. It is the first of its kind in Australia. 

the BOX: 

the CONTENTS: 

• Skipping rope 
• Cantik Notebook
• Emma & Toms life bar
• Green Smoothie Co. single sachet
• Jt Coconut essence 330ml (coconut water)
• Norbu sweetener sample (4 sweetener sachets)
• Coupon for Brasilfit $30 off if you spend $130
• 1 week pass 'anytime fitness
• Recipe card 
• Workout card 

More info: 

• Skipping rope

Valued at $17.95 on the HFB card, maybe not- one of the end caps fell off. I put it back on but its loose, will superglue- no drama. In a word useful. I used to love to skip as a child so I'll head to a park and give it a go. Good cardio.

• Cantik Notebook

Nice but Meh. yes its pretty, I didn't get what it has to do with fitness but its 'a food diary and to track your progress'. but its blank. They say $19.95. And that they put lots of effort into making sure the products were so great for their subscribers. Well, Kikki K do a great one cheaper at $16.95 here and its at least specifically designed for Food and exercise as well as inspiration. There's lots of similar products that actually fit the purpose this one is supposed. Also you cant clip a pen to this so its not ideal to tote to the gym.

• Emma & Toms life bar

I'm looking forward to trying this. I love on the go snacks that are yummy & healthy. Cacao & Coconut- match made in heaven. I'm going to enjoy this in the car for breaky tomorrow. Sydney traffic beep beep!

• Green Smoothie Co. single sachet
• Jt Coconut essence 330ml (coconut water)

I'm putting these together as the recipe card has a recipe that uses these together to make a smoothie. I LOVE this concept. I will 100% make the smoothie as per instructions. I am curious as to what's in the smoothie as there is no ingredients listing... are they allowed to do that on consumables? ah who cares> yum yum yum can't wait! 

• Norbu sweetener sample (4 sweetener sachets) 

Again Looking forward to road testing this product. We use sweetener instead of sugar in our household, we currently use Natvia which incidentally is from the same brand. I would like to make one comment though> 4 serve sachets does not a 'deluxe' sample make. 

Ok that's it for actual product>Next: Cards

• Coupon for Brasilfit $30 off if you spend $130

whatever... just promo crap. I refuse to spend $119 on leggings. Call me cheap. Call me tight. I am Scottish (background) after all. I am happy with my $24.95 Cotton on tights. Mine are good quality and come in nice fabric.They've really lifted their game. I won't use this, so if there's anyone out there that will, I will post it to you, just comment below xxx. I promise I wont act like I gave you a $30 gift.

• 1 week pass 'anytime fitness'

I already am a Fitness first member but I might check out anytime to see the difference and its marginally closer to my house. Note: if you too want a week trial just go here they give them out like lollipops to anyone. No promo card needed. FREE TRIAL- you are welcome xxx.

• Recipe card 
• Workout card 

Nice touch HFB! These cards are quite handy and I love the recipes. As above I LOVE that the recipes apply to products IN the box. SMART!
At first I thought explaining how to do a squat was redundant considering this boxes focus audience but I can see the value as proper form is key to getting where you want to go with exercise.

Bang for your Buck: 
In a word NO. To be honest I felt pretty miffed and ripped off with this box. As you know from my Bellabox reviews I love debunking the value myth and showing those cheapskate haters what's what. As much as I want to love it, I just can't do that here.

• Skipping rope:$17.95
• Cantik Notebook:they say $19.95 (its just a blank page hard cover notebook)
• Emma & Toms life bar $2.85 at woolies
• Green Smoothie Co. single sachet $3.00 ($15 for pack of 5)
• Jt Coconut essence 330ml (coconut water) $2.95
• Norbu sweetener sample $0.43c (4x sachets) $4.35 for 40 sachets at woollies

total:
$47.13
So I emailed HFB to see what's up! They advertise $110 worth of value!

Then I was told to include:

• Coupon for Brasilfit $30 off (umm only if you spend $130)
• 1 week pass 'anytime fitness': $25 (average $59 per month so really $15!) (but actually free on Anytime website)

What a joke. Since when was a coupon considered box content?
As I said I contacted the company and they have been nothing but pleasant, fast to respond & helpful 100%. I do not wish to discredit them. They just fail to see validity in the point that coupons should not be counted towards the total value of the box. They are claiming that the coupons represent $55 of the $110 value. Its cross promo PR crap! Those relationships usually work that company A puts an offer out to company B's clientele and or vice versa- they benefit by reaching a new market of each others clients and get sales or members as a result. That's fine, I love a little promo material/ junk mail but don't wrap it in a bow & respond to me that its 'vouchers hand picked to be relevant to the subscribers' and 'they believe it is beneficial and valuable to all of their subscribers'. Your having a lend? 

HFB maintain they are proud of the range of health living and fitness goodies. Of the stuff that's in the box, I tend to agree. I was happy with what was in the box there just wasn't enough of it! In my humble opinion it isn't in line with what they say your getting.

I wondered if I was being unreasonable. I looked to see if there was other feedback. So I watched a vid of what the bloggers were given to write about at launch vid here she got what I got (what subscribers got) PLUS:
A tote
A tanning mit
a full size bondi sands tan
a 'babe scrub'
a single serve muesli
a tooth paste mini
a mini hand cream
a hair/ body oil mini

That's just poor form. The bloggers are spruiking a box that is NOT what real paying subscribers get. Not cool. And not fair to the blogger who is telling people their getting more than they are. As bloggers we try and show both sides and perspective.

This sort of disrespect to the customer really ticks me off. As customers we are savvy and deserve to get what we pay for. Half a box value made of coupons. No deal.

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored blog. Box was subscribed to on my own accord.  

HFB we're shocked by my negative feedback. What do you think? Seeing my box, would you subscribe? Seeing what the other blogger got, would you? Am I being unreasonable? Am I being unfair? Comment Below!!

Bellabox February 2014 Review

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

February 2014:
This months theme is 'red carpet ready'. This is a playful nod to the awards season that is in full swing. I enjoy the effort Bellabox make to be on trend & make the box fun and different each month.

Packaging:
This months box comes in (same as January) a brown carton box with Bellabox on top, BB iconic dots on edges & the 'inspo' quote "be beautiful, surprise yourself". Its nice to see some consistency and seems Bellabox might finally be finding their sense of style. Only 2 years old, Bellabox has been through the transition of a young woman. She's seen the puppy fat stage (make up bags) the 13 going on 30 stage (heavy duty boxes) the 21, I'm so cool stage (teal boxes) & now is in the equivalent of mid-late twenties, knows what she wants and is chic and simple. Ah-hem and also much more appealing to a broad audience, Eco friendly and likely economical for the brand. (AND It's what's on the inside that counts). 

Inside: Yay a product card! (I didn't receive one last month). It's designed to look like a ticket and says 'red carpet ready' 'admit one'. Keeping in theme, the box this month is lined with red tissue paper. Unraveling it is like rolling out said red carpet.

What's in mine: 
1.OM SHE Aromatherapy Lipstick in Coco -colour
2.Burts Bee's Naturally Nourishing Milk & Honey Body Lotion -cult
3.Aveda Be Curly Style Prep -cult
4.Synthesis Organic Hydrate Tonic -luxe
5.OM SHE Aromatherapy Foaming Red Rice Cleanser -green
Bonus: Swisspers Naturals Nourishing Face cream

(I never noticed before...each product is categorized i.e colour, luxe, cult & green > I love that!!) 

More info?

1.OM SHE Aromatherapy Lipstick in Coco -full sized
First impression, Coco- for a second I thought I'd landed a brown lippy, to my delight it's a really nice red! Might sound weird to say but it's quite a neutral red. Its quite smooth to apply and has a glossy finish. Feels ultra moisturising and silky. It has a essential oil sort of smell but never fear, not taste. See the swatch and selfie below. (I prefer to blow up a selfie so you get a better scope of how it looks on in a more realistic perspective than close up).

2.Burts Bee's Naturally Nourishing Milk & Honey Body Lotion -25g
They say: creamy and sweet, skin softening and fast absorbing. I agree, its lightweight but nourishing. I'm undecided how I feel about the smell. The first application was on my hands and they felt smooooth afterwards. I'd say its a good all round lotion and I can see why it might have 'cult' status.

3.Aveda Be Curly Style Prep -40ml
BUMMER. let me explain. My hair is straight. The straightest of the straight. I've tried all sorts of curl boosters for when I GHD curl my hair. Nothing really makes it curlier. Heat protecting spray and a good lashing of hairspray for setting its my so far proven combo. This is for curly hair. My Bellabox profile says my hair is thick not curly which is an option on their 'profile questionnaire'. This is my one constructive criticism for Bellabox. Members have profiles but they don't seem to get used or maximised as carefully or much as they could. There were other Aveda products available this month but as predicted to a colleague after 'sneak peek' 'I bet I get the curly one'...I'm an oracle. That said I usually am pretty happy with the other selections by Bellabox so I don't want to poo poo them too much. I will use this prior to curling and give it a fair go. At the least it will hydrate and heat protect. I seem dramatic... Here's a pic of my hair: this is second day so it was washed, turbie towelled, slept on, out the door, gym bunned, taken out, slept on then out the door the next morning. Not even brushed. When I holiday, I don't even take a brush. It's that straight.

4.Synthesis Organic Hydrate Tonic -15ml
I'm in LOVE. I'm a huge fan of face mists. I've used Jurlique, Clinique, Kosmea, Evian & Australis mists in the past. My Clinique one was confiscated at the airport once because its 125ml- heart broken... ANYWAY back to this Synthesis one. Oooh, YES! & Mmmm I believe were the first impressions. Smells divine- like a rosewater and essential oils. My inner hippy rejoices. I'm really going to enjoy using this. I love how refreshing a facial mist can be. It hydrates and adds radiance. TIP: put it in the fridge on a hot day.


5.OM SHE Aromatherapy Foaming Red Rice Cleanser -30ml
More OM SHE. Inner hippy continues to rejoice at all the lovely aromatherapy products in this months box! Smells again like a one way ticket to Zen town, carbon neutral of course. The product claims to be 'fuss free purification for a clearer brighter complexion> buzz words that are heaven to me and any other combo skin girl.

Bonus: Swisspers ALOE Naturals Nourishing Face cream -5ml
I'm interested to try this, Hydrating-tick, cooling- I'm interested, minimises pores and fine lines- clincher! Although in a sachet (not my fave mode of delivery) I think this will have a good handful of applications- enough to suss it out.

Value

(for those non believers of Bellabox being a steal at $15 inc delivery)

pro rata:

1.OM SHE Aromatherapy Lipstick in Coco -$14.95
2.Burts Bee's Naturally Nourishing Milk & Honey Body Lotion -$2.93
3.Aveda Be Curly Style Prep -$15.98
4.Synthesis Organic Hydrate Tonic -$16.48
5.OM SHE Aromatherapy Foaming Red Rice Cleanser -$4.48
Bonus: Swisspers Naturals Nourishing Face cream- $1.09

Total value: $55.91

All in all a pretty great box once again! Products I know I'll love and others worth a shot!

Highlight: Synthesis mist & SHE lippy

Lowlight: Be Curly (I would if I could)



Please note: I subscribe to Bellabox on my own accord. This is NOT a sponsored blog. My opinion is my own.
To see my January Bellabox review click here

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! 

Essence Express Dry Drops

  

Every now and then a liddle wonder product comes along. I'm particulaly fond of this one. 

Let me prefix this by saying: I'm a clutz, I'm impatient, I do things last minute & I'm a busy body (when not slothing watching back to back episodes of Girls). So with all this in mind when I decide at 10pm /or 7 minutes before I'm going out to paint my nails, they're gonna get smudged. They always get smudged. And instead of looking put together and feeling glam, a level of trash seeps in. 

Enter Essence Nail Art Express Drops (where have you been all my life?)

How they work> 

These drops are applied after your nail polish and act as a quick drying agent. You just hold the little dropper lid and drip 1-2 drops onto each nail. 

(I usually do a base coat, 2 coats of colour & a top coat then this product)

Good to know:

The product leaves a slightly oily feel on the nail surface, I found it similar to the feel of a cuticle oil. After a few minutes, you can wash it off if its not your cup of tea. 

 

These drops retail at a bargain $3.50 from Priceline and make an awesome purchase for someone who suffers from smudged nails due to routine impatience or for those occasions when you need to get out the door fast.

These drops drastically reduce wetness and tackiness and will prevent most minor smudges.

If I so happen to paint at night, I don't find I get those horrid sheet impressions when using these drops (anyone else who has a propensity to paint nails at night, you feel me?). 

That said nothing replaces a good half hour setting time though so big dents may still happen you smash about the place. 

FYI: There's a few others brands doing similar versions such as Sally Hansen & OPI but for the same price as a small coffee, I'm pretty pleased with this Essence one. 

The verdict: 

It's love! 

Note: I purchased this product with my own funds & have no affiliation with the brand. My opinion is my own.

'Thankyou' the beauty of a social conscience

 Last year this brand name went viral. All over facebook were pleas for the major supermarkets to agree stock 'thankyou' products. Thankfully they did. For two reasons: 1. My feed is now back to dog memes... just the way I like it. 2. This awesome brand is now stocked at your local. 

And what does this have to do with beauty you say??? Well, the make a delicious hand soap- with a difference. 

The people at Thankyou realize something incredible.
Humans are the worlds greatest resource. Not coal, not oil, not gold. Look around, every advancement of civilization can be pinned down to the human brain and human spirit. What then begins to make sense is that if I am a human, lucky enough to be living in privilege that I could share my resource and maybe help another less fortunate than I.
But wait....We live in a concrete jungle, we're busy, we don't want to commit to 'a dollar a day' and ultimately we are living a selfish existence. We can't change the world from our iPhones. 

What we can do is continue our consumer driven lives with one change... Just add water...

Thankyou started as 'a bottled water company that would exist for the sole purpose of funding safe water projects in developing nations'. They've now extended the range to include muesli and a body range of hand-wash that support food aide and hygiene projects in developing nations.

I wanted to share a hand wash review because its DELIGHTFUL! 

I purchased Thankyou hand wash in Tonka bean & spring flowers from my local Coles. It was $6.95 or $7.95- I cant recall exactly. ball park.

To state the obvious, the packaging is really nice & suits the product to a tee. It's also a HUGE 500ml making it great value. 

The smell: of the product is subtle, it has a fresh, soft, orange oil fragrance that is not overpowering. I'd describe it as also having a 'natural' smell. When I say that, I don't mean grass and chia seeds... I just mean its not a fake passion fruit smell like other similar products on the market. If in doubt by my rambling descriptors...its fresh.

The texture: of the wash is really smooth and velvety, maybe creamy? It doesn't have a big lathery foam just a soft subtle bubble.

To Love: I really appreciate the commitment to no nasties! Below is the back label, a list as long as your arm of all the yucky crap in other products... but not this one.

Also awesome:  you can 'track your impact'. This particular bottle contributed to a hygiene training in a small Indian village. It's really meaningful to not just know that a contribution is made, but to also know where. I really think this feature is ace.

The other good points: Vegan (if that's what your into), Made in Oz & no animal testing.

So all in all: I will certainly be buying this product again and I would definitely recommend to family and friends. 4.5/5. go get you some...

Warm & fuzzy:

By adding a few items to your grocery list or swapping out the brand you normally use, a sharing of resources can happen. Thankyou make it incredibly easy to give back and help global communities in need.

Here's a link for 'Where to Buy'

Please note, I personally purchased my thankyou handsoap. I have no affiliation with the organisation. My opinion is my own.


Have you tried Thankyou Hand Wash? What do you think?

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! 

So wrong So right! 5 things I love but don't wanna tell everyone!

Don't wanna tell everyone, pftt cept the world, on a blog, on the net...

Have you ever love love loved a beauty product but maybe felt ashamed or embarrassed because it was disgustingly cheap, uber tacky, has bad press or maybe is branded by a celebrity who potentially is cringe worthy? Like a moth to the flame people ALWAYS ask you about it... 

Here's a fun list of 5 products I love (no shame) (or maybe just a teense)

1. Britney Spears 'Curious'- 

Ok so I really like the scent, it works for my body chemistry... Pretty much works so well that EVERY SINGLE TIME I wear this, someone asks what I'm wearing. I then have to run the gauntlet explaining away how I'm not a 28 year old teeny bopper dreaming of being 'hit one more time' whilst wearing a plaid skirt. I just like the key notes that I seem to find as repeat offenders in my fragrance wardrobe: pear, jasmine,musk & vanilla. Apparently it's aimed at 'a twenty something with attitude' hmmm the shoe fits but it's hurting my toes! 

2. Playboy 'play it sexy' body spray 

This is just a great little handy on the go spritz! It's cheap as chips from the supermarket or Priceline... I love that it's light weight, smells clean and fresh and won't leak in my gym/handbag. Once upon a time I loved the tv series 'girls next door' ...what I don't love is when the accountant at work quips 'aren't you a little old for playboy stuff Em? Maybe playboy should come out with anti-wrinkle cream... Just for me. 

3. Ulta3 Matte lipstick in 'harem pink' 

This is just the PERFECT shade! I can't decide if it's blue or yellow based- it's neither and both and it's amazing! It gives you such a freshen up and at $3.95  from the chemist, how could I say no! 

The thing is, theres nothing like that luxe feeling you get when you swipe your favorite prestige lipstick across your lips...( Napoleon Hara & Clinique Waterviolet , I'm looking at you ) the glam, the pretty, the watch me storm the second half of this day kind of vibe. Because this lipstick is so great, texture, staying power, pigment- the works, you still get that vibe that only a pretty pout can create & at $3.95 from the chemist right next to the paracetamol...it's like winning the beauty lottery!! Do you tell anyone & risk a harem of pink lipstick wearing friends and acquaintances or do you keep it quiet and enjoy your winnings???

4. Daisy Ring 

No, it's not Marc Jacobs. Sorry. 

I have this cute little daisy ring that I got for penny's on eBay.  I'm so happy to share this one because there's something exciting about something that seems less obtainable becoming open to all! Anyway this isn't a copy, not a fake, I think it's just a coincidence that Jacobs has a fragrance with a pretty daisy on the bottle and people make that connection (good branding Marc). When I wear this people often ask me with this oo oooh hopeful tone, 'is that Marc Jacobs?' We'll um no, but you can have the rest of my milk... The last time was a check out chic- she seemed crushed that it wasn't designer... I optimistically told her she could easily get one and for less than a fiver! 'Its not the same thing'... Um ok way to make me feel like a phony for wearing a not fake, fake ring lol! 

5. Lime Nail polish

So who's with me and totally went for the citron trend? The whole shebang! Hair ties, drink bottle, pj's, a scarf, a rug, 4 singlets, a blouse, a blazer & a key chain...Have mercy I Love citron! My girlfriends can attest to this! When I was a teen I even had a creamy pastel citron feature wall in my room- chocolate floor boards and white accents, it was fresh! Some things never change and my love of citron really reached it's peak- Nail Polish. My partner was horrified (he only just got used to the white i'd been wearing) my boss visibly cringed, a friend perplexingly asked green or yellow? Ok, so now this is just beauty shaming!! There I was feeling fresh, on trend and fab! Alas some things do change and this hue has now been relegated to toes only! 

(nail polish is essence for those wondering)

Do you have a beauty LOVE that may have stigma but it's so wrong it's so right?! Share it below in the comments section! I'd love to hear about it!