Beauty Boxes: Lust Have It July 2013

Yeah, I know, technically it's August! I've been really busy lately and haven't gotten around to reviewing my LHI box yet. I received it one day after my July Bella Box, so that goes to show you how slack I am! It came in another gorgeous collector box, this time pink and purple. I already have several of these and I use them to keep everything from fountain pens to small craft projects. (The Bella Box boxes, which consist of a separate box and lid, I mainly use as trays for things like nail polish, jewellery and decoden supplies.) LHI also had some interesting news this month, and I'll go into it at the end of this post. But let's see what was inside!

* Nude By Nature Natural Tinted Mineral Moisturiser with Sunscreen, full size 30ml.
Interestingly, I received the Nude By Nature BB Cream a few boxes ago, and I came to the conclusion that I would rather use it as a tinted moisturiser. And now here is their actual tinted moisturiser! I'll be very interested to do a comparison of the two.

* Knotties by Condition Culture Hair Ties, 2 pieces.
These hair ties promise not to leave that kink in your hair after using them that normal hair elastics do. I haven't tried them yet myself, but my friend Mrs. M said her hair was less kinky after trying them. The card suggests that you can also wear them around your wrists, an idea that I like. I have to admit, a few months ago I saw a blog post on how to make these yourself with a length of elastic bought from the craft store. However, it's probably easier buying these instead of trying to source wide leopard-print elastic!

* ColorSmash by Condition Culture Hair Shadow, {not sure if full-size or sample}.
Finally, a hair product for those of us who'd be sent home if we rocked up to work with turquoise-coloured hair! Again, I'd seen a blog post a few months ago about temporarily colouring your hair with chalk pastels, but it's good to see products especially for the purpose starting to come out. I was lucky to get the trendy teal, and Mrs. M received a lovely marone colour. I'm not sure how it will come out on my dark hair, but I'll give it a try this weekend!

* Schwarzkopf Extra Care Volume Powder, full-size (?) 10g.
I had to laugh when I saw this because my hair is so thick and boofy, it doesn't need any extra volume! Although it does get a little flatter than normal as washday is approaching, so it might be handy for those days. There's very little that I rule out when it comes to beauty products!

* Swisse Pomegranate Hand Cream, sample size 50ml.
I was happy when I saw this product. I received one of these a few boxes ago, and I was sad when it ran out. It's so handy when you're meaning to buy something and it appears like magic in your box!

* Health Essentials zNano Active Gold Anti-Wrinkle Eye Patches, sample size 1 pair.
These eye patches promise to soothe, cool and refresh on contact with the eyes. They certainly sound appealing right now! I think I'll try them very soon.

* Alexami Face Mist, sample size 15ml.
I received a face mist spray in my Bella Box this month as well, so I wasn't terribly enthused by this. It had leaked into the box. It smells a little soapy, but I'll keep using it and see if it improves.

* BONUS: Health Essentials Maqui Berry Active, sample size 6g.
With Acai berries now shown to have no more nutrients in them than an orange, Maqui is the latest health food star on the block. Occasionally there will be a food or vitamin bonus in the beauty boxes, and I like that because it reminds me that healthy insides are just as important as healthy skin in looking beautiful.

Summary: There were a lot of products in this month's box, with face, hair and hand-care products included. The hair ties and the Maqui berry drink threw in a different dimension to the normal. The Hair Shadow is very on-trend, and I'm glad I received this as the cosmetic product instead of the same old lip gloss, etc. Overall I was very pleased with this box.

Gunna Use It Right Now Rating: 75%

.... And the LHI News: Lust Have It have released two new types of beauty boxes: a one-off Bridal Party Box and the FaB (Fashion and Beauty) Box. The FaB box is very similar in concept to the Her Fashion Box I subscribed to briefly earlier in the year. For $35, subscribers receive a selection of beauty samples plus a fashion accessory. Unfortunately there isn't much more detail than that at this stage. The website doesn't even specify how often the box is released, however the first box is the 'Spring Box', so I can only assume it's released quarterly. I unsubscribed to Her Fashion Box because I didn't think the products in the debut box were worth the hype and, despite getting the choice of 3 styles of accessory, I received something I wouldn't wear. Will the FaB box be the same?? Lust Have It are an established company with a large subscriber base already, so perhaps they'll be in a position to offer something more satisfying. Then there's the price to consider, not to mention the backlog of products I already have to use up! Then again, it's (possibly) only quarterly instead of monthly like Her Fashion Box is. Oooh, decisions, decisions!

Bella Box July 2013

I'm not much in the mood for writing today, but I wanted to share with you my Bella Box for July. This month's theme is Luxe Travel, and it certainly had that feel! Here are the goodies:

✽ Yu-Be Moisturising Skin Cream, sample size 3g.
✽ La Fresh Eco-Beauty Waterproof Makeup Remover Wipes, sample pack 1 wipe.
✽ Janesce Softening Refresher Mist, sample size 25ml.
✽ Egyptian Magic All-Purpose Skin Cream, sample size 3ml.
✽ Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy Shampoo & Conditioner, sample bottles 50ml each.
✽ ModelCo Cheek + Lips Tint in Rosy Red, sample size 5ml.
✽ BONUS Libra Hotties Heat Patch, 1 pc.
✽ BONUS Luxe City Guides: Bangkok

Summary: Overall this was a tolerably good box. It contains most the basics you'd need for travelling. There could have been more wipes - there seem to be a range of them including nail polish remover, so a few of the others would have been nice. However, the number of products overall is generous. Unfortunately I'm not in a position to travel at the moment! But I'll use all of these products anyway. In particular the Yu-Be Cream from Japan, and the Egyptian Magic Cream seem interesting. I give this box 8/10.

Lust Have It Winter EcoBox!

I was excited to find my Winter EcoBox waiting for me when I got home on the weekend. The Autumn box was definitely worth waiting for, and I was hoping that this one would be no exception. Again it came in the rather stinky 'eco' hessian bag. Not even the cat wanted to play with it (and she loves fuzzy things) so I threw it in the bin. But let's see what was inside the bag:

* The Natural Source Mayaltha Better Breasts Cream, full size 175ml.
This full-sized product promises to make me firm, soothed and strengthened. There's a long list of lovely-sounding ingredients in it. It smells faintly of citrus. I may as well give it a go! This product retails at RRP $49.95, so it is a very generous addition to the box.

* Grants of Australia Natural Toothpaste, sample sachets, 4 x 3g.
This is an interesting product, a little bit different. I hate using normal toothpaste - the mint is so strong and every brand in the supermarket is the same! I never got around to researching alternatives, and EcoBox has done it for me! As well as your standard Fresh Mint and Mild Mint, the other flavours are Mint & Aloe Vera and Orange & Cinnamon. I'll definitely try these out.

* Nutri Synergy NS-5 Cuticle and Nail Complex, full-size 15g.
I welcome this product, as my nails are always ragged and peeling, so I don't get to paint them as often as I'd like. It matches well with the nail polish also included in the box. The product contains aloe vera, Vitamin E and many other ingredients to keep nails healthy.

* Couleur Caramel Nail Polish in #45, 4ml.
I'm not sure if this tiny bottle is a sample size or full size. #45 is a metallic deep brick-brown which buffed up to a lovely shine. I painted it on my toenails and it only needed one coat. Couleur Caramel make a range of eco-friendly beauty products with ingredients from all over the world.

* Rosehip Plus Rosehip Oil Roll-on, full-size 15ml.
Rosehip oil is the ingredient of the moment! I have a few of them waiting in the wings now. It is good for keeping my skin soft and moisturised, so I'll definitely use this... eventually!

* Planet Eve Luxe Hand Creme, sample size 10ml.
Aside from smelling gorgeous, this rich hand cream left my hands feeling soft, and didn't react badly with my excema. I really love it. Unfortunately though, it's rather expensive at RRP $29.95 for 50ml. Oh, how I wish the sample tube was bigger!! It will have to go on my list of things to get when I'm treating myself.

* Savi Organics Soothing Cream, sample size 20ml.
I received the Savi Wellbeing Cream in the Autumn EcoBox, and this has the same divine smell. The Soothing Cream is especially designed for sensitive and inflamed skin. I wonder if that includes eczema? I'll let you know!


Summary: I'd never heard of most of the products in this box, so it was a good introduction to lots of new brands. I was slightly disappointed that there were no hair products this time, as I was about to go and wash my hair when I opened it! It was a little heavy on the skin/hand care side. With 3 (possibly 4) full-sized products, it's good value. I'll definitely use everything in this box, so I'm happy.

Collective Haul, Part 2

Welcome to Part 2 of my approximately April-June collective haul! First of all are some purchases from Chemist Warehouse. I re-stocked my Comvita Medihoney Eczema Cream, which I find invaluable for keeping my eczema from getting too out of hand. Also below is the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain, in a gorgeous lavender shade called Darling Cherie. (See last photo for a swatch.) This new product is a revolutionary cross between lip balm and lip stain! I just happened to be at Chemist Warehouse during their half-price makeup sale, and I couldn't resist. I also bought a couple of deodorants - not for myself though! For a secret purpose that I'll unveil soon.

The next haul was from Priceline. I had the day off and somehow found myself at the big Priceline in the city. How do these things happen?? I think I was quite restrained, but I'd just spent a lot on magazines and craft supplies, so that probably had something to do with it. I purchased an Australis Colour Inject Mineral Lipstick in Make A Wish, a dark, slightly salmony coral (again, see last photo for a swatch). There's a Models Prefer Sponge Tip brush, because I had no way of applying the powder eyeliners I bought from Ananda Beauty a few months ago. I hope it'll do the trick. I'm still a bit derpy with eyeliners! Bio-Oil has been around for ages, but I'd seen a few good reviews for it lately, so I guess it's been on my mind. I finally decided to try it.

The Trilogy Hydrating Facial Mist was a complete indulgence purchase! I was feeling a bit hot and tired from walking around all afternoon, and was feeling a strong need for a spritz of facial spray. I'm in love with that signature Trilogy smell, so again, I couldn't resist. Last but not least is the Models Prefer Lipstick Organiser. As you might have guessed, I'm becoming more interested in lip colour lately. My latest obsession has been to have a range of different lip colours to match every (or at least most!) of my eye palettes. Hence the fairly extreme difference between the two colours I've swatched here!


Photo taken under my daylight lamp.My makeup basket was just getting too full of eyeshadows and all my new lipsticks and glosses. I need to re-organise! (Don't worry, there'll be photos. ツ ) I've also bought other things here and there, but it's hard to remember all the bits and pieces. It can all pass by in a blur sometimes. I'm sure other beauty addicts can relate! Stay tuned for an epic Empties post soon!

Might You Be Interested In...

Collective Haul, Part 1 Etsy Shop Haul: Ananda Beauty

Beauty Boxes: Bella Box June 2013

My Bella Box came this week, just one day after my Lust Have It box! I feel so decadent! The theme for this month's box is "Girl's Night In, Girl's Night Out". I like the theme, and I think it is articulated well (as they'd say on Iron Chef!). So without further ado, on to the products!:


✔ EmerginC Vitamin C + Retinol Mask AND Hyper-Vitalizer Cream, sample sizes 3ml each.
I've received EmerginC products before (different ones) and really liked them. Unfortunately they're quite expensive, but they're definitely on my list of 'I'd buy it if I won Lotto' products. I love the innovative sachets as well, which are made of sturdy cardboard and stand up on their own. I'd like to try these soon.

✔ Toni&Guy Meet Wardrobe Creative Texturising Glue, full-size 100ml.
I had to laugh when I saw the name of this product - who wants to put glue in their hair?? (Although I think that's how dredlocks are made, so perhaps some people do...) I've become increasingly frustrated with my frizzy hair lately, but normally I'm too rushed or too lazy to do anything about it. Having lots of fun hair products to experiment with will hopefully motivate me to do something about it!

✔ Montagne Jeunesse Passion Peel-Off Mask, trial size 1 pc / 5ml.
This pomegranate and passionfruit peel-off mask sounds like fun. I haven't used a peel-off mask for years; they remind me of my teenage days! According to the packet, "you'll be amazed to see how many dead skin cells show up on the masque after use!" They must know I'm a girl who likes to see visible results. ツ Montagne Jeunesse is proudly not tested on animals.

✔ Simple Kind-To-Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes, sample pack, 7 pcs.
I've used Simple products before, and they are what they say they are - no-frills, perfume-free, good for sensitive skin. These are a basic that I'll definitely use at some point.

✔ Circa Home Everyday Soap in Vanilla & Cocoa Butter, full-size soap.
I was glad to see this soap in my box, with its pretty packaging and sophisticated scent. I received a Circa Home soap a few months ago (Lilac & Orchid that time) and it was long-lasting as well as delicious-smelling.

✔ Natio Nail Colour in Valentine, full-size 15ml.
This product isn't listed on the card, so perhaps it was a last-minute addition. It's a lovely deep red with slight orange overtones in the bottle, though they sweeten up to pink on the nail. My nails are in blech mode at the moment, they need a rest, but perhaps I'll do a Nails of the Week in a couple of weeks.

✔ StreetStar Cosmetics StreetGloss Lip Gloss in Sandy Pink, full-size.
Unfortunately when I unboxed this lip gloss, my first impression was that the tube looked really cheaply-made. The Maybelline gloss that I received a few months ago, which has a very similar design, compared much more favourably. It's a bit of a shame, because the product itself is actually great! I did a bit of a swatch to show:


The colour pay-off is great, and the crushed pearls are so shiny. The formula isn't sticky at all, and doesn't make my lips feel dry. It stayed on even after I drank a coffee. The company is all-Australian, based in Melbourne, so I'd love to see them do well. If they can use a tube of the same quality as the glamorous box it comes in, I think they'll have a real winner!

Summary: I was very happy with this months' Bella Box. There are 7 products (8 if you count the EmerginC products separately), and 4 of them are full-sized. I'll be using every single one of these products sooner or later, which I can't say about every box! There was a good mix of face, body, hair, nails and makeup products. Bella Box was definitely the stand-out this month.

Rating: 9/10
Gunna Use It Right Now Rating: 75%

Beauty Boxes : Lust Have It June 2013

I was so excited when my Lust Have It Box arrived two weeks earlier than normal! They sent an email advising that payments and postal arrangements would be occurring earlier in the month, so no-one would have to wait til the end of the month for their box. My May box came so late, it was already June, and I was too demoralised to even write a review at all. So I think it's a wonderful change. This month's box is again in the signature 'L' box. So far I've found uses for the other lidded boxes I've received, and I'm sure this one will be no different. The theme for this month is The Great Gatsby, so appropriate with the film having come out only a couple of weeks ago. I love the glamour and sophistication of the Jazz Age, so let's see what I got!:

❀ Batiste Dry Shampoo in Cherry Scent, travel size 50ml.
I like to have dry shampoo in the house for times when I'm really busy. It's not really a luxury product, but the cherry smell is appealing. The cherry more evocative of the 1950s than the 1920s I think! But it still has a touch of glamour to it.

❀ Pure Fiji Hydrating Body Lotion in Coconut, sample size {estimate 50ml}.
I was excited to see this one. I haven't forgotten the Pure Fiji Body Butter I received last year, so when I saw the logo again, I squeed! Pure Fiji products are on my wishlist of things I'd like if I want to splurge a little, and getting this little reminder pushed them up to the top again. I'm looking forward to using this luxurious lotion.

❀ Real Purity Natural Lipstick in Romantic Red, sample size {estimate 2g}.
The amazing blood red colour of this lipstick sample just screams 1920s! Unfortunately I don't have much occasion to wear bright red lipstick, but I do admire women who can rock a red lip. I want to step out of my comfort zone and try it one day. The disposable lipstick brush that was supplied will come in handy, too. It came with a 10% off coupon code for the Real Purity online store.

❀ Aromatherapy Associates Signature Bath and Shower Oil, sample vial 3ml.
The name Aromatherapy Associates sounded familiar to me, so I checked back through my tags and, yes, LHI provided a moisturiser and face mask from this brand last August. I have a good memory for beauty products, obviously! To be honest, I haven't used those products yet - they aren't suitable for my skin type so I put them near the bottom of the queue. The Bath and Shower Oil is much more appealing to me though. I opened the vial and, oh it smells divine! I'm planning on using it ASAP. I imagine if the moisturiser and face mask had come in resealable packaging instead of sachets, and I'd had a chance to smell them, I probably would have used them sooner. The smell of a product is half of its appeal to me. That's why I want to get cracking on this Bath and Shower Oil as soon as possible!

❀ Doctor Babor Biogen Cellular Ultimate Repair Gel-Cream, sample size {estimate 5g}.
I've never heard of this brand from Germany before, so I'll be interested to give it a try. Facial moisturisers are one of my weaknesses, and I'm curious as to what a gel-cream is! It came with an offer for a free cleanser with purchase from the Doctor Babor online store.

Summary: Overall I have to say this box was a little ho-hum. I was excited by the Great Gatsby theme, but I don't think the products themselves lived up to that expectation. None of the products were full-sized, and there were only 5, no bonuses. I know the guarantee is for a minimum of 5 products, so I'm not complaining. To have received a couple of full-sized products and/or some nice bonus products would have been much more consistent with the luxurious, glamorous feel of the 1920s. Having said that, there were some products that I really liked and will definitely use soon. There was a good mix of hair, makeup, body and face products.

Rating: 6/10
Gunna Use It Right Now Rating: 40%

Collective Haul, Part 1

Hello! Let me show you a few things I've purchased over the last month or so. I want to try and get away from nothing but endless beauty box reviews on my dear little blog, so hopefully you should expect to find some products reviews soon, too. First up, a couple of things I bought on one of my numerous trips to Daiso recently. ❖ The hair mascara is to touch up my roots in between dyeing. I haven't tried it yet; I'll let you know how it goes. ❖ The Vitamin Yogurt Pack is a two-pack of yoghurt-based face mask. I tried the aloe vera version a while back and loved it, so I wanted to try the other 'flavours'. ❖ Thirdly is the famed Puff and Sponge Detergent that many bloggers swear by. The last few times I had been to Daiso it was sold out. Again, I haven't tried it yet, but I'll let you know how I go!


Here we have a few things from Priceline. My obsession with interest in Essence products continues. ❖ I already swatched the Nude Glam Nail Polish a couple of posts ago. ❖ The essence eyeshadow, also a new shade, was such a pretty shade of bluish lavender that I couldn't resist. For $2, how can you? The shade is called In The Clouds. ❖ The perfume is Harajuku Lovers Eau de Toilette in Music. I first smelled this nearly a year ago and it's been on my wishlist ever since. It was less than half price, so a no-brainer, really. It's just a shame it's only the 10ml size, so it'll be for special occasions only.


Aaaaand .... more Essence products from Priceline! ❖ The Winter-themed hand creams were in the limited edition products display. I couldn't decide which scent to get, so what can a girl do? Get them all, of course! They are: Apple Cinnamon Punch, Gingerbread Chai Latte and Caramel Hot Chocolate. They all smell divine! ❖ I also purchased this Essence I ❤ Extreme Crazy Volume Mascara. My current mascara is probably a little past its expiry date and I wanted a replacement. So why not get it from my own personal brand-of-the-moment?


Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more hauls and reviews soon!