Bellabox December 2012 REVIEW

To all those subscribed to Bellabox you have a super special surprise in this months box! I'm so impressed with the goodies i received and the value of products pictured above RRP's for over $200 (full size products excluding the Savoir Faire package). Bellabox on their clients were so generous, I had to get this blog post up asap though I have only tried the hand cream so far!

Contents include - 

1) Savoir Faire limited edition kit in SUMMER (pour etre desiree)
2) Allegra Rhodes hand and nail cream
3) John Friedafrizz-ease secret weapon flawless finishing cream
4) Emerginc multi fruit cleanser AND emerginc protocell cream
5) Compeed

This is my second bellabox and so far i'm so pleased. I'm looking forward to uploading a post on the Savoir Faire kit with swatches and a review of each product! 

I received an email from Mirenesse which I discovered from my Lust Have It box and they send out great deals each day. They have just released a beauty box themselves for $15.00 however, it's about an additional $10 shipping fee. Is anyone subscribed to that? Or any other beauty boxes!?

Here's some info about Bellabox - 

Cost
Monthly: $15 per month, can cancel anytime
Annually: $165 for 12 months plus 1 month free
Gift options: 12, 6 or 3 month packages

Partners
They have an impressive range of brands which are quite extensive! They have the complete list on their website :)

Other boxes
Bellabox also has a Mens box and a baby box you can subscribe to.

QV Cream for Body REVIEW

After trying QV's face cream I didn't hesitate to try out their body cream. I'm just as satisfied and feel lucky to have discovered the QV range. It isn't a highly advertised, fancy product - they're usually located where the sunscreen lotions are in Priceline and pharmacies verse the pretty product stands.

I've found this product to be really good for repairing dry patches like my elbows and knees. It's a product that's also recommended for babies, the elderly and those who have sensitive skin. So in my opinion, if a product can help such a wide array of people and skin types then it's a winner!

It spreads really well and acts like a second skin. It's really gentle and like their face cream it's fragrance free which is great for sensitive skin types. I apply this all over after having a shower and to prevent my skin from drying out when I fake tan. 

It's worth picking up and trying, especially if your skin is either dry, sensitive, scaly, itchy or eczema prone. It does the trick!

Ego QV Face Moisturising Day Cream REVIEW

I heard about this cream through my sister who's a rower. She uses it when she trains and competes to protect her skin from the sun and prevent her from getting burnt. I thought I'd give it a go seeing as it's SPF 30+ and well recommended! 

For a cream that has SPF 30+ it's extremely lightweight and absorbs right into the skin without feeling greasy. I'm so impressed with this product, I can say confidently that it's the best face moisturiser I have used. I've found it to be really hydrating and my skin can be quite dry, so it's almost like a little treatment for my skin too. Since I've used this, my dry patches have disappeared and it hasn't irritated my skin or caused any breakouts! 

The texture is a little like sunscreen and is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic (products that do not cause breakouts). :) It goes along way and soaks into the skin without leaving white residue or any greasiness. 

I apply it to my face every morning (or before I walk out the door) after cleansing.

It's a brilliant product that's inexpensive and worth picking up when you're next in Priceline or pharmacies for around $16. You won't regret it!

Bellabox Review for November 2012

I can't believe it's already November! Whenever I come home to a little beauty box by my door I feel like my day has reached a perfect 10/10!

I have been subscribed to Glossybox Australia from the beginning which soon changed over to Lust Have It. I have been loving the beauty subscription so much that I decided to subscribe to a second beauty box, Bellabox. 

So without further ado, this is what I received in my bellabox - 

1) Bioderma Crealine H20 Cleansing Water
2) 4me Nail Polish Remover Pads
3) Swisse Hand cream with Vitamin D and Pomegranate
4) Palmolive Luscious Strawberry Smother Body Butter Body Wash
5) Bloom Glitter Liquid Eyeliner
6) John Plunkett Essentials Multi Vitamin Moisturiser
7) Skinmiso Pore Beauty Nose Pack

This was an amazing box to receive and in particular because it was my first I was super excited. All of these products have been used since I received the box and there's a few that i'll purchase full size versions of. Below is a review on each product - 


1) Bioderma Crealine H20 Cleansing Water

Before receiving this in the Bellabox I had watched many reviews on this by Lisa Eldridge and other beauty guru's and was planning on purchasing it, so I was so thrilled when I received this! Bioderma is a French skin-care brand and it's used to cleanse the skin and remove makeup. It's designed for sensitive, normal and dry skin types and doesn't irritate the skin. It doesn't smell, it doesn't feel oily or sticky - it literally feels like you're cleaning your face with water! 

I find that it works best with cotton pads and I use as much as I need until the cotton pads sweep over my face clean. It's surprising to see the amount of makeup that still comes off your face when you think it's all cleaned. This is why I recommend using cotton pads or cotton wool. I love how effective, yet gentle this is on my skin. I rate this product a 10/10 and hope to find it in stores soon. Overall, it's brilliant!

2) 4me Nail Polish Remover Pads

These are a really convenient product to have. I've been leaving this in my handbag and using it if my polish starts to chip. Inside this cute little container are 30 pre-soaked remover pads. They do the job fine and considering the RRP of $3.49AUD you can't go wrong! After you use this product, keep in mind you'll want to wash your hands to get any excess remover off your fingers! 

3) Swisse Hand cream with Vitamin D and Pomegranate

AMAZING! Initially, I looked at this and thought the packaging looked dull and quite scientific but also so generous because it's a 30ml product. Without any hesitation I tried some on and Oh My Goodness it smells amazing!!! It's so refreshing and reminds me of a combination of lemongrass, lime and perhaps a type of tea or herb. My hands feel so soft and the product doesn't give a sticky or oily residue. It dries quickly and leaves a surprisingly delicious scent. A great stocking filler option!

4) Palmolive Luscious Strawberry Smother Body Butter Body Wash

This smells good enough to eat! It smells just like a strawberry milkshake :) A lady had given me the same sample size product a couple of weeks prior to receiving it in the Bellabox and I bought the full sized version afterwards. So this little beauty is tucked away nicely into my travel bag. It has fine particles that help exfoliate the skin whilst also having moisturising elements to it. It's a win-win and is easily found in supermarkets.

5) Bloom Glitter Liquid Eyeliner in STAR GAZER

I am so impressed! This goes on really well and the glitter stays put. It's a beautiful touch to everyday makeup during the holiday season and would be a great addition to a night look. I'm really pleased with this and considering it's RRP is $14.95 it would make a great gift too.

6) John Plunkett Essentials Multi Vitamin Moisturiser

I've found that this product is extremely moisturizing and would be brilliant for those who have dry skin. I decided to use this at night to let its magic work. In the morning my skin feels really soft and when I splash water over my face I can still feel it come off. I assume that this is a good little treatment to rejuvenate dry skin. (Maybe?) It's a great (big) sample size and seems to have a distinct smell that reminds me of the area in hospitals where babies are born. Now that sounds weird.

7) Skinmiso Pore Beauty Nose Pack

I was so excited to try this product. It comes with one sample nose pack with step 1 and step 2 to remove blackheads and whiteheads. I followed the instructions and actually saw a difference in the before and after process. I like this product because it didn't sting and the mask didn't stick onto my nose like glue, which similar products have. If I was to see this product at the shops I would buy it for sure. It's just a fun little girly addition to a girls night in.

Finally, Bellabox also gave us a $100 off wine voucher - just in time before Chrissy!

Blonde toning shampoo: Product Rave!

Hairhouse Warehouse retails this for around $20.

Today I want to share with you my favourite blonde toning shampoo. The winner in my opinion, goes to Fudge's clean blonde violet toning shampoo!

This product does exactly what it says "removes yellow tones from blonde hair". It's an extremely dark purple and spreads across the hair really, really well. In saying this, I've realised that it's important to lather it across the hair evenly, otherwise you'll notice where you've put the shampoo most. (Which ultimately is great, because we know it's working)!

I leave it in for 3-5 minutes and use it once or twice a week. I picked this one up from Hairhouse Warehouse for around $20. I've tried a bazillion silver shampoo's and this one in my opinion, is the best because it's spreads and slides around my hair while I give it a good wash and it transforms my hair from that brassy blonde colour to the blonde tone that you'd expect to receive after you leave the hairdressers. 

This is a 10/10 shampoo that I'll use until the day I decide not to be a blonde (which might be never)! 

November Beauty Favourites!

Sorry about the blurriness! From left: Almay pure blend powder, Revlon perfecting primer, Revlon colorstay foundation, the yellow wand is Mirenesse icon sealer concealer, Daniel Sandler watercolour blush in cherub, two Bobbi Brown mascaras (lash glamour and everything) and the Bioderma crealine h20.

There are quite a few products in my favourites collection this month! I was lucky enough to have gone to Revlon's clearance sale at the Showgrounds and picked up some of the most amazing products for crazy prices! Hence there are a few Revlon items in the pack!


1. Revlon Colorstay foundation for normal/dry skin

Before I even knew about the Revlon sale, I had purchased this foundation in 240 medium beige at Priceline for around the $35ish mark. I absolutely love it and have worn it ever since, and was able to pick up the lighter shades (220 & 200) at the sale for a crazy $3! 

It covers really well, and spreads far so you don't need a lot of the product which is a massive bonus. I haven't had any breakouts since using this, it doesn't cake and it really soaks into your skin rather than the appearance of a thick coat of foundy.

Overall, this foundation is one that I wear when i'm out all day because it really stays on and only minimal applying/touch ups are needed. It's a great foundation and comes in heaps of colours for all skin types and has two ranges, 1) for normal/dry skin and 2) for oily/combination skin.


2. Almay pure blends mineral makeup

What an amazing find - this little beauty transforms my skin into this beautiful, natural glow. It has made my skin look really radiant with full coverage that seems to stay put on my skin! The packaging makes the product so easy to use and it's almost like painting with a paintbrush. The powder just blends seamlessly into the skin and covers any imperfections. There's a click applicator at the other end of the brush which allows control over how much of the product you want on your skin. I also love this product because it's not messy, super easy to use and looks fab! At the Revlon sale these little beauty's were just $3!!! They retail for just under $30 I believe, but I would definitely go out and purchase these. I have the colours 400 and 500. 


3. Daniel Sandler watercolour blush

This tiny little thing is magic! It comes in a small bottle, you shake it before using it each time so the product really mixes well together. I use the most teeniest amount and drop it onto the back of my hand and apply it with my fingers onto the apple of my cheeks. It wasn't cheap - I think I paid around the $30-$35 mark and bought it online from www.feelunique.com which offers free international shipping! 

It's really watery and blends incredibly well. It takes a second to apply and really looks natural because it sets into the skin verse looking powdered or dry on top of your foundation. It's an absolute winner in my eyes and it would last a long time. (Winning!)


4. Bobbi Brown Lash Glamour Extreme Lengthening Mascara

Ladies, this is now my all time favourite mascara (in conjunction with the product below)!

This mascara really separates every single lash and doesn't make my eyelashes look at all spidery. It doesn't clump, it doesn't smear and after a few coats it can look quite dramatic. However, if you want an excellent evening look, I apply one or two coats of this mascara and then the product below on top. Another major plus to this - it comes off in a jiffy! I've gone through a few of these too - it's great!


4. Bobbi Brown Everything Mascara

This one has a much thicker brush and adds heaps of volume. It's really black and makes your lashes looks full. It works and stays on all day and night. It doesn't make your eyes look spidery and i find it's sensational on top of a coat of the product above. I am going to purchase this mascara again! I'm a mascara junkie and it takes a lot for me to buy a mascara twice, but when I find one I like I stick with it! These two together are the perfect combo in my opinion. 


5. Revlon photoready perfecting primer 001

I've tried dozens of primers and this is hands down the best primer i've bought from Priceline. It comes on just like a second coat of skin and evens out or corrects skin tones - and it's actually noticeable! It's really smooth and has a matt finish. It doesn't clog up pores and it hasn't caused any breakouts - which some primers have. I have it in a sample size, I got it free after purchasing $40 of Revlon products at Priceline - I'm almost out and will buy the full size version soon!


6. Mirenesse Icon Sealer 24hr concealer 1.5g

Firstly, I love this brand! They're so generous. If you sign up to their newsletter you receive daily deals and some amazing flash sales. So I took advantage of one of them and got this cute little concealer. I use this under my eyes and it stays put and doesn't look cakey. It's light and blends really well and quickly. The formula is creamy and the applicator makes it easy to apply. It provides excellent coverage, is a light formula and really does the trick! It doesn't look like you are actually wearing concealer, it gives a natural awakening appearance. 


7. BIODERMA Créaline H2O

This is a beauty miracle in my opinion! Lisa Eldridge raved about this on her beauty channel and it's truly amazing. It cleanses and removes makeup from the skin and is designed for those with sensitive/normal/dry skin. It's really effective and doesn't irritate the skin or pull off any of your lashes! It's naturally clear, it doesn't smell or feel oily - I literally think i'm cleaning and cleansing my face with water! I got this as a travel size sample bottle in my bellabox(.com.au) and will hunt down this full size product in Melbourne! I believe it's sold in selected stores. :)