Lust Have It April 2014

I only received my April selection from LHI today 7th May and it has reaffirmed for me that this will be my last.  I will not be renewing my subscription or reviewing their monthly boxes again.  I will make this very quick because everyone knows what was in April's bag so there are no surprises here.

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All the samples arrived in a new bag, I love a see through cosmetics bag because when you are fishing for that darn lip pencil right down the bottom it is easier to find.  Good size, the zipper is a little stiff and keeps jamming but far more useful than all those boxes.

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Glamourflage Jane Gem Face Primer - full size 8.5ml - love the Retro packaging of Glamourflage, one of those products you like to leave out on your makeup table because it is so pretty.  Not so impressed with the product, its just Dimethicone or in layman's terms Silicone.  Used in many beauty products to smooth and soften skin and hair.

Claytime 100% Pure Mineral Bronzer - 3gr jar -  Face and Body Bronzer, I was really interested in this until I tried it, it's full of sparkles, I am NOT a Disco Ball!

Bioderma Atoderm Cream - 15ml sample - I am not a fan of Bioderma and this is a repeat product.  Boring!!

WotNot Facial Wipes for Oily/Sensitive Skin - 5 wipes - I love WotNot they are my favourite brand of facial wipes.  Specially formulated to gently cleanse without using drying alcohols.  Contains organic extracts of Pink Grapefruit, Papaya, Rosehip and Pettigrain.  These are the only wipes I can use to remove mascara without stinging my eyes.

Aveeno Daily Moisturiser Lotion - 30ml sample - this is a very good moisturiser but another repeat sample, Yawn!

So that's what $19.95 buys you from LHI these days.  I'm sorry but for me not worth the money.  I purchased a 12 months subscription which ended this month and it has been disappointing to say the least. Not once did I receive anything for being a VIP member and the boxes have become increasingly worse as the months progressed.  With the increase of $5 the samples have been poorer and repetitive, the packaging has been very shabby to non existant and with LHI opting for a cheaper sample postage means we are lucky if we receive our supposed monthly subscription at all.

JAC x0x

Lust Have It March 2014

This is what I received this month.

All I will say is I can't wait for my subscription to end in May.  I have been unhappy with LHI for a while now and feel like a captive audience, they have my money for twelve months and can basically send me crap and that is what they have been doing.

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$20 a month for teeny tiny unmatched samples which don't suit my profile and are only good for the rubbish. LHI never came good on their promise with the price rise to give bigger better luxe samples.

Now we don't even get a box just a tiny plastic parcel bag of bubble wrap.  My husband took one look and said " That is so unprofessional, what the hell are you paying for?  Very cheap and nasty."

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KLARA Kiss Proof Lips - sample size - Hot Pink - I can't wear this crap, do they EVER send out normal useable shades?

Bloom Secret Weapon Conealer Kit - medium/dark - sigh..... another mismatched item, I am FAIR, really FAIR.  Doesn't matter I don't wear concealer anyway.

ORLY Nail Polish - Cosmic Kiss - sample - everyone else received some really pretty shades, I got glitter!!

AVEDA Intensive Hydrating Masque - teeny tiny sample of useless - there is not enough product in this tube to try anything!  I have said it before and I will say it again, if a company can't be bothered to hand out generous useable samples, I won't bother purchasing their products.  Aveda samples are not worth the tubes they come in.

Gatineau - Refreshing Melting Scrub - sample - another exfoliator

Recoverlyte Powder - I think this is a drink you are suppose to make up after a hard night out.  If LHI need to add these to their pathetic little selections maybe they should lay off the booze and put more energy into spending my money and giving me something useful and interesting each month.

Total rip-off and the boxes are just getting worse.

JAC x0x

Lust Have It January and February 2014

Below is what I received from Lust Have It for January and February.  The reason I am reviewing the two boxes together is because I never received January's box and they kindly sent me a replacement which just so happened to arrive on the same day as February's box.

January's box

There was no card in January's replacement box so I will just list what I received here.

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Paula's Choice Moisture Boost  One Step Face Cleanser - more bloody facial cleanser

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting AHA Gel - I don't use stuff like acid it makes my skin peel and it continues to peel with regular use, not a good look.

Invisible Zinc Tinted Daywear -  Medium - I am FAIR, why do you always send me the wrong shade?

Simple Facial Washes - Travel Pack -these have been turning up a lot recently.  They are OK but I prefer Wotnots see my review here.

Aveda Dry Remedy Daily Moisturising Oil - I believe this is for hair - teeny tiny 3ml sample - hardly worth the packaging really.  Certainly not enough of a sample to sway me to purchase.

Fluid Nail Polish - No.31 - doesn't have a name but this is a blood red.  (sorry the photo is a little fuzzy)

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The only thing of interest out of January's box was the nail polish, I have never heard of this brand before........


February's Box

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Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel - exfoliating cream

The Cosmetic Kitchen - Makeup Brush - I am not sure which one this is as there is no writing on the brush but I would probably use it for bronzing my facial contours, nice soft brush.

The Cosmetic Kitchen - Loose Mineral Eye Shadow - Lemon - Yes I received yellow, my first thought was what the bloody hell am I going to do with that?  Why don't they ever send out wearable colours?  The only time I would get caught wearing this ghastly shade on my eyelids is if I wanted to scare little children!! Darn near scares me.

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Vaseline Anti-Ageing Body Lotion - sample- too late for that, I could have used bathtubs of this about ten years ago.  I received this from a BB box recently, don't think much of it.

Clairol Professional Colour Radiance Shampoo - Sample - I am a little mystified why you would only provide Shampoo and not the matching Conditioner?

Clairol Professional Expand Volume Mousse - 50g Sample - strong hold mousse for hair that needs volume.  Not me......

Hand Spa Bijoux - this is a hand wipe that moisturises your hands, made in Japan.  At a $1.50 per wipe this isn't something I would use every day.

Once again can't say I am overly impressed by what was selected for me.  Another unusable eyeshadow and repetitive skin and hair care.  The only products that stood out for me was the makeup brush and the nail polish.

Hardly worth reviewing really as you have probably already seen every box from other bloggers, my boxes always arrive so late sigh........ I have put these up for those of you who are interested in what my thoughts are.

Jac x0x

Lust Have It December 2013

Another disappointing month from LHI with boring boring samples.  The only product I was happy to see because it saved me buying some was the SunSense Anti-Ageing Face SPF+30.

One of my samples was missing the Clairol Hair Mask.  

Maybelline Fresh BB Cream - I have already purchased and tried this BB cream it is thin runny and does nothing.  This is in medium so the shade doesn't even match.

Maybelline Fresh BB Cream - sample sachet - if you send me the full size product why send me a sachet too??

Pelactiv Gentle Foaming Cleanser -sample - just another boring face wash

Uriage Aquaprecis refreshing gel cream - sample - this stuff smells, is for normal combination skin, I have very dry skin.  I tried this and don't understand what is suppose to be refreshing about it, does nothing to moisturise my skin and it stinks.  I had to wash it off, the smell was so over-powering, smells like insect repellant.

and that was it.  What the??

How much do I pay for this box?  It seems since they put their price up it has only gotten worse.  There is no profile matching and most the products you can pick up from a chemist.  Definitely not worth $20.

Unfortunately I am on a subscription to this lousy box and have to suffer a while longer but I won't be renewing.

I DO NOT recommend this beauty box to anyone, save your money and go out and buy yourself something you would really like.

Lust Have It November 2013

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AVEDA  Botanical Kinetics - Gel Cleanser and Hydrating Lotion - Teeny tiny samples.  I don't know why they bother sending out samples so small.  Before I purchase expensive lotions these days I like to get a good idea that they will work on my skin long term.  I have so many jars and tubes of skin care that I purchased and found they didn't really suit my skin after all.

DAVROE Wellbeing Treatment Replenish - 50g - full-size - fantastic Australian company who sell an amazing array of natural hair care, I recommend you give them a try.

PALMER'S Exfoliating Facial Scrub - travel size - love Palmer's products, they all have the delicious chocolate aroma.

LONVITALITE C3 Collagen Firming and moisturising facial mask - one use cloth mask, I don't like these types of masks, they are cold and slimy and make me feel claustrophobic.  Lucky for me my Mum loves them so she will be receiving this.

BENEFIT They're Real Mascara - Sample size - I am so excited to receive this in my box this month.

MARY KAY Brow Definer Pencil - Black - This would have been great if they had sent me a light brown one to match my hair!!  It is way too dark.

MARY KAY  Thinking of You Perfume samples - OK this is Granny perfume and makes me smell like my mother, YUK!!

MARY KAY Soothing Foot Balm - full-size - Interesting product to find in the box, I don't use foot balm and I did try it yesterday but it wasn't very soothing and I didn't like the smell.

So that's it, quite a good box after a couple of crap months.  I hate the new packaging it is more flimsy than those beautiful paisleys we were receiving and they don't look as good.

What did you receive in your box this month, were you happy?

JAC x0x

Lust Have It October 2013

This is a very late box for October and most of you have already received your box last week.

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This is just a quick review of what I received and my thoughts.

LE TAN - Wash Off - Tanning Spray.  Yawn......Another useless bottle of spray tan I have no intention of using.

Inika - Vegan Lip Whip - Berry - moisturising lip gloss with very very sheer tint (looks better in the tube). No staying power or colour payoff.

Femme Fatale - mineral eye shadow - Masquerade - I must have received the most non-existant colour in their whole range, sorry can't photograph this one.  This creates a Duo-Chrome Mother of Pearl Sheen with no colour payoff, probably best applied over another deeper shade in your collection.

Paula's Choice - Blotting Papers - Huh??  I have very very dry skin, what is there to blot?

Klorane Shampoo with Nettle -  this sample is for oily hair.  I have very very dry hair.  Please LHI at least do some basic profiling on your members so they receive samples specific to their needs.

Paula's Choice - Perfectly Natural Cleansing Gel -  for sensitive skin and baby skin too.

Again another month where LHI promise so much and deliver so little.  The $5 price rise has never equated into bigger better boxes as they promised.

To say I am counting down the months to when my subscription ends is an understatement.

JAC x0x

Lust Have It September

Spring Fling (erm spring clean more like)

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Can't say that I have been too impressed on what has been on offer from any of the beauty boxes this month and LHI are no exception.  In fact I am rarely impressed by LHI these days, if you haven't seen my review for their latest Fashion and Beauty Box please take a look here.  As well as getting rid of all their old boxes I think LHI were having a spring clean of their warehouse and getting rid of old stock. Now on to their latest dismal offering.

1.  Wotnot Natural Organic Facial Wipes - sample - I love these wipes and use them almost exclusively but do I have to KEEP receiving them as samples?  I'm sold already, no more please.

2.  Mary Kay Oil-Free Eye Makeup remover - sample - I don't use eye makeup remover as the Wotnots do a great job of removing mascara without irritating my eyes.

3.  L'Oreal Base Magique Primer - teeny tiny sample - received this last month from BB, used it once didn't think much of it to be honest.

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I tried the BB cream on my face, looks like I had a fight with a tanning machine and it won!!  Oompa Loompa and Tang (orange juice) comes to mind.  Left my face patchy and orange.  Comes out of the sachet white and then oxidises on your face.

4.  L'Oreal Nude Magique BB Cream -  medium - 1ml sachet - note to L'Oreal if you would like me to try your product in the hopes that I might purchase please at least supply LHI with the right shade!!  LHI please start profiling your customers, very pale skin does NOT mean medium.

5.  Bioderma Sebium Foaming Gel & SEbium AKN -  why are you giving me samples of products for oily skin, I have very dry skin?  These samples have been done to death!

6.  RPR Hair Care Range - Leave in Hair Treatment - Where is my Baji?   You know the expensive samples? 

7.  LHI Synthetic Precision Pencil Brush - eye shadow brush

9.  Bonus Tampons - straight into the First Aid Kit with you, I have never worn tampons and no longer need them but they make great sterile swabs for nosebleeds, deep gashes and puncture wounds.

So that's it.  None of this is tailored towards me and my interests,  I have cancelled my subscription.  My Mum hated her boxes so much she gave me back the annual subscription I had gifted her so unfortunately I still have 6 more to go before I can say goodbye to LHI forever. 

Also I have been a VIP member for 6 months and not once have I ever received anything VIP, why is that LHI?

Lust Have It August 2013

I received my LHI box today and this month's theme is

CELEBRATION

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Revlon PhotoReady Skinlights Face Illuminator - Pink Light - designed to enhance and brighten the skin while minimising flaws and protecting from harsh enviroments.

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Revlon Nearly Naked Makeup - tinted moisturiser in a choice of four different shade sachets.  Great way to try a product and match it exactly to your skin tone.  All foundation samples should come like this.

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KMS California Free Shape Shampoo and Conditioner.  Sample size sachet - I only received the shampoo so I don't know if you were suppose to get both?  What is the point of sending one without the other?  I need to Shampoo AND Condition my hair.

KMS California Free Shape Hot Flex Spray - 50ml sample spray - protective spray for heat styling without damage.

Sinful Colors Nail Enamel - Feeling Great - cream nail polish.

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LUSH Gorgeous Cream - 10g sample - protective, vitamin filled moisturising cream.  This cream was originally created for Princess Diana and who doesn't want to feel like a princess?  Made for all skin types but I found it was not moisturising enough for my dry thirsty skin, from the reviews I have read this works best for combination skin.

La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water - 50g sample - can be used as a toner or anytime during the day to refresh your skin.

La Roche Posay LIPIKAR Balm - 15ml sample - I am really looking forward to trying this tonight, my skin has been so dry and itchy lately and they claim this offers 24hr anti-scratching efficacy.  Well we shall see!!

Quite a good selection this month, I think everyone will find something in there that peaks their interest.

Jac x0x

Lust Have It July 2013

When I rowed my canoe down to the mail box this afternoon *sarcasm* (torrential rain turned my driveway into a river), I was very surprised to find my LHI Box for July there, I wasn't expecting it till next week.

This month's theme is;

lustre VIBRANT BEAUTY

In the spirit of Australia's gorgeous weather all year around for July we celebrate

VIBRANT BEAUTY!

I had to chuckle gorgeous weather?  it is pouring with rain here, flooding, freezing cold and we're expecting snow this weekend!  

Something my Nan from the UK would never believe was that we get snow here because she thought Australia was all Desert and Kangaroos!!

We certainly live in a very diverse country!

This box is one of several variations but I do believe everyone will receive the nude by nature tinted moisturiser.

This is what I received this month;

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NUDE BY NATURE Natural Tinted Mineral Moisturiser with Sunscreen RRP$19.95 30ml ~ this is a full sized product and I have been wanting to try this, I wear lots of tinted sunscreen moisturisers (usually BB cream) during the summer for athletics coaching, look forward to trying this when the weather warms up.  Can be worn as a primer for foundation or on it's own.  I reallly like NBN products and they are always really generous with their samples, shows me that they believe in what they are selling.

KNOTTIES by CONDITION CULTURE Hair Ties RRP US6.25 ~ very cute little hair ties, claims to not snag or crease your hair, as I have long hair these are good to find in the box.  I received Gold and Blue ties.  UPDATE:  Loving these Knotties, they stay in your hair,  I wore it to bed and there was no slipping, no snagging and definitely no creasing, I wonder if they make a bigger one?   The only thing I can fault is I need a larger size for my thick hair, that last turn to put my hair up in a tail is tight!

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COLORSMASH by CONDITION CULTURE Hair Shadow 3g sample RRP US$15 when I first saw this I thought it was another broken eye shadow but it is actually 'hair shadow'.  I received the shade Gold Rush, the directions say; Smash it on.  Seal it with spray.  Wash it out.  Temporary hair colour.

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SCHWARZKOPF Extra Care Volume Powder RRP$8.99 10g this powder can be applied to the roots of your hair to add volume, I think it works like dry shampoo.

SWISSE Hand Cream with Vitamin F & Pomegranate 30ml sample RRP$29.95 500ml  ~ I have already received this before, good for travelling can double as a skin moisturiser, has a clean tarte aroma.

TRILOGY Active Enzyme Cleansing Cream  5ml sample RRP$39.95 150ml ~ I don't really use cleansing creams I prefer to wash my face and this sample is so small I don't think a teaspoonful is nearly enough to test how good this is suppose to be.  It would not convince me to spend nearly $40 on the full size product, these companies need to learn to be a bit more generous with their sample sizes.

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CALIFORNIA MANGO Mango and Jojoba Hand and Body Lotion RRP$3.49 62.5ml  I love the smell of mango and this has that sweet mango skin smell like when you sniff a mango at the supermarket.  Very strong aroma that permeated the box, this would be something you would wear on its own so it doesn't clash with your perfume.  I like it!  UPDATE:  I am addicted to the aroma of this lotion have been wearing it constantly since I received it.  Once it mellows with your skin it is gorgeous!!

BONUS!  HEALTH ESSENTIALS Macqui Berry Active 6g sample RRP$45 150g ~ 100% powdered Macqui Berry, maximum antioxidants, don't really get what this is suppose to do but it's very good for you apparently.  UPDATE:  I stirred this powder through a glass of lemonade, turned purple and tasted like berries!!  Yummy, I like it except for the little seedy bits but I can live with that.

That's it another month with LHI, can't say anything stands out for me as

VIBRANT! 

I do feel this month is a better effort than the boxes I have received in the last two months from LHI and I am pretty happy with the contents.  I have enjoyed playing with them all this weekend and that's what a good sample box is ALL about!

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  More COLOUR would have been nice, like the pink nail polish and makeup this model is wearing,  now that IS vibrant!

What did you receive this month?

You can read about what I received in my LHI Winter Eco Box here.

Lust Have It Winter Eco Box Review

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Today I received my quarterly box from Lust Have It.  I must say I am very happy with what I received. The first product that catches your eye as I am sure it has caught all my readers is.......

Mayaltha ~ Better Breasts  175ml  RRP$49.94 - this is a full-sized product from The Natural Source Company where all those Camouflage cosmetics that keep turning up in our boxes comes from.  This is an all natural australian plant derived serum that helps strengthen and soothe delicate breast tissue, restores skin tone and reduces the appearance of sagging and stretch marks.  Smells gorgeous and I look forward to trying this but after four babies I don't hold out much hope.

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Grant's Natural Toothpaste selection ~ selection of 3g samples ~ RRP$3.95 - $5.95 110g. All natural toothpaste available in some really interesting flavours, I received;  Orange Cinnamon with Neem Oil, Mild Mint with Aloe Vera, Fresh Mint with Tea Tree Oil and Xylitol with Mild Mint. NO fluoride, NO Parabens, NO SLS, NO Sugar, made with Natural Flavours and All Australian.  I look forward to trying these.

NUTRI SYNERGY NS-5 Cuticle & Nail Complex, 15g RRP$9.95 ~ Nutri Synergy make a really good body cream and I think this nail cream is going to be just as good.  Nourishes and restores dry, ragged cuticles, hangnails as well as helping to strengthen and promote healthy looking nails. Very thick and emollient, massages right into your skin and the skin around my nails looked better after first application. I have just started treating my nails with Revitanail nail strengthener so I am going to use this product too and see if it helps improve my skin.

Couleur Caramel ~ Natural Organic Makeup ~ I received a lipstick no name just a number,  I visited their website and the shade is Beti Pink Pearly Lipstick RRP$32.95.   I tried this on as soon as it came out of the box and now as I am writing this half an hour later, I am pleasantly surprised that even after a cup of coffee it is still on my lips and they feel moisturised.  I am not normally a fan of lipstick but I love this one!!

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The packaging is super gorgeous and the shade is the prettiest pink with gold flecks.  I will certainly look into this brand of cosmetics and you can find out more about them at their website here.

ROSEHIP PLUS ~ Rosehip Oil Skin Boost Roll-On RRP$13.50 15ml.  I recently read a very positive review about this product and I look forward to trying it for myself.  Big fan of Rosehip oil.

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Handy 15ml tube with a metal roller ball so you can just roll the oil on your skin where needed. Nice idea and a very handy size to keep in your bag or travel with.

PLANET EVE ~ Luxe Hand Cream, RRP$29 50ml.  This is a 10ml sample of hand cream made from all natural ingredients features high powered anti-oxidants Acai and Lingonberry which target ageing skin and as we all know our hands are the first to show signs of ageing.

SAVI ORGANICS ~ Organic soothing cream, RRP$27.95 60mls.  This is a 20ml sample of essential oils & plant extracts cream which claims to be ANTI-bacterial, ANTI-fungal, ANTI-inflammatory and ANTI-viral. Helps soothe, heal and prevent skin irritations.  I look forward to trying this cream, has a very botanical aroma definitely Tea Tree oil in there.

Also included is a Discount Code for The Natural Source 40% off and a Special Offer from Planet Eve a FREE Rose Hydration Mist with any purchase over $50.

All up I am very impressed with Winter's selection and at $29.95 excellent value.

Well Done LHI!

If you would like to find out more about this subscription please go here.

Lust Have It June 2013

Well....if I was disappointed in last month's LHI box it's nothing to the way I am feeling about this month.

I received 5 sample-sized products from a company who increased their subscription cost from $14.95 to $19.95 and promised bigger better boxes with more full-sized items.

This month I received

Rachel K Mineral Color Control CC Cream - 4 samples sachets ~ I received these in my April box, they were actullay missing from my box and I received them later.  I can't even use these because they are the wrong shade. I use the Black Original for pink-toned skin, the Pink samples are for yellow-toned skin, it doesn't work on me.

Batiste Dry Shampoo Cherry - Oh God if I receive one more can of useless Dry Shampoo I think I might actually scream!!

Pure Fiji Hydrating Body Lotion - I have a ton of this moisturiser, I don't need to sample any more, I'm already sold thanks.  It says on the card I was suppose to receive Ocean Mist but I received Coconut, at least Ocean Mist would have been something different!

Real Purity Lipstick sample with a cheap useless disposable brush - Un-hygienic sample pot.  Don't wear Red too pale and thanks for the cheap brush helped me make up my mind NEVER to purchase CROWN Brushes.

Doctor Babor DERMA CELLULAR Collagen Booster Cream - Who in their right mind spends $249 on a moisturiser?  Please take the time to read how your skin absorbs moisturiser and how deep it REALLY gets into the layers of skin,  NOT as deep as they describe for this to work.  These creams don't work and you are wasting a considerable amount of money if you purchase this.

This month is the pinnacle of all that is WRONG with Lust Have It and I would recommend anyone who is looking for a worthwhile beauty box to try elsewhere, this is just a waste of your money.

In fact I'm thinking of asking for a refund.

I have noticed that LHI are also giving some bloggers a discount code to use on their blog to entice new customers with a $5 off your first box.  Maybe LHI should just lower the prices of their boxes to the original $14.95 per month because they are certainly NOT worth the $19.95 they are charging now.  In fact the boxes have got worse not better since the price increase.

Now for something more worthwhile, don't forget to enter my giveaway for some fantastic ICON India hair care products, all you need to do is follow me and leave a comment, open to Australian Residents only.  Enter here.

Lust Have It May 2013

Can't say I am impressed at all with this month's box.

Seacret  Bath Salts - Ok since when does 100gms of Dead Sea Salts cost $30??    One sachet per bath, that's a bloody expensive bath and I would rather use the money to travel to the sea and bathe.  No salt costs $30, absolute rip-off!!

The Natural Source Camoflage Colour Lip Gloss $12.95.  Wild Orange.  Very thick, sticky and full of glitter that makes your lips feel like sand, doesn't feel very nice at all and there is no moisturising benefit that I can feel.  Has no colour or flavour so I don't know where the Wild Orange bit comes in.

Nicole by OPI Textured nail polish $14.95  Oh lucky me, silver crackle nail polish, how old am I?  Twelve?    

Eleven Miracle Hair Treatment, teeny tiny 6ml sample of leave in hair conditioner, I will be lucky to get one use out of this tiny tube.

Paula's Choice Resist Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum another teeny tiny sample 7mls thats less than a teaspoon and a half.  It's about the only thing that interests me as I use Retinol products already.

Ok 5 products only one of them interesting, from a box that is now charging $5 more and promised to be bigger and better.  Pffft!!

Second month in a row I have received the crappy box, not happy!!

Oh and their offer, if you refer a friend to join you will receive a Paula's Choice Facial Cleanser.  Firstly I would be embarassed to refer my friend if this was the box they received and secondly they would probably stop talking to me for wasting their money!!

If you want to subscribe to an Australian Beauty Service that sends out value for money consistently for $15 + free shipping go here and read my latest review here  for Bellabox's May box, they win hands down for better quality boxes and superb customer service and they do it cheaper.

Lust Have It April 2013 Box 2

I recently purchased an Annual VIP Subscription from Lust Have It for my Mum as a house warming WELCOME gift as she has recently move into a cottage on our property. April was the first month that she received her box and I asked her if I could review it for you all as it was comparatively different to the one I received, you can read that review here.  I must say I am very pleased that Mum received such a good selection for her first time, though I must admit I am a little envious with what she received compared to mine.

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MOLTON BROWN ~ Patchouli & Saffron Body Wash ~ Sample

AVEDA INVATI ~ Exfoliating Shampoo & Thickening Conditioner ~ 10ml samples

RACHEL K ~ Mineral Colour Control CC Cream ~ sachet samples.  These were actually missing so I have emailed LHI and I hope that they will replace them.

GOSH COSMETICS ~ Mono Eye Shadow ~ full -size ~ Dark Green.  This was broken, so I have emailed LHI about that too.  I gave Mum the Aubergine I received as I had already received the same shade the previous month.

NUDE BY NATURE ~ Nude Papaw Ointment ~ full-size 75g jar.  I love this ointment, all natural, smells great, wonderful for dry skin.  Whacking great big jar of it, Mum is so lucky.

AWE COSMECEUTICALS ~ Nirvaata Calming Serum ~ sample.  Anti-inflammatory which nurtures the skin's barrier to alleviate skin sensitivity.

PINK TIGER ~ Duri Cosmetics Nail Tools; Pedi Paddle ~ full-size, RRP$20.  Mum was really excited to see this as she has dry feet and the paddle makes it easier for her to bend down and smooth her rough heels.

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Mum's box was much better value than the one I received, I really don't think this is fair of LHI considering I paid the same amount for both boxes.  She received 7 items compared to my 5, her products samples were LUXE while my only LUXE item was the Molton Brown.  I received a $1 nail file and cotton swabs she received a really cool Pedi Paddle $20, my face product was cheap John Plunkett while she received samples of AWE, RACHEL K and AVEDA and a generous sized tub of NUDE BY NATURE.  Side by side the boxes really don't compare and even my Mum commented on the difference though I couldn't convince her to swap lol....

This is NOT a VIP exclusive box as I have spoken to another VIP member who received the same box I received here.  There were no VIP boxes this month.

I don't think I will compare the boxes again, it might get very depressing.  Mum when you read this, I am so pleased you loved your LHI Box and WELCOME to our family we are so happy you are living with us now!

Lust Have It April 2013

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It appears I have received the "cheap & awful left-over box" this month.  After seeing all the teasers on LHI's FB page and the new exciting products that other Lusties have received, I can't say I am too impressed.  I thought with the price increase the boxes were suppose to get better?  They could at least make them of equal value!!  To see what my Mum received this month please go here.

This is what I received in this month's box.

MOLTON BROWN ~ Patchouli & Saffron Body Wash ~ 30ml sample, RRP$39, 300ml.  Doesn't smell like patchouli at all, not impressed just another body wash!  Value $3.90

GOSH COSMETICS ~ Mono eye shadow ~ Aubergine ~ RRP$16.  I received this exact same colour last month you can read my review here

GOLDWELL ~ Dualsenses Ultra Volume Shampoo ~ 100ml sample, RRP$20.95, 300ml.  Yes it's shampoo to go with the Goldwell Hair repair I received from LHI last month.  Value $6.98.

PINK TIGER ~ Duri Cosmetics Nail File and Lint-Free Gauze.  File RRP$1 & Gauze, RRP$13.  While others received a $15.60 Cuticle tool, I received a $1 nail file.  How is that fair?

JOHN PLUNKETT ~ Face Cleanser ~ 40ml sample, RRP$9.95, 100ml.  Value $3.98.  While others received Ocean Essence, Remedica, Aveda and Awe products, I got a cheap ole sample of John Plunkett that I can pick up at a chemist anywhere!

There were also two discount cards, one for a free nail polish if you FIRST spend $50 at Pink Tiger and 10% off your purchase at Molton Brown online.

All their promises of bigger better boxes appears to have come to nothing.  Do I think it is worth the $5 increase?  No!  I am still paying the $14.95 per month for the next 6 boxes at the moment, I don't think I will be renewing unless I see a vast improvement in items, equality of boxes and better customer service.  LHI's boxes now retail for $19.95 and they promised bigger, better valued boxes, apparently NOT for everyone.  They are STILL running late, my box didn't arrive until nearly the end of the month 26th.  I thought I read somewhere that they were working on improving their delivery time and what was a good start last month with the box arriving on the 19th has quickly lapsed into the "same old, same old".

Not happy LHI.

Lust Have It March Review 2013

This is what I received in this month's box.

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BioElixia BodyShaper Cellulite Contour Creme  full size RRP$59, 150ml  ~  I don't have a problem with cellulite so I can't say this cream thrills me with it's inclusion in this month's box, it's not something I am interested in using.  I am going to go on an information hunt to see if you can just use this cream as moisturiser.

Gosh Cosmetics Mono Eye Shadow ~ Aubergine ~ full size RRP$16, deep dark purple, as I am so fair I will probably only use this for subtle hints of colour along the lash line.

The Natural Source  Camouflage Colour Crayons RRP $9.99 each.  Naturally pigmented pencils for the face and body, I received No. 033 ~ Pink and No. 022 ~ Metal Blue.  You can find out more about these crayons here.

Goldwell Dualsenses Rich Repair 50ml sample, RRP$20.99, 200ml.  60 second hair treatment containing Pashmina Silk Proteins, I love hair treatments and this is a generous sized sample which I will actually be able to use on my long hair.

Ocean Essences Strawberry Rose Rubber Mask RRP$4.95, I didn't receive this even though it was on my card.  I'm really glad those mask things freak me out, rather claustrophobic like.

What I did receive was...

Advanced Natural Hydrating Firming Mask 15ml sample, RRP$49, 50ml..  I had to go looking for information about this product as it wasn't on the card, you can find out more about this mask on their website here.

There was also some discount cards for

25% off BioElixia,
$15 discount off TheIconic here
FREE Razors from the Dollar Shave Club, you can find out more about them here.

Lots of goodies this month to play around with and I can pretty much use everything.   Love the collectors box it  is a very pretty mint green, I was hoping the boxes would be a set that spelt out LUST HAVE IT but it's just a different colour with L on the spine.  Still good though!!

What did you receive this month and what do you think of LHI raising their subscription to $19.95 per month?  Please leave a comment below.

Lust Have It February 2013

I am so disappointed in this month's box, it would hands down have to be THE worst box LHI has EVER sent me.  In all honesty I would be ashamed to send out dried out mascara and gloopy nail polish and expect anyone to be interested in purchasing from those companies.

LANCOME HYPNOSE STAR SHOW-STOPPING VOLUME MASCARA sample size 2ml, RRP 6.5ml $52.  I guess this would have been OK if I hadn't received a dried up flaky sample with nothing in the tube worth sampling.

SUMMER TAN BY MANCINE - self action tan DARK - full-sized 250ml RRP $29.95, this is such a waste of a full sized product for me,  I don't wear tanning lotion, I know LHI have said it can be mixed with moisturiser for a glowy skin look and I hope that helps some of you find uses for this product.  I am just NOT one of those tanning type gals, I love my pale skin, I get compliments for my complexion, I don't want to start tanning it now.

THE NATURAL SOURCE - Camouflage colour nail lacquers - RED PLUM - full size 12ml  RRP $9.95.  Natural nail polish without all the nasties. Well what a gloopy horrid poopy brown mess we have here, I wouldn't recommend this nail polish to anyone.

Please excuse my terrible photo, I couldn't get even coverage with this polish to show you, it doesn't apply well and is thick and gloopy but this will give you some idea of the colour.

ELGON PROFESSIONAL PRIMARIA NOURISHING SILK MASKS 15ml sample, 150ml RRP $24.94.  I have received this twice before, I think I now have enough to treat my long hair.

LON VITALITE HAND C10 Whitening Hand Mask  1 pair RRP $4.50, I had to laugh when I saw this, I don't know if anyone else can see the humour in this.  Fake Tan and Whitening Hand Mask.  My advice would be NOT to use the two at the same time.  I would have preferred the moisturising mask, I won't be using this, my hands are white enough thank you.

Do you ever feel with these beauty boxes that the full-sized products you receive are the stock the companies couldn't sell or the old stock they're about to throw away?  Most of what I have received from beauty boxes has been in some unwearable shade, it's very disappointing and just on principal I wouldn't purchase anything from these companies that can't distribute wearable colours or fresh stock.

I really hope we get some more beauty boxes on the market soon because the ones I am subscribed too really need to lift their game and maybe a bit of competition might motivate them to raise their standards.

My Friday Priceline Haul

After I have my Chemo for the week my husband always takes me to one of two places Hand Bag Shops or  Cosmetic Shops.  Then he lets me loose, lol........It really is wonderful therapy and I am very fortunate to have such a wonderful caring husband.

Because I had to get my prescriptions filled I decided to have a little look around Priceline while I was waiting and this is what I picked up.

Because of my Chemotherapy I am a little more aware of what I am putting in my body these days and find myself leaning more and more towards natural products.  Firstly with all the nausea I suffer,  natural essential oils don't make me feel ill like chemical fake scents tend to do these days.  I just don't want to be absorbing anymore nasties than I have too.  My body feels overloaded as it is.

NUDE BY NATURE BB 5-1 MIRACLE CREAM - LIGHT - 50ml RRP$19.95, on sale $14.95.  I actually received the medium shade in January's LHI box but it just isn't the right tone for me.  When you have very fair skin which shows redness you need Fair shades.  I find that there is something in the lighter shade which tones down redness and that is missing in the more yellow medium.  The light also seems to offer more coverage while the medium is more sheer.  I do like this cream, smells really nice and as I work outside with Athletes mornings and afternoons even with perspiration it stays put and no sunburn.  So I was pretty happy that I managed to get this on sale at Priceline.

NUDE BY NATURE PAPAW OINTMENT - 30g RRP $5.95, on sale $4.46.  What's not to like about this ointment.  All natural, no petrochemicals or parabens, comes in a generous sized tube, smells yummy. Extremely moisturising because of the coconut oil, shea butter and jojoba, soaks right into your skin and doesn't leave it greasy.

Natio had a free gift with purchase if you spend over $30 on their products.

TRAVEL SIZE BRUSH AND MANICURE SET

Contains 8 manicure tools and 5 makeup brushes with a good sized mirror in a very handy pink case.

I purchased the following three items so I could get the travel set.

NATIO meditate HAND CREAM - YOGA SCENT PINK LOTUS ATTAR - 100ml RRP $9.95.  All natural,  has a lovely floral fragrance, moisturises well with no greasy after feel.  I don't know about you but I hate it when you put on hand cream and then you can't open doors, jars or something as simple as taking the lid of a pen because your hands keep slipping.  Contains Pink Lotus Water which I am guessing is where the fragrance comes from, Neem, Turmeric, Sweet Almond, Jojoba and Sesame seed oils.

NATIO PURE MINERAL SKIN PERFECTING BB CREAM SPF 15 -  50g RRP $14.95.  I also received a sample of this BB cream in my Bellabox January in medium.   I did use the sample up and liked it enough to go and purchase the correct shade for my skin tone in Fair.  I use a lot of BB cream because I am outside and slap it on twice a day.  I like that this contains SPF and it does work.  It is also a good moisturiser, contains Vitamin E, Jojoba and Shea Butter.   Wonderful natural scent, contains Sweet Orange, Ylang Ylang and Lavender.

NATIO LITTLE TREASURE NAIL COLOUR - LEMON 9ml  RRP $5.95.  I have been wanting to try a yellow nail polish for a while, I just love the pastel colours that have been available this summer.  Formaldehyde, Toluene and Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) free.  I don't wear nail polish on my hands due to the nature of my profession, I keep my nails short but I do love to paint my toe nails!!

Ok so that was my little haul from Priceline, if you don't have a Priceline near you, you can order online here.  They also have a Sister Club worth joining as your receive points on ALL your purchases and they are redeemable for quarterly vouchers and special offers.  I like Priceline because they have such a wide variety of cosmetics and skincare available, there is something for everyone!

Please leave a comment below I would love to hear from you.

Lust Have It January 2013

LHI's effort for this month.

LOVE the box, it's fantastic.  Beautiful pattern and colour, love that it closes magnetically, can think of lots of things I might use this for.

I am hoping that next month's box will have a U on the spine so in the end LUST HAVE IT will be spelt out in a nice little collection of boxes.  If not maybe they will all be differently coloured like the bags.

LUSH COSMETICS - EMOTIONAL BRILLIANCE MAKEUP - RRP $24.95.  I received CONFIDENT Believe in Yourself, this is a gorgeous gorgeous Eggplant Purple, unfortunately too dark for my fair skin, I could never pull it off as a lipstick, eyeshadow or blush.  I am just going to admire the bottle from afar lol.......I am going to try this as a lip stain and then cover it in light lip gloss I think that might be wearable.  The only concern I have is that it doesn't seem to set and smudges everywhere!!  Sorry I couldn't get a good swatch of this, kept coming off brown on my camera and it is definitely NOT brown!

Also included was a card for a Free Emotional Brilliance colour reading in store and a free sample of make-up remover, unfortunately I live about 200km's away from my nearest Lush Store so I won't be able to partake of this offer.

lush.com.au

NUDE BY NATURE BB 5-IN-1 MIRACLE CREAM - 50ml, full-size RRP $19.95.  I received Medium.  I normally would purchase Fair but I can live with this, smells lovely, creamy hydrating texture, I will probably pick up a Fair and mix the two so I get the use out of this tube.  I generally use BB creams when I go for a walk first thing in the morning, covers the ghostly appearance of my pale skin as well as protection from the Sun.  I use quite a lot of BB cream as I work as an Athletics Coach, BB creams offer great coverage, sun protection and doesn't come off with perspiration, works best if you set with powder.

LUST HAVE IT KABUKI BRUSH - full-size RRP $19.95.  I don't know anyone who can't do without a Kabuki Brush, these brushes really are the best.  Lovely dense soft bristled brush, good one LHI!!

KLORANE SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER - samples 10ml, RRP $9.95.  Formulated with Pomegranate and Mango Butter for colour treated hair.  Great,  but the samples need to be bigger for longer haired ladies such as myself.  Two teaspoons of conditioner just doesn't do it when your hair is down to your waist.

AVENE CLEANANCE SKIN RANGE - sample size,  prices start at  RRP$24.95.  OK I am just about Avene -d OUT!!  I have so many unused tubes in my sample basket, I just don't like the stuff.  This is also not for my skin type, these products are for oily blemish prone skin, I am mature dry skin,  this is where LHI"S lack of profiling their customers lets them down.

OK so besides the totally wrong skin care from AVENE, I am not too unhappy with my box this month.  In fact after seeing what some other lovely LHI customers received I am quite relieved.

What did you get this month and what did you think, let me know comment below.

Lust Have It December 2012

Another underwelming month from LHI.

CATWALK BY TIGI SESSIONS SERIES DRY SHAMPOO 96ml sample, 250ml RRP $29.95, another dry shampoo??  I am a little confused as it says on the card this is suppose to be a finishing spray which would have been more useful to my hair type instead of more dry shampoo I never use.

APHRODITE MINERAL EYE SHADOW full-size RRP $24.95,  I received Champagne which is a gold glitter.  I am too old for glitter, it shows up every line around mature eyes, not impressed.

LANOPEARL DR. DERMAX ULTRA LIFT CREAM 10ml sample jar, 50ml RRP $39.60.  This at least is interesting, a wrinkle relaxing cream which helps prevent new wrinkles.  You apply twice daily to creases and frown lines.

GLASSHOUSE FRAGRANCES HAND CREME 5ml sample x 2, 140ml RRP $24.95.  I received Kakadu-Waterlily and Marseille-Gardenia samples. 

BIOXIDEA MIRACLE 24 FACE LIFT 1 sample, RRP $49.90 3 pack.  Another one of those freaky cold face masks, I do not like using these and they make me break out.

The Exfoliating glove didn't turn up in time to be packed, RRP $9.50, I hope this will be an extra in January's box not become part of it.

There was also a sample of Marc Jacobs Daisy, smells just like every other floral perfume on the market.  For a change why can't we have a musk or amber based perfume?

Definitely no Christmas Spirit this year for us mere customers unless you are a VIP member. They are set to receive three full-sized products in their own special box. So far I have seen Mascara, full-size moisturiser and Everyday Minerals blusher and eyeshadow.  I don't agree with this VIP nonsense, not everyone can afford an annual subscripton and it shouldn't make them any less valuable/special as VIP's.   I feel Bellabox do a much better job by treating all of their customers like VIP's, everyone gets special gifts, no exceptions.

LHI WERE my favourite beauty box this year but something has definitely gone wrong and I feel their samples and customer service have declined.  I'm just not feeling the love anymore LHI............Maybe they have taken on too much too quickly with the takeover of Glossy Box and preparing to break into the New Zealand market. Unfortunately their hunt for new customers leaves me feeling that their old customers are left dangling with sub-standard boxes. 

LHI are too slow, they deliver too late.  A monthly box should be enjoyed during THAT month not at the end of it.   Their online shop where we go to spend our beauty points doesn't even stock the majority of products you are sampling.  You have to pay postage (BB offer free) and you don't receive free samples with your order.  All things that BB do extremely well and BB ALWAYS leave me feeling like a VIP customer.  LHI lacks that professional edge.

LHI's no profiles has really been telling for me.  I simply have no use for products which do not suit my skin and hair type and as I buy this little box of goodies for myself, if I am not going to receive samples I can use there is no point being a member any longer.  I will state again and again if you don't get the samples to the right clientele you are doing yourself, the companies you represent and your customers a great dis-service.

Three full-sized products aside I am really glad I never forked out ALL that money for a Annual VIP subscription I like the freedom of not being locked in for a whole year so I can leave when I have had enough and take my hard earned money elsewhere.

As another blogger said she keeps giving them one more month just in case it's good and I feel that's what I am doing too.