Lust Have It August 2012

In this month's box I received;

tanGo tanning glove - full size, RRP $29.95.  Why is this called a glove, it's a face washer?  Besides that initial confusion, I'm Ok with this, I don't wear fake tan and thought well that's a waste of a good cloth but it also doubles as a makeup remover and I do wear that!  I used this tonight in the shower when I washed off my makeup, you are suppose to just use water but I used my face cleanser and it helped remove the makeup from around my eyes easier.  Don't know if I am sold on this product but it was an interesting sample to find in the box, great full-size product to receive, definitely something different.

Bioderma Atoderm Cream - 8ml sample, RRP $59.95 500ml.  I am not impressed with this sample, one look at the list of ingredients where the first two ingredients are water and mineral oil tells me this is not worth the price tag.  I can purchase natural products for a lot less.

Tigi Catwalk session series:  True Wax - full size, RRP $29.95 50g.  This wax controls your hair and adds shine.  The fragrance is very overpowering, I prefer unscented products so they don't clash with my perfume.  It is very greasy and my hair which is long but very fine doesn't tolerate oil products very well, makes my hair look stringy and dirty.  I would have preferred the other product on offer this month, Tigi Styling Cream as it is light-weight and more suited to my frizz prone hair type.  I prefer natural looking hair as opposed to 'styled', I will have to see what I can do with it.  UPDATE:  I have tried this product the last couple of times I wash my hair, I apply a very small amount and smooth it over my hair mid-length to the ends.  Does a great job of smoothing at the frizzes and doesn't leave your hair looking greasy.  A little goes a long way, I really do like this product but find the fragrance too much, it lasts for days. 

Aromatherapy Associates:  Triple Rose Renewing Moisturiser - 5ml sample, RRP $82.80 50ml.  I was really excited about this moisturiser, Rose is my all time favourite ingredient in anything!  Smells DIVINE.  I used this moisturiser last night and this morning and I can't say I am too impressed.  It applies very thick, is hard to spread and sits on your skin with a waxy feel to it.  Did not feel it was absorbing or moisturising enough for my skin, it just sat there.  I had to go over with my normal moisturiser but my face feels like I have applied lip balm all over, it feels really weird.  I think I will keep this one to use at night.

Aromatherapy Associates:  Rose Hydrating Face Mask - 5ml sample, RRP $54.95 100ml.  Another beautiful smelling product, claims to restore vital moisture to dry skin.  Contains Aloe Vera.  I don't know if I will try this as masks have a habit of breaking me out and I just don't want to go there.

Wet n Wild Nail Polish - full size, RRP $12.95, 10ml.  This is a budget line in the US but as with everything in Australia we find ourselves paying double what our american sisters do.  Not impressed with this product at all.  It's cheap, my lid was broken and just spun in place, I had to remove it and use the core lid to open the nail polish.  The shade I received?   I can't tell you because it didn't come labelled.  It looks like a beautiful metallic medium purple but goes on so sheer all you get is a slight hint of pink.  Might let the girls play with this one.

Shiseido Lipstick - sample 2.5g, RRP $43.00 4.5g.  The shade I received is Perfect Rouge.  This is a colour my mother would wear, way to dark for my fair skin.  Applies well and evenly, I can't say that I found it moisturising as claimed but all lipstick dries my lips out.  You can make 'too dark' colours work for you if you apply sparingly and use it as a lip stain and cover it with lipgloss, I will have fun playing with this.

I must say I was happy with the varied selection I received this month, I don't know if I will be able to use everything but there certainly are some new brands in there I would be interested in finding out more about.  This month's box was great value for money and I think for a lot of members it is important to see that they are getting their money's worth.  I know it is for me.

I hope you go back to the brightly coloured bags, I love them!

Happy birthday Lust Have It, here's wishing you another year of bigger and better things.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle System

A daily anti-aging regimen for healthier, younger looking skin. Including an anti-aging moisturiser, anti-aging eye cream, and a gentle facial cleanser, this convenient anti-wrinkle kit combines retinol with vitamin-rich and moisture-rich ingredients to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots, and to help soften and smooth skin.

I recently started using Neutrogena Intensives Eye Cream which I absolutely love. While I was looking for skin products for my son (acne), I came across this system and was very curious to try it based on the positive results I had had from the eye cream.

I love each and every one of these products. It would have to be the first time I have used a system and seen results almost immediately.

Overall using all three products, my skin was noticeably brighter, pores were smaller, acne completely disappeared. Lines were diminished and I saw a firmer, healthier looking me in the mirror. I am super impressed with this system.

This is a 3-step system consisting of face wash, day moisturiser and eye cream. I would have liked to have seen this kit include a night cream because that would have made it a complete regime.


FRESH FOAMING CLEANSER 200ml - This is a soap-free, oil-free, alcohol-free cleanser. Cleanses your face and is gentle enough to use around your eye area to remove all traces of makeup including mascara. Comes in a pump bottle and you only need about half a pump to cleanse your face thoroughly, if I am wearing full makeup I like to cleanse my face twice, just to make sure it's all off.


I like this cleanser, it cleans better than the one I have been using, my skin doesn't feel dry or tight after use and my skin certainly looked brighter even after the initial use.


HEALTHY SKIN ANTI-WRINKLE CREAM SPF 15 40g tube – This is a daily moisturising cream which claims to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in one week.  This product contains Retinol which gives skin an overall healthy appearance, it works by exfoliating  which rids the skin of old cells which block the pores and stop moisturisers from being absorbed more deeply into the skin.  Therefore with newer healthier cells closer to the surface your skin looks brighter, lines and wrinkles are minimised and acne breakouts are lessened.


You only need about a pearl size amount of this cream; it is super moisturising and leaves your face feeling smooth and soft.  This moisturiser makes a great base for makeup, I really love the way my skin looks after using this product.  I have seen a marked improvement in my skin, my lines are minimised and my few acne spots have disappeared.


HEALTHY SKIN EYE CREAM 15g tube – This is a multi-vitamin treatment with Alpha-Hydroxy and Melbiose, claims to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines around the eye area.  Alpha-Hydroxy is derived from fruit and milk sugars; it is used in cosmetics as an exfoliant.  Melbiose is derived from sugar and works as a firming agent.  So basically the Alpha-Hydroxy exfoliates which allows the Melbiose to penetrate the skin more deeply to firm up the eye area.  Be aware that although this cream helps repair sun damaged skin it also makes the renewed skin around your eyes more sensitive to the sun and a good SPF cream should always be applied.

 I use this cream during the day and the Neutrogena Intensives eye cream at night, not because I prefer it that way but so I can use up both tubes.  I do feel these eye creams are working for me, I have noticed a great improvement in my eye area, the crepey skin on my eyelids has disappeared and my eye area is definitely firmer.

I just wanted to give a quick review of NEUTROGENA AGELESS INTENSIVES DEEP WRINKLE EYE CREAM 14g tube as I have mentioned it in this review and it is the product which led me to this system.

Within a few days I noticed improvement in my eye area with crepey lids and deep lines minimised, some even disappeared.  I love this eye cream, it is the best I have ever used and it is now a staple in my routine.

I do feel it is stronger than the Healthy Skin Eye Cream and for me more suited to night application even though I have worn it during the day as it does not make my eyelids greasy.  Contains Retinol SA (Sustained Action), which basically means it is stronger and works for longer, I think that is perfect for overnight when your skin is resting.  Also contains Hyaluronic Acid which is used as a dermal filler in cosmetic surgery but is also a highly effective moisturiser.


Overall I am very happy with this system and feel it has made a marked improvement in my skin. I am really noticing it best when I apply my makeup because my skin is firmer and application is smoother and easier.  I feel I look younger and my husband says I look beautiful; it can’t get better than that!

bellabox august 2012

This month's theme was GO GREEN.

1.  LUK BEAUTIFOOD LIP NOURISH - 3g full size, RRP $24.95 - This is a new product that hasn't even been released yet.  Claims to be made from a 100% natural, edible and food active recipe.  I received Lemon and Mint.  I had a reaction to this product and warn those who do have food allergies to carefully check the list of ingredients before trying.  Unfortunately a list was not provided with my sample, just because its all natural does not mean its safe for everyone, especially those with food allergies.

Within 10 minutes my lips were burning and I couldn't wipe it off fast enough, 2 hours later my lips were still numb, swollen and red around the skin.  Lip Nourish, contains Sesame oil, which causes a very similiar reaction to NUT allergies and is in fact the fourth most common cause of allergies in Australian Children.  This is something you might want to be aware of if you or anyone you know has allergies before trying this product.  Sounds great all natural product BUT not if you have food allergies.  I do hope founder Cindy Lukan adds this as a warning on her labels.  Food allergies are a serious concern.

2.  LUSH RO'S ARGAN BODY CONDITIONER - 45g sample tin, RRP $29.95 225g.   Great fan of LUSH products and this is no exception.  I already have tried this product so wasn't super excited to see it again.  Unfortunately my sample was contaminated and smelt like stale beer, the tin was bashed about too, so I don't think it had an easy life making its way to me.  I noticed a lot of people complaining about the state of their tins, they have to realise presentation is a big part of selling a product.  More care please.

3.  AVEENO DAILY MOISTURISING LOTION - 29ml sample, RRP $12.99 354ml.  This product is made by Johnson and Johnson, hardly high end.  I wasn't impressed to receive this but have a grown son who suffers from Psoriasis so will pass it on to him.  Contains oatmeal to sooth the skin and no fragrance, such a small sample though will hardly be a true test to see if it works on dry damaged skin.

4.  EMERGINC SKINCARE -  2 x 3ml samples of cleanser and moisturiser.  RRP $44 for the Kombucha cleanser 120ml and $105 for the Phytocell moisturiser 50ml.  Very small samples which won't really give you a good idea how the product works.   I don't use cream cleansers and I have moisturiser coming out my ears.  Every month I get moisturisers, I am a mature woman not a dried up prune!

5.  AURORA SPA RITUALS ROSE OTTO & CLARIFYING SHAMPOO + BURDOCK & ROSE REVITALISING CONDITIONER - 50ml travel size samples.  RRP $40 each 500ml.  These samples actually smell divine, I don't know if they will be moisturising enough for my dry hair, I really do like the idea of using all natural products on my hair but again with waist length hair, these samples are not big enough for me to make an informed choice to purchase.  This is about the only products that have interested me this month.  I visited Aurora Spa Rituals website with a view to purchasing these products and they don't even have them in stock, what is the point of sending out samples?

6.  PHYTOCARE DAILY C - Vitamin C powder, 2 one dose sachets.  RRP $17.80 for 30 sachets.  Interesting choice to add to a beauty box but as beauty should be tackled from the inside as well and Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which is good for you skin, Why Not?

7.  BONUS PRODUCT - YOU, ME & EVERYBODY BODHI ME HANDWASH - RRP $5.99, 250ml.  If you purchase any products from the bellabox shop this month you get this product for free.

Have to say I was totally underwhelmed by this month's bellabox.  Again another month of moisturisers and hair products.

I was even more disappointed from the reply I received from bellabox themselves when I questioned why some members received a valuable eyeliner $30 while other members only received a shampoo and conditioner sample, AGAIN!

I was told by bellabox that their boxes are of equal value.  Two shampoo samples do NOT equal a $30 Eye of Horus eyeliner.  These boxes are NOT of equal value.

Companies have to learn if they are not perceived as providing value for money they won't be in business long, customers will walk.  These are FREE samples made available by the companies wanting you to purchase their products.

If you would like to try BB for yourself go here.

Lust Have It July 2012

I was very happy with what I received in this month's pack.  I am pretty excited about every product, I can use everything and there is some new stuff that I am curious to try like this first product.

1.   Baby Foot - this is a foot pack/socks 1 pair,  which gently exfoliates the hard cracked skin from your feet.  You wear the socks which are impregnated with a "all natural plant extracts" gel for 2 hours and they gently start to dry out the skin and within 7 days all the hard skin has peeled off and disappeared.  I love walking around barefoot and my skin is always hard, I look forward to giving these a go and will let you know what I think.  If the skin is going to peel for a week I might have to think about doing this when I am not wearing sandals.  This product also came with a 20% discount voucher off your first order.  This is a full size product RRP $29.95.

2.   Matrix Mix In Shine 4.4ml x 2 samples - this is a silicone based shine serum that you can mix into your other hair products or use on its own to promote soft shiny hair. I have used silcone products before so I think this will pretty much be the same, nothing new here but I am still happy to have received these instead of the shampoo and conditioner other members received.  RRR $20.95 for 89ml.

3.   Mirenesse Velvet Lip Lift Moisture Shine No 31. 1.5g sample  - I am not sure what the shade is called it only had a number but it is a gorgeous matte baby pink and I think it is divine.  I applied this gloss well over an hour ago and the colour is still vibrant and making my lips look gorgeous.  This gloss is described as "All in one self-renewing glossy colour, micro collagen instant lip plumper and long term lip treatment.  Extremely long wearing plus anti feathering high intensity colour."  This would be the first lip gloss description that I actually agree with.  This stuff is fantastic.  4.5g full size RRP $39.95

4.   Avene Eluage Firming cream 3ml sample size - Helps visibly reduce the appearance of deep furrows and wrinkles.  Instructions say that you only need to tap a small amount onto the deep lines but doesn't say how long you have to use it before you see results, I think probably longer than 3mls will last.  I am curious to try Avene as I have heard good things.  RRP $30.00 for 15ml.

5.  Avene Rich Compensating Cream 5ml sample size - "Extremely nourishing and easily absorbed daily moisturiser for very dry and sensitive skin".  I am not sure if you use this is for your face or body as the instructions say nothing, but I do have some dry patches to try this out on.  RRP $57.95 for 50ml.

6.   Avene Cold Cream 10ml sample - This is a daily body lotion, "nourishing and softening with long lasting moisture".  I use a lot of body moisturiser as I have very dry skin, I don't think 10mls will give me much of an idea how this works but I was very pleased to get these three Avene samples.  RRP $34.95 for 400mls.

All this came in a gorgeous Tangerine makeup bag and I have to say overall I am very happy with the Lust Have It team and the collection they have put together this month.  I really would have liked to have received a full sized lip gloss like some other members received but hey it is a vast improvement on June's box.

July Bellabox 2012

Well I have to say I was pleasantly surprised when I opened my Bellabox this month and all these wonderful goodies literally fell out.  I don't think they could have squeezed in another thing.  Everybody should be very happy with the assortment of products they have received.  I was certainly very happy with mine.

I am really looking forward to pampering myself this weekend!

This is a first impressions for each product I received.  I don't review products until I have used them for a while, so I have a good idea what they are like.

This month's box was called "Essential Beauty Buys",  Bellabox box describe it as a back to basics box with everything you need right now.  I think they are pretty spot on with that description too.

YOU ME AND EVERY BODY SHADY LADY FACE MILK - This is a full sized product, which you can purchase from the chemist.  It's the first time I have heard of this brand and it comes in a 75ml sealed tube with a flip top lid.   I was wary when I attempted to open it because milk is generally runny but I was quite surprised to find it was thick and creamy. At first I thought this was just a sunscreen but I tested it on my hand and it is definitely moisturising. On the box it is described as a rich moisturiser with sun protection, it has that sunscreen smell but nothing too obtrusive, I can live with it.  SPF 30 broad spectrum, I look forward to trying this product, I am having chemotherapy and my skin is very sensitive even in winter, this was definitely a welcome product for me this month.  RRP $9.99

CARMEX MOISTURE PLUS ULTRA HYDRATING LIP BALM - I swear I am the lip balm queen I never have enough lip balms and can never find one when I need it.  I think most people are familiar with Carmex lip products, I certainly have been using them for years.  This one comes in a swish modern wind up lipstick applicator, the same great Carmex formula with added SPF 15. Another full size product, RRP $8.99

NEUTROGENA AGELESS INTENSIVES DEEP WRINKLE EYE CREAM - Just this morning when I was applying my makeup I was thinking I needed to find a good eye cream, so another product I am really happy to receive.  The description says it takes about two weeks to start seeing results, so I will be happy to add this to my skincare routine and I will let you know what I think.  Comes in a huge box and when you open it there is this tiny 14g tube, I don't get it with all the extra packaging, eye creams always come in small containers no need to bulk it out.  This is also a full size product, RRP $29.99.  UPDATE:  I am loving this eyecream, it has done a wonderful job of firming up my eye area, this is a great cream and had now become a staple of my beauty regime.

PALMERS COCOA BUTTER FORMULA NIGHT RENEWAL CREAM - I have used Palmers for years, through all my pregnancies (stretch marks) and after sun care.  I think most people will be familiar with the brand if not this particular product, I have tried this cream and it isn't one of my favourites.  Still it has that lovely cocoa aroma and I will find a use for it.  This is a generous 15g sample tube, the regular size is 75g and RRP $12.99  UPDATE:  I have changed my mind, I don't know if they have changed the formula but it works a wonder on my mature dry skin, I loved it so much I have already purchased the full-sized jar.  This product is available in most chemists and Big W, I am recommending it to everyone I know.

ULTA3 NAIL POLISH IN MULBERRY - This shade is divine purple and one of my favourite colours, it almost matches the cushion that I photographed above.  I don't normally wear nail polish but my toes are going to get a treat this weekend.  Never tried Ulta before, the test I did on my thumb nail was runny and took a little time to dry but the shade is beautiful and I reckon two coats should do it.  RRP $2

ALMAY GET UP AND GROW MASCARA - I already use this mascara and I have to say it is one of my favourites.  Lengthens and separates a treat, is a black black shade, I love what it does for the length of my lashes, leaves them flexible, no itch and there is no flaking or panda eyes all day.  Really happy to have received a spare this month.  RRP $19.95

PRIMARIA NOURISHING SILK MASK & BATH OF LIFE SHAMPOO - Two 15ml samples specifically for dry damaged hair.  I would be very interested to try these but as I have waist length hair, one sachet of each just won't cover it.  RRP $24.95 for 150ml bottle of the mask and $21.95 for 250ml bottle of the shampoo.

GIVENCHY PI NEO - sample of aftershave which is to celebrate the launch of the new Bellabox for Men.  Also comes with a code for a 20% discount on all purchases on the Givenchy website until 31st August.

I also recieved a sample size 15ml NEUTROGENA GENTLE FACE SCRUB, this wasn't on the items list included with the box but I have never tried it before and use a scrub once a week, so look forward to this one

This month's box came with a dinky little make up bag which I am going to save for summer, it's just the right size for a few beauty necessaries at the beach.

Overall I am really happy with this month's Bellabox, an amazing variety of products, I will get good use out of the majority of these products, certainly great value for money and I think the team did a fantastic job to put all this together, well done!

If you would like to try BB for yourself go here.

Urban Rituelle Soothing Body Balm Review

This a review for the Urban Rituelle Soothing Body Balm from the 'Beachcomber' range in the fragrances, Coconut and Honey, Mango Milk and Frangipani.

Urban Rituelle is an Australian company which make some of the yummiest smelling products ever!  I can't think of anything better in the long winter months than slathering your body in thick creamy balms reminiscent of summer. 

They smell delicious and I can't pick a favourite because I love them all. 

Extremely creamy and moisturising, they contain ingredients such as Jojoba oil, Shea butter, Cocoa butter, Avocado oil, Chamomile, Cucumber extract, Liquorice extract and Vitamins AC&E.

Leaves my skin feeling oh so soft and silky smooth and the fragrance is just a sensory overload of tropical island bliss.

Coconut and Honey - smells warm and sweet like golden honey with just a hint of creamy coconut, which develops into a deep musky sensual aroma.  This reminds me of warm skin kissed by the summer sun, makes me long for the beach.

Mango Milk - sweet, fruity and oh so creamy.  Reminds me of Weiss Mango bars.  I don't think there is anything more delicious on a hot summer afternoon then sweet juicy chilled mangoes. 

Frangipani - whisk me away to a tropical island, NOW!  Well I might not be able to go there in person but I can dream can't I?  I like to wear this balm when I go out because you don't need to wear perfume, it leaves a subtle lingering fragrance of heaven wherever you go.

Urban Rituelle describe these balms as 'the spirit of summer' and they are absolutely right, if you can't escape winter with a holiday this is the next best thing.

All overflowing poetic words aside, these are my favourite balms, full of yummy ingredients that make your skin feel and smell wonderful and really do remind you of summer.

These balms are available in handy 45g and 200g tubes.  There is also a balm in the collection called Island Citrus, I haven't purchased that, Yet...........

Urban Rituelle is a great aussie company selling a whole range of bath and body products and they really are worth checking out.

Now, come on Summer!

e.l.f. Hypershine Gloss Review

This review is for the Hypershine Collection Limited Edition.

(from the top) Au Naturale, Pageant Princess, Berry Cherry, Ruby Kiss and  Raspberry.
This collection includes a great selection of shades which would suit just about everyone.

I have a draw full of lip glosses and I am pretty fussy when it comes to gloss.  I like thick glosses that are a little bit tacky, I think they stay on longer and I am all for staying power.  Also my expectation is if the gloss comes in a certain shade it should appears as that colour on your lips, so many lipglosses look pretty in the tube but there is no payoff  on the lips.

I didn't have high hopes when I purchased this collection, I have only just started using e.l.f. products as they aren't readily available in Australia and we pay 3 times the price of our US sisters.  Being a budget product I don't usually find cheaper lip gloss to be much good.

Boy was I wrong!!

This formula delivers everything I look for, little or no fragrance and taste, it is thick, stays on the lips, doesn't feather and the colours are beautiful and glossy.  Makes my lips look very full and luscious, lasts a long time for a gloss and my lips feel moisturised.

This is a great pen to throw in your handbag, the brush applies smoothly, touch ups are a cinch because there is usually enough product left in the bristles to reapply, so no wastage.   The only problem I am having is getting used to how many twists I need because sometimes too much product comes out, if you hold the brush up to the light you can see the gloss, one or two twists is usually enough.

I have included a couple of photos of swatches, one in natural light and one with the flash.  I apologise for the quality, my camera isn't that good.  I swatched my 15 year old son's arm and while he was very interested in the process I don't think it is something he will readily admit to his friends.

natural

flash

 

(from left to right)  Au Naturale, Pageant Princess, Berry Cherry, Ruby Kiss and Raspberry.

I know that colours vary on different people so I can only comment how they appear on me.  As you can see from the photos the shades do change in the light.

Au Naturale - A frosty nude with an iridescent glow and some sparkle. 

Pageant Princess - Very pretty light pink with a mother of pearl sheen, fills your lips and make them look naturally very full.

Berry Cherry - This is very close to my own lip colour, appears very natural and slightly more pink on me than represented in the photo. 

Ruby Kiss - I am very pale and not usually one for highly pigmented shades but this shade is divine.  I love what this does for my lips, very luscious and full and just screams kiss me!

Raspberry - Another pigmented shade with glossy shimmer.  This is more a deep pink on me which I love.

I love all these shades, they are described as sheer on the e.l.f. site but I think they have just the right amount of pigment, the quality is fantastic and I feel they are very wearable for a multitude of looks day and night.

The only problem is deciding which one to wear, mmmmm.............