Bellabox July 2014

Hi Everyone, long time no hear from me.  It has been a long healing process with my ankle surgery and I am not fully recovered (I have had some setbacks, still not walking) but feeling well enough that I wanted to do a quick blog of my BB box that arrived today. I will be writing more about the adventures of my ankle surgery later.

I was really happy with what I received this month, especially the full-size OPI nail polish, Bellabox is definitely the best beauty box around and great value for money at $15 pm.

I received the following.

Yu-Be Moisturising Skin Cream - sample tube - I have sampled this before, smells like camphor and I wasn't to impressed with it on dry skin.  Glad there is only a teeny tiny tube.

Nicole by Opi Nail Lacquer - Show You Care - deep purple - always nice to receive a full sized nail polish and in one of my favourite shades too!

Anastasia Lash Genius Waterproof Top Coat - 3.2g sample - makes any mascara waterproof.

Designer Brands Lip Butter - Coconut -  full-size 10g - I quite like the brand and a lip balm always comes in handy.

Urban Rituelle Body Soap - Vanilla - I am a big fan of Urban Rituelle they make some of the best soaps and my husband refuses to use any other as they don't irritate his skin.

Mary Kay Botanical Effects Mask - sachet - dry skin - doesn't say anything on the card but I guess it's for moisturising dry skin?

What did you think of this month's selection?

Jac x0x

Ankle Surgery

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On Friday the 16th of May I finally had my Ankle Fusion Surgery.

I travelled to Calvary Hospital in Canberra where the took very good care of me and now I am recovering comfortably at home.

I would have to say this is the most painful surgery I have ever had and there is a long road to recovery ahead including 8 weeks of non-weight bearing which means I can't put my foot on the ground.

I am finding the crutches very painful and I am covered in bruises along my arms,  under arms, the sides of my breasts and the palms of my hands.

At the moment my ankle is wrapped in a back slab waiting for the swelling to subside so hopefully in two weeks I can have a leg cast.

Unfortunately it is affecting my ability to blog as I really can't get out of bed much and don't feel much like taking photos, editing, etc..............  So I am going to take a little break and hopefully will be back soon.

Take care everyone, I will now catch up on all my blog reading from my favourite bloggers, lying in bed and reading is about all I can do lol....

Jac x0x

Lust Have It Eco Box Autumn 2014

I received my Autumn Eco Box today.  It is very very late and I did have to contact LHI to find out where it was and finally it is here!  This is my favourite box that LHI has to offer it is $29.95 per quarter, this is a seasonal box full of premium natural beauty and skincare products, I am rarely disappointed.

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Claytime Mascara - full-size - natural mineral mascara that gives intense black, glossy lashes without the nasties.  Infused with Vitamin E to help nourish your lashes.  Yeah!!  Who isn't excited by a full-size mascara, I am always on the lookout for natural mascaras that don't make my eyes itchy, really looking forward to trying this.  RRP$19.95

Cosmetic Kitchen - Bamboo Angle Brush - made with recycled aluminium, sustainable bamboo and vegan bristles.  Perfect to use with liquid eyeliner.  I don't use eyeliner but I find angle brushes are great to use if you smudge mascara under your eye area.  Just dab a little foundation or concealer on the brush and clean up without ruining your makeup.  RRP$6.50

Absolutely Gorgeous Body Wash - travel-size 30ml - gentle body wash free from nasties, this is a handy size to take with you when you are travelling.  Contains Organic Rosehip Oil and essential oils of Mandarin and Lavender.  Has a herbal aroma but I couldn't really make out the Lavender or Mandarin.  RRP$5.95  I think that's quite expensive for a little 30ml  travel bottle, I think if you like this wash you would be better off purchasing the full-size 250ml for $17.95.

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Happy Skincare Pig-in-Mud Mineral Mask - two sachet samples - one for Normal, Oily & Combination Skin and one for Mature & Sensitive Skin - each sachet is enough for two applications.  These are very interesting samples, the sachets contain powder and you add equal parts water (they suggest starting with half a teaspoon), apply it with the handy application brush included, leave for up to 10 minutes and wash off. What's not to love about these samples, they have covered all skin types and you get an application brush to re-use.

John Plunkett - NS-5 Protective Hand Cream - 20g sample - helps prevent and protect your hands with a protective shield.  Concentrated so you only need a small amount, neutral smell and makes your hands feel really soft.  John Plunkett's NS-5 range of skincare is very good and worth a try if you are looking for natural, reasonably priced moisturisers.

Appelles - Rosemary Body Bar - this bar contains organic essential oils of Rosemary and Lemon Myrtle, smells gorgeous can't wait to try it.  RRP$4.95.

Acorelle - Eau De Parfum - Chypre Essential - sample vial - oriental chypre notes of Coriander, Geranium and Patchouli.  Didn't like this much when I first applied it to my skin, has a strong male aftershave aroma about it I think that is the Coriander, a volatile oil which fades.  Once it mellowed and warmed up, I couldn't stop smelling my wrist, simply gorgeous.  You can really smell the Patchouli one of my favourite scents with an added spicy afterthought.  Made with organic wheat alcohol and organic cornflower water and concentrated essential oils.  Available in 9 different fragrances.

Acorelle - Youth Protection Night Cream - sample 2ml - rehydrates and plumps skin.  I would have liked a bigger sample of this, 2ml is not enough to judge how a moisturiser will work on your face.

So that's it.  What do you think?  I am pretty happy with the samples, they are definitely products I can use and enjoy.  Nice to see a cosmetic product - Mascara and the perfume was a delightful addition.

If you like what you see here you can find out more about LHI Eco Box here.

JAC x0x

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

Nature's Beauty Bag May 2014

Yesterday I received my bi-monthly Nature's Beauty Bag, this is the third bag I have received and I think this selection is a big improvement over previous months.  You can read my other reviews here.

NBB have dropped their prices to $24.95 which I think is great and make their bags even better value.

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The sample bag is absolutely gorgeous and I just love it.  It is one thing I have found NBB have over other beauty box subscriptions the quality of their bags and presentation is always faultless.

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Jam packed with an array of generous sized samples this May selection was great value and overall I am very happy with everything I received.

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AVEDA Smoothing Infusion Glossing Straightener - 40ml sample - citrus based aroma, smells gorgeous, made from plant based ingredients like cellulose and wheat protein, helps maintain straight glossy hair all day.

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Eslor Introductory Collection - samples include -Soothing Refining Cleanser - Replenishing Scrub - Comforting Mask - Soothing Cream.  I have received this sample pack before from another subscription but I am very happy to see it again.  The Eslor Soothing Cream is amazing and if you haven't tried it you should.

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Marina's Ambrosia Shimmer Eye Shadow - 32 - sparkly bronze loose mineral eye shadow, titanium free and ethically mined without the use of slave labour.  Extremely concentrated can be applied wet or dry.  If you would like to find out more about this cosmetic brand go here.

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The Little Alchemist - Lime and White Tea Body Serum - 25ml sample -  this smells absolutely gorgeous, the subtly of the White Tea and Lime Citrus scents are delicious.  Light body oil which absorbs quickly into your skin leaving it moisturised with no greasy after feel and the perfume is just heavenly.  I love The Little Alchemist all natural products and you can find out more about them here.  All their products are made lovingly by hand and in small batches to ensure freshness.

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Australian Bush Essence LOVE SYSTEM Intensive Hand Cream - Ylang Ylang and Sandalwood - 20ml sample - Made with Australian Bush Essences and Rose Stem Cells.  This Organic Hand Beauty Treatment keeps your hands feeling soft and protected.

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Organyc Panty Liners and Pads - one sample of each - made from 100% Organic Cotton.

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Morelife Berries Alive Bar - contains a comprehensive powder blend of high quality antioxidants.  A raw bar made from sultanas, dates, super berries Acai and Goji.  Combined with organic Cacao and Dark Chocolate.  Sounds delicious!!

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Pukka Herb Teas - two samples - three mint - green chai - Organically and Ethically Grown Fair Trade Tea. Three Mint Tea includes Peppermint, Spearmint and Field Mint and the Chai contains Ginger Root, Liquorice Root, Sweet Cinnamon, Star Anise and Green Tea.  They smell delicious.

If you are looking for an all natural beauty subscription I would highly recommend you try this one.  If you would like to subscribe more details can be found  here.

JAC x0x

Memebox Global Edition #9

Now there is nothing more satisfying than opening a beauty box and find it overflowing with a range of exciting goodies.  No teeny tiny samples rattling around in an already teeny tiny box, this box is absolutely full to the brim!

And.........the most exciting thing Memebox is now shipping to Australia again, if you would like to take a look around their site please go here.

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This is what I received;

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Kerasys Oriental Premium Shampoo - sample 200g - the full-size is 600g so that is a very generous sample. Daily Shampoo which nourishes hair while moisturising and sealing split ends. Contains Camellia Seed Oil, Oriental Essence and Dual Protein.  I do wish they would come with a matching conditioner. Smells nice at any rate and I will be able to use it.

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Luna Wonder Essential BB Foundation - 15ml sample - #21 Nuddy Beige  - multi-tasking BB cream which moisturises, primes and protects for flawless skin.  Spf 25+.  BB creams are really good under your regular foundation, they work well as a tinted moisturiser, primer and added sun protection.

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Jaminkyung Gokmul Care Creamy Cleansing Masque - full-size 100ml -  based on Rice nutrients it works in three ways;  a foam cleanser just add water, a facial scrub just gently massage on problem areas and a treatment masque. Can also be used on your elbows, knees and feet, wherever you have rough skin. Unfortunately this really smells (think dark, dank and mushroom like), I don't know if I could stand to have it on my face for too long but the little I rubbed into my hand left it feeling very soft and hydrated so I may have to hold my breath.

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25cc Hairbooster - full-size 25ml - hair conditioning protein treatment - love the cute syringe packaging with this one. Contains 25 protein ingredients and leaves your hair Elastic and Silky.  Depending on the length of your hair you may get 1-2 treatments.

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Savia Magic Countdown 7 days EGF & Multi-Peptide - full-size 5ml - Ok from what I can make out this is a face serum which contains Yeokyosan ( good for atopic dermatitis), Lecithin, Green Tea, Mugwort and I believe from the translation I found Acer okamotoanum nakai SAP (tree sap).  This serum protects and prevents skin problems, while achieving healthy energetic skin tone.

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Ellegirl I Say Tint You Say Gloss - Vocal Red - full-size 5ml - Moisturising Lip tint/gloss - highly pigmented goes on sheer but works like a lip stain so it's buildable. 

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Botanic Hill Boh Moist & Radiant Youth Ampoule Essence - 2 x 5ml samples - one is in a tube for Radiant skin and the other is in a dropper for Moist skin, I'd say they work like serums.  The moist sample has oil included and needs to be shaken before use, reminds me of Clarins Hydra Quench Serum and from what I can find out about the product does the same thing, boosts hydration and protects from moisture loss.

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Well for $23 you really can't complain can you,  the box was jam packed and while there are english descriptions on the enclosed card there are still some mysterious products I need to explore and I can't wait to try.

I love everything I received, the packaging is totally gorgeous and I really feel like I am receiving something special with Memebox.  You certainly get your money's worth!

What do you think?  Let me know in the comments.

JAC x0x

Bellabox April 2014

I wasn't going to review this box because it was so late, I only received it on the 24th and the boxes have been so below par lately I didn't think it was worth it.  But..... my box this month isn't too bad and compared to some of the other boxes I have seen I am quite happy with what I received so I thought what the hell just a quick review.

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 This month I received;

BURT'S BEES LEMON BUTTER CUTICLE CREAM - generous sample 8.5g - gorgeous lemon scented balm, a little goes a long way and it doesn't leave your fingers greasy, I really like this one.

GATINEAU REFRESHHING MELTING SCRUB - 15ml sample - face scrub for all skin types.

DIRTY WORKS YOU SOFT TOUCH HAND CREAM - full-size 100ml - this hand cream smells divine and really leaves your hands soft, soaks right in with no greasy after-feel.  Dirty Works is a UK brand and I would be very interested to try more of their products, this one is lovely.

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COLOUR THEORY EYE SHADOW DUO - full-size- Berrylicious - generous sized pans of duo eye colour in a solid compact.  Affordable cosmetics range available at Amcal and Guardian chemists.  I really love the colour combination I received, two of my favourite shades.  These eye shadows are creamy and highly pigmented and I would be interested to see more of the colour range.

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INDIO EYE RISE - sample- 5ml - big fan of INDIO products and really look forward to trying this eye cream.  If you can get your hands on some INDIO Facial Scrub I highly recommend it, it is the best scrub I have ever used and my HG of facial scrubs.

REVLON NEARLY NAKED MAKEUP - 4 shade samples- I have received this before and bought the full-sized product, this was a bonus item.  This is a great light foundation for sheer coverage.

So that's it for this month, I think it was very good value for $15 and quite a few products I am happy to try. I love it when beauty boxes get it right.

What did you think?

JAC x0x