Desert Essence Organics Spicy Vanilla Chai for your body

I purchase a lot of my personal body care products from iHerb because they sell quality health products at a very reasonable price.  You can find them here and if you are a first time customer apply this code TUW872 at the checkout for $5-$10 off your first order.  You will then receive you own personal discount code that you can share with your friends and family.   Also the most I have ever paid for shipping to Australia was $9 and my latest package arrived within 5 days, that's quicker than AusPost most the time.

Desert Essence is a certified organic company with no nasties included in their products.  All the fragrances are derived from nature and they make just about everything for your personal hygiene needs and they do it naturally.  You can find out more about this wonderful company here.

I have been using the following two products pretty regularly because I just love the smell and then my husband pinched them so I had to go buy more.

DESERT ESSENCE ORGANICS - Spicy Vanilla Chai Body Wash - 237ml -  RRP $10.99, iHerb $6.05

If you love Chai Latte like I do, you are going to love this fragrance too.  It smells just like a hot cup of creamy Vanilla Chai Tea.  This body wash is super lathering ( I use a sponge mesh ball), you only need a little on a wet sponge and then lather up!  Big flip-top tube but is also available in a pump bottle for the same amount and price.

Contains black tea, sugar/coconut cleansers, aloe, vanilla, clove bud, comfrey, nettle, sea kelp and a few other goodies.

What I liked about this body wash is that it's organic and NOT expensive.  The aroma is mild and not overly Vanilla and my skin was left feeling moisturised (no tight soapy feeling) and clean.   You can find this product to purchase at iHerb here.

Hand and Body Lotion                                Body wash

It is quite a dark toned lotion, I think that's the black tea, doesn't effect your skin though.

DESERT ESSENCE ORGANICS - Spicy Vanilla Chai Hand and Body Lotion - 237ml - RRP $8.99, iHerb $6.05

Lovely thick moisturising lotion which you can use all over your body, contains aloe, shea butter and jojoba oil.  Vitamin E, black tea, vanilla, honeysuckle and clove bud.  Smells exactly like the body wash and the scent mellows on your skin to just the right balance of sweet Vanilla and Spice.  Does a great job of moisturising your skin, absorbs right in and there is no greasy after feel on your hands.  Leaves my skin feeling silky soft.

What I liked about this product again is that it is an organic, natural product and I like the feeling that I am not absorbing any nasties through my skin.  You can find this product to purchase at iHerb here.

This is definitely one for lovers of Chai Tea and if that is not your thing,  Desert Essence have many other products made with Raspberry, Coconut, Lemon, Apple, Mint etc that might tempt you instead.

Please leave a comment below and let me know of any Desert Essence products you like.

I think I might go have a cup of Chai Tea!

EUROPE IN A BOX - New monthly box

I recently subscribed to a new kind of sample box that I would like to share with you all.

I have been very fortunate in my life to have been able to travel and one of the biggest parts of travelling is the FOOD!!  I still crave that Four Cheese Pizza in Sorrento, the fresh creamy Fromage for breakfast every day in France and the best Thai Food, wait for it..........this side of Switzerland!

You can find out more about this fantastic box here and on Facebook here.

You can also read about Cyndie at her deliciously interesting blog here.

Well with this subscription the lovely Cyndie and her team are going to bring a little bit of Europe straight to our doorstep every month.

Each Europe in a Box contains;

Three hand-picked full-size gourmet treats, each originating from a different country in Europe (size varies depending on the product between 50g - 150g)

One authentic drink imported from Europe (200ml or 330ml)

Additional samples to introduce you to new tasty foods

A free gift in every box - keepsake

Educational, cultural and culinary information

Free Shipping

It's like having a mini holiday from the comfort of your own home!!

Cyndie tells me that we will receive gourmet treats from France, Italy, Spain, UK, Holland, Belgium etc.....I can't wait!

This would make a great "something different" gift idea for someone special.

There are three memberships available:

One Month - $53

Three Months - $149

Six Months - $289

The one month subscription is NOT a recurring transaction so you are not locked into a monthly payment scheme, I personally like this idea as it means I can purchase when I want.

I have purchased a box for my husband to celebrate our Anniversay next month.  He is notoriously difficult to buy for but being a dedicated FOODIE I think he is going to love this box.

Cyndie from Europe In a Box has kindly offered all my lovely readers two discount coupon codes if you would like to try this box too.

For $5 off a one month subscription use SPREADTHELOVE

For $10 off a three month subcription use DISCOVEREUROPE

These discounts are available until the 30th March.

Orders for the March box close on the 28th February all orders received after March 1st will be for the April box.

I am really looking forward to receiving my first box in March and I will be reviewing its contents here once I explain to my husband he can have his gift back once I photograph it! 

Europe In a Box donate a percentage of each sale to the worthy charity below.

I have not been paid for this review, I am sharing information with all my lovely readers whom I think might be interested in trying this box for themselves.

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.

Glitter Gal 3D Holographic Nail Polish - Light as a Feather

Promo photo

I wanted to share with you all this great nail polish from Glitter Gal I discovered recently, you can find out more about them here, they sell a fantastic range of nail polishes and cosmetics.

This is what Glitter Gal have to say about their nail polish. - "A true high intensity multi-chromatic 3D/Holographic effect which captures light and reflects a full spectrum of vivid colour.  Formulated with the highest blend of ingredients, including our fine and intense holographic formula, to create the most superior product available today on the international nail polish market."

I purchased a bottle of 'Light as a Feather' online and as soon as I opened the package I just had to try this.  I love this shade, it changes colour with the light and I just can't pin it down to one colour.  My husband says it is pearlescent as it changes between green, blue, grey, lavender and white, it really is like wearing a coat of mother of pearl on each of your nails.

I like that this polish is Australian owned and made and contains no nasties.  It was really easy to apply and drys quickly between coats (2).  What really impressed me was after four days of rigorous punishment by me it has not chipped once and looks as fresh as the day I applied.  Below is a photo of my stubby little nails taken just before I wrote this blog so you can see no chipping!!

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

I love love love this nail polish, it is a gorgeous muted shade that would suit any number of looks, Glitter Gal have a whole range of colours and if they are as good as this one I think I will be back for a whole lot more.  RRP $11.95 10ml or $17.95 15ml.

If you have tried Glitter Gal or know of some other great nail polishes please leave a comment below.

50 Things About Me

I was hoping to do my Lust Have It review but my box didn't turn up and now I have to wait until Monday's mail sigh..................

I thought I might do a 50 things about me because I have been seeing these pop up all over and thought it would be fun, if you would like to do this too consider yourself tagged.   I would love to read your blog so please leave a comment.

1.    My most important role, I am a wife and mother to four boys.
2.    I have two Angel girls in heaven
3.    I have five Miniature Irish Dexter Cows as pets, moo  :o)
4.    I have always loved animals and bring home strays ALL the time.
5.    I collect collections, I need a new house for all my collections.
6.    I used to be in the Army
7.    I was born in England but grew up in Australia.
8.    The name MatillyRose is in honour of my Gt Gran Matilda and my Gran Rose.
9.    I was a tomboy growing up, hated anything to do with dolls and pink
10.  Pink and Purple are my favourite colours.............
11.  I collect dolls, lol.......how things change huh?
12.  I ride motorbikes
13.  I am an Athletics coach
14.  I was a Chef and managed an Italian restaurant, I make really good lasagne!
15.  I love to knit and crochet
16.  I love a challenge
17.  I want to write a book that helps people
18.  I am incredibly shy but love to meet people, strange.............
19.  I love to travel, was a bit of a gypsy really till I had kids
20.  I am diabetic
21.  I hated my freckles growing up
22.  I can't stand it when things are uneven, I need balance!
23.  I never pay full price for anything, I am the Queen of the Bargains
24.  Icecream IS a breakfast food
25.  Men with Scottish accents make me weak at the knees
26.  I cry really easily, I am such a wuss!
27.  I don't drink or smoke.
28.  I am fussy about coffee and have been known to take my own when visiting friends.
29.  I don't drink water from the tap, I prefer mineral water.
30.  I don't like to wear shoes, even in winter.
31.  I treat ALL people the way I want to be treated, with Respect.
32.  I am very loyal to my friends and family.
33.  I love to draw
34.  I taught myself how to play the piano, guitar and mandolin
35.  My favourite saying when things are bad is This Too Shall Pass
36.  I don't watch TV
37.  If I wasn't a coach I would love to be someone's personal shopper
38.  I can't stand Dishonesty
39.  My favourite flowers are Purple Irises
40.  Autumn is my favourite season, all the colours, glorious.
41   I can't sleep with my arm hanging out of bed, yes there is a monster under my bed!!
42.  I love Pandora jewellry,  I AM a Pandora girl :o)
43.  Vincent Van Gogh is my favourite artist
44.  My favourite movie is The English Patient
45.  My favourite mini-series is Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth
46.  I can't watch movies which have cruelty to animals or children in them
47.  I have a very dry sense of humour which few people get
48.  I once went to a fancy dress party as a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, they STILL talk about it
49.  My favourite holiday is Christmas
50.  I love blogging!!

"Irises" - Vincent van Gogh 1889

BaByliss Pro Porcelain Conical Wand Review

BaByliss PRO PORCELAIN CONICAL WAND

The first thing I want to talk about with this wand is the RRP in Australia.  I searched australian websites looking for one of the these and the cheapest I could find was RRP $89.95 on special for $79.95.

One of my favourite online website from the UK is  HQhair (they sell more than hair products),  you can read about them here.  They sell these wands for £21.60 with free international delivery.  In aussie dollars this equates too, $32.53 delivered.  No comparison really is there?   That's less than half price.  The only thing with purchasing electrical goods from the UK, you need to invest in a UK to Aus plug adaptor, Korjo sell them here.  

Or you can buy them on ebay, they aren't all that expensive and it means you can purchase other electrical goodies from O/S.   Just make sure it is UK to AUS, not the other way around.

There are two size wands to choose from,  25mm - 13mm and 32mm - 19mm.  Because I wanted loose wavy curls I went for the wider barrel.  Included extras with my BaByliss were a large heat mat and a pair of finger protectors.   The BaByliss has 25 heat settings,  depending on your hair type, the thicker your hair,  the more heat you need to penetrate and hold the curl.

My first experience told me I needed more practise, my arms got tired.  I found the finger protectors to be useless because they didn't fit properly and the thumb was HUGE.  As long as you are careful and use a mirror you won't burn your fingers, I didn't burn my fingers but I did get it too close to my scalp, so you need to be careful if your curling around your face, the wand gets very hot.  

You can vary the curl depending on the amount of hair you pick up, less hair means tighter curls.  I found with my thick hair, I was counting about 20 seconds for each section of hair.  The larger wand (wider end closest to roots) meant that the curl was concentrated more around my mid to lower sections and just added some body around my scalp, which is exactly what I wanted it to do, so I was really pleased.

The day I washed my hair, I only curled the top layer and as you can see it ended up being wavy with straight bits. It was curlier straight after styling but by the time I took this photo the weight of my hair had dropped a bit but I was very happy with the result.

www.matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

Products I used were. John Frieda Frizz Ease Curl Perfecting Spray the instructions say to apply to damp hair and then blow dry, I did this and it made my hair frizzy :o(  I don't know if I am doing something wrong but it certainly didn't add curl as described.  It was still a little frizzy in the photo here and it isn't normally like this.  I received this in my Feb BB box but my experience so far isn't a positive one.

So with that failure I sprayed it all down with TRESemme Heat Tamer Protective Spray.  This is what I regularly use to straighten my hair as it protects from heat and helps style your hair.  It worked a treat as it always does and helped set my curls.

I then finished with some TRESemme Salon Finish Hairspray just to help hold the curl.

The following day when my hair was less 'just washed' frizzy, I used the BaByliss Wand again and the photos below were the result.

www.matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

Please excuse my lack of makeup!  I still kept the curl mid-length down but using the wider end of the barrel up top has given me some lift at the roots.  I found that the Wand was much easier to use the second time around and the curl/wave has stayed in a lot better.  To keep the curl you are better off just running your fingers through your hair and scrunching, brushing makes it more wavy.

www.matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

Overall I am really happy with my BaByliss Wand.  I think I need to play around a bit more with it and experiment with different styles.  Even though it is the wider barrel, you can still get some pretty tight curls so unless you want really curly hair I would recommend the larger BaByliss.

You can find a Conical Wand Tutorial by Tanya Burr here, there a probably hundreds of others but I really like watching her.

I certainly recommend that if you want to save some serious money that you purchase from a reputable overseas seller like HQhair.  I have purchased from them several times, they ship within 24 hours and delivery is usually between 4-8 days to Australia.  My items are always well packed, communication is great and I have never experienced any problems.  They always have tempting discounts and special offers and I guarantee you will save money.

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Golden Rule Review

Hya this is just a quick blog with photos about the new nail polish I received in my February bellabox here.

Firstly let me apologise for my stubby little nails, I could just about hide my head in shame and thought very hard before I published the following photos.  Soooo embarassed.

I work in athletics with children and need to keep my fingernails trimmed short and generally I only ever wear  nude/light pinks shades on my finger nails.  What I love to paint is my toe nails and this is probably where I would get the most use out of this gorgeous glittering polish.

SALLY HANSEN COMPLETE SALON MANICURE - Golden Rule

www.matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

The next photo is a swatch of Golden Rule with 3 coats and then one coat of Golden rule over a bronze nail polish that I can't remember the name of sorry!!

Golden Rule 3 coats  ~  Golden Rule 1 coat
matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

I don't think I will be giving my day job up anytime soon to be a hand model!!

www.matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

The photo above gives you some idea of the different tones of gold through this gorgeous nail polish.

I actually painted three coats though I feel I could probably get away with two but I wanted to make sure the golden glitter showed up for the camera.  It is such a rich golden colour it makes me feel like my nails have been dusted with gold leaf.

Applies easily and drys quickly in between coats, the polish feels a little rough on my nails from the glitter but they also feel very strong.

Lovely glossy look with a gilded edge, I really like this colour.  This shade really comes into it's own at night under lights turning into a rich luxurious gold.  I think this would pull off a Little Black Dress with minimal gold jewellery perfectly.

This nail polish is suppose to be chip resistant but I will give you an update on that in a few days.  UPDATE: By day 4 I was noticing that some of the glitter had worn off around the tips of my nails, no chipping just general wear and tear.  What I like about glitter is that because there is uneven glitter coverage you don't notice so much.

I don't think I would wear this on a daily basis it's very glam but the more I wear it the more I love it.  I did apply one coat to my nails when it first arrived over the nude champagne shade I was wearing and it did look very swish, unfortunately I removed it before thinking of taking a photo to show you all, DUH!!

Please leave a comment below I would love to hear your thoughts or recommendations for some of your favourite Glam nail polishes.

bellabox February 2013

Get Set to shimmer and shine for Valentine time!

NUXE HUILE PRODIGIEUSE - LUXE - 10ml sample,  50ml RRP $24.95.  I am really excited to receive this product, I have heard good things and have been wanting to try this for a while.  This is a multipurpose nourishing oil to use on your face, body and hair, smells amazing!

SALLY HANSEN COMPLETE SALON MANICURE - Golden Rule - fullsize RRP $14.95.  This nail polish is targeted at those of us who don't have time for a salon mani.  Gel like shine, fast and easy application, chip resistant.  This is gold glitter, has a big thick brush, goes on easy, lots of glitter and looks really pretty.

JOHN FRIEDA FRIZZ-EAZE DREAM CURLS CURL PERFECTING SPRAY - 30ml sample, RRP $16.99 198mls.  I am really interested to try this because I just purchased a Babyliss Pro conical curling wand and you can use this spray to hold pre-set curls.

BATISTE DRY SHAMPOO - 30g sample, RRP $9.95 150ml.  Another tin of dry shampoo, yep!!  Please read my blog here about all the different uses for dry shampoo.

U SKIN SOLUTIONS CLEAN AND GO EXFOLIATING GEL CLEANSER - teeny tiny sample, RRP $30.95, 125mls.  A word of advice to U Skin Solutions, if you are going to give away samples of your products to potential customers you might want to make the samples big enough too SAMPLE and you might also want to put them in containers that DON"T leak all over everything!!  This cleanser smelt good, the ingredients sound good but I don't have a clue how it works because there was nothing left in the teeny tiny jar to try.

BANANA BOAT SPORT SPF 30+ - BONUS PRODUCT, sample size sachet.  RRP $14.99, 200g.  I have used Banana Boat for years on my kids and myself, great range of products.

OK that's it for me this month, I was a little disappointed I didn't receive the Eye of Horus Bronze Eyeliner but then I NEVER receive the expensive full-size products, I don't know how you get on that list.

If you would like to subscribe to BB please go here.

Pretty happy with what I did receive besides the spilt cleanser, I can use just about everything.

uspa supernatural haircare review

I just wanted to share with you a couple of photos of the activity around our bird feeder the past two days.

I have been trying to get a photo of all these cockatoos that have been coming down for the sunflower seeds, they are very flighty and even if I move at the window it has been impossible to get a good photo.

This cheeky fella decided the bird feeder was his and he wasn't going to share with no-one!

But the Sparrows had other ideas and as soon as he flew off they would quickly come down scoop up huge beak fulls of seed and then fly away before he came back.

I have been standing at the kitchen window in the morning watching, it's very entertaining.

Do you have any interesting wildlife near you?

I just wanted to do a quick review of a couple of hair products I am in love with at the moment.  I colour my hair on a regular basis and needed to find something to protect my hair from fading and control frizzing.  I have been using the following two products to great effect for months, in fact this is all I use to style and protect my hair these days.

uspa supernatural WHEATGRASS SOLAR ENERGY LEAVE-IN SERUM 150ML

Because I spend a lot of time outdoors,  I need to protect my hair colour.  This serum contains Wheatgrass which protects colour treated hair from fading.  Silicone and Glycerin for smoothing and moisturising and Essential oils Orange, Tangerine and Clary.  Provides UV, thermal protection, reduces hair damage and smells yummy, in fact I often just open the lid and sniff this it smells so good!

I use this serum every time after I wash and condition my hair.  I work a small amount through my hair concentrating on the mid-shaft and ends and then I let it dry naturally.  You can blowdry and style if you want but unless I am going somewhere I rarely have the time .  That's what I like about this serum, it leaves my hair looking natural and shiny with no frizz.  I can put it up in a ponytail and off I go.  Just like we need protection for our skin we need it for our hair too.

uspa supernatural BEEHOLD STYLING GEL 150ML

Contains Honey and Essential oils Ylang Ylang and Elemi.  Locks in moisture and protects against heat styling.

I love this gel, I use it when I straighten my hair.  Leaves my hair looking healthy and shiny and I believe adds a richness to my blonde streaks, they just seem to stand out more.  Keeps the frizzies at bay and holds my style all day.   I have curly/wavy long hair that just wants to bounce away but this gel gives me a really nice sleek finish.  Smells gorgeous.

With both these products you don't need a lot and they last quite a long time even with long hair.  The handy lid just screws open but doesn't come off so you have more control what your squeezing out of the bottle.  Great for travelling because there is no way that lid is going to come off.

You can find out more about this great Aussie company and all their hair and skincare line here.  I certainly will be going back to try more of their products.

Please let me know if you have tried any of uspa's products and what you think of them and any recommendations about what I should try next, I would love to hear from you.

WOTNOT Facial Wipes review

Here's a quick review on a product I have been loving that I wanted to share with you all.

WOTNOT FACIAL WIPES  $7.95

This product is a natural organic facial wipe which contain no nasties but does contain all natural, thick cloths infused with Organic Aloe Vera, Sweet Almond, Jojoba and Rosehip oils.

Not only do these cloths cleanse your face thoroughly they calm irritations and moisturise as well.

I use facial wipes all the time and I thought that the redness and burning I felt was just part of using a face wipe.  Boy was I wrong, NOT with wotnot wipes.

These wipes contain 25 super thick cloths and where I would have had to use two cloths from other brands to remove all my makeup,  I only have to use one wotnot facial wipe.  Super moist and they don't dry out.  I love the way they make my skin feel, very cool and refreshing if you keep them in the fridge.  They remove every bit of daily grime, makeup and even waterproof mascara without irritating your eyes.  I find I don't even have to use as much moisturiser because my skin feels so soft and there is no tight feeling at all.

wotnot are an Australian eco-friendly company who sell biodegradable organic products and you can read more about them here and purchase online at EcoDirect here.

EcoDirect have some good specials here that you can take advantage of.  I purchased the following two Brush packs.

\

Foundation Pack Special  $14.95

Eye Pack Special $27.85.

You purchase the makeup brushes and receive a free pack of facial wipes.

These makeup brushes are individually hand made with satin lacquered bamboo handles and synthetic fibre bristles.  They are very dense and feel great on your skin.   I am very happy with the quality and will be giving an updated review on the brushes once I use them a bit.

I recommend you give them a go.  EcoDirect sell a great range of natural organic products for baby and family, very reasonably priced and I don't think you will be disappointed.

If you have used wotnot facial wipes I would love to here what you think, please comment below.

NEW!! Beauty Box for Oz - Her Fashion Box

You can read my review of HFB first ever box here

I just subscribed to a new beauty box that starts in Australia next month.  UPDATE, first box is being shipped 4th March.........UPDATE, the first box is now being shipped on the 8th March.

It's a little more expensive than your regular beauty box subscriptions at $49.95 per month but if it's full of Luxe products relevant to my interests, I am happy to pay that.  UPDATE HFB have now lowered their price to $39.95 per month.

I signed up for their monthly subscription today with their first box due out in March.

Checkout their website here and their Facebook page here

There are three boxes to choose from

Trendy Box

You love bright colours, making a statement and rocking the latest accessories straight from the runway, whether it be the latest print, neon, studs or whatever comes next.

You love trying the latest beauty and lifestyle products and are open to embracing new looks.

You keep ahead of the trends (or you'd like to) so the Trendy box is for you!

Classic Box

You are the classic woman chic and polished.  You like a look that is modern yet elegant.

When it comes to beauty, you prefer a natural look with earthy tones, a statement eye or splash of colour.

If timeless beauty describes your style, then the classic box is right for you!

Feminine Box

You embrace your femininity with a love for florals, pastels, polka dots and fun accessories

You choose beauty products that enhance your natural features but aren't afraid to wear a bright lip.

Pretty and sweet is who you are so the feminine box is what you want!

I signed up for the Feminine Box because I love all things that are pink and would like to add a little fun in my life.  BUT if you find that your box of choice doesn't suit you as much as you thought it would just email HFB and they will change boxes on your profile so next month you will receive a different box.

What you will receive each month;

Every month, you'll receive a beautifully packaged Her Fashion Box to your home or office!  Inside will be an on-trend fashion accessory tailored to your style profile, as well as a number of carefully selected beauty products or delux size samples from high-end, boutique and cult brands from around the world.  Each month will be a different mix of beauty products, ranging from makeup, skincare, fragrances, body, hair and nail.  In addition to your fashion accessory and beauty products or samples, Her Fashion Box will bring you products, samples or offers from premium lifestyle brands that could include things such as gorgeous stationery, luxury candles, beauty or spa services, hair and make-up tools, gourmet food or wine tasters, cute home wares, online products, entertainment and more.

Sounds great doesn't it?  I am super excited to receive this box and Her Fashion Box have generously offered a 50% discount off their first box.

Enter code:  MATILLYROSE at the checkout to receive your discount.

Don't forget to fill out your Style Profile so that HFB can personalise your box to your beauty needs and interests. 

It is an extensive profile which ask the usual questions;  skin type, hair, the colours you like to wear but then it asks you what your general interests are, colour jewellry you wear, pierced ears, where you usually purchase your cosmetics from, your cosmetic preferences ie; vegan, organic, natural etc.....  

It proves to me that this is a company that wants to make sure that their customers receive the best products and services tailored to their personal preferences.

Liebster Award Nomination

Lovely Kayte from Imminent Beauty has nominated me for the Liebster Award, an award for blogs with less than 200 followers.

Here are the rules;

1.  Link back to the person who nominated you
2.  Write 11 random facts about yourself
3.  Answer 11 questions from the person who nominated you
4.  Come up with 11 questions to ask the 11 people you nominate.

11 Random facts about me

1.    I emigrated from the UK to Australia with my family when I was six
2.    I was a tomboy growing up
3.    I had my first kiss when I was 15, I would describe it as wet!!
4.    I am the Mother of Identical Twin Boys
5.    I am so terrified of Sharks I won't even go near them at the Aquarium
6.    I prefer baths to showers, I love to soak
7     I collect Beanie Kids, I have hundreds
8.    I like to ride very fast motorcycles
9.    I am very quiet and shy, blogging is my therapy :o)
10.  I have 8 tattoos
11.  I have eaten ice cream for breakfast

My questions from Kayte;

1.    What is the furthest  place you have travelled too?
       The UK to Australia
2.    What was the first makeup product you owned?
       I received a makeup bag with Boots cosmetics when I was 12 
       hence my lifelong addiction to makeup
3.    Favourite Holiday you've been on?
       My Mum and I travelled the UK, Europe and Hong Kong for 
       8 weeks in 2005 we had a fantastic time
4.    Favourite makeup product? 
       Lipgloss
5.    What is your dream job? 
       I like what I do now but I would love to be rich enough
       to not have to work and volunteer my time instead.
6.    Your first pet?
       The first one I can remember is a black labrador called Ben
7.    False lashes or false nails?
       False nails
8.    If you were a character from Friends who would you be?
       I never watched Friends, I don't watch TV
9.   What are you looking forward to most this year?
       More time for myself 
10.  What is the best present you ever received.
        My Engagement Ring
11.  What is your favourite childhood memory?
       Even though we were poor, my Dad always made 
       Christmas very special for my sisters and I 

Here are the 11 blogs I nominate for a Liebster Award - this was really hard as I am new to this but I have nominated some of my favourite bloggers I love to read about

Glamfortan
dream dust
seducedbybeauty
mainly meghan
Paige Humm
allthingspretty
hellocharlieee
missbeautyblogger
Luxe Life Aspirations
Keep calm and sparkle
A Brunettes Beauty Blog


My 11 questions for you;

1.    Which Disney princess would you be?
2.    What's your favourite flavour ice cream?  
3.    Where would you go on your dream holiday?
4.     Favourite drink?
5.     Favourite movie?
6.     Best nail polish brand you have ever used?
7.     To Tattoo or Not to Tattoo?
8.     Your most scariest moment?
9.     Cat person or Dog person?
10.   Do you collect anything?
11.   Tell a secret about yourself no-one else knows


Kayte thank you for nominating me, I had lots of fun doing this :o)  I hope my nominations enjoy this as much as I did.

Leave a comment below so I can come and read your answers :oD

Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman Brush Review

I recently purchased two sets of Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman Brushes from iHerb.  You can find them by clicking on the links.  The Base/Flawless Core Collection and  Your Eyes/Enhanced Starter Set.

I had heard good things about these brushes through blogs and reviews but wasn't that interested in purchasing as they are so expensive in Australia and I already have a massive brush collection.

When I saw them on iHerb for $17.99 each   I couldn't believe the price difference and thought I would give them a go.

The Base/Flawless Core Collection RRP in Australia is $44.99 - RRP iHerb is $17.99.

realtechniques.com

- contour brush
- foundation brush
- detailer brush
- buffing brush


Your Eyes/Enhanced Starter Set RRP in Australia is $39.99 - RRP iHerb is $17.99.

realtechniques.com

- deluxe crease brush
- base shadow brush
- accent brush
- eyeliner brush
- brow brush

The first thing I liked when I received this brushes was the sturdy case which doubles up as a stand just by flipping the wallet over and pulling on the toggle.

Professional looking brushes, aluminium colour coded handles in bronze (face) and purple (eyes).

The taklon brushes are soft but what I really like is that they are workable because of the dense bristles.  There is nothing worse than weak wishy-washy brushes.

Every single brush in these two collections is useable.  The only thing I would add in the base collection is a larger foundation brush, this one is too small for all over application.

In the face collection I would add a smaller base eye shadow brush and crease brush.  I found the ones in the kit to be too big and fluffy, GREAT for all over eye shadow application not so good for defined separate colours.

I really like these brushes, usually in collections you will find one or two brushes you will reach for every time but I have found that I pretty much use all of these brushes when applying my makeup.  Good brushes don't have to cost the earth and I would compare these brushes favourably with more expensive brands that I own.

There are individual brushes available too if you only want a couple of brushes but the collections are very good value and a great introduction.

You can find out more about Real Techiniques by Samantha Chapman brushes and makeup tutorials here.

For an even bigger discount for first time customers at iHerb apply code TUW872 at checkout for an extra $5-$10 off your order.

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

Mirenesse Glamm Box Review February 2013

Today I received February's Glamm Boxes from Mirenesse.  There are three boxes available at $15 each, Makeup, Mixed and Skincare.

MAKEUP - 2 items this month.

SP Diamond Collection Lip Minis - RRP $51.80 - VIP $41.42 - Flash Sale $23.57

Contains travel sized;

Velvet Lip Lift Moisture Shine 1.5g in Gold Rose, Anemone, Bird of Paradise and Platinum.

AUTO EYE/LIP LINER DUET - Ebony/Rose - RRP $35 VIP $28

This is a double ended waterproof Black eyeliner and Rose lip liner.


I think there was a bit of overkill on the lips this month, I would have liked to have seen some more of their other makeup range.  A nice blush, highlighter or even a bronzer instead.

MIXED MAKEUP/SKINCARE - 3 items this month.

VIVA ETERNAL GLOSS - Play Bunny - RRP $29.95 - VIP $23.96

Very Red and lots of sparkles.

PURIFY EYE & LIP MAKEUP REMOVER  10g mini RRP $9.95 - VIP $7.96

Tried it already don't like it, this is a very small sample that I used all in one go last time and it STILL didn't remove all my eye makeup.  Only positive, didn't make my eyes sting.

TIGHT LINER HYDRA GEL EYE LINER - Caviar Black - RRP $29.95 - VIP $24.96

SKINCARE - 3 items this month.

POWER CLEAR D-BLEMISH HYDRATION SERUM - RRP $12.95 - VIP $10.09

Gentle moisturiser for blemish prone skin.

POWER LIFT MULTI ACTION SILK CLEANSER 10g  - RRP$7.95- VIP $6.36 

Nice cleanser but so repetitive, it comes as a freebie in just about every order.   Please Mirenesse if these boxes are to entice customers to buy something different put something different in the box!

POWER LIFT WRINKLE ZERO DAY REFINING SERUM  10g - RRP $42.50 - VIP $34

Wow I can't believe how expensive two teaspoons of serum can be!

FREE GIFT FOR SPENDING OVER $40

DIAMOND COLLECTION LIP MINIS 1.5g each - Rose Musk, Peach Glow, Strawberry Frost & Rose.  RRP $51.80 - VIP - $41.42 - FLASH SALE - $23.57

Well that's it for this month.  I seem to have received an over abundance of Lip gloss, I would like Mirenesse to throw in some products I might not think of purchasing and tempt me, please!

Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think of these boxes or if your thinking of purchasing them for yourself.  I would love to hear your thoughts.

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.