Favourite Bellabox items repurchased

When I went to leave feedback for the items I received in June's BB box (you can read my review here).  I noticed that I had now been subscribed to BB for over 13 months and I was looking through all the items I had received in the past year (which is listed in your BB account) and I thought it would be nice to do a blog on all my favourite products that were introduced to me through Bellabox.

These are all products that I have gone on to re-purchase full-size and are now a part of my beauty routine.

www.purefiji.com

1.   PURE FIJI HYDRATING BODY LOTION ~  MAY 2012 ~ Coconut ~ this is a luxurious body lotion made with coconut milk which smells divine, if you can't go to a tropical island you can at least bring a little of it home with you.  I have since visited the Pure Fiji website  (they do ship internationally) and purchased several more of their wonderful products.   I love ALL their infusions but my favourites would have to be Coconut, Island Bliss and Coconut Milk & Honey.

2.   NEUTROGENA AGELESS INTENSIVES DEEP WRINKLE EYE CREAM ~ JULY 2012 ~ this is my all time favourite eye cream and I am about to open my second tube.  One tube will last you approx. a year with constant daily use, you can read my mini reviews here and here.

3.   ALMAY GET UP AND GROW MASCARA ~ JULY 2012 ~ definitely one of my favourite mascaras of all time, I have purchased this mascara in black and brown shades about four times now, you can read my mini review here.

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

4.   emerginC SCIENTIFIC ORGANICS phytocell cream ~ AUGUST 2012 ~ this is quite an expensive facial moisturiser, $105 for 50ml but if you can purchase it on sale or use your BB points like I did, it is worth the extra money.  Shop around you can usually find it reduced, on sale or comes with a GWP.  Contains concentrated Grape Stem Cells designed to revitalise, renew and protect skin.  Seaweed extract promotes cellular metabolism to re-balance and re-mineralise your skin.  Improves skin tone and texture and is extremely hydrating.  I love the smell (slightly orange citrus) and the thickness of this cream, my skin just drinks it up and it leaves my face looking hydrated and plump, my skin looks and feels great after using this cream.

5.   4ME NAIL POLISH REMOVER PADS ~ NOVEMBER 2012 ~ these are the greatest little nail polish removers, very convenient for travelling.   Acetone and alcohol free, conditions your nails and cuticles as it removes your polish.   They are great for wrapping around an orange stick and cleaning up around your cuticles.  I have repurchased these several times, you get 30 pre-soaked pads for $3.49 and they are available here.

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

6.   AURORA SPA ULTRA RICH BODY CREAM ~ JANUARY 2013 ~ this is a more expensive body moisturiser but so worth it.  It is just as the name suggest ULTRA RICH and if your skin is thirsty and dry it's gonna love it, I know mine does.  It is available at the Aurora Spa website and I think if you suffer from very dry skin like I do especially in winter you need to treat yourself to some.  Contains Shea Butter, Macadamia,  Lavender, Sandalwood, Geranium, Grape, Carrot and Olive oils.  Has a wonderful botanical smell and just makes you feel good.  Available in 200ml and 500ml.

7.   FACE OF AUSTRALIA COLOUR MAX EYESHADOW PALETTE ~ JANUARY 2013 ~ Gold Mine ~  I really like Face of Australia Cosmetics, their products are all very reasonably priced and they are good quality cosmetics that last.  I received Gold Mine which is a palette of four brown/gold/nude highly pigmented shades with a choice of matte, satin and shimmer finishes making this palette great for day and night.  Comes with a very useful HOW TO on the back of the palette.

Gold Mine

I went to Priceline and purchased the remaining two palette variations,  - Mercury Rising - Smoky Eye & Northern Lights - Purple.

Mercury Rising  &  Northern Lights

8.   NATIO PURE MINERAL SKIN PERFECTING BB CREAM ~ JANUARY 2013 ~ of all the western BB creams this would have to be my favourite, I have repurchased for myself and my Mum.  Has that great NATIO botancial aroma, leaves my skin looking great, doesn't break me out and the colour doesn't fade or melt off my face in summer.  I tend to steering away from foundation and sticking to BB cream these days, less is more, and this cream looks more natural.  Available in 3 shades, Fair, Medium and Tan.  You can read more of my mini review and see a swatch of fair here.  If you would like to read more visit Natio here.

9.   NUXE HUILE PRODIGIEUSE ~ Multi-purpose oil ~ FEBRUARY 2013 ~ If I was only allowed to bring one product to a desert island this would be it.  This multi-purpose dry oil can be used to moisturise your face, body and hair.  Makes a very relaxing massage oil or add some salt to the oil and use it to exfoliate your body.  Great for travelling if you can only take a minimum amount of skincare with you, because it replaces the need for several products.  With its wonderful aroma of orange blossom, plum, white lily, amber, vanilla and cedar wood this oil  can be used as an all over body perfume or just a hint of scent on your pulse points.

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10.  SALLY HANSEN COMPLETE SALON MANICURE  ~ FEBRUARY 2013 ~ I received the shade  GOLDEN RULE and you can read my full review and see photos here.  I have gone on to purchase several different shades from the range at Priceline, I find the formula is easy to apply,  long lasting and with some of the polishes you can get away with one coat.

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

11.   YES TO CARROTS C ME SHINE LIP GLOSS ~ MARCH 2013 ~ Rose Bliss ~ Almost a clear frosty thick peppermint gloss, what I like about the YES TO range is they are 95% organic.  I have since purchased another tube in the shade Carrot's Kiss which is more of a pink shade, doesn't add a lot of colour but I prefer a nude glossy lip anyway.  It is the moisturising qualities of this gloss I like the most, no dryness and it stays on your lips for a long time, looks great over lipstick.  I love YES TO lip products and own quite a few you can read my mini review on the C ME BLUSH Lip Tints here.

12.   INDIO FACIAL SCRUB ~ APRIL 2013 ~ this would have to be my all time favourite exfoliant.  Very gentle and leaves my skin soft with no dryness or irritation.   If you have sensitive skin prone to redness and irritation I highly recommend you try this scrub.  You can read my mini review here.

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

13.  CEDEL DRY CONDITIONER ~  APRIL 2013 ~ I was expecting this to be like the Dry Shampoo,  a spray formula which moisturised your hair.  Now while I am NOT a big fan of dry shampoo this is just a moisturising mousse cream which is surprisingly good. Can be applied to wet or dry hair, helps untangle and de-frizz and doesn't make your hair greasy or weigh it down.

14.  NATIO NAIL COLOUR ~ JUNE 2013 ~ Valentine ~ Natio Nail Colour is free of formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl phthalate, fast drying and chip resistant. Gorgeous shade that needs two coats as it is a little sheer, I went out and purchased a couple more shades today, I really like the formula and the brush.

Valentine  -  one coat  -  two coats
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Described as a classic red,  the first coat has a real pink tinge to it and then the second coat brings out the red.  You can find all the shades available on the NATIO website, or you can purchase them from Priceline. I went and purchased ADORE & EXCITE today at Priceline.

ADORE  &  EXCITE

So that is what Bellabox has introduced me too, which I have loved enough to go out and repurchase.  I would love to know what products Bellabox has introduced you too and you have repurchased in the last year, please leave a comment below or better yet I would love to see you blog about it.

If you would love to try Bellabox for yourself please visit their website here and purchase a monthly subscription for $15 per month.

Jac x0x

Everything Orange

For the past few months I have been attracted to items that are Orange.

I don't know why but I just love the look and smell of orange citrus in my cosmetics, hair and skincare products.

If it smells of oranges, looks orange or has orange on the label I want it.

It's really weird, I know.  It isn't even close to be being my favourite colour.

Here are some Orange products I have been loving so far..............

MUA- Makeup Academy - I Want U -  Nail Polish

www.muastore.co.uk

I have it on my toes right now!!

CLINIQUE - Chubby Stick - Oversized Orange - Lip Balm

www.clinique.com.au

Looks quite bright but applies sheer. it's more peach toned with a slight glossy frosting.

BENEFIT - Cha Cha Cha Tint - Cheek and Lip Stain

www.benefitcosmetics.com

 

Now straight out the bottle this looks orange but it dries to a beautiful peachy/coral hue, looks great on summer skin and lips.

LIME CRIME - 6th Element - Orange Liquid Eyeliner

www.limecrimemakeup.com

Now this is Fanta Orange and I am not bold enough to wear a complete orange look on my eyes but orange enhances the blue in my eyes so I am not adverse to wearing a little of this close to my lashes.

MIRENESSE - Power Lift Micro Dynamic Foam Cleanser - contains Organic Orange Oil

www.mirenesse.com

This Facial cleanser smells divine, just like oranges.  Does a great job of cleansing your skin without drying it out too.

NOW SOLUTIONS - Hyaluronic Acid Moisturiser - AM Fine Line Smoothing & Repair - Mature Skin

www.iherb.com

Now Solutions have a range of skincare for mature skin and they ALL have this wonderful Orange Citrus aroma.  Super moisturising and they work really well on dry mature skin.  I purchase mine from www.iherb.com and my gift to you,  if you use the following code: TUW872 at the checkout,  you will receive a discount with your first purchase and they do ship internationally.

ANDALOU NATURALS - Moisture Rich Styling Cream -Sweet Orange and Argan

www.iherb.com

This is a lovely leave in hair conditioner that leaves your hair smelling divine, you only need a little to moisturise and smooth your hair.   I also purchased this from iHerb.

AUBREY - Creme de la Shave -Orange Shave Cream

www.iherb.com

This a a beautiful moisturising natural shaving cream for you legs.  My husband also uses this for his face as he is sensitive to shaving soap.  A little goes a long way, lubricates and softens hairs for a close shave.  This is also an iHerb purchase, in fact I can go a little bit mad shopping there as they have so many orange products.

PURE FIJI - Nourishing Exotic Oil - Orange Blossom

www.purefiji.com

This oil can be used as a hair treatment, massage oil, moisturiser and my favourite is to apply it after shaving my legs.  Leaves your skin smooth, supple and smelling oh so good.

URBAN RITUELLE - Cocoa Butter Vegetable Soap - Mango

www.urbanrituelle.com

I know it's not technically Orange but look at that colour!

MAURA AND WIRTZ - Acqua Colonia - Cologne - Blood Orange and Basil

www.4711.com

I know Basil right?   But it just works, refreshing splash on a hot day, I love this fragrance.

So there you go that is some of my favourite Orange goodies that I am loving at the moment.

Please don't forget to leave a comment, I would love to hear what some of your favourites are.

One of my favourite artists also loved to use Orange in his paintings, I just love the vivid colours.

Still Life With Basket and Six Oranges 1888 ~ Vincent Van Gogh


There is no blue without yellow and without orange ~ Vincent Van Gogh

Beauty Repurchased Tried and True Skin Care

Since I have been receiving monthly beauty boxes this year I have found that I am purchasing many new items to add to my beauty regime.

I realised though that with all the changes there were still some tried and true products that I always repurchase as nothing comes close to replacing them.

MACRO VITAMIN E CREAM 100g glass jar RRP $11.00 - I have blogged about this amazing cream before but it is worth another mention.  I can't remember how many times I have repurchased this little jar of goodness but it is the last cream I put on my face and hands every night and it is my miracle cream that I can't live without.  This rich emollient cream is very good for dry, sensitive skin, repairs skin damage, sunburn and reverses the signs of ageing.  I credit this cream for keeping my skin in such good condition, I am often told I look at least 10 years younger.

NEUTROGENA AGLESS INTENSIVES DEEP WRINKLE EYE CREAM 14g tube RRP $30 but I have found it cheaper on special for about $22 at Priceline.  This is THE best eye cream I have ever used, it does everything it claims to do.  The most telling thing for me is that every time I stop using it to try another eye cream sample all the puffiness comes back under my eyes.  This is the only eye cream that stops my eyes from puffing.  Fine lines are diminished, shadows and crepe like eyelids are gone and the puffiness of course.  I also use this around my lips, marionette lines and forehead, this is a great cream for all those deep wrinkles.  It won't remove them completely but my face looks a LOT smoother and makeup looks better.

LACURA RENOVAGE INTENSIVE SERUM 30ml RRP $19.99.  This is an Aldi brand, which I am quite impressed with, I have tried the whole range but this is the one that I have repurchased twice now.  It makes a great makeup base, plumps and moisturises your skin ready for foundation.  I feel my makeup looks better and lasts longer when I use this cream.  Great value, only need one pump for face and neck so lasts a long time and definitely worth trying.

YES TO BLUEBERRIES LINE REDUCING LIP TREATMENT 2g RRP US$9.00.  I have yet to find this stocked in Australia and have to repurchase from the US.  This natural treatment/lip balm is well worth the effort if you can get hold of it.  I have seen great improvement with the dryness of my lips,  it's super moisturising and has no greasy after feel.  Makes a great base, primer for lipstick/gloss.  I use this morning and night to keep my lips in plump luscious top condition.

VASELINE LIP BALM SPF30+ 4g RRP $2.95.  This is my go too lip balm whenever I am working or playing outside in the sun and wind.  Thick application that stays put and great protection in our Aussie conditions.  I have one of these in every hand bag, my husband and kids all use this fantastic lip balm.  Stays on for hours and only needs reapplying every four hours.  Out of all the lip balms I own this would have to be the longest lasting and best protection, I have been buying this for years.

KOSMEA RADIANCE 24/7 YOUTH BOOST 20ml RRP $39.95.  This lovely oil from Kosmea uses organic Rosehip oil with the added goodness of Seabuckthorn, Camellia and Pomegranate oils.  I started off just using the Kosmea Rosehip Oil but this is better.  I use it as part of my night routine, you only need 2-3 drops on damp skin, gives your face a healthy moisturising boost of antioxidants.  My face has never looked better, my skin definitely has a healthier glow about it and skin texture is tighter and more youthful looking.

ROC RETINOL CORREXION DEEP WRINKLE NIGHT CREAM 30ml tube RRP $19.99US.  I purchase this from Amazon as I haven't found it in Australia.  I am on to my third tube and haven't found anything that comes close to replacing it yet as a night cream.  Contains Retinol a pure form of vitamin A which stimulates the growth of new skin cells and helps keep your skin looking younger.  Can make your skin appear red with initial use so it is best to use it every second day until you get used to it, don't be alarmed if you persist the redness will go away.  You can use this under another moisturiser, I like to use Macro Vitamin E cream.   This cream has helped control all the flaky and dry spots I used to get, it work like an exfoliater to reveal younger looking skin.

PURE FIJI HYDRATING BODY LOTION 354ml RRP $29.95.  This has been my go too body lotion this year, I have purchased just about all the fragrances available but my favourite would have to be Coconut.  Smells wonderful and is super moisturising, I have really dry skin and go through moisturiser by the bucket.  Pure Fiji helps keep my skin moisturised all day and is the next best thing to a tropical getaway, just close your eyes and inhale.

I have repurchased other items but these are the ones that really stand out for me.  I will be doing a Beauty Repurchased Tried and True Cosmetics next.

Please don't forget to leave a comment, I would love to hear what some of your favourites are.