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

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.

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

 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.

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

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.

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

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

Bellabox March 2014

Today I received my March selection from BB.

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au
Sorry I forgot to add the shampoo samples they are below

MODELCO  Party Proof Cream Lipstick - Truffle - RRP$16.95 - Super long lasting pigmented lipstick. Yay!! I actually received a gorgeous Berry shade that I can use.  I really like this lipstick, nice and creamy, non-sticky and doesn't dry your lips out in fact it's quite moisturising.  It is long lasting, I have been sitting here with it on while I write this review and the colour hasn't budged or faded.

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

Australian Bush Flower Intensive Eye Serum - 15ml sample - Made with Australian Bush Flower Essences, gentle yet intensive organic eye cream.  This is an Australian made version of Bach Flowers except they are made with Aussie plants.

PHYTOMER Expert Youth Correction Cream - this is just a teeny tiny sample of moisturiser, not worth the packaging and certainly not enough product to make an educated decision to spend $113 on a full-size jar.

WOW Bath Gel - Mandarin and Lime - sample -  Gorgeous scent, I love citrus body products and I am already in love with the aroma of this gel.

PANTENE Aqua Light Shampoo and Conditioner - Not impressed by these samples, they are for fine hair and I have really thick dry long hair.  I hate receiving hair samples.

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

Natrulus Paw Paw Pure Gel - Sachet - I think this stuff works like Aloe Vera by soothing damaged skin.

So that's it for another month, can't say that I am overly excited by the contents.  I am not a fan of ModelCo but I do like their lipsticks and it was a nice bonus to receive a use-able shade for once.

I stupidly went and looked at all the box items available for this month on the BB site and it always leaves me feeling flat because there are so many more interesting LUXE samples that I NEVER receive sigh................

If you like the contents of this month's box you can find out more here.

Jac x0x

Bellabox February 2014

Received my BB for February, have to say I am very disappointed.  Mismatched skincare in fact it was ALL skincare except for one tiny lip gloss sample.  This box is also starting to look like a sample bag from Priceline, except the Priceline Bags are better value.

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

Burt's Bees naturally nourishing milk and honey body lotion 25g travel size - normal to dry skin - Yawn its another body lotion.

Klara Cosmetics Kiss Proof Lips - teeny tiny sample - 03 Passion Pink - full coverage very bright shades that make lips pop, claim to be long lasting.  I don't know if this is labelled correctly because the shade in the tube is dark purple.

Nivea Visage Daily Essentials Light Moisturising Day Cream SPF15 - Normal to Combination Skin - teeny tiny 7ml sample, good thing it's a small sample not so much to waste when I throw it away because it doesn't match my skin type anyway.  Oh yes, Yawn its another face moisturiser.

Romy Kosmetik Facial Toner - Yawn its another facial toner.

OM SHE Aromatherapy Wash Away Milk Cleanser - Yawn its another face wash.

Bonus item -  Swisspers Naturals Aloe Nourishing Face Cream - sachet - Yawn its another face moisturiser.

So that's it Cleanser, Toner, 2 x Face Moisturiser, Body Lotion and a small lip gloss, Woo Hoo I'm excited how about you?

Jac x0x

Bellabox January 2014

My Bellabox arrived today and this is what I received.

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

MODELCO FAT LASH VOLUMISING MASCARA - Black - Can't say I am a fan of the brand and I would have been one of the few that wasn't excited when it was revealed that everyone was getting one this month.

PALMOLIVE AYURITUEL ENERGY SHOWER GEL - Ginger and Indian Sandalwood - sample -this has quite a masculine smell which might appeal to some.

NATURAL GREEN BRAND TEPEZCOHUITE CREAM - on the tiny sample jar it says this is good for acne??  I am nearly 48 years old not so much a problem these days.  Also good for burns and post peel not so good for me, don't do either, burn or peel that is.

AVENE HYDRANCE OPTIMALE RICH HYDRATING CREAM - 5ml sample - I have received this so many times I have stopped counting, I am not a fan of Avene at all and no amount of repetitive samples is going to change my mind.

GATINEAU AQUA MEMORY MOISTURE REPLENISHING MASQUE- 15ml sample - I am not a fan of this brand either but I haven't tried this product. I have tried the aqua memory moisturiser before and wasn't impressed so I will be interested to see how I go with this.

NAK FIXATION FINISHING HAIR SPRAY -  100ml - While I do like the NAK brand I don't use hairspray.

WOTNOT FACIAL WIPES - 5 wipes - I purchase these on a regular basis and if you have never tried them before you are gonna love em!!  This was a bonus item.


I believe if you are new to BB you would probably be very happy with this month's box, there was a good variety and out of the boxes I have seen reviewed so far this would be one of the better ones.  For $15 it is certainly better value than any other beauty boxes out there at the moment and I think you do get your money's worth.

Personally I can't say I am impressed, only one new brand and totally irrelevant to my needs.  Most of these products I have been sent before and they just happen to be products that I don't like but appear regularly over all the beauty boxes available.   A box is only as good as the products relating to the customer's interest and this one missed the mark with me by a long mile.

If you would like to subscribe to BB you can find out more here.

Bellabox December 2013

Once again my BB box has arrived very late and it is hardly worth reviewing as there are no surprises left with what everyone received.  But for those of you who are interested this is what I received this month.....

BENEFIT POREFESSIONAL PRO BALM - 7.5ml - sample size.  I have been reading quite a few complaints from BB customers who are very disappointed NOT to receive this product this month, I must be one of the only customers to be disappointed I DID receive it.  I have tried Porefessional many years ago and it is not for me, I didn't find that it changed or improved my skin or pores.

ROMY SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER - teeny tiny samples - Cinnamon and Cocoa - I have already tried these and I can't say I was enamoured by the aroma, smelt very medicine like.  The only thing I like cinnamon with is hot donuts!!  The shampoo was meh and the conditioner was even worse, did nothing for my dry hair I had to re-condition.  I think I will give this brand a miss.

AVENE ANTIROLGEURS FORT RELIEF CONCENTRATE - teeny tiny sample - UGH!! we are back to the Avene again.  I don't know why I bother filling out the feedback each month BB never take any notice and still send me products I don't like, want or need.  I believe this is for red sensitive skin, I can't tell you if it works because my skin doesn't get red.

SIMPLE KIND TO EYES MAKEUP REMOVER - 50ML - not impressed to receive this, boring really.  I don't use eye make up remover.

MARY KAY NATURAL CHEEK TINT - full-size - Pink Pearl - very pretty irridescent pink but full of gold glitter.  I prefer matte shades, my disco ball days are over!

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

ESLOR SAMPLE PACK - 4 samples - Replenishing Scrub - Comforting Mask - Soothing Refiner and Cleanser - Soothing Cream.  While I am pretty interested in these samples I seem to be receiving samples for sensitive skin while I would be far more interested in receiving samples for my skin type.

MOR ESSENTIALS HAND CREAM - sachet - Neroli Clementine - this is my favourite aroma from MOR and I already use this.

Well that's it, pretty good value for $15 with lots of goodies to play with, if you are interested in what was in the box and would like one for yourself you can find out how to subscribe here.

JAC X0X

Bellabox November 2013

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

Bellabox Pout Pencil - Pinky Promise - cheap ole made in china rubbish with the Bellabox name printed on the tube, broken and melted.  Certainly not worth the RRP$14.99.

Simple Kind to Eyes Makeup Correction Pen - RRP$11.99 - Simple is a brand made for sensitive skin, I look forward to trying this as I always smudge my mascara.

ASAP - Face Cleanser & Night Cream - teeny tiny samples, I don't know why they bother, I would never purchase a product based on this little amount of product.

LA ROCHE-POSAY'S Uvidea XL BB melt in cream - teeny tiny sample of BB cream in the wrong shade. I received dark, I am Caspar White.  I don't know how many time I have to remind BB of this.

AVEENO Daily Body Moisturiser - sample size - I have received this about three times before, hardly new or exciting, Yawn......

Oh and the bonus this month - a sachet of Bump Eraser Medi Paste - woo hoo!!

That's it, nothing exciting, more face wash, more moisturiser, a mis-matched tone BB cream, a broken melted lip crayon, and the only item of any interest the make up remover pen.

Note to BB, the new packaging is crap and arrived broken and damaged.  I am surprised I didn't lose any of my samples, not that they would have been missed, I'm not even going to ask for a replacement of the lip crayon.

JAC x0x

Bellabox October 2013

Some of my reading material and notes!
matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

Firstly I would like to apologise for not blogging much recently.  As you can see by the photo above I am busy studying and trying to finish assignments.  I am also in the middle of a severe LUPUS flare (not pretty) and Hay Fever and Allergies have left me feeling sick & depressed so I haven't felt much like blogging.

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

There hardly seems much point in reviewing this month's Bellabox it only arrived today (everyone else received theirs last week) and I have seen numerous reviews already of what I received.

Am I the only one who doesn't know who these two women Tash & Elle from "Theyallhateus" are?

Also it is Bellabox's 2nd Birthday so Congrats BB!!

Included in this month's Birthday Box was

Alfaparf Semi Di Lino Reconstruction Shampoo & Reconstruction Mask samples. - I love Alfaparf Hair Products, apparently these two help restore your hair back to "original soft & strong glory!"

Beyonce Heat EDT - sample vial of Beyonce's first perfume.  My first reaction was "Oh Goody, Chocolate!!"  Noooo Perfume!! -  I like it, it has a sweet almost masculine aroma, I love wearing my husband's aftershave so this one appeals to me.

Happy Skincare Cloud 9 Deep Cleansing Balm - sample - moisturises as it cleanses.  Love the smell of this balm just like Lemon and Grass.  What I don't like is that this appears to be heat effected and the ingredients have separated at some point.  Considering that this is a natural product I don't know how safe it is to use now and as I have severe allergies caused by the immune suppressing drugs I'm taking I don't think I will risk trying it.

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

Vaseline Ultimate 10 sample - anti-ageing moisturising body lotion.  Yawn.............

Loreal Paris Shine Caress Lipstick Gloss - Eve - Gorgeous mauve/pink in the tube very disappointed that it goes on clear.  I think this is more of a lipstain because I can't remove the bloody swatch off my arm!! Too bad there is no colour payoff on my lips.

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

Bonus - Maybelline New York Dream Pure BB cream - sachet -  I have already bought a tube of this stuff and I hate it!  Runny and no coverage.

So that's it.  Very much like the perfume, the lip gloss would be great if I could see the colour but the rest of it was pretty meh!!  Didn't feel like much of a celebration birthday box at all.

If you liked what you saw in this month's box you can find out more about subscribing here.

Jac x0x

Bellabox September 2013

Well I finally received my Bellabox today and it's not even September anymore! I had a friend kindly go and pick it up for me 50kms away because courier services don't deliver to my area out in the boonies.

Can't say I am jumping up and down with excitement because I already knew what was coming from all the blogger reviews I had read.  I thought I would just do a quick share with you all and give you my opinion of how I felt about this month's box.

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

This month's box is brought to us by Cleo and my overall impression is that this box is meant for a younger audience (and the young at heart), there was nothing in this month's box that interested me.

Cleo Magazine - $6.95 - I don't buy magazines because they are full of advertising and very slim on content. Why should I pay to read advertising?  They should be paying me.

Montagne Jeunesse Dead Sea Pac Masque - sample - this is for oily clogged skin, my skin is dry and mature, I need to add moisture not take it away.

Elegant Touch Envy Wraps - Deckchair Pastels - why would I want to make my nails look like a multi-coloured deckchair?  Gawd these are ugly, I hate stripes.

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

Schick Hydro Silk Razor - meh!  I'm a disposable kinda gal don't see the point on spending lots of money just to shave my legs.

Eyelure Naturalites - Natural Volume Lash - I don't wear false lashes, my eyes are sensitive and I could never wear anything like this.

Manicare Callous Exfoliator - my heels don't callous, another wasted sample.

Garnier Ambre Solaire Natural Bronzer Spray - If I receive one more can of useless spray tan I will scream, nah forget it, I think I'll scream anyway.  Straight in the bin,  Proud to be Pale!!  As my husband says "Why would you want to look like a Oompa Loompa?  Fake tan looks fake and makes you look an  orange."   He doesn't find women who wear fake tan very attractive (lucky for me).  Be proud of the skin your in I say.

ASAP Pure Mineral Lip Pencil - Berry - the only product I am excited to find in this month's box!

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

I know a lot of BB customers were really happy with what they received this month AND for $15 this is a great value box but I personally would like my money back.   A box is only as good as it is relevant to the customers interests and BB really missed the mark with me.

If you liked what was in this month's box and would like to try Bellabox for yourself go HERE for more information.

Sorry again for the rather negative review but I have not received one good box this month!

Jac x0x

Bellabox August 2013

The theme of this month's box is Get Active!

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

This month we are being introduced to all these products we can use as part of an active lifestyle.  I am fortunate to work outside and already have a pretty good routine going so, I am really interested to see what new products BB can introduce me too that I would want to add to my daily routine.

1.  Pevonia Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser - 5ml sample - made with jojoba beads and chamomile.

2.  ASAP Ultimate Hydration - 15ml sample - facial moisturising cream

3.  Ultra Ceuticals Ultra CC Cream Mineral Tint - 5ml sample - Light - This is interesting, contains B5 & B3, Hyaluronic acid and SPF30.

4.  Talavou Naturals Illuminisor Lustre - sample size - golden glow mineral powder illuminiser, no sparkles yay!  Great for highlighting or mixing with body lotion for an all over glow.

5.  L'Oreal Base Magique Primer - 5ml sample - this is a face primer which helps mattify the skin and control oil.

6.  Banana Boat Mineral Protect Sensitive SPF30+ - this is a really big tube but is only about a 1/4 full. Suppose to 120mls but I think I may have received a dud tube.  It is a very very thick cream that I had trouble squeezing out of the tube and it looks just like Zinc (duh main ingredient).

7.  Tom Organic Tampons ~ I don't use tampons but they make seriously good sterile bandages for your first aid kit, any kind of wound with heavy bleeding, from nose bleeds, mouth injuries and puncture wounds. You never know when they might come in handy.

Good selection of samples for $15 nothing I would jump out and purchase straight away or change in my daily routine but pretty good value.  I am really interested in the CC cream and the Hydration moisturiser, my skin is so dry eek!!

If you are interested in trying Bellabox for yourself you can find out more here.

What did you receive this month?  Please leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you.

Bellabox July 2013

Bellabox arrived nice and early this month and was a lovely surprise to come home too after spending two nights in the bush camping!!

This month's theme is LUXE Beauty Travel and I don't think they mean camping!

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

The first bonus item I received was a Luxe City Guide ~ Paris.  I have been to Paris twice and certainly will enjoy reading this guide to bring back all the wonderful memories of my holidays.  It is a fantastic guide to all the best shopping, dining and sightseeing available and very handy if you are thinking of travelling to Paris.

YU-BE moisturising skin cream -  apparently this has been a cult product in Japan for over 50 years. While I am very excited to try this moisturiser which can be used on your face, lips and body I don't think the teeny tiny sample I received will convince me of how good this cream is.  RRP$34.95 70g  ~ 3g sample.  UPDATE:  This is a nice cream, smells like Camphor, not moisturising enough for me, I have very dry skin but have been using this as a lip balm and it works OK.

LA FRESH ECO BEAUTY WIPES - single use beauty wipes, I received make-up remover.  RRP$16.50 for 18 wipes.  A range of wipes for your face, skin and nails using all natural ingredients.

Egyptian Magic All-purpose skin cream - RRP$49.00, 3ml sample.  I already own the full-sized jar of this product, it is fantastic for your nails and hands.   Made from Olive oil, Beeswax, Honey, Royal Jelly and Propolis this is a gorgeous skin balm for all your dry skin needs.

Clear Scalp and Hair Beauty Therapy Total Nourishing Care Shampoo and Conditioner.  These are great travel-sized samples at 50mls.  RRP$5.99 - 200mls.

GATINEAU - Primrose Gel Makeup Remover RRP$28 - 200mls - 50ml sample.  Gentle face cleanser that you wash off.  Smells nice, I don't usually use washes on my face anymore ( I use face oils) as I find them too drying but I will give this a go.  UPDATE:  This is very gentle and doesn't leave my skin feeling too tight.

Libra Hotties Heat Patches.  RRP$4.99 - 2 per pack.  They sell something like this at the camping shop, when activated they keep you warm for up to 8 hours.  Just peel & stick on your skin where it hurts.  Good for cramps, neck or back pain and if you are feeling cold in your sleeping bag like me!

MODELCO Cheek + Lip tint ~ Rosy Red.  RRP$24 - 10ml.  5ml sample tube.  This is a very red liquid tint that you can apply to your cheeks or lips, rather like Benetint.  Too red for my cheeks but I'll see how I go on the lips.

Nice heavy full box again this month and I am very happy with the selection of products I received.  I can use every product I received this month and for me that is good value.

If you would like to try Bellabox for yourself at only $15 per month please go here for more information.

Jac x0x

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.

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

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
matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

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

Bellabox June 2013

In the month of June bellabox would like to formally invite you to a...

Girls Night In...  Girls Night Out!

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

STREETSTAR COSMETICS STREETGLOSS LIP GLOSS - SANDY PINK - full size RRP$17.95

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

Crushed pearl formulation, vitamin E and a never sticky or dry sheen.  Perfect pout protector as well as a glam gloss for nights out.  Mmmmm smells like Bubblegum!


EMERGINC VITAMIN C+RETINOL MASK - sample - RRP$65 for 50ml & EMERGINC HYPER-VITALIZER CREAM - sample - RRP$99 for 50ml

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

I love the EmerginC brand, I know they are expensive but so worth it, I look out for EmerginC when they are on sale.  I haven't tried this mask and cream yet so I am excited to see what they are like.  I love love love the EmerginC Organics range.

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

TONI&GUY HAIR MEET WARDROBE CREATIVE TEXTURISING GLUE - fullsize - RRP$15.99 for 100ml.

Apparently this is good for definition and control.  Helps with all those little fly aways, I have long hair so will try this when I braid or put my hair up, if I like it I will let you know.  It has an interesting texture, just a thick white cream a little sticky to the touch, I was expecting it to be a gel.

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

MONTAGNE JEUNESSE PASSION PEEL OFF MASK - sample - RRP$3.99 for 10ml - I love peel off masques, I really have to control myself so they dry first, I'm a picker!!

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

SIMPLE KIND TO SKIN CLEANSING FACIAL WIPES - sample - RRP$6.99 per 25 - this would have to be the least exciting thing in my BB box this month, I am pretty well sold on WotNot Facial wipes but these are a handy size just to slip in your handbag so they won't go to waste.

CIRCA HOME - EVERYDAY SOAP - VANILLA & COCOA BUTTER - RRP$9.95 for 125g bar - I am already familiar with these soaps and I love them.  Good heavy bar which lasts and lasts and they all smell wonderful, I haven't tried the Vanilla one yet so looking forward to my bath tonight!

BONUS NATIO NAIL COLOUR - VALENTINE - RRP$9.95 - this nail polish is linked to a competition where you can win a Black Diamond Ring valued at $500 if you enter a photo of your manicure using this nail polish.

I would have to say I am really impressed with this month's box, 3 full sized items + a bonus full sized nail polish.  The box was packed and very heavy, I was very excited when I pulled this out of the mail box this afternoon, I knew it would be a good box.

Bellabox ARE the best of all the beauty boxes available and I would highly recommend them to anyone who would like to try a monthly subscription for only $15.

Please visit their website here for details.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway for a great hair care pack from ICON India, all you need to do to enter is follow me and leave a comment here.

Jac x0x

Bellabox May 2013

BEAUTY SOS!

In case of emergency, put mascara on yourself before helping others.

I received a SUPER-SIZED bellabox this month, I could tell before I even opened the box it was going to be great, it was so darn heavy!

I loved just about everything this month, 7 fantastic products for the low price of $15 + free shipping.  If you are wondering which beauty box you should subscribe too, my recommendation would be this one.  Great value for money, they are the cheapest, offer fantastic customer service, free-shipping with orders from their shop with lots of extra samples thrown in, you can find out more about them here

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

Ok now on to the exciting bit what I received this month.

griffin + row ~ Hydrate ~ LUXE ~ full-size 100ml RRP$27.50 ~ this is a hydrating refreshing spray that you can use as toner, to set your makeup or just refresh and hydrate your skin during the day.  Has a lovely botanical scent and I am really excited to receive this product as I love facial sprays.

BLOOM Lip Stain ~ Peach ~ COLOUR ~ full-size RRP$18.00.  This is a buildable lip stain that you can wear on its own for long lasting colour or layer with lipstick or lip gloss.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo ~ CULT ~ sample size 3ml ~ RRP$29.95, 40ml.  I am a little confused as to why I would have received this and the next sample for oily clogged skin as I have dry mature skin and have NEVER suffered oily skin in my life.  

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Foaming Gel ~ CULT ~ sample size 15ml ~ RRP$19.95, 200ml.  Again I have very dry skin and this is specifically for oily skin, it even says "Goodbye Oil!" on the card, I NEED every drop I can get.  I don't think they have matched these products very well to my profile at all.  UPDATE: I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS GEL TO ANYONE WITH VERY DRY SKIN, I JUST USED THIS TO WASH MY FACE AND I HAVE THE WORST CASE OF SKIN BURN, I HAVE BLISTERS APPEARING, STINGS SOMETHING AWFUL AND MY FACE HAS GONE ALL PUFFY.  THIS IS DEFINITELY NOT FOR DRY MATURE SKIN.  My poor husband is freaking and wants to take me up the hospital, YES it's that bad!

MANICARE DUO Mascara brushes ~ ON TREND TOOL ~  full-size RRP$4.99 pack of 10.  Two different types of disposable mascara brushes, 5 for volume and 5 for curl.

SUKIN Facial Moisturiser ~ Essential ~ full-size 125ml RRP$9.95.  Face moisturiser for all skin types, full of botanical goodies to quickly hydrate your skin.  I have often seen SUKIN in Priceline and never picked any up, I am really happy to be able to try this brand.

NANOBLUR  ~ sample 3ml ~ BONUS ~ RRP$29.99 30ml.  I have seen this product in Priceline too but haven't read very good reviews.  It is suppose to make you look 10 years younger in seconds.  Refracts the light and I guess make everything look fuzzy!  Yep huh huh, I'll let you know when I try it.

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

OK that's it from BB this month, a really good box, not everything matched my profile and I will ask why they sent me products for oily skin, but overall a really good selection of products.

What did you get this month were you as happy as I was?  Let me know.

Top Ten I am loving

I read a lot of blogs about monthly or weekly favourites and I can't say that I introduce that many new products into my routine to be able to blog about them on a regular basis.

So I thought every now and then I would do a blog about products that stand-out for me or have made their way into my routine without me really noticing but suddenly I realise I am reaching for them more and more.

So in no particular order skincare and makeup;

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

1.  NUXE Oil - I was introduced to this through bellabox a monthly beauty box I subscribe too, you can find out more about them here.  I love this oil, I use it to moisturise my face, body, hair, nails and occasionally as a very light perfume.  There is nothing this oil can't be used for, add a little salt or sugar for an exfoliate or as an all over body massage oil.  I use this as an oil cleanser on my son's face to help control his acne, I massage a little on his face and it helps loosen and clears his pores.  I prefer the spray bottle it's less messy and one spray in the palm of my hand does my face and neck or my hair, a little goes a long way.

2.  INDIO Salt Scrub - This is another amazing product introduced to me through bellabox I have been looking for a very fine scrub that doesn't strip my dry skin of what moisture it does have while gently exfoliating my face and NOT causing break outs.  This scrub is wonderful, does a fantastic job of exfoliating and leaves me with soft clean skin with no redness or irritations.  You only need a pea sized amount for your face and it moisturises as it exfoliates.  Contains Dead Sea Salt and Herbal extracts, leaves my skin looking soft and hydrated, I use it once a week.

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

3.  NATIO BB cream, FAIR - Ok I am starting to see a pattern emerging here, this is another product which was introduced  via bellabox I swear I am not doing this on purpose but I guess when you subscribe to beauty boxes that's where you will find the majority of your new favourites. 

I am a real BB cream snob and prefer the Asian BB creams over the western formulations BUT... out of ALL the western BB creams I have tried NATIO make THE best BB cream for me and I am already on my second tube.  This BB cream hydrates, offers good coverage, SPF15 protection, the Green Tea and Chamomile soothes redness while the Vitamin E repairs and the Shea butter and Jojoba oil moisturise.  Has that great natural NATIO aroma and I just love the way it feels on my skin and the natural skin coverage I achieve for my every day look.  I also notice as I am outdoors a lot that the SPF in this cream offers very real protection and my face is not red by the end of the day.

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

4.  MUA Pro's Every Lash Volume and Lengthening Mascara - Black - this is one of those little gems that you don't expect much from because of the price and it becomes your HG of mascaras.  This is the only mascara I have been using for weeks now, it sat at the bottom of my trial box ignored for the longest time and now it's the mascara I reach for when I want perfect lashes EVERY time.  The brush on this is amazing, it separates and coats every single lash even the little ones, no clumping, no fall out and NO panda eyes.  If you haven't tried this mascara yet I urge you to get a tube, it is one of THE best mascaras I have EVER used.  You can find it here.

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

5.  Rimmel Glam Eyes -  Smokey Quartz - This is the newest eye shadow I have purchased recently, it was half price at BigW and I have been using it pretty consistantly ever since.  Gorgeous, silky formula with just the right amount of sheen, multi-dimensional shade means you can wear it on its own and the depth of colour appears different depending on the lighting.  

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

6.  MUA Bronzed Perfection, I would have to say this is THE best bronzer I have ever come across and even though I try others I ALWAYS come back to this one.  Perfect for contouring my face, adds just the right amount of colour and shadow, the shade is buildable.  NO glitter, that is very important to me, you can find it here.

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

7.  Rimmel - Match Perfection Blush - Fair.  Creates a natural flush on the cheeks, the separate shades can be used for deeper colour and contouring or you can sweep you brush over the entire palette.  This is THE perfect blush for my fair skin and I have never found one better.

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

8.  Yes to Carrots C Me Blush Lip Tint - Coral Sunshine ~ Natural Smile ~ Cotton Candy.  Sorry no swatches, these tints are so sheer they don't show up on my camera.  Super moisturising, with a hint of colour, great to just throw in you handbag.

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

9.  AUSTRALIS Ready Set Go Finishing Powder - superfine, translucent silica powder.  This is the best powder for setting your foundation without drying your skin out and leaving it looking powdery.  Since I discovered this powder I haven't used anything else. Perfect!

matillysthisnthat.blogspot.com.au

10.  Urban Rituelle Turkish Rose & Vanilla Perfume Oil - this is the perfect  mix of Rose, Musk and Vanilla in a oil base roll-on bottle.  Apply a little to your pulse points and the perfume lasts all day, this is one of my favourite perfumes and I carry it with me always.  This perfume is part of Urban Rituelle,s Tea Ceremony range and you can find them here.

Ok, that's my Top Ten for now, there are other products I use consistantly so this is just a snapshot of a few favourites and I am sure it will change when I find new products or rediscover some old favourites.

Love to hear what some of your favourite products are, please comment below.