Lust Have It September 2012

My Top Lust Have for September - this month came in a Silver bag, sorry for the lack of photo, my camera is on the fritz!

DERMALOGICA MULTI VITAMIN POWER RECOVERY MASQUE 15ml sample, RRP 75ml $76 - An ultra-replenishing antioxidant rich masque that helps rescue stressed, aging skin.  I have never tried any Dermalogica products before but I am really happy to have received this sample instead of more moisturiser and cleansers, it is something a little different to try.  There was also a card for a FREE Facial Treatment to the value of $90 with the purchase of $50 of Dermalogica products.

DAVROE SMOOTH SENSES STRAIGHTENING BALM 50g sample, RRP 200ml $22.50 - A weightless anti-frizzing smoothing creme, ideal for temporary straightening and taming flyaways, infused with Marshmallow root and rice protein to ceate a smooth hold and super shine.  Davroe have a great range of natural hair products with no added nasties this was a worthwhile sample for me to find this month.  Davroe also included a GIFT OF WELLNESS SPECIAL OFFER Promo code which you can redeem for one free Styling Product with a value worth over $20.  If you just claim your free product you need to pay postage but if you purchase other products to the value of $50, shipping is free.

AVENE COLD CREAM 10ml sample, RRP 400ml $35.95 -  Skin moisturiser, I like Avene products but I have already received this one before, would liked to have tried something different.



MIRENESSE "ACE OF BASE" 1.5g sample, RRP 4.5g $35 - 3 in 1 anti-ageing concealer, works as a concealer, eyeshadow base and line minimiser in one.   Love Mirenesse products, looking forward to see if this product does what it claims.  This product also came with a Redemption Code for a FREE Cats Eyes Liner, I have entered the code but as it was only for the first 1000 customers and I never receive my LHI box early I doubt I made the 1000.

SAY IT WITH SCENT Green Tea Hand and Body Lotion 30ml sample, RRP 200ml $26.80 - Plant based moisturiser with Mandarin and Lime essential oils, this is a lovely smelling lotion and the full sized bottles are just divine, I think I will have to purchase some of this product just for the bottle, I received the tube.  I didn't find the Say It With Scent website to be very good but I discovered that this brand is for sale on Ebay and you can purchase the lotions in refills.  The beautiful glass bottles are refillable and once you make the initial purchase for the bottle the refills are substantially cheaper.  I think these would make a great gift for someone special.

I received the Bold and Beautiful Box this month I usually get the Luxe and Luscious but after seeing what was in that one, I am really glad I didn't get it, the samples were really ordinary.

Out of the two boxes that I subscribe too, I find LHI are the better of the two, the samples are better value and the customer service is friendlier.  I just wish LHI didn't arrive at the end of the month, the September box should be enjoyed in September.

 

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iHerb First Order

Super excited that my first order from iHerb arrived safe and sound all the way to Australia.

Discount code just for you if you would like to make a purchase, receive $5 to $10 off your first order, just type in TUW872 at checkout.

I have already tried a few things and will be writing a review about the new skin routine I started tonight using NOW Solutions Skincare.  I would like to use it a little longer to see results but so far I am pretty impressed, my skin definitely looked firmer, brighter and hydrated (plumper) after one use.  You can learn more about their products here www.nowfoods.com .

 

CoQ10 Antioxidant Serum, 1 fl oz (30 ml)  RRP $19.99
Hyaluronic Acid Firming Serum, 1 fl oz (30 ml)  RRP $19.99
Hyaluronic Acid Cream, PM Moisture Renew Formula, 2 fl oz (59 ml)  RRP $18.99
Solutions, 2 in 1 Correcting Eye Cream, 1 fl oz (30 ml)  RRP $17.99

I also tried a new Shampoo and Conditioner,  ANDALOU Naturals Moisture Rich Sweet Orange and Argan Oil 340ml.  Smells very much like Argan Oil with Citrus, I didn't think it was overly orange though.  Contains a veritable cornucupia of natural ingredients and none of the bad guys.  Here is their website if you would like to learn more www.andalou.com .

 

 

 

The shampoo doesn't lather which can be a bit disconcerting to those that like soapy foam.  It is a clear thick liquid which you just massage into your scalp and then rinse out working through the ends.  The conditoner is opaque and thick, my hair is very dry and just soaked up all of this conditioner.  I was a little worried that it wasn't going to be moisturising enough, I left it on my hair for about 15 minutes and then rinsed.  I needn't have worried because the comb went through my hair effortlessly, not a tangle or knot to be found.  My hair feels very soft and shiny and smells divine.  RRP $9.95 each. 

 

UPDATE :  the real test of how moisturising hair products are for me is when I get up in the morning. Usually with a birds nest perched on top of my head.  Happy to say my hair was relatively smooth free and soft, slight smell of citrus which is just lovely, very happy to know I am not putting any nasties in my hair and it looks great!

 

 The other products I tried was 2 Madre Bees Organic Lip Balms in Pomegranate and Mint Burst.  Completely natural and edible.  Contains Olive Oil, Beeswax, Hemp seed oil, Vitamin E, Peppermint, Spearmint and Pomegranate Oil.  Smell delicious!  The best part besides being completely natural of course was the introductory price of only 33 cents each.  RRP $1.95

 

 

 

 

I also ordered out of curiousity a Cococare, 100% Cocoa Butter, The Yellow Stick 28g.  This was only $1.40 and it is a really handy little tube of take anywhere solid moisturiser.  Smells just like rich Cocoa Chocolate and I can't stop sniffing it.  You use the warmth of your body to melt it a little and then rub it into any dry spots you might have.  RRP $1.79

 

 

 

 

Other products I haven't tried yet are EO Repair, Deep Conditioning, Wild Lime and Ginger Hair Treatment.  Comes in a 125ml pump bottle, you leave it in your hair for 10 minutes and then rinse out for deeper conditioning.  RRP $9.99

 

 

 

Herban Cowboy Vegan Shaving Brush, feels lovely thick and no Boars were harmed in the making of these brushes.   RRP $4.99

 

 

 

Rainbow Research, Henna, 100% Botanical Hair Color and Conditioner, Persian Light Brown, 4 oz (113 g)  RRP $7.59

 

 

All RRP are shown in $US. iHerb also discount their items, some substantially and what is recommended here is not what I paid. Also being my first order I received an extra $10 off because my order was over $40 and for September they are running a further discount of 10% off all orders over $60. My total purchases came to $89.83, I paid $4 shipping to Australia and I received discounts totalling $20.10 so I paid $73.73 for items with a total RRP of $130.11. So I saved $52.38 off the RRP and only $4 for postage, that is an amazing saving and I love a bargain, especially as all the products are natural and good for you,  so far I am very happy with everything I have tried.

 

My order was packed and sent to me within a day and shipping only took 8 days to Australia and there was absolutely no problems with Customs.  I highly recommend to anyone to give them a go I think you will be pleasantly surprised with the quality of the products and how much you can save.

 

www.iHerb.com well worth a visit  and don't forget this discount code just for you TUW872 at the checkout.

Beauty Box Buys

I was thinking the other day I have received about ten beauty boxes now and I was wondering exactly how many of the samples I had tried led me to go on and buy full-sized products. 

Here is a list of brands I have received samples for, my thoughts and what I have repurchased.

Aurora Spa - I loved the samples of Shampoo and conditioner I received from this company, just waiting for them to get the full-sized products in stock so I can purchase. Yes I think they are worth the wait but it is frustrating that they didn't have stock to coincide with their samples being distributed.

BeneFit - Love BeneFit makeup but not quite so keen on the samples of moisturiser and eye cream I received.

Bioderma - not impressed, the eye makeup remover didn't even work.

You, Me & Everybody - Love their Shady Lady Moisturiser works great as a sunscreen under makeup, definite repurchase this Summer.

LUK - edible lipgloss, great unless your allergic to sesame and nuts.

Neutrogena - I have repurchased the Intensive Eye cream, it really works!  On the strength of this product I have gone on to purchase more from their extensive range, including moisturiser, cleansers and Acne products for my teenagers.

Palmers - Night Renewal Cream is the best and I have repurchased.  This cream is moisturising, skin still feels soft in the morning, shows it doesn't have to be expensive to work.

USPA - Beehold styling gel, this product is just loverly, leaves your hair controlled and no overpowering aroma.  It's expensive $32 for 150ml but if it works, hey it's worth it.  I will be repurchasing once my sample runs out.

Savoir Faire - overpriced,  I just don't like their products.

emerginC - I love their Phytocell cream, it is rich and super moisturising, slight smell of oranges, I really want to repurchase this product but at $105 per 50g, I don't know if I can justify it.  Waiting to see it come on special.

Aveeno - wasn't impressed with their moisturiser.

Lush - Dirty soap, I love this stuff!!  Repurchased three times already and who can walk out the store without purchasing everything else?  Not me apparently!

Almay - I already use quite a bit of Almay makeup, the Get up and Grow mascara I received is my favourite mascara of all time.

Ulta3 - Nice nail polish, pity I don't wear it.

Carmex - I have used Carmex lip balms since I was a teenager, will definitely repurchase.

Be In Awe - Love the concept of natural ingredients but not in Awe of the price, doesn't work any better than what I already use.

Sally Hansen - great company if you wear nail polish.

Comvita - wasn't impressed with the serum and moisturising samples I received.  Smell funny and the moisturiser had the consistency of paste.

Pure Fiji - Love love love Pure Fiji, definitely would repurchase their Coconut moisturising lotion.

Fendi - perfume samples, haven't tried one yet I would want to purchase.

Sebastian Professional - Shampoo and Conditioner, didn't impress me.

Prestige - wasn't impressed with the black and white broken sample I received but I love their blushes.

Avene - really liked their Rich Compensating Cream and Eye Cream. Would consider purchasing in the future.

Skin Vitals - those face masks feel really odd and broke me out.

Baby Foot - unfortunately I am diabetic and can't use these samples but from what I heard from others they work fantastic to remove rough heels.

tanGo - Loved the tan removal cloth which I use for makeup removal, works a treat.  Will repurchase when this one wears out.

ModelCo - I received a lipgloss, fantastic gloss but doesn't last long.

EVO - Loved the shampoo and conditioner I received, would definitely consider repurchasing if I couldn't buy the Aurora Spa.

OPI - Great brand if you wear nail polish.

Caron Laboratories - this bump eraser smelt putrid and I wouldn't put it anywhere near my skin.

Calvin Klein - perfume samples

TIGI - Catwalk sessions True Wax, a tiny bit of this goes a long way and I would definitely repurchase, tames your hair a treat.

Aromatherapy Associates - smells fantastic Rose moisturiser and face mask, wasn't impressed though, the moisturiser went on very waxy and didn't absorb into your skin.

Shisheido - love the brand but the lipstick colour I received was too dark and I wouldn't repurchase.

Wet n Wild - received a very pale nail polish that I wouldn't use but like their cosmetics very much

LonVitalite - another face mask sheet, haven't used them don't intend too.

Batiste - dry shampoo, very handy for trips but would not repurchase as I don't like to use.

Bloom - not keen on Bloom cosmetics, haven't been impressed with their products.

Marc Jacobs - perfume sample

Robert Cavalli - perfume sample

Mirenesse - I love their cosmetics and the lipgloss I received was a divine pink shade.  I use quite a few of their products already.

I haven't liked any of the perfume samples I have received so far.

So out of 40 brands I will or have repurchased from 18 of them , maybe not the same products but I have purchased others items from the same brand.  Living in the country and not having access to Department stores makes Beauty Boxes good value for me as I get to try products I would not normally hear about.

iHerb Australia

Discount code for you - TUW872 - $5 to $10 off your first order at www.iHerb.com

I have recently discoverd iHerb and am excitedly awaiting my first order which should arrive this week (Yay) and I will update my blog with photos and reviews.  Here.

For those of you in Australia that are not aware,  iHerb are an eco-friendly company based in California which sells over 30 000 natural products ranging from Vitamins - Beauty products - Groceries - Home - Pets.   iHerb.com is a US company that ships internationally. 

What do I like about iHerb.  They sell a huge range of natural organic products that are not available in Australia or are considerably cheaper than what I would pay here.  If you stay under 1.8kg (shipping calculator at checkout), shipping is a flat $4 all the way to Australia.  Even if you go over, shipping costs are still reasonable and they give you a choice of shipping options. 

UPDATE:  DHL Express now offer up to 92% off their published rates to iHerb international customers.  Now you can order heavier items and save on shipping.  This is a fantastic saving. 
Good One DHL!!

To give you some idea of just how much you can purchase for under a 1.8kg this is a list of products I ordered. 

Henna Hair conditioner masque 113g
Shampoo 340ml
Conditioner 340ml
Leave in Conditioner 120ml
Face Serum 30ml
Firming Serum 30ml
Face moisturiser 59ml
Eye cream 30ml
Cocoa butter stick 28g
Lip balm x 2 8.5g
Shaving brush x 2  (Hubby)

These are all natural quality products and I paid just $4 postage.

iHerb have other great incentives to shop with them.  For first time customers if you use this discount code - TUW872 you get $10 off your first order if you purchase over $40.

I saved over $20 in discounts, as well as purchasing products at least 50% cheaper that what I can get them for in Australia.  That is a considerable saving and when your on a tight budget it makes sense to shop wisely.

Be aware that not all products can be shipped to Australia because of our strict quarantine laws, fortunately iHerb have a function that tells you if it is prohibited so you can remove it from your cart.

So please if you are interested in natural organic products like me, go to www.iherb.com they are really worth the look.

Don't forget to use code - TUW872 -  to get $5 dollars off your first order and $10 off if you spend over $40.

bellabox September 2012

September's bellabox is "Spring in your step"

BIODERMA SEBIUM FOAMING GEL, 10ml sample, RRP $24.95 200ml - this is a soap free facial wash for combination oily skin.  Why would I receive a sample like this  as my description on my profile says I have mature dry skin?

BIODERMA SEBIUM AKN PURIFYING CORRECTIVE CARE, 5ml sample, RRP $24.95 30ml - I am a little confused by this, I think it is a moisturising cream but you use it for eliminating blemishes and blackheads.  Again, I am a 46 year old woman with dry skin, why send me products for combination/oily skin?

YOU, ME & EVERYBODY SUMPTIOUS SKIN MOUSSE, 75ml full size, RRP $13.99 - This is an all over gentle moisturiser, it is a nice size to pop in your handbag or travel with.  No contamination or chance of spilling either being an aerosol can, this is a very good idea.  I found this wasn't moisturising enough for me, left my face tight and my arms and legs didn't look or feel moisturised after application, I have very dry skin though.

                  

SAVOIRE FAIRE CONCEALER KIT, sample size, RRP $35 for a full size dual concealer and finishing powder - cute little set with 4 concealer shades and two finishing powders.  When I opened the finishing powder it went EVERYWHERE and I couldn't seal it back up.  Can't say I am too impressed with Savoire Faire products, this concealer is no exception, didn't offer much coverage and was very oily, I can understand the need for finishing powder.

USPA BEEHOLD, 30ml sample, RRP $32, 150ml - this is a styling gel hair product that you can apply to wet hair to help add body to fine hair, retain a curl and provides thermal and humidity protection.  Smells yummy, this is a natural product that contains honey and essential oils of Ylang ylang and Elemi.  Elemi oil is an interesting addition as it was used by the Ancient Egyptians in the embalming process.  The therapeutic properties of elemi oil are analgesic, expectorant, tonic, antiseptic and stimulant.  Certainly helps manage flyaway frizzy hair in my case, I don't use heat on my hair and a little of this keeps my hair smooth, the aroma is light and fades to leave you with fresh smelling hair.  I like.

BENEFIT IT'S POTENT EYE CREAM, 3g sample, RRP $32, 14g - eyecream works to fade dark circles and helps smooth fine lines.  Comes in a dinky little jar which I just adore.  I love BENEFIT products so was real happy to receive this sample.

Also included was a $15 discount voucher for The Iconic with a minimum spend of $69.  I did use my voucher, I purchased a colourful satchel to keep my paperwork and iPad in.  As I work with primary school students I love bright fun colours for work.  Great website www.theiconic.com.au and they have some terrific bargains, unfortunately you could only use this voucher on full priced items BUT they do have free postage which is always a bonus.  A nice surprise with my order was a copy of The Iconic magazine and on the front was a discount code for $15 dollars, looks like I'll be going shopping again soon!

I can't say that there is anything in this month's box that jumped out at me and said "Spring is here!"  Nothing that makes me want to freshen up and change my Spring routine.  My feeling is there was no pattern to this month's box at all, just a few samples tossed together, especially as I received two samples which aren't even for my skin type while others received more appropiate moisturising samples and a full sized mascara.  Bellabox say that boxes are sent out via your beauty profile description but I feel you just get a lucky dip and some are luckier than others.

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

Lust Have It August 2012

In this month's box I received;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle System

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

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

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

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

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


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


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


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


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


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

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

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

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

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


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