Bellabox May 2015

This was probably the first time I’ve been disappointed with a Bellabox. In each beauty box I’ve received I’ve always been REALLY excited to use at least two of the products and this month I wasn’t that blown away. Value for money wise, this box was very good considering two expensive full sized products where featured, but unfortunately this one just didn’t pull me in.

Chella Ivory Lace Highlighter Pencil

As an extremely pale person contouring is not my forte. The highlighter always match my skin tone exactly instead of being two shades lighter; and the contour always looks like I’ve rubbed dirt on my face instead of fine-tuning my features. This highlighting pencil while having a beautiful creamy consistency that applied nicely to the skin just blended right into my complexion. I’ll have to pass this onto a tan friend. Full Sized $24.95

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Moisture Rich Night Cream

This is just a bandwagon I just can’t jump onto. I can’t take something that so richly moisturized my dry feet in the winter and apply it to my face. Yes, I’m judging a book by its cover; but after chatting to some other oily acne prone skin people who have tried it, they all said that it broke them out. My skin is in a really great place at the moment, so I don’t want to make it angry. The only factor that is tempting me into trying is that the cream is packed full of antioxidants, vitamins and retinol. But with the main ingredient still being cocoa butter, this sample may stay in bathroom limbo. Deluxe Sample Size

Eye of Horus Goddess Serpentine Sultry Goddess Pencil in Dark Olive

I’ve heard a lot of hype around the brand Eye of Horus, especially with their eye and brow pencils and they did not disappoint. This beautiful dark olive green with a hint of shimmer applies smoothly to the skin without tugging at the delicate eye area. The pencil also comes with a little sponge tip on the other end to blend the waterproof formula, which it does with such ease. I saw a few other unboxings with the teal shade that I’m so envious of, but I’m just happy I got the chance to try one of their pencils out.  Full Size $30

Real-U Control + Face Gel

This was the only product I was slightly excited to try as it is targeted to people with oily acne prone skin and aims to treat breakouts and reduce pore size without using ingredients like Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid. I’m really intrigued by this gel and can’t wait to give it a go. Sample Size

Impulse Romantic Spark

Considering the last time I picked up a magazine at the supermarket this tiny little vile of fragrance sample was attached as a freebie, I’m really disappointed in Bellabox as including it as one of the main items. Sure it would have been okay as a bonus item as a random little treat, but to be a feature item is just darn disappointing. This went straight into my handbag to keep around incase of a smelly emergency. Sample Size

BONUS

Sunescape Hydrating Gradual Tan Extender

This was actually a bonus by Bellabox and is from the Australian owned sunless tanning range from Sunescape. I’m not really a fan of being tan as I find the whole routine quite daunting with lots of upkeep being so pale; but if I were to I would definitely use this one. This is a 3-in-1 self tanner, tan extender and body moisturiser. Packed full of yummy goodies like macadamia nut, avocado, argan and coconut oils, this gradual tanner is made with natural ingredients, is eco certified and free from alcohol, parabens, petrochemicals and animal cruelty. Sounds like a winner to me! Sample Size

Lust Have It March 2015

Look what arrived on my doorstep this morning! Instead of the basket of kittens I usually wish for it was the mysterious March Lust Have It. I didn't even know that it was coming because I didn't receive the tracking email until I started writing this blog post an hour later. It also arrived sans mesh bag, sans description card and in a gift box with what looked like reused tissue paper. Besides all it's faults and trust me there are many, that products are actually pretty darn amazing. I mean they would have to be considering all the drama that is surrounding the company at the moment. Their Facebook page alone is pretty much an online riot. Because I didn't receive a description card I did have to rely on good ol' Aunt Google to provide some information about the more obscure products. So lets get into it shall we?

Lonvitalite C4 Coconut Milk Hydrating and Nourishing Facial Mask

I have received quite the bounty of Lonvitalite products through various subscription boxes. They are those products you love to use but wouldn't necessarily go out and buy. Lonvitalite products are a bit on the pricey side so it's always nice to receive them so you can #treatyoself. This one is jam packed with coconut oil, sweet almond oil and various coconut extracts to give a deep moisturising treatment to the skin. Now it is coming into winter this will come in handy to target dehydrated skin caused from blasting the ducted heating on 32 degrees which happens every night in my house. Full Size

Urban Skincare Co. Daily Body Cleanser

I received pretty much an identical product but as a hand and body cleanser in last months Violetbox. I got a couple of uses out of it as a body wash in my shower and it was quite refreshing. I probably wouldn't purchase this myself but it was a lovely and refreshing cruelty free body wash. Deluxe Sample

Appelles Apothecary & Lab Blackseed Shampoo and Tamanu Conditioner

I love love love Appelles Apothecary, especially their hair products. I've received some samples from them in the first subscription box I received and was obsessed. The smell is just the most divine smell in the world and the products feel so luxurious. The shampoo contains Blackseed that is meant to strengthen the hair and remove toxins from the scalp. The key ingredient in the conditioner is Tamanu that is chocked full of essential fatty acids to help restore moisture balance. I cannot wait to jump in the shower and use these. Deluxe Sample

ModelCo BB+ Cream in Light

I was crazy excited to receive this and in my shade as well. Especially as I missed the chance to select my shade through the Lust Have It Facebook because I don't really use Facebook much anymore. This is a full size product that provides light coverage and SPF 30. BB creams are great for people that don't like to wear much makeup but still like to have a bit of coverage as well as high SPF protection. I will definitely get a lot of use out of this one. Full Size $22

Uriage Tolederm Hydra-Apaisante Crème

This French brand uses thermal water as a main ingredient in their targeted skincare for different skin types and there are many skin types listed as well. This is great because you can truly target different concerns: ageing, redness, sensitivity, the list goes on. I had never heard of this brand and after a quick Google I’m very excited to try their products. Especially as they are a bit on the pricier side for full sized, there is nothing worse than buying something expensive and it being a massive let down. This moisturising crème is to help soothe discomfort in the skin and restore moisture which is great for winter.  Sample

Uriage Tolederm Soothing Cleansing Water

Similar to micellar waters, this cleansing water is great for removing makeup while extremely soothing sensitive and intolerant skin. Fragrance and alcohol free I can't wait to give this a try tonight to remove my makeup after I get home from work. The sample is very very tiny but there should be enough there to give me a good enough idea of how it works. Sample

Hit or Miss: Foundation Samples

While going through my bathroom cupboards trying to find my Clarisonic which had apparently grew legs and wandered off with my bobby pins and hair ties, I found what looked like a rats nest of different samples from magazines, beauty counters and subscription boxes that I had chucked in a box and thrown in the back of my bathroom cupboard. So with a bare face and a packet of makeup removing wipes, I decided to go through some of the foundation samples I had stashed away.

Hourglass Veil Fluid Makeup N01 Ivory

The last time I was at Mecca, the girl at the counter threw a handful of Hourglass foundation samples in my bag. I was really excited to get a chance to try this product as it’s a bit on the pricier side. But oh man, this was not at all ivory. I would say this was more a bright orange when applied to the skin. A lot of lighter foundations turn a bit orangey once applied to the skin due to oxidization, but this was straight up orange. It is light-to-light medium coverage that has an SPF 15. This product smelt like SPF 30+, and boy was it a strong smell. So disappointed because I usually love Hourglass products. So glad I didn’t shell out money on this and tried the samples first. MISS

Clinique Anti Blemish Foundation in 01

If you’re having problem skin, this is the foundation for you. I was given a sample of this at a Clinique counter that lasted me well over a week. As much as I love my Doublewear foundation from Estee Lauder, I do find it leaves my skin feeling a bit congested and angry after a while. This product did the opposite. It kept breakouts at bay while not irritating the existing PMS patch that erupted on my chin. It is very full coverage but once applied doesn’t feel too heavy on the skin. It is non-irritating, oil free and contains medicated ingredients for acne prone skin. I really loved wearing this foundation; the only downside being that the lightest shade 01 was a bit too dark for my skin. If you’re not as lilywhite as me and occasionally suffer from breakouts I would REALLY recommend this product. HIT

Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet SPF 15 in 30 Beige

I am OBSESSED with this foundation. Holy crap, I hit the sample jackpot. It is a very watery formula but with a medium to full buildable coverage. Covers redness and spots without feeling heavy or looking mask like and no need for primer as it glides over pores and fine lines. Soft velvet like finish with no SPF smell, even though it has the same SPF level as Hourglass. While the sample shade was too dark for my skin, I am desperate to find out if they have this in a lighter shade because I would buy and never let go. HIT

L’Oreal Nude Magique Eau De Teint 150 Beige

I was surprised at how much I loved this product. The L’Oreal Nude Magique Eau De Teint is very watery and almost like a serum in consistency but it covered redness extremely well considering its light formula. It is a light-to-light medium coverage and works well on oily skin. HIT

Dior Nude Air Serum Foundation

This was probably the water-iest out of all the formulas I tried but is deliberate due to being a serum foundation. It is very light cover and would be perfect for people who don’t wear too much makeup. Similar to Chanel with a velvet finish but has a higher SPF level at SPF 25.  When applied it doesn’t even feel like you’re wearing makeup. HIT

Revlon PhotoReady Airbrush Effect Natural Beige

This is a very heavy coverage with a semi matte finish. It is great for oily skin and would be ideal for going out or if you need a long wear product. I wouldn’t say it’s a complete airbrush effect, as you do need to use a primer with it if you have a problem with enlarged pores. HIT.

April Favourites

Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm

I got this for Christmas and now it is getting into the cooler dry skin months I’m getting a lot of use out of it. Beautifully rich, creamy and smells like a dream this soothes dry and cracked skin on hands leaving them feeling beautifully soft. It contains mandarin rind, rosemary leaf and cedar atlas and permanently lives on my bedside table.

La Roche Posay Effaclar Cleanser

Every girl needs a back up cleanser. One she can keep in her bathroom cupboard as when she forgets to order her regular one online. This PH balanced and soap free gel cleanser is perfect for skin prone to breakouts. La Roche Posay are a French pharmaceutical brand that make incredibly efficient skin care that is full of ingredients that actually work for the skin and is available at Priceline.

Swisspers Aloe Soothing Eye Cream

Filled with Aloe Vera and vitamins A and E this budget buy helps reduce puffiness and works great under makeup. It keeps that delicate skin under your eyes hydrated and deeply moisturized. Previously I’ve used the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye II which I loved but beauty products that are housed in jars are a massive waste of money. Because they are in jars, whenever you open them to get product out you are transferring bacteria in and also breaking down vital ingridients when you allow in air and light. In short, use products that are packaged in pumps and tubes because you save your money, products and skin. 

MaxFactor Masterpiece Transform Mascara

Beautiful mascara that has a brilliant wand on it to help separate each of your lashes. The applicator is incredibly flexible meaning that you can reach every lash to give it a lift. It lasts all day and comes off lashes quite easy as well. My two favourite mascaras at the moment are this and ModelCo’s Fat Lash. 

Shu Uemura Cream Eye Shadow in Brown

Absolute makeup bag staple. I use this as a base for applying my eyeshadows and liners or I will wear it just on its own. I would say it’s a more refined, grown up and less glittery version of the Maybelline Colour Tattoos. It still has a slight shimmer that makes it perfect for using during the daytime but it is very understated. I’m still obsessed with my Colour Tattoos, but I tend to use them more during the nighttime and keep this one for daytime.

The Body Shop Colour Crush Lipstick in 18

The most beautiful pink coral lipstick that is incredibly hydrating and sheer but buildable in colour. You can even use it on your cheeks for a beautiful light flush of colour. Multi tasking and cruelty free, I am obsessed with this lipstick.