Her Fashion Box - December box review

Again, this is a little late considering I received this month's Her Fashion Box mid December.. Her Fashion Box is the third beauty box I subscribe to however it is a little different as it is a mix of beauty items as well as fashion and lifestyle items. At $39.95 a month it is more expensive than the other boxes however I feel it is definately worth the extra and so far I've received some awesome items. Visit www.herfashionbox.com.au for more info.

I receive the 'Classic' style box.

Her Fashion Box comes in a great sturdy box. It is sent through Australia Post and the thing that I love is it doesn't require a signature, it has authority to leave unattended. I live on a farm and my mailbox is almost 1km from my house, so I have to travel to the post office to collect my other boxes... First world problems I suppose ;)

 

This month's box contained:

A fairly full box. Not the best HFB I have received but it is still packed with great items.

 

Each month they have a little 'Her Fashion Magazine' which is a great addition to the box. It provides loads of detail on each item in the box as well as different ways to wear the fashion items and use the beauty items. The mag talks about a designer collaboration coming up in January, sounds exciting!

 

Her Fashion Box Cloud Clutch RRP $29.95

I didn't really notice this was a 'clutch' when I first opened my box. I thought it was packaging as it had some other items in it. It's okay but I don't know who in their right mind would spend $29.95 on this... I wouldn't wear this 'clutch' out either, I don't like the idea of everyone seeing what is in my bag! I'll be using this for a makeup bag for travelling I think.

Her Fashion Box Midnight necklace RRP $19.95

This is pretty and has quite a vintage feel to it. In fact, my mother has a brooch quite similar to it that she was given when she was small. It isn't something I would necessarily buy but now I've got it, I'll definately wear this. That is what I love about HFB, I am consistently getting fashion items I wouldn't usually buy/look for but turn out loving.

Her Fashion Box Heart of the Ocean earrings RRP $14.95

Jury is still out on these earrings, they have this really cheap look about them. I can see a bit of glue on them as well, eww. I have stretched earlobes so earrings are a little lost on me at the moment (I am looking at getting my earlobes reconstructed so perhaps in the future!).

 

Green Smoothie Co. Super Booster RRP $20 (5x16g sachets)

I've received two 16g sachets in this box. These are designed to be added to a smoothie, a suggested recipe is to add this to banana, coconut milk, coconut oil and leafy greens. It sounds pretty good, and I'm actually looking forward to trying it! I doubt I'd buy anything like this though... I'm more into just eating my fresh fruit and veg from my garden!

White Glo Professional Choice Whitening Toothpaste RRP $4.90 100ml

I received a 24g sample of this toothpaste. I don't really get the big connection to toothpaste in this box however I'm not that disappointed. I have seen this and wanted to try it so it has worked out well.

 

Katy Perry Killer Queen Eau de Parfum RRP $69 100ml, $49 50ml,  $39 30ml

I received a 1.5ml sample. UGH I HATE Katy Perry. Loathe the girl, I can't stand her ditzy attitude and awful singing voice. I wanted to throw this straight out as I thought it would be just another crappy celeb perfume BUT was pleasantly suprised, this actually smelt okay! Even my fiance thought it smelt okay (and he things a lot of them smell like toilet freshner - rolls eyes). I don't think i'd buy it, I'm a Marc Jacobs Daisy girl but it was nice to smell it and not want to vomit (like Beyonce Heat... ewwww).

ModelCo Eye Shadow Trio - Smokey Eye RRP $26

This is a full size ModelCo product. Not the biggest fan of ModelCo's makeup (I do however love their fake tan range) and this feels chalky. It is so overpriced as well. The brush is awful, drags over your skin and doesn't really allow for blending. I love smokey eye pallettes however this is not the best I've tried and I really doubt I'll get much use out of it.

Fing's Nail Art Kit RRP $12.99

Ohhh love this! Love the look of studs/gold leaf on nails and this looks really easy to use. Excited to try this out.

Urban Rituelle Soothing Body Balm in Frangipani

This must have been my gift for completing the survey for last month's box. I received one of these but in a different scent in November's box. Love it, the lotion is beautiful on my skin and smells divine. Would definately purchase a full size product!!

 

I also received a voucher for $20 off at Le Black Book (www.leblackbook.com.au) code is 'herfashionbox' note that you have to spend $50 to be able to use it.

 

So overall, this month was good but not as impressive as previous boxes. I'm looking forward to January!

 

 

 

Lust Have It - December box review

It is a bit late now, since I received this box mid December (just after Bellabox) however I still thought I'd review and share my thoughts.. The box is in my opinion the most sturdy and best packaged box from the subscriptions I receive. It usually arrives first and the customer service has been by far the best. It is consistently the best products wise, and I've received the most full size products from Lust Have It. To find out more go to www.lusthaveit.com.au

 

This month's box contained 6 products, 2 of which were full sized:

Maybelline New York - Dream Fresh BB Cream
30ml (Full Size Product)

'The 1-step wonder for a good skin day, everyday. Ideal for all skin types, this BB Cream is packed with 8 great skin benefits for instant skin perfection! Fresh, lightweight and oil free, it blurs imperfections, enhances, brightens and hydrates all day.'

RRP $15.95

 

I love a good BB Cream and this one is pretty good! Not convinced it is better than my usual, Garnier, however it does do well. The colour I received was Medium, and I have light skin (judging from LHI's facebook page a lot of people weren't happy with this shade!) however it still looks good. It is summer so I'm using fake tan constantly so this shade is fine for me. The cream rubs in well and looks like i'm not wearing anything at all, but evens out my skin tone and covers my imperfections. It doesn't dry out my skin (i've used other BB creams which just dried my skin horribly) and does what it says on the tin. I like the price tag associated as well! I'm not one of those people that believes in spending millions on a BB cream, so this one is great.

 

Maybelline New York - Dream Pure BB Cream

1ml sample sachet

'This oil-free SPF 15+ skin corrector perfector contains 2% salicyclic acid + vitamins to conceal imperfections, reduce blemishes and pores, calms redness and adjusts to skin tone.'

RRP $15.95 30ml

 

I've received this sample previously in a different subscription box. After using the dream fresh BB I found it was pretty much the same, I can't really tell the difference except this one is a little heavier. Again, I'm loyal to my current BB Garnier, so although it is nice to try a different one I don't think I would buy it.

 

Pelactiv - Hydrating Foaming Cleanser

30ml sample

'A beautiful cleanser containing powerful antioxidants and green tea extract which helps fight damaging free radicals and reduces irritation to sensitive skin. It detoxifies and soothes, leaving skin feeling replenished. Suitable for normal to dry and sensitive skin.'

RRP $43 150ml

 

I'm in the market for a new cleanser so I was pleased to see this included, and even more pleased to see it is from an Australian company. I've not heard of Pelactiv before so I will definately be doing some research on them. I haven't used this yet, however it smells lovely and not too strong. It is more of a cleansing milk, so i'm excited to try this.

 

Uriage - Aquaprecis Refreshing Gel-Cream

15ml sample

'Perfect moisturiser for normal to combination skin, Aquaprecis Refreshing Gel-Cream relies on Uriage's H20 Technology which contains 'osmytes' to perfectly hydrate the skin, provide an immediate refreshing sensation and moisturise for 24 hours.'

RRP $49.95 40ml

 

I haven't used this yet, but i'm immediately turned off from the blurb... 'H20 Technology' erm wtf? My skin does get quite dry in summer, so it will be interesting to try.

 

SunSense - Anti-Aging Face SPF 30+

100ml FULL SIZE PRODUCT

'Offering UVA and UVB protection this product is designed specifically to help combat premature ageing caused by exposure to the sun. It has also been formulated with the added anti-ageing benefits of Aplha Hydroxy Acids, which exfoliate and moisturise skin, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The oil-free base is ideal for combination to dry skin and is non-comodegonic so it won't block pores. This product is available to purchase in SPF 50+.'

RRP 20.95 100ml

 

This product is perfect for me. I spend a lot of time in the sun on the farm and in the garden so I was very excited to try it. It says on the packet it may cause stinging and this is normal but I didn't experience that. It is lightweight and non greasy and feels lush. I would definately purchase this again.

 

Clairol - Visible Repair Intensive Mask

30ml sample

'This deeply nourishing mask repairs and strengthens damage for shiny, more resilient hair'.

RRP $13.95 300ml

 

I haven't tried this hair mask yet, but looking forward to it. My hair is damaged from the sun and colouring it so hopefully this does some difference. It is a good sized product, i would say i'd get 2 or 3 uses out of it.

 

Overall, I was quite happy with December's box. A little disappointed there was no Christmas theme though. I will get good use out of all products. I've seen on facebook a lot of people aren't happy with what they received, but I think compared to Bellabox, Lust Have It have done really well. 2 full size products is fabulous and one of those I'd definately purchase again. Out of the 3 beauty boxes i'm subscribed to, Lust Have It is the best this month. I'll review the other box, Her Fashion Box, shortly.

Bellabox - December box review

Today i received my December Bellabox. In case you don't know what Bellabox is, it is a monthly beauty subscription box. You pay $15 a month and you'll receive samples (often full size products) in the post. I have been a member since August 2013. See their website for more info www.bellabox.com.au
Unfortunately I missed out on both of the products I was lusting to receive, the Benefit Porefessional Balm and the Kester Black nail varnish. Boo! Anyway, more on my feelings about Bellabox later... here is what was in this month's box:

The packaging this month is a marked improvement on previous boxes. It is a lot sturdier and there is less of a chance of anything getting damaged (unlike last month, everything was stuffed into a small crap paper box). Hopefully they keep with this packaging for all future boxes! Anyway, onto what was actually in the box!!

 

Ok, so this month was a themed box "Celebrate Summer". Above is the little card you receive detailing exactly what is in the box. These are good as it gives you a blurb about each product as well as how much they are worth.

 

Above are the products I received. Each one in detail as follows:

Limited Edition Bellabox Tote Bag
"The terrific beach toting bag to do summer in style!"
RRP $19.95

 

A good little tote bag, I don't think you can have too many of these! Definately not worth $19.95 though. I'll be using this on my holiday to Mollymook in February (yay beach).

 



Aurora Spa Vanilla & Honey Lip Moisturiser - FULL SIZE PRODUCT 10ml

"Give your dry or chapped lips their own spa treatment with Aurora Spa. Infused with cocoa butter, papaya, vanilla and honey it's as refreshing on chapped lips as a much needed holiday drink!"

RRP $25.00 (10ml)

 

A good little balm this one. When I first used it I didn't like it as it tasted a bit weird, however I got used to it quickly (I guess i'm used to glosses which taste of strawberry!) and it really does do a good job of moisturising your lips! I have lips which can get really dry and this really helps. $25 is a bit steep, but if I had a bit of extra money I would go and purchase. Happy with this one! (Love that it is full size too).

 

Nuxe Nirvanesque Cream 15ml

"Another year, a couple more fine lines and wrinkles - and they dont only appear after 40! Deter environmental radicals no matter your age with Nuxe. The 80% natural ingredients in this relaxing cream soothe and nourishe in one.

RRP $49.95 (50ml)

 

I like anti wrinkle creams and am looking forward to trying this one. I like that it is a good sized sample so I can get a few uses out of it. It has a good texture and the smell is not too overpowering - i can't stand strong smelling skincare. I'll review this more in a empties/project pan post when I've finished the sample.

 

Avene Antirougeurs Fort Relief Concentrate 5ml

"Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer can keep the rosy look to himself! Prevent and smoothe redness on sensitive skin with Avene. Formulated with Ruscus Extract to tone down the appearance of blood vessels on skin surface, it'll soothe your skin at the same time

RRP $38.95 (30ml)

 

Another product i'm looking forward to trying. I unfortunately suffer from redness and sensitive skin so this sounds good to me. It is a small sample, but should be able to get a good use out of it. I'll review when I've finished the sample.

 

Romy Eucalyptus and Lemongrass Body Lotion 40ml

"Summer is the time to feel fresh and the ingredient list of this lotion contains antiseptic properties that soothe, calm and hydrate to do just that for skin!"

RRP $29.95 (300ml)

 

I have not heard of this brand before so was looking forward to trying it - i love body lotions. Unfortunately though, this one is not for me. It smells like some kind of anti-mosquito spray so that puts me off straight away! It also left my skin a little greasy. The only good thing about it is that a little goes a long way, so I could see that it would last a long time.

 

Limited Edition Mary Kay Fluid Eye Colour FULL SIZE 1.7g

"Buildable colour pigments allow you to adjust the intensity of your eye shadow look to suit any time of the day! Boosted with Aloe & more, they also keep the fragile skin around eyes hydrated and protected.
RRP $20

 

I'm not so sold on Mary Kay products, however it was good to try this one. From looking at the packet I wasn't super fussed on the colour, however it does actually look quite nice once on your skin. It does what is says with the 'buildable' colour, however I think most shadows do that... It lasts a fair while without budging which is a good thing too. An okay product but I wouldn't rave about it, nor would I purchase it again.

 

Eslor Sample Pack 4 x 5ml

"Experience the Eslor range - perfect to pack for overnight getaways this summer"

Eslor Comforting Mask RRP $49.95 (50ml)

Eslor Replenishing Scrub RRP $36.95 (50ml)

Eslor Soothing Cream RRP $84.50 (50ml)

Eslor Soothing Refiner and Cleanser RRP $36.95 (50ml)

 

I usually absolutely loathe sachets however I do like the look of these. I like that you get to try out the whole range. They look like good products and i'm looking forward to trying them out!

 

Mor Essentials Hand Cream 3ml

RRP $14.95 (80ml)

 

Again, I hate sachets but I have used Mor before and liked it. I am just about to use up my current hand cream so sampling this one has come up at the right time. I'll open and review as part of my project pan post.

 

So this month, 7 products of those 2 were full sized, plus the tote bag. A reasonably good box but it isn't brilliant. I was so disappointed to not receive Benefit or Kester Black products, but I suppose it is how the cookie crumbles with these subscription boxes. I am also subscribed to Lust Have It and Her Fashion Box and those have been far better than Bellabox recently. Bellabox is the cheapest at $15 per month so I can't complain too much! I did however sign up for a yearly sub to Bellabox and am somewhat regretting that! (not to mention I have a million and one products to use up oops!). Hopefully the new year will bring better Bellabox for me.

 

What do you think? Are you subscribed to Bellabox? What did you receive?

 

 

 

Project Pan - Empties 1 - 2

So my first day of my project pan and I've finished 2 products! They are samples, but i'm still counting them :)

Product 1:

Loreal Base Magique

Transforming Smoothing Primer

5ml sample

I got this sample from one of the beauty boxes I subscribe to. I actually have another full sized pot but have no idea where it is. It is an okay primer. It does smooth your skin pretty well in preparation for foundation, however on my skin I have to use quite a lot, which is very different to other primers I have used. The sample tube is good, however the full size product is in a pot, which I don't like. You also have to rub the product between your fingers to ensure if doesn't 'stick' and drag on your face. Overall an okay product but I wouldn't purchase it again.


Product 2:

Palmers Daily Calming Facial Lotion

5ml sample

 

 

 

I got this sample from a magazine. I'm used other Palmers products previously and didn't like them, and this is no different. Firstly, I hate scented face creams and this one is very strong (that cocoa smell which all Palmer's products I've tried smell of). Secondly, the cream is very thick and doesn't really melt into your skin. It just kind of sits there and feels greasy. I used this first thing this morning and now, at 1pm in the afternoon, my skin still feels greasy. Not impressed and glad I didn't put any money into this product. I will definately not purchase a full size.

 

2 products down and what feels like a million to go!



Project Pan

My project pan! I'm starting off this blog, which will be about anything and everything, with my first project pan. If you don't know what a project pan is, it is basically when you stop buying beauty products and use up everything you already have or get down to a certain number. I'm aiming to use up everything.

I don't know how I managed to hoarde so much! I have baskets, drawers, bags full of makeup, skin care, lotions and nail polishes. I've just recently moved in with my boyfriend and am ashamed to say I brang it all! I tried to do a clean out but felt awful about all the waste, so when I read about a project pan on a blog I thought it was perfect!

I currently subscribe to a couple of beauty subscription boxes, so I also need to make room for these ;)

I assume the rules of project pans are different from person to person, so here are my rules:

1) If I use up a product which is the last I can buy another to replace it. E.g. I currently have about 7 or 8 mascaras. If I use up all of them I can purchase another.

2) I have to completely use up the product before I can count it.

3) Every product I complete I will post here with a review.

Ok... go....

Just to show you how much I've got, here is a photo of some of my lot (this is probably half of it):