Bellabox January 2014 review

So I was expecting big things from this month's Bellabox considering it is a new year, they've talked it up in emails and their website and they've had some poor boxes the last couple of months. I received mine yesterday and to say I was disappointed is an understatement.... Crap ModelCo, more Avene, a crap brush and a nail file.... Yep, a nail file. UGH. Why would they think this is good to send out??? I am hating that I have an annual subscription, regret regret regret. Here is what I got in more detail:

The box was nice and sturdy, much better than previous month's turquoise cardboard thing. The card included was cute too, sort of like a New Year resolution kind of thing, which could potentially have been a great theme for the box.

Vaseline aloe fresh daily body lotion 25ml

RRP $7.68 for 200ml

'This 2in1 lightweight fast absorbing sunblock and moisturiser, is perfect to kick start your New Year and upkeep your skin maintenance with summer'

I like the Vaseline range and this is a great product. It isn't greasy and smells fresh however I would have preferred to see something that hasn't been done before! I have had a Vaseline lotion sample previously (October's box) and instead of trying pretty much the same thing it would be good to try out something different. 

Avene soothing moisture mask 5ml

RRP $41.85 for 50ml

'A moisture mask is always a must especially in summer! This preservative free mask will give you the beauty radiance you need to face 2014 refreshed.'

Again, I've had Avene products in previous boxes - I want to see something new!! Not to mention this month I got two Avene products. I am however interested to see how this mask goes. The sample is minuscule though, but from the the sound of it, this mask is exactly what my skin needs at the moment.

ModelCo fat lash volumising mascara full size

RRP $20

'The word fat usually isn't in NY resolution lists - till now. Get fat lashes with this cult ModelCo mascara. Hydrating, lengthening and creating a deep glossy black shade are its main agendas. We love!'

Ugh, I despise ModelCo and even more so since it keeps popping up in all my subscription boxes. This mascara is no different to the rest of the ModelCo range, a cheap, tacky looking product which for some reason comes with a hugely inflated price. The wand is a good one, however the mascara itself is rubbish. It sticks all around the brush, it is clumpy and doesn't lengthen. It also has a horrific smell... really strong alcohol kind of smell which is the thing that most puts me off it. I don't know why Bellabox was so excited about this. It will end up in my bin.... hmmm, can you tell i'm not impressed? haha.

Avene hydrating optimale rich hydrating cream 5ml

RRP $52.95 for 40ml

'This daily moisturiser is suitable for day and night usage and we suggest using it during both, for smooth summer skin, prime hydration and radiance.'

Hmm, reading the blurb I don't like the sound of a cream which doubles as day and night, as I would hate a rich day cream... the other thing is the word rich is in the title, which totally puts me off. My skin  associates 'rich' with 'oh I'll breakout now'. I'll give it a try but I doubt i'm going to like this one.

 

INM natural manicure/pedicure nail file full size

RRP $1.75

'To keep those natural nails primped and polished, try this file, perfectly chiseled and created specifically for natural nails'.

 

oh. my. god. Why on earth did they include a nail file? Sorry what part of nail file goes with what Bellabox is supposed to be about? I'm appalled at receiving this. If I got a nail treatment or something with it, I could understand but not when it is by itself. WTF!

 

Ebony C Kabuku powder brush full size

RRP $19.90

'The best brush to apply mineral powder foundation or powder bronzer/illuminator. Incredibly soft and made from 100% goats hair.

 

I definately wouldn't pay $19.90 for this. I wouldn't even pay $5. The brush hairs come out when you dust it over your face. Brilliant.

 

Banana Boat everyday sunscreen SPF 30+ 15ml satchet

RRP $21 for 400g

 

This was the 'bonus' in the box. Banana Boat is my favourite sunscreen so I'll definately use this, it is just a pity that it is in a satchet though i'm sure i'll use the whole thing in one use. I'm gobsmacked that my favourite thing in this month's box is a satchet of sunscreen.... another wtf.

 

So there you have it, this month's box. Truly awful in my opinion. I know I probably sound overly negative but after forking out for an annual subscription to receive this crap is just not on. Bellabox annoy me with how different everyone's boxes are as well. I've emailed their customer service re: cancelling and refunding my subscription but i'm sure they won't allow me. I suppose I just have to hope it gets better....

What are your thoughts? Do you receive Bellabox? Was yours better than mine?