Lust Have It - February 2014 review

I was really suprised to find Lust Have It sitting in my letterbox this afternoon! I only got an email this morning to say it was dispatched. Pleasant suprise!! This month the box was delivered without their usual magnetic box, according to the card enclosed they are revamping their packaging so plain black cardboard boxes it is until April. It doesn't bother me as I usually turf the boxes. The only thing is the cardboard gets pretty damaged in transit (much like Bellabox) but luckily nothing inside was damaged.

 

I had initially cancelled my subscription to LHI after January, in an effort to save a little money for my impending wedding and to keep my crazy amounts of beauty products at bay. However, they were offering annual subscriptions for only $150 and I just couldn't help myself (oops, sorry credit card!). It works out at just $12.50 per box (usually $19.95).  I just hope I continue to enjoy LHI!

 

If you'd like any further information about LHI, visit www.lusthaveit.com.au

 

Onto the exciting part! What I received in this month's box:

 

Ok, so a pretty full box this month! I was pretty impressed opening it up. LHI are also running a 'beauty dip' where 1000 boxes received a So...? perfume as an extra gift, but unfortunately I wasn't lucky enough! Perhaps next month....

 

 

Juice Beauty green apple peel (sensitive) 7ml sample

RRP $65, 60ml

'It exfoliates and refines to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and lighten hyperpigmentation. Delivering a spa grade exfoliation and revealing a brighter complexion while firming the skin, this product is a daily essential for all skin types'

 

Happy with the decent sized sample of this! I hadn't actually heard of this before LHI, when they revealed last month that this would be included. It sounds divine and I'm looking forward to trying it! It smells lovely, I was expecting that horrid fake green apple smell (circa DKNY) but it isn't like that at all. Included is a card detailing the benefits and how to use, along with a 10% off voucher at Green Organics Stores (in Sydney though so this goes to waste for me).

 

The Cosmetic Kitchen eyeshadow (olive leaf) full size

RRP $22.50

'100% pure talc free explosive mineral colour, mix and match bold and bright colours for unlimited style creations! Apply dry for subtle effects, and damp for electric colour! Certified cruelty free and certified vegan'

 

I was initially going to open this for a colour swatch but decided against it as looking at the colour I don't think it is something I will use, so I'm going to keep it sealed and gift it. I absolutely LOVE the sound of this though, even more so that it is cruelty free, and just wish I'd received a different colour! It is a greenish colour with what looks like loads of shimmer which is not my style. Would be interested in seeing other products from the Cosmetic Kitchen - will definately be doing some research!

 

The Cosmetic Kitchen brush full size

RRP $22.50

'A combination of Eco bamboo and original ranges. The Cosmetic Kitchen has the largest range of certified vegan, certified cruelty free super soft and luxurious cosmetic bruushes that are a must have for every occasion'.

 

This brush looks great and I'm looking forward to using it. The bristles are firm, yet soft (if that makes sense). Good addition to the box, I'm one of those people that is of the opinion you can never have to many brushes! 

 

 

Vaseline Ultimate 10 anti aging body lotion 25ml sample

RRP $16.29, 750ml

'It contains anti-aging ingredients such as AHA, pro-retinol and vitamin B3 to effectively protect, restore, brighten and tighten skin while giving immediate relief from dryness. Skin is more radiant smoother and younger looking.'

 

I've received this sample previously in Bellabox, and loved it. So much so that it is on my list to purchase when I've used up all my current body lotions!

 

Clairol Professional colour radiance shampoo 50ml sample

RRP $13.95, 250ml

'This salon-exclusive formula helps to protect coloured hair from fading and shifting for long-lasting brilliant colour. It gently cleanses and conditions coloured hair.'

 

This shampoo sounds good. I'm pretty in love with Tony&Guy so it would take a lot for me to leave them. I've used Clairol previously and haven't been to impressed but I'll still try this out. Besides, it is always good to have a sample shampoo floating about for travelling, especially when it is a decent size like this one.

 

Clairol Professional expand volume mousse 50ml sample

RRP $19.50, 250ml

'A strong creamy mousse that instantly doubles fullness and body from the roots. With a lift that lasts for 24 hours, it's unique formula has a heat-protecting agent, which leaves hair healthy and smooth'.

 

I'm not a big hair mousse gal. In fact, I think I was in school the last time I used mousse (10 years ago... shudder!). Thankfully, long gone are the days of Schwartzkopf mousse in my tightly curled hair... omg! Hearing the word mousse brings those horrible memories back... However, I'm willing to put those to the side to try this out. Anything that brings body to my roots i'm happy to try!!

 

 

 

Hand Spa Bijoux hand wipe

RRP $1.50

'Made from 100% natural cotton non-woven fabric which has premium cellulose continuous fiber construction, it contains organic fulvic acid extract. 18g of hyaluronic acid, royal jelly, glycerin and soy bean extract provides the skin with a deep nourishing and moisturising effect'.

 

I've never heard of this product, and to be honest I'm a little confused? Is this just a wipe? Is this a hand mit? I haven't opened it just yet.. but I'm looking forward to it! Sounds very weird, but interesting. My hands can get horribly dry, especially when i'm helping out on the farm so perhaps this is good? I'm thinking perhaps it's a weird way of putting lotion on our hands!

 

I also received an offer card from Harvest Box, to receive a free box when I purchase one for $7.95 (head to www.harvestbox.com.au/freesnack if you wish to take them up on this - there is no promo code). I tried Harvest Box a while ago when they did a similar intro offer but quickly gave it up. I found I can put together my own box for a fraction of the price!

 

That is it! Overall i'm quite happy with this month's box, and I'm happy that I've continued on with them. They are leaps and bounds above Bellabox and hopefully they continue to keep up their great work. I find I get more generous sized samples and more/better full size products through LHI, not to mention their fab customer service. What do you think? Are you subscribed to LHI?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Project Pan - empties 23 - 31

Below are the products I've managed to get through over the last couple of weeks. Not as many as I would like but i'm close to finishing some full sized products so i'm starting to make a proper dent in my stash!!

 

Imperial Leather foamburst shower gel

This is the BEST shower gel EVER. It lasts for sooooo long as it foams up and lathers amazingly. This is my favourite scent as well, coconut and tiare flower. yum! I find that I have to run the can under the warm shower water to help it come out easily but thats the only downside. I've not been able to find a shower gel that even comes close to this. Repurchase? Definately

 

Clinique body exfoliating cream

I received this in one of the Clinque gift times (my god I've managed to get a LOT of Clinique products out of these!). It is an okay product. It does a good job at exfoliating, but the smell is this horrid sort of mint/chemical smell? (so much for fragrance free) Hard to explain but it isn't nice. The product also seems to 'stick' to your skin and is hard to rinse off. Like I say it exfoliates well, but it I've used other exfoliators that are much better and a lot cheaper! Repurchase? No

 

Evo ritual salvation, shampoo and conditioner

These came in handy as I've just been travelling so it was good to use them up! I wasn't too impressed though, the shampoo didn't wash out properly twice, even though the second time I rinsed it twice! It made my hair feel really greasy. The conditioner didn't really do anything either my hair was very knotty like I hadn't used a conditioner at all. These are aimed at dry and damaged hair but to me they didn't do anything. Repurchase? No

 

KMS free shape conditioner

This is meant to condition and prepare for heat styling. It was a great conditioner - my hair felt lovely, soft and silky and no knots in sight. Repurchase? I'd think about it!

 

　

 

Clinique liquid facial soap extra mild

I love this product, it makes my skin feel clean without drying my skin out. I find I have to cleanse twice with it to effectively remove all traces of makeup, but that's okay. Repurchase? Yes

 

Pure Tan pure moisture coconut creme body scrub

I love coconut and this is one of the best smelling scrubs I've ever had tried! I would definately try this again, it feels great on my skin and leaves it nice and soft. Repurchase? YES!

 

Aveda exfoliating cleanser

I loved this product, it agreed with my skin well! I even cut open the top so I could get every little drop out! My skin felt clean and soft and it wasn't dried out either. It is soft enough to use a couple times a week, which is what my skin needs. I'm not sure about pricing for the full size of this product but I'd definately consider it if I saw it! Repurchase? Depending on price, yes

 

ASAP daily facial cleanser

This was an okay cleanser, nothing special. I found I still had makeup on my skin after cleansing twice with it so I don't think i'd bother with this one again. My skin felt tight and dry afterwards so not very impressive. Repurchase? No

Bellabox - February 2014 review

Well, if you have read my previous posts you would know I've not been impressed with Bellabox over the last couple of months. I received my February box this morning, something I wasn't really looking forward to... (which is disappointing!) I have an annual subscription, which I regret so so much, so these are going to continue coming to me until August this year. Ahhh! This month's box was actually pretty early which is good. I haven't had dispatch notices from Her Fashion Box or Lust Have It, so that is impressive. The box did come squished in one corner though, but luckily nothing inside was damaged!
Anyway, as usual Bellabox gave some sneak peaks and for the first time I was actually lucky enough to receive one of them (not that I was excited about either sneak peak products though, it was just nice to actually receive it!). Here is what I received in my box:

 

 

The theme for this month's box is 'Red Carpet Ready'. I received 6 products all together, 1 of which is full sized. Not greatly impressed by this. The full size product is worth $14 and the box itself costs $15. So in this box it has pretty much broken even. The products I received in more detail are:

 

 

Burt's Bees Naturally Nourishing Milk and Honey Body Lotion - 25g sample

RRP $19.95 for 170g

"Creamy and sweet and just what your skin needs to feel loved from head to toe this celeb and girl next door favourite alike is designed to soften your skin and absorb fast"

 

This was one of the products which was featured in this month's sneak peak. I've seen on BB's facebook page a lot of people didn't receive either sneak peak so I'm happy I've got what seems like a better box! I have not tried this before but I have used their lip balms and was not impressed by them. The product is sealed which is brilliant. When i peeled off the seal product poured out so it is nice and full!! The smell is amazing, so yummy! It is nice and creamy and a little goes a fair way. The only downside is it has left my skin a little greasy/sticky so it doesn't absorb to well. Due to this it is not something I would purchase but it was good to try just for the smell of it ;)

 

Om She Aromatherapy Liquid Eye Liner Pot - full size (i think)

RRP $13.95

"Glam lined eyes are everywhere on the red carpet! Steal the look with this super long wearing liquid eye liner with a fine, soft brush applicator tip and a rapid dry formula"

 

So I think this is a full size product, it doesn't really say so I am just assuming... At first I was super excited for this. I LOVE liquid eye liner. That is, until I saw the colour... it is called 'sapphire' and it is navy blue with glitter through it. Ugh why the f*** would they send this? For me, this is like receiving a brown mascara! This is such a pity as from the test on my hand it does dry almost instantly and doesn't smudge either. I would think about wearing it if it wasn't for the glitter. I'm not 12, I don't need glitter in my eye liner! Not happy with this.

 

Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser - 14ml sample

RRP $6.49 for 6.7oz

"Always forget to take off your makeup post special event? This cleanser and makeup remover in one is your new friend! The dermatologist tested formula effectively removes dirt, oil and makeup, even eye products, without irritating!"

 

This sounds like a good product and I am looking forward to trying it. It will be interesting to see if it does remove eye makeup? Although not sure how I feel about putting it around my eyes... hmmm. I guess I'll see! In my opinion though I don't think it really goes with the 'red carpet' theme as it is a bog standard product/brand.

 

 

John Frieda Precision Foam Colour Intense After Colour Conditioner - 50ml sample

RRP $16.99 for 150ml

"This conditioner helps seal in the rich, beautiful tones of any colour and helps protect strands from fading, wash after wash. Suiting all shades of hair, keep yours feeling soft and silky, for that super star shine!"

 

Pretty impressed with the size of this sample! I will get lots of uses out of this one. So apparently this one is to use straight after colouring, and then once a week after that to keep colour from fading. Interesting... not sure how this will work without the shampoo to pair it with? I guess I'll see... I'm sure I'd just be able to use it as a conditioner anyway!

 

Om She Buff Away Face Polish - 30ml sample

RRP $13.95 for 125ml

"Refresh your complexion with the gentle but potent exfoliator that helps to cleanse away impurities and enhance the skin with its blend of natural botanicals"

 

I'm all out of face exfoliator so this has come at a perfect time. It has a very very strong smell, it is hard to explain, a strong chemical smell but it covered up with fragrance. Eww.It leads you to believe it is natural but with a smell like that I dont see how it is! I will still use it but hopefully the smell doesn't linger...

 

Gaia Skin Naturals Lavender and Frankincense Facial Moisturiser - sachet (not size listed) - bonus product

RRP $12.95 for 125ml

 

This is the bonus product this month. Stupid sachet! It does sound like a nice moisturiser though and it is animal test free and vegan friendly which is great to see. Happy to see this included.

 

So that is this month's box! Overall i'm not that impressed. I mean it's good but not great. Two products from one brand, and 2 face washes is not what i'd call great variety. The one full size product included isn't for me either.

I'm so over Bellabox. Their boxes are not great and they have terrible customer service. They don't respond to emails and if they do it is just a copy and paste job and they don't answer specific questions. I've cancelled my annual subscription and just can't wait until my experience with Bellabox is over!