Her Fitness Box - February 2014 review (launch box)

This is the launch box for Her Fitness Box, made by the same ladies that do Her Fashion Box. The concept is a great one - a monthly box filled with health and fitness items 2 x fitness items and 4 x health and lifestyle deluxe samples. Each month costs $39.95 but is worth over $110. 

I was expecting a ripper box going on the fashion box doing so well and I thought it would be extra special considering it is the launch box. Unfortunately this was a massive let down. Firstly, it was late. I got this on Friday, being the last day of February. Not a good start! Secondly, the items received did not even add up to $39.95! I have since read on another blog that they are including the vouchers in this price. Umm pardon? Since when do vouchers get included in the total price? And since when is a notebook a fitness item? Or the tote a fitness item? More details on the products and my thoughts are below.

This all comes in the same large box as the fashion box, but with a blue label stuck on top. The items I received are:

• Her Fitness Box tote bag
• Skipping rope RRP $17.95
• Green is Good smoothie satchet
• Emma and Toms Life Bar
• Norbu Natural Sweetner (4 satchets)
• Coconut Essence drink can
• Cantik Swimwear note book
• Anytime Fitness voucher (7 day free start)
• Brasilfit $30 voucher (only valid on purchases over $129)
• Fitness card (how to: skipping, squats and lunges)
• Recipe card (Cacao balls, Chipotle, Green smoothie)

I'm just so disappointed in this. Big let down! This could have been such a success, but just isn't. To start with I only received 1 fitness accessory. One of the health & lifestyle samples is 4 satchets, how is that deluxe? The notebook and the smoothie have both been featured in previous Her Fashion Boxes, and they've included vouchers towards the total. I don't know about you but i'm not paying upwards of $100 for leggings, or even spend $130 only to get $30 off. I was also missing a card of somesort describing what was in the box, this is a big miss to not include something like this.

The two things I did love was the fitness and recipe cards, these are a great idea and I hope these continue.

I have already paid for March's box so here is hoping that it is much better. If not, then I will definately unsubscribe. What a pity, as this box had so much potential.

What do you think of this as a launch box? Would you pay $39.95 for this?

Her Fashion Box - February 2014 review

So it's the 2nd of March and I'm reviewing a February box... hmmm. To be fair I did receive this on Friday so still classed as February.... This month seemed to be a bit of an off one for Her Fashion Box. They kept stating dates that boxes would be sent out and kept missing those. Apparently an item in the box was late so this pushed them back. I don't know about you but I don't really understand this? Why don't they pack boxes say a month in advance and have everything ready prior? They were obviously very busy with the release of Her Fitness Box so perhaps this contributed to the lateness.

Anyway, I was hoping this would be worth the wait, but unfortunately not. At first I didn't even know it was HFB as it came in a bag rather than the usual pink box. I opened it up to find a small box. My heart sank as I thought I was sent the mini box instead. After all this I did look at my emails and had received one explaining that because of the fragile nature of the jewellery they decided to pack it all in the smaller box. So at least they cleared that up!

Here is what I received:

 

This month they added a little note saying thanks for filling in the January feedback survey. I think this is a good touch and now we know straight away what our free gift is. This month it is the February issue of Shop Til You Drop magazine.

 

As with every month I also received the Her Fashion Magazine, which details everything in the box.

I also received a copy of March's Shop Til You Drop magazine.

 

 

Bondi Sands Summer Bronze Instant Tan 97ml

RRP $16.95

I love that we received a shade depending on the skin type we selected in our preferences. I like to see that they actually listen to these preferences - much better than the other boxes who pretend they do but don't! I've never used Bondi Sands before but I have heard positive things about it. I like wash off tans, and apparently this one dries in 60 seconds! It is also transfer resistant which is a big plus (although you'd think they all would be!!!). I'm very much looking forward to trying this.

 

Urban Rituelle Petit Parfum 'Ginger Apple' 12ml

RRP $14.95

I read the book before opening and smelling this and was so sad I didn't receive the Vanilla as Vanilla is my favourite thing in the world. I didn't like the sound of Ginger Apple but it is actually really good! It is nice and fresh. I also love the small bottle as it is great for my handbag.

 

Also included was a 20% voucher to use at www.urbanrituelle.com.au but the bloody thing expired on 28th February!! Ugh. What a waste!

 

Mirenesse Lip Bomb Glossy Laquer Stain 'No.2' 3.1g

RRP $39

Wow can't believe this is usually $39! Obviously fantastic addition to the box! The colour is just WOW. I did a swatch below so you can see (excuse my gross looking hand haha). It is such a deep red but is glossy and just divine. I wish this suited me more as I would just LOVE to wear this!

 

I also received an offer of $25 off using the code E025 at www.mirenesse.com minimum spend is $65 excluding postage.

 

 

Chap Stick Day and Night

RRP $6.99

I love a good lip balm as my lips get quite dry, especially in the height of summer and winter. This looks pretty good with the day and night too. Day being full of SPF and other goodness and night being a sort of mask for your lips. I like the sound of this one and hope it does what it says!

 

Lipstick Republic Shadow Shields (sample pack of two)

no RRP detailed

I think these are a good idea but i'd ever actually purchase any. I just use tissue if i'm using a powder shadow and that does the job so I definately wouldn't waste money. I don't know how much a box would be as the magazine doesn't say.

 

 

HFB Bubble bracelets

RRP $24.95

Very confused by the fashion items this month. I received what I thought was 2 items, and they advertise that each month we should receive 3. I have since read on their facebook page that these bracelets are actually classed as 3? Since when does a set class as 3? Very very disappointed in this. They are such poor quality and look rubbish. The coloured paint is already rubbing off and they don't look nice on because of the tacky gold colour, especially on the extender part of the bracelet. I will not be wearing these.

 

HFB Stepping Stones necklace

RRP $19.95

This matches the bracelets and again is so cheap that the coloured paint is rubbing off too. Won't be wearing this either. I really don't know where they get the RRP as these are worth about $1!!

 

Overall I am pretty disappointed by this month's box. There was nothing that was super fantastic about it (yes the lip stain but it is a colour that doesn't suit me) and the fashion accessories are dismal (and not even as many as we should get in the monthly box). I definately don't think this is worth the $39.95. I suppose every box can't be great and I have loved every other box I've received. Hoping that March is much better (and on time).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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