Violet Box (February 2014)

I was feeling excited that my Violet Box arrived last week when I was least expecting it! I've had such a busy week that I was surprised to receive my Violet Box in my mail box, waiting for me to reveal the surprises it holds. February is the month of love, so I was hoping that the theme of my February Violet Box would reflect around the notion of love!

February Violet Box

Wotnot Natural Organic Facial Wipes (A$7.95/25 wipes, 5 wipe pack received) - I am a huge fan or natural and organic skin care products, so I was really content to receive a pack of these Wotnot wipes! This sample pack would be great for traveling or even storing in my handbag for any emergencies.

Red Carpet Kontour (A$49.95/150 ml, 2 sachet samples in medium received) - RCK is an all-over body lotion which provides a glow finish to the skin. There are three shades available (light, medium and tan) to suit all skin tones. Not only does this body glow leave a beautiful gleam to the skin, it also aims to conceal imperfections such as stretch marks, cellulite, age spots and wrinkles.

Be a Bombshell 'The One Stick' in shade 'Girl Crush' (A$21/7.3g, full size received) and Lip Crayon in shade 'Some Beach' (A$19/2.5g, full size received) - These two full sized makeup products from Be a Bombshell are an interesting touch to this month's Violet Box! The One Stick came in a pink pearlescent shade which is quite versatile to apply to areas of the face where the light touches the skin. You could apply this product to the eyes, cheeks and even lips for a pop of colour and luminescent appeal! The Lip Crayon in 'Some Beach' is such a gorgeous coral shade! I love this bright summer shade and it's definitely a shade that I could wear everyday!

Nuxe Creme Nirvanesque (A$49.95/50ml, 15ml sample received) - Nuxe Creme Nirvanesque works to soothe, de-stress and relax expression lines. Although I am yet to see any signs of aging, I will definitely keep this somewhere for future use. This creme is actually composed of more than 80% of natural ingredients, so perfect for those who love natural and organic based cremes.

Aphelia Oasis Acne Solution (A$49/50ml, 2ml sample roller ball received) - This acne solution has come at a good time for me. I've had a couple of blemishes popping up these last few days, so I hope this acne solution helps to clear my skin from pimples and blemishes in no time! I like the idea of this vial possessing a roller ball head, which makes for easy and mess-free application.

The bright red heart-shaped lollipop was a nice touch to the February Violet Box! Overall, I was somewhat satisfied with this month's box as there was a nice selection of body, skin and makeup products that I would put to good use, aside from the Nuxe creme. There were a total of 4 samples sized products and 2 full sized products which will be fun to use when traveling during the upcoming weekend!

What did you receive in your February Violet Box?

xx Rose

Products were provided for consideration only. This review is 100% based on my own thoughts and opinions. I am not affiliated with Violet Box and  did not receive remuneration to post these product reviews. 

NEW Katy Perry Killer Queen Oh So Sheer EDP

I've never tried any of Katy Perry's signature perfumes, though I must say the bottle of Killer Queen Oh So Sheer (A$49.99/100ml) is quite appealing! I love how the diamond shaped bottle of Oh So Sheer fits perfectly in the palm of my hand and that the luxurious gold cap and pink accent look striking on my dresser. Oh So Sheer includes top notes of Forrest Fruits, Mulberry, Blackcurrant and Plum, middle notes of Freesia, Jasmine, Frangipani and Celosia, and finally base notes of Caramel, Praline, Cashmere Wood and Patchouli. The berries are quite prominent which makes Oh So Sheer a very fruity scent with hints of floral and sweet notes. I love the fruity scent of Oh So Sheer as the berries do make this fragrance smell quite fresh, uplifting and clean. The scent isn't too overpowering and has low sillage, so it's a very wearable fragrance if you enjoy fruity notes that provide an overall subtle scent. I would definitely recommend this fragrance if you love a concoction of fruity, fresh and floral scents, though it's a shame that the lasting power is poor (approx. 2 to 3 hours). I've been reaching out for this fragrance more and more and have been spritzing this scent to my neck, hair and wrists, so it won't be long until I finish this lovely bottle of Oh So Sheer!

Have you explored Katy Perry's line of fragrances?

What do you think of Oh So Sheer? 

xx Rose

Product was provided for consideration only. This review is 100% based on my own thoughts and opinions. I am not affiliated with Katy Perry Fragrances and did not receive remuneration to post this product review. 

NEW COVERGIRL Flamed Out Shadow Pencils

COVERGIRL Flamed Out Shadow Pencil in Ashen Glow Flame (L) and Silver Flame (R).

The latest addition to the COVERGIRL cosmetic line is the fierce and exotic Flamed Out Shadow Pencils (A$9.95), which help to heat up your look for any hot occasion! COVERGIRL P!NK is the gorgeous gal who has been rocking these fabulous new Flamed Out Shadow Pencils. These Flamed Out Shadow Pencils are available in 6 beautiful shades. 

Covergirl P!NK - ''I like my makeup to be colourful, smokey, sexy and the new Flamed Out Collection from COVERGIRL is all those things ... The Shadow Pencils complement each other to make a dramatic statement - perfect for the kind of looks I like to wear on stage! Hot enough for you?''

I have with me two shades of the Flamed Out Shadow Pencils to review and swatch:

#335 Ashen Glow Flame - a metallic light gold

#300 Silver Flame - a metallic gunmetal grey

I love how chunky these shadow pencils are as they make application so quick and easy! Once applied to the eye lids, I could feel a nice cooling sensation which makes these shadow pencils feel like an eye gel! 

The texture of the shadow pencils is very creamy and smooth despite the high intensity of metallic finish they provide. These pencils glide on oh soo smoothly and effortlessly along my eye lid, I was amazed as to how easy it was use. The pigmentation is quite buildable, however, the longevity was just mediocre. I've had to apply an eye primer to prolong the lasting power of these shadow pencils. 

These pencils are so versatile as they could be used as an eye liner or shadow. You could even apply these pencils to the inner corners of the eye, depending on the shade of course! The shade Silver Flame works beautifully when applied to the inner corners of the eyes to give a little spark and pop to a smokey eye look. Both of these metallic shades also complement one another to create a goddess eye look!

Have you tried COVERGIRL'S new Flamed Out Shadow Pencils?

Do you love wearing metallic eye colours?

xx Rose

Products were provided for consideration only. This review is 100% based on my own thoughts and opinions. I am not affiliated with Covergirl and did not receive remuneration to post this product review. 

NEW Olay Fresh Effects 'Shine, Shine Go Away' and 'Bead Me Up'

Olay have unveiled their brand new range of skin care called Olay Fresh Effects, which is targeted to those aged between 18 and 30. Olay Fresh Effects skin care range aims to keep skin looking and feeling fresh 24/7. The main components of this fun and vibrant new skin care range includes citrus extracts to awaken and refresh tired skin and also flower essences to hydrate and nourish the skin. I love the look of this fun, bright and fresh new range as this is the first time Olay have formulated skin care products for young skin. 

Olay Fresh Effects Shine, Shine Go Away Cleanser

Shine, Shine Go Away (A$14.49/150ml) is a shine minimizing cleanser which helps to purify the skin the same way a facial mask draws impurities from the outer-most layer of the skin. The formula contains kaolin clay, a common ingredient found in facial masks, which helps to draw impurities deep within pores and ensure the skin stays shine-free during the day. Basically, this cleanser works like a facial mask but it's to be used as a facial cleanser. 

The lightweight formula is oil-free and feels gentle against my skin. I find the colour of the formula quite intriguing, as I've never come across a cleanser which is metallic grey in colour. The colour doesn't bother me at all, as the formula worked well to gently cleanse my combination/oily skin. The formula does lather up quite nicely and doesn't strip away the essential oils on my skin. My skin feels refreshed, hydrated and squeaky clean!

Olay Fresh Effects Bead Me Up Exfoliating Cleanser

Bead Me Up Exfoliating Cleanser (A$14.49/150ml) which contains exfoliating micro-beads to help refresh and revitalise the skin. The exfoliating beads are so gentle to my skin that my skin can tolerate the exfoliating action of the beads when used on a daily basis. The formula actually lather up slightly to thoroughly lift away impurities caught deep within the pores and skin and leaves my skin feeling smooth and soft to touch. I really enjoyed using this exfoliator and it worked like a dream and didn't irritate my skin.

Have you used Olay skin care products in the past?

What are your thoughts on Olay's new skin care range targeted towards young skin?

xx Rose

Products were provided for consideration only. This review is 100% based on my own thoughts and opinions. I am not affiliated with Olay and did not receive remuneration to post this product review. 

Sukin Purifying Body Scrub

Sukin products always deliver with positive results and the latest product by Sukin that has left a smile to my dial is the Purifying Body Scrub (A$21.9 /200ml). Sukin Purifying Body Scrub is sulphate and paraben free and is formulated with micro particles of bamboo extract and ground walnut shells to purify the skin and aloe vera, chamomile, rose hip, jojoba and sesame to hydrate the skin. I am amazed at the list of luxuriously hydrating ingredients formulated within this body scrub as the formula works magnificently to moisturise and hydrate dry areas of my body. I've been using this body scrub twice a week by just massaging a generous amount to damp skin and then finish off by rinsing with lukewarm water. I absolutely love the scent of this body scrub as it reminds me of almond filled croissants! The granules are relatively fine and they work well to slough away dry and rough skin, particularly around the elbows and knees. My skin feels beautifully polished and it does leave a subtle sweet scent after application! This body was so easy to apply to deliver beautifully smooth and soft looking skin!

Have you used Sukin body products in the past?

Which Sukin products do you love?

xx Rose

Product was provided for consideration only. This review is 100% based on my own thoughts and opinions. I am not affiliated with Sukin and did not receive remuneration to post this product review. 

Violet Box (January 2014)

My first Violet Box of the year has finally arrived! I was quite excited with this month's box, because there were skincare and cosmetics goodies from brands I love such as MOR and Lush and also new brands to add to my ever growing beauty collection. Also, I've been awaiting my Jelly Pong Pong Wide Awake Face Palette that I was meant to receive last month, but didn't receive it since it was damaged during transit.

MOR Essentials Collection Hand Cream (A$14.95/80ml) in Basil & Grape and Black Currant Iris. These scents sound absolutely divine! I love hand creams with a unique concoction of florals, fruits and greenery! MOR Hand Creams are infused with the goodness of Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Glycerin and Aloe Vera to soothe and pamper the hands while leaving them smelling fresh and lovely! I will be saving these sachets for an upcoming road trip!

Acorelle Eau de Parfum (A$69.95) is a fragrance I've never come across in the past. This perfume is concocted in a way to soothe and improve the sense of well-being.

So Susan Water-based Pure Luminizer (A$49/15g) and Nail Lacquer in Pink Guava (A$10/9ml). So Susan is a UK cosmetics brand which house a range of innovative skincare and cosmetics. I was so excited to receive the Luminizer and Nail Lacquer from a brand that I've never had the chance to try out. The Luminizer provides a soft-glow effect (thanks to the minute pearlescent pigments) when applied to the cheekbones, inner brow and inner corners of the eyes. I love that it is water-based so that it blends so easily and appears natural against my complexion. The nail lacquer in Pink Guava is a bright hot pink shade that will be perfect to wear this summer! The shade Pink Guava isn't entirely unique, though the formula is a 4-free lacquer (no DBP, no toluene, no formaldehyde and no formaldehyde resin).

LUSH Gorgeous Facial Moisturiser (A$74.95/45g). I love Lush products as their products are all filled with goodness and they smell so uplifting! There were two Lush products that were sent out to Violet Box subscribers this month: Gorgeous Facial Moisturiser and Dream Cream Body Lotion. I've never tried any moisturisers from Lush before, so I was super delighted to have the chance to try their Gorgeous Facial Moisturiser! Gorgeous Facial Moisturiser is infused with Orange Blosson Honey, which explains why this beauty had such an amazing scent! The moisturiser is lightweight, so you only need the tiniest amount for one application. I love how this moisturiser feels against my skin and how nourishing it feels!

Villainess Soaps Dulces En Fuego Soap with cracked black pepper and cinnamon sprinkled throughout, (A$8.50/99g). The other two varieties of Villainess Soaps that were sent out include Ginger Snapped and Scintillating). The indulgent blend of vegetable oils and exotic unrefined butters of these Villainess Soaps are so delicate that they just melt onto my skin! The soap Dulces En Fuego smells quite pleasant due to the cinnamon scent which balances the scent of cracked pepper. The sample soap I received actually looked like a slice of chocolate, so not only did it smell beautiful it also looked delicious too!

Jelly Pong Pong Wide Awake Face Palette (A$32) is a multipurpose facial palette which contains an illuminating cream, highlighting cream and eye brow sculpting kit. This palette is pure genius as it contains all the essential beauty products you need to brighten the complexion and achieve perfectly shaped brows. 

Overall, I am utterly pleased with the January Violet Box, what a great start to the year with Violet Box! I absolutely love all the contents in this month's box and will definitely save the travel sized products for a road trip or small holiday in future. I am already feeling excited to reveal the contents of the next Violet Box in February and I sure do hope it will be a Valentine's Day themed box :)

What did you receive in your January Violet Box?

xx Rose

Products were provided for consideration only. This review is 100% based on my own thoughts and opinions. I am not affiliated with Violet Box and  did not receive remuneration to post these product reviews. 

NEW Ultraceuticals SunActive SPF50+ Face Cream

Protecting the skin is one of the utmost important factors to prolong the aging of skin and ensure beautiful healthy looking skin. One of the newest face sunscreens I have come across is the new Ultraceuticals SunActive SPF50+ Face Cream (A$45/60ml), which contains the highest SPF that I have ever used! Not only does this face cream provide ultra protection to shield the skin against the harmful sun rays but it also provides antioxidants and Vitamins E and C to nourish the skin. While this face cream simultaneously protects and nourishes the skin, there's no need to apply a moisturiser. 

The formula is relatively thick in consistency, so it's best to use a foundation brush to gently and evenly apply a small amount across the face. Using my fingers sort of tugs my skin due to the thick consistency, so it's important to use an appropriate technique for application. Although thick in consistency, the formula is not greasy and absorbs amazingly quick into the skin, thereby, leaving no wastage of time waiting for the formula to penetrate the skin. The absorption of the formula leaves no residues or traces of white marks on the face, plus it doesn't clog my pores. I love the fact that the formula leaves a lovely velvety finish, perfect for applying foundation and makeup afterwards!

Ultraceuticals SunActive SPF50+ Face cream contains no benzophenone, parabens, propylene, glycol, SLS/SLES, mineral oil, synthetic dyes or fragrances.

Which face creams do you use to protect and nourish your skin?

xx Rose

Product was provided for consideration only. This review is 100% based on my own thoughts and opinions. I am not affiliated with Ultraceuticals and did not receive remuneration to post this product review. 

NEW Illamasqua Destiny Nail Varnish

To celebrate Chinese New Year on Friday 31st January 2014 (the year of the Wooden Horse), Illamasqua counters at Myer have launched an exclusive limited edition nail varnish called 'Destiny'. Such a beautiful name, isn't it?

Single coat on the two nails on the left and two coats on the two nails on the right.

Illamasqua, Myer- 'Inspired by the new life that leaves bring to bare wooden bark in the spring, we have captured a fresh green leaf in our latest shade, Destiny.'

Destiny features fine hexagonal and spotted gold glitter particles in a sea of bottle green nail varnish as the base. I don't have any shades of emerald green in my nail polish collection, so Destiny sure is a stand out amongst my other nail polish bottles. Although the formula of Destiny is somewhat viscous, I found that it was a breeze to achieve an opaque finish with just one coat. The glitters appear moderately dispersed leaving a gorgeous jelly base finish. The sparkling finish is pretty much like the surface of exquisite wine glasses! I absolutely love the fact that the overall finish of Destiny appears exactly the same as the shade in the bottle!

Two coats of Illamasqua Destiny Nail Varnish

Illamasqua Destiny Nail Varnish (A$22.50/15ml) is available exclusively at Myer from 14th January 2014.

What's going to be on your nails during Chinese New Year?

xx Rose

Product was provided for consideration only. This review is 100% based on my own thoughts and opinions. I am not affiliated with Illamasqua and did not receive remuneration to post this product review. 

NEW MyNewSkin 100% Natural Multipurpose Nourishing Balm

I was recently approached to review the brand new 100% Natural and Nourishing Multipurpose Balm called MyNewSkin (A$24.95/50g). There are two varieties available, Olive and Lemon Myrtle and Olive and Lavender. These balms have been made from the most natural and fresh plant extracts and anti-oxidants to provide the skin with hydration, replenishment and nourishment. If you have dry skin, ageing skin, sensitive skin or uneven skin tone, then you should definitely consider trying MyNewSkin. These ingredients are also 100% natural and Australian Grown! There are no nasties at all and the formula is chemical-free!

MyNewSkin is formulated from fresh plant extracts including Olive Leaf, Oregano, Chickweed, Burdock, Sheep Sorrel, Salad Burnett and Fresh Lantana. These herbs are grown chemical-free where the company is located in Queensland. The two varieties of scents originate from an Olive Oil base with either Lemon Myrtle or Lavender. These natural herbs have been cold-pressed within the 3 hours that they've been picked, so this method of preparation ensures minimal nutrient loss. It's an interesting concept as I'm always on the lookout for skin care products formulated from natural ingredients.

What I love about these balms are the incredibly divine scents which just soothes my senses while it nourishes my skin. As a multipurpose balm, I use a small amount over dry patches on my face, lips, elbows, knees and cuticles for instant nourishment. You could pretty much use this balm anywhere on the face and body! I especially LOVE applying this balm over my lips as the beautiful scent lingers for awhile which makes me feel relaxed! My skin, especially my elbows and knees feel well hydrated and the great thing is that the balm slowly soaks into the skin and doesn't leave an unpleasant greasy film. 

The MyNewSkin balm is not too thick or thin as a balm as it was very easy to whip a small amount of product to spread across rough and dry skin. The balm wasn't too oily and doesn't slide away so easily, so it does stay put during the day to keep my skin feeling nourished and soothed!

MyNewSkin is privately owned and made in Queensland, Australia. For further information and stockists, please see the following site: www.mynewskin.com.au.

Do you use multipurpose balms? 

What do you think of these beautifully concocted herbal skin balms?

xx Rose

Products were provided for consideration only. This review is 100% based on my own thoughts and opinions. I am not affiliated with MyNewSkin and did not receive remuneration to post this product review. 

Violet Box (December 2013)

My December/Christmas Violet Box arrived (in mid-December) with an intriguing selection of beauty, hair, body and food goodies! I love the surprise of opening up a box of goodies from Violet Box as they always include a wide selection of hair, beauty and skin products.

I love discovering new beauty brands, so I was uber excited to see some beauty products from Sweetpea & Fay Cosmetics. Unfortunately, I was meant to receive a Jelly Pong Pong Wide Awake Palette, however, this product was damaged during transit. Apparently, this palette will be included my next Violet Box in January. So, to make up for this blunder, Violet Box have generously included two pigmented mineral eyeshadows for me to experiment with.

Sweetpea & Fay Mineral Eyeshadow in UFO Sightings.

Sweetpea & Fay Mineral Eyeshadow in Tom Foolery.

UFO Sightings is a dark purple with shimmery flecks of silver and baby blue and Tom Foolery is a mauve shade with silver shimmers. These two shades of purple are incredibly shimmery and they also compliment one another so you could use these shades to create a purple smoky eye.

Sweetpea & Fay J'Adore Les Levres in Mermaid Kiss is a hot neon pink which is super pigmented and applies on opaque. The shade Mermaid Kiss is a little too bright for my liking, so I will probably give this one a miss. 

I haven't tried EVO hair products at all, though I've heard many great reviews on these. It's nice to have the opportunity to finally try the shampoo and conditioner! Evo The Therapist Calming shampoo and conditioner is recommended for dry, frizzy and colour-treated hair, so this is right up my alley!

Crabtree & Evelyn products are so luscious and divine! I was so happy to see a tube of their Pomegranate hand creme in my Violet Box! The scent of Pomegranate with argan oil and grapeseed is just so so so beautiful! The cream feels lovely and makes my hands and cuticles feel well nourished and moisturised without leaving any residues. Truly a must-have for my hand bag!

HelloFresh is a food delivery service which provides you a selection of ingredients for you to whip up a healthy meal following one of their many recipes. I find this an interesting concept and also a nice surprise to find a $30 voucher in my box.

Overall, I was quite happy with my Violet Box, despite missing out on receiving the Jelly Pong Pong palette in the December box. I was really excited to have the opportunity to try out the Evo and Sweetpea & Fay products which were brands that are completely new to me.

What do you think of the December Violet Box? 

Did you receive the same contents?

xx Rose

 Products were provided for consideration only. This review is 100% based on my own thoughts and opinions. I am not affiliated with Violet Box and did not receive remuneration to post this product review.