Violet Box (October 2013)

My October Violet Box arrived a little later than usual, but it was certainly well worth the wait! The Violet Box I received was actually smaller and more rectangular in shape than the previous subscription boxes.

This month's Violet Box was packed full to the brim with skin care and make-up products where 4 of the 5 products included were full-sized.

October Violet Box

John Plunkett Cosmeceuticals Super Wrinkle Cream (A$28.95/50g, 20ml sample received) isn't something I need right now, however, for those of you who are interested, this Intensive Night Nourishing Cream is enriched with Vitamin C and E to help skin recover and rejuvenate.

APIVITA Express Beauty with Orange face mask (A$7.90/2 sachets) is an indulgent and revitalising face mask which is packed full of goodness that I'm sure my skin will absolutely love! I am really looking forward to using this face mask before the Melbourne Cup festivities next week!

Oxyplex Pressed Powder (A$70/11.8g, full size received) in the shade Amber is a mineral makeup foundation powder. Although the shade Amber is too dark for my skin tone, I can definitely see this powder as a bronzer to contour my face. Oxyplex is a completely new brand to me, so I'm quite intrigued to see how this powder performs.

Savoir Faire Lipgloss in Bon Bon (A$25, full size received) is a gorgeous fuschia shade which is totally right up my alley! The lip gloss applies on relatively sheer with a tinge of pink and the the caramel toffee scent of this lipgloss smells uber delicious!

Be A Bombshell Eye Shadow in Halo (A$18, full size received) is such a versatile shimmery white shade. The texture of the powder is quite soft, creamy and applies on smooth. However, the eye shadow doesn't last very well, so applying an eye primer beforehand is a must.

I am extremely pleased and excited to reveal to contents of the October Violet Box as there was a nice selection of familiar and unfamiliar brands included. The products included in the October Violet Box will certainly have me feeling well pampered and prepared for the Spring Racing season!

Are you a Violet Box subscriber?

 Did you receive the same contents/shades as I did?

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.   

October/November Empties

Sukin Sensitive Cleansing Gel (reviewed here) - Sukin's new Sensitive skincare range launched recently and I adore the calming and soothing properties of this cleansing gel due to the concoction of Chamomile, Cucumber and Aloe Vera within the formula.

Sukin Facial Moisturiser (reviewed here) - I love organic-based skincare products as they are so gentle to my skin. Sukin Facial Moisturiser is a lightweight cream moisturier, however, my combination/oily skin type actually prefers gel-like moisturisers. So, I've been using this moisturiser to hydrate my neck and decolletage as the moisturiser contains nourishing ingredients such as Rosehip, Jojoba and Avocado oils.

Lee Stafford Poker Straight Flat Iron Protection Shine Mist - I love how the nozzle of this bottle provides a large mist to coat most of my hair in one spritz, however, the formula had a very strong chemical-like scent which I did not really enjoy.

L'Occitane's Ultra Rich Body Cream in Hibiscus Flower (reviewed here) - I LOVE how nourishing, moisturising and rich L'Occitane Shea Butter creams are! Ultra Rich Body Cream contains 25% of Shea Butter and the scent Hibiscus Flower was a limited edition scent from the Shea Africa Collection.

Savoir Faire Concealer Pack in Light (reviewed here) - I received this concealer in my December Bella Box (2011) and it was the first time I have used products from Savoir Faire. I loved the creamy concealer formula, however, the mattifying  powder in the bottom compartment of this nifty concealer kit did not set well after applying liquid foundation.

Burt's Bees Rejuvenating Lip Balm with Acai Berry - Burt's Bees lip products always enthralls me! The Rejuvenating Lip Balm with Acai Berry had a very pleasant and sweet scent and kept my lips hydrated during the day.

Bloom Mango Tango Natural Flavour Lip Balm (reviewed here) - I've been in a lip balm crazy these last few months and that's probably due to the dryness I've suffered during the winter season. Mango Tango, the Bloom lip balm, smells lovely just like the Boost Juice Mango Tango flavour smoothie!

Alpha-H Clear Skin Blemish Control Gel with Wild Oregano and Tea Tree (reviewed here) -  This blemish gel has lasted me for ages! I love the fresh Tea Tree scent of this blemish balm and especially love how effective this gel helped to heal and sooth minor pimples and blemishes popping up on my skin.

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence (reviewed here) - Facial Treatment Essence is one of my favourite SK-II products! It is a lovely addition to my daily skincare regime where I apply a few drops onto my skin my gentle patting motions. My skin seems to appear clear and healthy after using this for a couple of weeks. This trial sized sample lasted my about 4 weeks!

Have you finished any holy grail beauty products last month?

xx Rose  

 

May Bellabox: Pamper Yourself, Pamper Your Mum

My May Bellabox has arrived with the theme 'Pamper Yourself, Pamper Your Mum', to celebrate Mother's Day. Here is a list of the products in my May Bellabox:

EmerginC Hydra Repair Capsules, 4 capsules worth A$13.90 

(40 capsules per pack A$139)  (full size A$2)
Eau Thermale Avene Ystheal+ Emulsion, sample size 5ml worth A$10.30 

(full size 30mL A$61.95)
Eau Thermale Avene Eluage Eye Contour Cream, sample size 2ml worth A$8.50 

(full size 15mL A$63.95)
Bobbi Brown Lash Glamour Extreme Lengthening Mascara, sample size 3mL worth A$24 (full size 6mL A$48)

Savior Faire Lipstick in Opulence, sample size 1.2 g worth A$16.50

(full size 3.5g  A$48) 

Sebastian Professional Range, sample sachets 3x10ml, conditioner, shampoo and masque from the Penetraitt range for strengthening and repair (full size products from A$34)

May Bellabox Total worth ~A$75

The May Bellabox was very interesting as there was a mix of cosmetics, haircare and skincare. It's great that there were a mix of different products for five different brands. I am super excited that there was a Bobbi Brown Lash Glamour Extreme Lengthening mascara as I received this same sample in my previous Glossybox and absolutely love it! It not only lengthens my lashes as it claims but it also separates and dries up quickly to give me naturally looking fluttery lashes. 

The second cosmetic product is a miniature Savior Faire Lipstick in Opulence- a dark chocolate shade. This shade is the darkest shade I have ever worn and it will be the last time I will wear it. It's just too dark for my light skin tone and doesn't suit me at all unfortunately.

There were a few skincare products, namely Eau Thermale Avene Ystheal+ Emulsion and Eluage Eye Contour Cream. I have tried samples of Eau Thermale Avene toner and cleanser that I received in my Glossybox (again!) and really loved how gentle the products were to my skin. The emulsion and eye cream sound great to add to my skincare regime. EmerginC Hydra Repair Capsules were another skincare product sample that I received. I don't think I will use these, so off they go to mum!

Now, last but not least, I received generous sachet samples of Sebastian Professional shampoo, condition and masque from the Penetraitt range. The Penetraitt range aims to provide strengthening and repair to weak and damaged hair. This sounds like something my hair definitely needs!

All in all, I'm pleased with the variety of deluxe samples I received this month. I'm particularly happy with the Bobbi Brown mascara I received as I really loved the look it provided to my lashes. This mascara tube will be my back up as I'm still using the one I received with my Glossybox.

What are your thoughts with the May Bellabox? What did you receive in yours?

xx Rose

 

December Bellabox Gets me Prepared to Party In Style!

The December BellaBox and last box of 2011 has finally arrived and the theme of the box is called 'Party in Style'! I love the concept of these beauty subscription services, despite knowing that not every item included in each box will make me smile from ear to ear! Still, I think it's a great concept to have the chance to trial products from brands that I love and have not come across before. The December box is the third BellaBox in the running and you can see my posts on the October BellaBox here and November BellaBox here.

I received a four generous  full sized products and one sample sized product:

December BellaBox

Savoir Faire Concealer Pack in Light, full size rrpA$35

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Blush, full size rrpA$9.95

Eylure Naturalites Eye Lashes, full size pack rrpA$11.95

Ozotic Elytra Nail Polish #530, full size 15ml rrpA$14.95

Elemis Pro Collagen Quartz Lift Mask, 3ml worth A$7 (full size 50ml rrpA$117)

BellaBox are so generous to include so many full sized products that the whole box was worth  ~$80, more than the cost of the box.

I love the concept of having an all in one concealer and I just still can't believe I received a full size concealer pack tailored to suit my skintone. I've tried the Batiste dry shampoo in Blush before and really like the floral scent. Dry shampoo is such a lifesaver when my hair needs attention! The Eylure lashes look volumous and full and I'm looking forward to using these when I get the chance. The Ozotic Elytra nail polish looks very glittery and pretty as you could see the glitters change from yellow to orange and to pink at different angles. I'm not a huge fan of luxury skincare masks and so the Elemis mask will go to mum who might be interested to try it out.

Overall, I'm very pleased with the December BellaBox and I'm happy to continue my subsciption with BellaBox.

Did you subscribe to BellaBox?

Which products did you receive in your December BellaBox?

Rose

Bellabox... You're The One! October Launch Box

Well what can I say....  I ♥ Bellabox!

Bellabox has been placed at the top of my list as being the best beauty sampling service in Australia!

Bellabox is a monthly subscription ($15 per month) where you receive 4-5 deluxe high-end, boutique and cult products from Australia and around the world, so you could try the best and the latest products on the market. To read more about BellaBox and their amazing blog, please visit their website at www.bellabox.com.au and read through my post on Bellabox here.

I am utterly impressed with the quality of service and friendly vibe I'm getting from Sarah and the Bellabox team. Their website is interesting and there's a lot to read, learn and discover about beauty and fashion from their online blog and magazine. 

I received my Bellabox after subscribing last minute (the day before they sold out of their exciting October launch Bellabox) and I am just over the moon and happy with the goodies included. As part of the launch of Bellabox, for the October box only, I received 200 Bella Rewards Points (equates to A$20) to shop at bellabox.com.au! Yay!

Let's get onto the contents in my October Bellabox!

October Bellabox

Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Pre Foundation Primer, 15 mL worth $15 (full size 50 mL rrpA$50)

Napoleon Perdis is one of my favourite brands and the Auto Pilot Pre Foundation Primer is one of my makeup/skincare staples! The size of this primer is so generous and I'm glad I have a travel sized version as it will be great for travel.

Savoir Faire Lipstick in, full size rrpA$48

I've never heard of the brand Savoir Faire until I met Bellabox. Savoir Faire is an Australian cosmetics brand based in Perth, Western Australia, which includes a variety of cosmetic products to be adored. I was hugely surprised to see a Savoir Faire lipstick in Bellabox! I love the packaging and gorgeous shade of Miss You and truly adore this lipstick! The shade is a lighter baby pink than in the photo and it's a sheer but buildable pink shade.

Alpha-H Gentle Daily Exfoliant, 2x5 g worth ~A$6 (full size 50 ml A$59.95)

Alpha-H, another one of my favourite brands! I'm very excited to try this exfoliant as I've heard many rave reviews on this and it seems 'gentle' to the skin. So, that's a great thing for my sensitive skin.

One Skin System Daily Hydrate, 10 mL worth A$15.80 (full size 50 mL rrpA$79)

One Skin System is an interesting brand as I have never come across this before. One Skin System is another Australian brand which uses the botanical ingredient called Enfleurage in their luxe skincare products. I'm very excited about this product as the product itself looks very interesting!

Wine Wipes, one satchet worth A$0.79 (20 satchets rrpA$13.95)

I don't normally dine with wine, though these Wine Wipes (Aussie brand!) will come in handy if I ever come across wine stained teeth.

A'Kin Lavender, Geranium and Jojoba hand and nail cream, 30 ml worth A$7.20  (full size 75 mL rrpA$17.95)

I love products which soothe the mind and sense! A'Kin hand and nail cream is made from a concoction of beautiful and divine botanical ingredients and the scent is purely indulgent!

October Bellabox total worth ~A$93!

I am super duper impressed with Bellabox as they included a variety of products ranging from body care to skincare and cosmetics and some products included were full sized! Bellabox's October box was very generous and I'm surprised the contents add up to cost more than 6 times the subscription fee of Bellabox itself!

I highly reccomend subscribing to Bellabox if you are just as impressed as I am with the October Box!

Did you subscribe to the October edition of Bellabox before it sold out?

Which product/s did you find interesting?

Rose