Friday 28 February 2014

Lust Have It February and January Review

Hey Readers, 
So as I spoke about two weeks ago  LHI had shipping issues last month which meant the January box came late and as February's box was on time I have now received a second box within the space of two weeks eeek!! Given I haven't had a lot of time to try the products from January's box most of my review is really based on first impressions so therefore are fairly short but so far I will continue to use these while trying the products that have arrived most recently. 

Paula's Choice Moisture Boost One Step Face Cleanser 

Initially for me this was just a general cleanser with no extras ie. scent or scrub particles and I wasn't that impressed. But then came the day I had a full face of makeup that needed to come off!!! This is were this has truly impressed me a whole days makeup came of without any extra scrubbing or effort and my skin feels so soft and clean afterwards I don't really feel I need anything else just to make sure everything has gone.

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel

Still not sure about this one have only used it a couple of times and I seem to have gained more redness on my face then smooth and glowing skin. It is a light gel and does dry quickly so popping it on before bed is simple.

Invisible Zinc Tinted Daywear SPF30 

I have only tried this once since receiving it but so far I am impressed. I wore it on its own before a day out at the beach. It gives a really light coverage so I don't feel it really blurs my imperfections but I loved at the end of the a few hours in the sun I wasn't red from the sun or wind and while I did have shiny T zone issues I feel putting this under a light BB would probably go well.

Aveda Dry Remedy Daily Moisturising Oil 

Have not had a chance to use this one so will work on it while I am trying out all the items from the current one!!!

Simple Kind to Skin Cleansing Wipes

While these most likely won't replace my Milk makeup removal wipes this travel pack has been really handy. I have used them not only to clean up makeup off the back of my hand post application, but also makeup smudged on my sunglasses as well as taking off my makeup at the end of the day. They are easy to use, gentle on the skin, take mascara and eyeliner off with out any extra rubbing and are really quick and easy.

So onto what has arrived for February. I had seen spoliers of this box and so was really excited to see it arrive. But as I write this I am feeling mixed about what I received. I know I said I don't like people winging about what they receive and I know I won't always love the items I receive but after the last few boxes being a bit meh for me and seeing the spoilers I was excited and when I saw what I saw what others got compared to me I now have more box envy then love for my own!!  




Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Sensitive received a deluxe sample of 7 ml full size is 60ml. 

LHI had told us on the front of January's card that this would be included. Skincare  products that contain AHA's seem to be in vogue at the moment I think I've received 3 over the two box subscriptions so far but given I haven't had much time to try any of them I'm not sure I'm seeing a benefit or not!! This one is based on green apples and has an ok smell so an interested to try!!! 



The Cosmetic Kitchen Eyeshadow full size shadow pot in the colour Lemon
This is a mineral colour eyeshadow that is 100% Talc Free, certified cruelty free and vegan. Normally I would be saying yay!! they finally included a makeup item!! But this as lovely as it sounds and looks lovely in the packaging. The colour lemon which is a not so subtle bright yellow!!! As you can tell by my description its not my usual style. While I went into these boxes to try something new I'm not sure I could wear this colour. This is where my box envy started as it seems every other subscriber I've seen posts from got a neutral, silver, blue or turquoise more wearable colours. 





The Cosmetic Kitchen Brush full size 
These are a collection of brushes are certified vegan cruelty free and include Eco friendly bamboo and we received one from range. There is no specific information on the card and as their website/Facebook a little vague on details I can only surmise that I  have received concealer brush. Which is useable and is small enough to be useful for detailed work under the eyes and around the nose but this again is where I've had a bit of box envy as all the pictures on Instagram and blogs girls have received gorgeous blush brushes, angled brushes, shadow brushes!!! 

Vaseline Ultimate 10 Anti Ageing Body Lotion received a deluxe sample 25ml  full size is 750ml
I have received in this before in a bellabox, the Vaseline moisturisers are quite good, I do enjoy using them and these bottles are great for the travel toiletries!!



Clariol Professional Colour Radiance Shampoo received a deluxe sample 50ml full size is 250ml
Despite not having coloured hair I am not opposed to using this I find coloured shampoos to generally be not that much different to normal and to be honest at the end of the day all you really want is clean hair!!! 



Clariol Professional Expand Volume Mousse received a deluxe sample 50ml and full size is 250ml 
This mousse is said to instantly double fullness and body from the roots, with a lift that lasts 24hours. It also includes heat protectant!! I  have a friends wedding soon and with short hair now my usual updo isn't going to be possible so I have been trying to work out how to style my hair for the day I also have fine hair that not only takes a lot to style and doesn't have natural volume!! So I am interested to see how it goes!! 



 Hand Spa Bijoux Hand Wipe received one wipe
Made from 100% natural cotton and infused with fulvic acid to detox, Hyaluronic acid that moisturises, royal jelly that has anti aging properties, glycerin and soy extract for elasticity. These hand wipe say help prevent your hands from aging. I have not used a product like this before so I am interested to see what it's like!! 



So I while I have a severe case of box envy this month and I don't wish for this post to put you off reading further ones or sound so negative but at the same time I also want to be honest!! I think for me it reminds partially of why I signed up in the first place, to be introduced to new things and have the boundaries pushed to change things up but I think after being so excited for this one and the last couple of boxes I just wanted what I paid for products that I will want to try, use, love and want to buy more of!!! Overall now though I do have a lot of products to try and keep trying over the next couple of weeks before the next box arrives!! So until then Happy Reading and Happy Shopping!!!

Ever.


Saturday 22 February 2014

My DIY Palette

Hey Readers,
At the end of last year I joined a gift exchange for Christmas and was lucky enough to be paired with a lady that lives in the united states of america!! The base of this exchange was to stalk your partner via Instagram using their photos to see what their likes and loves are. So you can see that my Santa quickly observed I love makeup and planned my gift accordingly!!! 

The main part of the gift ended up being a train case of makeup from Ulta. I was so excited. Inside I had eye shadows, eye shadow bases, cream eye liners, eyebrow powder, blush, bronzer, pencil eyeliners, lipstck and lipgloss. I could not wait to try but I travel a lot and I fast came to the conclusion that I had to down size this case to get the most use out of it!! I googled and youtube'd only to find out that buying an empty magnetic palette was going to become quite expensive and it wasn't the palettes themselves it was the shipping that was going to hurt!!! But what I also found a lot of DIY videos and worked out that this would be the cheaper option!!! So after more research I found myself some magnets, a pencil tin, double sided tape and a pair of scissors....

This is what I started with....Three levels of amazingness!!!









But first to undo all this fanciness...When it came to depotting I had it easy as all of the products were lightly glued into plastic holders so all I had to do was push them up and pull off gently. 



It wasn't without casualty though the shadows being soft I did mark a few with my fingernails and a couple did crack slightly but I did not loose any beyond useable!! And I soon was attaching magnets to the backs.

Originally I was going to use a water paint set case as the base for this lined with magnetic paper but Officeworks only have their magnetic paper in their online store and as I wanted to start straight away I came up with the idea of using individual magnets and the metal pencil tin. Individual magnets are $5.10 for a 50 pack. The tin itself I have had floating around since uni but I did find cheap kent sets which you could use as a base for about $4 in a news agency during the back to school specials!! Attaching the magnets and cutting them to size was very easy the magnets themselves do have adhesive tape attached so the double sided tape was a back up plan or to add strength if needed. As you can see from the pic one magnet covered two shadows and cut down fitted perfectly. 





My pencil tin is one that has an insert that fits in the top with space for extras underneath so I had a bit of space to work with and I really liked the thought that I would have everything together and not multiple palettes however in the end not all the products fit but I like the fact that I can change the shadows around and now that Iv'e done one I feel that I could do another. 







In the lid I put the cream shadow bases. The eyeshadows take up the tins insert and underneath I put the blushes, bronzers and eye brow powders.


So there you have it my new three levels of amazingness I am so happy with how this turned out and I cannot wait to give a try and use when I travel. And roughly it cost me about $10!!! So until my next DIY project Happy Reading and Happy Shopping!!!!

Ever. 

Friday 21 February 2014

Bellabox February and January Review

Hey Readers, Hope this post finds you well!!! February Bellabox arrived at my door this week and given that this week has been extremely busy it was nice to take five to sit down and see what the lovely guys and girls at Bellabox had sent me!!! I also as usual took the time to look at what I received last month and to write my review!!!

Bellabox January

Scandalous Rock Chick Spray 
Was interested to give this a try this month. I was really looking for something to change up my hair style and as a general rule I don't use styling products at all I just put my hair up in a pony tail and go!!!! Now Iv'e only used it a couple of times but I have to say its a lot of work!!! You apply to towel dried hair which is fairly simple and the spray does disperse evenly and the scent is nice. But then you have to blow dry your hair scrunching upwards to create the wave effect of your liking and if you wish for this to hold all day you require hair spray on top. It does what it says don't get me wrong I just don't have that much time on my hands to style my hair in the morning.  I would probably be suited more to something that applies to dry hair and that I don't need an extra product on top for.

Avene Samples 
OK despite being excited that I'd finally received two different samples from this range neither of them got used!! It was a time thing more than anything so maybe when I haven't received any Avene in a while I will pull them out and give them a try!!!

INM Natural Manicure Pedicure File
This was a great addition to my handbag this month I always have to take out my small sapphire file out every time I fly and it takes me forever to remember to put it back ie. I flew to Sydney before Christmas and I still hadn't put it back!!! So this was not only a welcome addition to my handbag but its airplane friendly as well!!! As a nail file it does the job well and always handy!!! 
    
Vaseline Aloe Lotion
Have used this a bit this month despite the heat we've been experiencing it seems my legs are still dry and being so light it doesn't feel heavy or sticky on your skin, it also absorbs really easily great post shaving would definitely by a full size of this one.

Model Co Fat Lash Mascara
Was definitely the most welcomed item in the box this month I always enjoy a makeup inclusion and I love being sent a brand that I haven't used any products from before. I have to say if I hear or see model co I usually think self tanning an area of product I don't really use so I have never gone looking for what else they do. So was interested to see how their makeup range faired this is a reasonable mascara and with a price point of $20 I was looking for wow factor!!! The wand with the spikes at the end is a little tricky to get used to at first but overall you get length and volume in one and the formula is quite light so your lashes don't feel heavy or crunchy once its sets but I did find if your not careful with your application this one can clump your lashes slightly. Overall though a good mascara that gives length and volume in one!!! I will also include this in my next mascara maddness as I now have a few mascaras I want to tell you about!!!

OK so onto February's box and I have to say I have been impressed by Bellabox this month not only does their theme and items match even the bonus one!!! They've sent some really nice products and I am excited to try every one!!! The theme for BB this month is Red carpet ready and so they have included items to make your skin,  hair and nails look flawless and ready for any coloured carpet walk!!! It is heavy on the skin care but they have included products that I am really interested to try from a brand that I haven't used a lot of products from before and evened the box out by including something nice for your hair and nails the only thing that has puzzled me is that if you look at the description card that came with my box I should have received two face lotions and a face scrub but instead I have received one lotion and two scrubs!! So either BB have read my posts on how much I like face scrubs or the wrong card got put in my box or the wrong sample!! Not sure either way I am happy with what I received!!! 



Om She aromatherapy Buff Away Polish received a 30ml deluxe sample full size 125ml.
This was the product that on my card says its meant to be a face lotion as I said I am happy and I really enjoy trying out new face scrubs this one is oatmeal based and has natural fruit AHA's to reveal a more youthful complexion it smells lovely so cannot wait to try!!!




Om she Aromatherapy Red-Rice Mattifying Lotion SPF 15 recieved a 30ml deluxe sample full size is 60ml
This is the product for me this month!! And I feel BB have finally noticed I have combination skin despite all the products they send me that a tailored to dry!! I also have been having issues with the shiny T zone at the moment the weather has gotten so hot that even using my rimmel stay matte isn't helping reduce the shine, I have recently turned to adding a primer to my routine to help increase the longevity of my makeup as well!!! So this is a welcomed product that I am excited to try!! Based on a formulation that includes red rice. Which is meant to help balance the skin and mattify it also has an SPF of 15 so hopefully will be good under makeup as well!!! Also loving that this is produced by an Aussie company.



Palmer Cocoa Butter Gentle Exfoliating Facial Scrub recieved 15g full size is 150ml
Despite my excitement with this box this is probably the least exciting inclusion simply because I have received this before in my November from LHI box. Having used it before though I can say that it does have a nice scent and all round is a good scrub!!!


Aveda Smooth Infusion Style Prep Smoother received a 40ml deluxe sample and full size is 100ml
This is a styling liquid that said to help prepare and protect the hair as well as help improve styling speed. I don't heat style my hair as a general rule but I am interested to see if it helps with the fly aways and that I have been getting post washing my hair!!!



Pret a Polish Luxury Laquer recieved a full size 11ml in the shade Mademoiselle
This is non toxic nail polish that says its high voltage and colour saturating!! mademoiselle is a neutral pink that is really wearable and I am really excited to try!!!!



Swisspers Naturals Aloe Daily Moituriser with SPF15 recieved a 5ml sachet sample full size is 100ml
This is the bonus product for this months box and one again I am excited to try. I have not used any of the Swisspers naturals skin care and I am very interested to see how it goes. The lotion includes Aloe, Vitamin A and E, is paraben and sulphate free. It also has SPF15 which is always a bonus. I will decant this one out of its sachet  and give it a try!!!



Loving all these products and cannot wait to dive in!! Really excited for this month and cannot wait to try some new products!!! :) Hope you too have received a good BB this month and until next month Happy Reading and Happy Shopping!!!

Ever.

Friday 14 February 2014

Lust Have It January and December Review

Hey Readers, 

My LHI box has finally arrived!!! Lust Have It had a few shipping issues this month so January's box has arrived mid February. Given I am feeling there won't be much time between this box and the next I thought I better get on and do my December review and tell you what I got in my January box quick!!! 

Maybelline New York Dream Fresh BB and Dream Pure
Both of these went into my giveaway box and as of next week they will be on their way to a new home for two lovely ladies that are happy to try some new products.

Pelactiv Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Having not tried a lot of products from pelactiv I was excited to try this one. Apart from the strange smell that this product has this cleanser is pretty good. It foams and cleans well, getting rid of all the days impurities leaving your skin feeling soft. 

Uriage aquaprecis Refreshing Gel Cream 
As I said in my previous post I have a lot of moisturiser samples on the go and to be honest trying to sort started from not started samples I found even more samples long time subscriber to beauty boxes first world problems!!! so many samples so little time!!! I think I may give this one a try and do a mini review on Instagram later on. 

Sunsence Anti Aging Face SPF 30 plus 
This one got a bit of a work out this month. Sunscreen and I are always best friends and this one and I are no different. It made for a really great base under makeup and perfect on its own. Lasts a decent amount of time and doesn't leave the skin shiny or interrupt makeup put over the top!!!

Clairol Visible Intensive Mask.
Really enjoyed this one too this month. My hair is definitely softer and shiner and I really love how my hair feels post use. I am really loving using this one in place of conditioner and my hair has that just washed feeling a little longer than usual.

So onto January box!! For January it seem LHI have continued with the heavy on the skin care theme but unlike last month were I was a little disappointed with the inclusions to the box this month. This month they have given us some really great products, that I am interested to try!!! 



Paula's Choice Moisture Boost One Step Face Cleanser received a full size 237ml bottle
The card description states that this is a hydralight one step face cleanser which isn't what is written on the bottle but after a search and looking at the snazzy Paula's choice website I have worked out that moisture boost is the correct title of this cleanser. I am really interested to try this despite being a formula for dry skin (I'm and oily combo girl) I want to see how it works, feels on the skin and whether it removes all makeup and leaves the skin silky soft as it claims on the back of the bottle. 



Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel received a 30ml deluxe sample full size is 118ml. 
This is an exfoliating gel that says it will create radiant, even toned skin. Revealing new younger skin by stimulating collagen production. Have a few uneven patches on my face at the moment so interested to see if it can smooth them out.



Invisible Zinc Tinted Daywear SPF30+ full size 20ml 
This is a 3 in 1 sunscreen, moisturiser and sheer foundation in one that is light and non greasy. I have actually used this one before but a long time ago so happy to be reintroduced and interested to see how it goes.



Aveda Dry Remedy Daily Moisturing Oil received 2x3ml sample sizes full size is 40ml.
This is a non greasy moisturiser for your hair as says it increases moisture by 41% without leaving your hair feeling greasy!!! Interested to give this a try my scalp is usually more on the oily side but I am thinking this may be good for the drier ends.



Simple Kind to Skin cleansing facial wipes. received a deluxe sample of 7 wipes full size is a 25 wipe pack.
These are makeup removal wipes that are infused with Vitamin B5 and are free from alcohol, oil, perfume and colour. Said to remove all makeup including waterproof mascara!! Perfect size for travel.



So overall a pretty reasonable box, I am interested to try these products maybe add some new things into my skin care routine. Hopefully the next box will come in a bit more of a timely manner!! But hopefully still give me enough time to try all these products to give you a decent review when the next box arrives at my door!!! 

Until next time Happy reading and Happy Shopping!!

Ever.

 

Sunday 9 February 2014

Battle of the BB Creams #1

Hey Readers, 

Within the last probably six months I have been finding that I was starting to get really disappointed with foundations. It seemed no matter what I chose, what beauty bloggers were loving or whats been recommended to me I just couldn't find a good fit. They always seemed good for the first day or two but after that I would find the colour would start to look too pale, start to oxidise and look orange or I was also finding that with the heat of Queensland and my oily combination skin they would start to slide and go patchy. I'd just had enough!!! So I decided to try something new but I still wanted a good base for my makeup, a decent colour match and coverage. I also wanted something that would hold its own without a powder foundation over the top so I skipped past tinted moisturisers and went to BB creams. Now I know that lots of people are saying that the Australian BB creams aren't true BB creams like the ones made in Asia/Korea and that they no more then a fancy tinted moisturisers. Not having used an Asian BB cream I have no comparison but I have used a few tinted moisturisers and I have to say these BB creams are way better!!! They are also more consistent in wear than some my foundations!!! 

I have called this post the battle of the BB's but have realised that the three I have chosen to write about today really have impressed and I like all three for different reasons. So I am starting off these posts with BB's that I feel are worth paying for so if your looking for a new BB you have a selection of great ones to try and not waste you money on fails!!





Chi Chi Super BB Cream with Caviar Extract and Collguard SPF30 Medium.

Chi Chi offers a super moisturising, multi benefit, anti ageing BB cream which includes the active ingredients Collguard an anti wrinkle collagen and caviar extract which acts as an anti oxidant is super moisturising and soothing. As the packaging states this is a two in one product described as makeup meeting skin care a tinted cream formula with SPF 30. Chi Chi say it can be worn as a light foundation or used as a primer to conceal blemishes, uneven colouring, fine lines and scarring. Retail price for this one is $22.95. 

As you may already know I am partial to chi chi cosmetics product so picking this up was really a no brainer but what really sold me was the SPF 30, as a person that is often time poor in the morning and travels a lot one less extra product to carry around and remember to put on really is perfect. This BB cream gives a medium coverage but is buildable and a great flawless everyday base it covers my under eye circles and most days I don't even need extra concealer for the redness around my nose. It wears really well too holding its own for a good working day and gives a semi dewy finish. However if I'm going from day to night I always add powder over the top particularly on my T zone. I like that it comes in a tube with a pump and you get 50g of product which is more than the average foundation these days. 





Maybelline New York Dream Pure 8 in 1 BB Cream SPF15
This is an eight in one beauty balm which includes 2% salicylic acid, and says that it will conceal imperfections, helps protect against the appearance of blemishes, is oil free and non greasy, minimises the appearance of pores, clarifies the skins look, conceals redness, hydrates and soothes, compliments skin tone. Retails for $15.95

I was introduced to this via my beauty box subscriptions and as I said before after my disaster with the original version. I was skeptical when Maybelline brought out a formula for oily skin but it seems the addition salicylic really makes a difference. While I am not sure I really get all eight benefits from this. I still find I need concealer and I don't really feel blemishes are kept at bay. What I do love about this BB cream is the oil control. It really holds up to my oily T zone during the day and I also love using it under mineral makeup for a touch up free evening!!! Application wise I find it goes on a little pale at first but self adjusts to your skin giving a smooth matte finish. It comes in a tube and you get 30ml of product.




Models Prefer BB Cream All in one skin perfector with MP aquaflex. Retails for $19.99

This Models Prefer BB cream says it effectively minimises pores and smooths the skins surface whilst concealing imperfections. Leaving skin perfectly soft, moisturised and with a flawless glow. Its innovative ingredient aquaflex restores the skins natural aquaporins that regulate hydration levels and help collagen synthesis for maximum skin moisture and a youthful complexion. 

This brand is exclusive to Priceline and while I have used a few things from the cosmetics line, I had never stopped to look at their skin care so it was during the last Priceline catalogue that featured markdowns predominantly skin care I decided to have a look. I was actually looking for a new face scrub but I found myself drawn towards the BB cream instead. I have only really used it for the last couple of weeks but overall I am impressed. It is a lighter coverage compared to the last two BB creams I have spoken about and it doesn't seem to last as long so I do feel I need to top this one with powder for extra coverage and longevity. But some days the lighter coverage and a little concealer is really all I want and need. What amazes me with this one is how easily it applies. It really lends itself to 2 min makeup and with a few extras my face is done in 10!!! Just make sure you shake the tube before you use it. Again this one comes in a tube and you get 40ml pf product. I Am really loving it and am now looking at other products to try. 





Overall I am now loving BB creams. I have never had any of these discolour on me, they wear well, are a perfect base on their own as well and pairing perfectly with a mineral powder foundation and good oil control.  I think I will have these on rotation for a while to come!!! I hope this helps if you are looking for a change to you base makeup routine or a lighter option to a full coverage foundation.


I am now on the hunt to find some new ones for my next battle so until next time. Happy Reading and Happy Shopping!!
Ever