Hey Readers,
I hope this post finds you well. It has been a month since to my last Bellabox post and I apologise for not reviewing Novembers box or writing about Decembers box but it did come quite late in the month and being away/the festive season I did not have a chance to put a post together. Given all of that I thought I would just start this years posts fresh for the year kinda a new year new Bellabox post approach!!! So January Bellabox lets get to it!!!!
The Body Shop Italian Summer Fig Eau De Toilette received a 1.5ml sample spray, full size is 50ml.
This fragrance says that the figs used to create it were hand picked in the height of summer and sourced from the Puglian Coast of Italy. For me personally its quite a different scent than I am used to and probably not one I would have picked up to try without being prompted at this stage I have only worn it once so not sure if I like it or not.
Pysiogel Daily Moisture Therapy Intensive Cream received a full size 100ml tube
This is a light weight moisturiser that helps to not only repair dry and damaged skin but also helps to protect it from further dehydration. Really happy to have received this one always looking for a decent moisturiser even though I do have a habit of forgetting to apply it!! Having said that it will be nice to have something on hand that can be used on the face as well as the body.
Essie Nail Polish in the shade Madison Ave-hue received a full size 13.5ml
This is another gorgeous polish from Essie and while I have to say bright pink isn't usually my nail colour of choice I was still happy to see this in the box this month. While it is a bright blur based pink it also has a very fine silver glitter running through it which I have to say looks beautiful in the bottle and on the nails. Definitely a great summer/warmer weather colour.
Cetaphil Suntivity SPF 30 Ultra-Light Fluid received a full size 30ml
I have to say this is the most exciting product for me in the box this month. I am always looking for a good sunblock for the face that I can use under my foundations that don't have SPF. I am really excited to try this one its a light weight 30 plus formula that says its specifically formulated for sensitive and oily skin.
Monomola Peel Off Lip Tint received a full size 15g tube.
This is a new beauty innovation product from Korea. This is a stay all day lip tint that you apply, wait till dry and peel off with the colour left behind leaves you lips tinted all day.
Not sure about this product it definetly is like no other than I have received before I did receive the cherry red colour which is more of a deep pink colour will be interesting to see how it works.
So that ends Bellabox for the month of January I hope you enjoyed reading all about the products I have received this month. I will review them next month for you so if there is anything you wish to see how it went please check in then. In the mean time come say hi on my Facebook page, Bloglovin or Instagram.
Happy reading and happy shopping.
Everlynne.
Hey Readers,
I hope this post finds you well. Today I have decided to do something a little different to my usual monthly favourites. Not only am I striving to change it up for the new year but also because this month literally all my favouties are makeup items!! Separately these items are great but together I have found they make for a great makeup look that is all the time appropriate but also one that helps me look flawless and stays all day!!
Loreal Revitalift Magic Blur and Garnier Perfect 5 Sec Blur.
Any makeup look for me at the moment especially in the warmer weather always starts with primer and this combination is one I have been wanting to talk about for a while, it was a complete accident how they came to be my go to primer combination. On their own they are an ok primers but I never felt they did everything I wanted on their own. The Garnier perfect 5 sec blur was my first not worth the hype product its a good primer helps increase a foundations longevity and I have always found it has a great smoothing effect on the skin it does help to reduce the look of my pores but I have found that it doesn't always love my oily T zone and often would allow the shine to come through causing my foundation to be effected. The Loreal gives great longevity to a foundation and it became my go to as I found more dewier foundations that usually don't love my oily skin stayed on longer when I used this product underneath it also seems to keep my oily T zone matte as well as helping to reduce the appearance of pores. Applied one after the other I find redness and pore appearance is increased my T zone stays mattified and longevity of all foundations is definitely better.
Maybelline Fit Me Matte and Poreless 235 Pure Beige and Loreal Infallible 24 hr Matte 22 Radiant Beige.
This was definitely the month for combos and I know I said before that all these products are great separately these two however are the exceptions!!! The maybelline fit me matte and poreless is an ok medium coverage foundation but on its own it really doesn't live up to its name I am not kept matte and my pores are not less its not a foundation I have been able to make work even with mattifying moisturiser and pore refining primers, it also tends doesn't have the longevity I usually look for and need in a foundation. Having said all of that however I do like the slight satin finish it does give to the areas of my face that aren't affected by noticeable pores or t zone oiliness. As for the loreal its a great medium to full coverage foundation that doesn't make my pores disappear but it does do a better job of making them less noticeable, it controls oiliness of my T zone and longevity is all day long where this foundation falls down for me is that it can get cakey and even putting on just a light layer it definitely has a I am wearing foundation look. So as you can probably tell by now I wasn't getting much use from these two foundations however after seeing a post on instagram recommending mixing them together I haven't really looked back. Mixing really brings out the better aspects of these foundations and over the month I have really enjoyed wearing them. I love the overall finish matte but not too matte, even coverage, oiliness kept at bay and pore minimizing that lasts all day.
Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder 005 Silky Beige
This has been a go back to this month when I just wasn't happy with the powder I was using and I was wanting to go back to one I just know works every time. These powders are just so beautiful to apply, I get coverage without cake, it mattifies and helps to minimise the appearance of pores. Really great for stay all day makeup but also great for touch ups as well they only thing this compact needs is a mirror!!!
Bourjois Delice de Soleil 12 Fair/Medium Skin
I have always loved this bronzer and I picked it up earlier in the month as I was trying to down size my makeup bag (my contour palette doesn't fit in my makeup bag so I needed an alternative) I also love the 360 degree mirror that comes with this compact its great for travel. The bronzer itself is great for contour even with its slight sheen but also great for when you just want to add warmth all over the face. I also love using it in the crease as an eye shadow it is great to pair with sparkley shadows but also great for a matte neutral look.
the Balm Frat Boy
I always forget how much I love this blush as it is one of my more expensive blushes I do have a tendency to save it for special occasions but I was searching through my blush draw for something 'new' and picked it out. Its a great peachy pink tone blush that gives such a beautiful flush to the cheeks and despite having not many special occasions to go to it has been in my make up bag all month.
Chi Chi Mattes 2
As you know I am a big fan of Chi Chi in general and this month I have been leaning towards a matte eye look for most days particuarly when I have meetings at work so need to look pulled together but nothing too glittery or overly dramatic. Don't get me wrong this palette is a great all rounder mixing warm and cool toned shades that are all matte and all wearable. The palette is also compact so its great for any makeup bag as well. I just love the fact that I have a complete eye look in one palette and that all of shades seem to go together. For work usually its just a light shade over the lid and a medium shade in the crease paired with liner simple but effective.
Maybelline Colour Tattoo 25 Bad to the Bronze and 70 Barley Branded
Still my go to this month for a quick all over the lid look or a great base for a more 'complicated' look when time is on my side. I have spoken about these two a million times before but they just do the job time and time again they are so great just to leave as a permanent product in my make up bag.
Loreal Infallible Eye shadows in 004 Forever Pink 002 Hourglass Beige
I know I just said I have been leaning towards matte eye looks most of the month but these are the newest additions to my shadow collection and while I have not owned them for long they are so amazing. I picked them up during the last 50% off makeup sale at Chemist Warehouse I have heard so much about them and these are definitely worth the hype. So pigmented and so shimmery and glittery great over the lid but also double as a cheek highlight and you only need the tiniest amount!! So beautiful loving using them when I can.
Bloom Cosmetics Eye Definer in Dark Brown
As you know my all time favourite brown liner and I have used it so much its pigmented and gives such great definition to my eyes I just keep coming back. So easy to use you can smudge it out but it also sets and stays all day.
Covergirl Intensify Me Liquid Liner 300 Intense Black
This is the most interesting shaped liner I have ever used but I have loved it from first try so I keep going back to it again and again. The rounded and paddle shaped tip allows you to apply both a thick and thin line depending on how you hold the pen. While I really only used the edge I love how it goes on smooth is a pigmented black and despite the rounded end you can create a decent wing. It does take a bit of practice like most liquid liners but worth it when I have never had it fade, travel or flake.
ELF Makeup Mist and Set
This has been a life saver in the hot weather not only does it stop my makeup from sliding off after a couple of hours it also definitely reduces the need for touch ups during a long makeup day. I used to use it only for special occasions now I find myself using it more and more its not a bad price under $10 at kmart (I think).
So that ends my month in makeup I hope you enjoyed this post I certainly have had fun writing it until next time happy reading and happy shopping!!
Everlynne.
Hey Readers,
I hope this post finds you well!! This week I have been in a spring clean mode trying to tidy up post the chaos of the festive season. My office/makeup room is quite untidy and not long after starting to tidy up this box of empties caught my eye not wanting to get rid of them before I had a chance to write about them I thought it would be a good subject for today post and I hate to keep bringing up the past but these are all products and empties from 2015 so lets get onto the hits and misses!!
Hits
Daiso Makeup Brush Cleaner 150ml
I had seen this cleaner raved about so many times and it took me forever to find a bottle as every time I went to a Daiso store they where sold out and to be honest when I finally got my hands on this product I quickly found out why!!! The cleaner itself really does rid your makeup brushes of product quickly and easily its actually amazing how easily it dissolves the buildup of product and how simply it does it. Brushes that I usually find hard to get clean properly having to wash them twice before they look clean are a breeze. The only one downer to this product is I find I do seem to use it up quite quickly its not a product I find a little bit goes a long way and I seemed to go through a bottle within a couple of months. Despite this though I have repurchased and I did buy a couple of bottles as back up!!
Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous in the shade 210.
OK have raved about this enough on this blog so I wont go on and on too much but I have to say it is the first foundation that I have repurchased again and again. Its just such an easy foundation to use, blend and the longevity is amazing. I would recommend it to anyone that wants a great easy to use everyday foundation.
Laura Mercier Foundation Primer
I believe this was in a beauty box I received it had been put in a pile of sachets to use up so I thought I better give it a try. Its pretty basic primer not claiming to do anything other than create a smooth and invisible layer to prepare and protect the skin. It certainly does what it says and its really moisturising and smooth to apply it also definitely improved the longevity of a foundation that doesn't usually last that long on my skin I would repurchase if it didn't have a $34 price tag.
Boots Optiva Aqua Capture Serum
This was a full sized product I received ages ago in a bellabox and I really wished I had used it a little bit more!! Its a great easy to use serum that just disappears into the skin and doesn't leave your skin feeling wet or sticky. The result is softer and plumper looking skin. Sadly I am terrible at remembering to put products like this on my face at night so I don't feel I truly got the most benefit out of it.
Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash.
This was a sample from a beauty box that I gave a try despite not suffering with acne. Its a great face wash and I really did enjoy using it. Its just a great simple cleanser that bubbles, washes well is easy to wash off and leaves your skin feeling good. A really easy product and happy I got to give it a try.
Me Me Me Seventh Heaven Face Base
This is a great moisturiser and primer in one. Its not only got a great scent but it also is a really great moisturiser that soaks easily into the skin and doesn't leave a residue. While it doesn't hide pores, smooth lines or diminish redness it does create a great base for makeup and I do find helps the longevity of foundation. The only thing I don't love about this one is it does come in a tub which are not my favourite and the reason why I would not purchase this again.
Misses
Loreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil
This I was really excited to receive a sample of this product in a magazine. I had tried and loved the shampoo and conditioner from the same line so was very happy to see this. Sadly I was fast disappointed the product itself is really thick and took ages to work through my hair and while I was expecting beautifully hydrated hair I found my hair felt really dry, I also found that usually I can go two maybe three days between washes but really the next day I felt my hair needed washing again. It was a 10ml sachet so I got nearly three tries out of it and each time I just wasn't impressed with the result so this one for me is a miss!!.
So that ends this empties hits and misses post I hope you enjoyed reading this one. Hoping your new year is going well and until next time happy reading and happy shopping!!!
Everlynne.
Hello Readers,
I hope this post finds you well and that the start to your 2016 has been happy. OK so I know my last post was a reflection of the year that was but this week I thought I should put a beauty focus on the year that was and tell you about all the products that I loved for 2015. There where so many products that I came across for the year so I have narrowed it down a little to my top 15 for 2015.
1. Bloom Cosmetics Eye Definer Dark Brown.
This has probably been my most used product for the year after rediscovering it early in the year. My primary reason for loving it so much is the fact that it is really easy to apply and has great pigmentation. The formula is creamy but not so creamy that it slides and fades to nothing. It also blendable but once dry it stays a long time. It also gives great definition but being a brown also looks natural.
2. Maybelline 24 hour Colour Tattoo in the shade 70 Barley Branded and 25 Bad to the Bronze.
These have been my go to shadows for 2015 rarely leaving my makeup bag!! Perfect for travel and are my go to every time I am time poor and needing to look polished quick. Both shades a universal when it comes to any of my eye shadow palettes and not only make a great long lasting base but also pair well with any neutral shadow. I love using them both all over the lid with a matte brown in the crease, liner and mascara its not only quick to apply but its a great any time appropriate look.
3. BE Beauty Essentials Volumising Mascara
This mascara was probably the most surprising good product I have found in 2015 and to be honest I bought it because I liked the rose gold packaging. Its actually a great everyday mascara it goes on easily, doesn't clump or flake and while it doesn't give an amazing amount of volume it gives enough definition and is so easy to apply that I would recommend it to any one. This is Priceline's own brand of makeup so you can only pick it up there I am just hoping that in the future they release another version of it.
4. Lucas Paw Paw Ointment with Lip Applicator.
This little red tube has always been a handbag staple of mine and once I tried the tube that includes the lip applicator it just makes it all the more handy. I battle with dry lips all year round and the product itself goes on smooth to give great hydration when I need it most. It also lasts a long time post application as I have been finding with lip balms they dry out my lips more and I am constantly reapplying them.
5. Max Factor Colour Intensifying Balm in the shade 40 Exquisite Caramel
Lip colour products are the hardest thing for me as I just haven't ever found a colour that I feel looks good on me or that feels comfortable on the lips. Having dry lips as well I also need something with hydration and that doesn't make things look worse. Colour wise its a neutral pinky brown that really makes for a great my lips but better colour. It goes on smooth, doesn't need liner or a mirror to apply. It hydrates and gives just enough colour to the lips to make them look smooth, polished and glossy. It also wears quite well throughout the day.
6. Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous Fresh Complexion Oil Free Foundation in 210 Medium Beige and the Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous Concealer in Medium
You are probably sick of hearing me talk about this foundation and concealer and I promise I will stop going on about it and try to find something that is just as good but for the moment this is the best foundation I have found in 2015!!! Big claims I know but it really has been a wow product and it really is my go to and go back to when other foundations just don't impress. It doesn't matter how you apply this foundation it goes on smooth, blends flawlessly it also withstands heat and a long day at work. It does also give me decent shine control.
Again probably over reading me rave on about this one but honestly I have never used a concealer more than I have used this product. Its pigmented, creamy has a decent amount of coverage and blends well. Its great for concealing under the eyes and it doubles as a great eyeshadow primer as well. The doe foot applicator also means its easy to apply exactly where you want it.
7. Designer Brands Pro Contour Palette.
So I may have only owned this since November but I have used it pretty much everyday since then. This is an all matte contour palette that includes three contour shades and three highlight shades. Its a great travel friendly palette that includes a mirror inside the lid. I love it because from day one it has been so easy to use the medium pigmentation of the contour shades means you don't have to be super careful when dipping your brush into the product, they apply and blend easily and I haven't had any of the shades appear too muddy or end up looking orange. The highlight shades are smooth to apply blend well and I used them most for setting cream products.
8. Sigma F05 Small Contour.
This brush I have owned for ages and its probably my most used but least talked about brush. This brush is not only great for contour but also for blush, highlight and bronzer, while I use it primarily for powder products its also great for blending out cream blush as well. Its just the perfect shape and size for the hollows and tops of the cheeks. I also sometimes use it with powder to set concealer under the eyes.
9. Real Techniques Buffing Brush
I have spoken a lot about this brush and you know by now that I love it so much I actually own two!!! It the best all round brush and it makes the application of any foundation so quick and easy. I also enjoy that it not only lends it self to cream and liquid products but it then allows you to apply powder quickly and easily as well. One of them is always in my make up bag!!!
10. Manicare Angled Liner Brush
This was a random purchase that I picked up many years ago but a brush that I never really used that much. I am not sure what made me pick it up to use but it really hasn't left my makeup bag since (other than to wash of course). Being synthetic this brush is great for all types of liner I have often used it for gel or cream liners but mostly I love it for winging out pencil liner when I want a softer but precise wing look its also great for applying dark shadow to the roots of the lashes. Its small yet precise and the angle just allows you to create the perfect precise wing.
11. Formula 10.0.6 Seriously Shine Free Mattifying Oil Free Moisturiser
This is probably up there with my eye liner when it comes to my most used products this year. Originally I had a mixed reaction about this moisturiser as I wasn't sure it was hydrating enough but also because I didn't feel it really kept the shine at bay. It was after changing to another moisturiser for a while that I realised just how good this one is. As for hydration I have to be honest probably in the winter I probably need a bit more but in the summer this is a great cooling and hydrating inclusion to my makeup routine. And as you probably have surmised it definitely keeps the shine at bay and is particularly good when used with a tinted moisturiser or a lighter foundation which don't usually give me the oil control I need.
12. Ponds Clear Balance Oil Control Skin Mattifying Facial Foam
I picked this up during 40% off skin care sale at Priceline not only was I wanting to try a new cleanser but as I had a lot of oil control problems at the start of the year I was looking at anything that said mattifying!!! Overall its a really great cleanser and while I liked it from the begging like the moisturiser I spoke about previously I didn't see the full value until I stopped using it and tried something else. Again though it is a great creamy cleanser that really washes your face and doesn't strip the skin sadly it does contain micro beads which I also have enjoyed and if you have seen recent reports have now been found to be causing harm to the environment and subsequently are to be banned and phased out of skincare and body products I am just hoping that Ponds don't change the rest of the formula as I do really enjoy the cleanser itself!!
13. Microfibre Cloth
This has been my go to for makeup removal this year its not only a great makeup wipe alternative but its also a great time saver as I use it to remove makeup while in the shower. I really love the fact that with just water I am able to remove all the makeup on my face including liner and mascara and then just was the cloth out for next time. So great and a couple of extra minutes in the shower isn't bad either.
14. ELF Makeup Mist and Set
I never realised just how good these types of products where until I bought this one earlier in the year. I had used a few of these types of products before but only occasionally. I picked this up after seeing a review of another version of this type of product on youtube I knew it wasn't going to be the same as the one I saw but I was interested to test a product like it out. I liked the idea of being able to set my makeup for a number of hours thus reducing the need for touch ups. I had a few formal occasions coming up and I used it post makeup application for all of them. It not only sets your makeup but definetly increases the longevity and reduces the need for touch ups. I also found that in the heat and humidity my make up fared better than when I didn't use this. Its also quite inexpensive which makes it a good cheaper options to other brands!!!
15. Havianas Freedom Sandal
Ok so this is a bit of a cheat on my part as these are not a beauty product but since they are a fashion item I do consider them to be beauty related!!! As you know I live in a warm country, I spend a lot of time outdoors and around water I also walk a lot and I find the traditional thong/plugger/flip flop very uncomfortable after a while and I don't like the fact that they make noise when you walk. These are a great alternative to that, as a sandal you get all the benefits of a thongs they are easy to put on, take you from land to beach to water but you get the comfort of a sandal and as they come in this gold colour they look a little bit fancier and it allows me to pair them with everything!!!
So that ends my 15 for 2015!!! I hope you enjoyed this post and that the start to your new year is going well. I am looking forward to 2016 which hopefully will bring some interesting new beauty products!! Until next post happy reading and happy shopping
Everlynne.
Hey Readers,
I hope this post finds you well and that 2016 is going well so far. Today I thought I would sit down and write a post to reflect a little on what was 2015 as well as try to put down my thoughts as to what I hope 2016 will hold for my blog. I will make this quick as I don't wish to bore you too much but at the same time I wish to explain a few things from the year that was as well as I do really want to put my thoughts out there for 2016 to see what you all think!!!
2015 saw my blog change a little, This year I found myself getting a little more confident with my writing and therefore finding it easier to post content every week. At the same time though I have had a lot of internet problems which has often meant I have found it hard to have a post go up successfully or on time. Through all that however I have found that you as readers where enjoying my beauty box posts more and more and my mascara madness post where becoming increasingly popular too. I do find these fun to write but I do wish to expand so if you have any posts that you like to read please feel free to suggest a topic?? 2015 also brought a lot of stuff for me personally my full time job expanded giving me more challenges and responsibility as well as a little more stress which has taken a bit to get used too. I also have been planning my wedding which while it is exciting and I am looking forward to being a Mrs, I am not very organised person so it has taken me a long time to get the hang of everything. So having everything start to come together has been interesting. I also have had a few of my family members that are interstate become sick and sadly pass which has meant a lot of emotional time as well as a lot of travel so hence sometimes no time for blogging at all. Overall though it has been a relatively good year and I did enjoy a lot of it but at the same time I am happy to see what 2016 has to bring.
For my blog I am hoping 2016 gives me a bit more time to blog and as I said previously I would really like to expand further so would really appreciate you as readers telling me what you would like to see more of?? Changes if any to my current posts!?!? Would you like a few non beauty posts?? I don't really want to put up content that people don't wish to read!!! For me personally getting married in April will probably be the highlight and I am hoping that the rest of the year after that brings some good times I would really like 2016 to be full of laughter and happiness and I really wish that for all of you reading this too!!!
I think I will end this here as I find myself starting to ramble a little. I hope you have enjoyed reading and I hope your own vision for 2016 is going well. So until next time Happy reading and happy shopping!!!
Everlynne.
