Friday, 28 March 2014

Lust Have It March and February Review

Hey Readers, 
Hope this post finds you finds you all well!!! Another LHI pack has arrived and while it seems quite late in the month history shows me that this is the usual time it arrives. I was eager to see this one arrive as I was really hoping for a great box this month. I know I haven't been overally happy with the last couple of boxes but for some reason I felt this one would be better. But before I tell you what arrived for march I will first review February's products.  

Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel
Was surprised by this one!! It applies so easily and is so smooth. It also dries on your skin but doesn't make up feel tight. It also comes off with a flannel and warm water leaving skin soft and smooth. Have really enjoyed this this month.   


The Cosmetic Kitchen Eyeshadow
It will probably no surprise to you that this was the only product in the box that didn't get any use. I know in the spirit of these boxes and wanting to try something different I should have given it a try but I just couldn't bring myself nor did have I had a month that has really lent itself to try and find out how to make yellow eye shadow wearable!!! 

The Cosmetic Kitchen Cosmetic Brush
While I don't usually apply concealer with a brush I did give it a try with this brush and was pleasantly surprised it does allow a fair amount of control in placing product were its most needed and the tapper at the end of the brush does allow you get to smaller areas ie around the nose but it doesn't blend as well as I would have liked I found I needed to blend out with my finger or a fluffier brush. Where I have used this brush more is applying the Juice beauty mask I spoke about before for some reason I just didn't want to use my fingers to apply so I picked up this brush to help me out it dense enough to pick up enough product that your not constantly dipping back into the pot and allows application to all the tough areas of the face love it!!!

Vaseline Ultimate 10 Anti Aging Body Lotion 
This had sat on my bathroom bench unused for most of the month as I am usually a jeans wearer it nobody generally sees if I've forgotten to moisturise my legs but stepping into a beautiful dress before a friends wedding I realised i'd missed a step in the beauty routine!!! Luckily right in front of me was this lotion. With the little time I had and probably a bit too much product than I needed I literally just slathered it on my legs surprisingly despite my hurried effort the lotion goes on smooth, absorbs quickly and leaves skin smooth and soft I was impressed and even more impressed when the next day my skin still felt as smooth!!! 

Clariol Professional Radiance Shampoo
As I said originally I don't colour my hair so overall all I can really say on this product is that it is a decent shampoo, easy to use leaves your hair clean and soft, does the job. I wasn't really wowed but I am not disappointed either I am happy to keep using it. 

Clariol Professional Expand Volume Moose 
As I mentioned a friends wedding meant styling my hair and I know I said being short my usual updo wouldn't work but playing around I managed to make it happen!!! Yay!! I put the moose in before styling. To be honest didn't really get a lot of volume initially but it did seem to hold my style better and I didn't find my self having to fix half way through the night. The next day however I was putting my hair into its usual pony tail and it was then I noticed the volume factor it was funny but nice to know that this work!!!!

Hand spa Bijoux Hand Wipe
Not quite sure what to say about this one one hand wipe is nice to try but it kinda doesn't give any indication of the products true abilities. It is a nice product does leave your hands feeling soft but with only one try I can't say a lot else. 

I would like to take the time at this point to say that despite being not 100% happy with the last boxes I want to be honest and tell you all that I have resubscribed for another year. I was going to do a separate post of this but I felt that would be a little boring so I will briefly explain myself here. Over the last twelve months of being subscribed to LHI it really has only been the last few boxes that have had me close to clicking the unsubscribe button. If I looked at the other months and the months when I was on a month to month subscription I have always enjoyed what I have received. But at the same time their price increase to $19.95 had left me questioning continuing on. While I had used generally most of the products sent with only one or two from each box given away or not been used at all, I still felt a drop in quality for $20 a month. I was coming close to the end of my current sub and it was at this point LHI sent me and email  giving me the option to resubscribe for another year at a rate at which each box would equal $12.50 per box included shipping. I was skeptical thinking that maybe there would be a further drop in quality with a deal this good but I was also intrigued to see if it would be worth it!!! Overall I still enjoy getting this little surprise package every month and while I can get it for an affordable price I will stay subscribed. 
  
So onto what came in March's pack (I say pack as we did not get a box again this month LHI are changing there boxes so have sent the last two months just in bubble wrap and postage bags. The box you see in the background of my photos is an old one). This is an interesting mix of products and I have to say that I am excited by these ones.



Klara Cosmetics Kiss Proof Lips in the shade 05 Flaming Red received a deluxe sample full size is 8ml
This is an extremely vibrant red lipstick that comes in the same application format as a gloss. Highly pigmented and matte this formula is kiss proof and long lasting for up to 24hours. Will see how is goes!!!



Bloom Eye Definer in the shade Dark Brown. 
I chuckled when I pulled this out as I had just written in my monthly favourites post about how I have been looking for a new brown eye liner. It was also amusing as I then read that apparently we had gotten a choice between a concealer kit and liner via LHI facebook page as I had been avoiding the spoiler alerts I had completely missed this and so just got what I was given LHI had read my mind!!! Its a dark chocolate brown liner that is soft and creamy I am really excited to try!!! 



Orly Nail Lacquer in the shade Hair Band deluxe sample size of 5.3ml full size is 18ml.
This I think is my first Orly polish haven't really looked much at the brand before so I am interested to try. Hair Band is a gold glitter in a clear base, swatched quick on one nail the glitter is quite fine and smooth once dry and one coat gives good coverage interested to see its longevity. 



Chapstick Strawberry Lip Balm SPF 15 
This takes me on a trip down memory lane. I was obsessed with these as a kid and even into high school. I haven't used one for a long time but from what I remember a decent lip balm with a sweet smell!!!



Avedea Intense Hydrating Masque received a 7ml sample full size is 150ml
This is a face mask that includes organic aloe, kelp, lavender and rose water to hydrate, tone, soothe and cool the skin providing relief from dryness stress and exposure to the elements. Interesting ingredients and benefits will give it a try!!!



Recoverlyte Tropical Powder received one 8g sachet full size is 10 sachets.
This is a new version of gastrolyte more aimed at recovery (post a night on the town,  lots of alcholo, no sleep.) This not only gives the rehydration benefits but includes ingredients to give an energy boost as well. I don't generally use products like this as a general rule I like my sleep too much to be out partying late at night. My partner volunteered to try this one he was interested to see what it was like. I did have a small sip but the flavour wasn't that pleasant. His verdict is that the flavour is a little strong but he did like the effervescent factor it seemed to work!!!




So that is it for LHI this month a small selection but an interesting mix of products. Will see how they go and give you my thoughts next month!!!!! Until then Happy Reading and Happy Shopping!!

Ever



Saturday, 22 March 2014

Bellabox March and February Review

Hey Readers,
Hope this post finds you well. Another Bellabox has arrived at my door and while it doesn't feel like a month since I spoke to you about my last the time has arrived. I have really been enjoying the items from last months box so I will get on with my review!!!!

Om She Aromatherapy Buff Away polish.

Have really enjoyed this one this month and I'm glad it was added to my box by accident over the face lotion It has a beautiful scent and scrub particles that aren't too harsh on the skin. Its so quick and easy leaving skin soft and smooth.

Om She Aromatherapy Red-Rice Mattifying Lotion

I was really excited about trying this, Iv'e had so many days where my shinny T zone has been overwhelming that I was interested to see how this would go. Its a beautiful moisturiser and has been a great addition to my morning makeup routine not only easy to apply but giving great hydration to my skin. As for oil control some days I feel it works other days not so much. I think its my skin more than the moisturiser which is the reason Iv'e continued to use and am thinking about getting a full size.

Palmers Cocoa Butter Gentle Exfoliating Scrub

I spoke about this when I wrote my post last month this is a good scrub and while I enjoyed it the first time I received a sample to try I wasn't really interested in trying again I re gifted to a friend who was interested to try something new.

Aveda Smooth Infusion Style Prep Smoother

This was the only product I really wanted to try but didn't get a chance to try this month!! Hopefully I will get a chance soon.

Pret A Polish

This was the most exciting item for me this month I have been really looking for a neutral and natural polish this was a little brighter than it looked in the bottle but overall was easy to wear paired well with a glitter and lasted about three/four days before it chipped!!

Beauty Diaries is the theme for March and while I am not sure what secrets these products can tell me, I am excited by what I have received. I am also excited that BB products now come in a little blue box these new boxes are gorgeous and will definitely use for storage!!! Predominately the brands included are new to me and those that aren't I am still interested to try what I have been sent. 




Model Co Party Proof Cream Matte Lipstick in the shade Kitty received a full size lipstick.

BB released this as a spoiler before we got our boxes so I knew this would be included in the box. At the time I wasn't that excited I am only just getting into wearing lipsticks and model co produce so many brighter colours that I figured I wouldn't get one that suited me or that I would wear. But when my box arrived I was eager to find out what shade I received and it just so happens I was lucky!!! Kitty is a light neutral pink that for me is really wearable, being a cream matte its smooth to apply, light on the lips and has  small amount of gloss not too flat and as an added bonus smells like vanilla. So YAY to receiving a makeup item and it being a great shade!!!    




Metta Skincare Body Oil received a 5ml sample full size is 200ml.

This is a light weight body oil that can be used as an alternative to moisturiser as well as a massage oil.  100% all natural grapeseed, macadamia, sweet almond and Jojoba oils. The smell is a bit earthy but not too overpowering am interested to try.



Australian Bush Flower Intensive Hand Cream received a full size 20ml.

This is an organic hand cream that contains ylang ylang and sandalwood said to smooth skin, restore and revitalise appearance of tired hands. Interested to try see how it goes.
Not sure I'm quite at hand cream using weather just yet but a perfect handbag size I will throw it in and see how I go!!!



WOW by Romy Mandarin and Lime Bath (deluxe sample no info on the sample as to its size also no information to how much is in a full size not listed on their website!!!)
Originally when I saw this I thought great for travel and I will put that straight into my wet pack for my next trip but then I smelt it and the combination of mandarin and lime smells so nice I want to try it now so not sure if it will make my wet pack!!!


Pantene Aqua Light Shampoo and Conditioner 40ml deluxe samples of each full size 350ml.
Despite a lot of feedback via BB's Facebook page saying that this was just a supermarket product and disappointment in its inclusion I was really happy to see it when I opened the box its not only great to have received both shampoo and conditioner but a version of pantene that I haven't used and have thought about trying for a long time these are also great travel sizes which for me is just a bonus!!! This aqua light version of pantene not only is a formula that says it won't weigh your hair down it also helps to protect it from damage.



Natralus Paw Paw Pure Gel received a sachet size sample full size is 75g. (Bonus Item)
This gel is a combination of paw paw and aloe vera gel to create a gel that not only soothes but also hydrates damaged skin. Not sure what I will use this one for but I am interested to try. 



Overall I am very happy with March's box and what I have received, I am excited to try all the products and give my thoughts in my next post. Until then Happy Reading and Happy Shopping.

Ever.




Friday, 7 March 2014

Mascara Madness #6

Hey Readers, 
Hope you are all doing well!!! Realised at the start of the month that I haven't posted a mascara madness since December last year so I thought before too much of the year went past I should get to blogging about the mascaras that I have using over the past couple of months. 

Covergirl Lashblast Clump Crusher Extensions in Very Black
The Pitch: 200% more volume and length with zero clumps, the fiber stretch formula gives buildable volume and length instantly and combined with a curved brush with its precision spacing bristle reduce clumping for long separated lashes.

The Reality: Its most likely no surprise that I picked this one up after loving the original and like the original I don't really feel that you get 200% volume to my lashes but it does give great extension to your lashes while still keeping them looking natural. Its the perfect mascara if you like a more natural look, its buildable, doesn't clump and doesn't make your lashes look like your wearing a ton of mascara. Have really enjoyed wearing this one and always find myself going back to it!!!




Max Factor Wild Mega Volume 
The Pitch: Fierce lashes with up to 3x volume, a brush that amplifies the inner and outer corner lashes while sweeping out to give a wide eyed look.

The Reality=The Pitch mega volume is exactly what you get from this mascara and the hour glass shaped brush flares out lashes perfectly no falsies required here!!! You get volume and definition with very little effort however brush is quite large which does make it hard to give your bottom lashes the same treatment and I do recommend you wipe the end of the brush off before you apply it does come out of this tube with a lot of extra product which can get messy. Have been really enjoying this when I want a little more to my lashes and don't have the time to add eyeliner or enhance a winged eyeliner look.




Model Co Fat Lash Mascara
The Pitch: The following is straight from the Model Co website sorry readers its so long I was struggling to rewrite this one and include all the elements. 
Get full-figured curves in the seconds with ModelCo’s non-drying, non-flaking FAT LASH Volumising Mascara. FAT LASH gives you fuller, thicker, high-voltage lashes with its new and improved formula and innovative silicon brush.
The smudge-proof, buildable formula is both ultra volumising and lengthening and can be reapplied throughout the day for that extra fat lash. The unique, specially curved brush separates, lifts and coats each lash individually, while the bomber shaped brush head allows you to apply the mascara vertically, reaching even the smallest of lashes.
The Reality: I got this in the January Bellabox and to be honest I have a love hate relationship with this mascara, Yes you definitely get fuller, thicker lashes and the spikes at the end of the wand are really great to catch your inner corner lashes and bottom lashes as well. But you do have to be careful as it is a little tricky to apply, if you swipe your lashes too quick I find just clumps your lashes together which is also why I really haven't tried to layer this one at all. It also takes a minute to not feel wet  and slightly sticky but once that feeling is gone your lashes stay all day. The brush is quite similar to the benefit they're real mascara and I did try these side by side. Look wise my lashes looked the same the only difference being that the benefit mascara formula is thicker and harder to get off then this one so if your looking for same look and better price point this is the way to go. 





So that ends another Mascara Madness I have already started try some new mascaras so lets hope it doesn't take me too long to write the next one!!! Until then Happy Reading and Happy Shopping!!
Ever. 


The Websites that helped!! Thank you to all companies!!
http://www.covergirl.com.au/clump-crusher-extensions-lashblast-mascara
http://www.maxfactor.com.au/make-up-products/eyes/mascara/max-factor-wild-mega-volume-mascara
http://www.modelcocosmetics.com/shop/fat-lash-volumising-mascara

Saturday, 1 March 2014

February Favorites

Hey Readers,
Hope this post finds you well!! WOW a new month is already here and as February has been so busy I haven't had a lot of time to change up my makeup, so have stuck with favs from previous months for the most part. However I have tried a few new things and have rediscovered a few things so while this post will be short I have not spoken about many of these products before!!!




Naked 2 Palette by Urban Decay 

As you may or may not know Urban Decay have just released the third version of these palettes and after much hype then seeing the palette itself I really wasn't interested to seek it out but for some reason it did make me want to get out my naked 2 palette. I have not used this in a long time and I'm not really sure why I put in back into my draw but I am really happy I pulled it out again. I think the last time I spoke about this in a post I was obsessed with the shades chopper and half baked, blackout. This month I have used a lot of suspect, snakebite, YDK and Busted, And for my Valentines day look I used foxy all over the lid and tease in the outer corner and crease I really just wanted a simple, natural no makeup  look for dinner with my other half. 




Mineral Glow Loose Mineral Powder Foundation in the shade Soft Beige

Up until last month I was subscribed to LHI FAB (Fashion And Beauty) box. I chose not to blog about it simply because I wasn't sure if I was going to subscribe long term, after three boxes I decided that it wasn't for me and wasn't worth the dollars either so unsubscribed. There weren't too many items that really stood out for me but this foundation powder is amazing. I first used it for a friends birthday early in the month it was a Sunday afternoon BBQ and wanted a  natural look and makeup I didn't have to fuss over throughout the evening. I used Maybelline Dream Pure BB cream as a base and buffing this mineral powder over the top it gives the skin a natural glow and isn't glittery. The powder itself is light and soft so easy to apply with a fluffy brush. Have repeated the look throughout the month loving the soft glow. I also love that it has a twist closure so when travelling the powder doesn't come through the sifter like most loose powders and make a mess!!!. 





Australis Primer 

This was apart of a pack of Australis goodies I bought last year and it had sat unused in my draw for ages. I am not a huge primer girl as I often forget to put them only to remember after my foundation is done. But I've been having issues with my makeup staying on this month the weather has gotten a lot hotter and I seem to be sweating off my foundation before Iv'e even finished the rest of my makeup at the same time my oily T zone seems to be on over drive and the shine line down my nose seems to appear before I've finished my coffee in the morning!!! This Primer is probably the most simplest of all the primers I've ever looked at with all the packaging saying is that it will prevent foundation fading, smooth and refine skin texture, locks in moisture. No wild claims in sight and I love it. Its also really easy to apply you don't have to rub it in hard and it dries so quick that your waiting no time before applying your foundation. It does feel smooth on the skin but not slippery which I've enjoyed and I do see that my makeup lasts longer!!!




Covergirl Cheekers Blush in the shade 105  Rose Silk

This I think is the most underrated blush I have ever owned and I think I only picked it up because it was on sale. I think these ones often get overlooked as the packaging isn't fancy and the brush that they come with looks cheap!! But its not really the added brush accessory we buy these things for its the product itself!!! And OMG this blush is really good. So soft and pigmented it glides on and gives the cheeks a natural flush and glow. The colour Rose Silk is a soft peachy pink and you only need a light touch for a beautiful result. It does smell like cinnamon so if you don't like scent with your blush be warned. I've used it almost everyday and I love it boring packaging an all!!! 





Nivea Fruity Shine Pink Guava Lip Balm.
As you know I have been enjoying my Nivea lip balms and when I saw these where on special in Priceline I had to pick up a backup for my current one. While I was there I thought I would try their new coloured version pink guava. It smells like lollies and gives the lips a pink/red tint with the shimmer inclusion giving a nice glossy look. It also stays on a decent amount of time and isn't sticky, but really soft and moisturising on the lips. Have really enjoyed it when I've wanted a bit more than a balm but less intensity of a lipstick!!



Sports Girls Nail It Double Dip

I don't often go into Sports Girl but when I do its usually to look at their accesories and makeup. I was looking for a necklace when I saw that they had a table of marked down items. This fluro green and pink double ended nail polish duo said buy me so I picked it up straight away. I rarely wear nail polish on my finger nails due to my work so once again my toes got the special treatment. I've been really loving the bright colours makes me smile everytime I see it and for a $5 polish for 10ml of product (marked down from $9.95) it has lasted more that a week before I have seen signs of wear!!!   




So that ends my favourites for February!!! As I said before a short list but these really where the real standouts for me this month!! Hope you have had a wonderful February and until next monthly favourites Happy reading and Happy Shopping

Ever.


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.