Bellabox March and February Review

Hey Readers,
I hope this post finds you well. This months Bellabox has arrived at my door this week and I have to say not a bad box overall. With the box this month has also come the news that BB will be increasing in price. As of June an additional $2.95 will be added to the current price increasing the box from $15 to $17.95 per month. Given that this is the first increase in four years so overall it is only elevating marginally. I have now been subscribed since the first box four years ago (and have blogged about this box since BB turned one in 2012) so I thought for those of you trying to decide whether to continue your membership or if you are thinking of subscribing for the first time. I would give an over view of my thoughts on BB. Now personally over the years time I have received boxes with products and  I have loved every product and I have received boxes were I have only really enjoyed one. But the main reason I subscribed was to be introduced to products I normally wouldn't pick up, as well as possibly get samples of products that I would want to try but don't have the dollars to pay just to see what its like!!! Yes there have been items that haven't suited my skin tone, or a colour that I wouldn't choose and over time I've ended up with a lot of hand creams, lip balms and anti wrinkle products. But in the end boxes are always consistent from month to month with a mix of product types, products that are decent quality regardless of being supermarket or department store. Yes some samples are more generous in size than others but you generally get a feel whether it will work or not. Also their delivery and customer service is of a high standard. This is why I have stayed with BB from the beginning and most likely will continue into the future. 

OK so onto the review of the box that I received in February!!

February Box

Essie Nail polish in Really Red
I have thoroughly been enjoying this polish this month. The formula is easy to apply, opaque with just one coat, streak free and long lasting. The colour is bright but I really have been loving the splash of colour.

Crabtree and Evelyn Avocado Oil and Basil Ultra Moisturising Hand Cream
This is a really soft scented hand cream that absorbs easily and moisturises really well. Have been enjoying this one and happy to have in the collection for winter. 

Burts Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream  
I just love the smell of this cream the lemon scent really is gorgeous. And it really does the job helping to keep cuticles moisturised and also helping to repair those rough edges. A little goes a long way so happy to have enough to see me through the winter months.

Transformulas Marine Miracle Creme and Lip Volume
Not sure what to say about this. The creams themselves go on smooth and has a really nice scent and while I got nearly two tries out of the miracle I still really couldn't tell a difference in my complexion or lips. 

Z'Kin Line Smoothing Serum 
I enjoyed receiving 2ml of sample for this product each use made my skin feel plump and soft but for me personally that is about it.

March Bellabox
#Selfie is the theme for this months box and BB have included products to help improve and highlight the complexion!!!

Colour Therapy Eye Pencil received the shade Emerald
Colour Therapy is a German made brand that can be found in pharmacy and is a quite affordable brand. Excited to see a makeup product and while green isn't my usual choice for eyeliner I had to try this one out. Its a gorgeous dark green that is quite subtle the product it self is creamy and easy to apply and its buildable so the colour can be as soft or bold as you like.

Nivea Sun Light Feel Face Veil SPF30 recieved a 50ml full size.
This is an everyday sunscreen that gives both UVA and UVB protection is light weight, non greasy and can be worn under makeup. Interested to try this one I was actually looking for something like this when Priceline had their last 40% off skin care could not find anything more that SPF 15 at the time and while I have a few day creams on the go at the moment I am really wanting to open this one.

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Perfecting Moisturizing Day Cream received a 15g deluxe sample full size is 150g.
Designed to hydrate, balance and protect with SPF 15. A perfect daily moisturiser. Despite the fact that I have two day creams included in my box I am actually equally excited to see this on included. I had received some sachet samples from this range a while back and loved the products so happy to see a bit bigger size to be able to try again. 

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Creamy Cleanser and Makeup Remover received a 15g deluxe sample full size is 150g. 
This gentle cleanser will effortlessly remove impurities, excess oil and makeup all whilst helping skin retain its moisture balance. Again happy to see the inclusion from palmers and happy to see a cleanser/makeup remover I am always trying new ones so happy to give this a try.

Kerastase Resistance Bain Force Achitecte Shampoo recieved a 10ml deluxe sample full size is 250ml
This shampoo says it will help to strengthen, rebuild and reconstruct hair from roots to ends. Interested to try this one I have recently changed shampoo and not really liking it so happy to try something else. 

Bonus Samples
Revlon Photoready Air brush Effect in the shade Natural Beige received a sachet sample full size is 30ml
Happy to see this included have been wanting to try this foundation so interested to see
how it works.

Stabilo Neon Highlighter in the shade Orange
OK so I know in the past I haven't been to kind on BB for bonus samples that don't fit the theme of the box and this products inclusion may seem like that at first. It also has certainly caused a storm on social media but I have to say I love it and am happy to see its inclusion. The reason for its inclusion is actually a competition that BB are running this month. For me it unlocks the stationery junkie from within!! Before makeup I had stationery a lot of stationery!! While I was at uni I collected every coloured pen, pencil, highlighter, note book etc to use for my notes and charts, I was addicted and quite sad when I no longer had use for it all so this for me is perfect and I am happy to take this to use at work!!!

OK so that ends BB for March. I hope you enjoyed this post. I hope it helps if you are undecided about your subscription. I cannot wait to try everything out and see how it all goes. So until next post Happy Reading and Happy Shopping.

Everlynne.

Mascara Madness #10

Hey Readers,
I hope this post finds you well. This week I am back with another mascara madness post. I have been trying out a few mascaras over the last couple of months and as usual have not only been seeing how they go as an every day mascara but also comparing them to their advertising pitch to see whether they live up to their promotion and advertising.

Beauty Essentials Volumising Mascara
The Pitch: Volumise your lashes for a more glamourous look.
The Reality: Ok so not much of a pitch for this mascara. It comes with no fancy advertising campaign or famous celebrity endorsement it is simply Priceline Pharmacy's own brand mascara. It's the only one in the range so far, and the only colour it comes in is black with a price tag of $3 I think its one of the most inexpensive mascaras you can pick up. But don't let that fool you this mascara is actually really good. It not only has cute rose gold and black packaging but it  volumises and even lengthens your lashes. It's also really easy to work with a thinner wand allowing you to get both inner corner lashes and bottom lashes easily. It gives a really nice defined lash without looking too over done. I have really enjoyed this one and will definitely pick this up again!!!

It's So Big Volumizing Mascara by Elizabeth Mott
The Pitch:A unique formula that lengthens and curls your lashes without smudging. Maintains mega volume for the whole day whilst being easily removable. The hourglass shaped brush with both long and short bristle pattern delivers the right amount of mascara to each lash, watch your lashes grow bigger with each layer. 
The Reality: At the time I received this mascara in a Bellabox it came with much hype but from the first try I really wasn't that impressed. Its a good mascara, it coats your lashes giving volume and its hour glass shaped wand gives curl and it does last all day but more often than not my lashes where left with excess product, I also found it flakes a little in the hotter weather. Not my favourite. 

Essence Lash Princess Volume Mascara
The Pitch: lash princess mascara has a specially shaped cobra-head wand that covers each individual lash to create breathtaking volume with a great curl.
The Reality: What you read is what you get. And I really have been enjoying using this mascara. The brush coats lashes perfectly and the curve of the wand gives both curl and lift to your lashes. It doesn't clump or flake and it lasts all day. 

Max Factor Masterpiece Transform High Impact Volumising Mascara

The Pitch: A revolutionary new mascara instantly creates darker, bigger, more dramatic lashes thanks to the new instant impact wand – the small brush that captures and volumises every lash. Prepare for totally transformed lashes.

The Reality: Its an ok mascara. While the smaller and tappered wand does allow you to catch every lash both top and bottom and overall I feel it gives more length than volume. On a whole it just doesn't give me wow lashes they just look like I've applied mascara nothing special. On the plus side though it does last all day and hasn't flaked or clumped. 

So that ends this Mascara Madness post. Hoping these reviews help next time your in the market for a new mascara. Until next post happy reading and happy shopping!!

Everlynne.

The websites that helped me write this post:
https://www.priceline.com.au/index.php/cosmetics/eyes/mascara/volumising-mascara-12.0-ml

http://www.elizabethmott.com/shop/its-so-big-volumizing-mascara/

http://www.essence.eu/lashprincess/en-au/infos/

http://www.maxfactor.com.au/make-up-products/eyes/mascara/max-factor-masterpiece-transform-high-impact-volumising-mascara

The Parcel by Marie Claire Autumn Edit

Hey Readers,
Hope this post finds you well. I am here today with another post on The Parcel by Marie Claire cannot believe its been three months since my last box. I am still enjoying those products and now I have another box jam packed with new goodies to try. So lets get straight into whats in the box!!!

Lancome Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate received a 7ml deluxe sample full size is 50ml
This award winning serum says it will repair and reactivate the 10 visible signs of youthful looking skin not sure about this one I always forget to use serums but will try and remember and see how it goes. 

Max Factor Masterpiece Transform Mascara received a full size 12ml in Black
This is one of Max Factors latest releases with a slender wand and shorter bristles this mascara is said to catch every lash giving a naturally full effect. As you know I always love a good mascara inclusion sadly I am not that excited as I have already tried this one its a good mascara and if you want to know more I will have a full review is in an upcoming Mascara Maddness!!!

Rimmel BB Cream Radiance in the shade Medium received a full size 30ml tube.
This is the latest product to be released from Rimmel and we are lucky enough to get to try before its released into store next month.  This 9 in 1 product says it primes, smoothes, conceals, mimises the appearance of pores, provides natural coverage, moisturises for 24 hours, awakens and brightens, giving a radiant finish. Interested to try this one cannot wait to see if it lives up to the claims.

MOR Emporium Classics Snow Gardenia Triple Milled Soap received one 
This hand wrapped triple milled soap combines sweet almond oil, shea butter, vitamin E with the floral notes of gardenia to leave skin feeling nourished and fragranced. While this is a beautifully smelling soap I don't really use soap so like most of the others I receive in beauty boxes this will be added to my clothes draws as a scent!!

L'Occitane Dry Skin Hand Cream in Vanilla Bouquet recieved a 30ml deluxe sample full size is 150ml
Its probably a bit cliche that we see a hand cream in a autumn/winter box despite this though I am glad to see that Marie Claire have picked a little bit more upmarket version to include. This hand ream is enriched with 20 percent shea butter balm and says  it will penetrate quickly to protect, nourish and hydrate dry skin.  

Garnier Skin Naturals Miracle Skin Cream received a full size 50ml tube.
When I first saw this in Priceline and again when I pulled it from this box my first thoughts were is it a primer or is it a moisturiser reading the packaging I think it may lean towards both!! This miracle cream adjust itself to your own skin tone, moisturises, smooths, evens skin tone and illuminates whilst reducing the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots and pores. It also includes an SPF 15. Really interested to try this am interested to see how it performs on its own as well as how it goes under foundation. 

Schick Hydro Silk received a full size pack 
With its water activated moisturising serum hydrates up to two hours post shave and five blades that provide closeness to minimising nicks maximising smoothness. While I already have a razor I enjoy using I am always interested to try something different these are also great to put in the travel pack!!

Neutrogena Make up remover towelettes recieved a deluxe sample pack of 7 full size are 25 wipes
As you know I love a good makeup wipe and these are a really good product. They are great at removing a days makeup quickly and easily they are super convenient for a travel bag or hand bag. The towelettes themselves are not to wet or too dry with remover. Very happy to see them include.

 Ok so that ends all the products I received for the parcel autumn edit. I am really eager to try these products cannot wait to get started. Now I know said this in my last post but I have to say  it again. I am really impressed by the quality of these boxes, not only are we getting a decent amount of products, but decent quantities of those products no sachets and more than just 1-2ml of product. But we are also getting boxes that are coming expertly packaged and delivered on time!!! I also enjoy that every subscriber gets the same products so value and products received is fair for all.  So if your getting bored with the usual beauty boxes and what to try something new I recommend giving this one a go!!! Until next post Happy Reading and Happy Shopping

Everlynne

Bellabox February and January Review

Hey Readers, 
Hoping that this weekend finds you well and if you live in Queensland you have fared the Tropical Cyclone and its aftermath well. My Bella Box for February has finally arrived with the delay this month due to the bonus magazine that has accompanied it. But before I get into what I received I will review January's box.


January Box

Laqa and Co Lip Lube 
I was really impressed by this product this month and overall have really enjoyed adding a pop of colour to my everyday look. Its easy to apply, has great pigmentation, is buildable and comfortable to wear on the lips while it isn't overally moisturising I also found it doesn't dry out your lips either. I also loved that while it includes peppermint oil the scent isn't overpowering nor leave your lips tingling. 

Bellabox Makeup Pouch
This probably has been the most used item from January's box this month.  I have so many smaller items that I use regularly use but that usually get lost in the bottom of my handbag 
and I am constantly rummaging to find so it has been nice to have them all contained and easy to find it also has been great to be able to grab it and simply transfer to a different bag when needed.

SkinnyMint 28 Ultimate TeaTox 
I have to say that this section of this post I have had some help with. I said in my original post I am not a tea drinker so wasn't sure if this would get tried. My fiance however is a tea drinker and after reading the pack was curious to try. So this section of my post is really a summary of his thoughts on this product. Overall he doesn't feel that they have helped him to lose weight or increase his energy levels however they have good flavour and don't require any additions such as sugar or milk.


Wen by Chaz Dean Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner
As you know I have received this product before and once again I have been impressed with this product. My hair is left so soft and smooth and moisturised, without being left unmanageable and definitely benefited from the extra conditioning. Will consider the full size.


Aveda Botanical Kinetics Purifying Gel 
As I said I am over these samples so this went into the bag of products that I will give away to more appreciating home.

So onto February's Bella Box. As I said at the start of the post this months box was delayed due to the release of the magazines that they came accompanied with. This month BB collaborated with three of Australia's most popular womens magazines Cosmopolitan, Elle and Harper's Bazzar to create three different boxes inspired by each magazine.  While some subscribers were lucky enough to choose their box I missed out and so it was up to the BB gods what I received. Harper's Bazzar was the pick!!!

Essie Nail Colour in the shade Really Red
This bright red polish is definitely the perfect for the valentines month and even though the day has passed I am very happy with a bright colour. 

Aveda Intensive Hydrating Masque and Tourmaline Charged Hydrating Creme received 1 7ml sample of each. Full sizes are 150ml and 50ml  
Alright so as per my previous statement in my last BB post. I am really over samples from this brand and it is a little disappointing that I have received the same brands samples two boxes in a row. 

Cabtree and Evelyn Avocado Olive and Basil Ultra Moisturising Hand Therapy received a 25g full size tube   
This hand cream is an award winning ultra moisturising hand cream that help to leave hands soft and nourished. Excited by this one happy to try a new hand cream am interested to see how it goes.

Burts Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream received a deluxe mini 8.5g. Full size is 17g
This cuticle cream combines lemon, sweet almond oil and cocoa seed butter to help moisturise and soften cuticles. This has such a gorgeous lemony scent I cannot wait to try and will go perfect with the hand cream.

Transformulas Marine Miracle Creme and Lip Volume recieved a sachet sample of each full size is 15 and 10ml
The Marine Miracle Creme is a facelift in a jar that with regenerative and anti ageing properties that is said to leave your skin looking visibly younger, relaxed,  toned and lifted. The Lip Volume this gel says it will give fuller, plumper and softer lips. Both of these are products that I don't usually look for but reading the description of these on the card I am interested to see if they will make any difference to my skin and lips. 

Zk'in Line Smoothing Serum recieved 2 1ml sachets full size is 25ml
This is the bonus for this months box. This product uses certified organic ingredients and says it will minimise wrinkles from first application. Again while I am not usually seeking out these products I am interested to try.

Harper's Bazzar recieved March issue.
This I guess is the second bonus to the box this month. Receiving the latest issue of the magazine that inspired the box. I have not bought a magazine in a long time so its a nice inclusion this month.

So that ends BB for February I feel this has been one of the better collaborations BB has done and while not all of the products I would have chosen for myself I am interested in trying the products I have received. So I will get to it and until next post Happy Reading and Happy Shopping.

Everlynne.

  

Empties!!! Hits and Misses.

Hey Readers, 

Hoping this post finds you well and that the start to the new month has gone smoothly!!
This week I am taking inspiration from YouTube again this week and writing about those products that I have finished. The last couple of months have seen me finish a few products at once and while I don't usually keep the bottles, tubes and packets when I am done but after watching so many empties videos. I thought it would be a good idea to keep them so I can not only give a small review including what they are like to use from start to finish I have divided products into two groups Hits and Misses. The Hits are products which I have loved every use and ones that I would repurchase. Misses are products that where alright, maybe not suited to the reason I bought them or just didn't do a great job. OK so lets get going!! 

Hits

Uriage Eau Thermale Extra Rich Dermatological Cleansing Gel 8ml deluxe sample
This was introduced to me via a beauty box and given I subscribe to multiple boxes I ended up with two samples. Cleansers received in beauty boxes can often be a bit hit and miss particularly those that in their full size have a higher price point (400ml is full size and is $35). So after two tubes I can say this is a really decent cleanser, it foams really well, gets rid of a days dirt and grime and despite saying its extra rich its actually really light on the skin, leaves no residue and skin feels soft and smooth post cleanse I have really enjoyed it. Is on my list for next time Priceline have 40% off skin care.

Innoxa Skin + Clear Oil Free Clarifying Cleanser 150ml 
I originally mentioned this in my no time to shine post back in September when I picked it up at half price during a Innoxa range sale and looking back on that post now I don't think I raved enough about this product. While it did take me a little bit to get used to at first overall I have really enjoyed the results. The cleanser itself is a clear gel like formula that foams well, clears the skin of dirt and grime, helps keep blemishes from appearing and leaves your skin feeling soft and fresh.  It also helps keep oil and shine at bay which is probably what I have loved the most as it has helped keep my makeup last longer during the day. I am actually quite sad I have squeezed the last of this cleanser from the tube and while I am trying out new cleansers at the moment I am definitely going to repurchase this one. 

OGX Renewing Argan Oil of Morrocco Shampoo 385ml
I was introduced to this brand via samples I received in Bellabox at the end of last year while I didn't like the coconut scent of the ones I received I loved the results and went looking for full size version in a different scent. The shampoo itself washes really well even with just one shampoo (I usually shampoo twice) my hair is clean, soft and silky. The Argan Oil has a really light scent and helps to strengthen and protect from not only heat styling but UV damage as well. I definitely feel my hair is better for it and I will repurchase.

Dove Go Fresh Moisturising Body Wash Pomegranate and Lemon Verbena 1L
As you would know from my January favourites post I am currently using the cucumber scent of this shower gel but this scent is the one I originally picked up as you can probably tell I really enjoy these shower gels. The gel itself is soft and gentle, foams and cleans well. The pump top makes it really easy to use and one pump does my whole body I am really 
enjoying and will most likely buy again!!

Nivea Repair and Protection SPF 25 Lip Balm
This is a lipbalm I just can't get enough of and I think I have probably spoken about it before but as I have now repurchased it at least three times, I thought it was worth mentioning again. The balm itself is light on the lips and really moisturising. Its got no colour or gloss so is great for putting underneath another lip product. It lasts a long time and the SPF 25 is a bonus. Its my go to being twist up its easy to apply and the tube fits into any pocket!! 

Milk Beauty Wipes packet of 25 wipes.
These are another product I cannot rave, write and recommend enough they are another long term repurchase. I have written about these many times which I will link here. But I just had to mention again. I originally switched to these due to the fact they are free from some of the nasty chemicals you usually find in makeup wipes but now they are just my go to simply because they are a great all rounder makeup wipe and I find it hard to try to try others now as they just don't compare to these!! I love the bigger size and exfoliating side that really helps get rid of makeup buildup around the nose and chin. They are also great for when you haven't been wearing makeup and want to freshen up you face they get rid of excess buildup and oils leaving you feeling fresh.

Rexona Women Long Lasting Protection Stress Control 50ml roll on
I know deodorant is a personal thing and not all work for everyone but I include this as its the first stress control deodorant I have used that has really worked. If your like me and need you deodorant to keep up with you for more than 8 hours, if you live a hot/humid climate like Queensland, if you wear layers of protective clothing over your normal attire for work that often makes you a bit hot and sweaty from time to time. This possibly is for you!!! I will admit that I have gotten to the end of a few days at work and realised that my deodorant has let me down and its not a product that I really have time to think about reapplying during the day nor do I want to use a sweet smelling body spray simply to mask the smell. I have been a user of rexona deodorants for a long time and in general I find they last longer on me so I was interested to try when they released this version. It really has passed the test day after day. Days of constant heat and humidity here in Queensland combined with being outdoors, days of constantly changing temperature being in and out of air conditioning, fridges and freezers, days of being busy all day trying to make deadlines, even post work outs. With other deoderants I am usually starting to think after 6-8 hours its not lasting with this one I am good from 7am to 7pm. The roll on is convenient and easy to travel with!! I have already repurchased. 

Plackers Dental Flossers packet of 50

I know this may seem a bit of a random inclusion but since I have loved these from first try I really wanted to include them. I picked these up from Chemist Warehouse and they are the first of their kind I have tried that have really worked. The floss is strong doesn't break or tear or fray while your using them and the handles are quite strong and don't bend or flex too much they also come in a resealable bag which makes them quite easy to travel with

Misses

Yes to Grapefruit Correct and Repair Daily Facial Scrub. 
This I bought during a 40% off skincare sale at Priceline and as I have said before these sales are really great when you want to try something new and don't want to pay full price just in case it isn't what you are looking for. This caught my eye simply because I liked the citrus scent it contains both grapefruit and lemon balm. Grapefruit acts as antioxidants to help even skin tone and brighten complexion while the lemon balm helps to calm and repair damaged skin. At the time I was on the hunt for an alternative to my current scrub. Sadly it just didn't give me what I wanted. I prefer face scrubs that have a balanced scrub particle to cleanser ratio sadly this is too heavy on the cleanser so while it cleans well  it just wasn't what I was looking for so this was a miss for me.  

So that ends my empties hits and misses post. I hope you enjoyed reading and if your are looking for some new products to try you are inspired. Until next post Happy Reading and Happy Shopping

Everlynne. 

January Favourites

Hey Readers,
I hope this post finds you well!! We are not only saying good bye to January but hello to February this weekend and yes it has gone by quickly but as it has been a month of ups and downs for me personally.  I am very happy to be starting a fresh new month so soon. Due to everything that has happened I really don't have a lot of favourites this month as I have been sticking with what I know works, I haven't really had a chance to properly try all of the new items I have picked up, nor have I shopped my stash as much as I should have. So a few of this month I am including for a second time, the rest products I keep coming back to and don't think I have spoken about before!!

Bourjois Happy Light Foundation in the shade 52 Light Beige 
Usually I prefer a fuller coverage foundation that is mattifying and long lasting. So initially I did not really like this foundation and hence it didn't get much use. But in an effort to sort my foundation collection I pulled this back out at the end of last year. Happy Light is a light to medium coverage foundation that gives a dewy finish. But the main reason I am loving this one is how light it feels on the skin and given the heat we've been having in QLD its been so much nicer to wear that other foundations so it has fast become my go to. It is also extremely easy to apply and has such a smooth finish. Setting with powder straight away means I get more of a matte finish and longevity. So now I am really enjoying this one and will definitely keep it in the collection. 

Chi Chi Super BB Cream in the shade Medium 
I have spoken about this many times so you already know just how much I love this BB. The easy to apply medium coverage BB has been another go to in this hot weather particularly when a day out in the sun is on the cards. With 30 plus sunscreen factor included it means my makeup is done in one simple step. It wears well even with my combination skin. 

Ponds Clear Balance Oil Control Skin Mattifying Facial Foam 
I pulled this out at the end of last year after it  had been in the to be tried draw since some time last year when Priceline had 40% off skin care. While I wanted to put a full review into another edition of my no time to shine posts I really wanted to include it now as I hadn't truly realised just how much it had impressed!! During December I was house sitting for a friend despite the fact that I could have taken a few products (I always have multiple cleansers and scrubs on the go) from my shower, I chose instead to take my usual travel wet pack. It was the day I came home and picked up this tube that I realised just how much I missed this cleanser. The product itself is soft, creamy, its mixed with a small amount of exfoliating beads that massage the skin and it foams and cleans well. My skin feels so good afterwards and as an added bonus it definitely helps control my oily T zone!!! 

Dove Go Fresh Moisturising Body Wash in the scent Cucumber and Green tea
This has been another surprise this month. I originally bought two of these when they where on special at target I prefer the pomegranate citrus scent but picked this one up knowing I would want something different when I finished the bottle but also with the knowledge that the other half would use if I wasn't fussed!!! So while wasn't so excited to be opening from the first use I was pleasantly surprised by this. I don't usually really like cucumber scented products but this scent is really light, the shower gel itself is soft, foams well and you only need one pump for your whole body its a really great formula and I have been enjoying it.

NYX Dream Catcher Palette Golden Horizons
As I said in my recent purchases post I have been using this since just before Christmas and it fast became a favourite. So this month it was my first pick when I had to travel to Sydney. Its just such as easy palette to work with. The shadows themselves are soft, have good pigmentation and they blend well. The shimmers in the palette have a fine glitter in them so are not overly glittery and fallout is minimal, the mattes are pigmented easy to work with soft and not chalky. I really love either pairing the two light matte browns together on the lid and in the crease then using the dark matte brown as an eyeliner which makes a great work appropriate look. Or just one of the shimmer shadows all over the lid and eyeliner so I am ready and good to go in minutes!!! 

So that ends my favourites for January, I hope you enjoyed this post and that your January has gone well. Until my next post Happy Reading and Happy Shopping

Everlynne.









  

Sunday Special- Products I Regret Buying

Hey Readers, 
I hope this post finds you well!!! Today Sunday Special is something a bit different to my usual posts but one that I wish to start putting on my blog. As you know every month (almost!!) I put up a review of all my favourite products for that month.  While I rather enjoy writing these posts as it gives me an opportunity to tell you what I am loving, products that do a great job as well as giving a small review. In an effort to keep my blog predominately positive. I never tell you about the products that don't work for me or products that don't really do what they should and while I don't want to bring a lot of negativity to this blog I also believe in things being balanced, at the same time I also have been desperately  wanting to tell you about these products so you don't go and waste your dollars on them or if you are desperate to buy them regardless you are fully informed with pros and cons before you do. So this post today will be all the products that I regret buying during 2014. 

Rimmel Match Perfection Light Perfecting Radiance Foundation SPF18 
 I had heard a lot of amazing reviews about this one with the only down side seeming to be that for an oily combo girl you wouldn't necessarily get a whole days wear out of it. Even though I prefer makeup that goes on at 7am and looks good till 7pm as an oily combo girl I usually find touch ups inevitable!! The first bottle I bought was in the shade 301 Warm Honey and from what I could gather  this would be a reasonable match for me!! I wore it roughly for a week and by the end of it while I had figured out that even with my oily combo skin it wears well at the same time the colour wasn't the right match for me the shade a little too warm I looked a little over tanned. So when Chemist Warehouse had 40% off Rimmel I pounced!! And bought another two (yes you read that correctly another two!!!) This time I chose the shades 400 Natural Beige and 303 True Nude now these were better shades, both wore well, great light feel on the skin, gliding, buildable without cakeness but after another week I realised that it didn't matter what shade I wore or what powder I set with I would end the day looking slightly orange!!!  Now I don't know if it is my combo oily skin or the heat here in Queensland but I just could not make this foundation work it was disappointing but rather than risk looking like a oompa loompa this foundation has sat at the back of the draw for a while. 

Revlon Powder Blush (Matte range) 
I did not even realise that Revlon had a matte blush range until I saw these in a favourites video on youtube and while that youtuber did say not all of the colours where great she still recommended a few shades that she felt where the pick of the bunch. I bought mine from ozsale.com.au when they came up as a part of a Revlon sale each blush was between $8-10 which for Revlon is not a bad deal!!! Now the blushes are soft to touch and swatched with a finger seem silky and resonably pigmented but the colour really doesn't come off on the skin they also don't pick up well on a brush its seems to take a lot of product just for a little colour on the cheeks!! For a more expensive brand I really expected a lot more!!! 

LA Colors 3D Blush Contour and 12 Color Eyeshadow Palette.
This is a brand that I hadn't heard much about before and as everything was going cheap($2-4) on ozsale.com.au I while picked up quite a few things from the range these two where really the ones that I was disappointed about the most!! I bought them as I was looking for compact and travel friendly makeup but sadly the quality just isn't there. The 3D Blush Contour palette is ok in the respect that the blush does go on well, seems pigmented and blendable but it just does not last, a few hours after application its like it was never there. The contour side takes a lot to build up and the highlight while matte does require a small brush to get into the pan easily. As for the eye shadows its much the same story construction of the palette makes it hard to get a shadow brush into the colours and you have to use a lot of shadow to get pigmentation and even if you build the colour they don't last even with a primer!!! 

Scunci No Damage Hair Elastics
During 2014 the hair bands I have used for ages not only got new packaging but also a new price but the quality just wasn't the same!! It was look for alternatives I stumbled upon these now this is a brand I have only really seen in Priceline and Target, reviews of other items from the brand seemed good and price a little bit more than I usually pay but I thought that would be reflected in the quality, I was wrong!!! While they are made of extreamly strong elastic it makes the bands quite hard to stretch, twist and loop around a pony tail or bun and when they do finally stretch I found more often than not it would cause either the two ends of the elastic to break or the and the outer casing would stretch giving way around the glue put in place to hold the band together essentially rendering them useless. I have no positives for these sadly so over all I just wouldn't bother!!! 

Fuss Free Naturals Natural Facial Cleansing Wipes with Citrus and Pineapple
A you know I love a good makeup wipe and after discovering the Milk exfoliating wipes earlier in 2014 I was very happy to see alternate versions to try on the market. These wipes claim the will remove makeup, water proof mascara, are non greasy and non drying they also have a textured side which is said to remove dirt and makeup as well as exfoliate. The wipes themselves smell nice and have a reasonable amount of makeup remover so they are not too dry or wet but over all they don't remove a good days makeup, they struggle to remove eyeliner and mascara. As for the exfoliation side it doesn't feel rough nor does it seem to help to remove makeup. I also found that over time even if you close the packet properly they wipes dry out before the packet is done. 

Australis Pretty Pastels 4-1 Palette 
Usually I would be raving about this brand and as a general rule I would recommend snapping up any limited edition palette that they bring out but overall this is a disappointing product from Australis. The palette includes a pressed powder, blush, bronzer and three eye shadows. Overall with this palette the pigmentation of the shadows, blush and bronzer is quite good but there is a lot of fall out. The shadows while easy to apply, are extremely glittery and the colours themselves are really lost beacuse of it. The bronzer while it looks like their much loved sunkissed bronzer of their permanent line is not only quite glittery but deeper in colour, and hard to blend out. As for the powder I really expected this to be simillar to the fresh and flawless but it lacks the coverage and it easily ends up cakey. This really isn't the high quality I usually expect from Australis and hence my least favourite product in this line. 

Lust Have It 
    *Rant Alert*
This box/bag/subscription service is probably the biggest fail of 2014 and given we have nearly finished the first month of 2015 and I have not received this months probably this year as well!!! If you have seen my Instagram you will know that I gave up writing about LHI in early 2014 as I was extremely unhappy with the service and the products,  I did always intend that I would go back to blogging regularly about this product but sadly it never got any better. I now fail to see how they can still call themselves a monthly subscription service when usually its six weeks plus between boxes (and I wont go into how many excuses they have come up with for late boxes), in regards to their customer service while most companies customer email turn around time is 24-48 hours theirs is roughly 3-4days. Also last year I was contacted twice by representatives from LHI. At first they wanted to send me a free box to trail as well as inviting me to become an affiliate. I will be honest and say that while flattered to have had my blog recognised. I turned down the affiliate offer as I wanted my blog to remain impartial given at the time I was still blogging about both LHI and BB. However I did take up the offer of a free box to use in a giveaway as I thought one of my readers may want to try. They agreed with my thoughts said I would get the box within a couple of weeks. The box never showed and I found out later it was never sent!! It was then many months after that when like many others I was having problems receiving the box of the subscription I paid for that I was contacted again (by a different person) this time for feedback. 

I gave my thoughts and experiences from both a blogger perspective and a paying customer. I was told everything was taken on board but clearly nothing has changed. I think the last straw was when I went to use my points to buy a few products I have enjoyed from LHI in the full size. It seems you can only use about 40% in points of your carts $$ total at any one time, limiting the amount of points able to be spent. Now if you read the fine print LHI state: a minimum cash purchase may apply to any transaction using reward points. Lust have it! shall determine the maximum number of points that can be used on each purchase and any minimum cash expenditure required, and indicate these to the customer prior to a purchase becoming final. If you compare this to the opposition all you have to have is a spend of $40 post the amount of points used.

 Now maybe because I have been subscribed since the begging I have too high expectation of the service or the products I receive. But this service used to be better, it used to feel like a special treat every month and I used to be excited about the box that was arriving. Sadly I no longer would recommend them any more. 


So that ends my regret purchases for 2014. I hope this post helps when you are choosing products in the future. Hopefully 2015 won't bring too many regrets purchases!! So until my next post Happy reading and Happy Shopping!!
  
Everlynne.