BellaBox September Edition: Spring Party Essentials!

Hello my lovely readers!

With a giant leap into the new season of spring, Bellabox has delivered a GIANT box this month – and definitely impressed me!
Just LOOK AT THE SIZE OF THAT SUBSCRIPTION!

Bellabox September Issue

Giant. I know.

This month’s theme of Spring Party Essentials is written all over the selection of products they’ve included.
I can’t wait to try a couple of these products out.

Cleo Magazine: September Issue

First of all, they included the September issue of the Cleo magazine!
That’s already half of the cost of the box right there. And with Emma Watson’s gorgeous face on the cover, I’m already loving this month’s subscription.

Which leads me to a little bit of a tangent – don’t you think Emma Watson’s eye make up is amazing???
I’m thinking… tutorial. Thoughts?

Emma Watson Cleo Cover

I may just butcher the look with that make up on my face. I’m definitely far from looking like Emma Watson.
But it’ll be fun nonetheless!
Let me know in the comments below if you want me to go ahead with it, or if you have any other suggestions. And keep your eyes peeled for this YouTube video!

Montagne Jeunesse Blemish Mud Masque

Montagne Jeunesse Blemish Mud Masque

It’s like as if they read my mind. I’m suffering from a giant outbreak of blemishes at the moment, and I’m willing to try ANYTHING to get these nasties healed.

Last time I tried one of these Montagne masks though, I walked away after application and came back to the bathroom mirror to find myself looking like I stepped out of a wax museum…
That was a little creepy. But it felt pretty nice. So I guess it redeemed itself.

Let’s see how this one goes!

Elegant Touch Envy Wraps

Elegant Touch Envy Wraps

I’m normally not a fan of nail stickers. In fact I haven’t tried any before. The idea of using nail stickers rather than the traditional method of ‘paint & dry’ is a little daunting.

“What? There’s a new way of doing things?”

“What? I have to learn how to apply it?”

“How about if I cut myself – I assume there will be some sort of cutting tool involved in application…”

“It’s too much effort.”

Of course, based on the above thought processes you can obviously tell I haven’t even bothered to look into how to apply them.
So really. I don’t know how hard or easy it is in comparison to just painting my nails the normal way.

But this may be the first!
The pattern of these nail stickers are so fun, I’m actually quite tempted to find some time to sit down and figure out how to get that off the plastic backing and onto my nails.

Hmm… now to actually get around to DOING it.
I’ll let you know how I go 😛

Manicare Glam Kelly Lashes

Manicare Glam Kelly Lashes

Ohhhh these look nice!

They’re definitely a little out of my comfort zone. I normally going for natural looking lashes.
These still look quite natural but criss-crossed in a fun design. I’m looking forward to trying this one out!

I hope they don’t come across as very plastic-wax-looking though. I’m not normally a fan of “barbie doll” make up.

Footcare Gel Ball of Foot Cushions

Footcare Gel Ball of Foot Cushions

Another great little product that fits straight into the “Spring Fling Party” theme.

These will definitely come in handy for killer heels – literally. And the best thing about it is these things aren’t cheap. So this + the magazine already redeems my $15 that I spent on the box this month.

Good job, Bellabox!

ASAP Pure Mineral Eye Pencil

ASAP Pure Mineral Eye Pencil

This is one that I’m not sure about.

I’ve heard a lot of great things about the ASAP line and I personally am currently using a night moisturiser which I think is alright, though a little on the thick side.

After giving this mineral pencil a bit of a swatch, the supposed “brown” colour actually comes off as a light black shade. And the consistency being nicely dry but not very pigmented.

ASAP Pure Mineral Eye Pencil Swatch

I’ll need to try this out a couple of times before I make a decision, but the biggest let down so far is the colouring of the swatch not quite matching the “brown” suggestion that it’s supposed to be.

SCHICK Hydro Silk Razor

SCHICK Hydro Silk Razor

Another great – and pricey product that was included in the box was this razor.

YAY! Who doesn’t need razors. No one.

Everyone. Should. Have. A. Razor.

Razors are something that I don’t normally splurge with, thinking that a 2 blade disposable version is equally sufficient…
But it’s great to have this in the box because I’ve been meaning to try out these fancier razors to see whether it’s worth the extra dollars that shops are attempting to charge them for.

Hmmm… and will it make my skin silky like those examples they show in commercials??
I’ll just have to wait and see!

Garnier Ambre Solaire Natural Bronzer Spray

Garnier Ambre Solaire Natural Bronzer Spray

And last but not least, we have a nice full-size can of self tanner.

I personally do not self tan. There are so many things that can go wrong in the process – horror stories of fake tan staining white clothes even though it’s been days after application, and orange hands and excessive “colour” to the point of “orang-outang”. Plus, I’m happy with my current colouring.

But this is a great product that they’ve tossed into the box because it fits the theme to a T and is a full size product, which makes it worth the $15 if it hasn’t proved itself already.

All in all, super great box this month with a whole lot of goodies and a nice little change with the magazine thrown in.
I was getting bored of the Swisse protein bars that they kept tossing in as a bonus.

After a bit of a slump throughout the middle of the year, Bellabox has definitely picked it up. So I’m looking forward to seeing what they have in store for us this Christmas.

If you’re looking to try their competitor though – Lust Have It, I have a coupon code below that’ll get you $5 off your first box. So check that out if you’re interested!

For now though, have a great spring (or whatever season you have at the moment) and I’ll chat to you soon!

Lovelove,

Rean.

Coupon Code:

Enter “REAN” to receive $5 off the first month of your Lust Have It subscription.

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August 2013 Favourites!

With another month gone by, here’s another post about my August Favourites! (And not so favourites…)

Check out my YouTube video, if you’re into watching rather than reading.
And don’t forget to subscribe!!

Starting with the positive –

Favourites

Lancome Tresor Midnight Rose

So bare with me whilst I describe a perfume for the very first time.

This scent is sweet, bordering on sticky (like honey) with fruity notes under all that sugar.
Something comparable to a chocolate strawberry that lifts you up into the clouds with Katy Perry…!

I personally love sweet and floral scents, so of course I fell in love with this perfume.
Also, Emma Watson endorses this product – she was the face of the campaign, sot that’s an extra 10xmillion points added to the tally.

This might be a little strong for anyone that prefers a light perfume throughout the day. But it’s definitely perfume for a night out with your man (or man to be).
I myself wear this on a daily basis though. I just can’t get enough of it!

Beauty Blender

So before we get into the “screaming-fan-girl” mode, I just want to point out that this is definitely expensive for what it is.
Er… $30+ for a couple of foundation sponges is ridiculous. Even if they’re amazing.

Now. On to the mini-review.

*cue screaming fan girl*

This is the BOMB-DIGIDY. Fo’ sho this is expensive, but it definitely lives up to the hype of flawless coverage.
It’s easy to use and easy to clean (just introduce some water and soup, then rub); and blends foundation like a charm.

A couple of things to note though:

• It does thin out the foundation. So when a normal thicker foundation gives you medium to full coverage with another foundation applicator, the beauty blender will only apply it on as medium coverage.
  Of course though, you could opt-in to adding on a second layer. But then that’s time consuming and annoying.
  Which leads me on to my next point.
• It takes AT LEAST 1.5 times longer to apply foundation, than any other applicator. Any that I’ve tried anyway.
  It’s extremely tedious to continuously bounce the sponge against the surface of your face. And by the time you get through the whole face, that’s just forever.

Besides that though, I’m TOTALLY LOVING THIS.

Revlon PhotoReady Bronzer: Bronzed and Chic

I’m pretty sure this has been on a past favourites list before, but I’m loving it especially this month.
Reason being, I’m using a foundation that’s lighter than the rest of my body, so I need to match it up to the rest of my skin tone.
Not sure why it’s so light though, considering we’re in winter here…

This bronzer isn’t very pigmented, so that’s actually great for anyone wanting to opt-in for more of a natural wash of colour.
There are also 4 different shades of the bronzer – a quad of a bronzer if you will.

A lighter orange undertone in the top left, a lighter bronze with dark pink undertones in the top right.
The bottom 2 are darker versions of the top, with the lightest to darkest arranged in a clock-wise direction.

With this, it suits any needs of bronzing; whether you need a lighter or darker colour.

Australis Make Up Finishing Spritz

This is definitely another repeat favourite. I hope you’re not getting bored?
But seriously, this is good stuff!

This finishing spritz helps keep foundation on for longer and reduces the amount of slipping and sliding – all my oily skin sisters know what I’m talking about!

But this month, I’ve been trying to use up all my little foundation samples, and some have been sitting in my drawers for awhile, so they’ve started to dry up.
To battle the dry consistency, I just spritz a little bit of this after I apply the base and concealer to increase moisture, and then again after my setting powder to set the final look!

Alright, I’m done ranting. Moving on… sorry.

Revlon Lip Butter in Plum

So we all know how amazing these lip butters can be. Affordable, moisturising and comes in a ridiculous amount of colours that are sheer enough for a “light day look” but pigmented though to make a difference.

What I’m really loving this month is specifically the “Plum” shade.
it’s a pretty dark mauve – more purple than pink when you look at it from the bullet or swatch it on your hand.
When it’s applied to the lips though, the pink of my lips bring back the mauve and presents a beautiful magenta shade that is great for my skin tone.

So for relatively pale ladies out there with yellow undertones, take this baby out for a test drive. I’m sure you’ll love it!

The Body Shop Strawberry Body Wash

OH GOD. Thank you. No. THE BODY SHOP. Thank YOU.
This body wash smells ridiculously amazing!

If you’ve come across The Body Shop products before, you’ll know what I mean.
This body wash has the most delicious, sweet smell of strawberries that makes you want to sing whilst in the shower!
The lather that builds up from this body wash is simply heavenly. And a little goes a long way.

It’s so good, you’ll never want it to end.

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo

I’m sure you’ve all been hearing the hype about this product. If you haven’t, you’re either not on the right social networking groups, or you live under a rock.

This has been raved about ridiculously and is appearing on every girl’s wish list.
In the recent 40% off skincare sale at Priceline, my local store was left with barren and beaten shelves where once this product stood…

There was no way I could’ve gotten my hands on one of these, if I wanted to avoid a pack of raging hyenas that once were friendly women.
But I found a sample in my draw from a Bellabox a couple of months ago. And the angels sang…

Okay, I guess it wasn’t that dramatic. But I do not kid you, after using this product twice, the blackheads on my face has visibly reduced.

I haven’t been able to try it for longer since I only have a small smple of this goodness.
But I’m pretty sure that when I get around to having a full-size version, I’m going to start looking like Miranda Kerr!

Just sayin’.

Orofluido Beauty Elixir

Here’s my last favourite of the month, the Orofluido Beauty Elixir hair oil!

I’ve never tried hair oils prior to this, assuming that it’ll be a disaster for my already oily hair.
After a lot of great reviews on hair oils though, I decided to give this a try. And lo’ and behold, it is amazing!

After using this product, my hair feels extremely soft and silky, and doesn’t have an oily residue (not even on my hands)!
I’ve also noticed that it helps with my dry scalp and keeps my hair feeling cleaner and fresher for longer.

Also, another plus is a little goes a long way. A small amount drizzled onto the tip of my finger can blend and hydrate my shoulder length hair.

Ladies, hair oil is definitely worth looking into.
Take the plunge!

Misses

Maybelline Baby Lips

So… I might lose some viewers. And you might be scrolling down to type up some hate mail in the comments section below.
But I really am not enjoying my Maybelline Baby Lips this month.

This has been the one and only Baby Lips I’ve tried – the Anti-Oxidant Berry. So that might be a contributing factor.
Maybe it’s a dud.
But excuses aside, this lip balm just isn’t doing it for me!

When applied, the formula is so greasy that I look like I have an oil-slick on my lips.
Though there’s really no colour, the amount of product that transfers to my lips in one swipe is impossible. Making the concentrated product look white, and hence making me look dead.

Granted there’s a nice berry smell to the balm, but that doesn’t justify the ghostly slick that also comes with it. And on top of everything, I haven’t found it to be very moisturising at all; defeating the purpose of a balm.

If I needed to describe the texture, I would say it’s TOO buttery.
if that’s possible.

Batiste Dry Shampoo

I’ve used up a couple of these, and I still don’t think it’s done much for my hair.

Not only does it give me a white cast that can’t be brushed or blended in, it doesn’t really keep my hair fresh throughout the whole of the second day, post-wash.

I love the scents of the products. Definitely a plus. Oh that and the affordable price.
But then it doesn’t really work for me, so technically it’s not that affordable if you think about it…

There’s better dry shampoos out there.

Garnier Heat Styling Spray

Effectiveness-wise, I’m sure this product works.

I didn’t feel my hair get any drier and more brittle when I used this before heat styling, so I guess it’s done its job at protecting my hair.
But the nozzle of the bottle is horrible!

There’s only one spray setting, which is a strong linear spray rather than a mist. Which means that the product is concentrated on certain areas of your hair and you’ll need to go through the trouble of massaging it into the rest of your hair to disperse the product.

Plus, as mentioned, I didn’t notice a difference in the state of my hair. So even if it’s working, it’s just maintaining rather than improving my hair condition.
And I’m sure there are other products out there that do both.

Clinique Lash Power Mascara

We all know how much I love Clinique, so it really pains me when something I try from the brand is bad.
Well my heart is aching because this is one of those cases.

This mascara lengthens – but not very much.
This mascara volumizes – but not that intensely.
And it also clumps – which is not cool.

Overall, if you take away the clumping, it’s an alright mascara after a couple of coats.
It extends my lashes a little and makes them bold, so my eyes are framed and more striking.
The problem though is the clumping.

It’s ridiculous, the amount of care and caution I use to apply this mascara to reduce clumping.
It’s a pain in the butt.
It also takes a light year to try and separate the damage with a fresh spoolie. Which only reduces the clumping a little might I add.

If all these precautions and steps aren’t taken, I’m left with about 5 lashes per eye.
With these steps, I end up with about 8.

So that’s it for my August Favourites guys!
Thanks for sticking around and let me know whether you want me to do any in-depth reviews on the above products or anything else!

Lovelove,

Rean.

Coupon code:
Lust Have it – enter ‘REAN’ at the checkout for $5 off your first box!

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