Lip Factory August Box

My first order from the Lip Factory arrived about a week ago. I decided to give this a try after reading a post in one of the Beauty Heaven forums. 

This box comes from the U.S, so takes a bit longer and is more expensive than the Australian versions, but I am always eager to try new things...so thought I'd give it a whirl. 

First thing I noticed upon opening the box was that all items appeared to be full sized - so that was a great start.

PLEASE NOTE: All prices listed have come from the Lip Factory website, therefore are in American dollars.

NYX Wonder Pencil

WP01 Light

1g

RRP $4.50

(FULL SIZE)

This pencil works in three ways -to CONCEAL flaws and blemishes; LINE your lips against lipstick bleeding and fading; and BRIGHTEN your eyes along the water line.

I really like this pencil, and love that it is a multi-tasker. My only concern is the thought of using it on blemishes then on eyes and/or lips......mmmmmm.... does not sound too hygienic to me!. I have used it on my lips and really love it (have decided it will be a 'lip only' pencil despite it's multi-tasking abilities)

The colour suits my skin tone (pale) - this is what I really like about this box - it is really tailored to my wants and needs. I hate it when I get a great product/sample and it is totally wrong for my colouring (so either sits in a drawer or is given away).

Sweetpea & Fay

Lip Joule

'Big Parade'

10g

RRP $7.99

(FULL SIZE)

WOW! does this pack a punch!. The colour is very vibrant and screams fun. Not my normal shade, but (hopefully) with summer coming this will look great. 

The Etui Lip Joule's are very pigmented and have a rich creamy texture - I found the texture and effect very similar to the Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics lip tar products - very creamy with intense colours. 

This lip joule is sweet smelling - reminds me of lollies - delicious! and is easy to apply (I actually used my small brush from my lip tar). 

I love it!!! and although a bit bright at the moment, will be definitely wearing it when the weather warms up and I get out my summer clothes!

White Towel/Makeup Remover

1 Towel

RRP $2.00

This 100% cotton cloth towel is a 2-in-1 exfoliator and makeup remover. It is gentle and leaves the skin feeling fresh not oily.

A brand I have never heard of before, so I checked it out on their website and noticed they can be purchased separately or in multiple packets.

According to the website this product is pre-moistened, rolled and individually wrapped in a plastic sleeve. It is also single use, but environment friendly and bio-degradable (shame about the 'plastic' wrapping though!).

I have not tested this but chosen to keep it for my Singapore trip, although I am keen to find out where I can get more as I like the idea.

ColourU Cosmetics

Matte Lipstick

'Matte Cinnamon'

4g

RRP $15.00

(FULL SIZE)

This lipstick offers brilliant colour and is enriched with anti-oxidants and vitamins. It also has a unique moisture locking formula.

Another new brand, so I did a quick search and found their website and found quite a range of different items.

I really like this lipstick. The colour is exactly what I would have chosen for myself (cudos to Lip Factory!) and it looks lovely when applied. I like that it has a matte effect (rather than gloss) and lasts well. I also love the smell!.

Definitely a keeper!

Red Cherry

Natural Lashes

#113 Black

RRP $3.00

(FULL SIZE)

Made from 100% human hair, these eye lashes are designed to naturally accentuate the eye.

Unfortunately this is the one product I will not be using. Personally I do not like false eye lashes - I have never had any luck with them and I do not like the effect (on me).

MeMeMe Cosmetics

Shimmer Stack Illuminating Powder

'Gold'

12g

RRP $12.36

(FULL SIZE)

I currently use, and love, the MeMeMe Cosmetics range, having a few of their makeup items. I was pleased to receive an item I have not tried as yet from their range. 

This shimmer stack is used to highlight and define by sweeping a large brush over the palette to create illumination along the cheekbones to highlight, contour and define.

I like the subtleness of this product. The tones are light and suggest rather than scream definition (which I prefer). Lovely to use, great colours/tones and looks great on my (pale) skin.

Very happy with this item.

All up I am very pleased with my little collection. I was introduced to a number of new items (brands I have never heard of before) and was very impressed with how they suited me (rather than being randomly chosen). 

In regards to prices I am not sure about comparisons to same similar items in Australia, however I do know buying the MeMeMe shimmer block off the Australian website would cost me closer to $30.00 (plus postage). 

I suppose this box is more expensive, and takes longer to arrive, but I am happy to take it month by month and see where it leads me. Added to that all items were FULL size - so that was a bonus, and I did find the quality of the items to be excellent. 

Violet Box August 2013

Due to living in WA I tend to get my boxes well after other states. This only arrived about a week ago - just in time for the end of August! 

Once again I am very impressed with my little 'taster' box! Definitely value for money - I know Violet Box is more expensive than others but I don't mind paying that bit more if I am getting great products and it is value for money (so fingers crossed they will keep this up!)

ghd Style Heat Protection Spray

120 ml (this item is FULL SIZE)

RRP $24.00

The blurb informs me that this product provides 'an invisible barrier against everyday heat damage on damp or dry hair'. I must admit I am not a big user of the hairdryer, tending to let my hair dry naturally. However due to the cold/rainy weather recently I have been using my hair dryer every second day, so it was a great opportunity to test this product. 

Firstly I like that it is a pump action (not keen on the aerosols as I feel as though I am suffocating) and the scent is quite pleasant too (not as over powering as I find other similar products - I tend to find they smell 'plastic'). 

I found it did not weigh down my hair, nor did it make it greasy (another reason why I keep away from these products) - so the advertising regarding 'no product' feel rings true for me!.

It is definitely a product I would buy again as I have been happy with the few tries I have used it. I am happy it was included in the box because I probably would not have tried it otherwise (plus this alone 'paid' for the box)

Goldwell Dualsense

Rich Repair Shampoo & Anti-breakge Conditioner

SAMPLE SIZE

RRP $24.95 per 300 ml

I have tried this product before and have been impressed with it. I found the smell lovely and it made my hair feel soft and manageable.  Whenever stressed my hair suffers so I find this helps repair and soothe my hair.

I have decided not put these samples aside to take with me to Singapore in a few weeks. Been saving all my samples to cut down on taking too many bottles (and saving room for purchase!)

Jelly Pong Pong

Lip Blush - Cranberry

2.5g (this item is FULL SIZE)

RRP $22.00

I have never heard of this brand before so I decided to a little research (check out their website here) and found a great range of products. I did note that when buying from the website there is a GBP 25.00 minimum order, however the postage looks reasonable. 

It seems these 'pencils' are all the rage at the moment, with virtually every cosmetic brand having their own take on them - I really love them as they are not messy, you don't need to sharpen them (just wind it up) and they are easily popped into your hand bag.

I must admit I have never been a 'red' person - not confident enough to carry of the red lips. However as I have been getting these shades in my 'boxes' I have been trying them out (and been pleasantly surprised). I layered this item with a neutral tone to create a lovely colour.

This product is a moisturising lip stain (love stains!) so the colour is softer and quite transparent when applied (extra layering adds more depth and colour).

Dr Bragi Age management Moisturiser

(SAMPLE SIZE)

RRP $179.00 for 60ml

WOW, $179.00 for 60ml!! - I think this is definitely out of my price range!

Apparently this moisturiser helps reduce the signs of ageing by fighting the effects of environmental stress.

When tested I found it absorbs into the skin very quickly without any residue and it virtually has no scent/smell to it at all.

It was lovely to use, but I seriously doubt I would part with this amount of money, especially when I have products which (for me) do very similar things for a smidgen of this amount. 

Lovely to try, but sorry not for me!.

Jelly Pong Pong

2-in-1 Shadow/Liner - Bronze

2.8g (this item is FULL SIZE)

RRP $19.00

Another full sized item, and another Jelly Pong Pong product. Boy am I spoilt this month!

This crayon doubles as an eyeliner and eye shadow. I am happy to say it is a colour I really like (and have already used). 

I found the crayon soft and easy to use and it didn't 'drag' when applied (I have major issues with this happening to me with many products). It was easy to apply, looked great and lasted all day. So I am very pleased with it and am looking into more of the Jelly Ping Pong range.

I am very impressed with my Violet Box this month and really feel it was value for money (about RRP $65 worth of full sized items) - I really liked all of my items and would re-purchase all but the Dr Bragi moisturiser (simply due to it being out of my price range)

I look forward to the September box and hope Violet Box keeps up their very high quality.