InStyle Magazine October 2013

Doing a bit of catch up here, so sorry if some of these blogs seem a little late. It was either finish or discard them and I so didn't want to trash this one.

Every few months I buy the InStyle magazine, I admit I generally buy it for my textiles  students (after I have had a read and a few page removals), but I ALWAYS buy it if it has any freebies on it. It is a great mag for students when they are looking for mock-up ideas (for their fashion designs) or to get the low-down on whats in fashion at the moment.

So October's mag was DEFINITELY worth buying simply because of the FABULOUS freebies. Seriously who could (or would) pass up NAPOLEON PERDIS make up??!!

The first I heard of this great freebie was in one of the Beauty Heaven forums. So I rushed out to secure my copy. I LOVE NP and his make up never goes astray.

Then I thought....mmmm.... my daughter would love some too. So a second visit to Coles and another purchase of the magazine meant she got her freebies too - all happy.

And I must say they are FABULOUS!. I am totally in total love with his lip gloss (it can do no wrong and the scents are always heavenly). Added to that the mascara aint too bad either. So two outa three aint bad (as Meatloaf would say). I admit I am not keen on cream blush, but hey whose going to refuse a freebie? and it will either be used or find a friendly home, so I'm not worried.

As you can tell I am totally in love with my NP freebies and am over the moon with what I've got. So if you have a spare $12.95 and they are still in stock - buy one quickly! you wont be disappointed.

Singapore Nail Haul October 2013

For those who don't know I LOVE nail polish, nail stickers, nail diamante's ... anything you can paint on or stick/glue onto my nails I covet. I have drawers full of the stuff ..... but I just cannot help myself when I see something new.

   I        MUST         HAVE           IT!!

I recently returned from a ten-day holiday in Singapore and boy was I in heaven over there - the make up and nail items I could (and did) buy was enormous!. I seriously had a crazy time.

Today I am showing off a few of my nail purchases. I have been flat out with work since my return so as yet have not had any time for 'play'. But I intend to very soon!.

Above right is a collection from the Etude House range. I love this brand (I also managed to get some make up and skin care goodies too - in a post to come). 

I love the '3 Step Nails' sets. These sets create gradient nails in gorgeous colours. I managed to get them for 2 for $S12 - plus the lovely lady popped in the cute tissues as a freebie. That was another thing I loved about Singapore makeup/skincare shopping if you bought a product they always through in freebies (in a post to come I have a photo of the HUGE haul of freebies I got from one shop!). And of course I love a freebie - so I was in heaven!

As you can see from the pic I also got two other polishes - both are glittery over-lay colours. Which will look great brushed over coloured polishes. My mum even decided to get some too!.

Upside down again...gee I just can't get it right.

Anyways I simply LOVE Ciate and am slowly building up a lovely collection. So when I saw the Limited Edition Colourful Manicure I just could not help myself. I already had the other one in this collection, so I thought why not make it both!

Unfortunately my daughter's dog somehow got hold of it an demolished the box a few days ago (nearly dead dog!). Luckily it was just the box that was ruined (so dog still alive)

Off the top of my head I cannot remember the names of the two nail polishes - but they are just divine....a gorgeous glittery purple (my fav colour) and a fabulous golden orange....mmmm they are simply delicious!

While in the Face Shop I spied this Check Check nail kit. Three colours which to can overlay to created a checkered effect...marvelous!, can't wait to try these out.

I loved the Face Shop it many wonderful products and all reasonably priced too. While there I also bought these Gradation Nail Arts sets. 

You may have noticed I love gradient nail kits - I think at last count I have about 15 of them.

As soon as I saw the purple kit I fell in love and simply had to add it to my basket. Luckily for me they were on sail, if I remember rightly I managed to get each set for $S6 each.

On my last day I managed to find an Etude Store which had this range - all other store were sold out and I was getting a bit panicky as I thought I would have to go home empty handed.

The Roses & Flowering Nails kit has two enamels (red and a white) plus lace stickers. They are so sweet, but I think I should have bought two sets!.

I also managed to get two lip tints and the eye shadow kit. A lovely haul.

Walking past a chemist I noticed they has some varieties of KISS nail products I cannot get back home in Perth. I managed to retsain myself and only bought two nail strips and a set of false nails for my daughter. I am really loving the rainbow glittery strips!.

A visit to Sephora had me so overwhelmed I simply walked out the first time without making a single purchase. OMG! what a shop!. Just row upon row of every conceivable beauty product ... it was system over load.

I must admit the shop was simply too much and unfortunately I didn't buy very much. Plus a number of items I desperately wanted (i.s. the Smashbox Nude Palettes which I already have but wanted to buy for my daughter, and a lot of the Urban Decay sets) were  sold out - very disappointed there. I ended up going to three Sephora stores and all were unavailable.

However all was not lost. I did buy the Nails Inc. Bling It On set (once again sorry bout the pics). I was excited about this purchase as I have had this on my wish list for a while.

So all up I feel my nail adventure was a HUGE success  I managed to get quite a number of products and simply cannot wait to try them all out.

Onvce marking is over and I have my holidays I'm going to spend some time experimenting with my goodies (and dream of other 'yet to be' purchased items)

Bellabox October 2013

My October Bellabox arrived on Monday - just in time for the end of the month!. No box this time, all items were in bubble wrap (what's with that?), I must admit I felt a bit cheated about that.

Bellabox turned 2 in October - WOW, how time flies! - HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I cannot believe how quickly the years click over.

Jacqueline Burchell

Nail Lacquer

5ml

RRP $17.95 per 15ml

NOT FULL SIZE ITEMS

Very cute little bottle of nail polish, I received Heiress (stone colour) and This is Beautiful (shimmery lilac colour). I have not heard of this brand before - so a new nail polish (goodie!!). 

Both polishes are lovely colours - which I will definitely use (actually together they would make a great complimentary mani). So very pleased with that.

According to the blurb the range includes over 300 colours! and it dries in minutes.

 Beyonce 

Heat EDP

2ml

RRP $39.00 per 100ml

NOT FULL SIZE ITEM

This sample looks like a lolly in a red wrapper (and I note others have made this same comment too). I like this concept as a sample, very quirky! I also like the applicator (remove the lid and you dab the fragrance on as it has 'holes' in the top - never seen that before)

I actually quite like the smell and believe it or not it does make me think of 'heat' - something warm and a bit fiery and spicy - a bit of zing!. Although I must admit I will not be rushing out to buy it as it does not 'grab' me and leave me wanting more.

 Bioderma

Sebium Exfoliating Gel

15ml

RRP $24.95 for 100ml

NOT FULL SIZE

I have used this brand previously (in samples I have received  and I quite like how they control the oil on my skin. I find my skin feels fresh (and less oily) after using this product. I simply have not got around to buying a full sized item yet.

 L'OCCITANE

Shea Butter Hand Cream

10ml

RRP $39.00 for 150ml

NOT FULL SIZE

Another sample of hand cream, I feel I am getting inundated with them at the moment. I remember getting a sample of this brand with a Woman's Weekly not that long ago. I chose the Rose scented one. And their sample was 30ml - way much bigger than this sample.

I am not keen on the smell of this cream - I will be handing this one onto someone else to try.

 Alfaparf Semi Di Lino

Diamond Shampoo & Diamond Conditioner

60ml shampoo

50ml conditioner

RRP $25.00 for 250ml shampoo

RRP $28.00 for 250ml conditioner

NOT FULL SIZED ITEMS

Interesting thing is I wrecently read an article about this brand of shampoos and conditioners and I was keen to give them a try. Then these arrive in my October box - thank you!

I have not tried them yet, however I do like the smell (will be giving them a test tonight).

Apparently these products contain a colour fix that boosts shine and intensity and as I dye my hair I am keen to give it a try. The blurb also says it restores hair to its original soft and strong glory....I'm all for that!

Although sample sizes they are a good volume - should be able to get a number of washes from each container.

Maybelline

New York Dream Pure BB Cream

1ml

RRP $15.95 for 30ml

THIS WAS A BONUS

Whoopie a bonus.... mmmm yeah I am so over whelmed...not...

Sorry, but I hate how these are held up to be something marvelous when in fact you get these samples in most women's magazines (or on a counter in the chemist for free!)

I am not quite sure how I feel about this month's box. Yes there are some great items (I particularly do love the nail enamels), however there is NOT a single FULL SIZED item in sight - each item is a sample so I'm not sure if I feel cheated or not especially since I did recieve advertsing about 'it's our second birthday but YOU get the treats'...... mmmmm...maybe I simply got a dud box. Not sure

Am I harsh? am I expecting too much? What do you think?

Lust Have It "Fashion & Beauty" September Box

It  may appear I am a little late with reviewing this box. Unfortunately my box never arrived and upon returning home from my recent holiday I contacted LHI and a replacement was sent out. I received it today!

First thing I noticed upon opening my (quite battered) box (I wish Australia Post would take more care with mail as I am forever receiving torn letters and bashed parcels). 

Anyway where was I? ...... I noticed the colours - very summery and very pastelly! and the 'box' which was not a box. I am used to getting boxes every month I can recycle and reuse as they are either sturdy or attractive. Well this box was simply that a white cardboard box (disappointed!)

 DURI Nail Enamel

599 Call Me Maybe (Neon Peach)

1125 Pie in the Sky (Mint Green)

 15 ml

RRP $18 each

These are two colours I definitely do not have in my 200+ nail polish collection, and I must admit I would never purchase these colours myself....however......

I really, really love these colours and I will definitely wear - maybe alone or together to create a complimentary mani combination, but I definitely will be using them.

Up until the pre-advertising of this box I had not heard of DURI, however a quick check of their website shows a multitude of various products (ranging from nail enamel to lip gloss and depilatory products). It is worth a look.

  FaB Mint Green Watch

RRP $29.95

This watch is a lovely colour (mint green) and very summery, however it is just not for me. To start with it is cheap looking and very flimsy feeling. I would not pay $29.95 for it (sorry!). 

For me a watch is quite a personal item and unless you know a person's taste...well you don't give/buy them one.

I must admit I am a GUESS watch person - I love them and currently own about five of them. So I wont be swapping (any) of them for this.

  FaB Tassel Necklace

RRP $19.95

Quite a delicate necklace which will look great with either a t-shirt or dress. I can see myself wearing this item this summer. I wasn't too sure about it initially, however after trying it on I found it goes very nicely with a few of my summer clothes. So I will keep this one.

  LUST HAVE IT!

Limited Edition Tote Bag

RRP $12.95

I have so many of these bags and I have no use for anymore. I will never use it. This bag will be going straight into my 'bag collection' at school for students to use if they require a bag to carry something home it.

 FaB Aztec Print Scarf

RRP $24.95

In the bag this scarf looks quite ordinary, however once removed and opened I found it to be lovely. If it was in a shop I wouldn't look twice at it, however once I touched it I felt differently. It is very sheer, light and very soft and will come in useful over summer. 

I think it will come in especially handy for going out at night (or in the evening) - to ward of that chill you sometimes get but its not enough to warrant a jumper/cardigan. 

At more than 1 metre by 2 metres it is a generously sized scarf - big enough to even sit on. Plus due to its sheerness it will easily fit into a handbag and be useful during the summer, and even come in handy at the beach or pool.

MY THOUGHTS......

After the months of hype leading up to this box I must admit I am a little under whelmed. I paid for my box back on 26th July and have been eagerly awaiting its arrival.

Upon opening the box I did find it a bit of a fizzer and wonder if the wait was worth it. And do I bother ordering the next box?????, especially since it does cost $35 per month!

Well I have decided to get the next box and see if LHI lifts their game (I have read other blogs and it is not just me who is under whelmed). So I will wait and see.

The ads claim we are getting over $100 worth of products for $35 (bargain! bargain!), but unless they are 'worth it' or makes me want to 'buy it' it is not a bargain. Yes there are three items in this 'box' I do like, of which one I would buy more of (the DURI nail enamel), so was it worth it this time?, well no! 

Am I too harsh? Was I expecting too much?

What are your thoughts?

Neutrogena Beach Defence Sunscreen - Beauty Heaven Trial Team

WHAT THE WEBSITE SAYS.....

Neutrogena® Beach Defense™ Sunscreen Lotion provides superior skin protection from harsh summer elements, clinically proven to help defend the signs of sun damage. 

Beach Defense™ Sunscreen Lotion provides beach strength broad spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection in a lightweight, fast absorbing formula, ideal for outdoor skin protection of the active family. 

WHAT I SAY......

A HUGE thank you to Beauty Heaven for inviting me to trial this product. I was thrilled to get chosen to trial the Neutrogena Beach Defence Sunscreen.

I really love the packaging! The bright yellow makes it easy to find and reminds me of bananas (summer is finally here- whooo hooo!). I also like the 'upside down' aspect of the packaging - I found it easier to use and less squeezing than a tube. Due to this aspect the product sits up easily in my cupboard (without falling over) - which is a plus too!. The grips (indents on the sides) makes for easier gripping and less slippage if you have greasy hands.

I was not even aware that you could get an SPF50 sunscreen - kudos to Neutrogena! I think this is fabulous as I burn up quicker than a iceberg in the desert, so the higher the protection the better for me. Even sitting the shade I get burnt to a crisp so the higher the protection the better for me.

I am also loving the fact that it is '4 hours water resistant'. This offers me greater protection in and out of the water (without having to constantly replenish). And I don't need to continually 'top up' my sunscreen (bonus!)

The product is a good size, although I must say to me 198 ml is a weird amount - why not make it 200 ml and be done with it?. Anyways it is a great size. Not too big for inclusion in my 'summer bag', and with plenty of quantity to last me well into summer.

I like the fact that the lid seals nice and tightly - stops the sunscreen from dribbling/oozing out and preventing those horrible, yucky bag spills. Although it seals tightly it is easy enough to flip open the lid (much easier to handle than those screw lids, especially if you have sweaty or greasy hands) without feeling like you are wrestling with the bottle just to get to the sunscreen.

The product feels smooth and creamy (not too thick nor too runny) and application was quick and easy, with the sunscreen quickly absorbing into my skin without rubbing. I did find it did feel a little sticky after application and I needed to wash my hands after use (my one grip about sunscreen - yuck!). But after a while this stickiness did fade.

The smell is heavenly (and as I am a 'scent' person the smell is a very important aspect of its buy-ability. If I don't like the  smell I wont buy it - no matter how great the product is). To me it has a really fruity smell to it and it is not over powering. The scent reminded me of summer fruits and all things tropical. Once applied the smell is not irritating or lingering, with the smell dissipating rapidly, leaving very little in the way of a smell - which is great for me as I am not keen on the smell of sunscreens.

I am happy to say while trialing this sunscreen I didn't get burnt at all. Yes I do know full summer is not quite upon us yet. However as I mentioned my lily-whiteness and proneness to burning easily means even the milder days get me. Seriously who gets sun burnt driving the work??! (10 minutes away). Well I do and I managed to prevent this happening simply by using this product.

ANY TIPS?
When applying the sunscreen I found a little bit goes quite a long way - so don't slather it on otherwise there will be sunscreen everywhere!

IDEAL FOR.....

I think this product would be great for people like me - lily-whites who burn simply at the mention of the sun!. I also think it would be great for families, especially those with young children due to its SPF50 factor and the fact that it lasts for four hours. 

I think it is a great product for people like me who are not keen on the smell of sunscreen - as it has a pleasant fruity/tropical scent and the smell disappears quickly after application.

WOULD I BUY IT?
YES! I think it is a great product and with its high protection factor a staples for any family this summer. At $16.99 I think it is a sensible buy simply due to its SPF50 factor.

MY RATING....
5 STARS

Lust have it! SPRING Eco Box (October 2013)

My Spring box arrived a couple of days ago from Lust Have it and I am very pleased with its contents. A great range of products. These Eco boxes have been great (I think this is about my 3rd or 4th one so far and all have been fabulous!). The only thing I haven't been thrilled about is the hessian bag (I am hyper-sensitive to hessian!) - but that is nothing to be hung up on.

This box arrives every three months and is more expensive than the normal monthly box ($29.95), but it contains at least 5 - 6 deluxe items worth about $100.00 in total.

Savi Organics 

Spicy Sandalwood Body Cream

125ml

RRP $29.45

FULL SIZE ITEM

'This exotic fragrance of spices from the orient, along with Australian sandalwood and hints of incense ream will leave your skin feeling invigorated, fresh and alive'

I must say I love sandalwood, must be my hippy roots, but I do love the scent - it smells so fresh and exotic to me. So the scent was the first thing that attracted me to this cream., then I noticed it was made in Margaret River, Western Australia (my home state), so two thumbs up for that!

In regards to application - well it soaked into my skin instantly and did not leave an oily or greasy residue (three thumbs up!), and the scent was 'heavenly'. I am really going to enjoy using this product especially when the spring/summer months start to heat up. 

This product is Australian Certified Organic.

 La Mav 

Pure Rosehip Oil

30ml

RRP $24.95

FULL SIZE

Taken from the website: 

La Mav Organic Skin Science® is Australia's first certified organic, 100% naturally derived, anti-ageing skin care range. La Mav products are not only organic, but formulated with clinically-proven skin care BIO-ACTIVES derived from nature, which deliver visible results and are gentle on the skin.

Entire La Mav range is certified organic, certified cruelty-free and guaranteed to be free from harsh petrochemicals, sulphates, GMOs, parabens, mineral oil, phthalates and artificial colours or fragrances.

I love rosehip oil, so was pleased to get this in the box. I love the packaging - very cute and attractive!. The bottle is a pump action and was of a generous size - 30ml (which I found out is full sized). Lightly scented it was easy to apply (although I was a little too vigorous with my pumping and too much product squirted out). I will definitely be using this on the scar on my (left) hand. 

Upon reading the blurb from the website (see above) I was pleased to find it was organic and free from all the nasties which can be found in many of our beauty products.

More information on the product range at www.lamav.com

 Plunkets 

NS-3 Lip Balm

10ml

RRP $6.45

FULL SIZE

This natural and organic pawpaw formula provides long lasting relief for sore lips. Well my lips are not sore, but they are definitely very dry. So I decided to give this a go. It has very little smell and is colourless and a little bit of a gloss when applied. Straight away it felt soothing to my lips and within the day they were less dry and more supple.

It is a great sized tube to pop in your handbag  and use when required. Definitely an item I would buy again.

                                                                       Sukin  

Facial Moisturiser and Foaming Facial Cleanser

50ml each

RRP $9.95 per 125ml

These two items are not full size, but at 50ml definitely big enough to get a good trial out of them, and/or great size for travelling. 

The cleanser is sulphate free and provides a gentle, non-drying cleanser which removes impurities, while leaving the skin feeling soft and clean.  It is a clear gel-like product which foams nicely when used. Is easily washed off and leaves my skin smelly fresh and clean. Lovely!

The moisturiser has a nice consistency and rapidly soaks into my skin without leaving it greasy - which is great for me!. It too has a soft fragrance which smells fresh and clean. It is paraben free and is suitable for all skin types.

According to the tube this moisturiser combines aloe vera, horsetail, nettle and burdock to soothe the skin, while has rosehip wheat germ, jojoba and avocado oils to promote healthy skin renewal.

I have just arrived home from a 10 day holiday in Singapore and for some reason the skin near my nose and mouth is exceptionally dry (unbelievable!! as I have normally very oily skin and have never experienced dryness before!). I have found this product very soothing to my skin, and hopefully with more use will restore some of the balance in my skin. I have also had a bad bout of hayfever so the area around my nose is red, dry, sore and peeling. I am hoping this will get better with the use of this product.

 Out of Africa 

100% Pure Unrefined She Butter

(Verbena)

57g

RRP $9.99

FULL SIZE

I fell in love with this the instantI saw it -the tin is absolutely adorable with the giraffe on the label...then I opened it and loved it even more! The grapefruit scent is heavenly! and I couldn't wait to give it a try.

This product advertises itself as 'a revolutionary  all natural serum containing Australian plant-active ingredients to firm, strengthen and soothe...'

As it is a hard product in the tin you need to soften it by rubbing it between your palms for a few seconds before application (still loving that smell!). So far I have only applied it to my elbows (mine are quite rough at present and are in need of some attention). I found it easy to apply and in the last few days I have notice the skin is less rough than previously. I am very pleased with this product and find the tin very convenient (and that smell...mmmm...yum!)

According to the packaging 15c from each purchase is donated to help provide education and medical care to children in West Africa (www.outofafricashea.com) - so not only is it a great product but proceeds help a great cause!. 

Fresh Therapies

EDEN Natural Nail Polish Remover

no size on bottle - sample size

RRP $22.00 for 50ml

Oops, sorry - upsize down photo (darn I need to learn how to rectify that!). As stated above no a full size, however the bottle has a screw lid (probably will come in handy as a re-fill). The scent isn't bad, yes it does smell like nail polish remover but it isn't as harsh and has a lime scent. It is clear and I found it works well to remove nail polish. However I do not see myself spending $22.00 on nail remover!.

This product is totally natural and contains no harmful chemicals. The plant-based ingredients are non-toxic and non-carcinogenic - so is safe for children, pregant women and those undergoing treatment for illness.

 TOM Organics 

Regular Tampons

Single pack of 16 RRP $7.99

This was a bonus item

Grr another up-side-down pic! Anyways I wont comment on this item and I don't have a use for them (the wonder of modern medicine and operations!)

Oh dear I seem to have missed out an item...... Will pop in a pic from the internet just to show the full sized item.

Sasy n Savy

Citrus Souffle

Body Creme

10ml

RRP $41.00 for 120ml

Sample size

I must say when I first smelt this I did not like it (it smelt very 'plasticy'), once applied to my skin I still didn't take to it. However after a minute or so the scent seemed to 'bloom' and it was quite lovely - very citrusy and fresh.

Sample size so will fit nicely in my hand bag and I will be using it as a hand cream.

So all up I must say I was very, very happy with my little lot. I received FOUR full sized items (totaling $70.84) and many of these items (especially the lip balm, rosehip oil and shea butter) I will definitely be purchasing in the future.