Fuzzy Coat - ALL YARNED UP- by Sally Hansen

Out shopping last week I noticed my local Priceline store had the new Sally Hansen Fuzzy Coat polishes. Being a polish-whore I couldn't help but buy one (well two actually, but my daughter snagged that one).

After much humming and harring I decided to go with All Yarned Up. Flecks of yellow, orange and blue in a clear gloss - reminds me of mums knitting.

For my first trial I simply used the polish straight onto my nails (no under colouring) just to see how it would look on my nails. As you can see each layer applied made the nail appear 'fuzzier'. I used a total of three layers to get my final effect.

I love it - the polish has a bit of a textural effect when rubbed, but is hardy wearing and does not catch on anything (I hate it when that happens). 

Being an art teacher I've got my hands in all manner of goo and 'stuff' daily, but four days later the polish is holding up really well - no chips ..... no anything!.

I also love the subtly of the colours - great for those days when my nails don't want to scream for attention.

I have also added a photo of my nails as they look today. I have teamed it with OPI's Pussy Galore (in Liquid Sand) - love it (will be writing about these fabulous polishes in the next few days.

I am not normally a pink person (in particular pale pink), but I must say I am loving this shade and it looks great teamed with the All Yarned Up polish.

First Ever BOMB COSMETICS Purchase!

The postie arrived early this morning with my first ever Bomb Cosmetics order from Get Drenched. 

I must admit the first I had heard about these products was a week ago reading a forum on Beauty Heaven (thanks ladies now I will be permanently broke! :P )

I placed my order on 25th July (in the evening) - so it took less than 4 days to arrive - I am very impressed!. My goodies arrived securely packaged in a box with shredded packaging (my rats think they are in heaven now - new bedding which has a yummy smell!).

A very personal and thoughtful touch was a hand written note included with my order - the fact that Paul took the time and effort to go the extra mile made me feel like a very special and valued customer - thank you - you have definitely won yourself a new customer there!.

Mandarin & Orange Cleansing Shower Butter

Upon opening the tub I was instantly surrounded with delicious 'citricy' aromas ....oohh I cannot wait for my shower now!

The product has a solid, creamy look to it and his hard to the touch. 

As well as containing mandarin and sweet orange essential oils it also contains shea butter - so my skin will definitely be getting a luxurious clean tonight!

According to the instructions you scoop a small quantity to smooth over your skin, which rubs to a rich creamy lather under running water...yum (again!)

 

 My second item is the Pink Marmalade Shower Body Polish

This product contains almond oil, lemongrass and clary sage essential oils - it has a real lemony scent and smells good enough to eat - yum!. 

Being a scrub it is lightly grained within a oil-based liquid and is easily scooped out of the tub for application.

I love body scrubs and can hardly wait to give this one a try.

 I also got the Pina Colada Cleansing Shower Gel 

..... Oh my lordy!  ......  I am reclining on a hot beach sipping a cocktail ...... oops sorry got carried away there. But as you can guess the luscious coconut smell simply takes me away.... I have a real think for pina colada and this product ticks all the boxes. I'm loving it already and I haven't even had a shower yet!. 

Being another butter is has a consistency similar that that of the Mandarin & Orange product.

 

My fourth and last item was the Spiced Cranberry Tinted Lip Balm.

A glittery solid balm, it smells of spicy cranberries and once applied it not only made my lips feel softer, but I am positive I could taste those cranberries to!.

Being a smallish pot (9ml) it is a great size to pop in my handbag to reapply throughout the day.

As I ordered before the end of July my order included free post, plus I received six complementary Bath Creams and Mallows - these look (and smell) good enough to eat. Luckily we have a bath so I am sure they will be put to good use over the next few weeks and it is an excellent excuse to take the time for a relaxing bath.

So my first order completed, what were my thoughts .... 

I found the tubs to be well sized (320g) and reasonably priced and should last me well. I love eye catching and quirky labels, plus the packaging is great too - lids are easy to remove and replace and they will not knock over easily in the shower. The only problem I foresee is hiding them from my daughter!.

I am totally blown away, not only with the fabulous products I purchased but with the top-notch customer service I have received - personal emails, notes and super fast responses have really resonated positively with me.  

I am so impressed with this experience that I have already made another (bigger) order - so looking forward to that one too!

Now I am off for my shower, my only problem will be which product will I use first!

Samantha Wills 'Love at Sunset' Ring (Burgundy)

Miss Pep and I were concentrating on some paperwork this afternoon when a pleasant surprise, a toot out front, announcing the arrival of the Toll delivery van! (these always bring wondrous things). We were very excited as my Samantha Wills order has just arrived!. 

Last Friday I received an email informing me of a Samantha Wills 3-day promotion - FREE shipping on all SW items - well that was an opportunity I couldn't pass up as I was definitely in need of a SW fix!. After much humming and harring over the great selection on the SW website I finally made my choice of the Love at Sunset Ring.

Living in Western Australia we tend to have to wait and wait ....and wait for most online deliveries so it was wonderful to receive my order in less than 2 working days - actually when I think back I did my order Friday evening so less than 2 working days! WOW! how's that for super service!.

As per usual my item was beautifully presented in a black velvet bag with swing (brass) tag attached inside a gorgeous wooden keep sake box (photo on left), then securely wrapped in bubble wrap for protection while in transit.

Now the goodie inside - the ring. I apologise for the dreadful lighting - taken at night - so the glorious colours appear somewhat muted.                            

Checkout the ring on the SW website for a better indication of colours. 

http://www.samanthawills.com/detail/love-at-sunset-ring-burgundy

Now I love Samantha Wills jewellery and I have managed to collect quite a few items over the years, however sometimes I do find their rings a bit big even for me. So this ring was just the cake - dominant on my hand, but not too overwhelming and heavy looking. (size: height  - 55mm and width - 25mm)

Initially it was the colours which drew me - the lovely reds/burgandy's, greys and mauve/browns with clear crystal accents - all set in 'burnished gold'. Colours which will look fabulous against my current wardrobe.

As the name suggests this ring (to me) conjures those lovely colours that appear at sunset, when the sky is drenched in the dying colours of the day and nightfall is about the darken the sky.  (oh how poetic I've become!)

 With an adjustable band I can wear this ring on any finger - which is a bonus as I like to swap my rings around - for different effects and mood changes. Unlike many adjustable rings  I have I find the SW rings don't pinch my fingers - whether I expand or decrease the band size I find the ring fits and sits well and doesn't nip my skin (ouch I hate that!)

So all up I am very pleased with my latest purchase - fabulous item and great service from an Aussie seller - and have organised an outfit to wear with it tomorrow. 

 The end........

Disney on Ice - 19/July/2013

During our July school holidays I took my parents for a visit down memory lane. I took them to see the latest installment in the Disney of Ice spectacular - Princesses & Heroes.

Why memory lane you ask? Well because I remember being about 5 or 6 years old and my parents taking my brother and I to see a similar spectacular (on ice) at the Perth Entertainment Centre.

I remember my brother, who would have been all of about 2 at the time, complaining and asking to go home because he was "bored". Well that boredom lasted until Goofy hit the ice - my brother was mesmerised - his hero was there, right there in front of him (he never said another word for the entire performance, just spellbound by Goofy and all his friends).

All of those memories flooded back when again Goofy made his appearance in this show. Admittedly it was a different story, with different characters, but the magic was still there and the capacity crowd thoroughly enjoyed this production.

I read an article a few days later - some journalist on one of those news sites was comparing Disney with the Elmo show (in town at the same time). They posed the question 

       "Which sent a better message to the children?"

WTF? (oops sorry! watch the language), but hey  thousands of children didn't beg and pester their parents to take them to a show because of a 'message'. They were there simply for the thrill and excitement of seeing their favourite storybook characters coming to 'life'. They were more interested in oohing and aahing at the characters skills on the ice and bringing the book pages alive.

Sometimes I think adults put too much pressure and expectations on children. Making judgement calls which have no meaning to children. Let children be children and let them enjoy it because way too soon they will lose that innocence and sheer wonder that is totally child-like.

Sorry rant over.......

But back to my night....... my favorite part of the show was when the dragon appeared on the ice and breathed fire....WOW!, that was awesome!. I was too busy enjoying the show to take many photos, however I did take a couple at the end (which I have posted).

Anyway my parents, my (22 year old) daughter and myself thoroughly enjoyed our night out and look forward to other adventures.....

Lust have It's ECO Box - WINTER 2013

With great anticipation I pulled on my rubber gloves to open my just arrived Winter Eco box. Unfortunately hessian and I are not friendly - just touching the stuff closes up my throat and causes welts to appear. This was affiliation I discovered near on 20 years ago after cutting up 35 lino tiles for my year 8 Discovering Art class. The lino has hessian on the back and unbeknownst to me I have an allergy to these fibres.....but I digress.......

After disposing of the offending bag I was very pleased with the goodies I discovered inside.

 A sample size (10ml) of Planet Eve Luxe hand Creme. It advertises itself as anti-ageing' and 'deeply nourishing'. It is 100% natural - which is fabulous and includes acai (from Brazil) and lingonberry (from arctic region) - which are both high powered anti-oxidants.

Not quite sure if I like this hand cream - to me it smells like hessian (my arch enemy!). It did soak into my skin very quickly and didn't leave a greasy residue (as advertised), but sorry I just can't get pass that smell.

RRP $29 - 50ml

 A full sized tube of Mayaltha Better Breasts by The Natural Source (175ml). The fact that it is Australian has sold me already!

This product advertises itself as a 'revolutionary, all natural serum containing Australian plant-active ingredients (whatever the hell that is?!) - which firms, strengthens and soothes the delicate breast tissue, while restoring skin tone and reduces the appearance of sagging and stretch marks - Holy crap send me a barrel full as my boobs are so far south I fear I'll never see my nipples again!

The product is a cloudy gel, which smells pleasantly of antiseptic peppermint (very descriptive smell there! - but although not unpleasant it does have that type of smell). It is light on the skin and is quickly absorbed. Not sure if it will work but hey my boobs could sure use it!.

                                                               RRP $49.95 - 175ml

 The next little gem is the Nutri Synergy NS-5 Cuticle & Nail Complex - once again another full sized item (15ml).

Nourishes - Strengthens - Restores

This product is supposed to aide in the repair of damaged cuticles and nails and split fingers (the pics on the back gave me a bit of a shudder - especially the one of the split finger! - reminds me of those sealed sections Cleo sometimes has).

As I currently have healthy fingers and nails at present I will be putting this aside because I know my rough cuticles and hang-nails will be putting in an appearance in the not too far future!

                                                                  RRP $9.95 - 15ml

 Oh dear.....I thought this was lip gloss!

I was thinking 'gee this gloss is really dry and then upon application I realised two things - one I have green lips and two, this is definitely NOT lip gloss!

Ha ha silly me it's eye shadow!

I must admit it is a lovely shade of green - just not on my lips!. It is a creme eye shadow and easy to apply - I actually used my fingertips (well I had to get rid of that excess stuff somehow!). The product is by Couleur Caramel and I obviously received the creme eye shadow (3.9g).

Interestingly enough on the bottom it indicates usage within 12 months of opening - however the use by date is 10/2013, mmmmm.......

                                                       No Price Indicated on Card

 Now these are little cuties, a selection of four samples (3g each) of Grants of Australia Natural Toothpaste in Extra Fresh, Natural, Herbal & Mineral and Cinnamon Zest (yum!) flavours.

I have decided to put these aside for my Singapore holiday - so sorry not testing of these yet.

I like the fact that they are Australian made and owned (go Aussie!) 

These toothpastes are flouride free, SLS and paraben free, not tested on animals, vegan friendly and contains no genetically modified organisms.

                                                          RRP $3.95 - $5.95  - 110g

This is the Sam Organics Organic Soothing cream. This product is apparently for problematic skin (i.e inflamed). So I assume it would work well on sunburn and with my lily-white skin it should come in handy during the summer months.

The cream contains essential oils and plant extracts which have been claimed to be anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory.

The cream has a spicy spearmint smell....mmmmm quite and interesting scent this one. It is a white cream which feels light and rapidly absorbs into my skin - has a very 'soothing' and cooling effect.
                                                              RRP $27.95 - 60ml

 Now I love Rosehip and all the wonderful things it does/can do for my skin. So I was very happy to get this Rosehip Oil Skin Boost Roll-on. Plus it contains 100% Aussie rosehip oil!
I have been using rosehip on my stretch marks (oh the joys of pregnancy!) and have been having some success - so I am very keen to give this one a try.
Having the roller applicator is an added bonus, and once again travel size (15ml), so easy to carry around.

                                                                 RRP $13.50 - 15ml

I must say I am really happy with this box as I got 3 full sized items (RRP $73+). I also now realise where the Rosehip came from (hehee). If you read my Bellabox post from a few days ago I had the above comment with that box...talk about confusion!

Bellabox July 2013 - The Luxe Beauty Travel

 I must admit I really was not looking forward to this box - I have been bitterly disappointed with Bellabox's offerings for a few months now (darn those prepaid memberships!) and was praying I would not receive any more of those darn dry shampoos (I hate the things they make my hair stringy and oily - yuck!).

So it was a pleasant surprise to open the July box - my goodness I think I have a use for virtually everything in this box (shock, horror!).

 This box had a great variety of 'travel' products - practical products which I am sure I will be putting to good use, in fact I will be putting some aside for my trip to Singapore in a few months.

 I thought the Clear 'Total Nourishing Care' shampoo & conditioner were a great size (50ml each) - small enough for my suitcase, but generous enough for a number of washes. I even went online (as suggested by the packaging) and enrolled in the 7 day challenge 

(www.clear7daychallenge.com.au) So I will be receiving more Clear samples in the post shortly - bonus!.

To me the product smells of apples - very clean and crisp, slightly scented but not over-powering. I also was very happy with how my hair felt when washed with this product - it felt, well clean. Apparently this product is good for my scalp - which is great as I need some tender-loving care on my poor scalp at the moment!

RRP $5.99 ea - 200ml

 Egyptian Magic - now this is an interesting product (3ml). It is marketed as an all-purpose skin cream - a CULT product.

I have received this as a sample when I purchased items from Beautybay.com but never got around to trying it. I have really oily skin and hesitate to trial skin creams as it tends to worsen the oil production. However I did read a post by Lauren Roberts - How to use Egyptian Magic Cream 10 ways 

http://bellabox.com.au/magazine/how-to-use-egyptian-magic-cream-10-ways/?utm_medium=SMO&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=blog_post&utm_content=how_to_egyptian_magic

So I think I might just give this one a try - I particularly like its use for stretch marks and treating cuts (very handy)

RRP $49.00 - 118ml

 Now this is a hot little number (literally!) - Libra 'Hotties'. It just so happened I was experiencing some tummy discomfort that night so I thought I'd give this product a whirl. 

Open the packet, remove sticky covers and attach to skin (too easy!). 

The product heats up automatically (no microwave necessary) and apparently stays hot for 8 hours... well it did. 

I found it heated up gradually but remained at an acceptable temperature, not too hot/uncomfortable, plus it successfully eased my discomfort. 

I normally need to pop a few painkillers and have a bit of trouble sleeping. But this little patch did wonders. I had a good night's sleep and removed the patch the next morning. Very discreet and effective.

In fact I was so impressed I added it to my shopping list. It just so happened that my parents were visiting so while out shopping I saw Coles had it on special - I encouraged my mum to purchase a pack (my dad was keen to get some too!)

RRP $4.99 pack of two

 I have always loved Model Co. I find their product reasonably priced and of a great quality. I love the fact their products are made in Australia. 

I particularly love their lip glosses and lipsticks (especially love their smell!) and I really love this Cheek & Lip Tint. The colour is gorgeous and looks fabulous on and being a travel size (5ml) I can pop it in my purse/handbag with ease.

fabulous item!

RRP $24.00 - 10ml

 Gatineau 'Aquamemory', This is probably one product I will not be using as I have no use for it. It does not suit my skin. However I know a friend who will gratefully take it off my hands. 

It too is of a great size (5ml) - easy to pop into a handbag/suitcase. I also like the pump-action dispenser - no mess.

RRP $100.00 - 30ml

 Could this tube of Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream be any smaller?? Me thinks this is just a bit too small. I dont think it would last if I took it on a holiday - couldn't the tube be even 5g?  (it's a 3g tube) I suppose if you only used it on your lips it may last the distance, but I am sure it would not stretch to any other dry areas of skin.

However as it is from Japan (and lots of great things come from there) I think I may give it a try. My lips have been a bit dry since I caught this dreadful flu.

Apparently it has held the top sales spot in Japan for over 50 years - so it must be something special.

RRP $34.95 - 70g

 This is a cute little La Fresh sachet, I love these things. I pop them in my handbag 'just in case'. My box had the Anti-Aging Face Cleanser sachet - a wet wipe with maqui berry/peptide rejuvenators. Apparently it 'revitalizes' my skin. Will have to give this one a try!.

RRP $16.50 18/20 sachets per box

 Now I love Rosehip and all the wonderful things it does/can do for my skin. So I was very happy to get this Rosehip Oil Skin Boost Roll-on. Plus it contains 100% Aussie rosehip oil!

I have been using rosehip on my stretch marks (oh the joys of pregnancy!) and have been having some success - so I am very keen to give this one a try.
Having the roller applicator is an added bonus, and once again travel size (15ml), so easy to carry around.

Not listed and no price on the card! 

RRP $29.95 ea 50ml on the BB website for the Rosehip Vital Oil

 I got the London LUXE city guide. This I have passed onto a friend as I don't see myself using it in the near (or even far) future. I didn't even open it so I really cannot comment of what I thought.

 RRP $12.99 ea 

 So all up I can say I am very happy with the July box, I definitely feel I have got my money's worth and I have a number of new products that I am excited about trying. 

Well done BB and hopefully this will be the way forward!

Until next month...........

A lovely surprise in the post...

I received a lovely surprise in the post this morning. 

A few weeks ago I was on the Montagne Jeunesse Facebook page and posted a review on one of their face masks - and surprise, surprise! I was lucky enough to 'win' a pamper pack.

The bag in itself was lovely - a black and white tote by Gainsborough - zipper opening with pockets on both of the the internal walls. It is a good sized bag (30cm x 20cm) and will definitely come in useful!. 

It feels (and looks) like a good quality item.

Inside the tote was a range of goodies (please excuse the upside down and skewed photographs as I am still trying to work out how to fix them - they upload the right way up but some how change in the ether!!)

Five masks of varying 'types'

• Hot chocolate
• Dry skin mask
• Dead sea face spa
• Break out mask
• Blemish mud

Interestingly enough of the 5 only one (dry skin mask) will be passed on to friend/family as I can definitely use the others - yay! - I love it when I have a use for all 'freebies'

I also got a set of Manicure Soothing Eye Gels - which will go a long way to soothing my tired ol' eyes.

According to the packaging 'the cooling gel relieves tired, puffy eyes, eye strain & sinus pressure'

I sure am willing to give those a go, what with the dreaded flu I currently have I will give anything a try if it will make me feel better!

And lastly, but not leastly, there was an Ecopure Plush Headband. 

Apparently it is made from bamboo and is 'exquisitely' soft 

(which is spot on! - very soft)

My current head band is in its final (dying) stages so this will be a welcomed replacement.

So it looks like I will be having a few relaxing evenings trying out my new stash of goodies :)