Bellabox February 2014 Opening - What did I get in my box this month? ;)

Bellabox February 2014

If you would like to know more about Bellabox, my original post is here and if you would like to sign up, please visit here.

Bellabox February Themed Packaging

The theme for this month is “Red Carpet Ready”, I don’t really think that these particular products incorporate this theme, I am pretty happy with this month’s items.

Bellabox Item: Burt's Bees Milk & Honey Body Lotion

1. Burt’s Bees Naturally Nourishing Milk & Honey Body Lotion (Sample Size 25g = $2.93*)  Full Size 170g = $19.95

I was interested in this product as it’s a cult product and I like other Burt’s Bees items I have tried.  The lotion is very light and absorbs into the skin really quickly and doesn’t leave an oily residue.  It would be great to use straight after a shower in the morning as you don’t have to wait for it to sink in... the only problem is that I hate the smell.  

I think it stinks!  I don’t know what it is but there is something in there that makes me gag, maybe it’s the milk, I’m not sure.  To me it smells more like off milk with a hint of artificial sweet and plastic, yep, I’d say that is pretty accurate.  It’s a shame because without the scent I think I would really like this and with a body lotion you really have to like the scent as it’s going to be all over your booty. 

Bellabox Item: Om She Powder in Tantra

2. Om She Aromatherapy Dusting Powder - Tantra (Full Size 2.5g) = $14.95

Glad to see makeup in my Bellabox.  

The colour is quite pretty, it reminds me of MAC’s club eyeshadow but with a glittery sheen.  

The dusting powders are a lose pigment that apparently can also be used on the body as well as the face.

I’m not sure if I would use this particular colour on the body though. It can be used wet or dry.  

This colour can be purchased form She Australia and is currently on special for for half price ($7.50), (here) 

Bellabox Item: Aveda Be Curly

3. Aveda Be Curly Curl Enhancer (Sample Size 40ml = $8.99*)  Full Size 200ml = $44.95

I have wavy/curly hair so I’m always looking for curling products that prevent frizz.  Let’s hope this one does, I’m happy to try it out.  It would have to be good for me to throw down almost a fifty for it though.

Aveda is available at Fruugo (cheapest price here), StrawberryNet (here), Aveda Australia (here) and Cosmetics Now (here).

Bellabox Item: Palmer's Facial Scrub

4. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Gentle Exfoliating Facial Scrub (Sample Size 15g = $0.99*)  Full Size 150g = $9.95

I do like Palmer’s Cocoa Butter body products but have never tried their skincare range.  It does have a lovely cocoa butter fragrance but I’m not sure about the exfoliating cocoa beans will do the job, will have to see.  I do like testing out scrubs and masks more than cleansers and moisturisers as you see the results quicker and can generally tell if they are for you or not.

Bellabox Item: Lavanila Vanilla Passionfruit Spray

5. Lavanila The Healthy Fragrance – Vanilla Passionfruit (Sample Size 1.2ml = $1.91*)  Full Size 50ml = $79.95

I was pretty excited to see this brand in the box.   I have heard of Lavanila mentioned for years on Youtube, with gurus showing the Lavanila Vanilla Coconut Healthy Deodorant.  

The Vanilla Passionfruit scent is pleasant and I really like it. I could see this being a fragrance that many would appreciate as it’s not too strong or floral, just light and slightly sweet.  

Lavanila is sold online in Australia (here) and at Bellabox (here) but a 50ml fragrance for $79.95 ($58 in the US) and a deodorant at $24.95 ($14 in the US) plus whatever postage is, I’m happy to give it a miss. 

Bellabox Bonus Item: Swisspers Aloe Moisturiser

6. BONUS – Swisspers Naturals Aloe Daiy Moisturiser SPF 15 (Sample Size 5ml = $0.54*)  Full Size 100ml = $10.99

I think I might keep this sachet around for the next time I’m out in the sun or have sunburn, heat rash or a minor burn.  Because it has Aloe Vera it is great for sunburn and I like that it has an SPF built in.  I’m happy to give it a try.

Overall I’m fairly happy with this month’s brands and variety of products, however, the value of this months box was low.  Some may argue that it's double the cost of the box, but every other month has been  about $40 - $80. 

Price Breakdown

1. Burt’s Bees Naturally Nourishing Milk & Honey Body Lotion (Sample) = $2.93*

2. Om She Aromatherapy Dusting Powder - Tantra (Full Size) = $14.95

3. Aveda Be Curly Curl Enhancer (Sample) = $8.99*

4. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Gentle Exfoliating Facial Scrub (Sample) = $0.99*

5. Lavanila The Healthy Fragrance – Vanilla Passionfruit (Sample) = $1.91*

6. BONUS – Swisspers Naturals Aloe Daiy Moisturiser SPF 15 (Sample) = $0.54*

Total =  $30.31

*Sample Calculated Price

What was in your box this month? 

Bellabox January 2014 Opening - What did I get in my box this month? ;)

Bellabox January 2014

 If you would like to know more about Bellabox, my original post is here and if you would like to sign up, please visit here.

Bellabox New Packaging?

Bellabox have been telling us for months that they are bringing out new packaging.  It's been a bit confusing as one month I got a Bellabox branded makeup bag while others received flimsy cardboard pillowbox.  The old Bellabox was a turquoise blue colour with a white logo (see here).  So is this the new packaging?   To be honest, as long as the it's sturdy enough to not damage the contents, I don't really care about the packaging.  It's what's inside that counts.

Beauty Gifts I Got For Christmas - Swatch and Review

My Christmas Presents

I hope you all enjoyed the break and had a lovely holiday season.  Welcome to the new year!  I know it's a bit late but I wanted to share with you the beauty gifts I got for Christmas.  I usually don't get this many beauty items for Christmas as I'm so thankful and love them all!

Kat Von D Spellbinding Look Kit

Probably the present I was most excited about was the Kat Von D Spellbinding Look Kit.  Kat Vond D makeup is not sold in Australia and it's damn near impossible to buy online and have shipped to Australia.  This particular set was purchased from Tarazz here.

Bellabox December 2013 Opening - What's in my box this month? ;)

Bellabox Opening - December 2013

I was so glad to hear that Bellabox would be making it's way to me before Christmas.  The problem is that it sat with Australia Post for a week! I know it's near Christmas but I think that's a little excessive.  So this post is very late.

If you would like to know more about Bellabox, my original post is here and if you would like to sign up, please visit here.

Bellabox December

Bellabox had a limited number of Benefit POREfessional samples to give out this month so I had my fingers crossed, but I wasn't lucky enough to receive one.  I don't think it's right to advertise that they have teamed up with Benefit and then only send a few members Benefit products.   I also thought being December they would have done a Christmas themed box, however that was not the case. 

Last Minute Beauty Gifts for Christmas in Australia

Last Minute DIY Christmas Gifts

Last minute personalised beauty gifts from $20 - $70.
These are all products from my personal collection that I use and love.

I know not everyone has completed their Christmas shopping, so I wanted to give you a few ideas for some last minute shopping.  Everything in these suggestions are items that you can purchase in Australia in a physical store.  I wanted to make each item fairly affordable and personalised.

Each gift requires little effort but they look like you've put a lot of time, effort and thought into them.

DIY Nail Kit in a Jar

This is so simple to put together and looks really thoughtful.  

You can personalise it to the person you have in mind.  

I bought the jar from a dollar store for about $4.

I placed all the products around the inside of the jar, touching the glass and placed cotton squares in the middle to prop them up.

Bellabox Pout Pencil Replacement

Bellabox Pout Pencil - Ruby Tuesday

In the November Bellabox (post here) I had received a broken pout pencil.  Bellabox then contact me via Facebook after seeing my blog post and advised me to contact them in regards to the broken pencil.  I thought that it was great of them to reach out and get in contact with me.  I sent them an email as requested, they apologised for the broken pencil, advised that some of the pencils were faulty and would be sending me a new one.  

I received the replacement and it winds up and back down fine, so there is no issue with this one.  I'm really happy with the Bellabox social media and customer service representatives.  They have been really lovely every time I have spoken to them.

Cheap Dollar Store Christmas Decor - Waterless Snow Globes

Finished Christmas Decor

Okay, okay so it's not about makeup but I love crafty/DIY stuff and thought I'd share some tips with you, I hope you don't mind.

With this time of year it can be hard enough trying to find money for presents, food/drinks and all those other little things.  Let alone having to worry about finding money for decorations and if you're trying to stick to a colour theme it can get quite expensive.  So I wanted to share with you some of my favourite festive decorating tips that your wallet won't hate you for. 

Items you will need: 
Glass Jars:  Apothecary, candy, vases or whatever you have.
Ornaments: I use the spare smaller baubles, you could use candy canes or even bows.
Figurines: Or figurine ornaments.
Fake snow: From the dollar store.  You could use cotton wool, glitter, desiccated coconut.
Ribbons or bows: You could even use the self adhesive type or leave them off completely. You could also use tinsel, bells or garland if you prefer.

This can be really budget friendly if you use items you already have at home.  You could use old ornaments or decorations, old candle or pasta sauce jars etc etc.

I think these jars look lovely as a centerpiece, on the coffee table or on a desk or cabinet that could use some festiveness.