Marie Claire The Parcel Spring 2015

Hi Lovelies!

As i mentioned in a previous post, after Violet Box closed up shop i signed up to The Parcel.  I've read great things about parcels in the past, and now i have my first one here to tell you all about.

First thing's first, The Parcel is a quarterly box by Marie Claire (which just happens to be one of my favourite magazines) and is $25 per quarter.  There are 3 different Parcels to choose from, Marie Claire, Ageless Beauty, and Marie Claire Man (and i though there was a Girlfriend version too, although it isn't on the website with the others).  It is available from http://www.theparcel.com.au/ .  The Spring edit is sold out, but you can sign up for the Summer edit (which will be sent in Dec).

The Spring Edit was sent out wrapped in clear plastic, with the 20th anniversary outer sleeve containing a sturdy black box.  It was really quite heavy, and took a while to get in to (the outer plastic cover was tough).

Why it was so heavy :)  There was some black tissue paper over the top, as well as some scrunched at the bottom of the box.

The info booklet.  It's nicely detailed, and the writing is a bit bigger than other boxes (making it easier to read).

John Frieda Frizz Ease Smooth Start Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner-$15.99 each-full size

Hasn't everyone tried something from this range at some point or another?  This sounds really good though, it has olive oil to help moisturise hair, and helps fight frizz in the shower.  It's going straight into my shower!

St Tropez Gradual Tan in Shower-$39.99-sample size ($10.00)

In shower tanner?  Sounds odd.  But you apply this to wet skin in the shower, wait 3 minutes then rinse.  The tan develops throughout the day.  I'm not a huge fake tan person, but i'll give this a go in the name of beauty research :p  Wish me luck!

Redwin Coconut Balm-$5.99-full size

I tried this on my eczema-y hand, and it's done a lovely job of moisturising it.  It has loads of goodies (coconut oil, papaya extract, jojoba oil, sunflower oil, marigold oil etc), no nasties, isn't tested on animals and is affordable.  Add in the fact it's extremely thick (so a little goes a long way), and it smells good enough to eat (almost like a bounty bar), and i'm sold.  I can see myself buying more.

MOR Rosa Noir Hand and Body milk-$34.95-sample size ($3.49)

I must admit i don't get rose from this.  It's quite fruity, probably from the fig it contains.  It's only thin, being a milk, but would make an awesome light daily moisturiser, with the added bonus of not needing perfume after use.

Clinique Smart Custom-Repair Serum-$80-sample size ($26.66)

Holy crap!  Full size is 30ml, this sample is 10ml!  Making this sample the most expensive individual thing in the box.  It's a multipurpose serum, which supposedly understands your skins needs.  With such a big sample i'll get a proper chance to try it out.

L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick-$21.95-full size

I got mine in Perfect Red (there were 4 colours available).  Swatching it showed it is very buttery, and it left a slight stain on my hand.  I can't wait to try it out.

Estée Lauder Modern Muse Le Rougé EDP-$120-sample size ($3.60)

My Husband likes this on me, i'm not that over fussed.  It smells a bit fuddy duddy to me.  Like rose (which i normally love), and a bit powdery.  The longer it's on, the more i like it, though.  Just be aware it's quite strong, especially on first application.

It's shimmery!

All up the Spring Edit of The Parcel is valued at $103.67.  It has something for everyone, plus it's great to see some new products from old favourites.

All in all i'm extremely happy, and i can't wait for the next installment.