Lust Have It November 2015

Afternoon lovelies!

As i said at stupid o'clock this morning, my LHI box was on its way, and it has arrived.  LHI have had a few business changes, boxes have gone up by $2.95 a month for postage, and all shipping emails and payment emails are being handled electronically.  Which means we're getting info as it happens, and there's less chance of human error.

It's great to see our boxes before the end of the month!

 Bonus extras.  The 4 teabags that were supposed to be in sept box, and a couple of carefree pads.

 The rest of the box.  3 full size makeup items, 1 deluxe sample size makeup and a skincare sample.

 Manna Kadar Lip Chubbie-rrp $24-full size

Our sneak peek.  Mine's in the colour xoxo, which is a lovely plum.  These contain a primer and vit a and e, so they should last a decent amount of time and be moisturising.  I love this type of thing, and i haven't got one this colour, so i love this.

 Coral Colours Love Lips-rrp $6.99-full size

Mine's peach sorbet, and smells of coconut.  It's quite pigmented, and goes on nice and smoothly.

 Evelyn Iona Natural and Organic concealer-rrp $19.80-deluxe sample

I've received this previously in a Violet Box, and i still haven't tried it!  Maybe this is the push to do so.

 Ulta3 Cream Blush Stick-rrp $6.95-full size

Mine's in bold apricot, which in stick form looks really, really bright, but the swatch is lovely.  It looks like it should blend beautifully, and should be perfect for summer.

Garnier Miracle Day Cream-rrp $19.99-sample size

Meh!  It supposedly is a breakthrough formula, yadda, yadda.  It'll get used, just not overly excited about it.

Manna lip chubbie, coral colours lip love, evelyn iona concealer, ulta3 blush

It isn't the highest value box ever, but I'll use everything in it, and the colours aren't ones i already own 20 of, which is brilliant.

What do you think?  What colours did you get?

Priceline 40% off haul

Morning lovelies!  

It's 3.15am here, and for some reason I'm wide awake.  I think it might be the restless toddler next to me.  

Anyway, last week Priceline had 40% off all cosmetics  (as if you didn't know that already!).  My bb cream is almost finished, so i headed in to grab a new one.

I ended up grabbing the Savvy by db BB cream.  I don't mind the texture, but the light's a bit too light.  It might yet be stored away for winter when i don't have much of a tan.

And then there's the rest!

One of the first things i noticed in store were the sets of mini Australis Velourlips.  They're something I've wanted to try, but haven't wanted to fork out for 1 big tube, so these are perfect.  There were 3 different sets, a nudes and pinks, a darks and this one, which is brights.  They're normally $14.99 per set, but with the sale they came down to just under $9.  

Then, of course, i headed around to the Essence section.  There are a couple of new lip products in the Essence line up, and the Priceline i went to had both.  So introducing the liquid lipstick and the sheer and shine lipstick.  The liquid lipstick is on the higher end of Essence pricing at $4.99, and sheer and shine lipstick is the same price as the normal range.

All up this lovely little haul cost around $18, which i think is great for what i got.

I'm off to see if i can get back to sleep (mr monster has settled back down).  I have a little more playing to do and I'll write up some posts on my thoughts of the lip products (plus there's a lhi bag in the post, and 2 products I'm trialling.  It's a huge time here atm).

Talk to you soon!

Lust Have It Oct 2015

Afternoon all!

Well, as you can see, LHI were more on the ball last month.  Boxes were actually sent before the end of the month!  They made the executive decision to send the box without 2 of the products that were scheduled to appear in Oct, and instead subbed in 2 of the products from Nov (that had rocked up early).

Back to pink!

Nearly all fulled sized this month, with a bonus treat.

Hair and Me Hair Rejuvenation Treatment-$19.99-full size

I'm supposed to have written a nice long review about this already, but I really have mixed feelings about the product.  I'm going to use this one up, then write the review.

Bioderma Sensibio Light-$32.99-sample size

This is for sensitive and intolerant skin, is supposed to help soothe it.  I must admit i'm slightly over seeing Bioderma in boxes, but at least this is a different product.

Flormar Nail Enamel-$12-full size

The info card (which was emailed this month due to the sudden change in products) says this is supposed to be a mix of nail care, showing things like nail oils etc.  But the couple of blog posts i've seen are nail colours?  So the value might be different.  This was one of the substituted products, and it's a very pretty silver, perfect for Christmas.

Flormar Supershine Lipstick-????-full size

This is the second substitute.  The card doesn't even give this as an option (all it says is a mix of products, then lists the possibilities.  This lipstick variety is not listed), and as for price it says $30-$50 (although Flormar online seems a lot cheaper).  But i'm so happy i got a lipstick, and it's a lovely colour (a shimmery coral), perfect for summer.  It smells lovely, too, orange-y and biscuity.   Yum!

Lust Have It Highlighter Compact-$29.95-full size

I haven't seen LHI come out with their own product in ages!  This is a lovely highlighter, in the colour Sunset Strobe. It's a really natural peachy-gold, so it's going to give a nice subtle highlight.  Plus the compact has a nice big mirror.

Bonus-Atkins Chocolate Candies

Yum, chocolate

Skin Magic Tea-this was supposed to the the 5 missing from the Sept box, however it's only 1-again!

Highlighter swatch and lipstick

Well, what a mixed box!  The highlighter is lovely, the hair treatment i'm on the fence about, and the Flormar i'm not quite sure about yet (online it comes across as a very cheap brand, so quality is yet to be seen).  But with only the highlighter and the treatment the box is worth over double what i paid, so i'm still happy with it.

What do you think?  What mixed Flormar product did you get?

Lust Have It September 2015

Evening Lovelies!

Talk about a late box!  It's the 15/10 (on a side note, Hubby and i have been together 12.5 years today!), and the Sept LHI bag has just rocked up.  I expected it before we went away, then swore it would rock up whilst we were gone, it's here and we've been home 4 days! 

But it's here!  (I know i said that i wasn't going to resubscribe, but i missed the cut off to cancel in August, and somehow i've missed the cut off in Sept.  Oops!).

Black bag this month.  I love these bags, they're perfect for carrying little crochet projects around.

Certainly is a packed bag, 7 items!

White Glo Professional Choice Whitening Toothpaste-RRP $5.49-sample size

This is one of the few toothpastes i can stomach, so a sample never goes astray. 

Designer Brands Twist and Go Nail Polish Remover-RRP $4.99-full size

I had nail polish on, i took it off with this.  OMG, so quick, and it was glitter!  It does spill easily, though, so be careful with the angle you use it on.  But this is going straight on the rebuy list.  It has Royal Jelly, Vit C and E, Aloe Vera and Green Tea to help keep your nails healthy.  Supposed smells like berry, can say it does not (the things i do for you, i can assure you you should not stick your nose in this.  It stinks).  Honestly, don't care.  It works a treat.

Kerastase Resistance Bain Force Architecte and Resistance Masque Force Architecte-RRP $42 and $62-sample size

These are meant to repair and rejuvenate dry and damaged hair.  That is all the card says.  The masque smells delicious, though, but i think you'd be lucky to get 2 uses out of these.

Ofra Lip Liner-RRP $19.50-full size

This is the offender that made the bags so late!  It's a water resistant pencil (it does rub off, though), made with synthetic beeswax.  I honestly don't get this, it might work in America going in to autumn, but we're in spring.  I can't see myself using this (in the colour wine) much until next autumn, unless i layer it under a lighter colour.  Will have to have a play.

UB Cosmetics Tint Stick-RRP $23-full size

This is a felt tip pen looking thing, i could hand it to a kid and that's what they'd think it was.  It's a lip tint, a very expensive lip tint.  It is transfer proof (yet to test that claim), has b5 for hydration (?) and aloe vera to soothe (??).  If you've ever used a Korean lip tint, you'll know what this is like.  And you can pick up basic ones for under $2 (i did a review earlier in the year).  I like the pen applicator, but otherwise it's the same as the others.  No moisturisation, it definitely needs a balm over the top to make it comfortable for day long wear.  But i love the colour!

Bonus-Your Tea Skin Magic Tea-RRP $35 USD-sample size

There were supposed to be 6 of these, there's only 1.  Helps nourish and rejuvenate your skin.  This reminds me of the old LHI, where they'd include different products that were still beauty related.

Lip tint swatch and lip liner swatch

Lip tint on

It isn't the best box ever, but nor is it the worst.  Plus i found a new favourite product.

What's going on in your beauty world?  Anything new i need to know about?





 

Redpawpaw Spring 2015

Afternoon Lovelies!

Well it's that time of the year again, it's Redpawpaw time!

This is the first of the increased price boxes, RPP is now costing me $22 quarterly. 

It's a really light box this season, although i was surprised by the amount in it (it was extremely light compared to last month).

Poptopia Crispy Baked Popcorn-$3.79-full size  OMG yum!  I love popcorn, and i can't wait to try this
Ritz Spiced Paprika Snackz-$2 (x2)-full size  Ho hum.  I received 2 of these in my last RPP box.

Koala Karma-?-full size  Now this is why i like RPP.  Koala Karma is a new product, only available in various health food stores (there are 2 in canberra).  It's an 'Anti Energy Drink', a relaxation drink, created by 2 mums.  They have an initial run of 80,000 cans.  I might review this further, all on it's own :)
H2Coco-$2.90-full size  2 drinks!  I've never really liked coconut water, might have to give it another go

Well & Good Cake in a Mug-?-full size?  Another brand new product.  It's gluten and nut free, and it's done in a minute.
Naturally Nood Bar-$2.49 (x3)-full size   This really is a snack box this season.  3 bars in Banana Bread, Cashew Crush and Cheeky Cocoa. 
Nutella-50c (30g)-sample size   OMG look at the teeny tiny jar of Nutella!

Natralus Paw Paw Cream-?-sample size.  Very fitting RPP has Paw Paw cream in it.  I'm not going to bother calculating the cost of such a small sample
Finish power ball-$5.16 (6 tabs)-sample size  We've had Finish products in our boxes before, but more is always welcome
Chux Magic Eraser-$3.22 (6 erasers)-sample size  We go through these like no tomorrow, so we'll happily use these
Headgear Matte Shaper-$8.99 (from chemist warehouse)-full size  This will go in hubby's bathroom, and get used eventually

Total=$36.03 (plus 3 full sized products that can't be priced)

At first place i was not expecting the total value to be what it is.  The box looked and felt empty, but instead of disappointed i'm over the moon.  Everything will get used, plus there are some great new discoveries.

Does anyone else still subscribe?  If so, what do you think?

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.

Younique Moonstruck 3D Fibre Lashes+

Morning lovelies!

Now, here in Australia, we've always had some 'party plan' (for lack of a better term) cosmetics companies.  Avon, Nutrimetics and Mary Kay are well known, household names.  But in the last few years there have been some new players to the market.  Younique is one of those.

Younique is an American company which was started by a brother and sister team in Sept 2012, and was launched here in April 2014.  If you're a part of your local Buy, Swap, Sell group, I'm sure you've heard of them before.  If you're like me, though, you've always been slightly skeptical about the products.  The only time you ever see or hear anything about them it's from a Younique presenter, and if you're selling a product you're going to talk it up.

So when Kelly, a Younique presenter, asked if a blogger would be interested in trying the new, improved 3D fiber lash mascara, i put my hand up.  Not only was it a chance to try out a product that I've heard quite a bit about, it was a chance to put up a no-holds-barred review, from someone who has absolutely nothing to do with the company. 

Lets first and foremost talk about this packaging!  This is just the box the mascara came in.  It's one of the nicest boxes I've ever come across.  You could easily give this as a gift, but it also makes the perfect present to yourself.  It comes with basic instructions, which are easy to follow, and a full list of ingredients on the back of the box.

 Once you open the box, the 2 tubes are housed in a little black bag.  They fit snugly, the bag snaps so they're contained, and the inside is nice and soft, so your products are protected inside a bigger makeup bag.

The tubes are a rubberised black tubes, with an awesome embossed top (embossed with the younique logo).  They could end up slightly grubby with regular use (as every other makeup case I've ever used that feels like this does), but that's easily cleaned.  Both tubes have a window (not sure why, although it might come in handy when you get further in to the product), and the name of each on the side (handy note, though, the fibre tube is smaller than the transplant gel tube.  If you're like me and need to do your makeup without your glasses, this comes in handy).

The Transplant gel brush is very much a traditional type brush.  It works well and picks up smaller lashes.  The fiber brush is smaller, thinner, which is what you want.  The smaller brush makes controlling where you place the fibres easy.

Now, on to my ugly mug :D

My lashes, with nothing on them.  I have half decent lashes, they just aren't very dark.  Add the fact i wear glasses every waking moment and my eyes disappear in to nothingness.  I tend to like mascaras that really make my lashes pop.

Step 1:These are my lashes with a coat of the transplant gel on them.  The good thing I've found is the transplant gel works like a normal mascara.  So the kit offers the best of both worlds, a decent black mascara for those days you want a subdued look, then adding the fibre in when you want something more.

Step 2:The addition of the fibres.  These probably aren't the best examples, as you need to apply the fibres straight after the transplant gel (and i took photos in between), however you can see the instant extension of my lashes.  You do need to be careful are this stage, if you're going to get the fibre in you eyes, now is the time. 

Step 3:Another coat of transplant gel.  This seals in the fibres.  If anything this is the hardest stage.  It takes a little bit of practice to make sure you don't end up with spidery, clumpy lashes, although an eyelash/brow comb helps sort any issues you may have happen.  You can see the difference that the process makes to my lashes, and you can repeat the process as many times as you like (although that clumpy, spidery lash thing does get worse the more layers you use.  Not a major problem, it's just something to be aware of and have the correct tools on hand).

 Me outside!  I've repeated the process twice here, just to give you an idea how the multiple process looks.  On a side note, look how beautiful the weather is, and my raspberries are coming back to life.  Spring in Canberra is amazing!

Me, again.  This is how i look. Hi!  As you can see with my glasses my eyes disappear slightly, but they're definitely more noticeable with this.

Let's get down to the nitty gritty though.  Fibre lash mascaras are either something you love, or something you hate.  I'm sure the majority of people have tried a mascara that has fibres in the mascara itself, and i know I've tried the Modelco version, which is the same idea as the Younique ones.  In my experience I've always ended up with either irritated eyes from the fibres, or I've ended up with little fibres all over my face by the end of the day.

I haven't experienced either with this.  Actually, i haven't really experienced any negatives with this product.  Once it's on, it's on.  I don't find fibres on my face during the day, it doesn't irritate my eyes any more than any other mascara (and they've been super sensitive the last week).  I haven't experienced panda eyes at all with it, even if i accidentally rub my eyes, and even after sleeping with it on, nothing (i know, we're not supposed to sleep with makeup on.  Sue me).  In saying all that it washes off easily in the shower with water (I've been using my Dr Hauschka cleansing sponge).

The hardest things I've found are getting used to applying it.  It takes a little bit of practice to get used to getting a nice, even application (thus avoiding those clumps), and working out how to hold everything so you can apply the fibres in quick succession after the transplant gel (I've found i can hold both tubes in 1 hand, partial open, so i can quickly swap between both).  Of course these problems are both easily fixed, the clumps can be combed out if they occur, and you do have a window of time to apply the fibres.

The Moonstruck 3D Fiber Lashes+ is on the pricier end for a mascara, at $38, however it's on par with Benefit's Roller Lash ($40), and the Fiber Lash does a double duty (and gives spectacular results).  Honestly, i prefer this over Roller Lash, and if I'm forking out that kind of sum on a mascara, i want it to be amazing. 

If you have any more questions, or would like to purchase Fiber Lashes+ for yourself, please contact Kelly Chippendale via her website Love Affair Lashes or on Facebook Love Affair Lashes.  She's an absolute gem, lovely to talk to, and would be happy to answer any questions that you might have about this, or any other product Younique produces (there are some amazing looking products).

Thank you so much Kelly for the opportunity to review this product!