Wednesday 1 August 2012

July Bellabox

I recently received my second Bellabox and have been vigorously testing out all my samples so I can give you all somewhat of a verdict. This month was all about 'essential beauty buys'. There were a few more samples than last time in this 'bumper' issue and I was especially pleased with the several full-sized products I received.




You, Me & Everybody Shady Lady Face Milk
75ml RRP $9.99 available at pharmacydirect.com.au



What they say:
Apply this skin-quenching moisturiser generously onto clean and dry skin for a light and soft touch. Including sun protection, it's perfect for wear under make-up.

What I say: 
In all honesty this probably isn't a product I would reach for. I already have foundation primers and bb creams with sun protection, as well as face moisturisers and serums in my daily skincare routine. This one didn't seem to have a place in my regime. I also fear the worst in that I worry it will cause my acne prone skin to break out (it hasn't though). For me it seems a bit like a watery sunscreen. It smells like sunscreen and feels like sunscreen except that it is a bit lighter like a moisturiser and definitely doesn't leave your face looking like a greasy ghost after putting it on. I can see why they would market this to women in Australia, sun protection being such an important issue here. I might save this one for the summer and use it as an all over sunscreen!  

Neutrogena Deep Clean Foaming Cleanser
175g RRP $13.99  available at Priceline



What they say:
Skin looks and feels soft and smooth after just one use of the foaming cleanser, which deeply cleans pores to awaken the skin and senses!

What I say:
I was a bit freaked out to receive this the very morning I had run out of my usual facial cleanser from clinique. It seemed like I was destined to shop around and keep trying cheaper alternatives before settling with one complete set regime. This comes in a tube with a pump where the product comes out as foam ready to splash straight onto a wetted face. It smells powerful but not irritating. It is great because it helps you wake up in the morning. I have been using it for a couple of weeks now and have had no problems whatsoever so I would say it would not be a bad choice for sensitive skin either. It did tingle a bit when I got it in my eyes though, I was trying to see what it looked like on my face as I was washing haha!

Carmex Moisturising Lip Balm
10g Squeeze Tube RRP $5.99 available at all good pharmacies nationally



What they say:
With its targeted, free flowing and easy application, feel the soothing ingredients of Carmex Lip Balm coat your lips for the softest pout in town! Apply with ease in just one simple squeeze.

What I say: 
I am a long-time user of Carmex for my chapped lips. My dermatologist gave it to me in a skincare pack when I was first prescribed my acne treatment Roaccutane (see my post on wearing make-up to school). I always remember using the classic tub version of this in school, then having nowhere to wipe my finger after applying it so I would always end up with shiny dark spots on my school skirt. Suffice to say I was thrilled when this tube version was first released and I could smear it straight onto my lips from the tube.This one is going straight into my backup supplies as I don't quite have an empty from my previous tub yet!

Bourjois Smoky Pencil 72 Dark Purple
RRP $20 available at Priceline



What they say:
The soft, easy to blend tip of this pop coloured liner glides along the lash line for an intense outline in one stroke. Plus, the ultra-soft brush perfectly smudges the formula.

What I say:
I am glad I got this one in a beauty sampler pack because I am quite sure I would have never thought of buying an eye liner in this colour. I tried doing a swatch but like many others it just didn't read well at all with my camera. I have used it in place of black liner and I have found it works for me when I don't want that extra harshness of black to finish off my eye look. I have used it to make the colours my smoky eye looks blend together more gradually. I don't think I will be using it very often but still a nice little addition to my collection.

Mode Glitter Nail Enamel
75ml RRP $2.45 available at bellabox.com.au



What they say:
After the basic clear topcoat, every girl needs a bright and fun polish for when she is feeling a little daring. bb loves Mode Glitter Nail Enamel for a solid glitter coverage. Best of all? At these prices you can collect every colour!

What I say:
It is nice a glittery and reads well with a good two coats. The red is not my favourite though and I usually prefer darker reds with metallic attributes. I think this range of nail polish is a bargain at $2.45 however so I might think of ordering a few off Bellabox soon and start racking up my reward points!

Almay Get up and Grow Mascara
RRP $19.95 available at Priceline



What they say:
The anti-breakage pro-vitamin formula defends against lash damage, helping yours to grow to their longest. The gentle formula also means it's safe on sensitive eyes.

What I say:
I tried this out during the first week of my theatrical performance of 'The Lesson' by Eugene Ionesco. It was quick and easy to apply. The brush is long and thin, with a consistent thickness so I didn't find it tricky to move around and ensure an even application on my lashes. I am not sure if this is really a good thing but another reason I love it is because it runs as soon as I start tearing up. This works for me because on stage I have to cry in extreme agony as my character and this works a charm as it gets in my eye at the first sign of moisture, spreads around, makes my eye a little bit sore (causing more tears) and making my character all the more convincing for those in the audience! Any actors out there, grab this one for a nifty little performance aide! I have never really been a fan of waterproof mascara either way, as I find any make-up removers are ineffective and it just stays on for days and smudges making my eyes look like they have dark bags underneath them.


The Body Shop Chocomania Body Butter
200ml RRP $29.95 available at The Body Shop stores


What they say:
This decadent body butter gives extra long-lasting hydration and contains 13 Community Fair Trade ingredients to leave skin sweetly scented, and feeling softer and smoother.

What I say:
I have tried several of The Body Shop body butters and have not been disappointed yet. They are always thick, smooth and leave your skin looking shiny and feeling amazing as well as smelling delicious! I like how the packaging on this one had a health warning about this product not being fit for consumption and to keep out of reach of children haha, it most certainly is enticing! 

Givenchy Pi Neo (For Men)
50ml RRP $80 available at Givenchy.com.au



They included a sample of this fragrance for men in my Bellabox this month. I gave it to my boyfriend and asked him for a verdict to supplement what I had to say. All I got from him was "Yeah, its nice" ......pfft! I actually don't know what more I was expecting...men! I find it quite strong for an eau de toilette and I think it is very sweet while still being masculine. 


Have you tried any of these products? What standouts did you get in your beauty sampler this month?

12 comments:

  1. I see this kind of samples "boxes" and I really like it but in Spain we don't have so many, glossybox and joliebox and that's it I believe.

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  2. Australia doesn't have that many either that I know of. You should try one! It is a good way to test out new things without having to buy the full product!

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  3. I wanna try a special one that come 5 full size for the same price.

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  4. so much samples! i should try subscribing to the box :)
    followed you too xx
    http://oliviiaaaaa.blogspot.com.au/

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  6. Hello Kimmy :) Thank you for following my blog, followed you back, I like your blog ^^ I checked Alannah Hill's website and you were right, looking at the collection is like checking my own wardrobe lol I have very similiar pieces ^^ Thanks for the suggestion :)

    torukogyaru.blogspot.com

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  7. great review:)
    btw maybe we can fllw each other?
    jessillesilv.blogspot.com

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    1. of course! looks like you have a great blog!

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  8. hahhaa... you can never rely on men for a detailed review on anything xD and thank you for this share! have a lovely weekend.

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  9. i can't live without carmex :P

    http://thegoldenpaillettes.blogspot.com/

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  10. i love carmex!! really nice post! maybe we can follow each other?? :)

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  11. I love MODE polishes!!! Incredible range at an awesome price)))

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