Second Last Bellabox

I recently cancelled my Bellabox subscription just because I was getting quite a backlog of unused samples and I have too many bits and bobs lying around. This is the one I got for October and I will be receiving one more for November which actually works perfectly because after that I will be going overseas for my big holiday woo!

This month was all about being pretty in pink! In addition to what I have photographed up the top they also sent me a gorgeous pink heart chocolate which I couldn't wait to eat even to take a shot first haha! I have had this box for a couple of weeks now so have been able to give nearly everything a good try.

The Estee Lauder resilience lift is like a slightly cloudy/creamy serum that you can put on any time of day, as often as you want, even over make-up for an instant skin lift. I notice it makes my skin really perky and smooth as I put it on and I love it! They said on the info that over time it can even boost collagen levels in your skin and promote skin elasticity. Not a cheapie though, so might not be buying this one soon but maybe one day. The Clinique turnaround concentrate had the same feel and texture of the resilience lift but claims to work as a serum that accelerates the renewal of skin cells on your face. I have been trying so many different things on my face lately, it's hard to attribute any success to one particular thing but using both of these I have had no problems at all and I am liking the improvements I am seeing regardless!

I was happy to receive TWO lippies in my Bellabox this month. Both pink of course, one, a shimmery and glossy shade from elf and another a pink-stick balm from carmex. Carmex balms never fail to moisturise my lips as I sometimes have problems with this working under harsh air-conditioners (haha poor me) and in an indoor smoking environment. I love how I can whack carmex on and let it work its magic, keeping my lips comfortable and even helping them heal when they get chapped or broken. 

Not sure if I am a fan of this shade but will be sure to try the claimed 'instant drying' effect as soon as my nails recover from my last visit to the nail salon (I got acrylics done for a photo shoot). 

As you can see this was a very little sample but I was so pleased to see it came with a tiny little push-pump at the top so I didn't have to drop and rub it onto my skin like with so many other fragrance samples, very convenient! This scent didn't really do much for me. It is fresh but I found it very, very floral. I know this is a very popular scent but I guess it's obviously not for everyone.

I have used this twice on my hair after washing it but never got around to blowdrying it. I just let it dry naturally so I can't really comment yet on wether or not it really reduced blow drying time. I did like how it wasn't sticky at all, like many heat protectors and it didn't weigh my hair down or make it look like it was full of product. Some promising qualities, will have to get around to actually doing my hair properly!

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?