Violet Box: February Unboxing and Review

I got this a couple of weeks ago, towards the end of February, so I've had a good chance to try out the items I'm wanting to keep. This was another great value box containing 4 full size items, and 1 extremely generous sample.

Here's what was in the box:

Natural World Moroccan Argan Oil: RRP $5.99 for 25ml

This is a leave in oil hair treatment. It is designed to lock in moisture, nourish and restore shine. I don’t know about the nourish or shine part of this, but it does a brilliant job at softening and smoothing the hair without leaving it oily. I really enjoy this product. A little goes a long way so this is going to last a very long time (for me in particular as I have very short hair). I have found that it can be put into wet or dry hair and it has a very subtle smell that dissipates to nothing. This is a very important factor for me as I’m really picky about smells. I also like that it is so inexpensive. Congratulations VB, you have introduced me to a previously untried product that I will most definitely be purchasing in the future.

Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser: RRP 46.95 for 125ml

This enormous 30ml sample is frickin amazing. I absolutely love almost everything about this. It has a strong lemon smell which I just love (it also tastes like lemon and sugar if you accidentally gets in your mouth – mmm pancakes). It is a sugar scrub so as you rub the gentle mixture into your face, it both foams and the sugar particles dissolve in a very satisfying way. The only problem I have with this product is the after-smell which smells like microwaving poppadums and stays on your hands for a bit. I have overcome this by washing my hair after I use it so my hands end up smelling like shampoo instead. If this product was cheaper I would be all over it, and the many others from this brand. Unfortunately, my budget doesn’t stretch to this at the moment, however I have already begun saving as this is honestly the best cleanser I have ever used. Big thumbs up from me. 

Emite Make Up BB Highlighting Pen: RRP $32

This product caused much confusion as it says it’s a highlighter, however the card says to use it as a concealer. Said confusion was only made worse when I used this product. It appears to be some sort of hybrid of the two. It is very thick and hard to blend like a stick concealer, very yellow in colour like a concealer, but more reflective than a concealer – more like a highlighter. I have been using it as my undery-eye concealer but have also been using it in the typical highlight areas (above cheekbones, temples, chin, cupids bow). It is ok, the consistency makes it a bit hard to blend nicely and it can look very very cakey without the proper treatment. I’m glad enough to have it, but it isn’t a product I would purchase having used it. Certainly not for that hefty price tag.

Teez Trend Cosmetics Easy on the Eyes Pencil: RRP $26

This is black. I have a multitude of black pencils and I don’t use any of them. I have small eyes and anything darker than a brown just makes them look small and heavy. I was so excited to see a Teez product as I’ve never tried one before but unfortunately that won’t change. The packaging is absolutely beautiful however. I have read that, despite being waterproof this product smudges and transfers fairly badly. I will try and swap or sell this product so I won’t be able to swatch it.

Pretty Woman Magnetix Nail Polish: RRP $9.99

I just could not be less interested in this. The colour is an antique, very very glittery gold. I’m 31 years old, I just have no interest in glitter. It comes with two different magnets which I suppose is good. I haven’t tried it as I’ll be giving to my niece. Magnetic nail polish isn’t new and this coupled with the fact we received a different branded one from VB in November has me questioning why on earth it made it to the box. I forgot to picture this sorry, there is a photo in the first photo at the top of the post. I am so unimpressed with this item that I'm not going to bother taking another photo of it. Apologies.

The swatches. . .

Top: Highlighter Pen, Bottom: Suki cleanser

What I thought. . .

Overall I’d have to say this is a great box and provides excellent value for money. Fair enough I won’t use two of the items in the box, however the value of the other 3 more than makes up for the price of the box. Two of those 3 products I really enjoy, and the other one I will most likely use up so I’m very happy.

Let me know what you thought of the products in the box, I would love to hear other peoples opinions/experience of the products.

Marie Claire The Parcel: Autumn Edit Unboxing and First Impressions

Unfortunately Marie Claire have pissed me off yet again. Again, I won't go into why until the end of the post so people who aren't interested aren't forced to read it. 

Once again, this box came in very good time considering all other boxes take at least a week to get to me(just 4 days after receiving the shipping confirmation). It was also chockers again, albeit a little less exciting that the summer edit. 

Here is what was inside:

Lancome Advanced Genefique Youth Activating Concentrate: RRP $95 for full size. 
We received a sample size of this one which is a cute mini version of the full size. It is 7ml which is a very generous sample size for a serum. It claims to repair skin and 'activate; the 10 visible signs of youthful-looking skin. You use 3 drops morning and night. I haven't had a chance to use this yet but I did try a little on my hand and it did leave my skin feeling nice and smooth so I think it might be a nice hydrating serum. As for the 'youth activation' side of it, we shall wait and see. I am naturally skeptical but am happy to be converted. I have a few serums to get through before I can try this one, so I'll probably do an individual review of this one down the track.

Schick Hydro Silk: RRP $14.25
Obviously we received the full size of this product. I have fallen into the habit of using my husbands disposable razors so I haven't had my own razor for about a year now. This is probably going to do wonders for me given what I'm used to but I'll have to see. This is also one of those razors that you can buy replacement heads for so that's great as I struggle to fork out that much money for one razor (I know that's really tight but I'd rather put that money towards taking my daughter to a coffee shop or something like that). I am very appreciative of the fact that it's blue and not pink as I'm just not a pink, bling, glitz kind of girl. 


Max Facter Masterpiece Transform Mascara-black: RRP $23.95

We recieved the full size of this mascara. I haven't opened it as I don't use black mascara as I find it makes my small eyes look even smaller. I have seen the wand on some unboxing videos on youtube (Messy Downunder and Vicki Seymour) so check them out if you want to see. It does look like a really good applicator shape and the bristles are plastic/silicone so I'm disappointed I won't be trying this one. 



Mor Emporium Classics Snow Gardenia Triple Milled Soap: RRP $19.95
The card states that this is a sample size, however it looks pretty full-sized to me. I really can't imagine how it would be bigger and still fit in your hand so I think we must have recieved the full size. I really like Mor products and I'm due for a new soap, however the smell of this soap is just too strong and floral for me. The packaging of this product is just beautiful.

L'Occitane Dry Skin Hand Cream: RRP $42
We received a very generous sample size of this. It doesn't say how much it is but I would guess that it is at least 20ml. The packaging is lovely and I'm always using handcreams so this is a good addition to me. I got it in the scent Rose Heart, which is the scent I was hoping I wouldn't get. I was a little disappointed as soon as I saw the colour of the tube, however it isn't as potent or 'old' as I thought it would be so I think I'll still be able to get good use out of this. It has an almost fruity undertone, although it is subtle, which might be what saves it from being too much. It absorbs very easily and doesn't appear to be too greasy either, as long as you don't use too much. 


Rimmel BB Cream Radiance: RRP $12.95
We recieved the full size of this very nice BB cream. This is a brand new product, due to hit the shelves next month. I was actually after a new BB cream so I'm very excited to receive this product. I recieved this product in 'light', even though the card indicates it should be 'medium'. I don't mind at all as it is on the lighter side of the right shade for me now and I will be getting all pale and whatnot as soon as winter sets in so it's perfect for me. It contains 'skin-brightening' vitamin C complex and shae butter. I have tried this on my face and it does give you a healthy glow so I'm really happy with this. I'll do a full review once I've used it a few times, however my first impression is a very positive one. I don't like to wear heavy foundation so this product is a great addition to the box.

Garnier Skin Naturals Miracle Skin Cream: RRP $19.95
We received the full size of this product. It doesn't say so but I think this may be a moituriser. It claims to reduce wrinkles, dark spots and dehydration and to illuminate. It looks like a cream when you put it on but turns into a skin colour once you start to rub it in (see swatches at the end of the post). This is apparantly due to the 'micro pigments' which adjust to match your skin colour. The skeptic in me says yeah right, however whatever the cause of the colour, it is a great match for me so I'm very pleased to have this. I was just about to go on the hunt for a tinted moisturiser so this is great timing. It is also affordable as you don't need to use much and it's a 50ml tube. Unlike the Lancome serum, this is a product I could see myself purchasing. I plan on trying to source another one in a facebook swap, sell, buy group.


Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes: RRP $3.99 (7 towelettes)
Recieved full size. Who doesn't use makeup wipes? I have to use water proof mascara to help hold a 100% artificial curl (no natural curl for me I'm afraid) and it is always difficult to remove so I am always happy to receive makeup wipes. I have also heard these ones being toted as the best so I'm glad to give them a go. Having said that, this item (along with the razor) are not items I would expect to see in a self-proclaimed high end service. 


The swatches

top: garnier skin miracle cream, bottom: rimmel BB cream. Both are blended out to the right hand side.

My thoughts. . . . 
We have again received a great value box. While not their most exciting box, it is probably the most practical box I have recieved from them to date. I will use most of the items in the box, and the ones I don't use I am hoping to swap for more of the ones I will (fingers crossed). The fact there is only 1 actual high end product in the box is a bit disappointing. I live in a small town in Tasmania, therefore I don't have access to high end samples as a matter of course and I do enjoy the feeling of 'luxury' you get when you use more expensive products. Having said that, I am still very happy with this box. It contained a few items I was actually going to source so it has saved me that hassle (not to mention the extra cash). I'm excited to get into it. 

If you got the box, let me know what you thought of it. I'd love to hear other people's opinions/experiences.

 Would you like to read my unboxing of the Spring and Summer edits?





The Rant

They have taken the payment for this box on the 1st of February. They indicate on the website that they will take payment on the first of the period (I assumed season), which would mean the first of March. When I emailed them about this, they sent me an email saying that this matter had already been resolved following my phone call. There was no phone call, I assume they meant my last issue with them (also taking money unexpectedly for the summer edit). I emailed back and received a patronising explanation of what a subscription service is, and that was it. No offer to return my money to me and no mention of my request for confirmation of the exact date the next payment would be taken. This is ridiculous and, aside from LHI, I believe they have the least helpful customer service of all the Australian subscription services. I have been a member of all except Flora and Fauna and consequently understand what a subscription service is. Also, I'm not an idiot and really don't appreciate being treated as such. Pull your socks up Marie Claire and stop being so condescending, you are not doing your company any favours here.

Violet Box Unboxing: January 2015

While VB were really late this month, once the box as actually shipped it got to me really quickly. They also kept everyone well informed which was appreciated. 

The box is another great box this month with 3 full size items and 2 samples. 

Here is what was in the box:

Distilled Hydrolyzed Silk Treatment Serum. RRP: $36.00 for 5ml
This claims to be a water-based lightweight serum for the lips. It is also formulated with 96% certified organically cultivated ingredients. This is in a little glass brown bottle and I have no idea how much is in it. For a lip product, I would say this is a very generous sample. I have never heard of this brand, and have never used a lip serum before so I'm very excited to give this a go. It smells very clean, almost lemony but not quite. It feels kind of oily but without being greasy if that makes sense. I suppose that is what they mean by 'silk'. We were supposed to get either this product or a different serum. I was lucky enough to get a sample of both, although I have no idea if that is what everyone else got as well or if it's pure luck.

Distilled Restore Treatment Serum. RRP: $36.00 for 15ml
This one claims to be a serum for the skin, nails and cuticles. Again, I have never had a serum for the hands and nails before so once again I'm very excited to try this. I have to use chemicals at work so my hands can get a little mistreated sometimes. This comes in the same packaging as the lip serum and, while it looks lovely it really isn't practical at all. I tried to use some and could barely get any out of the tiny jar. I think I will have to decant this one in order to use it. It smells and looks exactly the same as the lip serum. Other than the ill-thought out packaging, this is a product I'm very keen to try out. I will probably write a separate review on these two once I've given them a good try. 

The Cosmetic Kitchen Raw Chocolate Clay Mask. RRP: $24.95
This is a full size product. You can mix this with water, oil or whatever else you like to turn the powder into a mask. I have already received this in the Dec. LHI bag however I have the Kora White Clay Mask on the go so haven't used it yet. I will be keen to give it a go, although I have heard that it leaves your skin a bit pink so I will probably do it in the evening. Just in case. 

Lonvitalite 24K Active Gold Yulan Eye Mask. RRP: $25.95 (5 pack)
I got one of these. It claims to soothe under-eye bags and blackness and boosts circulation. I still haven't tried the face mask we got in the December bag from this line as I heard bad bad things about it. Apparently more than a few people had allergic reactions so I'm a little nervous to try this. I do have shockingly bad under eye bags and blackness so I will probably risk it. It does say to use this twice per week for best results so I don't think a single use will indicate how well this product works. Having said that, I'm happy to give it a whirl.

Emite Make Up Precision Eye Pencil. RRP: $24.95
This is an off-white eye pencil. It is very soft and glides on easily. It claims to give you 'perfect accuracy when you want to emphasize or create striking makeup'. It also says it's a great way to create perfect lash marks? I don't know if I'm being incredibly naive but how would a pencil this colour do that? If you know please leave a comment and tell me because I am at a loss to explain it. I will most likely use this for the waterline to make my haggard face look a little less tired! I'm very pleased to receive this a I've been meaning to buy a white-ish eye liner for a while and just never got around to it. Mind you, I don't think I'd ever pay this much for one, but I'm just a bit of a tight arse. 

Mellow Cosmetics Blush. RRP: $14.00 for 5g
This is a full sized item also. At first I was a little disappointed because the colour was very skin-like. I ot it in bronze and there was another colour you could get also. I actually really like this colour once it's on the face. I put it over my highlight and together they looked so natural and gave me a healthy glow. It's really soft and blends easily so is really easy to apply. This is a win from me. I love blushes and would never have bought one this colour so I'm really happy to add it to my collection. 

Overall this is an amazing box, and so generous. I can't believe there was 3 full size item  in there. I don't know if I was supposed to get both the serums but they are so interesting I can't wait to try them. I just wish VB would release another type of box so I could get another one. I just don't think there is an equivalent monthly box out there. It's such great value. Let's hope they keep up the good work.

If you'd like to know more about Violet Box, click on the tab on the top of my blog, or go to their website here. 

Did you receive this box?

What did you think?

What was your favourite product?

Note: I paid for this box with my own money and have not been approached by anyone to create this post. All opinions expressed on my blog are my own.

Violet Box: October unboxing and some reviews.

This is the October box and, just like the September box I didn't get it until the following month. This is fine though, I'm not too bothered. This will be my last Violet Box but I will leave the tab on my blog so that you can have a look if you are interested.

This is more of an unboxing than a review as I've only used a couple of the products. I will update this with reviews as I use more of the products.

sorry, I know this is side-ways but for some reason it won't open up the right way. Apologies. 

 

Here is what was in the box:

WOTNOT Facial Wipes for Oily/Sesitive Skin. 5 pack. RRP $1.95

These are organic and remove makeup. I haven't opened these because I already have a full pack of another brand open but I will update this once I've tried them. I'm very interested to see how they are as I've heard some very mixed reviews regarding this product. It's not really for my skin type but I'm sure they'll be fine as there are only 5 of them.

PHR Professional Haircare Recovery Leave-in Moisturiser RRP: $39.95 for 125ml.

 Sorry there is no picture of the 15ml sachet I received - I used it before I remembered I had to take photos! This is a really generous sample, especially for me as I have short hair. I think I could get at least 4 uses out of this. Unfortunately, like many other hair products, it has a sickly strong coconut scent. As you don't wash this out it isn't a scent that goes away and my room and hair smelled of this for two days. I really dislike coconut and for some unfathomable reason, products with this scent seem to be incredibly strong smelling as well. I didn't really notice any great difference with my hair either but I probably am not going to use this again due to the scent so I won't be able to tell you if there is any change with prolonged use. If you have used this for an extended period of time, please comment so that people can see what it's like. Cheers!

Haughty Cosmetics Perfect Finish Lipgloss. RRP $23.00

I got this in the colour "pull it together" which is a medium dark red colour with a rusty tint to it. (see the swatch at the end of the post). It is nice but a it kind of metallic for my liking. I'm forcing myself to wear it as it isn't sticky and is very pigmented for a lipgloss so its pretty convenient. It wears well but doesn't last long if you are eating or drinking. I'm not really decided on it yet but will update with a proper review once I've been using it for a few days. The packaging isn't really my thing but if you like 'blingy' stuff you will like the way this product looks. 

Designer Brands Eternal Colour Lipstick. RRP $9.99

This is in the colour Pink Rouge, which is just a light pink colour. I really don't like this colour as it is lighter than my lips. It's not terribly pigmented so, for me it's not really a colour I would wear. It goes on nice enough, although it does tend to cling to any roughness on my lips. I've not really got too much to say about this product, the packaging is a bit meh and I obviously don't like the colour. Again, if you got a colour you'll wear, please leave a comment to let us know how the product performs with usual wear. 

Designer Brands Lip Pencil. RRP $4.99

Everyone seems to have received this in the colour Fuschia Rose. It is a really really nice colour - i wish my lipstick was the same colour actually. It goes on really nicely. I've never actually used a lip liner so I don't have anything to compare it to. I don't have any lipstick that matches this at the moment but I will be purchasing some and will update this post once I've tried the two together.

Eslor Introductory Collection Envelope.

This contains four products ranging from $36.95 to $85.00 for the full sizes. It contains 5ml of each. A 'Soothing refiner and cleanser', 'Botanical peeling gel', 'Chlorophyll Lifting Mask' and a 'Firming Collagen Day Cream'. I am saving these for a day when I don't have my daughter so will write up an individual review then. I will put a link on this page when I've done it. I've heard really great things about it so I'm excited to try it out. I want to wait until my daughter is at her grandparents so I can really enjoy it.

The Swatches

Top to Bottom: Haughty Perfect Finish Lipgloss, Designer Brands Lipstick (more a light pink in real life), Designer Brands Lip Pencil

 

The Verdict

Overall it's a pretty good box. If I had the lipstick in a shade I liked I would have been thrilled. Aside from the lipstick and the hair moisturiser, I will be using everything in the box, so 4/6 is pretty good. I'm not too excited about the Designer Brands products, but it's still great to try them as they are probably in a price-range where I could purchase several shades if I like them. 

If you are interested in purchasing Violet Box, or are just after more information please click here
 

Did you receive this box?

What did you think?

What's your favourite item?

Note: I have paid for this box with my own money and am not being paid to conduct this review. The opinions stated are my own and should not be taken for anything else.

Memebox Superbox #64: Makeup Edition 2: Unboxing and review

I finally got my hands on my first Memebox today! I'm so excited. The box was $23USD, but with coupons and memepoints I got mine for $19.99USD. I can't remember exactly how much this was in AUD, but I think it was around $23.00 including postage. The boxs contains 7 full size items so I've got to say that this is an absolute bargain. Please excuse my terrible photos, it's very overcast here today.

In the box was:

RECEVEN Perfect Star Powder in 09Gray. RRP $11USD

This is a loose pigment which is extremely shimmery and glittery. It can be applied wet or dry. It is a nice subtle colour but I stopped wearing glittery make-up about 10 years ago. I can imagine that this would get quite messy to apply and would require proper setting to avoid fallout. It is an extremely generous size and would last a very long time.

Shara Shara I Wanna Cat's Gel Liner in 04Havana Pearl Brown. RRP $10USD

This is great. You could have gotten it in Persian Peal Navy as well and I would have been happy with either. I love gel eyeliners so was very happy to get this one. It has a nice brush in the lid which is actually a really nice brush. I wish we got both colours because I know I will definitely be using this product. As with all gel eyeliners, the size of the product is huge. It is water-resistant (not proof) which is great as I find water-proof makeup a bit difficult to remove if I make a mistake. It goes on really nicely,is easy to work with and is a real chocolatey colour.This is an absolute win as far as I'm concerned.

UPDATE: I used this last night at work and it didn't budge all night. It was super-easy to apply, which is great because I'm ham-fisted when it comes to things like this. The brush is perfect for thin or thick lines. I just love this stuff, nothing bad to say.

 

 

Etude House Woo Baby Lip Plumper in 01Clear Gloss Volume. RRP $7USD

There was also a glittery pink option and I'm so glad I got the clear one as I'm not a glittery lips person. This smells so fricken minty that I will probably use it all the time as I LOVE mint. When you open it it looks like a nail-polish brush type applicator but it's actually a flexible plastic spatula. I've only used it once and I'm not sure if it plumped anything as I have big lips anyway but my lips definitely feel well hydrated and the mint scent is amazing. It also makes your lips tingle a bit which I quite enjoy. This can be used under or over lipstick. 

UPDATE: I've been using this for two days now and I still love it. I do think it plumps my lips a little which makes them look less dry. I'm really liking it and am very glad I got a full size. I can't chew chewing gum because it gives me a sore throat so this is a nice alternative as it makes my lips tingle the same way gum does to your mouth. That's probably a really weird thing to say but its true. I've used it over and under lipstick and the result is great. I would recommend using it over lipstick though, or putting lipstick on after you've had it on for a while. If you put lipstick directly over it, it looks amazing but doesn't last very long. 

 

 

 

 

Secret Kiss Sweet Glam Glow Stick in Urban Coral. RRP $22USD

This is a lip product that is supposed to have the 'long-lasting wear of a tint, the high pigmentation of a lipstick and the high glossy shine of a gloss". Looking at the swatch I dare say that it would. Unfortunately, this is orange and orange lip colours are not even a little bit my thing. I'm really disappointed about this as I was looking forward to trying this product. Unfortunately, I always seem to get the orange lip products, Grr. I'm hoping to swap this one for the other available colour, Wonder Pink. 

 

 

 

 

Skinfood Mineral Color Fix Brow Mascara in 03Mineral Deep Brown. RRP $7USD

This is a brown brow mascara. I don't really know what else to say about this product as I have never used one and probably never will. I have very thick, dark (noticeable) eyebrows which need no further assistance. If it was a powder or a pencil I may have tried it but this product won't be used. I have swatched it and it's a nice enough colour so I'm going to try and swap or sell it so it doesn't go to waste. 

 

 

 

i.myss Beauty Toc Gold Egg Vibration Puff. RRP $30USD

This is interesting. It is a puff that vibrates, as the name suggests. It is for putting on BB Cream type foundations. It is meant to ensure high-adhesive performance and a 'delicate silky smooth texture'. I am SO intrigued by this and will be using it ASAP. I will probably do a full write up of this product and if I do I'll link it here. So crazy. 

UPDATE: I've now used this and it does appear to give my BB cream a smooth finish. Could just be that the foundation brush I usually use is a bit crap. I even had a regular at work tell me that I looked 'very attractive' last night (middle-aged female so not weird or creepy). It feels quite quirky, not sure if it's a nice feeling or not. I'm going to keep using it until the battery runs out and then decide whether or not to buy a replacement battery. It's really cute looking too, and it definitely has comic value so I'm really happy to have received this. Love it. 

 

 

 

Cover Queen Whitening BB Cream SPF30 PA++. RRP $16

This is a nice dewy BB cream, however it is way too light for me. If I were to use it I would probably use it only under my eyes, along my cheek bones and maybe on my chin, then use my normal foundation. Either that or I might mix it with my normal foundation. I will try and get it to someone who can use it as intended though. It's a really big tube so it's a bit of a pity. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Swatches

Top to Bottom: Sweet Glam Stick Glow, Receven Star Powder, Skinfood Mineral Brow Mascara, Shara Shara I Wanna Cat's Gel Liner

The Verdict

I'm really impressed with what this box has to offer. Unfortunately, the majority of the products aren't in shades I would use but you can't deny that it is a great value box. There is certainly some interesting products and some other products that I already love. Overall, I'm happy with this box - I could be happier, but I still think this is a good box. I'm excited to get my next one!

If you'd like more information about Memebox or links to their website and discount codes, please click here.
 

Did you receive this box?

What did you think?

What's your favourite item?

Note: I have paid for this box with my own money and am not being paid to conduct this review. The opinions stated are my own and should not be taken for anything else.