SAVI Australia Organic Hand Lotion in Wellbeing: Review

I got this little 20ml bottle in the April (and unfortunately last) Nature's Beauty Bag. It is 95% organic and is certified organic. It is a light, yellow hand lotion (quite thin so definitely not a cream) that has a citrus-ey, herbally smell. It absorbs really easily and leaves your hands smooth and well hydrated without feeling greasy. This is just the sort of handcream I've been looking for but haven't managed to get yet. Needless to say, I'm a big fan and will be quite sad when I run out of this lovely lotion. Fortunately a little goes a long way so it should last me quite a while. My hands are exposed to a lot of drying cleaning chemicals at work so the fact that this has made my hands so hydrated is impressive.

On to the superficial stuff. The packaging is quite lovely. It is a brown plastic, so looks like brown glass (which I love) but is travel-friendly. The tube is quite long but the opening is almost the same diameter so it will be easy to access the bottom. This of course means that I won't be forced to throw any of this out. It is also a useful screw-top bottle which will lend itself easily to some other purpose. 

Overall I am very happy to have received this product. It is an excellent hand cream and is cruelty-free and Australian so big ticks from me!
 
You can get this size from the website for just $4. If you like the smell they have other minis and full sized items with the same scent.

This product would suit anyone who likes to support Australian, organic or cruelty-free companies. Given the reasonable pricing, this a product that would suit just about anyone, no matter their ideals.

If you are interested in this product please check out their website






Disclaimer: I paid for this item with my own money. I was not paid to do this review and all opinions are my own.

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.

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.

Marie Claire The Parcel: Summer Edit Unboxing

Early last week I was very surprised to receive this lovely little Parcel! If you would like more information and links for this product, please see the The Parcel tab.

If you read my post on the the Spring Edit you would know that I wasn't that impressed with the customer service and was going to unsubscribe as soon as I received tracking for this parcel. I didn't and I'm quite glad as I was really impressed with this season's offering. 

The little black box was so packed full of stuff it sent butterflies swirling around in my stomach the second I opened it. 

This season's offering was very skincare based, which is fine by me as I've just signed up for a 12month Violet Box sub so I'm sure I'll have makeup samples coming out the wazoo very soon. 

Nuf chitchat, lets dig in. . .
 

Essie Nail Polish ($16.95) and Top Coat ($17.95). Full Sizes
I received the nail polish in a very very baby pink colour (can't remember the name of the shade and I've already given it away. . .oops). It is absolutely not a shade I would wear but I did try it on one finger and found it to be really really runny. The recipient also said the same thing. I will be keeping the top coat though because I don't have one and no way would I pay close to $20 for a top coat so I'm very grateful to receive it. 
  
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye, RRP: $94. Sample

please excuse the atrocious photo

This is a really nice eye treatment and I will probably do a full review on it once I've finished it to see if it fulfills all its claims. It is supposed to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness, dark circles, dryness and uneven skin tone - most of which I have in abundance. It is described as a gel serum. I'd call it more of a gel/cream hybrid. The texture is lovely and it feels really luxurious on the skin. I have only used it a couple of times so I can't really go into more detail than that. It does look really nice on my makeup table though, sorry the photo isn't doing it justice. I would also add that at 5ml this is a very generous sample size. 



John Frieda Luxurious Volume Touchably Full Shampoo and Conditioner ($15.99 ea) and Fine to Full Blow-Out Spray ($16.99)

This is a great little set and we received 44ml each of the shampoo and conditioner and 29ml of the spray. I don't really blow dry my hair but I do straighten it sometimes so I will see how it goes for that. All these products share the same light, clean smell. I've never tried any products from this brand so am very interested to see how they work. 


 
Jergens Ultra Healing Body Moisturiser $5.99 for 100ml, full size
This is a really thick, intense moisturiser. I used it two nights ago after my shower and it was really moisturising. I didn't use moisturiser the next day (even after my shower) and my skin still felt smooth. I really like this, however I do think it's a bit heavy for an all-over moisturiser in summer. I will probably just use it on dry patches, but I would certainly use it in summer. It's also readily available and inexpensive. 
Revlon Age Defying CC Cream $26.95
Correct me if I'm wrong but this looks like a full size item. It is supposed to be a colour correcting cream offering light but buildable coverage. It is in the shade medium which is way too dark for me but I mixed it with my whitening BB cream from the makeup edition memebox which is way too light. The result was a light-medium coverage BC cream that matched my skin and left a dewy, fresh finish. I am really happy with this mixture and it means I can now make use of two products I wouldn't otherwise be able to use. More specifically, I don't really have too much to say about this product. It's a light-coverage cream, just like the others as far as I can tell. It claims to have anti-wrinkle, dehydration and uneven skintone properties so I will let you know if I agree with that when I've been using it for a bit longer. 



Philosophy Purity Made Simple 3-in-1 face and eyes cleanser, $15 for 90ml.
I received a 30ml sample of this product which is very generous for a facial cleaner. This product claims to remove dirt, tone and lightly hydrate and is safe for use around the eyes. It has a very faint, slightly musky smell. I have used it a few times and it removed my makeup very well, granted it was not waterproof makeup (note however that it isn't a makeup remover). I also rubbed my eyes with it to get mascara off and it didn't sting or feel uncomfortable at all. While I still moisturised after using it, it didn't leave my skin feeling tight or dry after use.  I really like this stuff so far and would consider purchasing the full size if I still like it after further use. 
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant, $25 for 50ml
I'm not sure how much this sample is but I'd say it'd be around 15-20ml maybe. I was really excited to try this as I've heard a lot about it. It claims to be a do-it-all balm which soothes, moisturises and protects dry or mildly irritated skin. The description also suggests using it with your foundation to create a dewy glow. This is interesting and I will definitely try it. I did use some over my makeup a couple of days ago on my cheekbones to give them some sheen. It did, ut I'm not sure how long it lasted for. This isn't a 'cream' as such, it has more of a milky, gel-like consistency. It also has a very strong smell that I can't quite place my finger on. On the packaging it states that its fragrance free so whatever the smell is, it must come from the active ingredients themselves. I would believe that as it is almost medical in scent, its not unpleasant, just not a nice or clean kind of smell. Again, with this product I will do a full review once I have a more coherent opinion on it. 

The Verdict
I am so happy with the box. I was beginning to think over the last few days that I wasn't, but having gone through it again for this review I'm back to happy. This has a great range of products in it, most of which I am excited to try and all of which I will use (minus the nail polish but that's just due to the colour). We got 4 full size products and all the samples are a what I would call deluxe sizes. No sachets in sight either. The last box was very makeup heavy so I'm glad to see more skincare in this box, although I'm sure others would disagree. Again, I was happy to see a hair care product (3 really) thrown in as well. I also think that the price range in this box is great, most of the items I would say that I can afford to purchase if I like them. 
Even though I was adamant about ending my subscription to this box, I will be keeping it for at least one more box.   

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 Special #53 Wine and Cheese Cosmetics: Unboxing and Review

The Wine and Cheese Memebox was $29 and contains full size items fitting into the theme of wine and cheese based skincare products. This box is by far my favourite of the ones I have received so far. 

 If you'd like to check out Memebox, please click the link at the bottom of the post or check out my Memebox tab which explains what it is and provides links and discount codes.
Note: All prices are in USD

 LadyKin Mangchee Replenishing Hand Cream RRP: $14 for 60ml
This smells incredible. I'm not sure that it smells of mango but is certainly smells tropical. It's not too sweet a smell so I'm really enjoying it. The tube looks huge but it is only about half full. It isn't missing half the product, its just that the packaging is too big. It is a nice thin handcream, very hydrating and I'd say about medium on the greasy-after-feel scale. I keep this by my bed so I can have lovely smelling hands every night. 

 Tonymoly I'm REAL Red Wine Mask Sheet Pore Care RRP $1 each, I got 2.
These are enriched with red wine complex, is fast absorbing and softens uneven skin texture while maintaining a healthy oil balance, or so they say. I haven't tried these are i'm a little nervous about the smell. If they smell like red wine I'm really not going to want them on my face for 20 minutes. I will try one and if I hate it will give the other away. I will keep you posted. 

 Innisfree Wine Peeling Jelly Softener RRP: $12 for 180ml
I was lucky enough to receive this product as many others did not get it and were compensated with points. I wish I was one of those people as, unfortunately I really don't like the smell. Its strong, sweet and very red wine-y. I won't be using this and will be passing it on to someone else. 

Blanc Doux Pinot Noir UV shield and Tone-Up Sensitive RRP: $36 for 40ml
I absolutely love this. From the packaging to the smell, its just a lovely product. It's non-greasy and is 35+. It goes on really nicely and doesn't effect my makeup at all. All round win for me. 

 Dear by Eprani Bounce Cheese Cream $35 for 30ml
This is a day cream with a stretchy mozzerella-type texture which is supposed to help it adhere to the skin. It is also supposed to hydrate your skin in such a way that it plumps your cheeks and smooths out fine lines. You can see in the picture how it has stuck to my finger and stretched out. I actually don't really like this much, which surprised me as its a cult favourite. I find that the stretchiness means that I have to change the way I get the product out of the tub, I have to scrape my finger off on the edge which I don't really like. It also leaves my skin feeling tacky. I will continue to use it until I've finished it but I won't go out of my way to get it again. I will let you know if I notice any difference in my fine lines. 

 

LadyKin Mangchee Lifting Mask RRP: $14 for 60ml
This is mask you sleep in. It is incredibly light and it just feels as though you are putting on a moisturiser. I haven't found that it sticks to anything or stains and you don't need to wash it off in the morning. The best thing is that it smells exactly the same as the hand cream. I love this smell so much and my skin feels lovely in the morning. I've never had anything like this so I'm really happy to have it. 

The Verdict
As I said before, this is my absolute favourite box so far. I really love it. All the product except the Cheese Cream are now staples in my skincare routine. I just have nothing negative to say. As I bought this box without discounts, making it my most expensive box, I'm really happy that I took that plunge. I actually think that if they did a restock I would buy it again. Between this and the other skincare box I got (Oil Therapy, see review here), they've totally won me over to the skincare boxes. No mean feat as I was only really interested in getting makeup boxes when I joined. I'm really looking forward to what they have in store for the future.  

Did you recieve this box? 

Did you like it?

What was your favourite item?

Any questions?

Check out Memebox here
note: I paid for this bag myself and have written this review with no outside prompting or imput.

Memebox Special #56 K-Style 4: Unboxing and review

Special #56 K-Style 4 was $23 USD and contains 6 full size make-up items. The theme is Korean beauty favourites.
Note: all prices are in USD as this is what they use on their site.

 If you'd like to check out Memebox, please click the link at the bottom of the post or check out my Memebox tab which explains what it is and provides links and discount codes.
 

 Shara Shara Triple Shine Color Shadow: RRP $25 for 2g. There were a few different colours available, obviously I got the purple. This really isn't my colour and I'm a bit too old for it so I've decided to give it to my neice. I haven't swatched it due to this fact. 
Receven Face Control Foundation #002 Violet RRP: $22 for 17g
I've actually wanted to try this since I saw some CPM2 unboxings so I'm happy to have it. This is a purple foundation designed to brighten dull skin tones. I have a dull skin tone but it does lighten me up a bit as well. I've only played with it a couple of times so I've still got a bit more experimenting to do before I pass judgement. A lady on an FB group suggested using a damp beauty blender to put it on and described the effect as 'beautiful'. I don't have a beauty blender, or equivalent but I think I will invest in one and give it a go. Thanks for the advice!

 

Shara Shara Petit Friend Matte Lip Crayon RRP: $11 for 3g.
There were 4 available colours and I got red which I am extremely pleased about. The packaging is cute I guess, however I'm a bit of an old duck so am not really won over by that. You get a generous amount of product (it is a twist up) and it goes on really nicely and has a pleasant scent. It is definitely not a no-budge formula but I have a red lip liner on the way in a Violet Box so I think this will help it. 

 

 IdeeB Real Triple Rouge 02 Shine Pink RRP: $17 for 3g
This is a plumping lip gloss/tint. I would agree, it plumps, is glossy and leaves a little bit of subtle colour when it's gone. I wish it wasn't such a barbie pink but it's not opaque so I feel like I can make it work. I'm not big on glosses but this one is no worse than the others and when my lips are plumped it makes them look less dry so I won't complain. The packaging however is really tacky. It's got a pink tinted chrome lid which I'm not a lover of and would be a bit embarrassed if anyone saw me using it (again I think I'm just a bit too old for it). Still, while not an extraordinary product it's pretty good for what it is. 


Receven Volumizing Mascara RRP: $26 for 7ml
I haven't used this as I still have a couple of mascaras on the go. I will update this once I've used it. I won't explain what it is, I'm sure you all know.




Beauty People Miss 100Auto Gel Pencil Liner RRP: $38 (jesus!) for 0.5g


 This is a shimmery brown eye liner. I love brown eyeliners as my eyes are too small for everyday black wear. This can be used as an eyeliner or shadow but if you use it as a shadow, blend it out before it dries because this baby is no-budge. I wore it as both an eyeliner, and an eyeshadow and was really impressed. It didn't smudge or crease the whole day. I will definitely be using this one all up. It also has a little sharpener in the base which is a nice and useful touch.



Swatches

Top: Face Control Foundation/Eye Liner/Lip Crayon/Lip Plumper/Gloss

The verdict
While this wasn't the most exciting box, it was full of useful items. The two I'm really excited about are the lip crayon and eyeliner. I'm holding out judgement of the purple foundation until I've had a good and proper play around with it. I think this is a well rounded box and good value for the price. I do however think I will ease up on the makeup boxes and start getting into the skincare ones as I've enjoyed them much more. 
 

Did you recieve this box? 

Did you like it?

What was your favourite item?

Any questions?

Check out Memebox here
note: I paid for this bag myself and have written this review with no outside prompting or imput.