RUBIFRESH Hyrdrating Body Gel: Review

I got this sample item in my Nature's Beauty Bag. I was a little skeptical as I didn't enjoy their Daily Face Scrub at all, but I've been pleasantly surprised. It smells the same as the scrub, a slightly minty, organicy scent. It's not a terribly enjoyable scent, but it's not horrible either. It's fairly subtle and doesn't linger so it's not really an issue. 
It's got the consistency of a runny gel and a little goes a long way. It leaves your skin very very sticky after you apply it but this disappears pretty quickly and when it does your skin feels amazingly soft. I actually really enjoy this product and will be sad when I run out. RRP is $49.00 for the full size, although the website doesn't state the size of the pump pack.
Given the price, I won't be purchasing the full size, however I have enjoyed trialling this product. 

Note: I payed for this product with my own money. This is not a sponsored post.

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.

Violet Box September 2014: Review

I received this box on the Wednesday 1st October, not too late but I would still have liked to have gotten my first Violet Box in the month of the box but oh well. I was still excited to get it even though I already knew what was in it and knew it would not be my favourite box. Anyway, here is what was inside and what I thought of it:

Scandalous Rock Chick Wave Spray. Full size 150ml RRP: $17.95

I'm very glad I got the Wave Spray and not the other possibility, the Dry Shampoo. I don't use dry shampoo but will use this one spray. I am currently growing out a very short cut so don't really have enough hair to test it yet. I did use it and un-surprisingly it really didn't do too much. The smell is ok, although a little strong for me. Not nice enough to want to inhale my hair but also not aweful enough for me to want to remove it and place it as far from my face as possible either. I have a natural wave in my hair and love to use things that will enhance it without making it crunchy. I'm a bit user of beach sprays and tousle-type sprays so will be very interested in what this one will do for me. I'll probably do an individual review of this spray in a few months when I have enough hair to see what it does.
Oh, forgot to mention that the packaging is great, I love black beauty products!

 Foltene Nail Treatment. Full Size RRP:$29.95

Unfortunately I have annoyingly strong nails that grow super fast (unlike my poor hair) so I won't be using this one. My sister has been trying to strengthen her nails recently so I have gifted this to her. She will let me know how she goes with it.

 

 

 

Girlactic Eyeshadow in Flame RRP: $23.00

I got the colour 'flame' which is a burnt orange. It feels nice and soft and is quite
pigmented. I'm still pale coming out of winter so its a bit orange for me now but I think it will look good when I have had a bit of sun. I love golds and browns so I think this one will fit right in to my current collection.

Starlooks Ultra Olive Gem Pencil. Full Size RRP:$21.50

This is a nice green colour and is really sparkly. I would actually have liked a little less sparkle and a bit more colour as it is really light. I have green eyes and was really excited when I saw we were getting this. I like it, just not as much as I thought I would. I'm thinking of getting a dark green eyeliner and then going over it with this pencil.
It is incredibly soft and easy to use, it goes on very well. I usually stay away from pencils as I find them a bit hard - not really a fan of stabbing myself in the eye over and over so I just find liquid/gel eyeliners a bit more user-friendly.

Polished London Nail Enamel. Full Size RRP:8.00

Unfortunately I got this is what was probably the only colour I would never wear. It was a baby pink colour and made my skin look jaundiced. My neice loved it though so this was gifted to her. I did try it on one nail and it seemed to take ages to dry, and once dry it seemed quite soft. I don't know if this is how it actually goes on though because it was one nail, one time so don't base any opinions on that.

The Verdict
I think you can probably see why this one isn't going to be my favourite box. Despite some of the items being a bit of a miss for me, they were all full sized which made it a great value box. None of the items will go to waste though as I always have willing recipients in my very female family which is great. I'm looking forward to playing with the eye make-up, and the wave spray once i stop growing nails and start growing some hair! Overall, I'm happy enough with this box and look very forward to getting my next one. Hopefully in October, but it doesn't matter too much if its not. Still fun!

http://www.violetbox.com.au/the-box.html 

Have you received this box before?

What did you think?

What is your favourite product?

Cactus Skincare Sample Set: Review

Lemon Myrtle Cleanser: $54.95 for 200g 

What it is and what it's supposed to do:

This cleanser is suitable for sensitive skin and is 'light and refreshing' (it smells as though it may just be). This has the consistency of moisturiser and smells of lemon. It does contain sandalwood - which I can't stand, but you can't smell it so good for those who aren't fans of bloody sandalwood! This one is full of anti-oxidants and is supposed to have an anti-inflammatory effect.  For more information visit their product description here

My experience of it:

I really enjoyed using this cleanser. I loved the scent and it was very light and refreshing, great for the warmer months. It removed make up fairly well, although like I have previously said, I use waterproof mascara and eyeliner so it's a real challenge to get it all off for any product. All in all, I really enjoyed using this. 

Nature's Anti-oxidant Creme: $59.95. I can't see how much is in this so if anyone knows, lemme know. 

What is it and what is it supposed to do:

 This is a day cream which protects the skin from the environment and dehydration. It contains natural mineral sunscreen and is suitable for dry or sun-damaged skin. This cream looks like moisturiser and smells of lavender (not my favourite scent as those of you who read this review know, but I will try to reserve judgement until I've tried it!) For more information visit their product description here
 

My Experience of it

This was a nice moisturising day cream. It smells of lavender which isn't my thing but the smell is faint and doesn't last long once it's rubbed in. It did a sting around my nose when I first put it on, but this didn't last long either. It left my skin feeling nice and soft. 

Intense Hydrating Cream:$69.96 for 60g

What it is and what it's supposed to do:

 
This is a cream for dry or sun-damaged skin and can be used as a day or night cream. I will be using this as a night cream as I already have the anti-oxidant cream for use during the day. This yellow moisturiser smells of lemon as well. I freakin love the smell of lemon in my moisturisers so a big win there! It will apparently sooth sun-damaged, dry skin which is great as my skin needs this.  They also state that it ' may help soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles'. I'm not going to be using this long enough to comment on its effect on wrinkles.  For more information visit their product description here

My Experience of it:

This cream had a lovely lemony scent which I found to be very pleasing. It left my skin feeling really soft the morning after use which made waking up exciting! It stung when first put on as well. While writing this, I also used up the rest on my hands. I have got to say that I like it. My hands feel delightful and they smell of lemon (no stinging either). Win!

 White Clay Mask: RRP $59.95 for 70g

What is is and what it's supposed to do:

This mask can be used just before a night out, or once per week generally. It is supposed to leave skin cleansed and luminous and be refreshing. It is suitable for all skin types. It has a thick moisturiser-type consistency and you just paint it onto your face.  I found that this product stings quite a lot when you first put it on - its almost a burning sensation for me. When you purchase the sample set this came in, you are warned about this sensation which is great as it would be very distressing if you weren't ready for it. Fortunately it doesn't last long and when it wears off it feels quite nice. They suggest you do a spot test if you are unsure.  You leave it on for 12-15 minutes. It dries quite stiff but doesn't feel overly tight which is nice. It doesn't have much of a smell which is great.  For more information visit their product description here.

My experience of it:

I found that the day after I used this product my face felt amazingly soft. My husband and I literally could not stop rubbing my cheeks. It was almost a shame to cleanse and moisturise but I wanted to follow the suggested plan to the letter so I could give a relevant review. Left to myself I would probably just leave my face as is because it was incredible! I used this product twice and my experience was the same both times.

The Verdict:

I really enjoyed trialling these products. I was really impressed with the White Clay Mask and would have to say that one was my favourite. Whilst I was OK with the stinging sensation for the clay mask, I was less so for the two moisturisers. Probably just because the mask is a weekly product, however having my moisturisers sting my face twice a day was getting to me a bit by the end of the week. Having said that, I think that if the stinging doesn't bother you you'd be more than happy with these products - just as I am with the mask. 
I'm fairly sold on the mask and the cleanser but will be looking at the moisturising oils/serums Cactus Skincare have on offer to take the place of the two creams so as to avoid the twice daily sting. 
Cactus Skincare offer a percentage off which increases with every additional product you buy - details are available on their website and I would recommend checking this out. 
I would also strongly recommend trying the sample pack! It's great value and the bundle price reductions mean that if you don't like one product, you can replace it with another and still save money.

I would also like to note that the customer service is incredibly good. I had a question, it was answered the same day and a solution offered.  

 

http://cactusskincare.com/

Have you used cactus skincare products before?

What did you think?

What is your favourite product?

Note: I paid for these products using my own money and have not been approached to do this review. These are my opinions and should not be regarded as anything other than that.  

 

Cactus Skincare White Clay Mask: Review

White Clay Mask: RRP $59.95 for 70g
 

What is is and what it's supposed to do:

This mask can be used just before a night out, or once per week generally. It is supposed to leave skin cleansed and luminous and be refreshing. It is suitable for all skin types. It has a thick moisturiser-type consistency and you just paint it onto your face. 
I found that this product stings quite a lot when you first put it on - its almost a burning sensation for me. When you purchase the sample set this came in, you are warned about this sensation which is great as it would be very distressing if you weren't ready for it. Fortunately it doesn't last long and when it wears off it feels quite nice. They suggest you do a spot test if you are unsure. 
You leave it on for 12-15 minutes. It dries quite stiff but doesn't feel overly tight which is nice. It doesn't have much of a smell which is great.  For more information visit their product description here.

My experience of it:

I found that the day after I used this product my face felt amazingly soft. My husband and I literally could not stop rubbing my cheeks. It was almost a shame to cleanse and moisturise but I wanted to follow the suggested plan to the letter so I could give a relevant review. Left to myself I would probably just leave my face as is because it was incredible!
I used this product twice and my experience was the same both times.

The Verdict:

I think that this is a fantastic product (and arguably the best mask I've every tried). I do think that the stinging/burning sensation might not be for everyone however. For me, it is a trade off, I really don't like the way it feels initially but the long-term pay off is worth the short-term discomfort. It's a big ole' thumbs up from me, in fact it is now on my Christmas wish-list.

Have you tried this product?

What did you think?

Would you use it again?