PRODUCT REVIEW: BELLABOX APRIL 2017

Another month has very quickly passed, and I've teamed up with Bellabox again for the second month in a row. I was very impressed with the contents of last months' box, my very first Bellabox ever, so was excited for this one to arrive. Here's what was in the Bellabox April 2017 box..

BB Summer Trio - Full Size (RRP: $9.95)
This is a small round compact containing three cream highlighters in three different shades. It has been created exclusively for Bellabox and supposedly there are different options, but I got one that contains a white shimmer, pale pink shimmer and a apricot shimmer shade. I have (naturally) never tried any of the Bellabox products before, so I don't really know what to think of the quality of this yet, but it does look lovely, and especially the apricot shade looks like something I’d usually wear.

Batiste Tropical Dry Shampoo - 50ml (RRP: $4.95 / 50ml)
I can't live without dry shampoo, and Batiste is without a doubt one of my favourite brands, as they are so affordable and smell amazing. This particular version has a gorgeous tropical coconutty scent that will make you day dream of an island holiday, and it will instantly freshen up your hair, while giving it body and smell amazing at the same time.

Avene Tolerance Extreme Cream - 5ml (RRP: $58.95 / 50ml)
This cream is offering intense moisture for dry, allergic and very sensitive skin. I don't really have either, but that said, my combination skin always tend to get a little drier as we head towards the winter months, and as I really do love the products from Avene, I still look forward to testing this one out.

Avene Tolerance Extreme Cleansing Lotion - 5ml (RRP: $58.95 / 50ml)
This is a no-rinse facial cleanser that is gentle while protecting and soothing the skin. I do generally prefer a foaming cleanser as I love splashing water in my face, but again, do look forward to trying this one out.

Nutraplus Barrier Hand Cream - 10ml (RRP: $7.50 / 50ml)
Winter has hardly hit, and my hands are already feeling it, and are so dry, so this couldn’t have come at a better time. It promises to help protect the hands by giving them an invisible protective barrier, to prevent dryness while keeping the hands moisturised and soft.

BONUS - Nutrimetics Nutri-Rich Hair Nourish Shampoo and Conditioner - Sachet samples, 10ml each
I have never tried any of the Nutrimetics hair products before, so I am looking forward to putting these to the test. Also because these are formulated to help protect and repair dry and damaged hair, while locking in moisture, so they are perfect for my long chemically treated hair.



So there you go, the contents of the April '17 Bellabox. And again I am quite impressed with both the variety and amount of samples in this box and not to mention quality. What I really like is that I will actually use every single item in the box, which makes it good value on its own, and at the same time, I get to try out Bellabox own brand, and more products from one of my fave French brands, Avene. I am also always on the lookout for treatment products for my long hair, and a hand cream never goes astray, and this one is the perfect size to pop into the handbag too!).
Another thing, and again Bellabox is still new to me, but compared to other subscription boxes where the contents is much the same for all subscribers in any given month (except for perhaps difference in colours of makeup products), Bellabox, from what I've noticed by reading other reviews over the past two months, contents seem to vary a lot more. And personally I actually like that. Yes, I've seen products in other peoples boxes I would have liked, but have received products myself I wouldn't swap in return. But what's more, as a subscriber, for me, one of the fun things about this type of boxes is the surprise element of what you'll find in your box - and with many people posting sneak peaks of their boxes, with other boxes that surprise will often be ruined before you get your box. But not with Bellabox!

$17.95 ($15.00+ $2.95 P&H) on a subscription plan, billed monthly, but you can cancel anytime.
Available from Bellabox

* Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.


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MOTHER'S DAY GIFT IDEA - BELLA BOX LIMITED EDITION MOTHER'S DAY BOX 2017

Does your mum love beauty products and needs to be spoilt a little extra this Mother's Day? Then why not treat her to the ultimate pampering gift this year. Bella Box have the most amazing limited edition Mother's Day Box, which is chock full of pampering goodies including skincare and makeup, that every woman will love. This special Mother's Day box, is a again a limited edition once off box, (and not part of the regular subscription service), and it contains a massive 12 products, valued at over $160, but you can get it for the bargain price of $49.95 (with free shipping). 

Unlike the 'regular' monthly boxes, this Mother's Day box comes in a navy blue box, and the products in the box include:

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Floral & Flirty Blush - 50ml
I absolutely love the Batiste Dry Shampoos, and actually couldn’t be without them as they are such a lifesaver, when you want to hit the snooze button on the alarm clock once more in the mornings. This particular one has a gorgeous fresh floral scent, and the small size also makes it perfect to pop into the handbag.

Nuxe Nirvanesque Smoothing Eye Contour Cream - 15ml (full size) Another brand I absolutely love, so this eye cream doesn’t go astray, - and being full sized it is valued at approx $45.95, already making this box exceptionally good value. The eye cream contains among others hyaluronic acid and optical correcting pigments to help smoothe away wrinkles and expression lines, while also reducing dark circles. Sounds incredible, and cant wait to put this one to the test.

Sukin Renewing Body Scrub with Green Tea an Jojoba - 50ml Yet another brand that I like, as it is high quality and efficient, while being so budget friendly. This body scrub contains micro jojoba beads and green tea leaves and ground walnut shells to help polish the skin and buff away dead skin cells, while leaving the skin soft and smooth thanks to containing among others coconut oil, jojoba oil and aloe vera, and rosehip oils. I also love the fact that it is free from all the chemical nasties, including no parabens and sulphates.

Molton Brown Orange & Bergamot Hand Wash - 30ml One of my favourite scents, is citrus, so this orange scented hand wash is right up my alley, as it smells so gorgeous. Molton Brown is known for their luxurious bath products, and this hand wash doesn’t fail to impress me either, and I'm almost looking for an excuse to wash my hands.

Thankyou Hand Cream with Botanical Geranium & Rosewood - 70ml I have the biggest respect for the brand Thankyou, who donates to help water and sanitary programs around the world. Their products are extremely well priced, yet are so good, and look incredible too. I already have several of them around the house, so very happy with the inclusion of this hand cream. It smells absolutely amazing, and leaves the hands feeling soft and smooth.

Momma Pure Rosehip & Jojoba Butter Rejuvenating Raw Sugar Face Scrub This face scrub is made using 100% natural pure essential oils, which immediately appeals to me. I am also excited about getting the opportunity to try a new brand that I've never heard of before.

Beach Road Naturals Body Bar with Coconut Oil & Kaffir Lime - 100g I admit that I am not the biggest user or fan of soap bars, for the pure reason that I do find they become a little messy after a while. That said, this one does sound pretty good, made from triple milled soap, and infused with coconut husk, and kaffir lime leaf to help gently exfoliate dead skin, to leave it soft and smooth.

Sarah Jean False Lashes - one set Then there's these false synthetic lashes from Sarah Jean, which looks absolutely stunning, and will be perfect for a special night out.

Sarah Jean Waterproof Clear Eyelash Adhesive - 4ml And what's false lashes without adhesive, so Bella Box has been so insightful as to also make sure to include a pack with clear adhesive.

PONi Cosmetics Pegasus Liquid Liner in black - Full Size
This is another product I am extremely excited about. I have a couple of PONi products which I so love, and using black liquid liner daily, I cannot wait to try this one. Another full sized product valued at around $29!

One Seed Organic Perfumery Freedom Organic Perfum - Sample vial I have heard of One Seed fragrances, but never had an opportunity to try, so this is another one that really excites me. The brand makes organic perfume, and this one smells so lovely, and the small vial spray is also the perfect little size to pop into the handbag.

Embasan Candles Fragrance Diffuser in Green Tea, Guava, and Tangerine - 10ml This little hanging fragrance diffuser is so adorable. It is made with stunning rose gold with a timber lid and a black cord, and it is perfect to hang in smaller spaces such as the wardrobe or in the bathroom. The Green Tea, Guava and Tangerine scent smells divine, and will keep your room smelling lovely for up to 4 months, will looking amazing too.

Finally, there is also a cute Sweet Mickie Quote Cookie included in the box, and who can resist that!!


So there you have it, a selection of amazing goodies in this limited edition Bella Box Mother's Day box. It is truly good value as just the Nuxe eye cream on its own, and the box is basically paid for, and the remainder of the items are bonuses, and there is literally everything in the box for skin, body and home. So treat your mum, and perhaps yourself too to this box, you both deserve it, and will love discovering and pampering yourselves with these beautiful products.

Bella Box Limited Edition Mother's Day Box - $49.95
Available from Bella Box

* Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

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PRODUCT REVIEW: BATISTE DRY SHAMPOO NEW PRODUCT LAUNCHES

Once upon a time I washed my thick long hair every single day. Yep, it did take forever to do, and not least style it afterwards - but my hair was simply used to it, so skipping a day meant that my hair got so greasy by lunchtime the next day that I just couldn't break out of the habit. Then I had shoulder surgery, and it was simply too painful to wash my hair, so I had to let it go - and for the first time ever started using dry shampoo, and what a life-saver. My hair has now gotten used to only being washed a few times a week, and in between those washes I still rely on dry shampoo, especially from one of my favourite brands, Batiste. 
 

Recently Batiste launched a range of new varieties;

The Batiste Marrakech Dry Shampoo is a new limited edition version that is inspired by the aromatic flavours, imagery and sounds of Moroccan bazaars, with its slightly spicy decadent fragrance. I've sadly never been to Morocco, but can only imagine what beautiful scents will be lingering in the air. That said, while it is a nice change, I do find it slightly heavy, and much prefer the fresher and fruitier scents available from the large Batiste range.

Next is the Batiste Blush Dry Shampoo which has a light floral fragrance with notes of red hibiscus, orange, freesia, green leaf, tuberose, peony, lily, spice musk and vetiver. It is a beautiful light, fruity and feminine scent, and so far one of my favourites from the brand. The lovely fragrance continues to linger in the hair for hours after using it, so your hair will not long look good, but smell fantastic too.

Then there's the limited edition Batiste Eden Dry Shampoo, which has a light and fruity fragrance, sourced from sweet melon and honeysuckle. - this too has become a clear favourite, as it is so light and fresh, but sadly it is limited edition, so I do think I will have to stock up with a few of these. Like the Blush, the Eden scent lasts in the hair for a few hours, which is very lovely. This limited edition version is available exclusively from Woolworths.

Next up is the Batiste Tropical Dry Shampoo which has a fragrant combination of melon, banana, coconut, plum and peach mixed with vanilla and sandalwood - and this one really does transport you to a tropical island thanks to the coconut, vanilla and banana. Unfortunately I am not a huge fan of coconut scented products, and I do find that note very dominant in the shampoo, so sadly this one is not for me - if only it had just contained melon, banana, plum and peach and it would have been a sure winner with me too - but if you're a coconut fan, which I know many of you are, then you'll absolutely love this exotic scent.

Finally, there's the Batiste Medium & Brunette Dry Shampoo (also available in Brilliant Blonde and Deep & Dark). Having naturally dark hair, I am often frustrated at how dry shampoos leave a white powdery residue in my hair making it look dull and like I've actually got grey hair, which thankfully I haven't yet. This dry shampoo is designed especially for brunettes, and contain just a touch of brown colour to make it blend in with the hair tone, making look invisible in the hair. If going out, I've always made sure to wash my hair prior, simply because of dry shampoos often make my hair look so dull and consequently not very healthy, but now thanks to this brunette version, that's a thing of the past - this is another variety that I'll be sure to always have at hand. Wish I'd tried it sooner!


Common for all varieties, are that just a few squirts near the scalp and hair line is all that is needed before you massage it in with your fingers to remove any greasiness and impurities from the hair, leaving it feeling and looking noticeably cleaner and revitalised, smelling fresher - and as an added bonus, they also give my heavy flat hair some much needed volume and texture. So definitely must-have products for those moments where you want to extend your hair style, you're running out of time because you've hit that snooze button once too many times, or simply want to freshen up your hair.


Batiste Marrakech Dry Shampoo - RRP: $9.95 / 200ml
Batiste Eden Dry Shampoo - $9.95 / 200ml
Batiste Blush Dry Shampoo - $9.95 / 200ml
Batiste Tropical Dry Shampoo - $9.95 / 200ml
Batiste Coloured Dry Shampoo - $9.95 / 200ml

Batiste Dry Shampoo is available from Priceline, Variety Stores, Supermarkets, and select pharmacies

  * Some products may have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

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PRODUCT REVIEW: BATISTE DRY SHAMPOO

Having long and thick hair, washing it and drying it takes forever, and add to that a baby as well as an over-active toddler running around between your legs, and I have days that I rely on a good dry shampoo. Here are my thoughts on some newly launched varieties from Batiste; 

What They Say:

Batiste Dry Shampoo In Neon Lights with Pomegranate & Jasmine is a volumising dry shampoo formula with a fresh fragrance. It revitalises greasy and lifeless hair and creates texture and extra body between washes. The light spray absorbs oil at the root and brushes out to leave fresh-scented hair. Simply spray on and brush through. RRP: $9.95 (200ml)

Batiste Strength & Shine Dry Shampoo is a dry shampoo that instantly refreshes hair between washes. It also helps to strengthen hair while restoring shine. It contains L-arginine, an amino acid to stimulate hair follicles. To use, hold can 30cm away from hair, then evenly spray through roots and lengths. Style as usual. RRP: $12.95 (200ml)

Batiste Dry Shampoo XXL is a light, volumising dry shampoo formula with a fresh fragrance. It revitalises greasy and lifeless hair and creates texture and extra body between washes. The light spray absorbs oil at the root and brushes out to leave fresh-scented hair. Simply spray on and brush through. RRP: $12.95 (200ml), $19.95 (400ml)

Batiste Dry Shampoo is available from Priceline, Coles and selected Pharmacies


What I Say:

A few years ago I would never have thought of using Dry Shampoo. I simply washed my hair every couple of days, and then prayed that it wouldn’t start looking too greasy before the next hair wash. But then I had shoulder surgery and washing my hair simply became difficult, and not to mention quite painful for a while, so I started using – and relying on dry shampoo.

It is the perfect product to use in between hair washes, as it is so quick and convenient to use. It not only absorbs any excess oils from your scalp, it also leaves you hair looking and smelling fresh, and with the added bonus of giving your hair extra volume!

Batiste Dry Shampoo has recently launched some new products including;


 

The Batiste Dry Shampoo In Neon Lights with Pomegranate & Jasmine. This dry shampoo has to be my favourite. IT has such a beautiful fresh fruity fragrance from the added pomegranate and jasmine that it immediately feels like you’ve washed your hair.

Next is the Batiste Dry Shampoo in Strength & Shine, which is no ordinary dry shampoo. It not only helps clean your hair between hair washes, and add volume and restore the hair’ natural shine, it also helps strengthen the hair as it has been enriched with contains L-arginine, an amino acid to stimulate hair follicles. I’m yet to see my feel my hair getting stronger, but the way I see it, it can only benefit your hair that it cares for it at the same time! It has a fresh scent that you’ll never get tired off!

Finally, the Batiste Dry Shampoo XXL Volume is now also available in a huge 400ml can, double the size of the standard sized can, which is perfect if you use it all the time. The dry shampoo not only helps keep your hair clean and free from oily roots, it also keeps it smelling fresh thanks to the fresh scent, as well as it helps add even extra volume to limp hair.

Common for all the Batiste Dry Shampoos is that they are so simple and easy to use, you simply shake the can, before spraying the dry shampoo into the roots of your hair. You then massage it with your fingers before brushing through and style as usual!

So whether you’re for a fruity scent, extra volume or extra strength and shine, these Batiste Dry Shampoos are a must-have in every bathroom!

*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

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HOSPITAL BAG - SKINCARE & HAIRCARE

So now, as I write this, baby is due in just 8 days. Yesterday I posted about the makeup I’ll be bring to hospital, and today it is all about the skincare and haircare products that I’ll be bringing with me to the hospital. I actually started packing the a few weeks ago, slowly pulling things out as I remembered, but now time has come to get serious, to make sure everything is ready to go!

Apart from the clothing necessities such as comfy clothes, PJs, dressing gown, slippers, underwear and maternity bras, breast pads, maternity pads... these are the haircare and skincare essentials that will be going with me..

EVO Beauty Is Skin Deep Women’s Essential Kit

I’ve always loved the brand EVO for its quirky texts on its bottles, which can only bring a smile to your face. The Body Crème for instance reads, ‘if you can’t spend a week bathing in pools of dead-skin-eating fish while being served dinner by trained psychologists, then this hand and body lotion is for you!

This gorgeous travel pack makes packing a whole lot easier, as the pack contains small convenient bottles of many of the essential hair and skincare products you need – and let’s face it, my hospital stay will just be for a few days, so it is absolutely pointless dragging along full sized bottles. The kit contains cute 50ml bottles of Self Indulgence Body Crème, Soap Dodger Body Wash, Mane Prescription Hair Protein Treatment, Ritual Salvation Hair Care Conditioner and Ritual Salvation Hair Care Shampoo. The shampoo, conditioner and hair treatment are all designed for colour-treated hair, weak and brittle hair, so perfect for my hair that will need all the care it can get after giving birth. The body wash and body crème both smell divine and will quickly wash away the scent of hospital, and help add some much needed moisture to my skin which will no doubt be dried out from the chlorine bleached sheets and towels! $RRP: 29.95



bhave Riot Control Oil

As you may now, I absolutely love the haircare products from bhave, and the products have done wonders for my hair. One of the products I especially love is the Riot Control Oil, and I’m lucky to have a small travel sized bottle floating around. Just a pump or two or this oil instantly helps tame down any frizz, while giving the hair a healthy and natural shine. RRP: $48.95 (Full Size/100ml)

Lady Jayne Tangleze
While I know that I won’t feel like spending too much time styling m hair, of course I’ll also need to pack a hairbrush, and this compact Tangleze from Lady Jayne is the perfect choice, as it is simply so small and compact that it doesn’t take up much room. And it is so effective in detangling knotted tresses in both wet and dry hair, while being super gentle. And in addition, it has the most gorgeous black and white zebra design that makes it look stunning at the same time. RRP: $12.99

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Neon Lights Pomegranate & JasmineWith my long hair I never wash my hair every day, so I doubt this will be happening while I’m in hospital either, - and that’s when I rely on a good dry shampoo to refresh my tresses. And then I just cannot go past this new (and sadly limited edition) Neon Lights Dry Shampoo from Batiste with Pomegranate and Jasmine, as it simply leaves my hair smelling so good while leaving it clean and revitalised. RRP: $9.95

Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion
One thing that I know I will need a little more off is body lotion, as again, my skin gets so horribly dry when in hospital, and moisturising lotion from Aveeno is perfect, as it has also helped me through the later stages of my pregnancy where my skin has become a little itchy. The thick cream has almost no scent and instantly provides instant moisture and relief to dry and irritated skin. RRP: $8.95

Uriage Eau Thermale D’UriageThis thermal water spray from Uriage is made from 100% natural thermal water, and just a fine spray across the face helps to moisture, and soothe the skin for hours, which I know it will be very quickly thanks to the constant airconditioning in the hospital. And it also instantly helps refresh the skin if it has become dry and irritated. RRP: 8.95


L’Occitane En Provence Shea Hand Cream in Zesty Lime
My hands always get horribly dry during winter, but this hand cream from L’Occitane has a high content of shea butter so it is extremely moisturising on the hands, yet absorbing quickly into the skin without any greasiness. Plus it leaves the most refreshing and zesty scent of lime lingering behind, which I just cannot resist! RRP: $13.00

Jurlique Hydra Gloss in Neutral
This gloss also acts as an extremely hydrating lip balm containing ingredients to soften, condition and smooth the lips, all while giving the lips a nice sheer glossy finish. RRP: $22.00


Simple Micellar Cleansing Water
This newly launched Micellar Cleansing Water from Simple is very gentle on the skin, and with just a few swipes over the face and eyes, it easily removes makeup (although struggling with waterproof mascara, without leaving a greasy residue behind. The Micellar Water is light and has a fresh scent, and doesn’t dry out my skin, and best of all, it is very gentle, so it doesn’t sting in my vey sensitive eyes! RRP: $9.99

Olay Wet Cleansing Towlettes
As I think I’ve mentioned many times before, I am not a huge user of facial wipes as I prefer to wash my face with a gel cleanser and splash water in my face afterwards, so I often just use them for when I’m in on long-haul flights, or swatching makeup products for the blog. But in saying that, I always have a pack handy, and will also be bringing these Wet Towlettes from Olay with me, as in case I am too drained and tired to wash my face, at least a wet towel is better than nothing. And I love the fact that these ones are alcohol and fragrance free so won’t dry out my skin. RRP: $6.95


SKII Facial Treatment Essence
I’ve been using the SKII Facial Treatment Essence for the past few weeks as a kind of toner, after cleansing my skin, but before my serum. The Essence contains the wonder ingredient, pitera, which SKII claims helps boost the collagen production and encourage new cell turnover. And within just a few short weeks, of using this odd-smelling Essence, my skin is not only more deeply moisturised and hence looking more plumb with fine lines and wrinkles reduced, but my skin also seems to have a more healthy glow. RRP: $100 (75ml)

 MyChelle Dermaceuticals G2 Instant Firming Serum
This serum from MyChelle is pack full of super anti-oxidants, phyto-nutrients and peptides that promises to instantly help improve the firmness of the skin and minimise the depth of wrinkles instantly, while refining skin texture too. And I’m impressed to say that you really do both see and feel that this serum has an effect on the skin, instantly making my skin looking more refreshed and plum, so it helps make you look more rested too when you wake up in the morning, even after a bad night’s sleep, and you can see the lifting results too when you use it under your foundation, so it’s just as perfect for daytime wear too. RRP: $62.50


SkinInc Pure Nano Hydrating Gel
I’ve only been using this gel moisturiser for a very short time, but I am already in love. The light gel is a true multi-tasker helping to hydrate, repair, tone, protect and prime, and not to mention brighten the skin all at the same time. It is super moisturising and nourishing on the skin, yet perfect for my combination skin as it is so light and non-greasy and leaves my skin feeling velvety soft and matte. And as it is suitable for use both morning and evening, I only need to bring this one moisturiser with me. RRP: $163.00


Antipodes Kiwi Seed Eye Cream
One thing that I can never be without is a good eye cream, and this Kiwi Seed Eye Cream from Antipodes will provide my (more than likely) very tired looking eyes with some much needed cooling and soothing care, while adding moisture and softening fine lines. And I love the fact that the cream has been shown to scientifically shown to stimulate collagen production by up to 82%, so hopefully it can help keep fine lines and wrinkles at bay for a little longer! $44.99

 

 

Sisley Paris Eye Contour Mask
This amazing mask from Sisley will help refresh and soothe tired looking eyes instantly, and I love that it goes on clear so I can actually wear it during the day, and nobody would ever know. Or pop on a thin layer at night before bed, and wake up to eyes that are less puffy and looking more refreshed and younger. RRP: $150.00

 

Vanessa Megan Birth Ease Natural Labour Spray 
I was given this when I first announced my pregnancy, and since then it has been sitting in waiting to be put to the test. It is specifically designed for the hours of labour, to help assist with tensions, promote contractions and help build confidence during labour – and as the birth of our first boy was long, drawn out and a painful one too, I’m willing to give anything a try to make it faster and more comfortable too! Fingers crossed! RRP: $29.95

Weleda Nipple Care Cream

Oh dear how I vividly remember how sore and cracked my poor nipples were when I started breastfeeding our little boy when he was born almost two years ago. I had to send hubby to the nearest chemist pronto to get me something that would give me some much needed relief. This time I’ll come prepared with the Weleda Nipple Care cream that is designed to both prepare for breastfeeding, as well as soothe and care for cracked nipples. RRP: $27.95


So there you go, these are the skin and haircare products that I'll be taking with me, again, no doubt a lot more than I will actually need, but these are some of my current favourites, and in the end of the day, so much easier to simply bring it along than have hubby try to find what you want at home!!

*Some products may have been provided for consideration, but would still be reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

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