PRODUCT REVIEW: LUST HAVE IT - AUGUST 2014

Yesterday the *Lust Have It August box arrived at my door step, here are my thoughts;

What They Say:

Lust Have It boxes regularly contains products worth $60+ for only $19.95/month! Monthly box filled with 5 to 6 premium beauty samples. Delivered to your home or work each month for you to try.


RRP: Lust Have It Box (monthly) RRP: $19.95, Eco Box (quarterly) RRP: $29.95 – but if you use my unique code LIFESTYLE at the checkout on the Lush Have It website, you are eligible for $5 off your first box from Lust Have It, and at the same time you’ll also be supporting Beauty & Lifestyle Hunter, as I will get a few dollars too if someone subscribes using this code.

Available from Lust Have It 



What I Say:

This month the goodies again arrived in a pink see-through mesh bag, and this is what was in it;

 

BIO ELIXIA Body Shaper Stretch Mark Diminishing Cream – Full Size (RRP $39/125ml)

 

This cream promises to visible improve the appearance of stretchmarks, skin texture and discolouration. I have previously tried this, (see my full review here), and while I like it and it will most definitely be put to good use, and the full sized product obviously adds great value to the box – I would naturally have been more excited to have received a product that I had not previously tried. But again, as I really like it, and more than likely would have repurchased it again in the future, at least it saves me having to go get it, which is still a good thing! 


ELEVEN AUSTRALIA Miracle Hair Treatment – Full Size (RRP 24.95/125ml)

Another full sized product. Impressive. Yet again I have previously tried this hair treatment (see my full review here), and apart from the coconut scent I really like this treatment. And I love that it contains UVA and UVB filters so it protects my hair from sun damage as we head towards summer. Again, a great addition to the box and I am not complaining about getting a backup of a product I already love, but would, again, naturally have been more excited to receive a product that was new to me.  

 
 

 

ESSENZZA Fuss Free Natural Facial Cleansing Wipes with Aloe Vera + Cucumber – Full Size + mini pack (RRP $6.95/25 wipes, RRP $2.50/8 wipes)
 

 

 

 

 

I have never heard of this brand before, so a big tick for that as I love learning and trialling new products. However, in saying that, I don’t use facial wipes all that much as I simply prefer to use a gel cleanser and splash water in my face. But I do use them when I swatch makeup products for the blog, so they will never go to waste – and also I use them when I go on long-haul flighs – and as I will be heading off to Europe next week, timing is great. 

 

  

 

BIODERMA Crealine H20 – Sample Size, 20ml (RRP $29.99 AUD for 250ml)
 

 

 

 

 

I really like this Micellar water, but I have previously tried it and already own a full sized bottle, so sadly, again, the novelty factor is not there for me. But again, as I really like this product, the small sample size come at a perfect time as it will be perfect for me to bring on the plane when I take off next week!

 

 

 

 

MARSK Eyeshadow Brush Pro-Line – Full Size (RRP $28.95)
 

 

 

 

 

I had never heard of this brand before until I received an Eyeshadow in last month’s box. The Full sized product. The brush seems to be of a good quality, and as you can never have too many makeup brushes, I love the inclusion of this one! 

 

   

In addition there were also couple bonus discount vouchers that were included in box: 

 

  

• BioElixia – 20% off when you purchase online
• Zodee - $20 Voucher when you spend $70 or more
• Style Thread: 20% off when you spend $75 or more
• Misguided – 20% off
• Quickflix – 6 weeks of free home delivered DVDs and Blu-rays

 

 

I do like the inclusion of the vouchers, but to be quite honest, I am not sure if I will make use of any of them – the one I would be most likely to use would be the Quickflix, but as we’re already members and have been for years, unfortunately I cannot make use of the voucher!

 

 

So what’s my verdict on the box…. This is a birthday box and with the teaser card included in last month’s box, I was expecting huge things! Am I disappointed – No, I am not, as the included products are great value, and certainly worth far more than the box, and I love in particularly both the BioElixia and the ELEVEN Miracle Treatment – but the products just didn’t wow me as I already know and love them – and to me, the beauty of a subscription box is to be introduced to new products.

 

 

So while I am not as impressed with this box as I have been with previous boxes, on the other hand, I am certainly not complaining getting top-ups of products I already like + a new makeup brush, wipes and a travel sized cleaner for my upcoming holiday.

 

*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

 

 

 

If you are considering subscribing, don’t forget that you can get $5 off your first box by using the unique code LIFESTYLE at the checkout on the Lush Have It website

 

What do you think of this month’s Lust Have It Box? Are you subscribing, or considering subscribing? Any products you are particularly keen on? And as always, if you’d like to see full reviews of any of the products, do let me know..

 
 

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APRIL 2014 FAVOURITES

How time flies, and it is now that time of the month again where I share some of the products that I’ve particularly loved during the past month;

 

Arbonne It's a Long Story Mascara*

 

A little while we moved into our new house – well that is, the house we will be living in until we’ve finished building our new house. And with all the unpacking I’ve done the last month, along with looking after our little boy who has been teething with several teeth coming out at the same time and hence needed extra cuddles, I have had several days were I’ve gone more or less au naturel – wearing nothing more than mascara – as that is the one product that I would never leave the house without wearing. And I’ve been enjoying the It’s A Long Story Mascara from Arbonne.

Just one coat of this mascara instantly makes your lashes look incredibly long and glossy, nicely defining and separating the lashes and without clumping them together – and over time it also promotes the appearance of longer-looking lashes due being formulated with revolutionary polypeptides, bamboo extract and pro-vitamins to pamper, condition and nurture the lashes. While I’m yet to see the long term effects of using this mascara, the look that this mascara gives my lashes, makes it worthwhile regardless.  And the mascara is waterproof, and so gentle too, so perfect for my sensitive eyes.

RRP: 46.00 – Available from Arbonne

 

Illamasqua Precision Ink in Havoc*

 

When I have been wearing a little makeup, and felt like spicing things up a little, I’ve been using the Illamasqua Precision Ink in Havoc which is a reddish brown waterproof liquid eyeliner.

And as the name suggests, it makes it easy to make a precise line, even for fumbly fingers like mine. And it really does stay put all day, perfect for eyes like mine, which are sensitive and easily water.

RRP: $32 – Available from Myer

 

Laura Mercier Longwear Cream Eye Pencil in Sage*

 

To contrast the reddish brown liquid liner on my upper lashline, I’ve enjoyed using the Laura Mercier Longwear Cream Eye Pencil in Sage along the lower lashes. Sage is a dark olive green colour, and I feel that it the combination of the two colours really make the green colours of my eyes stand out a little more.

The eyeliner is such a joy to use, and applies easily without the need to drag or pull, yet it stays put all day, which is very rare for a kohl eyeliner.

RRP: $30 – Available from Adore Beauty

 

Clarins Rouge Eclat in Pink Berry*

 

I absolutely adore this Rouge Eclat in Pink Berry from Clarins. This is a lip treatment and lipstick in one, as it is an Age-Defying Lipstick which contains Nutri-Youth Complex to help create younger-looking, fuller lips, all while giving the lips a gorgeous colour. The Pink Berry, is a gorgeous red toned colour, and is very pigmented so just a quick swipe will leave you will fully saturated colour with a nice satin sheen, perfect for both casual wear and a night out. It feels incredible comfortable to wear, and it has a long wear, but as it wears off, it leaves the lips feeling so soft and smooth.

And not to forget, it has the most divine scent that I just can’t get enough off! I’ve already got my eyes on a few other colours to add to my collection!

RRP: $38 – Available from Clarins counters and Adore Beauty

 

Color WOW Pop & Lock*

As a stay-at-home mum, I no longer have my hair coloured as often as I used to – finding the time to sit in the chair at the hairdressers for hours when you have a baby is a luxury that I often haven’t got. And that’s why I’ll do anything to protect my hair colour by using products specifically designed for coloured hair. This Pop & Lock from Color WOW is a clear gel containing shimmers, and it contains shellac that adds a protective layer on the hair’s surface making the hair colour pop and gives the hair an incredibly healthy shine at the same time as it smoothes down any frizz. It also contains UV filters that helps prevent the hair colour from fading. And always looking for multi-tasking products, I love that it can be used in both wet hair, as well as to freshen up dry hair.

RRP: $29.95 (55ml) – Available from Hairhouse Warehouse

 

Pacifica Skincare Frangipani & Lime Body Butter*

 

I had never before heard of Pacifica Skincare when I was asked to trial this body butter. And now I feel I have a lot of catching up to do as this body butter is nothing short of divine. The last time I was on a tropical holiday is a very long time ago, in actual fact, it was in Fiji during 9-11! But this body butter transports you to that secluded tropical island as soon as you open the cream.

It simply smells incredible, beyond words. If you love frangipani and lime – which I are two of my all time favourite scents, then this will no doubt tick your boxes too. The cream leaves your skin feeling silky soft and smooth, and the scent more or less lingers for the rest of the day, which is pretty rare for a body butter. And then how cute is the floral box the cream comes in!

RRP: $20.95 (120gms) – Available from Pacifica Skincare

 

Paco Rabanne Million Lady Collectable Key Chain*

 

It has been awhile since this fragrance was launched, but nevertheless, it is a true classic. It is fresh and floral, sweet yet it is not sickly! It contains among others bitter orange and raspberry, neroli and jasmine and gardenia. As it is so floral and fresh it is perfect for daytime wear, yet as it also has such a depth, it is just as perfect for a night out.

And you know it is a quality perfume when it lasts all day, without really needing to respray (I can even smell it in my hair where it has brushed against my neck the following day) – Yet the small keychain is just so cute and gorgeous and perfect for the handbag, that I’ve found myself carrying it around regardless. I love it, and have already given my hubby subtle hints, so maybe one day I will get a full sized bottle..

RRP: $64 (Key Chain Travel Spray 10ml + 10ml refill) – Available from Selected Myer and David Jones

Ultraceuticals Even Skintone Serum*

 

One of the key thinks that bothers me about my skin is pigmentation, and I am forever in search of products which can help minimise it, and this serum has dramatically made a difference in the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation as well as minimised the look of pores and not to mention the amount of breakouts that I get - and just a month.

It I not a cheap serum, but it is really does deliver on its promises, so worth every cent! You can check out my full review here.

RRP: $100 (30ml) – Available from David Jones

 
BioElixia Body Shaper Stretch Mark Diminishing Cream*

I’ve never had a lot of stretchmarks, guess genes, and regular exercise has kept it at bay. But then I got pregnant, and while I didn’t get as many as I thought I would, and which I think would have been normal considering my 14kgs weight gain, I still can’t say that I loved them. The BioElixia Body Shaper Stretch Mark Diminishing Cream claims to help visibly reduce stretchmarks by smoothing out their appearance and fading discoloration, by an average of 46% after just 4 weeks of use, and 87% after 8 weeks of use. Pretty impressive stats, don’t you think! I am not sure that I can see that the few stretchmarks on in particularly my thighs and breasts have reduced by almost half in the just over a month I’ve been using this cream – but I know that I can both see and feel that there is a difference, and my skin feels super soft too, so the $39 it is well worth it if you ask me.

RRP: $39 (125ml) – Available BioElixia

 

Aphelia Master Cleanse Deep Cleanse Fluid*

 

This cleanser helps clean the skin deep down every single pore, and detoxify it, leaving it ready for any treatment care. I have had a few issues with breakout the last few months, but I believe that this cleanser has helped get my skin back to normal again, as it has cleaned it so well from any makeup and excess sebum, yet without drying it out or irritating my skin. It easily removes even longwearing makeup, but I’ve been using it as the second cleanser to give my skin the good deep clean it has obviously needed. It is extremely concentrated, so just a small pump is more than sufficient.

RRP: $29.95 (100ml) – Available from Aphelia

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

 

So there you go, these are some of my favourite products for the month of April.

Have you tried any of these products? Any that you’d like to try?

Mothers Day Gift Ideas 2014 #2 - Beauty Buys under $20

Last week I did a post on Mother’s Day Gift Ideas, which you can see here, but I thought that I’d follow up with one with budget friendly gift ideas – and in this case, beautiful gifts you can give your mum for under $20..

 

 

MOR Marshmallow Duet
This gift pack that contains a Little Luxuries Hand Cream (50mL),and Little Luxuries Soapette (60g) in the delicious marshmallow scent.

RRP: $19.95 – Available from Myer

 

 

Benefit The Perfect Pair

This gift set contains mini bottles (2x4ml) of High Bean and Posie Tint. High Beam is a pearlised pink highlighter is the make-up artists secret for a natural dewy glow on all skin tones. Use it as a spot highlighter or blend all over your complexion...the soft-focus sheen is enticing and sexy.

Posie Tint is a petal-pink stain for a see-through tint on cheeks & lips. With hours of smudge-proof, just-picked perfection, you'll be the prettiest bloom in the bunch!

RRP: $19 – Available from Myer

 

Natio Caress Gift Set

This Mother’s Day skincare set comes with a limited-edition pink floral hat box, and contains a Lavender and Rosemary Hand and Nail Cream (75mL), Skin Nutrition Body Creme (150g) and Natio Nail Brush.

RRP: $19.95 – Available from Myer

 

 

NIVEA Pure & Natural Pack is a Mother’s Day gift pack

This gift set contains a Pure & Natural Body Lotion (400mL), Pure & Natural Lip Care Milk and Honey (4.8g), Pure & Natural Soothing Day Cream for Dry & Sensitive Skin (50mL) and a Pure & Natural Hand Cream (75mL).

RRP: $20 – Available from Chemist Warehouse

 

BioElixia Hand & Nail Duo Gift Set

This gift set that contains a Hand Revitalising Cream (30g) and a four way nail buffer to shape, shine, polish and buff the nails in four steps.

RRP: $16.95 – Available from BioElixia

 

 

Lush Strawberries and Cream

This Mother’s Day gift pack contains Sympathy for the Skin body lotion (100g), and Strawberry Feels Forever massage bar.

RRP: $18.95 – Available from Lush

 

Revlon Paradise Collection

This collection contains two Revlon Parfumerie Scented Nails in China Flower and Pink Pineapple. With notes of fruit and florals. Valued at $31.90 by Revlon.

RRP: $19.95 – Available from Myer

 

 

There you go – my selection of budget friendly beauty buys. What do you think of these? Any that you would consider giving to your Mum?

 

Product Review: David Jones Delux Sampler Tote – Winter 2013

As many others I can’t resist at good beauty gift with purchase, and so I got drawn in to getting the current beauty sampler tote from David Jones.

But thing is, I really didn’t need anything, so I was wondering around in the beauty department, looking at what I could get that that I needed... And so I got a nail polish remover, which I was actually basically out of - fantastic, and at just $4.95!

 

So what did this Deluxe Sampler Tote include…

David Jones Beauty Natural Regeneration Day Cream (30ml) and Deeply Purify Facial Cleanser (30ml)

 

 

I have never tried any of the David Jones products, I have no idea what to expect, but I am looking forward to trying these.

SKII Facial Treatment Essence (30ml)

 

I have heard a lot of good things about this treatment essence, but I have never tried it. I have heard some say that it has made their skin break out, so I am a little concerned that will also be the case with my combination skin prone to breakouts, but this 30ml sample will at least give me a good chance to try it, and see what it is like on my skin without spending up big to buy a full sized product.

The bag also contained a voucher giving you a free SKII Facial Treatment Mask with your first consultation and purchase.

Molton Brown Toko Yuzu Bath & Shower Gel (30ml)

 

 

Another brand that I’ve never tried before, although I’ve heard so much about it, so can’t wait to try it. The shower gel is only small, but at least I can use it once or twice and get a good idea of what it is like.  

There was also a voucher giving you 20% off Molton Brown products when you spend $80 or more.

Circa Home Scented Soy Candle in Vanilla Bean & All Spice (mini size)

 

 

I love scented candles – with two dogs living inside the house, I frequently burn scented candles so that our house wont smell too much of dog. And this Circa candle not only looks so nice, but it smells absolutely divine. The candle was one of the reasons why I selected this particular bag.

OPI Nail lacquer in 37 (3.75ml mini size)

 

I love OPI polishes; they are 3-free, easy to apply, last well, and have a nice colour range, so I’m loving the inclusion of this mini size. In the bottle it looks dark brown or black, but once on the nail it is actually a very dark eggplant/purple colour – I love it!

Billie Goat Soap Lip Balm (Full size, 15ml)

 

 

Yet another brand that is new to me, yet I was aware of. I knew Billie Goat made soaps, but never knew that they made lipbalms too. I love that this one contains no chemical nasties including no parabens, SLS, colour, fragrance etc, yet it still has the most delicious scent of peach.

Roger & Gallet Bois D’Orange Perfumed Soap (25g)

I have seen this brand around before, but again, one I’ve not tried, mainly because I don’t really use soap bars – but in saying that, it smells fantastic so for now it can sit and look pretty in my powder room making it smell nice at the same time, before possibly making into my underwear drawer.

 

Burt’s Bees Intense Hydration Day Lotion (7g)

 

 

I love Burt’s Bees, in particularly the lipbalms and the citrus cuticle balm. This day cream smells fantastic, so I look forward to trying it, although I could worry that being intensely hydrating it will be a little too rich for my skin, but time will tell.

Dermalogica Precleanse (30ml)

 

 

Now this is another product that made me select this bag. I have seen so many positive reviews on this cleanser, so I’ve been so keen on trying it. And again, the generous 30ml sample will give me a good chance to see what it’s like on my skin before making a full-sized purchase.

BioElixia Body Shaper body Lotion (20ml)

There was so much hype when Elixia launched their Body Shaper lotion, but sadly it isn’t cheap, but this 20ml sample will again be a good chance to try it, although it is probably too small to expect to see any results.

 

Everything came in a black plastic tote, which to be honest I'm not really sure what to do with as its not really my style.

 

 

 

Inside the tote was a see-through plastic cosmetic back holding all the samples, and while I have lots of better quality cosmetic and toilet bags, I do like this see-through one and can see myself using it to store samples so I can easily find what I am looking for.

 

 

 

On the whole I think that this bag is extremely good value for just $19.95 – and in my eyes better value than any of the monthly beauty boxes that I’ve seen – also because you can actually see in advance what you are getting.

 

What do you think? Did you go to David Jones and take advantage of this offer too? Which products are you most excited about trying?