PRODUCT REVIEW: BELLA BOX JANUARY 2018

Can you believe it, we are already a full month into the new year. How time is flying. But it also means the arrival of the January Bella Box... Let's have a look at what's inside the box...

Karen Murrell Lipstick - Full Size - RRP: $30 / 4g
I am already a huge fan of Karen Murrell, and absolutely love these all natural lipsticks that are loaded with nourishing ingredients and so lovely to wear. I was lucky to get one of my fave shades, Rymba Rhythm, which is a gorgeous red shade that I just love to bits.

Blaq Meteor Shower Scrub - 50g - RRP: $24.95 / 200g I have heard a lot about this body scrub that contains activated charcoal to detoxify the skin, as well as meteor dust to leave the skin iridescent, so I cannot wait to put it to the test. It sounds amazing.

Swisse Blood Orange Brightening Facial Serum - 4ml - RRP: $29.99 / 30ml I haven't sadly tried many products from Swisse, so look forward to trying out this serum which contains among others Sicilian blood orange, olive leaf and licorice root extract along with vitamin B3 and jojoba oil, and promises to brighten the skin and give it a luminous appearance. Sounds pretty good to me.

Essenzza Fuss Free Naturals Natural Activated Charcoal Sheet Mask - Full Size - RRP: $4.95 / 1 mask, 30g This mask contains activated charcoal to give the skin a deep clean and minimise the pores along with hyaluronic acid to leave the skin bright, fresh and glowing. Sounds just what my blemish prone, dull skin needs. Bring on pamper night.

1000 Hour Instant Brows - Full Size - RRP: $9.99 / 1.4g This is a brush-on tinted mascara eye brow mascara that helps quickly and easily create a fuller brow with just a few strokes, while looking very natural. This is my preferred type of brow product as it is simply so easy to use, so I cannot wait to put this one to the test.

Bonus products - Palmolive Oil Infusions Body Moisturiser with Rose & Macadamia Oil, 2 x 12ml These are great bonuses, and between the two sachets there is hopefully sufficient cream for the full body. They promise to deeply hydrate the skin while repairing it ad leaving it lightly fragranced. I am yet to try them, but can only imagine that they will have the most gorgeous rose scent so I can't wait to put them to the test.


So there you go, the first Bella Box of 2018, and I have to say that I am very impressed. The Karen Murrell lipstick alone, and I was happy. But add up all the other items, and it makes for one incredible box, also as I will actually look forward to using every single product in the box. Also worth mentioning is that is also a discount voucher for $ off any Karen Murrell lipstick from Priceline, and one you've tried the one in the box, you'll immediately fall in love with it, and be sure to want more.

So all up it is a massive Wow from me Bella Box, you finished 2017 with one bumper of a box, and you've made sure to start off the new year in style too. I's so excited to see what the rest of the year will bring.

Bella Box - RRP: $17.95 ($15.00+ $2.95 P&H) on a subscription plan, billed monthly, but you can cancel anytime

Available from Bella Box

* Some products may have been kindly provided for editorial consideration, and have been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy, and reviews are 100% honest and based on personal opinion and experience. Note that The Beauty & Lifestyle Hunter is not a professional or expert, so please do not substitute these opinions as professional advice. Also note, this post may contain affiliate links, which means you pay no extra, but I get a small commission fee if you click through and buy something. And if so, thank you much for your supporting the running costs of my blog. xx

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PRODUCT REVIEW: LUST HAVE IT! JULY 2016

Today ,the 1st August the July Lust Have It Box arrived. Yes, late, but Lust Have It has openly communicated this delay, so I feel this is fine, also it is really just by a few days.. Here's what was inside and my thoughts... 

As per the last many many months, this month's contents arrived in a mesh bag, only this month it's black, which is a nice change. However, as I've said a few times now, yet again with the fear of sounding a little repetitive, I'm starting to not know what to do with these, and would love to see an alternative. Well, now on to the contents..

Teeez Cosmetics Desert Metals Mascara - Full Size (RRP: 32.50)

This mascara contains silk proteins to nourish and protect the lashes, and promises a fuller flirtier look. This sounds great, and as I've enjoyed the Teeez Cosmetics products from previous boxes, I was excited when I saw this... But... Unfortunately I got the shade Sapphire Nights which is a dark blue shade, and sadly I'm just a little conservative (and probably too old too), to wear a shade like that. What a bummer.

Mprincess Mineral Blush - Full Size ($15.45 / 1.2g)

Yay, new brand I've never heard off before, which is always exciting. This is a tiny pot of loose minerals and at first sight I actually took it for a loose mineral eye shadow. But it is supposedly a blush. I got the shade Peach Fuzz, which is an orange shade with golden sheen. And although it appears quite bright in the tub, it does blend out to more of an apricot/coral shade which is quite lovely. I am however not that fond of the high sheen/glitter, so unsure how much I will actually use this one. Bummer again!

 
GOSH Mat Duo Eyeshadow - Full Size (RRP: $14.95)

I grew up in Denmark using Danish brand as a teenager, so it is a bit of a blast from the past getting this eyeshadow duo. I liked the brand, which I'd rate quality wise in the same category as L'Oreal and Revlon, and I've always wondered why it has never made it to Australia. I got this eyeshadow duo in the shade Dusty Purple, which contains a dusty lavender shade as well as a darker dusty aubergine shade. Both shades are really lovely - but again, sadly, conservative old me rarely reach for shades like this, but rather neutrals, so yet again, unsure how much this one will get used. Particularly upset this one is not in my ideal shades. Bummer yet again!

Essenzza Fuss Free Naturals The Masquerade Artisan Mask Series - Full Size (RRP: $4.95)

This sheet mask contains cherry blossom to repair the skin's natural barriers to promote a smooth, supple skin, while the argan oil helps leave the skin silky smooth and moisturised. I love that these masks are using natural preservatives and are free from parabens, and sulfates. The idea with the masquarade print on the mask is also very cute, although the suggested 'fun girls night in' is no longer applicable for me with two little toddlers! I do look forward to trying this one out, just need to find the required 20-30 minutes to kid free to actually relax while trying it out.

 Ardell Self-Adhesive False Lashes - Full Size (RRP: $?)

These lashes are classified as a mystery item picked by the Lust Have It team, so I appreciate that it is very random which product you'll get. However, sadly for me, I just don't like false lashes. I am hopeless at applying it, and my nights are spent sans-makeup on the couch snoozing, exhausted from chasing around two little boys all day.

 
So there you have it, the contents of the July edition of the Lust Have It. Unfortunately, due to personal preference I am a little disappointed this month, as essentially I will actually only use the sheet mask, when I can find the time! Valued at just $4.95, it is hence really not worth its cost for me this month. I do appreciate that it is difficult to accomodate everyone's tastes and preferences, - I don't know if I'm particularly picky or conservative, but unfortunately for me, I just feel that I was unlucky all around - such a shame as I would have loved the GOSH eyeshadow had it only been in different shades, and likewise the mascara and the blush.

Fingers crossed next months edition will be hitting preferences a little better.
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 $10 off your first box from Lust Have It, - so you essentially will be able to get your first box for just $9.95! Bargain. When using this code, 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 

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

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PRODUCT REVIEW: LUST HAVE IT DECEMBER 2015

The December Lust Have It Box had announced that the December boxes would be a tad late this month due to some accident of one of the suppliers, and consequently mine didn’t arrive until today, the 4th January.

I appreciate that unplanned things do happen, but on the other hand, I feel that these delays happen a little too often, and I would have loved to see Lust Have It be on the forefront of these, and maybe be a month ahead with the planning of the boxes so they’d always arrive on time, and they’d have products to fall back on if necessary. That would no doubt win lots of bonus points with subscribers!

Anyway, these are the products in the December box;

 

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:
As what seems to be standard now for Lust Have It, this months’ products arrived in a pink mesh bag, which contained 5 products, of which four were full sized.

Essenzza Fuss Free Naturals Micellar Mini Wipes – Mini Pack/8 mini wipes (RRP: $2.25)
First up, I am not a huge user of facial wipes, and predominantly use them when I am swatching products for the blog, or that once a year when I go overseas, and find them handy to have in my hand luggage. I am simply just preferring to splash water in my face and always find I get a better clean with a regular face washer, something that is necessary with a combination skin prone to breakouts! However, these wipes are for eye makeup, and removes even waterproof mascara. Now that is something that I could get used to using on a regular basis, so I’ll be keen to put these to the test tonight.

 Naobay Moisturising Peeling Brightening Facial Milk Scrub – Full Size (RRP: $27/100ml)
I have never heard of this brand before, and so I am very excited about the inclusion of this cleanser. It contains natural peeling particles from the acai palm tree along with olive oil, shea butter, sweet almond oil, gotu kola extract to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and soothe the skin after the peel. Again, look very forward to try this one out!

Sasy N Savy Hand Cream – Full Size (RRP: $15-20/40ml)
Addicted to hand crams, I always carry one with me, have one in the car, in the kitchen, bathroom, bedside table… so always looking for a good one, so this one certainly won’t go to waste. The included hand cream varied from box to box. I did notice that a citrus one was also an option, and with citrus my favourite scent I would obviously have preferred that one, but I got the Orchid from Paradise which does smell divine, so no complaints there.


Be A Bombshell Eye Shadow Quad – Full Size (RRP: $22)
I’ve tried quite a few products from the brand by now, all from inclusion in the box, but I have enjoyed by far the majority of these, so love to see an eye shadow included. According to the info card, there were two colour combinations available, one with grey and purple shades and one with brown and green shades – I would have preferred the brownish shades as I’d use those more, but then again I’ve already got heaps of those, so a little grey is probably a good thing!


Chella Ivory Lace Highlighter Pencil – Full Size (RRP: $24.50)
This is a crayon pencil designed to be used as a highlighter, as well as used to cover dark circle, blemishes and dark spots. I like the crayon style pen, but have actually tried this one before from some subscription box at some stage, but I can’t find it, so not too fussed about getting a new one, although the novelty factor is of course never as high the second time around.

So there you go, the contents in the December Lust Have It box. I like the variety of this box, with two makeup items, two cleansers, and the hand cream. I also fairly pleased with all the products, and will certainly try and use all, but I’m most excited about the Naobay Peeling Scrub.

In terms value, the products have a combined value of over $90, so you cannot complain about that. And as this box really should have arrived last year, it really isn't a bad finish to the year. Look forward to seeing what Lust Have It has in store for 2016!

* Some products may have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
 
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PRODUCT REVIEW: LUST HAVE IT NOVEMBER 2014

As all subscribers would know, the October edition of Lust Have It arrive rather late, in my case on Friday the 7th November - just over two weeks ago. At the time of writing about that box, I also mentioned that the November really should arrive at my doorstep within the next 10 days to be back on track. Well, it didn’t quite make that, but I am pleased to say that it has actually arrived in the the relevant month this month, and thus Lust Have It seems to have caught up with delays again. Anyway, here are my thoughts on the November Lust Have it Box*;

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:

As per previous months, this month the goodies again arrived in a pink see-through mesh bag. I am starting to have quite a few of these floating around, and while they are handy to store things in, I am starting to feel they are a little wasted. I guess essentially I’d rather the items simply come in a padded envelope and instead of the mesh cosmetic bag there would be an additional sample.. Anyway, that is just my opinion. Anyway, these are the products in bag this month;

 Natralus Paw Paw Pure Gel – Full Sized (RRP: $6.15/30g)

Paw Paw has many benefits including being useful for sunburn, relieve dry skin, rashes and minor burns. And of course, it Is perfect to keep your lips soft too. I currently use paw paw on my little boys chin as a barrier cream to protect against dribble rash, so this backup tube will come in handy. It doesn’t help 100%, but nothing sadly seems to, not even prescription creams, - and at least I know this is natural and free from nasty ingredients.

The Cosmetic Kitchen Pressed Mineral Blush in Sherbert – Full Size (RRPP: $34.95/8g)

This is a mineral blush that has added jojoba oil to moisturise, and herbal extracts to care for the skin. The colour Sherbert is a lovely peachy-pink shade that is very wearable, so I look forward to testing this one out. A great, and welcome addition to this month’s box!


Essenzza Fuss Free Natural Japanese Facial Treatment Masks x 2 (RRP: $4.95 each)

These are cloth masks, and I got two anti-ageing and antioxidant masks with Moroccan argan oil and vitamin C, intended to help slow the ageing process and leave the skin looking brighter. I love cloth masks as they are fuss free to use, and these sound pretty good too, especially as they contain natural ingredients and are free from parabens and sulphates. Now only problem when you have a small toddler is to find time to relax for the recommended 20-30 minutes. 

Aveda Color Conserve Daily Colour Protect – Sample Size, 10ml (RRP: $49.95/100g)


 

This leave-in treatment made from 93% natural ingredient promises to help maintain hair colour for up to six weeks. This sounds pretty good to me, although it has been a while since I had my hair coloured, I do look forward to trying it out. And as I generally use leave-in treatments after each hair wash, I don’t mind this sample either. My only objection is the size of the sample, which again typical for Aveda is sadly very small, and it hardly contains sufficient product for one use for my very long and thick hair!



So Susan Intense Water Based Pure Luminiser - Full sized (RRP: $35)

This luminiser is infused with micronized pearlescent pigments and can be used as a highlighter on cheekbones and brow bones. I can also imagine that adding a tiny drop to your matte foundation would give a nice slow to the whole face. I do look forward to trying this out as it does give a nice sheen that is subtle and not too over the top.


So that’s it, the November Lust Have It Box. As you may recall, I have not been too impressed with the last few month’s boxes but at least t I feel that this one is an improvement as I do like the inclusion of particularly the Cosmetic Kitchen Blush and the Fuss Free Facials Masks, and well as the Natralus Paw Paw and the So Susan Luminiser won’t go to waste either.

Value wise the box has a combined value of over $90, so again, it is value for money, especially if you are actually going to use all the products! So well done to Lust Have It, - the contents doesn’t leave me squealing with excitement, but I am certainly happier with this month’s contents, a huge improvement over the last few months, so one can only hope that Lust Have It can continue on this path in the coming months.

*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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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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