PRODUCT REVIEW: LUST HAVE IT JUNE 2014

The other day the *Lust Have It June 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:

Like last month’s box the June goodie arrived in a clear makeup bag, and this is what was in the June Lust Have It Box..

 

 

 

Teeez Trendy Cosmetics Head over Heels Nail Lacquer – Full Size (RRP: $18/7ml)
 

The boxes this month come with either the nail polish or an eye pencil, but as I’ve got plenty black eye liners, I am happy with this nail polish in the colour Atomic Dragonfly which is a metallic dark navy blue with a high gloss finish. I haven’t got that colour in my collection, so it is a nice addition.

 

John Plunkett Glyco Peel - Full Size (RRP: $29.95/15ml)

 

I have already tried this peel (see my review here), but as I really like, and have literally just finished it up and considered buying a new one, this couldn’t have been better timing. Of course it would have been nice with another product new to me, but on the other hand, my purse is thanking me for not having go buy a new one.

 

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo – Sample, 3ml – (RRP: $27.95/40ml)

 

This is another product that I’ve already tried (see my review here), and while I really like this, and use it when my skin is playing up and breaking out, again, there was no real excitement when I saw this product. But in saying that the small tube will be handy to take with me when I hopefully go overseas a little later in the year..

 

Orly Nail File – Full Size (RRP: $1.65) and Orly Toe Separators Full Size (RRP: $4.95)

These nail files and toe separators are always handy to have at hand – and even more so right now that I’ve just moved house and haven’t yet managed to locate all my ‘necessities’.  

Nuxe Creme Nirvanesque and Nuxe Creme Nirvanesque Eye Contour – Samples, 2ml each (RRP: $49.95/50ml and $44.95/15ml)
.

These products are intended for men and women under the age of 40 who are starting to see the first expression lines….so unfortunately however much I hate to admit it, but I am a tad too old for these products!! In saying that, I do look forward to testing them out, especially the eye cream which promises to help reduce dark circles under the eyes.

Hello Fresh - $30 Voucher

 

These Hello Fresh vouchers have been floating around a lot in different boxes and I have a few already, and as you can only use one per household, unfortunately I cannot use them all. But in saying that, this particular voucher will be the ONE I will be using, as I’ve just moved house and have no idea yet where I’ve got the other ones, but once I find them, I will be sure to pass them onto some friends. The concept is fantastic as Hello Fresh basically gives you the recipes and delivers all the necessary ingredients right to your door. So a fantastic way of trying something new for dinner, and with no shopping! How good is that!

So there you have it, these are the goodies in the June Lust Have It Box, and I am quite happy with the contents, but have to admit that I am not as impressed as I was with the May box.

In terms of value, as I was going to repurchase the John Plunkett Glyco Peel, which has a value of $29.95, it is certainly worthwhile, and all the other products are just a bonus. I will enjoy using the Teeez nail polish, and the Orly nail accessories will also be handy, and the cream samples from La Roche Posay and Nuxe certainly won’t go astray either. 

*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..

Product Review: John Plunkett Advanced Collagen Lift Moisturiser

Today I’d like to share with you my thoughts on the *John Plunkett Advanced Collagen Lift Moisturiser;

 

 

What They Say:

John Plunkett Advanced Collagen Lift Moisturiser is a technically advanced day and night treatment moisturiser that helps smooth and lift as well as provide optimum hydration. Collagen and hyaluronic microspheres expand in the skin to instantly plump and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. Matrixyl 3000, one of the latest and most powerful peptides, stimulates collagen production to firm and lift.

RRP: $59.95 (50ml) – Available from Priceline, selected pharmacies and Plunketts Pharmaceuticals Online

What I Say:

Being at the age where sadly anti-ageing creams are now a necessity, I was excited to trial the John Plunkett Advanced Collagen Lift Moisturiser. As you can see from the image, the cream came with a trial size of the John Plunkett Glyco Peel, and you can see my review here. 

 

 

I have combination skin, prone to breakouts, so whenever I trial new creams, and in particularly anti-ageing creams I am a little worried that it will make my skin congested and breakout. The Advanced Collagen Lift Moisturiser is recommended for normal to dry skin, so I was aware in advance that the cream may be a tad too rich for my skin.

The cream contains among others Matrixyl 3000, which is a blend of two potent peptides that stimulates natural collagen production repairing photo-ageing and damaged collagen networks in the skin to reduce deep wrinkles and restore younger looking skin. It also contains hyaluronic filling spheres to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, while delivering hyaluronic acid to increase hydration, avocado oil as a penetrating emollient rich in vitamins A and C, as well as rosehip oil, which is rich in vitamin C and softens the skin. All sounds pretty impressive, huh! And add to that the product is Australian made and owned too!

 

The cream comes in a nice looking clear plastic jar with a light metallic blue screw lid. As I say, I do prefer moisturisers that come in tubes or pump bottles as I find it more hygienic as that way I don’t constantly have to dip my fingers into the cream. As an alternative, it would have been nice if the cream had at least come with a small spatula.

The cream smells absolutely amazing, and reminds me a little of Dior’s J’adore, which is one of my favourite scents, although I would have preferred it to be slightly less fragranced for use on my face as my eyes are quite sensitive and water easily, and very fragranced products are always irritating my eyes if I get the product too close to them.

The cream has a nice consistency, and is very concentrated, so only a tiny dab is needed. It absorbs instantly into the skin, without making it feel greasy, and you can instantly feel its moisturising properties. It also leaves the skin with a nice sheen.

As with all anti-ageing products, you need to use for several weeks before you can expect to see some result, but unfortunately after about a week’s use, I started to feel that my skin was getting a little congested, and especially in the mornings, I found that my skin was feeling a little greasy. Consequently I decided to stop using the cream in my face, and instead use it on my decollate, which is equally in need of some anti-ageing TLC, with fine lines and photo-ageing fast developing.

 

 

And I have to say that I am enjoying using it there as already after just a few weeks of use, the skin on my decollate is looking so much nicer. The skin is not only thoroughly and noticeably hydrate, it is also looking more even and fine lines seems to have minimised in appearance.

What I Like:

• For an anti-ageing cream, it is lightweight and absorbs easily into the skin
• Reasonably priced for a high quality anti-ageing cream
• Visible improvements in look and feel of skin after just a few week’s use
• Very concentrated
• A lovely fragrance

What I Don’t Like:

• While it has a lovely fragrance, I am also going to put it down as a negative, as it is a little too fragranced for me to use too close to my sensitive eye area
• Unfortunately it made my skin feel congested and greasy – but in saying that, I do have combination skin prone to breakouts, and the cream is recommended for normal to dry skin types, so hence not the ideal match for my skin type

Overall this is a lovely anti-ageing moisturiser, and I thoroughly enjoy using it on my decollate as it is unfortunately not suitable for my face. I am impressed with the results it has delivered after just a few weeks, so I can only hope that one day John Plunkett will also bring out an even lighter version suitable for those of us with combination and oilier skin types prone to breakouts.

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

 

Have you ever tried any of the products from John Plunkett? Do you use anti-ageing moisturisers? Which one is your preferred one?

Product Review: John Plunkett Skincare Essentials Glyco Peel

Once upon a time when I was working, and had no house mortgage I was more frivolous with my money than I am today as a stay-at-home mum with a four month old, two dogs and yep, a mortgage too. But way back when, I used to have regular facials, well at least every few months, including glycolic peels. And I loved being pampered and of course how soft and smooth it made my skin feel. I would love continue with regular facials, but sadly these days it is just not that realistic, even just finding the time would be difficult. That’s why I got so excited when I was asked to trial the *John Plunkett Skincare Essentials Glyco Peel 25% Glycolic Acid Night-Time Exfoliator;

What They Say:

"John Plunkett Skincare Essentials Glyco Peel is a clinical-strength night-time exfoliator that contains 25 per cent glycolic acid. It works by exfoliating the skin’s outer layer overnight, helping to remove old, dull surface skin cells. It aids the reduction of fine lines and surface discolouration, leaving the skin looking youthful and refreshed. It also contains lactokine, which protects against skin inflammation, and aloe vera, which soothes and hydrates the skin."

 

RRP: $28.95 (15ml) – Available from Priceline, Selected Pharmacies and Plunkett Pharmaceuticals Online

What I Say:

John Plunkett recommends using the Glyco Peel at night after cleansing, avoiding the eye area, applying it before serum and moisturisers. It needs to be used daily for one week, and then rest the skin for one week, before repeating the routine, although for sensitive skin it is recommended to rinse off after one minute to avoid irritation.

With a baby I don't have a lot of time any more to pamper myself, so I love the fact that you can use it at night time under your usual moisturiser, and that it has no downtime at all as it works while you sleep.

The actual Glyco Peel is a thin gel that spreads easily over the skin. And you might think that it comes in a very small tube, but you use so surprisingly little that the tube will last you a very long time – even my small 8ml trial tube that came as a bonus with the John Plunkett Collagen Lift Moisturiser (stay tuned for a review to be posted shortly). And actually, if you use too much the skin ends up feeling quite sticky.

After application you feel a slight tingling sensation for a few moments, before this completely disappear. On my skin, which is far from sensitive, it is very bearable, and again, the tingling quickly disappears. To be honest, I actually don’t mind the tingling, as to me it is a sign that the peeling process is working!

 

Afterwards I follow with my usual serum and night cream, and the next morning when I wash my face, I am left with a skin that is so soft, fresh and glowing.

I have now used the Glyco Peel for three rounds, that means three weeks, with a week break after each week, and I am so impressed with the results. My pores, especially on my nose and t-zone area appear a lot smaller, my skin seems less oily and I seem to get a lot less pimples and blemishes. And I do get a pimple, if I am in the middle of a ‘peel course’ the pimple will fade a lot quicker than normal, so the Glyco Peel in a way also works as a blemish cream.

I had hoped that the peel would also help reduce pigmentation and soften the look of fine lines, but I am yet to see that happen, but I am hoping that with continued and long-term use I will start to see some results.
 

On the negative, the Glyco Peel can make the skin feel a little dry in some areas, - I got some too close to my lips, and woke with very dry lips the next morning. This also means that I would definitely advice to be a little cautious around the eye and lip area, as well as if you have dry or sensitive skin, while I say it would be perfect for anyone with combination or oilier skin types.

What I Like:

• It helps to make my skin feel and look less greasy
• Helps to clear up blemishes
• Makes my skin feel soft and look glowing
• Easy to use, with no downtime as it is used under your moisturiser while you sleep
• Very concentrated

What I Don’t Like:

• Can be a little drying on the skin
• Some may find the tingling sensation uncomfortable, but personally I don’t mind

Overall, this is an amazing product that really does live up to its claims. And at just $28.95 this is such a bargain, in fact just a quarter of what a peel would cost at a salon – and a tube will give you weeks of use in the comfort of your own home while you sleep! I am very rapt with the results I have seen already, so I will definitely purchase this again.

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

 

What do you think of this Glyco Peel? Have you ever had a peel?

Product Review: Violet Box – October Review

Another weekend that has slipped past too fast, and on a dull, grey and wet Melbourne morning, I got a lovely surprise this morning… A few months ago when Violet Box launched I was asked me if I wanted to trial a beauty box, I naturally happily accepted, and so far I have been more than impressed with the contents of the boxes, and have been so tempted to subscribe, but have resisted temptation – and to my surprise I got up this morning to find the October Violet box waiting for me at my front door.  Thanks so much Violet Box for your kindness, so here are my thoughts on the October edition of the *The Violet Box;

What They Say:

"Violet Box brands promises to every month include 4-6 premium beauty and lifestyle samples from well-known and trusted Australian beauty brands as well as exciting new International brands, one in particular is a revolutionary product currently trending in New York and has been featured in Vogue and on the Today Show!"

 

RRP: You can subscribe to Violet Box for:

1 month – $22.95
3 months - $66.00
6 months - $130
12 months - $250

What I Say:

As previous months, the October Violet Box comes in a stylish matte black box, which is closed with a magnetised flip lid and a purple ribbon, and it has the purple Violet Box logo in the corner of the box. This box is slightly smaller and narrower in size. Inside, the samples were wrapped in pretty violet tissue paper. I love the simplicity of the black box, it is so stylish that so that  it is black so I have no problems reusing these boxes to store small things such as jewellery and other little knickknacks!  

So what was in the October Violet Box…

 

Bodyography Oxyplex Pressed Complexion Powder – Full size (RRP: $70)

 

I have heard about the Bodyography products but never tried them, so I am excited about this full sized mineral powder – and how cool is it that it is full size worth a whopping $70 – over three times as much as the cost of the box. Now that’s what I call great value.

I did get the powder in the colour Amber which is slightly dark for my skin tone, so I naturally would have preferred it in a tone or two lighter, but in saying that, I am sure that I will find great use for it during the summer when I get a little colour to my face!

Apivita Face Masks - Full Size (RRP: $7.90)

 

I love these face masks from Apivita and the fact that they are perfectly dosed in little sachets. The masks are free from parabens, silicones, propylene glycol, which is right up my alley. I got the one with carrot which is for nourishing and regenerating the skin, so absolutely perfect for my ageing skin! I can’t wait to use it!

 

Savoir Faire Lipgloss – Full Size ($25.00)

 

 This is the third full sized product in this box – a full sized lipgloss in the colour Rapture Peppermint, which is a gorgeous bright red. And as the name also suggests it has a lovely peppermint scent, which I really love – It reminds me a little of toothpaste, but then, nothing beats fresh breath, does it!! I am excited about this lipgloss, I can’t wait to use it!

 

John Plunkett Cosmeceuticals Super Wrinkle Cream – Sample 20ml (RRP: $28.95/50ml)

 

This is an intensive night cream to help rejuvenate and visible reduce fine lines – so again perfect for my ageing skin. My only worry is that this is intended for dry skin, and as I have combination skin it may be a little too rich for my skin – but time will tell. But if it is, I will still find good use for it on my neck area. This is a sample sized cream, but it is a generous 20ml, so it will last you for quite some time.

Be A Bombshell Eye Shadow – Full Size (RRP: $18)

 

This is the fourth full sized product in this box – I am impressed!  I am very excited to try this one as I have heard so many positive things about the Be A Bombshell brand. I got the colour Money Money, which is a dark olive green – and although I am quite conservative usually wearing neutral eye makeup, this is a lovely muted green colour, so I am actually looking forward to trying it out.

Overall, I am yet again impressed with this month’s Violet Box which contains a whole four full sized products, and the last product which is a sample size, is such a generous size. Apart from the John Plunkett cream and the face masks, there are three makeup products, so one may argue that there is now a large variety of the products in the months box, but personally I don’t mind, and I absolutely love the makeup products and the brands included have been on my wish list to try for quite some time.

The products have a combined value of over $130, so that is just unbelievable value considering the box costs $22.95, you can only be ecstatic about that!

There’s only one thing left to say - well done Violet Box, you’ve outdone yourself again!!

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

What do you think of the products of the October Violet Box? Did you get this months’ box too? What did you think? And if not, would you consider subscribing?

And of course, as always, if you’d like to see an in-depth review of any of products in the box, leave me a comment below..

Product Review: Violet Box – Launch box

I think everyone addicted to beauty products are in love with the monthly subscription boxes, and are subscribed to at least one. Well, the good news is that now another Australian subscription Beauty Box has just been launched – *The Violet Box.



The Violet Box in the outer box..

 

 

The Violet Box’s main focus is luxury, promising to provide subscribers a unique and modern subscription and shopping experience for all things beauty.
Violet Box brands promises to every month include 4-6 premium beauty and lifestyle samples from well-known and trusted Australian beauty brands as well as exciting new International brands, one in particular is a revolutionary product currently trending in New York and has been featured in Vogue and on the Today Show!

Violet Box has decided to keep the brands they cooperate with a top secret until the first box is shipped and received by all subscribers in order not to ruin the element of surprise. Once all boxes have been sent off next week, all the brand partner logo’s will be made visible on the Violet Box’ website. 
 

Subscribers benefit from exciting new brand partners and enables Violet Box the ability to bring a unique opportunity for subscribers to try and experiment with new products/trends and brands from home and abroad to the market. And Violet Box promises to customise the boxes as much as possible based on the personal profile.

In addition to a rewards system, there is also a shop where you can purchase full sized products and use your rewards points. The shop will also be up and running by next week, as well as the rewards system will be launched, so make sure to check the Violet Box’website next week.

 

You can subscribe to Violet Box for

1 month – $22.95

3 months - $66.00
6 months - $130
12 months - $250

I am not actually sure if the first Violet Box was to a particular theme, but the goodies came in a simple, yet elegant matte black box with the purple Violet Box logo on the top. And inside, the samples were wrapped in violet tissue paper.

The actual Violet Box..

Everything wrapped in pretty violet tissue paper..

 

So what was in the first Violet Box…
 

Avene Gentle Gel Cleanser – 50ml sample (RRP $23.95/200ml)

 

I really like Avene products, but have not tried any of their cleansers, so I am looking forward to trying this one. It is supposedly aimed at combination sensitive skin – and ok, I do have combination skin, but although it is not sensitive, using a very gentle product sure doesn’t hurt!

 

CK One Color Cosmetics, Gloss Eyecolor – Full size (RRP $25.00)

 

As soon as I saw the stunning black and white CK One box I was excited. Since Calvin Klein launched their new makeup range, have been wanting to try some of their products. The product is a Eyeshadow in a crayon form, giving a soft sheen and transparent look. Unfortunately I got the colour 500 Pop, which is a bright green – and as I am very conservative with my eye makeup, almost always wearing nudes/browns, I doubt that I will be using this one!

 

It also included a card offering a free 20 minute makeover at a Calvin Klein counter

 

Calvin Klein Sheer Beauty - Eau de Toilette 1.2ml (RRP $80/50ml, $120/100ml)

 

I love Calvin Klein perfumes.  I have every single one of them, except for this one!! And I have repurchased several of them numerous times. And I wore Eternity when I got married!! And Sheer Beauty is just gorgeous as well, fresh and fruity. I love it, and have already put a full sized on my wish list!

 

John Plunkett Glyco Peel – Full size – (RRP $28.95/15ml)

I love the idea of being able to do a glycolic peel at home, so I’ve been wanting to try this 25% glycolic acid peel. It promises to reduce fine lines, and surface discolourations, keeping skin looking clear, younger and refreshed. Unfortunately glycolic acid is off limits for me right now being pregnant, but after I’ve given birth, I hopeful that it will give my skin a much needed boost.

 

LashControl Clear Coat Control Mascara & Brow Fix – Full Size (RRP $25.00/8.87ml)

This promises to tame wayward brows without the wet look, and also works as a top coat over mascara to seal in the pigment. The mascara has a so-called ‘squeeze control’ which allows you to control how much product is on the brush. I am not quite sure I understand the need to use a top coat over my mascara, as I have sensitive eyes, so I always make sure that the mascaras I use are of such high quality that they do not drop pigments. As for Brow Fix, I do have a couple of hairs that have a mind of their own, so this will no doubt come in handy.

It also includes a card a discount though the Violet Box Store..

 

Argania Hair Oil Travel Cuties – 5ml (RRP $34.99/100ml)
 

I have really taken to using hair oils, as they not only help tame frizz and flyaways, they also help give moisture to dry hair. I have tried quite a few different ones by now, and I’m look forward to also trying hair oil from Argania, which is made from certified organic Moroccan Argan oil rich in vitamins and antioxidants. And besides the small bottle is just so cute, and perfect for travelling!


Free Subscription...

In addition, there was also a card offering a one month free subscription to Charlotte Dodson TV for free. 
Charlotte is a celebrity yoga teacher to among others Miranda Kerr and Lara Bingle, and this subscription allows you to join in from your lounge room...
Offer ends 31st July 2013.
This sounds pretty cool for me, and I hope to be able to try this out after I've given birth..


Overall I am quite happy the contents and value of this box for $22.95, and I am impressed with the fact that there are six products in the box and of those three are full sized!! I have been very keen on trying the John Plunkett Glyco Peel, which on its own has a value of $28.95, so really everything else in the box is just a bonus!!

Again, I was a little disappointed with the colour of the Calvin Klein Eyeshadow, as I was very keen on trying that – but then I also need to remember that the box was sent to me for consideration, and the Violet Box did not have any of my personal preferences of details, so if subscribers get makeup products in the boxes in colours according to their preferences, I really have nothing to criticise.

If the Violet Box can maintain this quality of products in their monthly boxes, and furthermore manages to customise the products you are sent, then it is sure to be a success, and I for one, am very tempted to subscribe...

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

 

 

 

What do you think of the contents of this launch box from Violet Box? Would you consider subscribing? Do you subscribe to any other monthly beauty boxes? And if so, which one is your favourite?