PRODUCT REVIEW: PAULA'S CHOICE 1% RETINOL BOOSTER, PORE REFINING TREATMENT 2% BHA, YOUTH-EXTENDING DAILY HYDRATING FLUID AND PERFECT CLEANSING OIL

One of those brands you always hear a lot about is Paula’s Choice… The brand is founded by the Paula Begoun, who is also the author of the early 90s book, Don't Go To The Cosmetics Counter Without Me - a book I personally really loved at the time, as it was all about which beauty products were worth the hype and which ones weren’t...

PRODUCT REVIEW: PAULA'S CHOICE RESIST 10% NIACINAMIDE BOOSTER

Today I'm going to talk about the Resist 10% Niacinamide Booster from Paula's Choice. This formula is a bit of multi-tasker as it claims to work on all skin types to visibly refine the look of pores, improve overall skin texture, and make the skin look smoother and brighter. 

 

Ninacinamide is essentially vitamin B3, which through research has proven to assist in improving circulation within the skin, and reduce acne scarring and pigmentation issues and uneven skin tone, while also decreasing the appearance of enlarged pores. In addition it also helps reduce lines and wrinkles, improve the skin's firmness and barrier function, improve signs of environmental damage, as well as soothing and calming the sin and supercharging it with antioxidants and skin-repairing ingredients. and give the skin

The Booster is to be used twice a day, after cleansing, by massaging in a few drops prior to serum and moisturiser, although it can also be mixed with a serum or moisturiser.

The actual booster is clear and has next to no scent and it is very lightweight, actually so light it almost is like water, and therefore absorbs immediately into the skin without any greasiness or stickiness, and it does leave the skin feeling soft. And while it, again, is suitable for all skin types, including very sensitive ones as it is so gentle too, it is particularly suited to those with oily or blemish-prone skin types by helping clear the skin and reduce the look of enlarge pores.

And after using if for a few weeks, morning and night, I can definitely see that it has helped significantly reduce the red and dark marks left after recent breakouts, as well as the appearance of large pores, in particularly on my nose, cheeks and chin has improved too. My skin consequently looks clearer and brighter, although I am yet to see any major difference in the appearance of my increasing pigmentation or a reduction of fine lines or wrinkles for that matter.

The Booster comes stylish looking silver bottle with a dropper so you can easily dispense the few drops needed. At $67 for 20ml it is a little pricey, but as you only need a few drops, the bottle will last you a long time And in spite of the fact that I am yet to see major improvements to pigmentation and wrinkles, I am loving that it has made such an impact on my pores and marks from past acne, so for that it is all worth it, and besides I love the fact that it can easily be incorporated into my existing skincare routine prior to my usual serums and moisturisers. 


Paula's Choice Resist 10% Ninacinamide Booster - RRP: $67 / 20ml
Available from Paula's Choice
* Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

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PRODUCT REVIEW: PAULA'S CHOICE BLUSH IT ON CONTOUR PALETTE

Contouring is all the rave at the moment, so today I'd like to share with your a palette that I've been loving lately, the Paula's Choice Blush It On Contour Palette.

This Palette contains six shades including a highlighter, a bronzer and four blushes, in the following shades;

Pearl - This is the highlighter shade, which is a very pale pink shade. It is very finely milled and it gives the skin such a lovely sheen without being too shiny or overly glittery which I don't like. The pale pink shade is perfect for my medium beige skin tone, and perfect for applying above the cheekbones, above the cupids bow, or any other areas that you want to highlight. I am so in love with this highligher that I wish that you could purchase it separately.

Bronze - This is the bronzer and contour shade in the palette - and it has a medium brown shade that again is perfect for my medium bronze skin tone, great both all over the face, but also just in the hollows of the cheeks for a more chiselled look. I also love that it is easy to apply and blend, and that it isn't overly shimmery, but rather leaves the skin with matte look and just a tiny touch of sheen.

Delicate Coral - This is the brightest of the blush shades, and it has a gorgeous orangy-coral shade, that is perfect for brightening up the face. I have not got anything like this my makeup collection, and would probably not have dared purchase it on its own thinking that surely it would be too bright, but in actual fact, it is probably my favourite shade in the palette.

Dusty Rose - As the name suggests, this is a dusty shade of coral, and consequently it is also not as bright, as well as it also has a slight pink undertone as opposed to the orange shade. It is a gorgeous shade, and very wearable - but also more of a 'standard' shade of blush, and hence I think I have several others in very similar shades.

Peony - This is a darker and also slightly brighter, and not so dusty pink shade - and like Delicate Coral is particularly great to brightening up the face.

Soft Mauve - This is a pinky toned dusty mauve shade, and quite lovely, and different from anything I have in my collection, which is great.


All the blushes - well all the powders including also the highlighter and the bronzer have the same finish, applying matte with a very delicate sheen, and not particularly loving overly glittery products, I have to say that I love this formula. They are all very finely milled and pigmented, so you can build up the intensity of the shades if you want, or of course apply very lightly.

The powders come in a basic grey cardboard palette with a magnetic closure and a large mirror inside. It is very simple, and is quite thin too, so doesn't take up much room in the drawer or makeup bag.

Overall I am really enjoying using this palette, the quality is great in that the powders are pigmented and wear well. If I had to pick out favourite shades, it would have to be the Pearl highlighter and the Delicate Coral blush, and I wish that both of these would be available for purchase individually as it is these shades that will be finished first. The remainder of the shades are also all very beautiful too, and I also love using these for a bit of variety, but these shades are similar to many others in my collection, making them less unique. That said, I still love and find myself reaching for these shades too, and having them all in the one palette does make it so much easier than scouring for individual shades in your makeup stash - this is truly a versatile palette and highly recommended!


Paula's Choice Blush It On Contour Palette - RRP: $55

Available from Paula's Choice

* 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 JUNE 2016

The June Lust Have It Box arrived yesterday, well and truly on time, which is fantastic. Here's what was inside and my thoughts...

As per the last many many months, this month's contents arrived in a pink mesh bag, and as I've said a few times now, - and with the fear of sounding a little repetitive, please think of a new solution Lust Have It - these bags are great, until you have so many that they are starting to pile up and eventually they are thrown away - at this point I'd rather the products come plainly wrapped in bubble wrap, and receive an additional sample in lieu of the bag!!

Well, now on to the contents..

Edgy Tempting Cosmetics Eyeliner Pen - Full Size (RRP: $15)

Never heard of this brand, so that's exciting for starters - especially seeing it, like me come from Denmark! Must be a new brand seeing I've not seen it when I've been there. I'll definitely be checking out the rest of their range. Anyway, at $15 this is a mid-priced eyeliner, so I do expect the quality to be high, but unfortunately I got the shade Gold, which I am not really sure I'd ever wear...Bummer!

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Wipes - Deluxe Sample/7 wipes (RRP: $12.99)

I am one of those preferring to splash my face with water so much preferring a face wash over wipes, so I very rarely use them - unless I am travelling in which case I always have a pack in my hand luggage, but sadly not planning any trips overseas in the near future. Guess they will also be handy when swatching products for the blog!

Neutrogena Deep Clean Gentle Scrub - 15ml (RRP: $12.99/125ml)

I have actually already previously purchased a full sized tube of this one and really liked it - it is a scrub which also contains beta hydroxy to give the skin a good clean deep down every pore.


Sasy N Savy Peppermint N Rosemary Revive Bath & Shower Gel, 30ml ($35/250ml)

This peppermint and rosemary shower gel smells so refreshing, so it will be perfect to use in the shower in the mornings for a good kick start. I've previously tried some products from Sasy N Savy, and enjoyed them, so look forward to trying this one out too.


Paula's Choice Intensive Wrinkle Repair Retinol Serum - Deluxe sample, 7ml

This item is classified as a mystery item - and yet is the one I am the most excited about - I have actually received the same item in a previous month, but really like it, so don't mind a backup! The serum contains retinol and claims to help repair wrinkles and sun damage, firm the skin and reduce dark spots, so its right up my alley!


So there you go, this month's contents! Unfortunately I am just not wow'ed this month. Nothing really jumps out of the bag in any way. The Neutrogena products, while I love the brand, are 'basic'' and known to me, so no new discovery there and the Paula's Choice is a repeat. I am grateful for discovering a new Danish brand, although sadly not the right shade for me, and yes, the shower gel from Sasy N Savy smells beautiful, and I do look forward to using it. So all in all, while most products will get used, so as such, there is nothing wasted, unfortunately I just don't feel that this month's box offers value for money.
 
About Lust Have It - 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.

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

* Some products may have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
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PRODUCT REVIEW: PAULA'S CHOICE

The brand Paula’s Choice has been around for quite some time, but only just recently launched in Australia. Here are my thoughts on the All Bases Covered Foundation, Brow-Defining Cream Duo, Maximum Impact Mascara and the Gentle Touch Makeup Remover;

 

 

What They Say:

All Bases Covered Foundation: This lightweight, creamy foundation offers light to medium coverage, evens out skin tone and protects.

RRP: $30 (30ml) – Available from Paula’s Choice 

Brow-Defining Cream Duo: Show off those brows like never before. With two mixable shades, you can create your perfect eyebrow colour for fuller, thicker-looking, smudge-proof brows.

RRP: $31 – Available from Paula’s Choice 

Illicit Lash Maximum Impact Mascara: I’m shutting my eyes on clumpy lashes. Sweep this smudge proof mascara on with the specially designed rubber brush for long, beautifully separated lashes.

RRP: $21 – Available from Paula’s Choice 

Gentle Touch Makeup Remover: Give old makeup the rub, without the scrub. This dual-phase solution takes off even waterproof mascara quickly and gently. Reduces puffiness too.

RRP: $20 (127ml) – Available from Paula’s Choice

 

What I Say:

I’ve heard a lot about Paula’s Choice products from overseas bloggers, but never had a chance to try any of the products myself. So when the products launched in Australia and I was offered to trial a selection of their products, I happily accepted.

The All Bases Covered Foundation is a foundation that is designed for dry to very dry skin, and I have to say here that technically it is not the right fit for my combination skin. However, I still like this lightweight foundation that absorbs quickly into my skin and gives it a nice dewy finish and a natural look. It is easy to apply and blend with your fingers, and it has a good coverage, covering minor pigmentation and redness, leaving my skin looking more even. The coverage can easily be built up to medium with an extra layer on the required areas. However, with increasing pigmentation (not helped by being pregnant) and some old acne scars, I do feel I still need to use a concealer to cover these areas, as well as darker circles under my eyes.

The foundation can supposedly be used on its own, without using a serum and moisturiser prior, but I have to say that even with my combination skin, I wouldn’t skip my daily moisturiser. The foundation also has a mineral based UVA/UVB SPF 25 to protect skin from the sun’s damaging rays.

The All Bases Covered Foundation doesn’t seem to make my skin break out, and lasts fairly well on my skin without settling into fine lines, although I do need to ‘powder’ my nose and t-zone area by the afternoon – but again, I think that is mainly due to my combination skin, so I am sure it would stay put better on the normal to dry skin types as it is intended.

The Brow-Defining Duo is a cream duo intended to be used to fill in sparse brows and make them look fuller and more defined. To be honest, I haven’t always used brow products, but years of over-plucking means that my brows now are thinner than I like them to be, so brow products are not a part of my daily routine too. The Brow-Defining Duo comes with two shades, a lighter and a darker shade as well as a double-ended brush with an angled brush in one end and a small spoolie in the other. The angled brush is perfect to use to apply the cream definer, and you can either use the shades individually or combined for the perfect colour match. Here after you use the spoolie to help shape and brush the brows into place.

 

The Brow-Defining Duo is easy to use – although I do admit to using a ‘mascara-style’ brow product on the days where I’m in a hurry – but in saying that I do like the more refined results that this duo gives my brows. The cream seems to have a bit of wax included too, so your brows stay in place all day, as well as the colour of course stays put too, without running or smearing.

The cute little compact also comes with a small mirror so you can apply, or touch up on the go if you like. The only other thing I could have wished was included would be a small brow stencil, which would have been very handy for a brow novice like me!

 

Next is the Illicit Lash Maximum Impact Mascara. I have very sensitive eyes that easily gets irritated and water, so in general I tend to wear waterproof mascaras to avoid the panda look occurring during the day. The Illicit Lash Maximum Impact Mascara isn’t waterproof, but claims to be smudge proof, which I can vouch for as it did stay put even after my eyes had been watering. It has a large flexible rubber brush that makes it easy to reach and coat every single lash, even the smallest of lashes in the corners of your eyes, and it nicely separates and defines the lashes without any clumps. I also like that it keeps the lashes feeling soft, unlike many other mascaras. 2-3 coats of this mascara gives your lashes a nice look, with both volume and length and a touch of curl, but I wouldn’t go as far as to call it Maximum Impact as the name of the mascara suggest – however, still, it is a great mascara for every day wear, and it doesn’t irritate my eyes and stays put all day with is a great bonus.

Finally, the Gentle Touch Makeup Remover is a dual-phase makeup remover that you shake before use, and then apply to a cotton ball before removing your makeup. It claims to easily remove even waterproof mascara quickly and gently, as well as reduce puffiness! I did find that it was struggling a little removing a waterproof mascara, and that I had to go over it a few times for my lashes to be completely clean, but in saying that, it easily and in just one swipe removed the Illicit Lash Maximum Impact Mascara and the Brow-Defining Duo. I am also not really sure about it reducing puffiness around the eyes, but I also don’t really expect a makeup remover to be able to do so, rather something I’d expect from an eye cream! However all in all, I do like this makeup remover. It is quite gentle, and doesn’t irritate or sting in my eyes, and doesn’t leave my eye area feeling greasy or sticky.

All in all I am enjoying these products from Paula’s Choice. They are all of a high quality and at the same time very reasonably priced. The standout product for me is definitely the Brow-Defining Duo, which I am really enjoying, although in saying that, I do enjoy the other products as well. So I certainly wouldn’t mind adding a few more makeup products to my collection, and particularly love the look of the Blush Palette and the Nude Eyeshadow Palette…

Have you ever tried any of the products from Paula’s Choice? Any recommendations?

* 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 FEBRUARY 2015

It seems Lust Have It continues to have some shipping issues. The January edition arrived on the 20th February, and well, the February edition arrived yesterday, the 16th March, so sadly again still close to a month late. As I’ve mentioned before, If I was a paying subscriber, I would be disappointed, regardless of the amount of communication regarding the delay, but again, as the box has been sent to me as a PR sample, I really cannot complain. But I still have my fingers crossed that Lust Have It will get back on track soon with the shipping and that the March Box will arrive soon, before subscribers get too frustrated! Anyway, here are my thoughts on the February 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:
Yet again the February goodies arrived in a see-through pink mesh bag, and these are the products in bag this month, and these were the products inside;

Ulta3 Plum Lip Liner – Full Size (RRP: $2.95)

This lip liner has a plum shade, which is right on trend for the autumn colours. I have to admit that I don’t often wear plum lipsticks – or use lipliners for that matter – yes, I know I really should! In saying that, I haven’t got this shade in my collection, so it certainly won’t go astray.



Natural Glamour 2GLO Line Treatment Concealer – Full Size (RRP: $27.95)

This is a dual ended product with a Line Treatment in one end, and a concealer in the other. It promises to both treat and hide flaws. The Line Treatment promises to tighten and moisturise the eye area, while the concealer covers any redness, dark circles under the eyes, and pigmentation. Again, this sounds perfect to me, and with a growing bump I rarely get a good night’s sleep these days, and consequently a little help under the eyes wouldn’t go astray – except, like the foundation, I received is in the medium shade, which unfortunately is a touch too dark for my skin tone.



Natural Glamour Illuminating Foundation SPF 15 – Full Size (RRP: $29.95/40ml)

This foundation promises a flawless glowing complexion with a radiant matte look. It also promises to conceal blemishes. I do get the odd breakout, and also have some scarring as well as increasing pregnancy pigmentation, so this sounds like the perfect foundation for me - if only I hadn’t received it in the Medium shade, which unfortunately is a tad too dark for my skin tone!



Designer Brands Black Liquid Eyeliner – Full Size (RRP: $8.99)

I always use black liquid eyeliner, so this one certainly won’t go astray. I have only tried a few products from Designer Brands, which considering their low price, have been surprisingly good in quality, so I cannot wait to put this one to the test.



Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant – Sample, 30ml (RRP: $33.00/118ml)

This Skin Perfecting Exfoliant claims to exfoliate both the skin’s surface and inside the pores, unclogging the pores and improving cell turnover. With combination skin prone to breakouts, this sounds pretty awesome to me, and I’d love to give this a trial, right now – but sadly, being pregnant, I cannot use it right now, so I will have to wait until after I’ve given birth. Bummer!!


So all in all, unfortunately I am personally not particularly impressed with this month’s box, simply because there really is only one product that I will be using on a regular basis, the liquid eye liner. The foundation and the concealer, would have really excited me, if only I had received colours that better matched my skin tone. Luckily I am sure that a friend will happily take those products from me, so they are not completely wasted.

But in saying that, the box does contain four full sized products, and one deluxe sample, so in that respect it is good value for money – and especially if the foundation and concealer shades are right for you. I do find it a shame, as I can only imagine that I am not the only one to receive products that I won’t be able to use – if only Lust Have It was able to customise their boxes when including products that are for specific skin tones, then it would be an absolute winner.

Fingers crossed that the March box will be a little more my style….

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


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 – January 2014 Box

Yet again time for another beauty box review, this time of the Lust Have It  January 2014 Box. Yep, it is the January box, which rolled up on my doorstep on the 10^th of February – some two weeks later than usual….not really sure why it is late, and it is almost a February box –  regardless, as I have been sent this box for consideration, I really have no complaints. And moving house, and living in a holiday house for a few weeks until we could move into our new house, and consequently meant no permanent internet connection, hopefully explains why I am posting about this box so late…  Anyway, here are my thoughts on the Lust Have It – January 2014 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:

Invisible Zinc Tinted Daywear SPF30+ - Full Size (RRP $14.95/20ml)

This is a sunscreen and tinted day cream in one, and I really like this one – I first tried it last month, when the January Issue of Marie Claire came with a sample tube of it, and I instantly liked it, and have been considering buying a tube, so getting one in the box is just a bonus! It has a sheer coverage, and like most other sunscreens it doesn’t stay put on my skin all day, but a quick dusting of powder mid-day solves that. I got the colour Medium, which is a little dark, and I would have preferred the Light colour, but seeing its summer and I do have a bit of a summer tan, I think I can just get away with it!

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel – Sample Size 30ml – (RRP $45.80/118ml)

I love the inclusion of this gel. Firstly, I’ve never tried Paula’s Choice, so I am excited to finally be able to. Secondly, this gel promises to exfoliate the skin’s surface to fade signs of sun damage – just what my skin needs – so I really can’t wait to test this one out. And it is a generous 30ml sample, so I should be able to get a fair idea of how the gel works.

The box also included a coupon for free freight of your next order from Paul’s Choice, and with no minimum spend required, so that is a good offer.

Simple Kind to Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes – Sample Size, 7 wipes (RRP $6.99/25 wipes)

I think I’ve mentioned this before, but I am not a regular user of facial wipes, and predominantly use them when I go overseas as I find them handy to have in my hand luggage, but with a baby, I don’t plan to go anywhere anytime soon, so the inclusion of these unfortunately does not excite me. In saying that, I may find use for them as hand wipes in my nappy bag ;-) Alternatively, they always come in handy next to my computer when I am swatching makeup for blogging purposes.

Model Co Shine Ultra Lip Gloss – Full Size (RRP $18/4ml)

I don’t mind this lipgloss, it is moisturising, and has next to no colour, just leaving a nice gloss to the lips, or on top of a lipstick, - however, I already have a few of these in my stash of lipglosses. I am certain that the exact same colour lipgloss was in another beauty box only recently, but I cannot for the life of me remember which one! So while it adds great value to the box, unfortunately this one doesn’t excite me this time around! I could only wish that ModelCo would have included a different type of product from their range.

Aveda Dry Remedy Daily Moisturising Oil – Sample Size, 3ml (RRP $25/40ml)

This oil is to increase the hairs moisture levels by 41% without weighing it down or making it look greasy, and I love that it has been formulated without silicones, so there is no build up in the hair. I love the inclusion of this one as my hair is always a little dry this time of year when it is so hot, but I only wish that the sample had been a little bigger, as with my very long and thick hair, there is hardly sufficient product for one use.

The box also included a coupon with the offer of free shipping and a free Dry Remedy sample trio, with shampoo, conditioner and masque  (10ml each) when you purchase a Dry Remedy Daily Moisturising Oil from Aveda.

Evodia Lemon Sorbet Hand Cream – Full Size (RRP $17.95/100ml)

I love citrus scented products, so I love love love that this hand cream is included. And even though I already have more hand creams on the go than I should, and had made a promise not to open another one until I’d finished up a couple, I just couldn’t resist, I just had to try it and smell it, and simply smells divine. And as promised, the hand cream which contains vitamin E, shea butter, macadamia oil, jojoba oil, cocoa butter, olive oil and Kakadu plum, leaves the hands feeling soft without leaving them feeling greasy. And this is also the first product I’ve ever tried from Evodia, and I love it, so I will definitely be checking out the rest of their product range.

Finally, the box also included a card with a teaser for the February Box…. It will include a deluxe sample of Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel….. Whoa…..I am excited about that one. I have long had it on my wish list to try out this peel from Juice Beauty, so I can’t wait for this one….

Overall, I think this box is still a good box, as I love the inclusions of the Evodia Hand Cream, the Paula’ Choice Gel and the Invisible Zinc Tinted moisturiser – and consequently, for me, the box is well worth its price. The Aveda Oil, the facial wipes are good additions, and although I am not too excited about receiving yet another ModelCo lipgloss, I am sure I can find it a new home where it will be well appreciated.
*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

What do you think of this month’s Lust Have It box? Are you a subscriber? Or are you maybe considering subscribing? Have you tried any of this month’s products?

Product Review: Lust Have It – October Box

Yet again Lust Have It has managed to take me by surprise. I came home from being out this morning to find the October Lust Have It Box waiting for me at the front door. Lust Have It has kindly sent me the last few boxes for review, but I had no idea, and no anticipation that I would continue to receive box after box, so it really was a lovely surprise to find amongst a couple of nasty bills. Here are my thoughts of the contents of the October 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 read on to find out how to get a discount on your first box..

Available from Lust Have It

What I Say:

This month’s Lust Have It box stands out from previous boxes which have had pretty pale blue and pale and beige floral printed box, with a magnetic closure, - while this months box is a white background with bright pink, purple and orange floral/spatter watercolour design on it. Personally I really love this design, it is so much fresher and more summery and modern than the old style boxes. Another new thing is that the box opens sideways, but still with the same magnetic closure.

The October Lust Have It box is using ‘Spring Race Carnival Edition’ as its theme, which is very fitting – bring on the Melbourne Cup and consequently the public holiday in Melbourne!!

These are the goodies that I found in the October Lust Have It Box;

Le Tan Wash Off – Sample 40g (RRP: $14.99/100g)

 

 

This Wash Off offers an instant and temporary tan in just minutes. I have previously tried a similar product from Le Tan Flawless Legs, which is a great product, and while I have used this a few times, I am not a massive fan of self-tanners in general, so unfortunately this one doesn’t rock my boat!

It also comes with a discount coupon for $3 off any LE Tan Self Tan product at Woolworths.

 

Princess Skincare Hyaluronic Acid Mask – Sample – 1 cloth mask/28g (RRP: $25/110ml)

 

 

According to the card this is supposed to be a full sized product, but seeing a full sized product is 110ml and this mask is just 28g, I do classify it as a sample. Regardless I am looking forward to trying it. I have never heard of the brand before, but the promise of helping to reduce the appearance of fine line and wrinkles and make my skin glow, sounds pretty good to me!

 

Smitten Cosmetics Whipped Tinted Mousse Moisturiser SPF15 – approx. 15ml(?) - (RRP: $25/30ml)

 

 

 

This is another brand that I’ve never heard of before, so I am looking forward to trying it. It is supposed to be a moisturiser, SPF, Foundation, Filler and concealer all in one, which sounds pretty good, gotta love multi-tasking products. I got it in the shade Cappucino, which is a medium beige tone, and a good match for my skin.

When I opened the Lust Have It box, the screw lid was off this cream, but luckily due to its thick mousse-like consistency it hadn’t spilt out onto the other products.

Inika Mineral Eye Shadow – Full Size (RRP: $25/12g)

 

 

A few weeks ago Lust Have It revealed that there would be a full sized Inkia product in every single box, and this the one! I have heard a lot of good things about Inika so I was looking forward to this.

I got a loose mineral Eyeshadow in the colour Lust which I a dusty sea green – and while I will try this out, it is not a colour that I would usually wear so I don’t think I will get much use from this one.

Paula’s Choice Oil Blotting Papers – Sample (RRP: $10.50/100 sheets)

 

 

I have heard of Paula’s Choice, but again a brand that I’ve never tried. Years ago I used to use blotting papers, but then somehow forgot about them. Heading into the warmer and more humid months this small pack will be perfect for the handbag to help keep shine at bay.

EVO Ritual Salvation Care Shampoo and Conditioner – Samples 50ml each (RRP: $25/300ml each)

 

 

These small bottles are so cute, and specifically for colour treated hair these are perfect for my hair – well, except that I haven’t actually had my hair coloured since before I got pregnant and my son is now 4 months old… but I do have it on the cards to get it done in time for the silly season, and it will be great to try these out. I have heard good things about the EVO brand, and again, it is a brand that I’ve not tried before.

The box also comes with a voucher for $20 off your next purchase from the online shopping site, the Iconic. From what I can read in the Terms & Conditions there doesn’t appear to be a minimum spend required (unless I’ve just completely missed it!!), and if that is the case, this is a great offer, also seeing orders under $50 attract jus $7.95 in shipping, while orders over$50 have free shipping.

 

 

 

Finally, the box also comes with a $50 wine voucher to spend on any case of winer priced at $109.99 or more from Naked Wines.

 

So what’s my verdict of the October Lust Have It Box…. Overall, like the previous boxes I have received, I feel that this box contains a nice selection and variety of products – although I have to say that I found that the products in previous boxes I’ve received have been more my style, and hence the boxes better value. To sum up, I am not a bit fan of self-tanning products, I never wear green-ish eye makeup, and while I will find the blotting papers useful, I kind of don’t really rate them, if that makes sense. That leaves the Smitten foundation, EVO shampoo and conditioner and the Princess Skincare cloth mask, and while I am excited to be trying these products and will use and enjoy them, their combined value is in my eyes not worth the cost of the box..

But of course, if you love the colour of the Inika eyeshadow and are a regular user of self-tanning products, then this box would no doubt be of great value.

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

 

What do you think of this month’s Lust Have It box? Are you loving any of the products? Are you a subscriber? What were your favourite products? Or are you maybe considering subscribing? If so, then check out the discount offer below.

Discount Offer
Have you signed up to any monthly beauty subscription boxes? Thinking of trying the Lust Have It Box and getting a selection of new beauty products to try delivered to your door every month?

Each month the Lust Have It box includes 5 or 6 hand-picked beauty samples worth $60+ delivered to your door for only $19.95/mnth. Some of the brands you can expect to trial include: Benefit, Shiseido, Kerastase, Glasshouse and Laura Mercier to name a few. 

For more information, check out the Lust Have It!

 

And 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.