HOSPITAL BAG - SKINCARE & HAIRCARE

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

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

EVO Beauty Is Skin Deep Women’s Essential Kit

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

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



bhave Riot Control Oil

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

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

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

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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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


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

 

 

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

 

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

Weleda Nipple Care Cream

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


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

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

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PRODUCT REVIEW: LUST HAVE IT MARCH 2015

On Friday I received the March edition of the Lust Have It beauty Box. Yes, you did read it correctly, the March edition arriving on the 15th May! Two months late!! No quite sure what has been happening at the LHI HQ with such a long delay. If I was a paying customer I would no doubt be very disappointed, but as the box has been sent to me for consideration, I really cannot complain! But here’s my thoughts on this month’s 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: 

 Unfortunately my box didn’t contain the info card, but I did manage to find all the details online on the Lust Have It website. Unlike previous months, the products this month didn’t come in the usual mesh zip bag, but rather in a foldable plain black gift box. I would have loved to get the info card, but personally I don’t really mind the box it came in as I have heaps of the mesh bags by now, and if it came down to it, I’d prefer an additional product each month instead of the bag! But as the box was just plain, it also meant that I really had no way of telling that the box was from Lust Have It, but to look at the sender on the postage bag!

Anyway, this is what was in the box; 


ModelCo BB+ Cream – Full Size (RRP: $22.00)

I believe that Lust Have It sent our surveys to its paying subscribers so they could pick their preferred shade – but I didn’t get that offer. In saying that, I was lucky to get the BB Cream in a light shade, which is perfect for my skin tone during winter. I do predominantly wear tinted moisturisers or BB Creams these days, so I look forward to testing this one out!


Appelles Blackseed Shampoo & Tamanu Conditioner – Samples x 2 35ml (RRP: S68.00/500ml each)

I have previously received shampoo and conditioner samples from Appelles in another subscription box, so as such, they don’t excite me. But ins saying that, I did enjoy using the products, and love the smell of them, so they certainly wont go to waste. Unfortunately the seal on both of the products had clearly been broken, and I obviously would have preferred if they hadn’t!


Uriage Tolederm Soothing Cleansing Water & Tolederm Hydra Soothing Cream –Samples, 3mls each (RRP: $29.95/250ml, $39.95/30ml)

I’ve only just recently tried my first products from Uriage, and really like them, but I have to say that these tiny samples are a bit of a disappointment. They are just so tiny. If the full sized product had been really expensive, then it would have explained it, but unfortunately in this case it doesn’t.


Urban Skincare Co Daily Body Cleanser – Sample, 35ml (RRP: $26.95/500ml)

Another brand that I’ve sadly seen repeatedly in subscription boxes lately. Again, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the products, in fact, I really love them as they smell amazing – in this case the body cleanser has the most gorgeous citrus scent, so I’ll really enjoy using it – but unfortunately it just excites me more when I see brands that are new to me!


Lonvitalite Coconut Milk Hydrating & Nourishing Facial Mask – One Mask (RRP: $9.95)

At the fear of sounding repetitive, unfortunately Lonvitalite face masks seems to be popping up in every single type of subscription box these days, so again, it doesn’t really excite me that much – but yet again, not saying that I don’t like the Lonvitalite masks, because I do, I love them – so again I would have preferred to see a product from a brand that was new to me. In saying that, of all the Lonvitalite masks I’ve tried so far, I’ve never tried this one with Coconut Milk before, so I do look forward to putting it to the test.


So there you go, the contents in the March Lust Have It box. It contains a total of 7 products, of which two were full-sized, three were deluxe samples and two were mini samples.

There was a good variety of products including makeup from ModelCo, haircare from Appelles, bodycare from Urban Skin Co, and skincare from Uriage and Lonvitalite – and I do think that this is a nice combination of products with something for everyone.

In terms of value, the box doesn’t have an as high value as previous boxes, but still the two full sized products alone, are worth more than the cost of the box, so no complaints there. But still, unfortunately I have to say that this month’s box didn’t really excite or wow me – and that in spite of all the products really being very lovely, and in the case of most, products that I’d use or have used previously, and hence wouldn’t hesitate purchasing – but for that very same reason, they just didn’t bring me that novelty and excitement factor, which is what I am really hoping to see in a subscription box – yet while not being a complete disappointment either, if that makes sense!

I have my fingers crossed that Lush Have It will both get back on track and get their shipping issues under control soon, and that future boxes will also bring so new products and brands to add to the excitement.

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


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PRODUCT REVIEW: LUST HAVE IT SEPTEMBER 2014

Another subscription box that arrived while I was away on holidays was the September *Lust Have It box arrived, so again, slightly delayed, 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:

As per pervious months, this month the goodies again arrived in a pink see-through mesh bag. Unfortunately it didn’t contain the information card, which I always find extremely useful, so I do miss having it. Anyway, these are the products in bag; 


Glam Manicare Express 3 in 1 – Full Size


 

This is a nail art pen that as well as containing a glittery gold nail polish, also contains some large silver and gold glittery flecks as well as 10 different stencils. I am not personally fond of the gold shade or the glittery, but I do love the stencils, so I will definitely have to try them out. But in general this is such a great idea for clumsy girls like me that has absolutely no idea when it comes to nail art!




ModelCo Lip lacquer Liquid Lipstick in Fire Red – Full Size
 

 

 

 

This is a combination of a lipstick and a lipgloss. It has some serious pigmentation packing a big punch with its bright red shade, yet it is lovely and glossy. And it has a gorgeous fruity scent too. I am not normally wearing such bright shades, but I have already tried it out, and love it. And I love that it really does have a long wear, and when it starts to fade, it still leaves a nice red stain behind on the lips. And if you don’t want the intense colour, you can also just dab it on for a nice stained look.

Urban Skincare Co – Repair + Body Balm – Sample Size, 35ml

 

A new brand I have never heard of before, and it is Australian made and owned, which I always love. YAY! This body balm contains minerals of calsium and magnesium and enriching coriander oil and smells absolutely divine. It has a lovely light consistency that absorbs quickly into the skin leaving it feeling velvety smooth and soft.

There was also a card included giving you free shipping and 20% of your next order, and I am so in love with that cream that I can definitely see myself checking that out…

 

The Cosmetic Kitchen Macadamia Wax Crème Highlighter – Full Size

This highlighter comes in the shape of a lipgloss, even with the angled opening to make applying easier. It is slightly thick, yet it does blend out nice and evenly, leaving a nice and subtle sheen on the skin. My only issue is that the slightly gold shade could have been a little lighter to match my skin tone, but give it a month or so, and I will probably start having a bit of a summer than, so it should be fine. I look forward to testing this one out!

 

Uriage Soap-Free wash for Sensitive Skin for Face and Body – Sample Size, 8ml

I have not tried many products from Uriage so I do look forward to trying out this cleanser, even in spite of not having sensitive skin, so it doesn’t really match my skin type. My only issue is that the sample is so small, if you are supposed to also be able to use it on your body, you can hardly wash yourself with it, that’s how small it is.

 

ModelCo – Various sachet samples x 4

Finally there were also four samples of ModelCo’s newly launched skincare range. The samples include Exfoliating Cream Facial Scrub, Instant Miracle Booster Skin Brightening & Firming Serum, Double Sided Facial Wipes, and Soothing Moisturiser Day & Night. I am generally a little over sachet samples, and would naturally have preferred to see a larger sample or two, so you can try the products for a few go’s, but on the other hand, guess the sachet samples allow you try a few more of the new products. Regardless, I do look forward to trying out these out.

So there you go, the contents in the September issue. Overall, I am sadly not extremely impressed. I do like the inclusion of in particular the ModelCo Lip Lacquer and understand that regular subscrbers have been able to pick their preferred shade, which certainly is a great bonus. Also I like the Body Balm from Urban Skincare Co., but sadly other than that, I am a little underwhelmed with the other products, although in terms of value it still makes up for the $20 spend. Fingers crossed next month’s box will make up for it.

*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 – December Box

It is that time of month again. The time when the monthly beauty boxes arrives. This morning I woke to the lovely surprise of finding the *December Lust Have It Box by my front door, and here are my thoughts on its contents;

 

 

 

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:

As per previous months, this month’s Lust Have It box also comes in a box with a magnetic closure and the new white design with the pretty blue, pink, orange and red water colour floral design.

And here’s a rundown of the goodies in this month’s box:

 

 

Maybelline New York Dream Fresh 8-in-1 BB Cream – Full Size (RRP: $15.95/30ml)

 

 

These days I tend to wear more BB, CC creams and tinted moisturisers, so I am definitely happy about receiving this one in a full size. It has 8 benefits for the skin, and is lightweight and oil free, so perfect for my combination skin. I got the medium shade, which is perfect for my skin now that the sun has gently kissed my cheeks!

Maybelline New York Dream Fresh 8-in-1 BB Cream with 2% Salicylic Acid – Sample Sachet, 1ml - (RRP: $15.95/30ml)

I have already received one of these sachet samples from somewhere, and I quite liked it, especially now that it is summer, and my combination skin in general gets a little greasier, and also breaks out a little more frequently. In saying that, on a daily basis, I do not have that many breakouts, so I am quite happy to have received the full sized tube of the standard BB Cream instead.

 

Pelactiv Hydrating Cream Cleanser – Sample Size, 30ml (RRP: $43/150ml)

This Cream Cleanser is intended for normal to dry skin types, and as I have combination skin prone to breakouts, I would have preferred to receive the Foaming Cleanser for normal to oily skin types that I know is also an option in this month’s box. But Pelactiv is one of those brands that I have had on my wish list to try, so it certainly won’t go to waste. The 30ml sample tube is a generous size, so there’s sufficient cleanser to try it out several times.

 

Uriage Aquaprecis refreshing Gel-Cream – Sample size, 15ml (RRP: $49.95/40ml)

 

 

This gel moisturiser is intended for combination skin, and aims to moisturise for 24 hour, without making the skin feel greasy or drowned in moisture. This sounds like the perfect moisturiser for my skin during summer, so I can’t wait to test it out. Besides, Uriage is yet another brand that I’ve wanted to try, so again I’m very happy with the inclusion of this sample.

 

SunSense Anti-Ageing Face SPF30+ - Full Size (RRP: $20.95/100ml)

 

 

I have used the SunSense sunscreen products previous and in fact recently purchased a SPF for the body as I really like their products, so I am very stoked with this full sized face cream being included. I also love that it is a specific anti-ageing cream that helps to reduce wrinkles with aid from the included AHA’s, Vitamins E and B3. I also love that it is free from fragrance, PABA and lanolin, and that it has an oil-free base and is non-comedogenic so it hopefully won’t make my skin break out

 

Clairol Visible Repair Intensive Mask – Sample Size, 30ml (RRP: $13.95/200ml)

 

 

 

There were two different options of masks included in the boxes, one for coloured hair, or the one I got for dry hair. Considering I just had my hair coloured at the hair dresser a week ago, I would have preferred the one for coloured hair, but as my long hair is always a bit dry in the ends, it still won’t go to waste. I don’t remember ever trying any Clairol hair products either, so I do look forward to testing it out.

Finally, the box also included a voucher for $100 off a case of wine, so you can get a box for $100. This is a great offer to fill the wine rack, but as I am still breast feeding and hence still completely off the alcohol, I will not be making use of this offer.

As per previous boxes I love how the Lust Have It box contains a variety of different products, including skincare, makeup and hair and body care and this month also sunscreen, which couldn’t have been better timing, just in time for the holidays.

This month’s box includes two full sized products including the Maybelline BB Cream and the SunSense sunscreen, and the value of these two products are almost $37, so well above the $19.95 price tag for the box. In addition the box also contains some generous sample sizes of brands Pelactiv, Uriage and Clairol, neither of which I have tried, so all in all, I am yet again impressed with not only the selection of product, but also the value for money of this box. You’ve done it again Lust Have It!

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/mth. 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 website.

 

 

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.

*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?