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12 July 2014

PRODUCT REVIEW: WANTABLE BEAUTY BOX JUNE 2014

One of the few beauty box subscriptions that ship internationally is the Wantable Box, and I really like that, as it is a fantastic way of trying out brands that you would otherwise not come across in Australia. Here are my thoughts on the *Wantable June 2014 box;


 
 
What They Say:
We create unique customer profiles by asking customers a series of product and personality questions. We then use this data to introduce customers to assortments of products perfectly suited to their personal taste. You get 4 to 5 full-size premium makeup products, hand-picked to perfectly match your preferences, valued at over US$80

RRP: US$36 per box if you subscribe, or US$40 for a one-time purchase – Available from Wantable

What I Say:
The Wantable box is based on the US, and they have three monthly box options available including  a makeup box, an accessory box and an intimates box, as well as they also from time to time have limited edition boxes. The Wantable boxes are a little more expensive than other beauty subscription boxes available in Australia, but it also claims to have products included at a higher total value.

As I have explained in my previous  Wantable reviews (you can check out my Feb 2014 review here) , is that they are very customised, and for each box you order, you go through the extensive customisation process, where you in the various categories select what you LOVE, LIKE and DISLIKE, and consequently Wantable promises to that you don’t end up with products you ‘DISLIKE’, but rather a box full of products you either ‘LIKE’ or ‘LOVE’ – so in other words, nothing but products you are actually excited about.
 
The only downside to the Wantable box being American is that they have opposite seasons to Australia – and so the June box has a summer theme with ‘everything you need to unleash your inner summertime goddess’. But in saying that, the particular products I got were not that summery, and I cannot see why you also cannot use them during winter.

This is what was in June Beauty Box:

Eleece Illuminous Hydrating Face Mask – Full Size/Qty 2 – (RRP: US$30)
 
 

These cloth masks contains coenzyme Q10 and damask callous rose extract which is to promote healing and fight free radicals and provide nourishment to the skin to repair sun damage, balance moisture levels and aid in clearing acne symptoms, as well as fight the signs of ageing by rehydrating the skin and deliver collagen. This is truly just what my skin needs, with signs of ageing, sun damage and pigmentation, and add to that that my skin has been crazy lately breaking out, so I cannot wait to put it to the test. Oh, I almost forgot – the masks came in the most gorgeous black organza bag, so cute!

 
Liberty Republic Nail Polish in Omen – Full Size - (RRP:US$14)
 
 

This brand is new to me, so I really don’t know what to expect, but the bright red shade is so lovely, and it is perfect for brightening up a dark and dull winters outfit. I love that the formula is 5-free, and hence free from chemical nasties. Having said that, the colour is similar to several others in my collection (I do love a classic red!) but there is really nothing exciting about it, so deep down, I would have preferred a different colour.

 
Glam Natural Mascara in Black – Full Size, 7g - RRP: US$28
 
 

You can never have too many black mascaras, and this one is paraben free and vegan, which does sound pretty good. I have sensitive eyes, so I am always a little concerned when I try out new mascara brands, but I do look forward to testing it out.

 
Cailyn Deluxe Mineral Blush in Peach Pink – Full Size – RRP: $30
 
 

Another brand that is new to me! This blush is absolutely gorgeous pinky peach shade with a tiny touch of shimmer. And I love that it has the attached ‘powder puff’ so it is easy apply on the go, especially seeing there is also a mirror on the lid. And if you prefer to use a blush brush, which admittedly I do, you can unscrew the lid, and use it like that too. Very excited about this one, so I can’t wait to try it out.

 
Skiin Instant Skin Tightener & Line Filler – Sample, 3ml
 
 

This is supposed to tighten and lift sagging skin and wrinkles in minutes, and used daily promises to help skin regain a radiant and younger appearance. This sounds pretty amazing and I do like forward to trying this out, as it sounds just what my again skin needs, I just hope the tiny sample is sufficient to actually start to see a difference.

So you go, those were the items in my June Wantable box. All up I am quite happy about the contents in this month’s box, four full-sized items and one sample, which I all look forward to trying out. I am quite excited about especially the Cailyn blush and the Eleece masks, and while the Glam Natural mascara and the Liberty Republic nail polish didn’t get me too excited, they are basic items that should be in any beauty collection, so they definitely won’t go to waste. I am also excited about the Skiin tightener, but just hope the tiny sample is big enough for a few uses so I can give it a proper try and verdict.

And as I have mentioned in previous Wantable reviews, it is important to note that I did not get any products that were on my DISLIKE list – rather I have ticked that I LOVE blushes, lash products and nail polish, and that I LIKE complexion products, so you can only applaud Wantable for fulfilling their promises.

The box contains 4 full-sized makeup products and one sample – all with a combined value of US$102 for just the US $40 that a once off box cost, which makes this box extremely good value! And as mentioned above, what I really love is getting introduced to some international brands that I would otherwise never have heard off, or even had access to.

What about you?? Tempted to sign up?

If you do sign up, feel free to use my link, which will earn me a couple of points/dollars towards future boxes.  
*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

 
What do you think of this beauty box from Wantable? Tempted to sign up? Have you tried any of these products or brands before? Or maybe you are subscribed to other beauty boxes? And as always, if you’d like reviews of any of the products, do let me know in the comments below.


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17 November 2013

Product Review: Wantable Box November Edition

Many countries around the world seems to have their own version of beauty box subscriptions, but unfortunately, most are only shipped within the country of their origin. One of the few exemptions is the Wantable Box, which I fell n love last month (check out my review of the October box here). But here are my thoughts on the *Wantable Box November Edition;




What They Say:
"We create unique customer profiles by asking customers a series of product and personality questions. We then use this data to introduce customers to assortments of products perfectly suited to their personal taste. You get 4 to 5 full-size premium makeup products, hand-picked to perfectly match your preferences, valued at over US$80."

RRP: US$36 per box if you subscribe, or US$40 for a one-time purchase – Available from Wantable

What I Say:

The Wantable box is based on the US, and they have three monthly box options available including  a makeup box, an accessory box and an intimates box, as well as they also have limited edition boxes available such as the current Holiday Limited Edition Makeup Box.

The Wantable box is a little more expensive than other beauty subscription boxes available in Australia, but it also claims to have products included at a higher total value.

As I mentioned in my review last month, the service from Wantable is impressive, as you throughout the ordering and shipping process get emails so you know when to expect your box.

According to Wantable, shipping to Australia takes 10-14 days, and I ordered this box on the 27th October and it arrived on the 11 November, which is over 14 days, but Wantable is really not to blame for the post being slow, and as you know the box is on its way from overseas I really don’t mind the longer wait.

Last month I also described the customisation process for the Wantable boxes, which is pretty extensive, so I won’t repeat that again, but you can check it out here if you are interested.

But what I will say is that for each box you order, you go through the process again, so you can continuously change your profile as your preferences change – which again means that you don’t end up with products you ‘DISLIKE’, but rather you’re supposed to receive a box full of goodies you either ‘LIKE’ or ‘LOVE’.

Anyway, enough of the babble, here’s what was in this month’s box:
 
 


Lise Watier Taj Mahal Powder – Full Size – RRP: US$29
 
 

How gorgeous is this old style vaporiser containing very fine gold shimmering dust, to add a radiant glow to the neckline or cleavage. While I am not a huge fan of shimmering products, I am so in love with the look of this bottle, it will simply look amazing out on display on the vanity, - and I have to admit that I will be giving it a good test run shortly as we are heading towards the silly season with all of the end of year parties coming up. Until last months Wantable box Lise Watier was an unknown brand to me, but I love it, and as this powder is a full sized product worth US$29, so already the value of this box is shaping up nicely…

 
Michael Marcus Shadow Prime – Full Size - RRP: US$24
 

 

I have heard so many good things about Michael Marcus that I was excited by the nail polish in last month’s box – and this shadow primer is puts a smile on my face too. With combination skin, I am always struggling to get eye shadows to stay put, and that will only be getting worse and worse as we are now heading towards summer here in Australia, so I cannot wait to put this to the test. And it is another full sized product worth US$24, so this box just keeps getting better..

 
Beauty For Real True Color Lip Cream in Barely There  - Full Size – RRP: US$22
 
 

This is another brand that I have never heard of before. I do have more lipglosses floating around than I can count, but another one doesn’t hurt. The colour is called Barely There, but it does have a nice rose tea shade, which happens to be my favourite shade for lips, and what I reach for most often for daily casual wear, so I am sure I will get a lot of wear from this one.
 
 
 

 

And I love that I comes with an inbuilt mirror on the side of the lipgloss case, and it also comes with an inbuilt light that you turn on at the top of the lid. I didn’t think this would work, but somehow, when you apply the lipgloss, the light does light up your lips – I doubt that I’d be using this light very often, especially not during they day, but on the other hand, when we are going out at night, hubby is usually driving, and I always apply my lippie just before we get to where we are going, so then the light may come in handy!

 
Kikkerland Girl Matchbox Emery Files –Full Size – Bonus Product
 
 
 

These matchbox style emery files are designed like little girls, and are so adorable, and being so small, they will be perfect for the handbag. These are a bonus full sized product.
 
 
 


So there you have it, those were the items in my November Wantable box. Wantable does say that you will 4 to 5 full-size premium makeup products in each box, and I must admit that I don’t really count the Kikkerland Girl Matchbox Emery Files as a premium full sized product, which means that there are only 3 full sized products in this box. But the 3 products that I did get are certainly premium, and I am extremely excited by them all – so while I do feel there is a premium full sized product missing, I am still one happy girl as in the end of the day, I’d much rather 3 fantastic products, than 4 products I am less excited about.

And like last month, I love that I have received nothing but products that I really love and will use, and with a combined value of US$75 for the items the US $40 that a once off box cost, makes this extremely good value.

I am getting more and more tempted to sign up….What about you??

If you do sign up, feel free to use my link, which will earn me a couple of points/dollars towards future boxes.
*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

 
What do you think of this beauty box from Wantable? Tempted to sign up? Have you tried any of these products or brands before? Or maybe you are subscribed to other beauty boxes?
 
 
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21 October 2013

Product Review: Wantable October Makeup Box

Beauty Boxes are all the rave around the world, with countless of different versions available in each country. But similar to most of them, is that they are only available in the country of their origin. Of course there are some that ship around the world, including to Australia. Here are my thoughts on the *Wantable October Makeup Box;




What They Say:
"We create unique customer profiles by asking customers a series of product and personality questions. We then use this data to introduce customers to assortments of products perfectly suited to their personal taste. You get 4 to 5 full-size premium makeup products, hand-picked to perfectly match your preferences, valued at over US$80."

RRP: US$36 per box if you subscribe, or US$40 for a one-time purchase – Available from Wantable

What I Say:

The Wantable box is based on the US, and they have three monthly box options available including  a makeup box, an accessory box and an intimates box, as well as they also have limited edition boxes available such as the current Halloween Box.

Compared to the Australian beauty subscription boxes that I have tried, and am aware off, the Wantable box is more expensive, but it also claims to have products included at a higher total value.

And in spite of the box coming from the US, the service has been very impressive. I instantly cot a confirmation that my box had been ordered, and then I got another one shortly after that it had been shipped. They say that shipping to Australia takes 10-14 days, and I ordered mine on September 27th, on the 2nd October I got an email saying it had been left Wantable for the Export company, on the 4th October I got an email saying that the Exporter had now shipped my box, which then arrived safely in Australia on the 14th October. While this is a lengthy process, I really don’t mind and especially not seeing the communication throughout the process has been so great.  

Compared to any other box subscription that I am aware off, the customisation process for the Wantable boxes is pretty extensive as you start out by filling out a lengthy questionnaire about what types of make up you love, like, dislike, including colours, formulas etc., including the below categories;
 
My category preferences across the various groups
 
 
Preferred lip products
 
Preferred lip tones and textures

Preferred eye shadows


Preferred blush type and tone

Again, this questionnaire is a bit long and probably takes around 10 minutes to fill in, but it is easy to do, and as it helps customise the products you get in your box, it is a worthwhile process – and isn’t it just frustrating to continuously get beauty subscription box full of items in colours you’d never wear of doesn’t suit your skin tone – with this questionnaire there should be none of that, and all the products you receive should be products you’d love to use.

My preferences..


When I received the Wantable box, I was surprised at first – all other beauty boxes that I’ve received have come in pretty boxes that you can re-use for store other items (but seriously how many of those do you need!!), but the Wantable box simply came in small white postage box lined with egg-carton shaped foam to protect the items.


 

Also I did not find any pretty printed cards about what the items were in the box, but rather a printed photocopy – but again I really don’t mind, and as your box should be unique according to your profile preferences it would also be impossible to include postcard style cards with product descriptions. The printed copy also shows a brief description of the products I LOVE, and the products I LIKE, and states that you will be 'most likely to receive products you LOVE, and will never receive products you DISLIKE' – how brilliant! – and again, this box is a little more expensive, but there is no more wasting money on items you’d never use anyway!

The printed copy then contains a brief description of the items , and these are the items that I received in my box:

Lise Watier Ombre Souffle Supreme Eye Shadow - Sample


 
Lise Watier is a Canadian brand, that I’ve never heard of before, but it looks great. I contains two iridescent shades, a pinky-peach and a green tinged brown sample, in quite generous sizes, and as these are the colours that I always use, I look forward to trying them out.


Lise Watier Feline Mascara HD – Full Size – RRP: US$23



This ultra black mascara promises to condition and care for the lashes while giving thickening them with a dramatic intensity. Sounds pretty good to me!


Glossware Lip Candy Lipgloss in colour 121 Lip Candy – Full Size – RRP: US$19

 

This lipgloss is enriched with vitamin E, and to give extreme shine while staying put. It has a lovely subtle pink shimmery shade, and it has a gorgeous sweet vanilla scent. Glossware is another Canadian brand, and again a brand that I’ve never heard about, but again I am excited to be trying this.

Kikkerland Emery Boards Scull – Full Size – RRP$1.50



Yet another brand that is new to me – but how adorable is this!! I always carry an emery board around in my handbag, but when I need it, I can never find it – this is sure to stand out in the bottom of my handbag.

Michael Marcus Nail Polish in Once You Go Matte – Full Size – RRP: US$15


This is an American brand that I have seen mentioned on quite a few different blogs, and I’ve always been fascinated with the look and sound of the products, but never actually tried any, so I am excited about this nail polish – just the look of the special geometrically shaped bottle, which is enough to win me over. The colour is black, and as the name suggest, I assume that this dries to a matte finish. I can’t wait to play with this one!

 
Besame Cosmetics Brightening Violet Powder – Full Size – RRP: US$22


 
Another American brand that is new to me, and this one looks so cute in the lavender coloured box with violets on top. Inside you find a cute pale yellow jar with a red screw lid – so cute and retro looking. The translucent powder has a slight violet colour which is to help brighten up the skin and help with dark circles under the eyes. Just what I need – excited again!!

So there you have it, those were the items in my Wantable box. Overall I really feel that this is a fantastic beauty box, and I really love that I’ve received nothing but products that I really do like and will use – unlike many other beauty boxes which contain the same standard items, including facial wipes, shampoo sachets, foundations not matched to your skin tone, and makeup in colours you would never dream of wearing. The items have a combined value of US$80.50, so $40 for a once off box makes this pretty good value – and especially seeing I really do love all the items and can’t wait to try them.

Now who isn’t tempted to sign up….?!? I know that I am!

If you do sign up, feel free to use my link, which will earn me a couple of points/dollars towards future boxes. 
*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

 
What do you think of this beauty box from Wantable? Tempted to sign up? Have you tried any of these products or brands before?

 
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