PRODUCT REVIEW: BELLABOX APRIL 2017

Another month has very quickly passed, and I've teamed up with Bellabox again for the second month in a row. I was very impressed with the contents of last months' box, my very first Bellabox ever, so was excited for this one to arrive. Here's what was in the Bellabox April 2017 box..

BB Summer Trio - Full Size (RRP: $9.95)
This is a small round compact containing three cream highlighters in three different shades. It has been created exclusively for Bellabox and supposedly there are different options, but I got one that contains a white shimmer, pale pink shimmer and a apricot shimmer shade. I have (naturally) never tried any of the Bellabox products before, so I don't really know what to think of the quality of this yet, but it does look lovely, and especially the apricot shade looks like something I’d usually wear.

Batiste Tropical Dry Shampoo - 50ml (RRP: $4.95 / 50ml)
I can't live without dry shampoo, and Batiste is without a doubt one of my favourite brands, as they are so affordable and smell amazing. This particular version has a gorgeous tropical coconutty scent that will make you day dream of an island holiday, and it will instantly freshen up your hair, while giving it body and smell amazing at the same time.

Avene Tolerance Extreme Cream - 5ml (RRP: $58.95 / 50ml)
This cream is offering intense moisture for dry, allergic and very sensitive skin. I don't really have either, but that said, my combination skin always tend to get a little drier as we head towards the winter months, and as I really do love the products from Avene, I still look forward to testing this one out.

Avene Tolerance Extreme Cleansing Lotion - 5ml (RRP: $58.95 / 50ml)
This is a no-rinse facial cleanser that is gentle while protecting and soothing the skin. I do generally prefer a foaming cleanser as I love splashing water in my face, but again, do look forward to trying this one out.

Nutraplus Barrier Hand Cream - 10ml (RRP: $7.50 / 50ml)
Winter has hardly hit, and my hands are already feeling it, and are so dry, so this couldn’t have come at a better time. It promises to help protect the hands by giving them an invisible protective barrier, to prevent dryness while keeping the hands moisturised and soft.

BONUS - Nutrimetics Nutri-Rich Hair Nourish Shampoo and Conditioner - Sachet samples, 10ml each
I have never tried any of the Nutrimetics hair products before, so I am looking forward to putting these to the test. Also because these are formulated to help protect and repair dry and damaged hair, while locking in moisture, so they are perfect for my long chemically treated hair.



So there you go, the contents of the April '17 Bellabox. And again I am quite impressed with both the variety and amount of samples in this box and not to mention quality. What I really like is that I will actually use every single item in the box, which makes it good value on its own, and at the same time, I get to try out Bellabox own brand, and more products from one of my fave French brands, Avene. I am also always on the lookout for treatment products for my long hair, and a hand cream never goes astray, and this one is the perfect size to pop into the handbag too!).
Another thing, and again Bellabox is still new to me, but compared to other subscription boxes where the contents is much the same for all subscribers in any given month (except for perhaps difference in colours of makeup products), Bellabox, from what I've noticed by reading other reviews over the past two months, contents seem to vary a lot more. And personally I actually like that. Yes, I've seen products in other peoples boxes I would have liked, but have received products myself I wouldn't swap in return. But what's more, as a subscriber, for me, one of the fun things about this type of boxes is the surprise element of what you'll find in your box - and with many people posting sneak peaks of their boxes, with other boxes that surprise will often be ruined before you get your box. But not with Bellabox!

$17.95 ($15.00+ $2.95 P&H) on a subscription plan, billed monthly, but you can cancel anytime.
Available from Bellabox

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


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PRODUCT REVIEW: BRIO POLICE STATION 33813 FROM CHILDSMART

It's time for another toy review, so I've yet again called upon my boys, who are almost 2 years old and 4 years old, to assist and test… Today it is all about the newly launched Police Station from Brio. As you may recall, we've previously put several other Brio items to the test from Childsmart (Click on the labels tab for easy access all the reviews!). Anyway, onto the new Brio Police Station.

Nothing has changed since our last Brio feature a few months ago - my boys still love playing Brio, as it always spark their imaginative play. And when there's heroes included, such as firemen or police men, it's even better, so the new Police Station was an instant hit.

Needless to say that the Brio Police Station fits perfectly into any Brio collection. It comes with special tracks so you can add it on to your existing track, and it also comes with a little ramp so the included police car van drive straight into the police station garage.

From there the police men - it comes with one police man and one thief, - can take the elevator directly to the prison cell, which is on the second floor. Then you can lock the grill gate as the elevator door also functions as the prison door, and then leave the prisoner on his bunk bed to think about his bad ways.

The bottom level of the Police Station functions as both garage for the police van, but also as office and desk for the busy police men.

The included police car fits one police man, and it is easy to put him into the van, even for little hands, as the roof lifts up - so even my not even 2 year old can do this! Both boys also love that you can turn on the siren and lights on the police car, that are activated when pushing a button on the top of the truck, - and then speed off to rescue citizens in need and stop the bad guys from pinching things that are not theirs.

Like all other Brio toys, this two storey Police Station has the same stylish and modern design, and it is made from a combination of timber and plastic, and it is sturdy and clearly a quality product, that can survive a few drops on the floor.

This Police Station is intended for kids aged 3+, and our little boy, aged almost 4 years, is having so much fun role-playing with it, and adding it to his existing Brio playsets, and his imagination quickly off, as he chases the bad guy and tries to catch him. He also love the elevator element, which adds just another element of fun.

And in spite of being below the intended age-group, my youngest, yet to turn two, is also having so much fun playing with it. I appreciate that the age bracket has also been put in place due to the smaller parts in the playset, but personally I find that the smallest parts, the little people, are big enough for him to play with without a concern, although he is naturally being monitored.

As with all other Brio toys, this quality is fantastic and it really is amazing for role play and imagination, and keeps my boys entertained time and time again. So if your little one is into heroes and police too, then this is highly recommended.

Brio Police Station 33813 - RRP: $59.95
Available from leading toy retailers and online stores
or visit Childsmart for more information

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


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PRODUCT REVIEW: WELEDA TINTED LIP BALMS

It's no secret that I lately have been exploring some more natural beauty products, so when these new Tinted Lip Balms from Weleda landed on my door step, I couldn't wait to put them to the test.

These new lip balms are 100% certified natural, and combines colour & care in one. They are made using Shea butter, jojoba oil and olive oil to care for and protect the lips, while sunflower seed wax helps form a protective layer to protect the lips. They also contain rose and vanilla to help give them the most divine gentle scent.
The balms are light and soft on the lips, making them very comfortable to wear throughout the day, as they are non sticky. And I love that they give the lips a touch of tint and a subtle shimmer a the same time.

They are available in three shades, Nude, Rose, and Berry Red - and I put the first two to the test.

Nude has a very pale pearlescent pinky-nude that gives the lips a lovely look, and actually also would be perfect on top of any lipstick for extra sheen and dimension, as well as I can actually imagine that it could double as a highlighter on the top of your cheeks!!
Rose is a pale pink shade, that is a gorgeous shade for everyday casual wear.

I really enjoy using these, and love the fact that they are natural and give my lips a touch of tint while caring for them. I know I'll be reaching for these in the coming winter months as my lips tend to become drier, and I pretty keen to get my hands on the final shade, the Berry Red, the darkest of the shades available.

If you're looking for a very moisturising balm, that's natural, I definitely recommend that you check out these new Tinted Lip Balm from Weleda.


Weleda Tinted Lip Balm - RRP: $15.95 / 10ml
Available from David Jones and selected pharmacies and health food stores, and Weleda Online * Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy. 
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MOTHER'S DAY GIFT IDEA - BELLA BOX LIMITED EDITION MOTHER'S DAY BOX 2017

Does your mum love beauty products and needs to be spoilt a little extra this Mother's Day? Then why not treat her to the ultimate pampering gift this year. Bella Box have the most amazing limited edition Mother's Day Box, which is chock full of pampering goodies including skincare and makeup, that every woman will love. This special Mother's Day box, is a again a limited edition once off box, (and not part of the regular subscription service), and it contains a massive 12 products, valued at over $160, but you can get it for the bargain price of $49.95 (with free shipping). 

Unlike the 'regular' monthly boxes, this Mother's Day box comes in a navy blue box, and the products in the box include:

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Floral & Flirty Blush - 50ml
I absolutely love the Batiste Dry Shampoos, and actually couldn’t be without them as they are such a lifesaver, when you want to hit the snooze button on the alarm clock once more in the mornings. This particular one has a gorgeous fresh floral scent, and the small size also makes it perfect to pop into the handbag.

Nuxe Nirvanesque Smoothing Eye Contour Cream - 15ml (full size) Another brand I absolutely love, so this eye cream doesn’t go astray, - and being full sized it is valued at approx $45.95, already making this box exceptionally good value. The eye cream contains among others hyaluronic acid and optical correcting pigments to help smoothe away wrinkles and expression lines, while also reducing dark circles. Sounds incredible, and cant wait to put this one to the test.

Sukin Renewing Body Scrub with Green Tea an Jojoba - 50ml Yet another brand that I like, as it is high quality and efficient, while being so budget friendly. This body scrub contains micro jojoba beads and green tea leaves and ground walnut shells to help polish the skin and buff away dead skin cells, while leaving the skin soft and smooth thanks to containing among others coconut oil, jojoba oil and aloe vera, and rosehip oils. I also love the fact that it is free from all the chemical nasties, including no parabens and sulphates.

Molton Brown Orange & Bergamot Hand Wash - 30ml One of my favourite scents, is citrus, so this orange scented hand wash is right up my alley, as it smells so gorgeous. Molton Brown is known for their luxurious bath products, and this hand wash doesn’t fail to impress me either, and I'm almost looking for an excuse to wash my hands.

Thankyou Hand Cream with Botanical Geranium & Rosewood - 70ml I have the biggest respect for the brand Thankyou, who donates to help water and sanitary programs around the world. Their products are extremely well priced, yet are so good, and look incredible too. I already have several of them around the house, so very happy with the inclusion of this hand cream. It smells absolutely amazing, and leaves the hands feeling soft and smooth.

Momma Pure Rosehip & Jojoba Butter Rejuvenating Raw Sugar Face Scrub This face scrub is made using 100% natural pure essential oils, which immediately appeals to me. I am also excited about getting the opportunity to try a new brand that I've never heard of before.

Beach Road Naturals Body Bar with Coconut Oil & Kaffir Lime - 100g I admit that I am not the biggest user or fan of soap bars, for the pure reason that I do find they become a little messy after a while. That said, this one does sound pretty good, made from triple milled soap, and infused with coconut husk, and kaffir lime leaf to help gently exfoliate dead skin, to leave it soft and smooth.

Sarah Jean False Lashes - one set Then there's these false synthetic lashes from Sarah Jean, which looks absolutely stunning, and will be perfect for a special night out.

Sarah Jean Waterproof Clear Eyelash Adhesive - 4ml And what's false lashes without adhesive, so Bella Box has been so insightful as to also make sure to include a pack with clear adhesive.

PONi Cosmetics Pegasus Liquid Liner in black - Full Size
This is another product I am extremely excited about. I have a couple of PONi products which I so love, and using black liquid liner daily, I cannot wait to try this one. Another full sized product valued at around $29!

One Seed Organic Perfumery Freedom Organic Perfum - Sample vial I have heard of One Seed fragrances, but never had an opportunity to try, so this is another one that really excites me. The brand makes organic perfume, and this one smells so lovely, and the small vial spray is also the perfect little size to pop into the handbag.

Embasan Candles Fragrance Diffuser in Green Tea, Guava, and Tangerine - 10ml This little hanging fragrance diffuser is so adorable. It is made with stunning rose gold with a timber lid and a black cord, and it is perfect to hang in smaller spaces such as the wardrobe or in the bathroom. The Green Tea, Guava and Tangerine scent smells divine, and will keep your room smelling lovely for up to 4 months, will looking amazing too.

Finally, there is also a cute Sweet Mickie Quote Cookie included in the box, and who can resist that!!


So there you have it, a selection of amazing goodies in this limited edition Bella Box Mother's Day box. It is truly good value as just the Nuxe eye cream on its own, and the box is basically paid for, and the remainder of the items are bonuses, and there is literally everything in the box for skin, body and home. So treat your mum, and perhaps yourself too to this box, you both deserve it, and will love discovering and pampering yourselves with these beautiful products.

Bella Box Limited Edition Mother's Day Box - $49.95
Available from Bella Box

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

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PRODUCT REVIEW: ALPHA-H LIQUID GOLD WITH GLYCOLIC ACID FROM ACTIVESKIN

One of those products that has claimed cult status amongst bloggers and beauty writers is the Alpha-H Liquid Gold with Glycolic Acid, so when a bottle of it landed on my desk courtesy of Activeskin, I couldn't wait to try it out. 

The Alpha-H Liquid Gold is a resurfacing treatment that contains glycolic acid to help diminish wrinkles, pigmentation and sun damage, while brightening and revitalising tired, ageing skin, and it is suitable for anyone with mature, sun damaged, prematurely ageing and acne-scarred skin. The product helps regenerate the skin and force the stimulation of wound healing, for a skin that is visibly clearer, brighter and more even toned.

The Liquid Gold comes in a bottle, and is to be used alternative evenings on cleansed skin, for an intensive treatment you can use it on its own, or alternatively with a serum or moisturiser on top. And you use it by moistening a cotton pad and wiping it over the face, neck and decolletage. Struggling with both pigmentation, ageing and breakouts, I found that my skin needed that little bit extra, so I have been using it on its own. Also, personally I find that I 'waste' a lot of the product by letting it absorb into the cotton pad, so I prefer putting a few drops onto the palm of my hand, and dabbing it into the skin from there.

When you firs apply it, the skin does tingle for a few moments, but that is just a sign that it is working.

I have combination skin prone to breakouts and I have really been enjoying using the Liquid Gold. The 5% glycolic acid contents means that it doesn’t clog up the pores, on the contrary, it helps gently exfoliate and slug away dead skin cells and excess sebum and impurities. And each morning after use, my skin is looking so much clearer and brighter, and any existing breakouts also minimised. And after having used if for a while, I am really impressed with the overall result too, as my skin is looking less dull, but rather fresher, brighter and more even, with in particular minor pigmentation and residual marks from past acne clearly minimised. I also find that my large pores appear smaller in size, and I tend to get less breakouts too, and those that I have been getting are generally smaller in size and seem to clear up a lot faster too. The solution is very concentrated, so if used every second night it will last you a long time. I now know what all the hype is about as it is clearly making my skin look better, so I will continue to use this as a part of my skincare routine, and can see myself repurchasing again and again.


Alpha-H Liquid Gold with Glycolic Acid - RRP: $46.13 / 100ml
Available from Activeskin


About Activeskin – if you are not familiar with Activeskin, they are an online beauty store stocking over 5000 products. They have a low shipping rate of $6.95, but do offer free shipping when you spend over $95. You can also shop with Activeskin confidence as they have a 'Best Price Promise, which you can read more about here. They also have a cool rewards system where you accumulate points which can be redeemed against future purchases. And if you need a little help selecting products, you can always just give them a call and a Qualified Skin Expert is there to give you advice. 

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

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