Where I'd Rather Be...

So it's a normal work day today and I just had my lunch break and all of a sudden I started feeling really dizzy.  Now that I'm back in the office I have been drinking heaps of water hoping that it will help but I am feeling a bit off still.  So I thought I'd use my little spot of the internet to transport myself to somewhere I'd rather be...

A few months ago I had a lovely "April" night where I lit some candles, had a bath, used a bath bomb and read a magazine.  It was one of my favourite types of nights and I thought I'd share it with you along with a mini review of my bath bomb of choice.

The bath bomb I chose was the Space Girl Bath Bomb from Lush which is quite a popular one.  It's a purple/blue bath bomb that is shaped like Saturn.  It has gold glitter sprinkled over it and smells like "blackcurrant sweeties" (according to Lush).  Space Girl turns your bath water a lovely purple colour that shimmers in the light with the glitter, though it is not too glittery.  

This Bath Bomb retails for $5.95 which is quite expensive (as a lot of Lush products are) however you can get it half price at Christmas time or as part of many of the gifts.  I suggest trying this one as it's one of my favorites!  I think Lush bath bombs/ballistics are a treat so don't mind paying a little extra to indulge every once in a while.

And no bath time would be complete without a few Dusk candles and my Better Homes & Gardens magazine!  There is nothing nicer than relaxing in a deep bath with the smell of bath bombs & candles...  and then diving into the world of DIY, baking & home makeovers.  Haha I love it!  So that is where I would like to be... It's hump day but it feels like the week should be over already!  You gotta love those weeks that take forever.

Bella Box May 2014 Review

So I cannot believe this post is so late this month has just been the month of lack of motivation unfortunately!  However I am getting back on the horse & back in the game and hopefully that will include my blog!  I've been writing this post for a few weeks now but really never got too far.  Even now when I'm writing this little intro bit (after I have written what I got in the box) I am remembering that I have forgotten all the pictures I need for this post which sucks!  So this will be going up probably when I already have my June box - how sad! :P  
(Edit:  I finished this post last week and so I have already received my June box... officially failed for the month of May.)

 

As you would've seen above May's Bella Box had the theme of Come Fly With Me which meant we were to receive the best in travel products as well as international beauty.  The sneak peeks excited me as I would've been happy with any of them.  I am loving the whole surprise every month still and haven't had a month yet that I haven't liked at least one thing.

So on with what I got in my May Bella Box...

1. Appelles Rosemary Body Bar - Aussie

Cost:  RRP per 100g is $5.95.  Full size sample!

If you've already read my May's Lust Have It box review you'll know that I received this in that box too however because I received my Bella Box first I am using this one.  I won't go too much detail but it is a nice enough soap - nothing really more than that.  I like that it seems natural and it smells nice but I don't think I'd purchase it.

2.  Swisspers Facial Cleansing Wipes - Classic

Cost:  RRP per 25 wipes is $6.00.  I got a 5 wipes which is worth $1.20.

I really liked these wipes and always like getting wipes in my sample boxes.  These felt really gentle and did the job.  They are more expensive than other wipes I buy but that do feel lovely on your skin.  I like these wipes and will look out for them on sale!

3.  Timeless Truth Face Mask - Essential

Cost:  RRP per 30ml is $8.00.  Full size sample!

I haven't tried this mask yet because I really want to wait for a special 'at home' night where I have a bath, light some candles, pop in a bath ballistic & use this bad boy.  I was really happy to see this product in my Bella Box!  Can't wait to use it!

4.  Wen by Chaz Dean Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner - Green

Cost:  RRP per 480ml is $34.99.  I got a 60ml sample which is worth $4.37.

I wasn't overally wrapped with this product.  Reading the product description it really drags you in but really I think it's just a glorified 2 in 1 shampoo/conditioner.  I like these sort of samples though because it shows you what you will repurchase and what you won't.  This one is a no for me unfortunately.

5.  Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Gel - Clear  -  Colour

Cost:  RRP per 7.93g is $39.00.  I got a 2.41ml sample which is worth $11.85.

I was really happy to get this one!  All of the makeup sneak peaks looks awesome but at the moment I'm loving using brow products so this really hit the spot.  You can tell why it is expensive though I probably wouldn't repurchase this one just because of the high price tag.  Would love to know if any of you have a dupe to this one?

None of my photos turned out of this product... BOO!  The is the best it got lol

BONUS  Invisible Zinc Tinted Daywear SPF30+ - Light
Cost:  RRP per 50g is $32.00.  I got a 5g sample which is worth $3.20.
 

This is the sort of sachet that I like and I will use it.  I haven't yet but I know I will.  There isn't much to be said about this one but I will let you know how I go with it!

And those were the contents of my May 2014 Bella Box subscription!

Total Box Value = $34.57

When I look at the value of this box it is a bit of a disappointment.  I think it may be because I am now used to getting Lust Have It & their value is always well over what you pay for!  But when I think about it the value still more than doubles the cost of the box & I know I will use all the things I received.  I think last month really spoiled us with over $55 worth of products.


Haha so as you can see I have been really indecisive, unorganised & a real mess this month so I can't wait for July just for a fresh start!  Let me know what you got in your Bella Box & your thoughts on the company.  At the moment it is a bit Bella Box versus Lust Have It but I suppose that is what it should be.  Hope all of your Mondays are going well...  mine is very wintery and cold but I can finally see the sun poking through.  Still it is super cold today..  might have a bath & pamper session tonight, we'll see :)

Holidays Holidays Holidays

Last weekend my husband & I finally booked our trip to AMERICA and CANADA for J next year!!!  Woohooo and we are so excited!   We are planning to leave mid January and return mid February which will make it our longest holiday we've ever taken - four weeks!  We are officially going to visit the following places:

San Franscico

We will be here for 2 nights and hope to see the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz & ride the trollies.  I loved Princess Diaries when I was younger, actually who am I kidding I still love it now.

 

One of the best lines! :)

 

Canada

I don't want to be too specific as we'll be visiting family but we'll be near the border doing family things :)   The main thing I want to do here is go to WALMART!!!  Lol

New York City

 Where do you start with NYC?  There is just so much to do and see so it's lucky we have a week!  We pretty much are doing it all :)

Washington D.C.

We are going to catch a train from NYC to get here and spend only 1 night just to see the sights.  I want to see the obvious ones like the White House but then I would also like to see the Holocaust Museum.

Los Angeles

 We're going to do the usual things like Disneyland, Universal Studios, Warner Bros Studios & the Walk of Fame.  I also want to go shopping here because their climate is the closest to ours.  I really want to do a Friends tour - best show ever!

Grand Canyon

We are going to try to drive here and spend a night here but we haven't booked anything yet.  We have given ourselves a lot of time in LA so that this can be a possibility.

So that's just a really general overview of what we'll be doing & where we are going.  We can't wait to go back to America as we really didn't get enough time last time.  I just can't wait to go shopping and am planning to stock up on my winter clothes as when we get back it will be nearly Autumn in Australia.  I also want to go to snow while I'm there as they will definitely have more of it then we do!  :)

Let me know if you have any ideas of things we can go see because I really need tips!!!

Beauty Hacks

 When I saw this post on Ogle School I knew I had to repost it to show you guys.  I haven't tried any of these "beauty hacks" yet but really want to!  This post is probably better if I just get straight into the picture :) so here we go....

I love the idea of using everyday items instead of spending more moolah!  Have you tried any of these?  Let me know if they've worked or whether you have any others to try!

Rimmel London Apocalips Lip Lacquers

Last year I noticed the Rimmel London Apocalips Lip Lacquers in store and something about their unique design pulled me in.  They are a hybrid between a lipstick and lip gloss and come in 11 different shades.  They cost $15.95 so cost more than a Rimmel lipstick however I think they are definitely worth it - especially for you girls who like a glossy finish to their lips.  If you have read my post about Chi Chi's Liquid Lipsticks, they are quite similar to these.

 I bought two shades; 303 Apocaliptic which is a hot pink & 101 Celestial which is more pinky nude/rose.  Both colours are extremely pigmented as you can see below in the swatches.  The applicator has a hollow which holds extra product making these very easy to apply.  I find the best way to use these is to apply one later, press your lips together, and then apply another.  This is because the first layer can look a bit patchy on your lips.

Swatches:  Apocoliptic, Celestial

These lip lacquers are very moisturising and do not dry my lips out.  They last for hours, though do fade a little during eating & drinking.  They don't settle in the natural lines of your mouth and create a lovely finish to your lips.  They feel so creamy that you feel like you are putting a balm on your lips.

The only thing I don't like (and it's a small thing) is that the labels are on the side and really look quite disgusting after a while.  I'm a bit picky I know but I like things to stay looking perty!  They are also quite long which makes them awkward to store but I generally just keep them with my glosses.

Overall I would definitely suggest checking these out as they really are the best of both worlds!  As someone that gets really dry lips these are perfect for me & I'm pretty sure you'll love them too.  Let me know if you've tried any of these and which colours are your favourites as I'd love to try some more!

May 2014 Lust Have It Women's Box

The Lust Have It Women's Beauty Box subscription costs $19.95 per month* and contain 5 - 6 deluxe beauty items.  The subscription is delivered for free to your door and regularly contains approximately $60.00 worth of products!  I love beauty subscription boxes as I'm sure you've heard before!

You get the usual card which contains the items you received and what they cost.

The subscription came earlier than April however this month it didn't come in the makeup bag because they didn't come in time.  Though it was a bit of a shame it's good to see they are trying to get the box/bag out earlier.  They also sent out a voucher to spend on another box which was a nice touch!

So now the business stuff is aside let's get on with what was in the box...  (if you are singing "what's in the box, in the box, what's in the box today" then you are a legend!)

1.  Mary Kay Lip-Lacquer in Pink Pagoda

Cost: RRP per 8.5g is $22.00.  Full Size Sample! 

This cute little pot of lip lacquer came with its own little retractable lip pencil.  Each subscriber got the chance to choose which colour however as I was sent mine I received the hot pink colour in Pink Pagoda.  I wouldn't usually buy something like this but really enjoyed it.  The colour is pretty pigmented and the finish like a gloss.

2.  Coral Colour Eyebrow Definer Pencil

Cost: RRP is $7.95.  Full Size Sample! 

As the product description says this eyebrow pencil "glides, blends easily and is long lasting".  The colour is a very good match for my eyebrows as it is a bit too red/brown tinged however I fill my eyebrows in like usual and then add a bit of this to add contrast.  I have brown hair but in certain lights it has red/gold highlights so it matches quite well.  I would definitely repurchase this one as it is just so creamy & easy to use.  One thing I would say is that the brush on the end is pretty much useless!

 3.  Appelles Rosemary Body Bar

Cost:  RRP per 100g is $4.95.  Full Size Sample!

I got this 'body bar' (or soap as the normal people call it) in my Bella Box this month as well.  I feel like that's becoming quite the usual to get the same things in all the beauty boxes which is a bit annoying.  I don't usually use soap but have been using this one to test it out a bit.  I like the smell but it's nothing special.

4.  The Cosmetic Kitchen Pure Mineral Blush

Cost:  RRP per 6g is $34.95.  Full Size Sample! 

I have a love/hate relationship with blush.  For one thing I have always had naturally red cheeks so steered away from things that would make them redder.  I am slowly getting into it however I find it easier to apply a 'solid' blush as my brush picks up too much of the mineral blush.  I am going to try this one though and will see how it goes.  Only gripe is that it is limited edition and so you can't repurchase which sort of makes it pointless.

 5.  Sasy n Savy Vitamin Enriched Facial Recovery Masque

Cost:  RRP per 100ml is $50.00.  I got a 20ml sample which is worth $10.00.

I haven't used this yet but considering the price I am looking forward to trying it as it had better be good for 50c per ml.  I enjoy things that "deeply cleanse" and "draw out impurities".  Yes please!  I can't wait to try this one!

And those were the contents of my May 2014 Lust Have It subscription!

Total Box Value = $79.85

And now here is the exciting bit!  If YOU would like $5.00 off your first month's Lust Have It Women's Beauty Box simple enter the code THINKAPRIL at the checkout and your first bag will only cost you $14.95!!  How cool is that?! :)

Overall this box was pretty awesome with 4 out of 5 of the products were... wait for it... FULL SIZE!  And that is pretty awesome!  Also 3 of those were makeup and for a gal that loves makeup & trying new things I loved opening up the box and seeing 3 full size makeup products.  I am really enjoying receiving Lust Have It and will use everything I received.  Totally worth the money!  Go Lust Have It - you are killing it!!

Are you subscribed to Lust Have It?  What did you get in your bag?  Let me know if you have any tips of using the products included!

*I was kindly supplied this box by Lust Have It for review, however all opinions are my own.

For Aussie Readers!

Read up my Aussie readers... I just saw this article on Mamamia.com.au!  This post is not a post at all just an expression of excitement about the fact that I am super excited and YOU should be too!  Not only is Sephora coming to Australia but they are matching America's prices - something that has never really been done before.

Good on you Sephora!