Bella Box September 2014 | Thinking About April

 After my annoyed post last month (here) I have officially unsubcribed to Bella Box.  I received the September and the October boxes but I don't think I'll be resubscribing any time soon.  Some people would probably love the contents of my box... they just don't suit my beauty profile at all and I was sick of paying money and then not receiving relevant items.  So here is what I got in my box....

This month was a collaboration with Gritty Pretty...

1.  Neutrogena Makeup Wipes
 RRP for 25pk is $7.99 - I received a 7 wipes = $2.24

I like receiving makeup wipes for "free"... they aren't an exciting addition but I know I will use them.

2.  Gelogic Nail Enamel - Black
 RRP is $9.99 - Full size sample!

 BLACK. NAIL POLISH.  I will not use this.  This doesn't match my beauty profile.  Not happy Bella Box :(

3.  1000 Hour Lashes
 RRP is $9.95 - Full size sample!

I don't wear false eyelashes but I actually don't mind them being in here as I can give them as gifts...  the only thing is I am paying for these boxes as a treat for me so it can be a bit disappointing to always have to give everything away.

4.  Germaine De Capuccini Defence Emulsion
 RRP for 50ml is $143.00 - I received 5ml = $14.30

 This is such an expensive product... I can't believe a tiny litle bottle is worth more than I'd pay for a massive bottle of skin care!  These little samples I will eventually use but not straight away... they just don't excite me.

5.  Sleek Makeup Eye Dust - Green
 RRP is $9.99 - Full size sample!

Nice, I have wanted to try Sleek makeup for a while and this eye pigment did not disappoint.  Though the colour is not something I will wear on a day to day basis I have popped it into my makeup draws and will definitely experiment with it more.  Fantastic pigmentation!

BONUS items:

Garnier Perfect Blur sachet

 RRP for 22ml is $16.95 - I received 1.5ml = $1.16

 I have already received a sachet of this in a magazine so already knew I liked it... the only thing is I hate it when there is about two uses in a sachet but you don't want an open sachet sitting on your bathroom counter.  I ended up using it all at once which is a bit of a waste.

 

Revlon Colorstay Foundation sachet

 RRP for 30ml is $34.95 - I received 1.5ml = $1.75

 Ditto!  I used about 1/3 of this one as I found it really went the distance but then I ended up throwing out the rest... I prefer the mini squeezey bottles :)

  

Total Value of the Box = $49.38

 Unfortunately I'm just not happy with Bella Box anymore...  which is why I have unsubscribed.  Each box is getting later and later and less matched to our beauty profiles.

Let me know if you're subscribed to any of the Australian Beauty Boxes and what you think!

Bella Box August 2014

You probably clicked into this post to see my Bella Box August 2014 review.  But I've decided after numerous emails back and forth that I will not be reviewing the box this month.  I thought I'd still include a picture of the box so you can see the contents but I am so unhappy with the customer service that I will not be doing a full review.

I recently received the September box however have decided that the October box is going to be the last one I receive.  I really like giving companies a chance but I just feel like Lust Have It is so on point at the moment and Bella Box is so not on point.

I sent Bella Box a simple email asking for a replacement card as my card did not include all the prices and also asked why I received a product I only received 6 months earlier in the February Box.  They replied back asking that I wait until the end of the following week to review the box however I still had not received a reply to these questions by that time.  I sent another email and they just never answered my questions properly.  I know that customer service isn't all that Bella Box is about and I have really enjoyed receiving their boxes until this point but I just feel like each month the box gets worse whereas Lust Have It gets better and better.

I hate writing these sort of posts they are such downers but I started this blog to give you my honest opinion and this is it.  I will be reviewing the September (next week) and October boxes normally and then that will be it for Bella Box on Thinking About April for now.

Mini Rant (within a rant):  I have received a nail polish in July, August AND September's Bella Box!  TOO MUCH NAIL POLISH FOR SOMEONE WHO DOESN'T USE IT!  Lol rant over ;)

Let me know if you are subscribed to any beauty boxes and what your experience has been?  Would you subscribe to Bella Box?

Bella Box July 2014 Review

July's Bella Box was themed American Beauty and we were promised American trends and things that American celebrities use.  This month's sneak peak showed 3 'colour' items which each member would receive one of.  The sneak peaks had everyone really excited this month and they were all pretty good!

So here is what I got in my July Bella Box...

1.  Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream  -  Luxe

Cost:  RRP per 70g is $34.95.  I got 3ml which is worth $1.50.

This one seems to be quite a similar to a favourite of mine, the Lucas Paw Paw Ointment, however this one has quite a strong eucalyptus smell.  Because of this smell I am less inclined to use it on the lips however it makes a nice little addition to pop into my handbag to use on anything I need to use it on!  And as with the Lucas ointment, this one seems to last forever as well!  One thing is that this tube is clearing marked FROM JAPAN.. so not really an "American Beauty" sample.

2.  Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquer (Backstage Pass)  -  Colour

Cost:  RRP per 15ml is $14.95.  Full size sample!

This was the most disappointing sample of the box for me only because 1. It's nail polish and 2. The colour is awful.  There may be many people out there that really like a mostly black, with a hint of magenta shimmer, however I am not one of them.  I must sound like a broken record but I really don't like dark nail polishes and I seem to get them so often!  I will be giving this one away to someone that will use it more than me :)  One thing that was a positive is that this is a Carrie Underwood nail polish so it is an "American Beauty" item.

3.  Nailene Treatment To Go Pen  -  Essential

Cost:  RRP per 4ml is $14.99.  Full size sample!

This one was a really cool sample.  I've never seen these sorts of pens before but that may because I never paint my nails.  I will definitely use this one as when I do paint my nails I want them to dry as fast as possible.

 

4.  Designer Brands Lip Butter Mango  -  Classic

Cost:  RRP per 10ml is $4.99.  Full size sample!

Designer Brands is certainly NOT something I classify as "America Beauty".  This is a chemist brand that you buy in chemists, if you buy it at all.  I'm not trying to shame a brand I just don't think that one of our "cheap" brands should be getting into a beauty subscription box.  I will try this lip butter or I will give it away I'm not sure yet.

5.  Revlon Fantasy Lengths Self Adhesive Lashes  -  Colour

Cost:  RRP per 1 set is $9.99.  Full size sample!

How lashes are a colour item is beyond me but there you go.  As I mentioned in my July Lust Have It post I don't wear lashes and though these are pretty I have put them away in my present box to give to someone who actually will use them.  These fit the theme a lot better though so I was happy to see these in here!

BONUS  Natralus Pure 100% Aloe Vera Gel

Cost:  RRP per 200ml is $14.45.  I got 2g which is worth $0.15.

This one was a 'meh' product however as it was the bonus product I wasn't too fussed.  I will use this one but will I rush to use it?  No, probably not.

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

Total Box Value = $46.57

So July was a good month for both Bella Box & Lust Have It with 4 full size products in both subscriptions.  However with Bella Box this month I just don't feel like they were fitting in with their theme.  I love the fact that Bella Box does a theme each month because it gets you all excited about what you're going to get.  But I don't see the point of a theme if you don't stick to it.  I only just made my money back this month with the products I'm going to use however I do have a few things to put in my present basket so that's a plus ;)

Let me know if you are subscribed to Bella Box and what you got if you are!  Also, as always, let me know if you want any individual reviews on any item in this box :)

Bella Box June 2014 Review

So me and beauty subscription boxes have been in a love hate relationship recently.  I wish I could be one of those bloggers that receive their box and can get a post up with a couple of days, but it's really hard at the moment.  When I get home it's already dark so it's hard to take nice pictures and I like spending time writing these posts.  Also we seem to receive the boxes later and later every month.  That said, excuses aside, I am terribly late this month and will try to get up my two July posts next week (haha I shouldn't make promises but I'll try)!

 The theme in June was Iconic Beauty which made us think of those iconic beauties from history like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn.  We saw 3 sneak peaks and I was lucky enough to get two on them!

terrible pictures this month - I AM SORRY! :P

 So here is what I got in my June's Bella Box:

1.  Herbal Essences Naked Shine - Essential

Cost:  RRP per 300ml is $6.99.  I got 2 x 40ml which is worth $1.86.

I always love trying new shampoos and conditioner and love ones that come in bottles rather than stupid sachets - it means you can use them more than once much more easily.  These will do my hair for a few washes which I'm very happy about.  I haven't used them yet but might take them with me when I go away next.

2. Kora Organics by Miranda Kerr Hydrating Mask - Cult

Cost:  RRP per 100ml is $49.95. Full size Sample!

 Not only is this one a full size product it's also a big product.  I wouldn't pay $50 for this however am really looking forward to trying it!  I feel like we're seeing a lot of masks lately but I suppose being winter it's always a good thing!  I will let you know how this one goes!

3.  Mary Kay Mineral Eye Palette - Garden Sky - Colour

Cost:  RRP per 10g is $23.00.  Full size sample!

 

 I have very mixed feelings about this one.  1. I would NEVER pay $23 for this and 2. the colours are rather strange.  This does however have lovely pigmentation and feels very creamy and smooth to apply.  I might stick to the brown though, and leave the green and blue in the past!

 

 

 

 

4.  Lavanila Healthy Fragrance - Fragrance

Cost:  RRP per 50ml is $79.95.  I got a 1.2ml sample which is worth $1.92.

 

Some people would compare this type of sample with a sachet however I really like these kind of samples.  It allows you to test the fragrance over a few days which is all you really need to know you like it.  The fragrance isn't really me but I know a lot of people would like it.

 

 

5.  Grown Alchemist Vanilla & Orange Peel Hand Cream - Luxe

Cost:  RRP per 65ml is $24.95.  I got a 20ml sample which is worth $7.68.

 

I love hand cream samples!  I won't buy this one again because it was nothing special and I would never pay $25 for a hand cream.  But I really like it and it's a nice thing to throw in your handbag.

And then the BONUS products...
(no pictures for these this time I'm afraid - the ones I took were terrible!)


BONUS InStyle Australia Magazine
Cost: $9.95
This is a great addition to the box this month!  I wish Bella Box did this more often!  InStyle is an expensive magazine but a lovely one to look through.


BONUS  Nutrimetics Nutri-Rich Nourishing Masque
Cost:  RRP per 75ml is $39.00.  I got a 5ml sample which is worth $2.60.
Haven't tried this one yet (either!) and I probably will one day but it's a sachet and that doesn't really excite me :P
 

 

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

Total Box Value = $96.96

Far out!  What a high value box!!  Definitely the highest value so far, helped along by the fact I got 3 full size products (including the magazine).  I liked this box but I didn't love any single things.  I want to keep trying these things out before I form solid opinions on them though.

Let me know what you got in your Bella Box for the month of June and also let me know if you'd like any individual reviews on any of the products I received!  I hope you're having a good week... nearly the weekend!!  WOOHOO!!

 

 

 

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 :)

Bella Box April 2014 - Reviews

1.  Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm  -  Cult
I really loved the smell of this and if you like peppermint then you will too!  This lip balm made my lips tingle like nothing out just like it says it will.  My lips definitely feel softer but the balm doesn't seem to "fix" my already chapped lips.  I think I will stick to my Lucas Papaw Ointment but will  keep this one in my handbag.


2.  St Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Face Lotion  -  Cult
 As stated in my March review I don't fake tan.  I have finally embraced my inner-pale-girl and don't like the "I dipped myself in a bowl of Doritos" look.  However my husband told me to just give it a go and so I did.  I rubbed in the fake tan like I would face moisturiser (all over my face and neck) and then scrubbed my hands.  This fake tan is instant and so, as the name suggests, I instantly saw the result which made it really easy to build it up the tone I wanted.  This tan was very natural and though I probably won't repurchase I will definitely finish off the tube.

Swatches:  Indio Eye Rise, St Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Face Lotion

 
3.  Indio Eye Rise  -  Luxe
 I really liked this product!  You just dab a small bit beneath each eye and pat it in with your ring finger.  Something so simple, yet it gives instant results.  My under-eye circles grow lighter and my eyes appear brighter.  I have also used this when my eyes have been puffy and this cream has reduced that too!  I love this cream... I wish it wasn't so expensive though :(

4.  Avon Mega Effects Mascara  -  Colour
I'm not going to lie - this mascara looks scary!  But I really enjoyed it.  It takes a bit of practise getting the correct angle but once you get it right it creates lovely long, thick lashes.  I use this mascara on both my top and bottom lashes and it creates an amazing, dramatic effect.  I am so glad I got to try this mascara as I probably wouldn't have been brave enough with Bella Box!

5.  Vaseline Ultimate 10 Anti-Ageing Body Lotion  -  Essential

Vaseline lotions are good.  They make you feel nice and soft however I'm not sure whether I've noticed any "anti-ageing" properties.  I use this on my hands at night and I really enjoy it though I'm not sure that I would ever repurchase it.

BONUS  Revlon Nearly Naked Makeup

I was not impressed with this "bonus sample".  I didn't really see the point of it as the colours were really random and wouldn't suit everyone so basically it was something most people would throw away.  I found the lightest shade did suit me but there wasn't enough to test the foundation out??

Overall this was my favourite Bella Box so far!  I will use all but one of the items but luckily this item is the bonus one and so worth the least!

So far we have seen this sneak peak of the upcoming May 2014 Box and I've gotta say I cannot wait!!

What did you guys think of April's Bella Box?  Did you get any different products or have you got any tips on using the products better?  Let me know!