Lust Have It - May & June 2015 | Thinking About April

So I have been absolutely terrible at getting my Lust Have It monthly box reviews up which is unfortunate because they've been great boxes.  Lust Have It ended up skipping the April box and went straight through to the May box which sorted out all their shipping issues and they've been fine ever since.  I thought I'd just do brief write ups on both box so you can see what I got and what the box was worth...  So enjoy :)

Lust Have It May 2015:

Bloom Liquid Foundation Brush $35.00

Soak Shampoo & Conditioner (deluxe sample) $1.25 each

Soak Skin Booster Body Lotion (deluxe sample) $1.50

Hola Seaweed Moisturising Lotion $17.95 - 24.95

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse (10ml sample) $4.99

Lonvitalite 24K Active Face Mark $9.95

BONUS Lonvitalite 24K Active Eye Mask $9.95

TOTAL:  $82 - 89 for the box!

Lust Have It June 2015:

Teez Trend Cosmetics Eve's Ready to Wear Lipstick $32.00

Nak Thermal Shield $25.95

Chapstick Hydration Lock $4.99

The Cosmetic Kitchen Peppermint Foot Mask $24.95

The Cosmetic Kitchen Wake Up Body Scrub $29.95

TOTAL: $118 for the box!

 As you can see the value of the boxes have been crazy and the contents just as good!  Most of the items received were full size and both boxes had multiple products I was excited about.

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!  

 Let me know what beauty boxes you guys are subscribed to and what you thought of your boxes.  I've heard of a new one called Splash Box Australia that looks interesting so let me know if any of you are subscribed to them.  Also as always let me know if there are any products you'd like individual reviews on and I'd love to do them for you :)

Random Avon Products | Thinking About April

 A little while ago I was given a few products from a family member that sells Avon and I thought I'd show you what I've tried and give you mini reviews of them all...

 Super Extend Infinitize Mascara

I really like this mascara and I wasn't expecting to.  The big orange tube sort of scared me but the mascara was awesome!  It lengths my lashes like crazy and makes them look like there is a million of them!  It's become a staple in my makeup bag and I would definitely suggest checking it out!

 Crazy wand... but it makes it super easy to apply the mascara evenly to all the lashes... even the pesky corner ones!

 Clearskin Invisible Blemish Corrector - for oily blemish-prone skin

I wasn't a bit fan of this product as I really didn't see any results.  It's got a plastic doe shaper applicator that I didn't find that useful and I just didn't see my blemishes corrected at all...

Moisture Effective - Eye Makeup Remover Lotion

 I was interested to see how this makeup remover would go as I've only ever tried wipes and micellar water.  I apply this to my eyes onto dry skin and rub it lightly in circular motions.  This makes me look like a messy panda ;)  and so I make sure I have a wet flannel to wipe off the mess.  This works really well and leaves my eye area feeling soft which I like.

Smooth Minerals Lip Gloss

 I wouldn't call this lip gloss super pigmented but it adds a nice colour to the lips and I like wearing wearing this over a pink/nude lipstick to add a bit of shine.  The gloss is a bit milky but I don't mind it for layering.

So those are the things I tried from Avon.  Let me know if you've tried anything from this brand as I'd love to check more things out!

Lust Have It September 2014 | Thinking About April

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!  At the moment Lust Have It is the beauty subscription to go for in my opinion and this month did not disappoint.

We got the same pink bag which to be honest I would prefer if they changed it up though it will make a good gift.  I didn't take a photo of all the products together as for some reason I missed one out so we'll jump straight into it...  Also I didn't get a card in my bag this month but managed to find the prices online.

1.  The Cosmetic Kitchen Macadamia Wax Creme Highlighter

Full Size Product!  $24.50

Didn't get a picture of this one,  sorry guys!  This product really confused me and still does.  Can anyone tell me how to use this please?! :)

2.  ModelCo - Skincare Sachets

 

Even though sachets like this are usually really unpopular in beauty subscription boxes I think these will be a hit.  I like the idea of giving you a whole skincare routine instead of just one sachet of one step.  I got this in my October Bella Box so I'll be able to try it twice!

1. Uriage - Surgras Liquide

RRP for 400ml is $34.95.  I received 8ml = $0.70

A small sample but a useful sample.  I will use this maybe not straight away but you can never get enough skincare!  I like the fact this is for sensitive skin because it means it will be ok for most people!

1.  ModelCo Lip Lacquer - Fire Red

Full Size Product!  $24.00

 I like getting makeup in beauty boxes though for some reason I always seem to get bright red lipstick/gloss.  This is a very intense "fire-engine red" colour so I probably won't wear it that much... maybe just pressed into the lips so that the colour isn't too out there.  I'm too much a neutral girl :)

 

1.  Glam Manicare Nail Art Pens - Gold

Full Size Product!  $9.99

 You already know what I am going to say... I don't wear nail polish.  But I do actually quite like this sample.  I've never tried nail art so I look forward to trying this out.  The only thing I do wish I'd got a pink or silver.  I like how this kit comes with everything you need as well.

 1.  Urban Skincare Co - Repair & Body Balm

RRP for 100ml is $12.95.  I received 35ml = $4.53

This balm smells amazing!  This is an amazing size sample and something I will definitely use.  I also love how they give you a coupon so that if you like it you can buy it for less.

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

Total Box Value = $63.72

(Which doesn't even include the ModelCo sachets)

Overall I really liked this bag...  I've said it a million times but I am so happy with Lust Have It as a beauty subscription as that's not because I'm an affiliate.  Their bags are so on point and always contain plenty of full size products!  Speaking of affiliates... heh heh :)  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!







 Let me know what beauty boxes you guys are subscribed to and what you thought of your boxes.  Also as always let me know if there are any products you'd like individual reviews on and I'd love to do them for you :)

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!

Lust Have It August 2014 - BIRTHDAY 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! We got the same hot pink bag as last week but I (silly me) forgot to take a picture.

This month was an awesome box/ bag for Lust Have It!  It was their Birthday Box and when you hear that you know it has to be good!  But I had no idea it was going to be as good as it was!  I will literally use everything...  Squueeeeee :)

I'm pretty sure everyone got the same things in the box this month and they were the following...

1.  Eleven Australia - Miracle Hair Treatment
Full Size Product!  $24.95

I am starting to hair products..  for the longest time I would just use shampoo & conditioner and very occasionally hair spray.  Now I use "hair treatments" - look at me go! Lol  Seriously though I like this product.  When I first opened it I wasn't sure whether I would ever use it but once I got past the very strong coconut smell I really enjoyed what it did.  It is one of those treatment that does 100 different things but what I have noticed is that when I apply a small bit to my wet hair it detangles it so quickly without needing a brush.  A winner in my book and a keeper for now :)

 2.  Essenzaa Fuss Free Naturals - Facial Cleansing Wipes
Full Size Product!  $6.95 + $2.50

Facial wipes from a beauty subscription box...  We get so many of these but this time I was happy because it came with a full size for the bathroom and a mini pack for the handbag.  What more could a girl want?

3.  BioElixa - Body Shaper Stretch Mark Diminisher
Full Size Product! $39.00

I will use this product too.  Are we sensing a theme here?  I really like everything in this box!  After I got my married I gained weight quickly and then lost it again quickly as well last year.  Because of this I have stretch marks.. there I said it... phew!  I have used this creme a few times and I'm liking it so far.  I haven't really noticed a difference over time however I probably need to do it twice a day like it says.

4.  Bioderma - Crealine H20
 RRP for 250ml is $29.99 - received a 20ml sample = $2.40

Having tried the Garnier dupe for this I really wanted to try the original.  I really liked the dupe but I loved the original.  I also loved how cute the deluxe sample of this was!

5.  Marsk Eyeshadow Brush Pro-Line 
Full Size Product!  $28.95

It was great thinking on their part to give this brush as last month we all received Marsk Eyeshadows.  It's a nice quality brush and though I don't think I'd pay the full price for it, I was pretty stoked to see it in my bag!

The box also contained the following discount cards which contain heaps of different offers :)  I don't think I'll actually use them but if you already used the stores then you would be stoked!

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

Total Box Value = $104.75

Once again 4 out of 5 of the samples were full sized however this month the box was worth stacks!!!  The Birthday Box completely wowed me this month so props to you Lust Have It!  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!

Let me know if you're subscribed to any of the beauty subscription services and which one you would recommend!  I'm a bit over Bella Box at the moment unfortunately but Lust Have It have been super on point and getting better and better.  What are your thoughts on this month's bag?

Chi Chi Cosmetics - Palettes

I really like Chi Chi Cosmetics.  They are a good Australian 'drugstore' brand which produces fantastic makeup!  To date I haven't tried any of  their brand that I haven't liked.  I have mentioned their palettes before in posts and even briefly reviewed the Rich Gems palette here as part of a set.  But I have never done full blown posts on the individual palettes so I thought that is what I would :)

This post is just going to show you the palettes I own and then I will come back and link the posts once I have done them.  I think I'll make this a Tuesday thing so this post will go up on Tuesday (wow look at me scheduling again) and then each palette post on the following Tuesdays after that.

So as you can see I have four palettes:  The Nudes, Bases, Rich Gems and Elegant Palette.  And I'm sure you can tell by the writing on the front which one I use and love the most... :)

With flash!

Without Flash!

Funnily enough the colours show up a lot more true with flash than without.  As you can tell I prefer more natural browns and pinks :)  These are beautiful palettes and I cannot wait to review them all for you!  I'll will update this post each week with a link to the individual review post.

Have you tried any of the other Chi Chi palettes?  If so, which would you suggest I try next? 

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 :)

July 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!  July's Lust Have It Women's box came with a different bag and it's definitely my favourite so far!  I already get the most use out of this bag and it also feels the best quality.

So here is what I got in my bag...

 

1.  Marsk Mineral Eye-Shadow - Rich List

Cost:  RRP per 1.2gr is $24.95.  Full size sample!

 When I first opened this sample I was a bit scared off by what looked like a yellow eyeshadow.  It looked like something that would never work.  However when I applied it to my lid (by pressing it in with a flat brush) I found it actually quite subtle and pretty.  Be careful with this one though as too much of it can look a bit strange... practice makes perfect though :)

2.  Ultra Firming Body Balm

Cost:  RRP per 150ml is $9.99.  Full size sample!

Lust Have It... what are you trying to say? This is sort of a random sample to receive and I am not convinced that these sort of balms actually work.  However I will use this and will let you know how I go :)

 

3.  Ardell Self-Adhesive (Selection)

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

 I don't wear false lashes and it seems like a month full of them.  They are quite nice looking ones and I might give them as a gift to someone that will use them!

 4.  Designer Brands Nail Polish  - Shimmer 136

Cost:  RRP per 12ml is $6.99.  Full size sample!

This brand is a cheap, chemist brand and I don't really like seeing it in my beauty subscription boxes.  I don't use nail polish much as I've mentioned before and if I do I use natural colours... this one is going in the gift basket too!

 

 
5.  Aveda Botanical Kinetics Hydrating Lotion

Cost:  RRP per 150ml is $79.95.  I got 7ml which is worth $3.73.

This is a tiny sample which I haven't used yet.  I like the fact they have put it in a little tube as it makes it SO much more easy to use unlike the dreaded sample packets.  Still I don't think this is enough of the product to see if you acutally like it.  Again, I will let you know how I go with this one :)

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

Total Box Value = $55.65

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!

This month 4 out of 5 of the samples were full sized however the box only valued $55.65.  I think this is my lowest value lust have it so far however every box has a down month.  I'm really looking forward to August's box as it is going to be their Birthday Box!

Are you subscribed to Lust Have It or any other beauty subscription services?  Let me know what you thought of this month's box!  Also if you see anything in this box that interests you let me know and I will do a separate, more in-depth review on it :)

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