The Parcel - A New Beauty Sample Subscription Box from Marie Claire Magazine

While watching Sunrise recently, I was in awe of a segment detailing a brand new edition to the sample subscription box world in Australia from our very own Marie Claire, The popular magazine is shaking things up with The Parcel. 

The parcel is a new luxury sample subscription box for Australian beauty lovers and Marie Claire readers, Delivered 4 times a year, each box will contain samples from the best brands selected by editorial staff. 

Yesterday I received the first installment - The Spring Edit - heres what I got! :) 

- The Spring Edit -

Lancome Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector – 7ml Sample

RRP : 30ml $97

I have never purchased skin care from Lancome, in fact the only thing I have ever bought from this deluxe brand was a foundation. A little research after receiving this product tells me this is a cult skincare serum that may just be exactly what I need claiming to ‘visibly correct wrinkles, pores and the skins texture in 6 weeks’ Im looking forward to trying this deluxe mini sample and possibly purchasing a full size to see how I go over 6 weeks. 

So far I think the little mini sample bottle is adorable and the product itself smells so good!

Revlon Colorstay Moisture Stain – Full Size in Shade London Posh

RRP : Full Size $25.95 each.

Revlon continues to impress me lately, I have been favoring the colorstay liquid foundation for some time now and even though I have only swatched and worn this new lip colour once it is a new fave that has already earnt a spot in my handbag makeup kit.

This shade is a very pale coral with a slight gold copper finish. I love the combination of a lipstick / gloss hybrid its high shine but not sticky like a lipgloss and wears well like a lipstick.

Gwen Stefani By OPI  Nail Lacquers – Full Size in colour I Sao Paulo Over There

RRP : $19.95 each

I will never complain when a new beautiful and awesome quality OPI Nail Lacquer enters my world and my collection and this charming new shade called “I Sao Paulo Over There’ is no exception, however it is not in fact a part of the Gwen Stefani for OPI collection its actually a lovely crème finish brown taupe shade from the OPI Spring 2014 Brazil Collection.

Never the less I am looking forward to having this pretty polish on my nails asap.

Benefit They’re Real! Push Up Liner & Beyond Mascara Samples

Benefit Push Up Liner RRP : $35

Benefit Mascara RRP : $38

I cant believe I got these just after (finally) purchasing a full size mascara and intro size push up liner while I was in Sydney recently. (look out for a blog post / review soon!) such good timing to help me ease into using a brand new eyeliner! Another amazing brand to be on board for The Parcel.

Loreal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray – Purse Size / Sample

RRP : $4.95

I am really looking forward to trying this cult product from a favorite brand I have heard nothing but good things and I love the convenient size.

Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo & Conditioner  40mls each

RRP: 200ml $4.99 each.

Im looking forward to trying this shampoo and conditioner, they smell amazing and are a perfect size to take with me on my next trip and even though my hair is improving 'moisture renewal' and 'intense hydration' is just what my poor recently bleached locks need!

I am so impressed with the first installment of The Parcel – The Spring Edit -  from Marie Claire. Some amazing brands and new products to try! 

Did you receive the first edition of The Parcel this month? What did you think? More importantly what colour OPI did you get!? Lol 

I would love to hear your thoughts on The Parcel, what was included and this post in the comments below! :) 

LLx 

Beauty Subscription Box : Bella Box September 2013

I recently set myself a little blog mission to try out x3 different Beauty Subscription Boxes available in Australia, I subscribed to VioletBox, Lust Have it! & BellaBox.

I wanted to discover what all the fuss was about, try some new products and have some fun blog-post material to get me started.

I have had dramas and excitement galore through the whole process and promised myself that at the end of my challenge I could keep a subscription to one and only one! lol 

To me BellaBox has been the most impressive by far, customer service, communication, postage and contents of the 2 boxes I have received so I am happily decided that I will keep subscribing!

my CLEO magazine I received

This month Bella Box teamed up with CLEO magazine and the box that I received was overflowing with products! I was so excited when it arrived on my doorstep! check out what I got in my September BellaBox!

The theme this month : Spring Party Essentials!

Epic September BellaBox

CLEO Magazine - This months box contained the latest issue of CLEO (October 2013 issue) a fab bonus! 

Foot Care - Gell Ball of Foot Cushions : 
These will be very interesting to try out maybe for the races?

Garnier - Ambre Solaire Light Natural Bronzer Self Tanning Spray : 
I'm not really a Tan girl, real or fake but I can appreciate how this product fits in with the theme and I love Garnier so I may just give this a try!

Montagne Jeunesse - Dead Sea Mud Pac - Trial Size Kelp & Seaweed : 
I LOVE these face masks - can not wait to try this! - this is one of the only brands I have trialed that does not leave my skin dry and flaky.

Elegant Touch Envy Wraps - Tie Dye : 
Lovely addition to my Nail wrap / Nail Sticker Collection. I mostly keep them for statement nails so these colors will work great!

ASAP Pure mineral Lip Pencil : 
I love the soft pink / coral color I received and it matches most of my lippies!

Manicare - Glam Eyes - Kelly Lashes : 
I cant wait to try these out and I already have an occasion in mind! ;) 

Foot cushions, ASAP Lip Pencil & Garnier Natural Bronzer

Shick Razor, Montagne Jeunesse face mask, Envy Wraps, Glam Eyes False Lashes

I loved the theme of this months box, I love how Bella Box has chosen products that all fit in with the idea of having all you need to party this spring!

Do you subscribe to BellaBox Aus ? 

What did you think of this months box ? 

What other sample boxes do you subscribe to ? 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this post, please feel free to leave any comments or questions below.

LLx

(Opinions are my own and provided for consideration only / pictures were taken by me.) 

 Thank you Bella Box!

Beauty Subscription Box : Violet Box August 2013

This month I received my 1st ever - Violet Box ! 

I had some dramas with postage but thanks to the lovely and helpful staff I can finally post this, better late then never!

For those who don't know and are interested Violet Box is a monthly subscription sample box available in Australia. you can sign up online using the link below : 

http://www.violetbox.com.au/

I received x3 full sized items and x2 Sample sized items. 

Jelly Pong Pong 2-in-1 Shadow / Liner.
Full size RRP : $19.00
Color : Bronze

'A uniquely formulated crayon that doubles as an eyeliner for thick, precise lines as well as a perfectly blended eye shadow. the exclusive combination of Italian-formulated waxes and pigments allows you to build up the color, smudge or create bold lines quickly and easily. '


Jelly Pong Pong Lip Blush.
Full size RRP : $22.00
Color : Cranberry 

'A Moisturizing lip stain that tints your lips with just the right amount of juicy colour and hydrates like a balm.'

I love the hype surrounding the Jelly Pong Pong items included in this months box! This is a brand I have never heard of before but I was so excited to try!

My current go to makeup look is a brown eye shadow with creme colored brow highlight and a red stained lip so i can do simple touch ups on the go, both of these products have slipped nicely into my daily makeup in a hurry routine, I got the perfect colors! both the lip and the eye shadow pencil makes it easy to be quick, precise and blend beautifully.

Jelly Pong Pong - Lip Blush & 2-in-1 Shadow / Liner

Dr Bragi Age Managment Moisturiser 
Sample Size : 5ml 
Full Size : 60ml $179.00

'NOW with increased enzymes and hydraulic acid. Dr Bragi's patented formula combines his unique, 'super active' marine enzymes and with the added hydrating and plumping abilities of hydraulic acid. this is a versatile facial moisturizer helps to reduce the signs of aging by fighting the effects of environmental stress.' 

I was excited when I saw this given the high end branding (& price tag!) I have been using it each night after cleansing. It is a gel like formula which has a lovely smooth cooling feel that I love! 

Goldwell Dualsenses Rich Repair Cream shampoo, Goldwell Dualsenses Rich Repair Anti-Breakage Conditioner.
Sample Size : 10ml 
Ful size : RRP $24.95 each 

'Repair your hair from the inside out with the dualsenses 'Rich Repair' range. using the most advanced technologies and customized ingredients to combat dry, stressed hair forever, even a single application can deliver softer healthier-looking hair.' 

I am always on the look out for new shampoo options, and this sample excited me, especially when I read the words - Rich Repair! saving these little samples for my trip to Sydney for IMATS (Only 8 days away!) 
will let you know how they go! 

Dr Bragi & Goldwell Samples

GHD Style Heat Protect Spray 
Full Size : 120ml RRP: $24.00 

'Provides an invisible barrier against everyday heat damage on damp or dry hair. Containing the unique GHD Heat Protection System, this spray can be layered with other styling products to create the result you desire. Best for protecting against the heat of hairdryers, stylers, and tongs while leaving hair with a 'no product' feel.'

I have long admired the GHD range of hair care & styling products, I purchased my first ever GHD hair straightener last year and I am hooked! I love this product, I have used it a few times since receiving it and each time it delivers! I already have quite dry hair so now when I straighten it my hair feels lovely, healthy and smooth! 

Do you subscribe to Violet Box Aus ? 

What did you think of this months box ? 

What other sample boxes do you subscribe to ? 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this post, please feel free to leave any comments or questions below.

LLx

(Quotations copied from description of products card included in my Violet Box for information only / opinions are my own and provided for consideration only / pictures were taken by me.) 

Thank you Violet Box!

Beauty Subscription box : BellaBox August 2013

This month I received my first ever - BellaBox ! 

I was so excited to get this in the mail! I am new to the wonderful world of Beauty Subscription boxes but 

I am a BIG TIME sample fan and I love trying out new beauty products 

the theme of this months box is GET ACTIVE !

I received x4 sample size items, x2 full size items and x1 bonus gift. 

Pevonia Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser - Natural 

Sample size - 5ml. 

150ml RRP $67.00 www.pevonia.com.au

'To remove impurities, dead cells and improve the texture of the skin you need to enlist a great cleanser. Pevonia's Gentle exfoliating cleanser contains Jojoba beads, Saponaria and chamomile for a naturally based formula that will gently refine and smoothen your skin, giving way for a cleaner and healthier complexion!' 

My thoughts : the first thing I notice is the smell, not appealing to me personally a bit too much like sorbolene! when I tried the cleanser I found the cream consistency was hard to work with, it did however leave my skin feeling soft and it is a great exfoliant!

Ultraceuticals Ultra CC Cream Mineral Tint SPF 30 - Colour
Sample size : 5ml.
50 ml RRP $59.00 www.ultraceuticals.com.au

'Providing coverage whilst brightening and protecting skin, this is the CC cream to have with you on the go. Unique b2 Hydrating Technology infused with Broad spectrum SPF30 also makes it a great choice for 'active' makeup to be worn in the elements' 

My Thoughts : I have been wanting to try a CC cream like this one for some time due to the fact that my skin issues include : Redness / Discoloration / and Oil.  I  also insist on and SPF element to protect my fair skin.  

I tried this out immediately and loved it, it smells amazing, covers redness, can be used as a base, wears extremely well and I was lucky to get the perfect shade. my only problem with this product is that its only a sample size! will definetly be considering a full size purchase!  

Model CO Cheek + Lips - Cheek and Lip Tint - Rosy Red 

Sample size : 5ml

10ml RRP $24.00 - www.modelcocosmetics.com

'Get the perfect "natural" and healthy glow, without taking 2 weeks annual leave to achieve it! this red tinted colour is as equally perfect on your cheeks as it is on your lips. Its the perfect natural colour for any occasion.'

My Thoughts : I have never used a cheek tint - I am hesitant, maybe not my colour!

L'oreal Base Magique Primer - Cult 

Sample size 5ml 

15ml RRP $29.95 

'This amazing primer instantly smooths pores and fine lines to create an even surface, so that you get a more flawless make-up result that lasts and lasts - even during the most active of days! The light mousse-like formula blends beautifully whilst the inclusion of soft powders help to absorb sebrum, thereby mattifying the skin to reduce shine.'

My Thoughts : L'oreal has done it again! this product is amazing! had a super rushed morning and applied this flustered! gave me a flawless finish and stayed that way all day! can not rave enough about this! 

Banana Boat Mineral Protect Sensitive SPF 30+ Sunscreen

Full Size Product - 120g 

RRP $15.75 

My Thoughts : I was so grateful to see this in this months box as a fair skinned Ms and the step mummy of some very fair    (& sensitive skinned ) beautiful princesses I am always on the look out for the latest and greatest in sunscreen! 

Griffin + Row Enrich - Natural 

Full Size Product - 75ml 

RRP $38.50 

'Sensitive skin lasses can have a hard time seeking the right skin care, which is why this day and night antioxidant cream is perfect - one less product to find! Rich and luxurious, and containing  a powerful natural plant extract formula, quench the thirst of dry dry and damaged skin for plumper, smoother and incredibly nourished skin.’

My Thoughts : I was a little disappointed to see that my second full size item was essentially just a moisturizer ( & step 5 of a skin care routine ) it has a lovely lavender smell and seems to do a good job - it is now safely settled in my 'moisturizers and hand cream' drawer. 

Swisse Recover Protein Bar (Choc Banana Cinnamon - Get Active Gift!) 
30g RRP $2.95

My Thoughts : I understand that this fits in with the theme - I just shook my head when i saw this.

Thank You BellaBox !!!

It was more than a little bit disappointing that my first experience getting a beauty subscription sample box just happened to have a sunscreen (albeit a good one) and Moisturizer as full size products I have decided to get one more BellaBox to see if my somewhat negative opinion is premature. 


Do you Subscribe to BellaBox Aus ? 
What did you think of this months box? 
what other sample boxes do you subscribe to? 


I would love to hear your thoughts on this post, Please feel free to leave any questions or comments below. 
LLx 

(Quotations copied from description of products card included in my BellaBox for information only / opinions are my own and provided for consideration only / Pictures were taken by me.)