Lust Have it - March 2014 box

Well as some background, I have had a Lusthaveit.com.au beauty box subscription for the past year. When I started the boxes were $15 including delivery, and at this time I purchased a 12-month subscription which from memory made the boxes approximately $13 per month. I have enjoyed receiving the boxes, and I have to admit that during this time I haven't had to purchase a single moisturiser and have only needed a few make-up purchases to top-up what I received in the boxes. Back when I started receiving the "boxes", the items actually came in a very handy cosmetic bag, and then they have changed to boxes which have undergone a few design changes over the past year.

However, I understand that Lusthaveit are changing packaging again, but I was a little under-whelmed to receive my latest beauty "box" in a plastic bag, particularity as they now charge $20 per box. I have taken a photo of the packaging (items are in the bubble-wrap)...

So here are the items which I received - I was very happy with most of the pack, especially that with the Bloom concealer kit.

What I received was:

1. Klara Kiss Proof Lips - Deluxe Sample Size (Full size RRP $29.00).

I was quite interested in this product as according to the Lusthaveit blurb, it consists of 100% pigment, giving 24 hour matte lips that don't smudge, fade or bleed. The colour that I received was "06", which although it looks like a medium shade of red/pink, it is a lot darker when applied. It is indeed very pigmented, which means that you have to be extra careful when applying it. I found it a little hard to apply evenly and neatly, however found better results when using it following the application of lip-liner. As a life-time wearer of lipgloss,  I have recently been trying to wear red lipstick more often, so I can see myself using this sample a lot in the next few weeks.

2. Bloom - Secret Weapon Concealer Kit - Full Size (RRP $20).

I was thrilled to get this sample - I received the medium/dark shade but would have preferred the medium/light shade if this exists. I have found in the past that shades that are dark can be used for contouring, and I know that I would still be able to easily use the yellow shade (for under-eyes) and the illuminiser. The kit consists of six concealer shades and a handy applicator brush. There is a slide-out plastic card which not only protects the products but provides instructions on how to use it. Overall an excellent sample which I look forward to trialling.

3. Orly - Nail Lacquer - Deluxe Sample Size (Full size RRP $18.95).

Cute bottle, but the colour that I received (Velvet Rope) is a glittery-purple colour which I cannot see anyone aged over 20 using. Sorry - not for me! This will most likely be used at halloween or by my children.


4. Aveda - Intensive Hydrating Masque - Sample size 7ml (Full size RRP $79.95 for 150ml)

According to the blurb this mask hydrates and cools skin, soothing dry and stressed skin. It is made with aloe, kelp, lavender and rosewater. The mask is clear and gel-like with very little scent. There were no instructions on how to use it, but I guess that it would be washed off after use? The sample is enough for one or two masks if used sparingly.

5. Gatineau - Refreshing Melting Scrub - Deluxe Sample Size 15ml (Full size RRP $58 for 75ml)

I am interested how this scrub "melts" - it apparently exfoliates the skin and his hydrating. The scrub is used on wet or dry skin then washed away. I did try a small amount on my hand, and I didn't notice the scrubbing beads melting, but perhaps this will occur when my skin is wet first. A good size sample which I should be able to use 2 or 3 times.

6. Recoverlyte - Tropical Powder - 1 x Sachet (RRP $11.95 for 10 sachets).

Apparently this powder can be mixed with water to help enhance recovery after a late night (ie when we are terribly hung-over after too much bubbly). I will be interested to see if this helps next time we have a big night (which will be next weekend by the looks of things), but I doubt that my true and tested formula of a Sausage & Egg McMuffin and loads of coffee can be bettered!

Thoughts - for my last pack from Lusthaveit I was really impressed with the samples that they provided. I am not going to renew my subscription for now as I will be trialling Beautybox on a month-by-month basis. I have found it to be great value for money, and a great way of treating myself for a few dollars per week. I still think that the brand naming is off the mark - they had some cute boxes but I didn't feel that I could let my primary-school aged daughters use them as really don't think they need a brand named "lusthaveit" on their bookcases.