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.

Bellabox March 2014 Review

This is the first time I have received a Bellabox subscription box. I have been receiving Lusthaveit boxes for the past year after purchasing a heavily reduced subscription, but thought I would try the competition. This box cost me $10 due to a recent promotion, however the box is $15 per month.

So firstly, delivery was VERY fast. I received email notification that the box was on the way, and I was able to track the location of the box online, which I didn't have to do as it was on my doorstep early this morning. 

Opening the box - I love the blue box, it is smaller than the lusthaveit boxes, but quite sturdy and would be good for storage. I also don't really like the lusthaveit boxes as the wording makes it sound like I would have "adult" products stored inside lol....

Initial reaction - what a great box! Have a look.... I received six items, including two full-sized items (the lipstick and nail-art kit).

1. ModelCo Party Proof Lipstick - Matte Lipstick in Vanity Fair RRP $16.95

I have to admit that after seeing other reviews that this was the one shade that I didn't want (I would have preferred a red/orange/pink shade). When applied it has a great, creamy texture, however the colour looks terrible on me - giving me a 90's, gothic look due to it's dark raisin-brown shade. However I did find that if I used it as a lip stain and applied clear lipgloss over it that it actually looks pretty good - will keep this after all. 

2. Happy Skincare TLC Intensive Repair Oil RRP $29.70 for 100ml 

I am not sure what size sample this is, I estimate it to be around 15ml and the sample is in a handy pump pack. Apparently the oil is good for dry skin, sunburn, scars or stretch marks. When I tried the sample it was easy to apply, however it looks, smells and feels just like olive oil.... It did make my skin feel softer and well moisturised though.

3. Glam 3 in 1 Nail Art Pens with Jewels RRP $9.95

I was a bit excited about getting this, as although I rarely have time to do my nails, it is always fun to try new girly products. The kit includes a 2 in 1 nail polish, which you can apply as normal or as a nail pen. The pen also contains nail jewels which can be applied with the enclosed cuticle stick. Finally the kit includes stencils which can be used for nail art. I did have a go at the stencils, however the nail polish in the kit was quite runny, and it simply ran under the stencil which left me with a messy smudge... I will have another go, but will use less nail polish or another brand with the stencils. Overall its a bit of fun, and it may just be my technique which needs work. I am pretty happy with the kit though! 

4. St Tropez Gradual Tan Plus Anti-Ageing Multi-Action Face Cream RRP $39.94 for 50ml 

Cute sample (5ml) in a useful tube. The cream itself is off-white and applies clear, with no offensive smell. I like the idea of a separate fake tan for your face, but realistically I can't see myself using this product as it is a lot easier to just use some bronzer. 

5. Pantene Aqua Light Shampoo and Conditioner -  RRP $7.99 for 350ml

I have received these samples before and have found that I love this shampoo/conditioner. It does seem to make my hair feel lighter, and less weighed down, creating that "swish" factor that I usually only feel when I leave a salon. Happy to receive these samples as they are great when travelling. 

6. Natualus Paw Paw Pure Gel RRP $9.95 for 75g

Small sachet of gel - I really don't like sachet samples and I am less inclined to use them as I have to use them all in one go. Will give it a go though as we often use Paw Paw products in this house, and I like that it can be used on insect bites and sunscreen - if it works it may be a useful product to take camping. 

Overall thoughts

For $10 this is a bargain! I will definitely use the lipstick and the skin oil, and even if I don't use the nail art kit fully I know my daughters will. The shampoo/conditioner will be thrown into the suitcase that we often use, and I will add the paw-paw cream to the first-aid kit that we take camping. Not sure about the face tanner though, realistically it won't be used, but you never know! 

Review: Lust Have it

As we are mainly operating on one income, I have been aware of the need to keep expenses low. This has meant that luxury items are just that - a luxury. Although I have to say that for the last nine months I have been enjoying a monthly treat!

Although I am still not sure about the name (personally I think it sounds like I am purchasing "adult" type products), I have loved receiving Lust Have it beauty boxes. Earlier this year they had a promotion where I was lucky enough to buy a years subscription at a reduced rate. 

Each month I get a lovely box mailed to me (usually towards the end of the month). It generally contains about 5-6 luxury beauty samples, and often there is one or two full-sized products. It is a random selection, but there has only been one or two occasions where I have been unable to use a product (wrong colour/skin type etc). The cost is now $20 per month, and they have introduced some new boxes - a FAB box which includes accessories, an Eco box and a bridal box. 

I have received an email to say my box is on the way - so will give an update on what I get this month so everyone can see what I get! 

If you want to see the types of boxes they have - the email address is lusthaveit.com.au - Let me know what you think!