GlossyBox March 2012 review

After reading some disappointing reviews the last few days while patiently waiting for my own GlossyBox delivery it finally arrived today. 

This months GlossyBox is about products to fit in with an active lifestyle and on-the-go schedule. 

Another new thing GlossyBox has done this month is supply an info card with brief descriptions of 18 different products where you would've received 5 from the list in a lucky dip. I managed to count 6 products in my box this month, not including the power balance bracelet. This month the info card no longer describes the RRP so I have done a bit of research online and found the RRP for each product, all prices are quoted from the products website or from pharmacy online. As usual I will review & rate each product on its own then offer my opinion on the entire package. 

1. Klorane Extra-gentle Dry Shampoo with oat milk RRP $5.95 for 50ml Sample size: 50ml (full sized product)  

Ive always been interested in trying a dry shampoo but have just never gotten around to it so was stoked to receive this product. You spray it on to your scalp then leave for 2 minutes and brush to leave hair clean & soft again. This is a great product for after your workout if you don't have time to wash your hair. Its very reasonably priced and does a good job. Also has a nice scent and is the perfect size for your gym bag. I rate this product a 5/5. 

2. Eau Thermale Avene Gentle Toner RRP $31.45 for 200ml Sample size: 50ml 

The 'secret ingrediant' of the Avene range is the acclaimed thermal spring water which is supposed to be good at hydrating & refreshing. That's good news for dry & sensitive skin sufferers. I don't have dry & sensitive skin so cant really comment on how effective it would be for those with that skin type but for combination skin is it a really nice toner and very gentle with no tightness or stinging that a lot of toners do. It has a nice neutral scent and is hypoallergenic. I rate this product a 4.5/5. 

3. KMS California Free Shape Hot Flex Spray RRP $31.95 for 200ml Sample size: 30ml

I'm always interested in heat styling products as I blow dry & straighten my hair a lot so was excited to try this. I found this spray to be really good. It goes on nicely and my hair straightens quickly with it and leaves it nice & straight and frizz-free. I rate this product a 4/5. 

4. Absolutely Gorgeous Macadamia Face Cream RRP $29.95 for 100ml Sample size: 30ml

I hadn't heard of this brand before so was really excited to try it. Absolutely Gorgeous are an Australian company which is certified organic with no nasty ingredients & no animal testing. The face cream feels very thick & rich at first but I was amazed at how quickly it absorbed and left my skin feeling very moisturised but in no way greasy. It has a weird scent at first but after applying it turns into a nice fragrant scent- weird! I rate this product a 4.5/5.

5. Proactiv Cleansing Body Bar RRP $20.95 for 150g Sample size: 150g (full sized product)

Breakouts on the body are a big problem for some people after a workout, myself included, so I was excited to get the Proactiv cleansing body bar. The product itself is great- has a nice scent and leaves skin clean & clear. My only criticism is it would be nice to get this product in a bottle (which is does come in) for the theme of 'on-the-go' beauty so you can keep it in your gym bag instead of a soap. But overall its good. I rate this product a 4.5/5. 

6. Dencorub Extra Strength Heat Gel RRP $4.95 for 100g Sample size: 100g (full sized product)

I have heard so many criticism's about this product being included and I do admit it is a bit strange for a beauty sample box however in keeping with the theme, it does kinda make sense. As this is an extra product, I don't really mind. If it was one of the 5 promised samples I wouldn't be very fussed but as an extra that's OK. Ive never used a heat gel before but I do get sore muscles after a full-on yoga class so will give it a go after my next yoga induced injury. 

Also this month was a GlossyBox pink Power Balance bracelet (which are a complete scam) but its still a cute band. I don't think the power of holograms will change my life dramatically though. 

Overall I am happy with this months GlossyBox and the products suited the theme well. I do subscribe to these boxes for the make-up samples as I am pretty set in my ways when it comes to skincare products but this month included some products I have never heard of before which is the great thing about beauty boxes. As usual GlossyBox take the top prize for presentation, the boxes are always so beautifully put together and really give it that touch of class. 

Looking forward to next month's box!  

BellaBox March 2012

This month's BellaBox theme is to 'get naked' and let your true self shine through. Also this month instead of the usual brown box, our samples came in a cute little calico bag. 

1. Planet Eye Daily Face Moisturiser RRP $59 for 50mls Sample size: 10ml

My first reaction to this stuff was the horrible horrible smell!! There is no way I would put that on my face purely based on the way it smells! Yuk! So I put it on my hand instead where I cant smell it so bad and it is actually a really nice formula- leaves skin soft and is quick to absorb. Certified organic & not tested on animals. I rate this product a 3/5. 

2. U Little Beauty Natural Repair Hair Mask RRP $19.95 for 100mls- now this is what is described on the info card. I didn't get a hair mask, mine is very clearly labelled 'Natural shine hair serum' and the sample is 100ml so am assuming this is a full-sized product even though its not the product described on the card.

As a hair serum this stuff is really nice. I used it after washing my hair and dried it off a little then applied this then finished drying & styling and it makes for a good shine product. Doesn't work too well on my frizzies but we all know which product does that! I rate this product a 4/5.

3. Bellamer Eye Balm RRP $40 for 15g Sample size: unsure

This eye balm has a nice peppermint scent to it and feels very rich in texture. I did find it to be a little too oily though and took forever to absorb. I rate this product a 2/5. 

4. Yes To Carrots Lip Tint RRP $9.95 for 2.6gms Sample size: full-sized product

This is a very cute little lip balm and has a real zing to it when you put it on. I love the tangy scent and it leaves lips nice & soft for a long time. Gives lips a subtle pink sheen as-well. I rate this product a 4.5/5.

5. Pure Fiji Coconut Hydrating Body Lotion RRP $29.95 for 354mls Sample size: ? id say maybe 20mls? 

This lotion smells absolutely divine! It reminds me of being at a tropical resort after a nice relaxing day on the beach full of coconut cocktails. Yum! Sinks in really fast and leaves skin nice & soft. I rate this product a 5/5.

Also in this month's pack was a Carmens muesli cookie which is a nice touch. I'm allergic to muesli so the husband chowed into this and he practically inhaled it so I take that as it being very nice! 

Overall I am really impressed with this months BellBox. Lots of new brands I have never tried before and some real stand out products which I would love to purchase again. Great job BellaBox!

The Luxury: March 2012

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For my first 'The Luxury' post I have been patiently waiting to review the Clinique Blushwear Cream Stick RRP $43 for 4g. Comes in 4 shades. 

I bought this cream blush about a month ago and I am seriously in love with it. As a long time devotee of powder blushes I have always been a bit hesitant to try a cream blush. I was always scared that a cream blush would be too heavy and difficult to apply compared to the ease of a brush of powder. 

Firstly, applying cream blush is easier then powder! I am now a total convert to cream! Just dab your finger on the end of the stick, and start blending into your cheekbones. Done! 

The Clinique Blushwear Cream Stick is a really nice silky formula- non greasy, great colour consistency and blends like a dream! You don't need very much either so this stick will literally last you a lifetime! 

As for wear & tear, after a long 12 hour shift at work it stays put all day without the need for touch-ups. 

I rate this product a 5/5. 

P.S: sorry about the stock photo... my phone (aka my camera) is being naughty and not taking photos properly! Hoping to have a new DSLR in my hot little hands soon enough though!) 

Beauty Basket Feb 2012

We all knew what was awaiting us for this month's Beauty Basket as they are one of the only beauty sample box services that advertise in advance what will be in the box. But still, its fun opening it even though its not really a surprise. I could just not look at the website each month but I cant help myself! So lets see what we have:

1: Lady Jane Ecostyle Biodegradable Bamboo Pad Brush RRP $17.99 Sample size: full size.

Well here is your $15 subscription fee paid for right here! You can never have too many brushes in my opinion (bathroom, bedroom, car, handbag, etc) and this is a really nice paddle style one. I rate this product a 4.5/5.

2: John Plunkett's Anti-Ageing Creme Cleanser RRP $9.95 for 100ml Sample size: 40mls.

I have never heard of this brand but I don't use any anti-ageing products so thats probably why! A good sized sample but for $10 for 100ml I wouldnt imagine any miracles would happen. I will be giving this to my mum. No rating for this one as I cant really test & comment on an anti-ageing product when I am not old.

3: Imperial Leather Foamburst Foaming Shower Gel RRP $? Sample Size: 75g.

They didnt include any product information about this on the info card which is a bit strange so not sure on the RRP. Im not a huge fan of Imperial Leather products, I find them a bit heavy. It doesnt have a very nice scent either. I will give this to my husband to use. So again, not really going to rate it.

4: Sunsilk Co-Creations Expert-Perfect Straight Detangling Mist RRP $6.49 for 120ml Sample size: 120ml (full sized product)

Im not a big fan of the Sunsilk brand, I find their products make my hair really frizzy but this straightening mist is quite good. Makes for an easy straightening process which is always good but I still cant go past the Davroe serum from Lust Have It! this month- that stuff is just a miracle worker when it comes to frizz & straightening. I rate this product a 3/5.

5: Face of Australia Impact-curl Extreme Volume & Curl Mascara RRP $11.95 Sample size: full sized product.

Can always add another mascara to my collection, kinda like the hairbrush thing- good to keep them handy everywhere! Now I have great difficulty in finding a good mascara- no matter how much it claims to seperate lashes mine always stick together and its frustrating! I was very pleasantly surprised to find that this mascara ACTUALLY WORKS. Oh My God! Could it be? I have finally got a mascara that doesnt clump? Thank you Beauty Basket. I bow down to you. I rate this a 6/5. Yes I can do that!!

6: The Body Shop White Musk Libertine Eau de Parfum RRP $43.95 for 30ml Sample size: 1.5ml

A nice little fragrance sample to top off all these full sized products! Love this scent. I rate it a 5/5 I love it that much! Definitely need to buy me the full size version of this!

So all in all a good little selection of products. Beauty Basket do tend to send out the cheaper end of the beauty products but I like that- its good to sample the affordable stuff and sometimes its the cheaper stuff that's better (like that awesome mascara, who would've known??) then the luxury. Very happy with this months box, which as per usual comes in a cute wicker basket that can be re-used for just about anything. 

Reflections

I would just like to announce that after much consideration and frustration and a whole lot of soul searching (well, not really soul searching), I am proud to announce that My Little Rabbit will be redeveloped into providing the sole purpose of beauty blogging. If you are a regular reader who prefers the more personal side of my posting I would like to redirect you to my new personal blog: Sugar Bingle which will be beauty review free and full of my usual witty banter! There will be major redevelopments in terms of design & content for both blogs so please bare with me while the makeovers are happening but I hope you enjoy either blog or even both if you love me that much and I look forward to what's to come for both ventures! 

Lust Have It March 2012

This month's Lust Have It! certainly was a good one! Lets see what we have here:

1. Davroe Moisture Senses Argan Oil RRP $23.95 for 50ml Sample Size: 50mls (Full size product!)

This moisturising serum is just to die for! I applied it to my hair after blow drying and before straightening and it left my hair very silky & shiny with no frizz, which is always a huge problem for me! It has a lovely smell and a nice texture. I rate this product a 5/5.

2. Kosmea Replenishing Moisture Cream RRP $49.95 for 50ml Sample Size: 20mls

I have tried the Kosmea cleanser before which was really nice and was excited to receive the moisture cream this month. Kosmea seems to be a rapidly growing cult beauty find and for good reason. This moisturiser is very easily absorbed and definitely not greasy at all! I'm not a big fan of the scent, it is a little overpowering for something I would use on my face but overall it is a winner in my eyes. I rate this product a 4.5/5.

3. Karpati DITO Nail Lacquer RRP $19.95 for 8ml Sample Size: 8ml (Full sized product!)

This is a very interesting little nail lacquer that's for sure! The bottle is designed so you can hold it between your fingers near the knuckles while you pain your nails. It also is free of nasty chemicals which is always a plus! I got the ICY shimmer shade which is a nice subtle clear shade with just a hint of shimmer which is great for everyday wear and I currently have NO clear polishes right now so was excited to add this to my collection of brights & bolds. It is also very fast drying which is important to me for a nail lacquer. I rate this product a 4/5.

4. Mirenesse Pearl Crush Creasless Shadow RRP $29.95 for a palette Sample Size: Full sized (4g) yay!

I got the Akoya Pearls palette which is a brown/orange earthy toned palette full of shimmer which I was happy with as I usually wear earthy tones everyday so I know it will get used. I am starting to become quite the fan of this brand having recently received a free bright purple gel eyeshadow pen (review pending) and find these products to be highly pigmented and long lasting which is important to me as I work 12+ hours a day or night and need long lasting make-up to last my shifts. I rate this product a 4.5/5.

5. 1Skin Solutions Lip Balm RRP $9.90 for 5g Sample Size 5g (Full sized product)

A nice little lip balm in vanilla which is kinda boring but as far as lip balms go it does a nice job and you can never have too many lip balms! Its Australian made & not tested on animals which makes it a winner so kudos to cruelty free! I rate this product a 3.5/5. 

A huge congrats to Lust Have It! for an awesome March box. 4 full sized products is just massive and I cannot fault anything about this months box. Looking forward to April and continuing my subscription with one of my favourite beauty sample services.