Bellabox February 2015 Elle Unboxing

Bellabox is an Australian beauty sample subscription box that for $15 AUD a month provides subscribers with at least 5 samples.

For February Bellabox collaborated with the magazines Elle, Cosmopolitan and Harper's Bazzar. This month I received the Cosmpolitan box and liked it so much that I decided to purchase another box in the hopes that I would get one of the other magazine boxes. Luckily for me I got the Elle box this time around.
To look at my Cosmopolitan Bellabox unboxing please click here .

What was in my box:

ELLE magazine (RRP $8.50 AUD)
I don't like to buy magazine that much these days, but when I do it is normally just to get a freebie that comes with it. Elle is actually one of my favourite magazines to read so I was glad that I received this box for that reason.

ESSIE Nail Colour 'Truth or Flare' (RRP $16.95 AUD) Full size product
My nail polish came in the shade 'truth or flare' which is a light grey blue colour. Not a colour I would have chosen for myself, however I think subscription boxes are great for getting us to try new things that probably would not have brought.

INDIO Multi V Serum (RRP $139 AUD for 30ml) Sample size 5ml
I was pretty happy when I opened my box to find not one but two Indio products. Indio products are expensive but I have heard lots of people rave about them. I am very much looking forward to trying this serum out, since at the price of $139 for 30ml it is not something I would ever buy. Gosh this 5 ml sample has $23 worth of product in it. 

INDIO Cleanser (RRP $48 AUD for 200ml) Sample size 30ml
This is my second Indio product in this box and I was thrilled to see it, mainly because it was a very generous sized sample. This is an exfoliating deep cleanser and since I wash my face at least twice a day, I will definitely be using this product.

NEUTROGENA Hydro Boost Water Gel (RRP $24.99 AUD for 50g) Sample size.
I've received several of these little samples, and I think that as a moisturiser it works well.

AVEENO Daily Moisturizing Lotion
I feel like I've received so many of these samples lately. I think it is a fine body lotion but I just a bit bored with getting these samples. 

KERASTASE PARIS Nutritive Nectar Themique (RRP $48 AUD for 150ml) Sample size 10ml
This is another sample I have received before, but I think maybe only once or twice. I think it was okay but not anything special

VERDICT:
I was pretty happy with this box, and I am glad that I did not have to regret the decision to buy two Bellaboxes this month. Out of the Cosmopolitan and Elle boxes I prefer this one, mainly because I prefer to read Elle magazines and due to the Indio samples. Indio's product are pretty pricey and not something I would have brought to trial so I appreciate that I can try them now. This box was excellent value with a  magazine, full size Essie nail polish and those Indio samples.

Bellabox February Cosmopolitan Unboxing 2015

Bellabox is an Australian beauty sample subscription box which for the price of $15 AUD per month, provides subscribers with at least 5 samples (occasionally there will be a full sized product). This is the only beauty sample subscription box that I am signed up to at the moment. Basically because it is the cheapest (Australian) one and although I have an overload of samples I enjoy receiving these surprise boxes each month. 

This month's theme was 'Beauty School' and Bellabox collaborated with three magazines to curate three different boxes; Cosmopolitan, Haper's Bazzar, and Elle. Some subscribers were able to choose which magazine they wanted to receive, and I was lucky enough to be one of those members. I chose Cosmopolitan because I thought the samples would be a bit more fashion forward than the other magazine's boxes.

What was in my Bellabox:

COSMOPOLITAN March Edition (RRP $7.95 AUD)
I don't normally buy magazines unless there is a free product attached to it. I do enjoy reading them but I prefer not to waste my money on buying them.

ESSIE Nail Colour in 'Strut Your Stuff' (RRP $16.96 AUD) Full size product
This month every subscriber was going to receive a full sized Essie nail polish, and considering that the nail polish is worth more than what we paid for the box I'm pretty happy. I haven't tried Essie nail polishes but I have heard good things about them and it seems to be quite a popular brand. I would  not have chosen a blue nail polish for myself, but I will still use it.

CHAPSTICK Natural Paw Paw (RRP $4.99 AUD) Full size product
I am always using lip balm so I welcome getting this chapstick since it saves me from having to buy some myself. This seems like an okay lip balm.

ORIGINAL SOURCE Shower Gel 'Mint and Tea Tree' (RRP $3.99 AUD for 250ml) Sample size
I enjoy Original Source shower gels because they smell amazing, and this particular one does to. I am a shower gel type of person so I will definitely by using this product.

NEUTROGENA Hydro Boost Water Gel (RRP $24.99 AUD for 50g) Sample size
I've tried this sample before and I quiet liked it, it feels nice and is moisturising.

AVEENO Daily Moisturizing Lotion (RRP $14.99 AUD for 354ml) Sample size
This is perhaps my third or fourth time getting this exact sample so I'm a bit over it. It is a nice moisturising body lotion so while I will use it, I'm just  not that excited about receiving it. 

Z'KIN ORGANICS Skincare samples
These are for oily or combination skin which is what I have so I was pleased with that. I have received another one of these skincare sample packs from Violetbox which I haven't tried yet. I don't mind the doubling up because it means that I might get a decent feel of the skincare range with been able to try the samples more than once. 

VERDICT:
Overall I am pretty happy with what I received in this Cosmopolitan box. Sure I have a few of these samples already but they are all products that I will use. Also the price of the magazine and the Essie nail polish more than covers the price of the subscription, so I think this is good value. I have  actually signed up my daughter (who is 4 years old) to get a Bellabox, in the hopes of getting on of the other magazine's boxes.

Bellabox January 2015 Unboxing

Another month means another Bellabox for me. Bellabox is an Australian beauty sample subscription box that costs $15 AUD per month.

Let's have a look at what was in my January 2015 Bellabox:

WOTNOT Facial Wipes for sensitive skin (RRP $8.40 AUD for 25 wipes) Sample size 5 wipes
I've had a few samples of these wipes which are one of my favourite facial wipe brands. Whilst I am not very excited for getting this sample, I do like these wipes and will use them.

WEN BY CHAD DEAN Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner (RRP $34.99 AUD for 350 ml) Sample size 1 wash
This is a product that you use instead of a separate shampoo and a conditioner. You use some of it like a shampoo and wash it out to then use some like you would with a conditioner. I used this yesterday and I think it works well. I would be interested in trying out a full size product but Wen can only be purchase through a subscription so I find that a bit off putting.

LAQA & CO Lip Lube in Bees Knees (RRP $24.95 AUD) Full size product
I have received one of these before in another subscription box in exactly the same colour. Which also happens to be the one colour in their range that looks terrible on me. Due to my skin colour light peachy colours like Bees Knees make me look washed out. It was a shame that I didn't get another colour, but I am sure I can find a friend who will be able to use this.

BELLABOX Make Up Pouch (RRP $7.95 AUD)
This is a cute little make up pouch that my 4 year daughter has claimed.

GARNIER Moisture Match Goodbye Dry Moisturiser (RRP $9.99 for 50ml) Sample size
I tried this sample and I thought it was quite good. I might buy the full size product in the future.

SKINNYMINT Teatox (RRP $54.90 for 28 Days) Sample size 9 tea bags
I know there were a lot of Bellabox subscribers who were disappointed when they didn't get this, but I have to admit I wish I had got something else instead. I'm the kind of person who see these skinny tea things and rolls my eyes. However I do like tea and I will probably try these just because I have the pack.

Verdict:
This is an okay box, in saying that if I had a lip colour that was more suited to me or I liked the idea of skinny teas I would probably be a lot more happier with this box.

Next month Bellabox is collaborating with 3 magazine companies which is exciting. By the sounds of it subscribers will be getting either a Cosmopolitan, Elle or Harper's Bazaar magazine and curated box. I was lucky enough that I quick enough to make a claim for which magazine box I wanted and will be getting a Cosmopolitan box.

Bellabox December 2014 Unboxing

Bellabox is an Australian beauty sample subscription box, which for $15 AUD per month provides at least 5 samples and occasionally a full size product. I personally find that Bellabox is a bit hit and miss at times, especially with the vast variation of boxes among subscribers.

WHAT WAS IN MY DECEMBER BELLABOX:
NEUTROGENA Oil-Free Acne Wash (RRP $13.99 AUD for 175ml) sample size 14ml
I have used a sample of this before and I found that it was too harsh for my skin. I did use it daily for a little bit and it ended up burning my skin, I then just started to use it twice a week. I can't remember if it helped treat my acne or not, but I am willing to try it again.

ENBACCI Vitis Vinifera Rejuvenating Essential Creme (RRP $103 AUD for 100ml) sample size 10ml
This is an expensive moisturiser ($103 for 100ml) that uses grape stem cells, so I am interested in trying this out. I would not normally buy a moisturiser that is that expensive so even if I like it I would most likely not buy the full size product.

KERASTASE Paris Nutritive Nactar Thermique (RRP $45 AUD for 150ml) sample size 10ml
This is a leave in treatment that also works as a heat style protector, I'm not that excited about this sample but I will try this eventually.

ELIZABETH MOTT It's So Big Mascara (RRP $25 AUD for 10ml) sample size 4ml
Appartently this mascara is a top seller on Amazon and I have heard good things about this mascara. I have a couple of mascaras open at the moment, so I will try this out later on. I actually really like getting sample mascaras because I never finish a full size mascara before I need to toss it out.

AVEDA Tourmaline Charge Radiance Masque (RRP $79.95 for 125ml) sample size 7ml
I have tried this sample a couple of times before and I think it is okay. The thing that I like the most is that this mask treatment is clear, so that I don't look silly around the house while I am using it.

ENBACCI Hand and Nail Cream (RRP $23 AUD for 40ml) sample size 10ml
I have tried this hand cream and it was okay but nothing special. I probably would not buy the full size due to the price.  

SKIN DOCTORS COSMECEUTICALS Gamma Hydroxy Skin Resurfacing Cream (RRP $49.95 AUD for 50ml) sample size 3ml
This sachet was a bonus product and it does sound interesting. The package say that this resurfacing cream helps reduce the appearance of acne scars, wrinkles and signs of ageing. I have acne scars so I wonder if this cream would help reduce those. However it does state that it would take 2 to 6 weeks to see results, which I doubt that this 3ml sample will last for that long to see any difference.

VERDICT:
I will probably use everything in my December Bellabox, however I find this month to be a bit disappointing since nothing about it really excites me. I also think for a December/Christmas box Bellabox could have been a bit more special. There have been other subscribers who did receive some more exciting products like nail gel kits or full size Kora (Miranda Kerr's brand) organic products. 

Bellabox November 2014 Unboxing

Bellabox is an Australian beauty subscription box which costs $15 AUD per month, and provides subscribers with at least 5-6 beauty samples to try out.

What was in my November Box:

COASTAL SCENTS Revealed Palette Sampler (Full palette RRP $34 AUD) Sample 4 shades
I haven't had a chance to try this out yet, but I think it looks great. I'm not much of a eye shadow person but want I do happen to wear it I like neutral/nude shade which these are so I am happy about that.

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk (RRP $9.95 AUD) Full size product
I have actually been thinking about buying a white eyeliner to brighten up my eyes with, so this came at a perfect time. I have used this yesterday as a eyeliner on my water line. My only issue it that this pencil is probably a bit big for that purpose, but it is something I can work around.

LE TAN Wash Off (RRP $14.99 AUD) Sample size
I don't really use tanning products because I have olive skin so I don't feel the need to, also I tend to get darker in summer naturally. I got the darker shade, which is fine for my skin colour. I did give this a quick try out the other day and it seemed alright, I do like that it washes off with water. I will probably do proper review later on.

PALMERS Multi-effect Perfecting Facial Oil (RRP $19.99 AUD) Sample size
I look forward to trying this out soon, I have only just started got into using facial oils so I am curious to see how this one goes.

ALLEGRA RHODES Hand and Nail Cream (RRP $32.95 AUD) Sample size 5ml
I love the smell of cherry blossoms of I think the smell is lovely. Sadly I think this sample is much to small to get a decent feel for the product. At the moment I think it is okay, but I wouldn't pay that much money for a hand cream.

COMPEED Blister Patch (RRP $12.95 AUD pack of 5) 1 patch
I have used these in the passed and they are great, so I don't mind getting this. My daughter actually had a blister on her foot the other day and I used this patch. These are much better to use on blisters than band aids, they cushion the blister and stay on longer.

Verdict:
I thought this box was just okay, the eye palette sampler and eye liner made this box passable in my opinion. I do enjoy getting Bellabox because it is cheap for a subscription box, and I like getting new things to try out.

The only thing that slightly disappoints me is the huge difference in variation of box values. For example this month some subscribers received Nail Gel light kits which is awesome, but not so awesome if you had a very low value box in comparison. It doesn't bother me so much that some people get amazing products some months, but it does annoy me when the other items in their box are also quite nice as well (some people with the nail kits also received 24K gold eye masks which are pricey too). I just think they should share the love around a bit more evenly, and I think other subscribers would prefer that too.

Bellabox September 2014 Unboxing

Bellabox is an Australian beauty sample subscription box that costs $15 AUD per month. The theme of this month was a collaboration with blogger Gritty Pretty.

This month marked my 1 year of being a subscriber to Bellabox, and in that time I have really enjoyed getting my monthly treat of goodies.

What was in my box:

NEUTROGENA Make-Up Remover Cleansing Towelettes (RRP $7.99 AUD) Sample size, 7 wipes
I like using facial wipes for those times when I am simply too lazy to wash my make up off, so I am sure I will use these. I haven't tried this particular brand of facial wipes before, it will interesting to see what they are like.

GLIDERS Hair Ties (RRP $4.95 AUD) Full size product, 5 hair ties
I have to admit I was not that excited to see these in my box, but I have long hair and a daughter so I guess they will come in handy.

1000 HOUR Lashes (RRP $9.95 AUD) Full size product
Fake lashes are not really my thing, so I won't be using these.

TONI & GUY Heat Protection Mist (RRP $15.99 AUD for 150ml) Sample size 75ml
I generally don't use hair products that much, but I will be using this once I am finished with my current hair heat protection. This is a great sample size which I am pleased with, I actually thought it was a full size product at first glance.

SLEEK Makeup Eye Dust (RRP $9.95 for 6.5ml) Full size product
I am not a big wearer of eye shadow, and when I do wear them I tend to go for brown or golden shades. This black eye dust which I am afraid is very out of my comfort zone, so I will be passing this on to someone else. 

GARNIER Perfect Blur (RRP $16.95 AUD for 22ml) Sample size 1.5 ml
I have been curious about this new primer so I am glad that I received this sample.

REVLON Colorstay Foundation (RRP $34.95 for 30ml) Sample size 1.5 ml
Luckily this is sample is actually in a shade that will suit me so I will be able to use it.

Verdict:

This month was a bit of a miss for me sadly. There was nothing that I found very exciting and some of the items such as the fake eyelashes and eye dust I won't be using at all.  However last month I had an amazing box so I guess with subscription boxes it is just the luck of the draw sometimes. Hopefully what ever box I receive in October will be more to my liking.

Bellabox August 2014 review

Bellabox is an Australian beauty sample subscription box that costs $15 AUD a month. I have been with them for almost a year and I really enjoy getting my monthly surprise from them. The theme for this month's box is 'Sport your style' but to be honest I am just not feeling the connection between the theme and the items.

Unlike some other Australian subscription boxes Bellabox seem to have a huge variation between what some subscribers receive, and I am pretty sure that this month I have the 'awesome' box.

What was in my August box:

SALLY HANSEN Complete Salon Manicure Nail polish (RRP $14.95 AUD) Full size product
This nail polish is suppose to be a base coat, straightener, growth treatment and nail polish all in the one product. Mine came in the shade 'Ivory Coat 131' which to be honest I am not totally thrilled with, but I guess I can use it on my toe nail or as french polish tips so it will not go to waste.

AVEENO Daily Moisturising Lotion (RRP $12.99 for 354ml) Sample size 29ml
I have tried this sample before and I thought it was okay but nothing special as far as moisturising lotions go.

SAVOIR FAIRE Eyeshadow (RRP $24 AUD) Full size product
I was pretty impressed to receive a $24 eyeshadow this month. My product is a purple eyeshadow called 'Acid 011' which I like the look of. The packaging is a little bit fancy with it's pop up function and an imprint of the brand's logo on the eyeshadow. I am looking forward to giving this a go.

BURT'S BEE Radiance Day Cream (RRP $39.95 AUD for 55g) Sample size 7g
I like Burt's Bee product so I am happy to get a sample of this new day cream, it smells lovely.

OGX Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo & Conditioner ($17.99 AUD for 385ml each) Sample Sample size 60 ml each
These shampoo and conditioner samples smell great, I just love the scent of coconut. I have heard good things about this brand so I am looking forward to seeing what this will do for my hair.

PALMER"S Cocoa Body Butter (RRP $9.99 AUD for 400ml) Sample size 
I haven't used this body butter in ages. This was something I used all the time in my high school / early uni days, so it is a bit of an old favourite of mine. Love the chocolately smell.

Verdict:
I am pretty happy with my box from Bellabox this month. I received two full sized products the nail polish and eyeshadow, which combined together come to a retail price of $38.95. Considering I paid $15 for this box including shipping I am pretty happy. In saying that I do think I have the better version of the boxes this month, there are some subscribers who feel a bit duded this month but I guess that is just how subscription boxes are sometimes.

Disclaimer: I brought this box with my own money, my opinions are my own.

Bellabox July 2014 Review

Bellabox is an Australian beauty sample subscription service, that for the price of $15 a month will send subscribers at least 5 samples. 

First off I got my box in a very timely manner this month, unlike the June box so that made me really happy. The theme for the July box was American beauty, but when I opened my box I could see a product from Japan and another one from Australia which does not really fit in with the theme. 

What was in my July Bellabox:

 

 

ANASTASIA Lash Genius Waterproof Topcoat (RRP $39 AUD for 5.3g) Sample size 3.2g

This is a decent sized sample of a product which I am not sure if I would have gone out and brought for myself. I try to purchase waterproof mascaras because I really dislike having smudged mascara. However I do have a couple of non-waterproof mascaras mainly from other beauty subscription boxes, so I think this will encourage me to use those mascaras up. I think the concept behind this product is a good one, so hopefully it will work well. 

URBAN RITUELLE Body Soap (RRP $4.95 AUD for 100g) Full size product

I mainly use shower gels but I do use body soaps occasionally. This soap is made in Australia which I think is great. This particular soap does not have of a scent to it. 

ORLY Nail Lacquer (RRP $18.95 AUD for 18ml) Sample size 5.3ml

My nail polish came in the colour ‘Beach Cruiser’ which is a bright neon pink, which I quite like the look of.  I am starting to get back into wearing nail polishes so I am happy that I got a nail polish. 

YU-BE Moisturizing Skin Cream (RRP $34.95 AUD for 70ml) Sample size 3ml

This is a multi-use cream from Japan which is perhaps a bit strange to get in an American themed box. The information that came with this sample and Bellabox’s description of it makes the Yu-Be cream sounds very promising, since it is a cult favourite in Japan. 

DESIGNER BRANDS Lip Butter (RRP $4.99 AUD for 10ml) Full sized product

I love lip products so I am definitely going to try this product out and use it. I am a bit obsessed with lip balms and a have a few on the go at any one time. This one is in the coconut flavour, and I think it smells quite nice.  

MARY KAY Botanical Effects Mask (RRP $37 AUD for 113g) Sample size 3g

I try to give myself a facial mask treatment two times a week, so I like getting these types of samples. I do think this is a small sample for what it is, but hopefully there will be enough for me to fully cover my face with it. 

I also received a discount code to get 10% off online orders with Designer Brands. I might have a look on their site and see if anything takes my fancy.

Overall I am pleased with the July Bellabox, and for $15 I feel like I got my money’s worth. I think I will use everything in the box and it has exposed me to a couple of products that I had never been exposed to before like the Yu-Be cream and the waterproof topcoat for mascaras. 

Disclaimer: I brought this box with my own money and therefore my opinions are my own