Laid Back Sample Project - Update 2

I think I could be moving through this sample project a little faster, but the 'laid back' nature of it negates all guilt and the fact that I'm clearing out my sample stores is a wonderful thing no matter the pace! Perfume samples seem to be the fastest movers as I find them wonderful to try out on work days, and I already have another scent ready to be reviewed in the next instalment of the project. You can read my original Laid Back Sample Project post here, and the first update here.

Balenciaga Rosebotanica

I'm generally a fan of Balenciaga fragrances but this didn't sit well on me. It was soapy and overtly musky on me, and definitely not something I'd like to add to my perfume collection.

 

Biore Gentle Make-Up Removing Wipes

This was a lot more textured than other wipes I've used, but it wasn't a wet enough formula for me to consider picking up.



 

Missha B.B. Boomer

In essence a luminesce primer, this felt nice on the skin and I liked how the shimmers looked when swatched. I'm more of a matte finish kinda gal though so don't think I would personally buy this.

 

Mario Badescu Buttermilk Moisturiser

I had two of these little samples that I received from Kit Cosmetics, one had turned and this one was still in fine condition. I didn't like how this felt on my skin, you had to warm it up for it to apply evenly and overall it didn't impress me. This is actually the only M.B. product I've used that I didn't fall in love with!

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Four fails out of four, huh? I suppose it's safer than having new lemmings to constantly add to my list. None of these products were 'bad' just nothing I want or need - if you've had luck with any of them, be sure to let me know in the comments!

-Emma

Turning Violet // Introducing A New Sample Box - Violet Box!

A little delayed, but a post musing on beauty boxes is something I always like to read so here it is anyway! Violet Box is the latest subscription sample to hit Australian shores, and I was sent the launch box to peruse and use. Here are my thoughts!

The packaging was nice, the box itself is sleek and black with (not surprisingly) violet branded imagery, and it is sent in a white branded box wrapped around the black which I thought was a nice touch. I was happy to see makeup in the box, as with many other sample boxes I’ve tried makeup is often the lacking component that ruins the experience for me. Of course, a beauty box wouldn’t be complete without an Avene sample (seriously, they are everywhere!) alongside a John Plunkett Glyco Peel that contains 25% glycolic acid. I have had great experiences with the John Plunkett brand in the past and like trying peels like this, but I think if someone not skin savvy were to get this it might be a bit dangerous. It was one of the best inclusions in the Violet Box for me though, and I am looking forward to trialling it.

A perfume sample never goes astray for me, and I’ve not yet tried Calvin Klein Sheer Beauty so that was a thumbs up from me. I know many people dislike perfume samples in boxes they pay for (since technically we can all get them for free…) but I enjoy trying new fragrances in this lazy way, plus it seems more of an add on than a proper item so it’s not too bad. A small bottle of Argania Oil for Hair might be nice for my hair it is looking a little crazy right now and the Lash Control Squeezable Clear Mascara will be designated for brows. I think it is a pretty cool concept squeeze squeeze awesome brows but we will see how we go. The star of the box would have to be the Calvin Klein Gloss Eyecolour which is a glossy + translucent bright blue shade. I would have preferred some of the more neutral shades that other boxes contained, but these sample boxes are all about trying new things so a bright glossy eye it is!

 I am still torn between wanting to save my money to put towards high end products, and the fun of receiving a surprise parcel full of treats in the mail. Do these sample boxes make you feel the same?

What are your thoughts on sample subscription boxes like Violet Box?

Which product is the best from this launch box, in your opinion?

 

This box was provided for review of the launch. Honesty, always.

 

Anniversary Haul // Burberry, Illamasqua + Bioderma

Chris and I celebrated our anniversary almost a month ago, but I still thought you'd like to have a gander at what I bought during our weekend stay in Melbourne CBD.

Picked up a bottle of Bioderma Crealine H20 as I had finished my bottle and missed it terribly. One of my very favourite beauty finds, I've reviewed it here if you want to see my thoughts on it.

I stopped by the Illamasqua counter in Myer on Bourke St and fell in love with the new Naked Strangers collection. They really have the best imagery, the brand can do no wrong in my eyes. I've reviewed this Naked Rose blush here.

After watching Zoe Foster knock out a smokey eye in two minutes over here, I knew I needed to pick up the MAC paint pot she used. Constructivist is nice and easy to work with and blend, nice chocolately colours like this always remind me of Zoe!

More lipsticks is not what I need, but I can never stop myself with Face of Australia as they are so damn cheap. Trying to branch out with red lip shades to see what I suit best, and this ruby and orange toned shade seemed nice. Have a post on these coming up!

Chris usually buys me jewellery for anniversarys, but this year I hadn't stumbled upon anything I liked enough to choose so we avoided the shiny stuff this year. I think having my engagement ringAs we passed by Burberry the MUA asked if I'd like a free makeover, and Chris urged me to try the things I'd had on my Burberry wishlist!

Pale Barley eyeshadow was numero uno on my Burberry wants list, and I am so happy to finally own it! I have a Burberry specific post coming up soon with swatches and photos! The MUA used the Golden Brown eyeliner on me and I loved the way the colour defined my eyes and went with Pale Barley. The Copper Lip Mist was a free GWP on the day, which was a big surprise for me! Free Burberry isn't something that occurs often. The MUA also threw in a ton of fragrance samples (mostly male scents for Chris, some of which I have stolen) and was generally amazing at her job.

The Burberry part of this doesn't really count as a 'haul' as it was Chris' anniversary gift to me, but still thought I'd show it! Here is one of the photos from our weekend together.

I had such a great weekend away, Chris has had some health problems lately and we have been pretty stressed out so this getaway was needed! I am yet to get the engagement party photos from the photographer, but when I do would any of you be interested in seeing some of them in a post?

I picked up a few other items over the weekend but this was the main beauty stuff.

What do you think of my haul?!

January Glossybox

I was lucky enough to win a 6 month subscription to Glossybox Australia at the Melbourne Beauty Bloggers event, after getting one of the top marks in the quiz (no idea how I swung that one!) After receiving some of my boxes, I decided it was time to review one. Introducing, the January Glossybox!

I've seen some negative reviews of this edition, but to be honest I was quite happy when I opened up my Glossybox. In this box I received 5 sample sized items, along with Australia Day temporary tattoo's and vouchers for online fashion store The Iconic.

I will be passing the temporary tattoos over to my niece as she loves them, and I'll have a gander at The Iconic, though each voucher states you must spend at least $49 to receive the $25 off. There was also a card for $5 off a Glossybox Men box, which I am contemplating getting for Chris. More info on that here.

I was elated to see the blue Mirenesse tight liner in my box, as I much prefer it over the option that some others got, which was a pale pink Sally Hansen polish. I quite like a coloured liner, and this 'saphire' blue shade, despite being spelt strangely, is lovely. I've used it twice so far, and it does tend to fade a tiny bit over extended periods of time, but other than that I'm a fan. A full review to come, for sure.

I've never tried Sheer Cover products, so it was nice to see something new. I dislike glosses in pots/palettes so won't be giving this a go though- this too will go to one of my nieces.

This 30ml Sheer Cover moisturiser is more up my alley, and I'm looking forward to giving it a go. I like that it has SPF15 and is oil and fragrance free, and I'm thinking of taking it with me to Thailand as the packaging is nice and lightweight,too.

Wasn't wowed at the sight of a small Nivea body moisturiser, but I haven't tried this formula before and I know it'll be great to pop in my carry on for my upcoming holiday, so I'm happy with it. Relieved that it isn't in sachet form!!

Was excited to see this Kosmea daily facial exfoliant in my Glossybox,as I am mad for a bit of exfoliation! I was a bit jealous when I saw others received an Estee Lauder serum, but in all honesty this product suits me better anyway. I have already tried it and am happy so far, but will be doing a full review when I've given it a few trials.

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All in all I was pleased with this months Glossybox, and can't help but adore the box that it comes in. I'm planning on setting up a study area/makeup desk soon and plan on using them to divide my things. I'm almost at the end of my free 6 months, and am contemplating jumping ship from Lust Have It to Glossybox. I'd love to hear your thoughts on what you think I should do in the comments below!

(Glossybox Australia retails for $14.95 per month here, but I won a 6 months subscription so am not paying for the service at this time. This is no way affects the review or experience. Honesty, always.)