June Bellabox 'Iconic Beauty'

Last week I received my first ever Bellabox which was my first experience of a beauty subscription box. I decided to try Bellabox after seeing some really positive reviews for the boxes for April and May and thought for only $15 a month I couldn't lose much to try it. Also how cute is the box itself?! I can see myself collecting these.

The products I received in my box included:

• L'Oreal Base Magique Primer - I was so excited to see this included in my box as I've been wanting to try it for a while. The sample size is decent, particularly as a primer and I'll be able to get good use out of this. The sample is worth just under $10 so fantastic value.
• Indio Eye Rise - This is the one product in the box that I just couldn't wait to try after reading about it. It is an eye cream that has a tint to it and I've found it works so well as a colour corrector underneath concealer. This is a 'luxe' item and the sample itself is worth $22.40 which is more than the box itself!
• StreetStar Ultra shine lip gloss - This is a nice addition to my makeup collection and the colour is perfect for winter. It was a beautiful pearl finish, lasts well on the lips and is not at all sticky. The only thing is the packaging is super daggy but at least the product is good! As a full size product it is worth $17.95.
• Herbal Essences Naked Shine Shampoo and Conditioner - these are super cute little travel size hair products and thank god they didn't come in sachets! There is a decent amount of product and I have short hair so these will last me about a week. After first use my hair felt so soft and cleaner than I've ever felt it. I will definitely consider buying the full size.
• Chapstick Moisturiser Green Apple - I'm not too fussed about this, because Chapsticks are a product that everyone knows about and has probably used so I don't think they need to be included in a box where you are meant to try new products. I will definitely get use out of it though, especially in winter where I go through one lip balm a week! Another full size product valued at $3.99.
• Nutrimetics Nutri-Rich Nourishing Mask - this is a bonus inclusion in this months box. I am excited to try this mask and even though it is in a sachet since it is a one use item I can deal with it!

Overall I was very impressed with the box itself as well as the subscription service. I was excited to see a makeup product included and all the products are ones that I am excited to try and will get use out of and in that sense I think the box was fantastic value. I also liked the inclusion of Instyle Magazine ($9.95) as a bonus with this box. I love fashion magazines but they are just something that I never buy for myself. I liked the inclusion of the card that explained all the products.

In terms of the service I found the website really easy to navigate, set up my profile and I was also sent regular emails to let me know that my box was being shipped. Also after receiving your box you can provide feedback on each item you got to try. Providing feedback earns you points that you can spend in the Bellabox online store.

I definitely recommend Bellabox if you haven't tried a beauty subscription before and not sure what to expect. I think $15 a month is quite affordable considering the value of the items included and the overall experience. I will absolutely be continuing my subscription.

I give June Bellabox 5/5.

Are you subscribed to Bellabox? What has been your experience?
xx Catherine

* This product was purchased by me with my own money. All opinions are honest and my own.

The Lip Product Addict Tag

1// Favourite Balm/Treatment?

My favourite balm would definitely be the Maybelline Baby Lips. I prefer them to a Chapstick because I feel they are actually quite moisturising rather than just coating the lips. The 'Pink Glow' one is my favourite. As for treatment, I have to mention Lucas' PaPaw ointment. Especially when I'm sick and suffering from really dry skin around the mouth a good slathering of this is such a life saver. Such a classic all rounder product that I also use a lot for cuts and burns.

2// Best eye-catching red?

I love an orange based red and MAC Lady Danger takes the cake. Amazingly pigmented, super-long lasting (seriously, its not going anywhere through eating and drinking) and a perfect velvety matte finish. It was love at first application.

3// Best high-end and best drugstore?

Most of my lipstick collection is from the drugstore but I do own a YSL Rouge Volupte in no.1 and it is pure luxury. From the gold packaging to the way it glides on the lips like nothing else I've ever felt, the Rouge Volupte is what I imagine high-end lipsticks are all about.

For drugstore I love all the ranges from the Maybelline Colour Sensational Line including the vivids, mattes and nudes. I have never been disappointed with these and 'Vibrant Mandarin' is one of my favourite lipsticks ever! The formulation is fantastic - amazing pigmentation, long-lasting and they smell great too. Not to mention I really love the packaging and the shade range is incredible for the drugstore.

4// Best MAC Lipstick?

Apart from Lady Danger which I mentioned above I would have to say that Plumful is one favourite MAC lipstick out of my little collection. It is the perfect medium between a purple and a pink, looks gorgeous on my lips and I love the lustre finish.

5// The most disappointing?

The most disappointing products have definitely been the lipsticks I've bought from NYX. Firstly, their matte lipstick in Hippie Chic is the most unflattering shade and applies so unevenly there's nothing I can do to salvage this one. It was disappointing because when I swatched it I was really excited but unfortunately I am never going to use this one. Secondly are the round lipsticks and I have the shades 'Narcissus' and 'Rose'. Again the formula of these are so terrible and apply really unevenly. I've found with a lot of the NYX lipsticks they feel as if they are just sitting on top of the lips which makes them really uncomfortable to wear. 'Rose' looks slightly better on the lips because it is a darker shade but overall I was disappointed with these products because NYX has some really great stuff.

6// Liner - yes or no?

I have tried liner in the past but I usually prefer to go without. Even with bold colours, I'd prefer to take extra caution with my application or use a lip brush than use a liner. I just don't feel my liner skills are up to scratch and I also don't like how they tend to dry out the lips a bit more.

7// Best gloss?

This may come as a surprise as I've just slammed NYX above but their Butter glosses are hands down the most beautiful lip glosses I've ever tried. Before really getting into makeup and finding out about this product, I had no idea how amazing a lip gloss could be. The colour range is amazing, they are super pigmented, non-sticky, last ages and smell amazing. Ticks all the boxes. As a close runner up I have to mention the XXXL Shine glosses from Essence. They retail for something like $3 and are very comparable to the NYX glosses.

8// Something extra?

I thought I would include an extra question of oldest and newest lip product in your collection!

So the newest lip products in my collection are the Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvets and I picked up three shades when they were on sale for $10 at Priceline. OMG I love these already and I can tell I am going to reach for them a lot.

The oldest lip product in my collection is this Napoleon Luminous Lip Veil in Sand which I've had since around 2007. I used to never wear lipstick because I hated it and was scared of what people would think so this was the only thing lip product (if any) I would wear when I did my makeup. I don't use it much any more because it smells really funky but I can't bear to get rid of it!

I hope you all enjoyed this tag! I tag everyone reading this to do this tag including the extra question I threw in at the end. Also let me know in the comments your latest lip product purchase and oldest in your stash :)

xx Catherine

Pristine Oils Custom Cleanser: Review

A recent addition to my skincare routine is a customised cleanser from Pristine Oils. What I love about the cleanser is that the ingredients are chosen to target my specific skin concerns and it also comes in this super cute packaging with my name on it which I may have gotten too excited about!

 My cleanser is customised to:

• 10% strength astringency
• Rosehip Oil
• Sweet Almond Oil
• Macadamia Oil
• Grapeseed Oil

How to use it:

I use three pumps on my hand and then massage the oil into my face using a circular motion. After leaving the oil to sit on my skin for about 30 seconds I will then rub it off with a face cloth, again using circular motions starting at the bottom of my face and working upwards. I have only recently purchased a micro fibre chamois to use along side this cleanser but it definitely works to 'polish' your face better than a regular face cloth.

The smell is definitely something to get used to if you haven't used facial oils before. It isn't unpleasant but reminds me a little bit of salad dressing. It personally doesn't bother me and there is definitely no oily scent left on your skin.

As a makeup remover:

I was really impressed with the cleanser's ability to remove makeup in literally seconds. Foundation and face products are absolutely no problem and melt away easily while even stubborn waterproof mascaras and eyeliners are broken down so easily. I love using this cleanser when I am wearing a full face of makeup as I'll hop out of the shower with not a trace left.

As a cleanser:

I have loved using this product during the colder months because my skin has definitely been needing the extra moisture and the low percentage of astringency in my cleanser means that it is super hydrating for my skin.

I really enjoy this product as a cleanser as it works really well to clean out my pores and other oil build up on my skin - as you know oil breaks down oil.

I would definitely recommend contacting Pristine Oils to assist you in putting together your custom cleanser as I found their customer service to be really great and they were much more knowledgable than me about how to treat different skin issues!

Overall my skin has improved in a number of ways since using the custom cleanser from Pristine Oils.

• I've noticed a reduction in my blackheads around my nose and cheek area.
• I have less frequent breakouts that are less severe.
• My skin is smoother and softer.
• I've notice my skin looks brighter and less 'dull'.

My skin before adding the Pristine Oils cleanser to my skincare routine

After using Pristine Oils - my complexion is brighter and I have less breakouts

I really like the idea of a custom cleanser and it really appeals to me because my skin reacts differently during different seasons. The fact that I can alter my custom blend while still receiving a product that I know works with my skin is fantastic and saves the hassle of trying to find a whole different product to use. Also I do believe everyone's skin is so different and it's hard to find a product on the shelves that is going to be right for you. Also I love the added bonus of a oil cleanser that is the best makeup remover I've ever tried.

I have been really struggling with my skin lately which is the reason I jumped on the opportunity to try Pristine Oils. I am extremely happy how my skin has improved. Check out the Pristine Oils website here.

xx Catherine

* This is not a sponsored post and the products mentioned were purchased by me with a discount. All opinions are honest and my own

Review and Comparison: Beauty Blender v Real Techniques Complexion Sponge

I was so excited to finally see the Real Techniques Complexion Sponge stocked at my local Priceline! I've been using the original Beauty Blender for a few months now and absolutely love it, so I thought I would do a comparison of the two most well known beauty sponges out there to see if the RT sponge is a good affordable version of the Beauty Blender.

For this post RT = Real Techniques Complexion Sponge and BB = Beauty Blender

Shape and Size:

The BB shape is what I would describe as a 'teardrop' shape, with one pointed end - perfect for dotting on concealer or blending under the eyes and around the nose - and the other end is rounded. The RT has a distinctly different shape. The overall shape looks more oval than round and whilst one end is pointed, the point isn't as defined as the BB. The RT sponge also has one flat edge which the BB does not. When they are both dry, the RT is slightly bigger than the BB, both in width and length.

Flat Surface of the RT sponge.

Texture:

On the surface, both sponges have the same sort of soft, porous texture. However the RT is much denser and not as soft and bouncy as than the BB when dry. When damp, the RT definitely does soften but is still much more firm than the BB

Soft, porous texture.

Application:

Overall both sponges are very similar in their application of foundation. Despite the RT sponge being much firmer you can get the same finish by using a bit more pressure. I definitely prefer how the BB 'bounces' and creates a really natural look in a small amount of time. The RT doesn't bounce so to get the same finish a pressing motion combined with a buffing motion is required. In my opinion the advantage of using a sponge over a brush for the application of foundation is that you can layer coverage much easier. With a brush, more product is picked up so its harder to apply thinner layers on top of each other.

I also prefer how the BB has a more pointed tip which is much easier for applying concealer over imperfections and for blending out around the nose.

However, sponges are not the best for all foundations. I mostly use either the RT or BB sponge to apply the Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 foundation and it gives the most flawless finish. Foundations or BB creams with thinner consistencies tend to be absorbed into the sponge result in quite a bit of product wastage. Both sponges are also really great for blending concealer.

Price and Availability: all prices are in Australian Dollars

Considering both sponges are pretty similar in the way they work, the most important point of comparison is the price. The BB isn't available in store in Australia but a number of online retailers stock them which means they are pretty easy to get a hold of. Two Australian online retailers I know which stock the BB are:

• Crush Cosmetics - $24.95
• Lipstick Republic - $19.95

Or you can purchase online from UK retailer beautybay.com where the BB retails for $24.20. BeautyBay has free shipping and both Crush Cosmetics and Lipstick republic charge for shipping unless you spend over a certain amount.

In comparison the RT is available in store at Priceline which also stocks other brushes from the Real Techniques brand for $15.99. The RT has just started to be stocked in store so it isn't available on the Priceline website just yet. Otherwise, the best online retailer for any Real Techniques products is iherb.com where the RT retails for around $6 depending on the exchange rate. iherb.com provides $4 flat rate shipping or DHL express shipping starting from $8.

Overall the RT is definitely the more affordable option with both sponges being easily accessible.

I think my favourite is the Beauty Blender but the RT sponge is very similar and a fantastic way to try a really great quality sponge at a cheaper price. Have you got either of these sponges in your collection? Let me know in the comments :)

xx Catherine

Essie Button made me do it!

As someone who spends a lot of their spare time blogging, I also really enjoy reading other blogs and watching beauty gurus on Youtube to get inspiration and learn about new products. One of my favourite beauty bloggers is Estee from EssieButton. While I mostly keep up to date with her videos on Youtube I recently came across one of Estee’s blog posts where she shared the products that she was inspired to buy from other bloggers. This made me think of how many products I’ve bought because of watching EssieButton!

1// The Body Shop Honey Bronzer

This beautiful bronzer comes in three different shades, which is fantastic because the lightest shade is fantastic for those with really pale skin. It is perfect for a subtle contour but my favourite use for this bronzer is to sweep it all over my face and blend it with whatever blush I’m wearing to give my face a little extra colour.

2// Maybelline Colour Tattoo in ‘Bad to the Bronze’

I already owned a few of the Maybelline Colour tattoos before I heard Estee rave about the shade Bad to the Bronze. I rushed out to get it and it has been my go to everyday ‘all over the lid’ shade or base for a smokey eye. I 100% recommend the colour tattoos – probably the best value drugstore eyeshadow.

3// Almay Intense i-colour smokey-i Kit

I had forgotten about this one but remembered seeing how gorgeous the colours were and then when I went to check it out at Priceline it was on sale! These shadows are so smooth, apply easily and blend out beautifully. This is definitely one of those products I wouldn’t have picked out without hearing about it otherwise.

4// Tarte Amazonian Clay 24 Hour Blush in ‘Natural Beauty’

This is one of my favourite blushes in my collection. The colour is gorgeous and leaning towards red gives such a natural flush of colour on my pale complexion. I also love that this blush is super long lasting, blends out beautifully and gives a beautiful natural finish - not too shimmery, not too chalky. I definitely want to get my hands on more shades of these blushes and hopefully when Sephora opens in Australia they will be in stock.

5// MAC Lipsticks in ‘Lady Danger’ and ‘Plumful’

Some of the newest additions to my MAC lipstick collection but ones that had been on my wish list for ages after seeing Estee rave about them on her Youtube channel. It was definitely love at first application for both of these lipsticks. Plumful is one of the most beautiful lipsticks I’ve ever worn, as a lustre formula it is moisturizing, glossy and makes the lips look full and plump. I love wearing this with an everyday makeup look. Lady Danger is everything that a bright lipstick should be – pigmented, super matte and extremely long lasting. I wore this to a recent blogger event I attended and not only did I get a few compliments but I didn’t have to worry about it coming off when I was eating or drinking. Not to mention it is such a beautiful orange red shade. So in love!

6//Tarte Amazonian Clay Airbrush Foundation

Another Tarte product I picked up because I absolutely love mineral foundation and was intrigued to try a high end one. This leaves the most beautiful airbrushed finish (as promised in the name) and just melts into the skin. I love how it blurs out my skin, feels completely weightless and provides a good base for blending powder products on top. I really enjoy wearing mineral powders as a base and this is definitely a good one!

That’s some serious money I’ve put down because of Estee! Which of your favourite bloggers are your biggest enablers?

Xx Catherine