The 1st Australian Glossybox!

I wouldn't normally publish 2 of the same sort of post in one day, heck let's be honest I very rarely do 2 posts a day anyway! However I kind of wanted to share this straight away and couldn't wait until tomorrow.

Glossybox is new to Australia, well sort of! The Beauty Box basically turned into Glossybox and what a makeover... I am so pleased with the contents of this box, it is probably the best one i've opened so far (and i've opened a few!).

What's inside... Watch below!



Or read about it here :)



The contents as per the information card & details of what size samples & colours received.

Jurlique - Purely Age-Defying Ultra Firm & Lift Cream - 5ml Sample

This high performance anti ageing cream is designed to help promote the regeneration of elastin, collagen and new skin cells. RRP $90AUD for 50mls

Bio Oil - 60ml Full Size

Bio-Oil is a specialist skincare oil that is effective for ageing as well as dehydrated skin. Also applicable for scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tones. RRP $14.95AUD/60ml, $24.95/125ml, $34.95/200ml

Essie Nail Colour - Super Bossa Nova - 5ml 

It's all about daring, sexy colour with this super-chic collection inspired by the seductive beauty of Brazil. RRP $18.95AUD

Mirenesse 3D Forever Gloss - Geisha - Full Size

Mirenesse 3D Forever Gloss is filled with botanical moisturisers and antioxidants to give you hydrated and beautifully cushioned lips day and nights RRP $39.95AUD

Lily Loves Pearl Polish Me Rejuvenating Facial Exfoliant - Full Size

The gentle polishing beads remove surface impurities, pollution, make-up and dead skin cells to visibly improve skin texture, leaving your face fresh, smooth and radiant. RRP $36.00AUD

With 3 full size products I was beyond wow'ed! I am interested to see if this is consistent or just a big welcome into the Glossybox club... time will tell!

You can subscribe to Glossybox for $14.95/month

 

BellaBox November - Contents & Video

Another day another beauty subscription box!

This is the 2nd offering from BellaBox, this months offering is all about international cult brands, many of which i've never even heard of!

To see me in action opening the box for the first time watch below! If your time poor or can't be assed watching me ramble, see below for deets of what came in this months box.





Contents of the box (as per information card provided, so their words not mine!)

Lancome Visionnaire - 5ml Sample

The innovation, Visionnaire is the 1st skincare with LR 2412, a molecule designed to penetrate throughout all the layers of the skins epidermis, triggering a range of micro transformations. RRP $115AUD for 30mls

Erborian - 3 x 1.5ml Samples 

From Korean pharmacopeia, Erborian has selected in priority energizing and detoxifying herbs, to stimulate metabolism and speed up the microcirculation. The result: Natural anti-fatigue and strong anti-ageing properties. BB Creme 45mls RRP $59AUD, Ginseng Total Eye 15mls RRP $55AUD, Yuza Sorbet 50mls $59AUD, Elixir Au Ginseng 30mls $98AUD

Gatineau Melatogenine Force Collagene

The Anti-Wrinkle performance booster combined with Melatogenine, triple action "Force Collagen" technology (Procollagen + collagen-protect + collagen) helps stimulate the strength, vitality and longevity of collagen fibers. RRP $150AUD for 30mls

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics (OCC) Lip Tar (Colour: Interlace) - 8ml (Full Size)

A stunning new innovation in lip colour, OCC Lip Tar combines the longevity of a lipstick, with the ease of application of a gloss. RRP $16AUD

Orofluido - 5ml Sample Size

Heavenly indulgence for Hair, Orofluido is a luxurious and unusual concotion of Argan Oil, Cyperus Oil and Linseed Oil, each producing it's own beautifying properties. RRP $49.95AUD for Elixir 100ml & Mask 250ml.

Twistband 

These chic hair ties from California keep hair secure without snagging or leaving ugly creases. RRP $5.95AUD (pack of 3)

If your interested in subscribing the BellaBox is a monthly fee of $14.95 (shipping is included)

Manicure Monday! Summer is Here! (almost)

Only a few days are left of Spring and then it's Summer (haha that could be a new Rebecca Black song, it was worded so well...)

This is a mani I did yonks ago and posted on instagram (follow me! vulcanella is my username) it was inspired by a warm sydney day and i'm pretty sure it matched my outfit on the day too.

What I used -

OPI - What's With The Cattitude (Main Colour) - RRP $19.95AUD (It was from the Shrek collection and is sometimes still found at OPI stockists)

Picture Polish - Coral Reef (Accent Nail) - $RRP 9.90AUD from their website

Yankee Candle smelly review time!

I loooove candles, so much so that mum and I make them. We are on a mini hiatus at the moment though, so these candles couldn't have come at a better time since i'd run out of my own ones.

I'd heard of Yankee Candle quite a bit and had read various reviews on the candles and the company itself, I always sniff their candles when I see them in little knick knackey home stores (that's where I've usually found them). However now you can purchase them in Australia on their own online store  there is no need to try and track them down in said knick knack stores!

I was sent 2 candles to try out from the Aromatherapy Spa Range.

Cinnamon & Frankincense - Stress Relief

3 x 4 Pillar Candle - RRP $19.95AUD



From the website - Guided by ancient knowledge and modern research, our master aromatherpists have carefully created this blend of pure essential oils, the most potent form of a plant's aroma. Infused with warming Cinnamon and meditative Frankincence, this comforting formula helps ease stress and promotes deep relaxation.

Now i'm terrrrrrible at describing scents but I found this was the kind of scent I'd usually smell walking into Tree of Life (it must be the Frankincense). The scent also has a warming spicey smell to it (Cinnamon obviously). This is the perfect scent when it's cold outside and you want to feel warm and cozy. I can't say it worked for stress relief but I can vouch that the smell is strong enough that I was burning it outside when we had a bbq and you could still smell it. Good test! I haven't burnt it all the way down yet but I burnt it for a good 4-5hrs and it only made a small dint in the top of the candle. I also think this is a perfect Christmas scent!

 

Tangerine & Vanilla - True Bliss

3 x 4 Pillar Candle - RRP $19.95AUD



 

From the website - Guided by ancient knowledge and modern research, our master aromatherpists have carefully blended Tangerine and Vanilla pure essential oils, the most potent form of a plant's aroma, to create a formula that produces a feeling of blissful wellbeing.

This is my absolute favourite of the 2, the combination of Tangerine and Vanilla is absolutely delicious smelling! I was always told using Vanilla with another scent just brings it to life. It's so true in this case. Its zingy/citrusy with a slight creaminess from the Vanilla. What I love is that it's a comforting smell for the colder nights but it's also fresh enough to use when the weather is slightly warmer or you just want your house smelling nice and fresh. The scent isn't overpowering, I personally sometimes find citruses a bit too much and they sometimes give me a headache. This is the perfect balance! One I think i'll be purchasing in a larger size!

Overall I really like these candles, I'd like to try out the jar styles I think as I do prefer them to pillar candles (less mess etc). I've also heard good things about the tarts which are what I prefer using to candles in the warmer months.

If you'd like to check out the website and order some yummy smelling candles, Click Here!

These products were provided for my review from the PR Company. Please read my disclosure statement if you'd like more information.




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Manicure Monday! Ulta3 Frangipani

It's back! No I don't mean the Chicken Dijon at the Coronation Club (tee hee how I love inside jokes..)

Here's another Manicure Monday after somewhat a slack undertaking to keep it going by myself... I take pictures and forget to post them then they become irrelevent to me.

So onto this colour, this is from the new summer collection that Ulta3 have bought out. I don't know why but I felt like something different on my nails and thought i'd give it a whirl. While I think the colour is pretty rad, the formula ain't! It was streaky, messy and plain blah. In all honesty I was rushing doing my nails this morning when I put this on but even still it was a big ol' mess. Plus after 2 coats theres a VNL (visible nail line) which I'm not a fan of.

Oh well a brand can't be perfect everytime can they? So overall... Colour = Winner.. Formula = Loser

The Details! Ulta3 can be found at various pharmacies around Australia for a RRP $2.50AUD





This product was provided to me as part of The ABBW, please read my disclosure policy for more details.

Becca Lip & Cheek Creme - Tuberose (not gonna lie, it's awesome!)

This post has been inspired by Angela from Beauty Blogged, she's recently started making YouTube videos (go subscribe, she's awesome and tells it like it is!). In her recent video she mentioned she wants to get glowing cheeks from a blush and asked for recommendations. I commented with this recommendation but then thought...it's one of my favourite items in my makeup collection it really deserves a blog post all of it's own.

I picked this blush up when I got my makeup done at the Becca counter by Nic from Pixiwoo (you can see my blog post about the makeover here) she said she loved this blush and put it on every client she saw that day and she was even wearing it herself. Tuberose is a pinky/peach so I knew as soon as I saw it I had to have it!

Loving a colour is one thing though right? I had no idea how awesome and how easily it blended and melted into my skin, gave a perfect flush and simply makes me look more awake. The formula is quite thin which is why it is so easy to blend and use (I just use my fingers), it's quite pigmented too so only a small amount is needed to get that flushed look. Oh you can also use it on your lips, but personally I found it a little drying.

Enough of my rambling about how awesome this is, I clearly love it! Here are some pictures of said awesomeness :)







The Details! RRP $46.00AUD Becca is available at David Jones, Adore Beauty and Becca also has an online store.

I also thought i'd list the products I used in my picture as well if anyone is interested :)

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel in 52 (Vanilla) RRP $32.00AUD/ Illamasqua Skin Base in 07 (mixed together) RRP $65.00AUD

Face of Australia Liquid Eyeliner in Black RRP $8.95AUD*

Maybelline Colossal Volum Express Mascara in Black RRP $19.50AUD

Becca Cheek & Lip Creme in Tuberose RRP $46.00AUD

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Melonade RRP $21.95AUD (I don't think this is available anymore)

Items marked with * were provided for my consideration. For further information please read my Disclosure Policy.

Haute Giveaway! Check out Ms Haute & Stylish

Annica from Haute & Stylish has reached a milestone, 150 followers! You go girl! She's holding an awesome giveaway for her 150th person birthday (is that what you'd call it?)

I don't usually post other peoples giveaways, however this is completely selfish and I want me a $200 Alannah Hill voucher :P

What would I buy...

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="200" caption="Poke Her Cardigan - http://www.alannahhill.com.au"][/caption]

If you want to be in the running to win not only a $200 voucher but also a YSL Rouge Volupte lippie in "Fetish Pink"

Head on over HERE

Otherwise... don't... I want to win :P

 

Revlon New Complexion Oil-Control Foundation & HUGE REVLON SALE! HUGE! It needs caps...

Around a month ago I was lucky enough to be invited by Revlon to join other beauty bloggers and have brunch at Bondi Icebergs...such a hard life we sometimes lead hey ;)

We were invited to come bare faced (eek!) and have a before and after photoshoot to be featured on ninemsn (little ol' me? on ninemsn?). With the after being once the new Revlon New Complexion Oil-Control Foundation had been applied by the Revlon makeup artists and we had a full face on again. I braved the naked face look (except for a little tinted moisturiser & masacara. I did the best I could!)

You can check out all the beauty bloggers before and afters on this page...Clicky Click Click.. don't expect to find anything ghastly though, everyone is just as gorge bare faced as they are with slap on!

Here is a little screen grab of my before and after -

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="522" caption="image taken from ninemsn.com.au"][/caption]

 

A little beauty blogger happy snap :) featuring. Lilit, Sara-May, Miss Chew, Chelle & Moi! Ahhh how lovely is that background!

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="588" caption="Image from Matthew Di Muro"][/caption]

Let's talk about the foundation!

 



When the foundation was applied on me at the event the makeup artist said that it suited my skin well and just blended in. Woot!

I thought it felt light on my skin which is perfect for the upcoming warmer months. Not to mention this foundation has SPF 20! Again, making it perfect for summer (still apply your sunscreen though). What trumps it? It's oil control formula makes sure you don't get that shine throughout the day (not glow, shine...there is a difference). No need to powder either, this baby dries to a nice matte finish.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="412" caption="Revlon New Complexion Oil Control Makeup - Buff 02"][/caption]

When first applied it stayed well throughout the day and I didn't notice any caking, my skin tends to be on the drier side and it didn't accentuate any flakies which is my main problem when it comes to finding a good foundation, It was love...

Well that was until I used it again last week, my skin has been going through a bit of a nightmare of late (thanks to a product i've been trialling...eep!) and it's been dryer then usual so when I used the foundation on my skin last week unfortunately throughout the day it did cake and accentuate the dryness in my skin. So I don't know if this is the best choice foundation if you do have super dry skin, however with a really good moisturiser/primer combo you could be sweet! When my skin is normal, it loves the foundation!

Coming in at a super reasonable price tag of $24.95AUD (I think this is actually Revlons cheapest foundation) It's accessible for most budgets, and you know what this would be a perfect option for someone just getting into makeup (ie a teenager).

My only gripe with the product is the packaging, while I like the new look white cap (it even matches my iphone! *apple nerd alert*). I'm not a fan of these pour out style bottles, you waste so much product. Revlon... pump pump pump!

I ended up taking my own (non professional of course haha) picture of the foundation, the colour I was sent is Buff which may be a bit too light coming into the warmer months but come winter it'll be perfect!



You can pick this up from the usual Revlon stockists (Priceline, Target, Kmart, Big W, Pharmacies etc) for RRP $24.95AUD

NOW DO YOU WANT ANOTHER BARGAIN?

If you're in Sydney, or even visiting Sydney this weekend and you love Revlon... why not check out this sale? I'm hoping I can make it there myself!



I was invited as a guest of Revlon and provided with a bottle of foundation for review.

Health/Fitness Journey!

I thought what better time to write a big of a update on how my little health/fitness journey is going then while my abs are burning from my workout last night. I want to start doing more of these sorts of posts because it motivates me to do well and be able to write about doing well and also I spend so much time on it and that's why the other parts of my blog have been lacking lately.

I started my journey in December last year, so it's almost been a year.... and let me tell you it's the longest i've ever stuck to a fitness routine.  I've upped my sessions throughout the year with my personal trainer, I now do all my sessions in a group with the PT and I do 4 a week but every session is different.

My current routine -

Monday - Outdoor Kettlebell Training (it's usually abs and legs)

Tuesday - Rest! Wooo!

Wednesday - Outdoor Kettlebell Training (Chest, Upper Body)

Thursday - Fight Club! (Kickboxing, MMA etc)

Friday/Saturday - Rest (I should really do SOMETHING in here though...C25K is my plan!)

Sunday - Heavylifting weights session

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="198" caption="image taken from pinterest.com"][/caption]

So my downfall... FOOD!... cravings, going out & sometimes general laziness means not so good food choices.

I have really overhauled my diet from what it was and I always try and stick to a diet of no carbs at night (no white carbs anytime of day really), fresh/clean food as much as possible, lean protein, good fats etc. I'm human and sometimes I slip, I do think allowing yourself a cheat once a week is a good idea and something I definitely try and do.

For example, my general daily food is as follows -

Breakfast - Small bowl of Healtheries Apple & Cinnamon Bircher Muesli

Lunch - Chicken/Fish & Salad or Mad Mex Naked Burrito

Dinner - Chicken/Steak/Fish with Salad or Vegetables

Snacks - Nut bars, Almonds, Apples, Green Tea, Cottage Cheese, Corn Thins (during the day only), Natural Yoghurt, Strawberries/Berries, Pickles (call me Snooki), Cheese, Olives, Protein Shakes/Bars

Motivation is the other key, I find that since I have actual sessions I need to go to even if i'm feeling crappy and don't want to (example last night, was hot and gross and I would have been happy to sit on the couch) I will go because I really have no excuse not to.  Also having my boyfriend doing the same sessions with me we motivate each other as well.

My progress so far, I still have a long way to go! I have dropped a size and am a comfortable size 14 at the moment :)

I don't weigh myself too often because I am focusing a lot on building muscle as well, but I randomly stepped on the scales at the gym the other day and noticed i've lost another 4kgs since my last assessment in August. I have an assessment coming up with all my measurements etc so will try and update how I went with that too :)

GOAL - Drop another size by February... I can do it!

I hope you don't mind that i've gone off from the regular beauty reviews for this post but it is something I do dedicate a lot of my time to and where my head is at right now.

Lust Have It - November Box

Well here we are in November and the first of my sample boxes for the month have arrived from Lust Have It!

Want to see what's in the box? Check out my video below -

Or if you can't be ass'd watching me ramble on, laugh at a hazelnut and struggle to open packaging then here's a cheat/quick rundown!



Contents (information is as per the card provided in the box)

ROC - Complete Lift NEW Technology Daily Moisturiser (3 x 5ml Samples)

This moisturising cream is enriched with hydrating agents for comfort lasting all day long. THPE technology, a patented molecule, the result of five years of research, which targets skin firming, is now partnered with Bugrane, offering a new lift and fix technology. Bugrane (Restharrow) is a wild plant root extract which plumps and hydrates the skin. The skin appears dense and more supple. RRP 50ml - $59.00AUD

Nude By Nature - Lip Liner in Chique Natural Mineral Lipliner (Full size product)

To stand out, you need to draw the line! 100% natural and with no toxic ingredients, the velvety formula glides on smooth & easy to deliver long-wearing, water proof colour. Ingredients - Camelia Sinensis (Green Tea) leaf, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Fruit, Simmondsia Chineses (Jojoba Oil) Oil. RRP $14.95AUD

Lancome - Tresor Midnight Rose (2 x 1.5ml Sample Sprays)

Lancome tells a new love story, filled with lightness, magic, but also sensuality. Tresor Midnight Rose is a colourful, upbeat and joyful fragrance which embodies a mischievous femininity.

From the first moment, it's love at first sight between deep rose absolute and vibrant, raspberry. Next is jasmine and peony meet fresh blackcurrant bud absolute and intense pink pepper. And for the final touch of seduction, Virginia cedar essence, vanilla and musk warm up the floral notes. 30ml RRP $79.00AUD

Hawley International - Miracle Shine 2 Step Miracle Nail Shiner

This revolutionary professional buffer that gives women fabulous looking nails in seconds. Works equally brilliantly on all nail types natural, polished and acrylic.

Quick and easy two steps. Create the ultimate shine. Green side prepares and removes. White side Shines. RRP $6.95AUD

Kerastase - Nectar Thermique

For the first time, heat becomes an ally for dry hair. Rich in essential element, Royal Jelly Extract is a key ingredient which intensifies nutrition and creates ultimate softness. Thermo-protective ingredient, Gluco-Sleek helps protect the hair fibre from the damaging effects of heat-styling. Spread a hazelnut-sized amount of Nectar Thermique through the lengths and ends of bathed, towel-dried hair. Do not rinse, style with heat device.

Hair is instantly nourished, Hair is protected from the damaging effects of heat styling, Facilitates the easy glide of the brush or smoothing iron for shape styling, Smoothing action and frizz control for a silk-like feel. 150ml RRP $39.50AUD