little white truths

What a surprise to receive this today! I wasn't expecting to get it until next week, and I'm thrilled that it arrived.

Before going on to look at the products for the July 2014 ('American Beauty') Bellabox, I wanted to say something about the recent bad customer service many of us have experienced with the company, and the later improvements I've seen, showing that Bellabox has listened to our complaints.

First, let's agree that the late delivery of the June box was a Toll issue. Having said this, I think Bellabox could have managed that better overall. I didn't receive any correspondence from them about the delayed shipping of my box until far too late in the piece (I actually had to ask for the email that was apparently sent to others).

On top of this, Bellabox had taken weeks to reply to my emails/phone calls about an issue I'd had with the computer system in the Bellabox shop having overcharged me for an order. Initially Bellabox wasn't willing to refund me and I had to pull out the ex-lawyer card to have the money rightfully returned to my account. I don't like doing that. Makes me feel like a w*nker.

Moving on. And remembering that the June Bellabox was the ONLY box I've ever received late from these guys. All the others have been the first of my three subscription boxes to arrive.

AND Bellabox has now been incredibly responsive to emails I've sent recently requesting one product replacement and a refund, and I think they've genuinely tried hard to respond to our issues regarding service and responsiveness. I think they deserve credit for that. The service I've recently received from them has been nothing short of five star, and definitely the best customer service I'm receiving from any of the subscription boxes at present. Nice work Bellabox : )

Note: This will be a quick review. I'll go back in later and re-post this when I've properly tried all the products and can share my thoughts with you.

Yu-Be Moisturising Skin Cream (RRP $34.95 for 70g; 3ml sample)

According to the product card, this cream has held a top sales spot for over 50 years in Japan, absorbing instantly to heal dry skin anywhere on your body. Definitely looking forward to giving this one a go - I've heard a lot about it.

UPDATE: Oh gross, beware of the smell. It's like antiseptic menthol, makes me think of cough lollies. That in itself is a turn off. I don't care how good the product is (it didn't wow me, anyway) - I don't want to cover myself in something that smells like this. Strange consistency, too. Hoh well, at least I can say that I've tried it.

Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquer (RRP $12.95 for 15ml; full size)

This was one of the sneak peak items (I was lucky to receive two...neither of which was the one I actually wanted. ARGH!). It's a great product, but I don't do lavender. I'll give it a go so I can review it properly, then I know exactly which friend to give it to!

UPDATE: This polish is a dream to use - for once in my life I haven't ended up with polish all over my fingers as well as my nails. It goes on smoothly without streaking, dries super-fast and just feels like it's good quality.

The only issue is with pigment - I applied three coats in order to get a decent colour pay-off, and it could probably do with one more. I've already mentioned that I don't like the colour, and it does make my hand look pasty (I have a different colour on my right hand and my right hand looks browner, even though it isn't).

As you'll see from the above photo, this polish is still going strong after two days' wear - that's unusual for me. The index finger is the only one that's chipped (and it always does, for me anyway).

Anastasia Lash Genius Waterproof Topcoat (RRP $39 for 5.3g; 3.2g sample)

The problem with this one, is that ALL MY MASCARAS ARE WATERPROOF. Is anyone else the same? And now I feel like a spoiled brat because I've received two great products from two great brands (both sneak peaks), and I'm not excited about them unfortunately. What a brat. Anyone want to exchange this product for the lip/cheek kit from theBalm?

UPDATE: While I haven't used this yet (in case anyone wants to swap!), I've had a look and it appears to be a sensational product that can also be used on your brows to stop any 'filler' product (like eyebrow pencil) from running. Maybe I should keep it?!

Designer Brands Lip Butter, Coconut (RRP $4.99 for 10ml; full size)

I'm not sure why DB keeps turning up in our subscription boxes. In my head it's that cheap brand I refused to buy from Priceline even when I was a penniless teenager. Does anyone else feel like that about the brand? Perhaps we should all get over this and give the products a fair go.

UPDATE: I've now used this lip balm. It's ok but very thin and comes off easily. I'm not sure how coconutty the smell is (it's more like piña colada I reckon) and the conditioning power isn't great. I might end up using this one as a foot moisturiser, which I often do with balms I'm not going to use on my lips. Nothing wrong with finding alternative uses for things to make sure stuff doesn't go to waste : )

Urban Rituelle Body Soap (RRP $4.95 for 100g)

Another good product but one that my husband will most happily trial for me (he's a soap man and I'm a gel lass - a marriage made in heaven).

It contains organic cocoa butter and natural plant extracts to leave your skin soft and smelling delicious all day (according to the card).

UPDATE: My guinea pig husband has used this and he likes it, saying it cleans well and he likes the feel of it. It's better than most but he prefers the Appelles soap he trialled for me recently.

Mary Kay Botanical Effects Mask (RRP $37 for 113g; 3g sample) - bonus product

I love mask samples and I'm happy to try this one. Hopefully the sachet is big enough for a few uses so I can properly trial and review it. I quite like all the Mary Kay products I've tried thus far so I'm hoping it'll be a good one.

UPDATE: I've just used this. The sample size isn't great - an extra couple of ml would have helped for review purposes. With one application (using it on my face and neck), I've gone through more than half the packet. It's a bit grainy (nothing wrong with that, just a comment) and quite thick. Like most masks, my skin feels a little nicer afterwards but there's no great effect. Happy to trial it but I wouldn't buy it.

Bonus: 10% off online orders voucher, Designer Brands

I probably won't be using this one, unless I can get over my feelings towards the brand ; )

In sum

This is a good value box with a great mix of products. While it didn't float my boat, we can't blame Bellabox for that - it's always just the luck of the draw.

What did others think of it?

If you're interested in joining Bellabox, see here.