little white truths

I received this one in my Glossybox Deutsch when we were living in Berlin. Looks like it's not widely available but I thought I'd say something about it because it may well end up on Oz shores soon enough. In short, I didn't like it. It didn't foam at all and felt like it didn't clean well. Avoid. Would I purchase? No.

Seacret Body Lotion (RRP $30 for 200ml)

This one showed up in a Lust Have It box last year. It contains Dead Sea minerals and natural ingredients that aim to replenish the skin’s hydration and leave it relaxed, supple, silky soft and radiant. Both Mex and I used it and didn't rate it at all - just not moisturising enough and didn't absorb well. Purchase? No.

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads (RRP $31.95 for 60 pads)

I picked these up in the Bellabox shop late last year (pretty sure they were cheaper then). Apparently they contain just the right amount of lactic and glycolic acids to make them safe and effective for daily use. They also contain cucumber and Indian gooseberry to tone the skin, and lemon peel and licorice root to leave the skin bright and glowing. They aim to improve skin clarity, reduce visible pores and diminish the appearance of fine lines. 

In truth, I didn't notice those effects to any major degree. What I did notice however was that they're awesome dirt and grime removers. Seriously, you think your face is clean and then you use one of these and realise it wasn't. Also, you can cut each pad in half because I reckon that's enough for one use, so you end up with 120 pads instead (much better value). Repurchase? Possibly, if on special.

Neal's Yard Organic Eye Make Up Remover (RRP $21.95 for 100ml)

Another one from the Bellabox shop, bought on special. Apparently it's gentle to the skin but strong enough to wipe away waterproof makeup, and its herbal ingredients and rosewater base help nourish lashes - effectively removing makeup while conditioning your skin. All rubbish. It's without question the worst makeup remover I've ever used. Purchase? No! Avoid.

Nude by Nature Soft Focus Illuminator (RRP $22.95 for 50ml)

I received this one as a gift with purchase from Priceline. It's apparently suitable for all complexions, especially dull, tired skin. It's not the best illuminator I've used (noticeable glitter particles - not a fan), but it's also not the worst one. As with other illuminators, I mix it with my primer before applying foundation/BB cream. It's a nice bronze/gold colour, and I'd prefer this to pink so that's a plus. Purchase? Probably not.

St Tropez Gradual Tan, Body (Medium/Dark) (RRP $33.95 for 200ml)

I picked this one up in the FB Bellabox Swap group and I've done a full review of it here. I won't say too much more about it now, except that I LOVED it and have been looking out for it (and the anti-ageing face version, which I loved even more) on special. YES I would buy it!

Hebe Detox Body Scrub (RRP $16 for 200g)

Another item from the Bellabox shop (!). This is a hard one to review, simply because I really REALLY liked it as a body scrub, but it was SO messy that I won't buy it again (and in fact Mex has forbidden me from doing so). 

It basically looks like used coffee grounds and sticks to walls/surfaces etc like buggery - you can never quite seem to remove it all. Plus it says 'for best results use twice weekly', 'apply a modest amount' and 'should be used within 8 weeks of opening' on the packet'. Now there's too much product to follow those instructions, so what's a girl meant to do? Use it more often, use more each time, have it sitting there for six months?!

Anyway, it is indeed great as a scrub and the smell (coffee central) itself is enough to wake you up in the morning. Apparently it not only exfoliates dead skin cells, it also contains high levels of caffeine, antioxidants, argan oil and coconut oil for more toned, tighter and brighter cellulite-free skin. Repurchase? No, but not because it's a bad scrub.

Wotnot Facial Wipes for Combination/Sensitive Skin (RRP $1.95 for 5 wipe travel pack)

These showed up in one of my subscription boxes (can't remember which). I won't say too much about them because most people know all about these, though I will say that they're decent wipes but not my favourites (I like Swisspers and Essenzza wipes). 

They contain natural ingredients including Australian certified organic aloe vera to lubricate and repair, certified organic sweet almond oil to restore lost moisture and calm itches and inflammation, and certified organic rosehip oil for skin regeneration and moisture re-balancing. Would I purchase? Yes, if on special.

Skinmiso Pore Beauty Nose Pack (RRP $22.95)

Another purchase from the Bellabox shop. I'm guessing it's lucky I've unsubscribed from BB for now because that seems to be where most of my beauty budget was going haha. This pack is designed to help rid you of blackheads and whiteheads, control future sebum production and minimise the appearance of large pores. 

I'll do a full review of it soon, but for now I'll just say that it didn't do a lot for my blackheads, though it worked really well on Mex's (yes, I used him as a guinea pig hehe). So I guess it works for some and not for others. Repurchase? No. *Mex breathes a sigh of relief*

Palmer's Olive Butter Formula (RRP $3.39 for 60g)

I love Palmer's body creams, and this one is no exception. It's super rich and heavy, and therefore not for everyone, but I love me a thick body cream. It contains extra virgin olive oil, vitamin e and antioxidants, and aims to restore and rejuvenate skin. 

I find it absorbs really well (despite its thickness), although I do get through it quickly because it's so thick. (NB: the price I've quoted is Chemist Warehouse's discounted price. You can usually get this one at a discount I've found, so do shop around.) Repurchase? Absolutely.

Dirty Works You Soft Touch Hand Cream (RRP $5.95 for 100ml)

Yep, you guessed it - another purchase from the Bellabox shop. Ha. I only included it in an order because it was on the free shipping list for that month, so it made the order cheaper overall. I've done a full review of it (and the Dirty Works body scrub) here. In brief, it's not heavy enough for me as a hand cream and I used it instead as a body cream. It wasn't a terrible product though and many people prefer lighter creams, so don't discount it. Repurchase? No.

Clarins Super Restorative Redefining Body Care for Abdomen and Waist (RRP $90 for 200ml)

Another product from Mum that's meant for older women. It aims to streamline your silhouette, and contains crowberry extract to help firm, tighten, lift and define slackened skin around the abdomen and waist. I'm not sure about having different body creams for different parts of your body! A nice cream, but not for that price. Didn't notice any particular effect either. Purchase? Nope.

Timeless Truth Orchid Extract Replenishing Mask (RRP $7 for one mask)

Yep, bought from the Bellabox shop because it was on the free shipping list and therefore reduced the total of my order. It's designed to replenish the nutrients and energy back into your complexion, and to whiten, brighten and moisturise. It's one of those cloth masks that makes you look like a serial killer when it's on. I've used a bunch of masks like this (including a few from this brand) and this one was my favourite of the lot. Having said this, it didn't seem to produce a lasting effect - just made my skin feel nicer afterwards. Repurchase? Maybe.

Australian Bush Flower Essences Travel Skin & Space Mist (RRP $18.95 for 60ml)

Yep, also from the Bellabox shop, bought on special when I needed a new face spray. It's meant to rejuvenate, tone, protect and hydrate the skin, and contains botanical butters, oils, herbal extracts and skin-balancing Australian Bush Flower Essences. I actually hated this. It was drying, the smell was overpowering and it stung my skin and eyes. It certainly didn't hydrate at all and I'm pleased the bottle is gone!  Repurchase? No, obviously ; )

Rexona Hypo-allergenic Roll On (RRP $4.90 for 50ml)

I wouldn't normally bother reviewing a deodorant, but I really liked this one. Worked well, good for sensitive skin and didn't leave any white marks. Recommended. Repurchase? Yes.

In sum

That's it! What an essay of a post. Still, lovely to use up so many products in one month. My favourite items of the bunch would be the First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads (available from the Bellabox shop), the Palmer's body cream and the St Tropex tanner. 

Looking forward to seeing what other bloggers have finished this month!