little white truths

Look what showed up this morning: huzzah!

And to think I almost didn't hear the postman's knocking over my daughter's banging on the stairs - I could have missed it, so thank golly I don't have to make the trek to my local post office tomorrow with my toddler in tow : )

Anyhoo. It's a jam-packed box as usual, although I'll be interested to see what people think of it because it's not quite as good as many other edits of The Parcel, or at least that's what I think.

There's a good mix of products this month and I'm pleased to see a hair treatment product as opposed to a shampoo/conditioner combo, because I've received too many of the latter lately in sub boxes.

Also worth noting is that we received our first-ever sachet in the box (or at least, the first one I can remember), and while I'd hoped that The Parcel would remain sachet-free, I suppose we can forgive the occasional inclusion.

What I'm not too happy about, however, is that we received a travel-sized Klorane shampoo, but didn't get the matching conditioner. I really hate receiving random shampoos and conditioners without their mates, because you can't tell whether the line will work for you unless you're able to use both.

On top of that, we received a repeat product: the MOR Rosa Noir Hand & Body Milk. Not good. I like the product but at least The Parcel could have included a different fragrance this time around.

As usual I'll do an unboxing and first impressions post now, and then I'll write full reviews of the products once I've tested them. 

This may take a while because I've got a bit of back-log happening in my skincare and haircare stores, but the situation isn't too bad so I should be able to use everything within the next six months as I finish off other products.

Colgate Optic White High Impact White (RRP $9.99 for 85g; received 21g sample)

Now I'm not too thrilled about receiving a toothpaste in a subscription box, but I'm willing to overlook that now and then when it comes to products like this one that will actually get used.

Apparently this can make your teeth up to four times whiter, and it contains the same ingredient used by dentists in professional whitening treatments, so you can get a brighter, whiter smile in six weeks.

Meh. I'll use it. Let's hope it works.

Nivea Sensitive Caring Micellar Water (RRP $9.97 for 200ml; received full size)

While it's starting to get to the 'not another micellar water' point in terms of what shows up in sub boxes these days (kind of like the 'not another packet of face wipes' thing in days of yore), I'm pleased to see this one because I've had some good luck with Nivea as a brand so I'm happy to try its micellar offering.

According to the card, this is a must for sensitive skin and it gently removes makeup and impurities, while restoring your skin's natural moisture barrier. Sounds good. Looking forward to testing it.

Rituals Cosmetics Fortune Oil (RRP $18 for 200ml; received 20ml sample)

I'm overjoyed to see this because I fell in love with Rituals when we lived in Berlin, so it's great to know the brand's products are starting to hit our shores.

On contact with water, this oil apparently transforms into a rich, hydrating foam, and the sweet orange and cedar scent leaves skin delicately fragranced. Can't wait to use this one! It sounds like something I'll love.

The Body Shop Drops of Youth Concentrate (RRP $69.95 for 50ml; received 7ml sample)

According to the card, this certified organic potion boasts the latest in plant stem cell technology (with zero silicone or parabens) to encourage the skin's natural renewal process for healthier skin that glows.

Sounds good. I'll pop this aside for a rainy day when I feel like trying something new.

MOR Rosa Noir Hand & Body Milk (RRP $39.95 for 500ml; received 50ml sample)

Hmph. I'm rather annoyed about the repeat, I must say. It's a nice product but I'd much rather have received something else from MOR.

Here's my full review of the product, which we received in an earlier edit of The Parcel.

John Frieda Frizz Ease Forever Smooth Anti-frizz Primer (RRP $16.99 for 100ml; received full size)

I love John Frieda products so I'm always up for trying something new from the brand, and this product sounds right up my street. I'll have to be good and finish off some haircare I have open before trying this!

It's apparently a unique, leave-in treatment that contains a blend of pure coconut oil and glycerides. It's meant to realign the structure of each strand, boosting hair's immunity to frizz with each use. Fingers crossed it works : )

Klorane Shampoo with Quinine and B Vitamins (RRP $20.95 for 400ml; received 25ml sample)

This isn't a big sample for a shampoo and the fact that it doesn't come with a matching conditioner really annoys me. Just what are we meant to do with it and how is a small, mate-less sample like this going to help us know whether this is a product that works for us? Anyhoo. It's meant to help strengthen weakened hair and help restore thickness.

Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Pink Blossom (RRP $12.95 for 4.25g; received full size)

I'm pleased to see this because I've been wanting to try one of these, I just wish that I'd received mine in a different colour. Hoh well. It apparently boasts a blend of flower waxes, shea butter and vitamin e for nourishment, and offers a subtle wash of colour. Looking forward to trying it.

Garnier BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector (received sachet)

Not much to say here, other than that I won't use it because it's light and my skin is medium. Next!