little white truths

I received this handcream in Memebox Special #36 Meme's Pouch. While that box wasn't the best one I've received, it's grown on me over time.

There's not too much to say about this handcream, so I'll be brief. You could have received one of three different scents - I got the 'Maybe' one, a fruity floral fragrance infused with lychee, apricot and poppy. The product description card noted that this brand is renowned for its handcreams, so I was pleased to receive it.

Evas claims/product details:

I've had one of those weeks where four Memeboxes showed up and I had an oh shit moment, freaking out about how I was ever going to get through all that stuff?!

Then I remembered that I'm (thankfully) on a spending ban and have been for almost two months now, and all the expiry dates on the products I've received are either marked for late 2016 or early 2017. Thank golly!

This Volume Up box I ordered ages ago as part of a bundle, along with Special #59 Scrub 2 and Special #60 Oil Therapy. 

Since this box - on first glance - looked like the worst of the three, I'm taking a proper look at it last. I still don't think it looks amazeballs, but hopefully that will change once I've trialled all the products.

There's the card that came with the box.

So, this Volume Up box cost $23US plus $6.99 shipping (although because I bought it as part of a value set, I only paid $6.99 shipping total for the three boxes).

Before we get stuck into things, here are my December Affiliate Codes:

Even though I'm not overjoyed by all the products, at least there's a good mix happening: a couple for the eyes, a couple for the lips, one for hair and one each for face and body. Variety is the spice of life afterall ; )

Note that all products are full-sized, aside from the hair product, which is a decent travel-sized sample. Also, all stated prices are in USD.

803 803 Sam B Cream (RRP $34 for 50g)

Now this one I'm excited about. It's the most expensive item in the box (not that price necessarily means quality) and also the one that I'll use straight away because I have nothing like it.

You could have received the bust cream or the hip one, and I'm super glad I got the bust one because lord knows what's gonna happen to my breastal region from now until I've finished breastfeeding. Ha. Although I should say that, there's not a hell of a lot you can do in terms of sag-factor - that sh*t's largely determined by genetics (same goes with stretchmarks). Still, I'd prefer to tell myself that I'm 'protecting' that area hehe.

The cream is designed to nourish, rejuvenate and add extra volume to your gonzagas. It's enriched with shea butter, adenosine, adipophilin, niacinamide and borphilin - all of which apparently have brightening and firming functions. It's also got five natural essential oils in there.

Yay!

UPDATE: Full review here. This is one of those products where the claims go to the moon and back and the product itself doesn't deliver a scrap of them. And I reckon that's a problem with Memebox in general: the whole not-living-up-to-claims thing happens all too often.

This product has a weird, whipped yoghurt-like texture that's pretty unappealing. Also unappealing is the smell - I can't quite pinpoint it, but it's earthy and dirty, with something chemical in there as well.

Despite using it religiously as directed, I saw no results. It's also not particularly moisturising, so I didn't get any joy from using it.

Don't bother.

Enesti Ultra Volume Mascara (RRP $9 for 7ml)

Look, I really don't need another mascara - I've so many in stock (received from sub boxes etc) that need to be used first. Still, since you're only meant to use them for a few months (otherwise you risk eye infection), I'll pop this at the back of the queue because I'm sure I'll get to it at some point.

It's apparently a volumising mascara that delivers pumped-up, glamorous lashes, and is enriched with Vitamin E. Since I have short lashes, I tend to need lengthening more than volume - but hopefully this delivers both.

UPDATE: Full review here. Happily I'm liking this mascara a lot more than I thought I would. I'm pretty picky when it comes to mascara: as mentioned that's because I have short lashes and need lengthening action more than anything else. Also, I prefer a more natural looking mascara that doesn't make my lashes look ridiculously thick.

Fortunately this product ticks all boxes: the brush is designed well for easier application; there's some great lengthening action; and my lashes still look natural enough.

Yay. A Memebox product I'm happy with!

Mise En Scene 2x Curling Essence 30ml (RRP $12 for 150ml)

This is the only sample size in the box - and it's a decent-sized sample. It's apparently a nourishing leave-in treatment that rejuvenates dry, damaged hair and boosts its volume and shine. You apply it on towel-dried or blow-dried hair and leave it in.

This sounds like a good product for me because my poor hair is definitely dry and damaged. Mind you, I have sooooooooooooo many hair products to use (also received from sub boxes etc) and they take so blo*dy long to get through!

Still, fingers crossed it's a good product.

UPDATE: Unfortunately this is pretty crap. I reckon it's hard to do hair treatments like this one well, but it's also hard to stuff them up - and this one's a stuff up.

All it seems to do is weigh my hair down and make it look dull, without doing anything in terms of moisturisation and shine. Maybe it makes it look a bit thicker because it chucks a dull coat over the hair, but really there's not much going on with this to comment on.

Suspect I'll use it for a week or so more - just to confirm my opinion and try it in different ways - then it's destined for the shower to be used as a treatment (which is what I do with products like this one that I don't think much of: they often seem to work well enough as treatments and it's a way of getting through them).

Shara Shara Glitter Pearl Powder WH01 Snow White (RRP $7 for 2.2g)

Oh no. Noooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!! Ha. You have to laugh really. If you read this blog, you may recall that I received a gold version of this in Memebox Special #37 Wake Up Makeup and really didn't like it (see review of the product here). As I mention in that review, this is essentially $7 glitter, albeit more finely milled.

Look, since it appears slightly less glittery than the gold version, I'll give it a bit of a go and maybe add it to my primer and see if I can use it as an illuminator under foundation. But if I end up with glitter-face, I'll do with this what I did with the last one - give it to a friend who has a daughter. We'll tell her it's fairy dust and she can make sparkly drawings with it.

UPDATE: I gave this away. Not much more to say about it ; )

Tonymoly Kiss Lover Lip Plumper 02 Hoot Mint (RRP $8 for 4.6ml)

This is meant to plump up and smooth your lips. It contains Vitamin E acetate, argan oil and MAXI-LIP complex (which comprises marine collagen and olive peptide), and aims to fill in fine lines, moisturise and add extra gloss and shine.

I've never owned a dedicated lip plumper so I don't mind this inclusion. Mind you, many glosses I own have a plumping effect and I'm happy with those - so we'll see if this adds anything different.

UPDATE: I used the other lip plumper (see below) before this one, and the other one is the better product. This one's fine, it just doesn't plump as well and transfers more easily. I'm also not sure about the cooling/minty thing (I don't like the sensation and the smell is too toothpasty for me). It gives a wet look with a slight shimmer. It's fine and I'll use it, I'm just much more excited about the Pureplus+ product below.

Mizon Water Volume Acqua Gel Cream (RRP $9 for 50ml)

This is apparently a lightweight, fast-absorbing facial cream that's enriched with Alaska glacier water, deep ocean water, coral water, witch hazel leaf, watermelon, basil leaf, lotus, niacinamide and birch tree sap. It aims to balance out and brighten up uneven skintone, and deliver an instant moisture boost.

I don't know why, but this one doesn't strike me as potentially a good product. Could be the price, packaging or the weight? Maybe that I don't know when I'll use it? Anyway, we'll see ; )

UPDATE: Full review here. This is a gel (rather than a 'gel cream') and it's pretty much as you might expect it to be - a little sticky (like aloe vera gel), clear, smells refreshing and leaves a thin film on your face. It's not particularly hydrating and I've noticed no brightening effect. One thing to note is that it doesn't sit well over makeup (it 'curdles'/separates my foundation), so do be aware of that. And what it does to makeup is the deal-breaker for me - so this one's going straight to the body section. I've much better products to use on my face.

Pureplus+ Lip Treatment Milk Bebe (RRP $10 for 10g)

According to the product card, this treatment is proven to replenish, nourish and plump dry, chapped lips. It's formulated with a high concentration of collagen, which penetrates the skin to fill in wrinkles and plump the lips.

Meh. Sounds a bit too similar to the other product, doesn't it? Another one for the back of the queue. Hoh well. You never know, it might surprise me.

UPDATE: Believe it or not, I like this a hell of a lot more than I thought I would. It doesn't look like a product I would like, but it's one I'm enjoying using. Why? Because it's a comfortable, clear lip plumper that makes my lips look all nice and full. A great product to chuck over eg a tint that's on the drying side, to keep your lips moisturised and juicy. Plus it feels like it has a protective factor too, in terms of shielding your lips from the elements.

Also, my husband saw me wearing this for the first time and said 'I love that colour on you'. I told him it wasn't a colour, just a clear plumper, and he was extra excited because he hates bright makeup. My lips definitely look better with this on. Everyone's happy ; )

Verdict

This one clocks in at a total price of $79.40, so it's the lowest value box I've received (in terms of outlay versus RRP contents). That doesn't necessarily mean it's not a good box, it's just a comment.

I think the reason I wasn't thrilled when I opened this was that I feel like I've seen it all before - nothing in there is particularly interesting.

The best item in there is the bust cream and I'll open that today. As for the other items, they've all gone to the back of the queue.

What did others think of this box? Is it a bit boring, or is that just me?

This will be a difficult review in some ways because it wasn't until I sat down to write it that I discovered how little information is available online about the product (at least in English - and even that comes from dodgy Google translations).

I bought it from Memebox a couple of months back for the grand total of $3US: while it normally retails for $18US, it was discounted and also on the free shipping list, plus I had a bundle of points to use up. Being able to get it for $3 was one of the main reasons I bought it - and also because I'm a CC/BB cream junkie and I needed a fix ; )

While it was available from the Memebox shop, it's not now unfortunately - so I can't use that as a source of product information. 

I still want to review the product, however: it may be re-stocked and I certainly would have been happy to see an English review of this prior to purchasing (so it may be useful to someone in future).

Skinria claims/product details:

See above wrist swatch - there's an unblended stripe below and a blended patch above. You can see how pale it is. It does not colour correct and adapt to your skintone. Note the pump applicator, which I like - saves mess and it's easy to control the amount of product you're using.

Here's a closer look:

Verdict

What a pleasant surprise to have an LHI box turn up in the right month! That's not meant to sound sarcastic - if LHI is managing to improve its operations, that's a good thing and it means we're being heard. Yay to that.

I was quite excited about the package's arrival this month because we'd been able to pick a blush from The Cosmetic Kitchen. 

I chose Raw Cacao from the four colours on offer since I don't have much in the brown department. Unfortunately the product is too pale for me and doesn't show up at all, but I'll talk about that more below.

Not a bad mix of products : )

I'll go through each item in turn, and as usual I'll give my initial thoughts on the box now and then update this post once I've used everything.

Essenzza Fuss Free Natural Japanese Facial Treatment Masks (RRP $4.95 x 2; received full size)

I was happy to see the Essenzza masks because I fell in love with the face wipes from that brand when we received those in a previous box, so I have high hopes for these.

They're cloth masks (and we know how I don't think much of those!) so it'll be interesting to see whether I like them or not. I got the 'moisturise and smooth' version, which contains antioxidants from carrot and coconut. Apparently those ingredients will help prevent dry skin and increase the skin's ability to retain moisture.

Let's see : )

UPDATE: I used one of these and decided to give the second one away as part of a Christmas present. There was nothing wrong with the mask, I just felt it was wasted on me because - like any cloth mask - I didn't enjoy using it. Compared to other similar masks I've used, this one was no better or worse; although it's cheaper than most so that's a plus!

The Cosmetic Kitchen Pressed Mineral Blush (RRP $34.95 for 8g; received full size)

According to the product card, The Cosmetic Kitchen has taken the original qualities of its loose mineral blush, added some jojoba oil for moisturising and herbal extracts for 'extra goodness'.

This was the sneak peek item for the month, and as mentioned earlier, I chose Raw Cacao. On The Cosmetic Kitchen's website, it's described as a 'neutral tan rose blend'. I wouldn't call that description inaccurate - it's just that the product barely shows up! On my skin, it might as well just be a powder highlighter.

And I can't tell you how much product I had to apply in the above and below swatches to get it to show up - it was a hell of a lot. I did try it on my face (which is darker than my inner wrist) and you couldn't see it at all - so I haven't included that photo. It may fare better on those who have paler skin - I'll be interested to see what others have to say about the colour.

As to quality, it feels nice (creamy and not chalky) and blends well. I think the packaging could have been a bit more interesting, but that's hardly the main thing ; )

What I'll do is play with this some more and report back. I doubt I'll be using it as a blush - if the shimmer isn't too much, it could almost be used as an illuminating finishing powder.

UPDATE: Full review here. In short, this is a really lovely product in terms of quality, it's just that the colour isn't for me. I have to put heaps on for it to show up, and by then it starts looking cakey. If like me you have medium (or darker) skin and are having the same issues, try using it wet as an eyeshadow. It does work to add a little shimmer to eg your cheekbones as well.

Aveda Color Conserve Daily Color Protect (RRP $49.95 for 100g; received 10ml sample)

I've read that a lot of people are bored with Aveda products showing up in LHI boxes. While I'm not there yet, I have to say I'm glad this is a hair product and not a face one - in my experience, Aveda skincare is rubbish but its haircare is reasonable.

This product is meant to preserve colour for up to six weeks (and thank god I could spell 'colour' correctly there and not have to spell it the US way, as I did for the product's title - I really hate having to do that to keep in line with the title of the product itself hehe. The trials of an anal writer/editor... Anyhoo!).

It's a leave-in treatment that's 93% naturally derived, and it aims to seal in colour and protect the hair from sun exposure/environmental damage.

I need a bit of all that so I'm happy to give this a crack.

UPDATE: This is a handy purse size and I've been using it as a leave-in treatment on the ends of my hair and also to manage flyaways. It's a nice enough product but it doesn't stand out for me (and it would want to at that price!): I think you can find products that are just as good for under $10 at the supermarket. It has a strong, peculiar scent - as many Aveda hair products seem to do - one that smells exactly like the sunscreen my mum used to put on us as kids. I like it but I wouldn't buy it.

Natralus Paw Paw Pure Gel (RRP $6.15 for 30g; received full size)

Who doesn't do paw paw stuff these days?! I have actually tried a small sample of this once before and from memory I didn't think much of it, but I'll keep an open mind.

It aims to soothe and cool summer sunburn, and relieve and hydrate skin irritated by sun-damage, dryness, rashes and minor burns.

This inclusion doesn't excite me but I'll definitely use it, which is always a plus.

UPDATE: This is nice and soothing, and I can see how it would have a great cooling effect on sunburn. I've been using it on my preggers belly and it's nice for that, it just leaves a bit of a sticky residue so it's not my favourite gel of this nature. Still, I'll use it - which is always a good thing.

Beaubox Eye Contouring Kit: the stare palette (RRP $35 for 12g; received full size)

Ha. Ha ha. Hmph.

That reaction sums it up really - when I opened this, I actually laughed and then felt annoyed. Someone at this company has obviously said: 'We should call this a contouring product - that sh*t's big right now.'

HOWEVER...

(and please tell me whether you agree/disagree)

...'contouring' is more about using MATTE shades to give more shape/definition to your face. Guys, come on - ANYTHING WITH BIG GLITTER CHUNKS IN IT IS NOT A GOOD CONTOURING TOOL.

IT'S A SPARKLY, NOTICEABLE EYESHADOW.

My golly. You're not supposed to be able to tell that you've given yourself some contouring action - how can you do that with this spread of discoball rubbish?!

On top of that, how on earth has this palette with cheap, ugly packaging - and equally cheap/chalky looking shadows - been priced at $35? The Models Prefer Nude Palette clocked in at $10, and that looks so much better than this!

Vent over. Ahem.

Hoh well. I am glad that I didn't get the brighter coloured version of this product, as some people did. I'm not going to open this one. If another blogger reviews it and likes it, it's going in the presents pile. Otherwise it's going to the op shop.

Look, every eyeshadow I've ever received from a sub box has been sparkly and I'm over it. Please give us some matte ones. Please pretty please. I'll be your best friend.

UPDATE: I made the decision not to open this one because I've learned not to open products that I don't think I'll use - it's much better to send them to a good home. I've just been looking for a decent review so I could include a link for you here, but I'm struggling. Do let me know if you've used this and what you think of it, so I can include those comments here. Thanks : )

Verdict

From an objective stand-point, this is a pretty good box overall and the total value is around $90. I'm on an (almost finished) annual subscription and I'm paying a fraction of that on a per-month basis, but even if you're paying $19.95 per month, you're still coming out ahead.

The Aveda, Natralus and Essenzza products are fair inclusions and I'll use all three.

The Cosmetic Kitchen blush is the best item in there - it's just unfortunate I picked a colour that's too pale for me to use for its stated purpose. Also, it looks browner than it is when applied, and unfortunately there weren't any swatches available for it online when I chose it, so I couldn't check the colour prior to making my selection. At least it's close enough in colour to its picture/description - unlike that ridiculous Casablanca Lip Lacquer from ModelCo we got in September's box, which was completely different from the pictured colour (and the description). Despite this, the blush is a nice product and I've no doubt I'll find some way to use it.

As for the eyeshadow palette (which is NOT a contouring palette ; ) ), I'll reserve judgement on quality until I've heard what others have to say about it, and we'll go from there.

What did others think of this month's package? I'd love to hear : )

I received this face mist in Memebox #35 Moisture Surge.

This will be a short review because there's not a lot to say about (most) face sprays I reckon - they tend to do a standard job and it's often hard to distinguish them. It's kind of like ordering pasta in a restaurant: it's hard to do one really well but it's also hard to f*ck it up. This is one of those products. 

• Designed for those with super dry, irritated and/or sensitive skin
• Particularly good after excessive sun exposure
• Delivers an instant replenishing and soothing effect
• For softer, healthier and more radiant skin
• To use: spray evenly over face whenever and wherever necessary
• Available from Memebox here
• RRP $14 for 120 ml

You may remember me posting about this in October (see here).

In short, I heard on the beauty vine that Cactus Skincare was sending out sample packs for the grand total of $5 with free shipping. Not one to resist such an offer, I ordered a pack and I've finally gotten around to trialling the products.

Just to re-hash, the samples are available here. You answer a few questions so Cactus can pick products based on your skincare needs (I chose ones to suit dry and sensitive skin). 

The samples should last five to seven days, and the company sends you an email with a regimen to follow and some info to help you get started.

I've set out some background on Cactus Skincare in my initial post, so in this review post I'll just comment on the products. 

If you'd like to learn more about the company, you can also check out its website. In short, it's an Australian family company - one of the reasons I was interested in trialling the products (I do like supporting home-grown brands). Basically, Cactus aims to provide natural products that work.

I've got some different photos happening today because we're in the midst of kitchen renovations and I can't find half my stuff (it's amazing how clearing out one room can make the rest of the house look like it's imploded).

It's lucky I could get out to the backyard at all, to be honest, given the mess in the kitchen and the smashed cabinets and empty boxes lying down the side of the house. So if my photos aren't quite up to scratch (not that they're usually top notch anyway ; )), please do forgive me. Fingers crossed things will look normal again by early next week.

Anyhoo. Scrub 2.

As mentioned in Monday's post on Memebox Special #60 Oil Therapy, I received this box in a value set along with Oil Therapy and Volume Up, which I'll hopefully review tomorrow.

My initial thoughts are that Oil Therapy is the best of the bunch, Scrub 2 is second and Volume Up is the worst. Those thoughts might change once I've trialled the products.

Scrub 2 cost $23US plus $6.99 shipping (although because I bought it as part of a value set, I only paid $6.99 shipping total for the three boxes).

Before we get stuck into things, here are my January Affiliate Codes:

Just click the Memebox banner to the right of this blog, or click here to enter the Memebox website and start shopping!

Let's have a brief look at each item in turn, and note that each product is marked as full size.

Benefit's High Beam is one of those products I'd heard so much about but had never tried. So when I saw that it was part of the Go Tropicoral kit (and because I'd been itching to try Coralista), that kit became something I NEEDED.

It's a liquid highlighter/illuminator and I always have one of those on the go to mix in with my primer before applying my base, but I've preferred to use this as a stand-alone highlighter and I put it on before the final dusting of powder.

Benefit claims/product details: