little white truths

This one turned up on Thursday, while I was still in Freemasons after the birth of my daughter. It was a late Violet Box this month, which doesn't bother me too much so long as we're kept informed.

A nice bundle of products. The Real Chemistry Peel caught my eye first off because the packaging is interesting. Indeed, the peel is probably the item I'm most excited about in the box.

As always I'll do an initial unboxing post now and give you my first thoughts on the contents, then I'll update this post and comment on the items properly once I've used them. I'll likely do full reviews for each product as well.

There's the product card above. You could have received either the bronze, peach or pink Mellow blushes, and of course I got the pink one. Pink doesn't suit me. 

I don't know what it is about Violet Box, but of all the subscription boxes I've ever been signed up to, Violet Box manages to give me the worst colour option from any available options almost every time. It'd be funny if it wasn't so annoying!

The Cosmetic Kitchen Raw Chocolate Clay Mask (RRP $24.95 for 50g; received full size)

This contains raw cacao (an antioxidant), plus nourishing Australian pink clay. It's certified cruelty free and vegan, and can be used on the face and body. To use it, you're meant to mix it with avocado and oil (or just with water) to form a smooth paste.

I like the idea of this in theory, but I'm not sure I'll be bothered to use it so often - particularly if I need avocado, which we don't always have on hand. Also, we received this in a recent LHI box so the novelty factor is unfortunately gone. Hoh well.

UDPATE: I've had to make myself use this for review purposes - it's all a bit of hard work. I've tried it both with the avocado mix (messy) and with just plain water (also messy). It's probably just that I'm lazy, but I much prefer pre-made masks that you whack on and forget about for 20 minutes. I have to make time to use masks as it is (particularly now that I have a baby) and the whole mixing thing just adds to the process.

In terms of quality, the mask is ok but I've used much better and I didn't notice any real or lasting difference to my skin after use.

Emite Make Up Precision Eye Pencil (RRP $24.95; received full size)

The card says this pencil gives you 'perfect accuracy' when you want to emphasize or create striking eye makeup. It's also good for creating 'natural lash marks' (I've no idea how you'd do that?!). The formula is designed to be soft and flexible, which makes it easy to create blurs.

I don't know about all that - what I do know is that this pencil is awesome as an inner corner highlight and upper eyeliner to really open up your eyes. See swatch below. I love it already. Full review here.

Real Chemistry Luminous 3-minute Peel (RRP $67 for 50ml; received 5ml sample)

Now this looks exciting (yes, I'm swayed by packaging ; ) ). It's a protein peel that leaves the skin soft after just one use. Hopefully that's true!

To use it you spread it over your face, neck and dec, then massage in a circular motion with damp hands.

Can't wait to try it!

UPDATE: Full review here. In short, I didn't think much of this at all unfortunately. It may be that my skin is used to 'rougher' exfoliants, but I reckon this does nada. There's no change to my skin after using it and I don't feel the product meets its claims. I'd be interested to hear what others think of it.

Lonvitalite 24K Active Gold Yulan Eye Mask (RRP $25.95 for 5)

I'm rather sick of sheet masks and rather sick of seeing this brand, but at least this is an eye mask for once. Note: I've heard many people say they've had an allergic to the face version of this mask, so do be careful when trialling this product.

It's meant to provide intense cooling and soothing relief to the skin, while boosting circulation, removing dark circles and bags, and abating swelling or tiredness around the eyes. It's also apparently nourishing and moisturising, and smooths out wrinkles.

I'll use it. You never know, it might impress me.

UPDATE: I used it and it annoyed me like sheet masks tend to do ; )

I honestly believe you'd get the same effect from leaving a wet towel on your face for 20 minutes. My skin felt and looked a bit nicer after use, but the difference wasn't noticeable or lasting. I don't think I'll ever be a sheet mask fan, but I'm trying to keep an open mind!

Verdict

This is a decent box and I'll use everything (minus the pink blush, which I'll only use because I was silly enough to open it ; ) ). The value comes in at around $75 for $22.95 outlay, so that's not bad at all.

The best items - for me at least - are the Emite pencil and the Real Chemistry peel, but any box that contains five products you'll use has to be a good one!

If you're interested in joining Violet Box, click on this link and use the code 'VIOLETBOX10' for $10 off your first box.

Did you receive this month's box? Let me know your thoughts if so.