September Bellabox Review

First let me start of with saying that I was very happy with last months' box (although I read some reviews and a lot of people were disappointed). The design of the box was Paranakan inspired and I quite liked it. Inside were quite a number of items and it had a full sized product which was hand cream that smelled lovely. I felt it had a better mix compared with some of their other boxes. I wanted to do a review on it, but before I knew it, this box arrived!

I can't say that I was impressed with this months' box. Thinking about it; it looks like I paid $20 for a box of freebies! I understand that it is difficult for the people at Bellabox to please everyone, but I feel that if the box had more variety than more people would be happy with it. Firstly, the theme was "Pink Me Up" and based on their write-up, they were going for "perk me up", but added a twist (maybe so that it would sound more towards beauty and that they could make the box pink?). This just ended up confusing the majority who were probably expecting more "pink" products. You think pink and you do think of more make-up products compared to wellness and skin care products. Personally, I think that other subscription boxes like Glossybox and Ipsy bag are more make-up orientated and Bellabox is more for skin care. I received  a face mask, eye mask, facial peel and scrub!!!!! Along with this was an anti-ageing lotion, face mist, BB cream and a collagen drink. A theme more towards a "Fresh Face" would have been more appropriate.

Based on their pink theme, I think the September box would have been better if there was a variety of skin care and make-up, hair care products with that added "pink" factor. The scrub and mask are fine (maybe it will give you a glow ha ha), the lip scrub was a good idea, but not everyone received it. I think some received a lip gloss instead, but I didn't get either. No nice pink lips for me I guess, but some quick suggestions from me to add to the scrub and mask are a pink nail polish, a rose water cream - perhaps the smell might make you think of pink roses :) and also maybe those hair ties in three different shades of pink. For the bonus item, a small pink heart shaped bar of soap. What do you think?

 I do hope the next box has something for everyone! :o)

Here is a list of the items I received and what I thought of them. Updated as and when I try them out.

Dr Morita EGF Platinum Mask - After use I felt tightness around the mouth and forehead. Fresh scent.
Dr Morita Eye Mask (Bonus) - Not sure if I will use this
La Clinica GLY C Refine Micrro Dermabrasion Facial Exfoliating Scrub
Enavose Invisible Sunbrella UV Mist SPF 45 - Looking forward to using this. Like the non-spill packaging.
Dr. G Total Active Dual BB Cream SPF 50+ PA+++ -
Recoliv Beauty Collagen
Wish Formula JJOYY Bubble Peeling Pad
Vaseline Healthy White Perfect 10 - Smells lovely!

Beauty Product Review 1.0

Below is my personal opinion about a couple of items that I have either been using for a while or just discovered. 

KIEHL'S - FACIAL FUEL EYE DE-PUFFER

I don't normal rave about eye products as I've yet to find one that can get rid of the dark circles. What I can say about this though is that I find it really moisturising. This product does not claim to lighten dark circles. It is meant as a de-puffer and to relieve tired eyes.I didn't think too much of it when I first started using it, but the moment I switched to another eye cream, I notice that my under eyes were darker and that I looked more tired.

Being a Khiels product, it is a little pricy, but it lasts a really long time because as with all eye creams, you don't need a whole lot. This can last me two months. It is a roll-on, twist applicator so goes on very thin and even and also no contact with dirty fingers!

I still recommend using a rich eye cream at night and I am tempted to try the Caffeine Eye Whip that another blogger reviewed here http://mymoodymama.blogspot.sg/2013/05/caffeine-eye-whip.html

This product gets a thumbs up!

                                 
BIOTHERM - SOURCE THERAPIE 7

This is advertised as a skin perfecting catalyzing serum

What I like about it :
- pump bottle; more sanitary than a jar that you stick your fingers in
- gel form and glides onto your skin
- a little goes a long way
- your skin feels velvety smooth after
- my skin looks clearer prolonged use

What I don't like about it :
- expensive
- it's a serum and not a moisturiser     (one extra step needed for clearer skin)

Overall I really like this product. I couldn't stop touching my face after I first tried it because it felt so soft! Since this is a more expensive product that was actually a gift, I didn't purchase it after it was finished, but soon found that I was breaking out more often. Even my boyfriend noticed that my skin looked better when I was using it and he said it was worth the price. I usually try to get mine duty-free :)


MAKEUP ACADEMY - NAIL VARNISH

This is my favourite nail polish for the moment. I have been looking for this colour for a while now and was ecstatic when I found out it was only £1 at their online store. It's sort of a taupe, mushroom colour although it's listed on the website as beige! It is shade 19 and comes in a 6.2ml bottle. Browsing the website today, I didn't manage to find it, but all of their other nail polishes look amazing and right now they are having a 3 for 2 sale on all MUA products!


GARNIER - MIRACLE SKIN PERFECTOR

A moisturizer with a BB finish, SPF 26 and PA+++

What's listed on the back of the tube (my opinion in brackets)
- more radiant (slightly because my skin looks better)
- more even-toned (not unless you apply more product)
- with less dark spots (do dark circles count? if yes then a little)
- with less visible imperfections (again, only if you apply more of the product)
- reduces redness (yes, a little)
- smoother (no, its a little sticky)
- more hydrated (well it's not drying like other BB creams I've tried)
- with less visible lines (yes)
- with less visible pores (yes)
- reveals its healthy glow (no)
*oil free and fragrance free*

This BB cream is very sheer and light and that's why I find that it doesn't really cover imperfections, but if all you have a few tiny spots, it will pretty much do the job. For big blemishes, you will have to use a concealer. Also, this is only available in one shade so that's why it can't cover up too much. Hence, it's not suitable for every skin tone.

I do find that sometimes I need to dust some powder over it because it feels a little sticky at first. The weather is pretty hot where I am though. I'm not one that likes to use foundation because I always feel that it's too heavy and I do have sensitive skin so if I wear foundation everyday, I start to break out after a while. Other BB creams that I have tried are much thicker and very drying. This is nice and light for everyday wear and definitely looks more natural on me, so despite the fact that it doesn't do all that it claims, this is still on of my must have items.

I do hope that this is helpful for some of you who are thinking of purchasing any of the above products.