I'm usually a little slow off the mark with the unboxings, so I decided to get onto this one.

Violet Box is a New Zealand subscription box.  It is $25 + $4.50 postage. It's delivered towards the end of each month.  You get 5+ Beauty Samples and full size products.  So far I've been really impressed every time. There's a good mix of cosmetics and skin care.

Onto the goodies!

First up on the card is

Evelyn Iona Lipgloss RRP $20.50 (Full Size)

This smooth talking, preservative-free, hydrating and protective glass speaks nothing but good for humans, nature and our furry friends.  It's even GLUTEN FREE!

I got the shade Maple.  It's hard to get a good swatch picture.  It's a very sheer skin colour.  It smells quite strong, a sweet vanilla smell.  It's not sticky, but has a sort of waxy feel to it, quite hydrating though.  I think I will probably use it with a lipstick.

The second product is

Foltene Eyelash Treatment RRP $20.95 (Full Size)

Get fuller, longer more luscious lashes easily! The eyelash and brow treatment restores dry, thin fragile lashes that easily fall and promotes natural growth.  Safe to use for sensitive eyes and dermatologically tested.

What a great price for an eyelash treatment!  Most eyelash serums are much more expensive. I'm looking forward to giving this a go, if it works it's one that I could afford to keep purchasing.

The third product is 

Strange Beautiful Nail Polish RRP $22 (I think this is full size)

Restyle the colour of your nails, effortlessly any time and anywhere.  Comprised of 2 of super saturated, compelling colours housed in a compact efficient geometric design.  Each colour encompasses a lush depth and dimension.

It doesn't say what the colours are on the bottle.  I received a orange and nude colour.  The swatches show two coats in sunlight. (Excuse my terrible nails!!) The nude one dries really fast - it started to dry while I was putting it on, which resulted in a bit of a streaky finish.  The orange one took quite a long time to dry.  They have quite a strong smell.  I'm happy to add these to my collection though,  I don't have anything like the orange one.

The fourth product

Camille Beckman Glycerine Hand Therapy RRP $18.95 6oz, $21.95 8oz (Sample size 1/4oz)

Perfectly sized to toss into your handbag, keep it on your nightstand or leave it on your desk for midday nourishment, this rich cream goes on smoothly and restores much needed moisture.

I haven't opened this as my Mum loves monarchs and I think I will put it in a wee gift basket  for her.

The fifth product and final product

Appelles Roesmary Body Bar Soap  RRP $5.95

This vegetable bar soap draws moisture allowing your skin to remain soft and hydrated.  It gently cleans without drying or stripping your skin, helping to reduce epidermal stress.  
Suitable for everyone and all skin types.  

As soon as I opened the box I could smell something lemony, and it was this.  It has the following essential oils - Blue Malee Eucalyptus, Niaoupi, Rosemary and Lemon Myrtle.
I'm not the biggest fan of bar soaps, but it does smell lovely and refreshing!

And that's the box.  Not including the sample (my maths doesn't extend to working that out today) it has a value of $69.40.  Pretty happy with that!!

Off to enjoy the sunshine now, have a great day!

Farmers were having a "buy one get the second half price" sale on Montagne Jeunesse. I used their masks many years ago and have just rediscovered them.  They make other products too, but I haven't tried anything else from their range...yet.

The Montagne Jeunesse company started 25 years ago using natural products in the creators kitchen.  I really like the values that they are committed to as a company.
*Using naturally derived ingredients and staying away from harmful chemicals and additives.
*Anti Animal testing and only source materials that meet this policy
*Vegetarian approved products (some are also vegan)
*Minimum impact on the environment.  They attempt to be as green and eco-friendly as possible.
*Currently working on recyclable packaging

I don't currently ONLY buy from companies that follow ideals like this. But I really am trying to focus on things like reducing my own carbon footprint, so I'm impressed with their attempts to do it on such a large scale!

The description states - Cleansing has never been so easy with our gorgeous Self Heating Vanilla Fudge Sauna. Absorb the sweet aroma, sit back and relax as the heavenly formula opens pores and deep cleanses, leaving your skin so clean almost glows.
There is actually a warning not to eat the product.  I smiled at the thought.  But when I opened it I understood why there was a warning.  It smells AMAZING.  I instantly wanted to taste it.  But I refrained.

The instructions say - Thoroughly cleanse face with warm water only.  Leave face wet.  Apply evenly over face and neck with fingertips, avoiding eyes and lips.  Lie back, relax and enjoy the destressing warming effects for 10-15 minutes and rinse off with water.  Pat dry.  Use weekly.

After relaxing with a Hot Chocolate (I needed something sweet so I didn't lick the mask off my face!) I washed it off.  I was really impressed with how soft and smooth my skin felt.  A lot of masks leave your skin feeling tight and dry.  After this my skin felt glowing and hydrated.

This is definitely something I will purchase again, and am looking forward to trying more of the range!

If you are anything like me, the delicious smell will have you craving fudge - so here is a nice easy recipe :)

INGREDIENTS
100g butter
1 cup white sugar
1 can (400g) sweetened condensed milk
2 tbsp golden syrup
1 tsp vanilla essence

I use a large microwave safe container as the fudge boils quite high.

Put the ingredients, except the vanilla, into the bowl and microwave for one minute.  Take it out and stir, then put it back in for 2 minutes at a time.  I do this for a total of 8 minutes (1100 Watt Microwave)  The easiest way to tell it is ready is that it takes on a lovely caramel colour. (Or you can do the soft ball test - when you drop a bit of mixture into cold water to cool it down, it will form a soft ball.)

Let the fudge cool a little, then beat it.  When you start beating it will have quite a glossy sheen - I usually beat it until it has lost that gloss and is starting to get thicker.

Pour into a 20cm tin and leave to set.

Below are pictures of the process.  I didn't have a chance to take a photo of it cut up because my family ate it from the tin! Piglets! :)

Well the plan was to do something different for my next post - but then the courier arrived with my "Lust Have It" bag.

I received one of these last month, but it took so long to get here and I wasn't that impressed, so I cancelled my subscription.  They never got in contact with me, so I tried again to cancel.  Apparently my first cancellation was never received (I don't want to turn this into a rant, but there has been a lot of talk about their lack of communication.) and I was told I would be receiving this months one.  I made a claim on Paypal and I'm pretty sure I got my money back (will have to check) But then this arrived.  I'm not sure what takes it so long to get from Australia!

A little about Lust have it! from their website - LHI is leading beauty subscription service. Every month, you'll receive a beautiful cosmetic bag filled with 5 to 6 samples for only AU$19.95 per month. Each month will be a different mix of beauty product types, including makeup, skincare, fragrance, body, and hair products.

This month it came in a cute pink bag. 

The first product on the card is

Marsk Mineral Eye Shadow - RRP $24.95, 1.2gr  -  Full Size
These 100% natural, mineral based loose powder that are strictly cruelty free (not tested on animals) and available in a range of striking shades that offer endless colour possibilities for a professional make up effect.  Featuring a creamy texture, these highly pigmented powders are easily blendable and offer you the ability to create depth and intensity around the eye.

I think using this lightly will be ok for me, it's a bit bold with a thicker application.

Next on the card

Lonvitalite C9 Crystal Moisturising Hand Mask RRP $7.50 pair
It provides soothing relief to the skin from over exposure to the sun whilst helping to revive rough hands with natural soothing chamomile extract. highly nourishing; the mask smooths out wrinkles and replenishes the hand with moisture.

Looking forward to giving these a go.  I have just set a goal to try and take better care of my hands.

Third product on the card 

Ardell Self-Adhesive (Selection) RRP $9.99 per pair of eyelashes
No glue required! Ardell introduces six of the bestselling lashes in the Self-Adhesive design.  Lightweight, comfortable and easy to apply.  Combining fashion with function for a quick and convenient way to have the long, luscious lashes, these lashes also include an extra self-adhesive strip, and with proper care and cleaning they can be used multiple times.

I've had a read about these and most people seem to recommend using a glue anyway.  I don't often use false lashes because I wear glasses.  Might go in the regift pile ;)

Fourth on the card

Happy Skincare "Pig-In-Mud" Mineral Mask RRP $24.75 for 40g (2 samples and a brush applicator)
Detox, tone, revitalise, remove blackheads, reduce pores, smooth rough skin, reduce signs of aging and recover from breakouts.  Every 100% natural mask comes with a bonus mask brush.

I was just talking with a friend about getting some mask brushes, so this will be great.  And I'm really enjoying trying out different masks at the moment, hope it really is as good as it claims.

Fifth product on the card

Designer Brands Lavish Lip Gloss RRP $7.99, 9ml
Designer Brands Lip Lavish Lip Gloss not only looks great, but feels great thanks to moisturising ingredients such as Vitamin E, meaning super soft, kissable lips all time

The Final Product, Number six on the card

Aveda Botanical Kinetics Hydrating Lotion RRP $79.95 for 150ml -Sample size
Nurtring your skin comes naturally with this quick-absorbing lotion-containing emollients derived from coconut, jojoba and other naturally derived ingredients that replenishes moisture with a gentle touch.  Chamomile and Lavender blend helps promote a soft, supple skin texture.  

And that's Lust Have it!  I'm not really that excited about much in the bag except for the masks.  I've watched some unboxings on You Tube and it looks like there were some different products in Australia.  Not sure if that is due to postage restrictions?  Bit of a shame as some of the other things look interesting!

Ok, next time will definitely be something different!
Off to enjoy the sun :)

I'm a little slow off the mark with this one, but I have decided to write it up anyway because it's awesome.
This is the fourth Violet Box in New Zealand and each time I have been so impressed.  I've heard grumbles here and there, but I have been fortunate to receive colours or shades that suit me with each box.
The box is $29.50 which includes the postage.  It is a monthly subscription box, but you aren't locked into anything, you can cancel at any time.  They also have a gift box option.

So let's check it out (again, apologies for the photos.  Lighting was terrible)

The first two boxes we got were a magnet close with a ribbon tie.  Then we had shredded paper in a postage box.  This time the packaging was an outer box and it opened like a drawer.  I love re purposing these boxes (will have to remember to post what I create)
Inside is the lovely purple tissue and a violet box sticker.  Each box is then filled with shredded purple paper and has a card with all the product descriptions on it - and a sneak peek for next month!

Next was :
LAQA&Co Sheer Lip Lube Pencil RRP $20
From a day of errands to a friend of a friends house party to an impromptu selfie, this easy-to-use lip pencil provides high gloss and sheer color no sharpener required.

This pencil reminds me of the Revlon Colorburst Balms.  It even has that same minty sort of smell.  
The swatch shows one swipe.  The colour is actually a little bit brighter than depicted.  I wore this today and I like the colour.  I wouldn't say it's sheer, it's easy to build to a sold colour.  I've never heard of LAQA&Co but will be looking into what other colours they have.

So that was July's Violet Box.  Definitely well worth the subscription in my opinion.  I will use everything in this box - and I think I will be purchasing the face mask.  My skin just felt so good afterwards!

Next time will be something different to an unboxing I hope. 
Until then...

One of my most recent obsessions is Memebox.  
Memebox is "The Worlds No.1 K-Beauty Store."  

They are sort of like a subscription box, but as they state on their website they steer away from traditional subscription-based programs, you can order from Memebox only when you want to.  So you can just pop onto the website and check out whats available and order.  It's great because there are specific boxes, but there are also some general ones as well.  I have never been disappointed by what I have received in my Memeboxes.  And this box - Superbox #29 was amazing!

Just like other subscription boxes, it has a card in it.  I make sure I keep them in a safe place, as most of the information on the products is in Korean.

Please excuse the photos, they were taken in a rush on the baby blanket while he was sleeping hehe.

The first product on the list was - 

Hope Girl Tinted Cushion Lipstick 1.1g ($12)
This multi-lip colour has a built in convenient cushion sponge that has the benefits of being sues as a gloss-less lipstick with a lasting power of a lip int.  This lasting formula creates a natural, semi-matte finish.  An easy-to-blend and buildable consistency allows for a range of desired colour intensities.

The colour I received was Neon Orange.    The picture shows one swipe of the colour.  I like the formula, but I don't really think Neon Orange is something I can pull off.  Maybe while vacuuming at home!

Next on the list was

Hope Girl Wonder Magic Mascara 7ml ($22)
Get 3-in-1 volumising, lengthening and curling with this Wonder Magic Mascara Black! The specially designed brush features staggered bristles that grab close to the root, boosting length and volume beyond belief.  The tip uses precision bristles to lift, define and curl even your tiniest lashes.

The third product on this list was

Sua Young Mein Sua Young Minderal Essence in Liquid Foundation SPF 33PA+++ 30g ($34)
A hypoallergenic liquid-type foundation enriched with various minerals and the patented COS 5 COMPLEX, this Mineral Essence in Liquid Foundation offers everything from high level of moisture and long lasting adherence to natural coverage and soothing effect, and is suitable for all skin types.

Next we have

Beauty People 10 Seconds Auto Eye Liner Pencil 2ea ($48)
Sparkling with the diamond pearls and easy-to-use with the new auto-type pencil plus a sharpener, the 10 seconds Auto Eye Liner Pencil offers a deep glamorous look with just one, smooth touch.  Whats more, you'll be surprised at how fast it perfectly adheres and dries only 10 seconds after application!  This creamy smooth eye liner can also be used like pencil shadow to give ore colour and depth to your eyes.

I received Diamond Natural Berry and Diamond Burgundy.
These are amazing! I didn't think much about the 10 second promise, I took my picture, played around with a few other things and then went to swatch something else and the eyeliner was stuck fast!  It took quite a bit to get off - which is awesome as far as wearability, probably not so much for removal.  The colours are gorgeous.  I love Natural Berry.  Burgundy is pretty too, but I'm not as fond of the bigger chunks of glitter it has in it.  Looking forward to playing around with these!

The fifth Product was

Hope Girl 3D Powder Blush 5g ($18)
This easy to use blusher creates a subdued polish finish that creates a more 3 dimensional face shape for the look of a sharper jaw line and smaller sized face.  Allantonin and Vitamin E derivatives protect your skin against external irritation and keeps skin glowing and healthy.

The packaging is cute, it has a cute wee puff at the end and a mirror on top.   I don't know if I would actually use the puff, it would probably make the blush a little too much for me.  It's hard to capture the colour in a photo. When I swatched it I used quite a bit on the end of my finger, you could use a lighter touch with a brush.  Its a brighter pink than any of the blushes I have, but it also has a gold shimmer to it.  I think I might give this a go as a highlight because of the shimmer. 

Product Number 6 was

LadyKin Close-Up Decuple Fitting Powder 20g ($17)
Enriched with safflower seed oil and avocado oil, this Decuple Fitting Powder works to maintain your skin silky, smooth yet still highly moisturised.  the white powder included also strengthens the blur effect by maintaining your skin tone nice and even.

The final product was

Y.E.T. Catgirl Waterproof Pen Liner Black 0.5g ($9)
This waterproof black eyeliner guarantees a total non-smudging, long-lasting edge to your eye makeup.  Creating an effect similar to that of coating, it will not smudge or fade under water, sweat, or even oil.  This black sharpie is perfect for giving your eyes that extra depth and definition.

So that was Superbox #29
I'm really excited about almost all of the products!  If I remember I will write up a first impression when I get to use some of the products properly.
I'm waiting on another Memebox too, My Cute Wishlist. I'm so excited to see what is in that.

There are some amazing boxes to choose from, don't put it off if you like one though - they disappear fast!

Going to try and get my Violet Box Unboxing up ASAP.
But for now it's beauty sleep time  xx

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Lets see how we go  xx