Tuesday 30 July 2013

Her Fashion Box July


This month's box contained the following:
  • 1x Beanie ($29.95 value)
  • 1x Necklace ($19.95 value)
  • 1x Honey & Beau Makeup Essentials Bag ($14.95 RRP)
  • 1x Maybelline BB Cream Full Size ($15.95 RRP)
  • 1x Pureology Precious Oil Shamp' Oil (sample)
  • 1x Pureology Precious Oil Condition (sample)
  • 1x Precious Oil Versatile Caring Oil (sample)
  • 1x Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Perfume (sample)
  • 1x Discount Voucher for Harvest Box

'OMBRE HOMBRE!' BEANIE


 I'm usually not a hat person so when I saw this in the box I was initially disappointed BUT when I put it on I totally changed my mind. The beanie was big enough to fit my head in (usually hats are always super super tight - suspiciously mine isn't as loose as the one pictured on the model in the Her Fashion Magazine lol), it is super super soft and fluffy like a new wolly jumper/cardigan and the colour of the beanie is pretty too. I'll be rocking this beanie for the rest of the winter and in Canberra that can go on for ages!

 THE 'ON THE FRINGE' NECKLACE


MEGA FAIL! I love the design of this necklace and essentially I WOULD wear it but my necklace was really poorly made, my tassels do not fall or look anywhere near as compact as the one in the magazine AND it had rust on it. This isn't the first time I've had a faulty piece from them so here's hoping they start perfecting their pieces before they send them out.

Just one of the many rust marks on the necklace

 HONEY & BEAU MAKEUP ESSENTIALS BAG


One word - LOVE. I always need something super small to take the essentials with me on a night out and this is perfect. It's not too bulky and it's big enough to fit all the important things like my phone, id, keys and lipgloss. This piece is really well made and the print is really versatile and goes with pretty much everything (well I mean how can you go wrong with black and white?) and at $14.95 each I think I'll buy the whole collection!

MAYBELLINE DREAM PURE BB CREAM


 I really wish that these companies would just stop trying to replicate BB creams that just do not compare with the original Korean creams. This is basically a tinted moisturiser. The coverage doesn't even come close to the Skin 79 Hot Pink Super Plus BB Cream and the colour wasn't a good match either (I was given the Medium). I found that it made me look ashy and it also made me break out in pimples (much like the Garnier BB cream). I also think that in a country like Australia it's pretty poor to only have two shades of a product, being light and medium. We are so culturally diverse that I find it offensive but I'll save that argument for another day! Definitely PASS on this one

 PUREOLOGY HAIR CARE RANGE

Pureology Precious Oil Range, for lack of a better word,  is AMAZEBALLS!!! Let me start off with the smell - it is so delicious! The scent reminds me of the Cocoa Butter from the Body Shop not to mention it makes my hair so shiny and soft. LOVE IT!

The Shamp'Oil and Oil Condition are 100% vegan and is Green Seal Certified. The Green Seal is given to products that meet certain criteria to ensure that there is minimal to no environmental impact so not only are you doing your hair some good, you're also minimising your carbon foot print.

I'm 100% converted to this new line and never would've discovered it without Her Fashion Box. I will DEFINITELY be buying this once I run out.

 VIKTOR & ROLF FLOWERBOMB


This perfume is YUMMY! Flowerbomb is a floral/oriental with a powerful punch. It's definitely one to wear as your signature scent, especially during winter. This is the perfume that just lingers and wafts as you walk past people and I guarantee that everyone will be asking you what perfume you're wearing. It's as if Hugo Deep Red, Red XS and Vera Wang Rock Princess had a baby and Flowerbomb was it. I LOVE this and will definitely be buying this one on my next perfume expedition. However, it's a bit pricey ($205.00 for 100ml) so be prepared to splurge.

COMPLIMENTARY GLASS NAIL FILE


These files are ideal for you to carry in your bag for those unexpected times when your nail breaks. The grain on this is really fine so it leaves your nail edges quite smooth. It's a cute gift :)

Her Fashion Box for July was more about the accessories for me than it was about the beauty aspect which is a first for me. I have just changed over to the Classic box so here's hoping I like their monthly boxes even more and I really do hope that they do more quality control on their accessories too! x

Thursday 25 July 2013

Hitched Magazine Shoot - Behind the Scenes Part II

   So.... I'm only four months late in posting this but as they say "better late than never". Now that the Hitched Magazine shoot has been well and truly out there for some time I can now share more behind the scenes images from the Ella Se Abandona editorial. To refresh your memory check out Part I.

The team:

Models: Katherine from Giant, Nastia and Emily.
Stylist | Photographer | Editor | Location Scout: Peta Rudd Stylist + Photographer
Hair: Eddy Hwang
Floral Designer: Larissa Hrstic
MUA: Jolina O'Hair | Makeup Artist
Hitched Magazine is designed by New Best Friend and published by Milkshake Press

To see the final images please click here.

The long drive to location
Behind the scenes pic courtesy of Nastia
Behind the scenes pic courtesy of Nastia
Behind the scenes pic courtesy of Larissa Hrstic Floral Stylist
Behind the scenes pic courtesy of Eddy (Hair)
Behind the scenes pic courtesy of Nastia
Behind the scenes pic courtesy of Eddy (Hair)
Behind the scenes pic courtesy of Larissa Hrstic Floral Stylist
Behind the scenes pic courtesy of Larissa Hrstic Floral Stylist
Behind the scenes pic courtesy of Eddy (Hair)
Behind the scenes pic courtesy of Larissa Hrstic Floral Stylist
Behind the scenes pic courtesy of Larissa Hrstic Floral Stylist
Behind the scenes pic courtesy of Larissa Hrstic Floral Stylist
Behind the scenes pic courtesy of Larissa Hrstic Floral Stylist
To see a sample of finished art work for Issue 1 of Hitched Magazine please visit HCreations Facebook page.

Tuesday 23 July 2013

Deborah Lippmann - Mermaid's Dream


As I mentioned in my last Deboarh Lippmann post, all of her nail polishes are named after songs but I couldn't find "Mermaid's Dream" but this polish sure does remind me of a mermaid.

Mermaid's dream is a mint green metallic with blue glitter/shimmer - there's a LOT going on in this polish!


The polish chipped after four days of wear, which was quite surprising as this is meant to be a professional brand. It seems that most of the glitters in the Deborah Lippmann range don't seem to work too well with me (unlike the OPI glitters that last FOREVER). All in all a great polish but it's just a shame about the chipping.


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Last week Talia (YouTube) passed away at the young age of 13 from cancer. As a tribute to Talia, Nicole from Nail Polish Wars initiated the mini project #mintmanisfortaliajoy which was held on Friday 19th of July. As my small tribute I painted my nails for the occasion.

RIP Talia, your strength, courage and vivacity was truly inspiring! xxx

Thursday 18 July 2013

Violet Box June



The Violet Box launch saw a few hiccups with a few people not receiving theirs in time (me included).

They sent my package with no tracking and after not receiving it after a week they sent me another box through Australia Post (registered).

The first package reached me a week and a half after they had originally sent it. The lovely DHL postman decided that they could just leave my package outside on top of my letterbox. I was FURIOUS as I live in an apartment complex on a busy road. Luckily no one had taken the package but I did let Violet Box know about what happened. They replied straight away, agreed with me and informed me that they will now be posting all boxes through Australia Post so this should never happen again (here's hoping). Funnily enough, the next day my second package arrived so I got double the goodies - yay me!

Here's what the first box contained:
  • Avene Gentle Gel Cleanser (Sample)
  • CK One Color Cosmetics, Gloss Eyecolor (Full Size)
  • Calvin Klein Sheer Beauty (Sample)
  • John Plunkett Glyco Peel (Full Size)
  • Lash control Clear Coat Control Mascara and Brow Fix (Full Size)
  • Argania Hair Oil Travel Cuties (Sample)

 AVENE GENTLE GEL CLEANSER

Sample size picture here (200ml $23.95RRP)
  This gel cleanser left my skin feeling nice, clean and soft but I did have trouble removing my makeup with it even after two washes. It was nice enough but nothing can sway me from Dermalogica now (regular readers will know this as I am always comparing all skin care to Dermalogica - lol). For those that don't like to spend too much on skin care I would definitely recommend the Avene range which I have tried before from the other sample boxes that I used to subscribe to.

CK ONE COLOR COSMETICS, GLOSS EYECOLOR

CK One Gloss Eyecolor, RRP $25.00AUD
I have been wanting to try the CK One Cosmetics range for a while but since there is no counter here in my home town I have never gotten the chance. My excitement wore off however when I read that it was a glossy eyeshadow.


Macro shot on the back of my hand

 Glossy eyes tend to crease and I think that irritates the perfectionist in me (well when it comes to eye makeup) BUT these pencils do what they're meant to do so I can't give them bad points for that.

This pencil is highly pigmented, easy to apply and the colour is divine. If this was an eye pencil with a drier consistency I would be in heaven but unfortunately for me it's not. I'm sure this could be set with eyeshadow on top to stop the creasing but then it would lose the glossy effect.

Creasing: after 10 mins of wear. No foundation, only eyeshadow primer underneath.
 Not a total failure but this product is definitely just not for me but it has intrigued me enough to want to look at the rest of the CK One range.

CALVIN KLEIN SHEER BEAUTY


There is nothing that I love more than receiving perfume samples in the subscription boxes! My skin is one of those tricky ones that seems to change all floral/fruity scents into weird chemical smells and I only seem to blend well with spicey/oriental fragrances.

Sample pictured: 50ml $80.00AUD RRP; 100ml $120.00AUD RRP
Sheer Beauty is a floral scent (although I would argue that it's floral/oriental) that definitely lives up to its name. The fragrance lingers and isn't punchy yet it's still strong. I think I'll test this one a little longer and see how I go. So far its starting to become a favourite of mine! 

JOHN LUNKETT GLYCO PEEL

Full size pictured: 15ml $28.95AUD RRP
As I have sensitive skin I did not try this. Even though the packaging says it is suitable for all skin types, the fact that it says only leave on for ONE MINUTE for sensitive skin rings alarm bells for me. I've had my skin burn once after an allergic reaction to makeup and I don't fancy going through that again. That was HORRIBLE. I'll let you know if I ever gather up the courage to try it.


 LASHCONTROL CLEAR COAT CONTROL MASCARA AND BROW FIX

 


The concept of this product intrigued me. In order to control how much product remains on the wand you squeeze the middle section as you pull out the wand.

Full size $25.00AUD RRP
At first I was a bit skeptical but sure enough it worked!

No squeezing of the middle
Squeezed tightly
It's a pretty cool concept and one that I think that some companies should invest in (although I think it has been trademarked to Lash Control).

As a clear mascara this product works well but I wouldn't recommend it for brows as it didn't really hold any hairs in place. It's cute and kitschy but I don't know how well they will sell and if people will swap to their brand. Personally, I wouldn't spend $25.00 on clear mascara.

ARGANIA HAIR OIL TRAVEL CUTIES

Sample size pictured: 100ml $34.99AUD RRP
The top three ingredients in this product are all silicones which for me (someone with thin/fine hair) is not something that will work for me as I find after about a week or so my hair just becomes flat full of product build up.

That aside, I think that this product is a little better than Moroccan Oil that hit our shores years ago as Argania contains more natural oils than the latter (the fourth listed ingredient in Moroccan Oil is a synthetic fragrance butylphenyl methylpropional) and is a little cheaper (Argania: $0.349/ml Moroccan Oil: $0.45/ml).

I think this is one that you will have try for yourself and see if it works well on your own hair.

Overall, not a bad effort Violet Box ! I'm looking forward to seeing what we get in the next box!

Subscription costs $22.95 per month.

Tuesday 16 July 2013

Her Fashion Box June 2013




 June Box Contents:
  • 1x Belt ($24.95 value)
  • 1x Wrap Bracelet ($34.95 value)
  • 1x Scarf ($29.95 value)
  • 1x 70ml Redken Control Addict Hairspray (Travel Size $9.95 value)
  • 1x Dr Lewinn's Skin Perfect Primer (Travel Size)
  • 1x Dr Lewinn's Sensitive Cleaning Milk (Travel Size)
  • 1x Revitanail Conditioning Remover Wipes ($5.95RRP - 30 wipes)
  • 1x Hallmark "The Collection" Card ($4.99-$6.99RRP)
 Her Fashion Box labelled this box as their best ever. Unfortunately I would have to disagree. Each month I have a lot to say about their products but this month I felt it was lacklustre and you'll see what I mean once you've read through this blog entry.

The accessories this month felt/looked really tacky and also didn't fit (being a plus size girl). So basically half of this box was useless for me, BUT there was one product that I ABSOLUTELY loved and it will be a permanent addition in my life but we'll get to that later. First, here are the pics of the accessories for this month.

Complimentary gift for completing the survey.....
Belt and scarf
Silver wrap bracelet

REDKEN CONTROL ADDICT

There was nothing extra fabulous about this hairspray for me but it will definitely be used. I run out of hairspray all the time for shoots etc.

DR LEWINN'S PRIMER AND CLEANSING MILK


These days it takes a lot to impress me since I made the switch to Dermalogica skin care. I trialled this out for a week but found my skin didn't like the formulas and I broke out. So, it's without saying that I won't be using these again.

HALLMARK 'THE COLLECTION' CARD RANGE


I don't understand how this fits in with fashion/beauty but they are nice cards. I felt like this was just thrown in for the hell of it. #fail

REVITANAIL CONDITIONING REMOVER WIPES


This is the product that I ABSOLUTELY LOVE and can't imagine not having in my nail kit! Where have these been hiding and how have I not heard about them?!? Seriously these wipes deliver on their promises!

First of all, the packaging is super cute and is ideal for travelling. When I opened the packet I found that the wipes were very moist (unlike former brands of nail polish remover wipes that I have used before) and there was no harsh scent.

Below are images of two of my most damaged nails after removing glitter polish. Every time I remove my nail polish this is what they look like. I had used my regular nail polish remover as I wanted to show you what these wipes can actually do. These images are all macro shots and have not been edited.
Before: Left index finger
After: Left index finger
Before: Right middle finger
After: Right middle finger
Amazing right?! These wipes were even strong enough to remove the glitter polish. All in all this product is a MEGA WIN and definitely one to purchase and at $5.95 a packet it's a steal! You've just got to remember that if you want to apply polish straight after using these wipes that you will need to clean your nails in order for the polish to adhere to your nails.

Overall I felt like this months HFB was a bit of a fail so here's hoping next months box is better! x

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